From Loraine's egroups posting -

I'm very sure that Med, Derick, Vic (Bibat), Joey (Cosio), Joni, Sherry, Josie and Nick will agree that it is so difficult to translate into words what fun we had over/after dinner last night. I actually don't know where to start. Suffice it to say that as usual, the get-together turned into a rowdy reunion, with each one contributing snippets of tales and hilarious experiences at Philips, sending everybody practically gasping for air after each round of hysterical laughter. (Med just had to harmonize his laughter with pounding a monoblock chair on the concrete pavement -- and he hadn't even had a drop of beer!)

The subjects discussed were as varied as they were introspective: the lonely life of an overseas Filipino worker (a.k.a. Nick) trudging through the seven sands of the United Arab Emirates, coupled with how to find a housemate in the U.A.E. in 2-4 hours and not be lonely anymore (not a.k.a. Nick); how to impress the boss with skills learned at Philips by repairing a computer in 2 hours flat; the most profound "only thing that's stopping my hair from falling is the floor" syndrome that truly floored Med; mismatched matches, star-crossed swingers and other impaired pairs; failing eyesight and the invisible trombone -- per Joey, the attempt by those over 40 to focus, read, read, focus ... sans reading glasses; the art of Bar Ops, by Vic -- not the legal kind, though quite legal too (to Vic's according -- but we believe you, Vic); the legend of the clutch bag gang, most notably his that contained a pink colored cellphone; why gold jewelry and chocolates are aplenty in U.A.E. and why Vic didn't get any; Joey's after-dinner grand, hat-off appearance and why Vic really didn't get any; balikbayan Canadians like M_d coming home, and why we (except maybe Derick) didn't get any either. I'm sure you're now finding all this confusing and crazy. Well, that's exactly how it was last night. Totally incomprehensible and downright insane.

In summary, it was great to see Nick and his dimples still young (at heart), happy and healthy. Welcome home, Nick! Until next time, WE will surely be ready for another wacky time. Thanks for the 7 camels, the 7 sands and the chocolates!

P.S. Thanks too for telling the real story very soon (in photos), Derick.

P.S.2. Vic is accepting bookings for weddings, debut parties, company parties, etc. at his (wholesome) bar along Magsaysay Avenue in Olongapo City. Please email Vic for more info.

Warm regards to all,
Loraine