CEBU, Philippines - From Long Beach, California to the Big Apple, New York! That was just how the Cebu Plaza Hotel reunion swung from one exciting venue to another.
On the morning of March 24, I met Roque Orjaliza at the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport at my flight connection from San Luis Obispo, California. We then boarded a flight to Newark, New Jersey, where Cres Lazo, his wife Mali and their lovely daughter Jeanna were all ready for us. The temperature was freezing and we could see the snow covered areas through the plane window, warning a typical East Coast weather.
Ms. Mayen Angbetic-Tan was already in New Jersey about a week before our arrival, to attend the New York reunion all the way from Cebu! What a great pleasure to all of us. She has the spirit of a true ex-Cebu Plaza employee, as well as that of a true friend!
We stayed at a comfortable Days Inn Hotel in New Jersey and Ms. Mayen joined us for dinner that was a treat of Cres and Mali. They just celeabrated their wedding anniversary the day before and they wanted us to be part of their significant day. We had an appetizing Chinese buffet that kept us satiated until the next morning.
The following day, we boarded one of the boats of the New York City Harbor Cruises. We enjoyed the view of the awesome skyscrapers that make up the fabulous skyline of NYC. Making us breathless were the majestic Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Circumnavigating Manhattan Island, we saw it all – waterways, major bridges, and boroughs. What a memorable tour, filled with rich history and spectacular landmarks!
After the cruise, we drove on to Atlantic City. Yes, the Las Vegas of the East Coast! Fine restaurants, hotels, and casinos all in a row and they have something more than Vegas could offer - the Atlantic Ocean right off the Boardwalk, made more famous by that television series of the same title. The Boardwalk is a nice area to take a stroll with the ocean’s cool breeze caressing the skin of your face. It felt so relaxing.
Next morning, we were scheduled to inspect an aircraft carrier and a submarine in New York but we ran out of time. Jun Pepito invited us to a seafood lunch north of the Bronx. The place called Sammy’s Restaurant is located in City Island. Not too long ago, they made a movie of this place with Andy Garcia as the main character. Celebrities come to this restaurant and some of them have signed photographs covering a wall. The food was so mouthwatering but each order was enormous so that all of us had to go home with a “doggie bag.”
After the hearty meal, Jun gave us a tour of his neighborhood in Greenwich, Connecticut. What a stunning and tranquil area! The greenery and fresh seaside air make it an environment like no other. The houses are surrounded by majestic trees that reach almost to the beach itself, providing unbeatable vistas.
After the tour, Helen Pepito joined us for the CPH reunion in Queens, New York. We had chosen a Filipino restaurant called Payag. They have a basement which was ideal for our exclusive party.
Our emcee Jessica San Diego started the fun with an opening song that she was lip-synching with humorous actions. She brightened up everyone’s evening. She dedicated it to our guest of honor, Ms. Mayen Tan. It was indeed too much fun! She later performed synchronized dancing with her buddies who were also from Los Angeles, Annaliza Saludo and Wilma Brown. Jessica’s kids were also present and had fun with the children of Cres, Annabel, and Cheryl. The young ones made our affair downright wholesome and relevant to all ages.
Our New York organizers Annabel Son, Lilian Dumalos, Annalee Collins and Kira Masyn distributed the “I Love NY” shirts in different colors. Everyone was wearing it at the party and it becomes a good souvenir that reminds us of our memorable reunion in New York.
Gay Albao of Alegre Beach Resort attended, as well as Nora Mallari of Park Place Hotel. Tata Lapasaran joined us after finally getting approval for a couple of days off from his employer in Florida.
Everyone enjoyed the Filipino cuisine prepared not only by a Filipino but a Bisaya restaurant! The familiar taste of our favorite dishes blended harmoniously with the freezing New York weather.
When it was time to say our goodbyes, a group of enthusiastic revelers among us organized a night out at Times Square. That is the place where the city never sleeps. I’m sure they had a great time maximizing their reunion.
For us, we went back to our hotel in New Jersey to pack and get to the airport for our early morning flight back to Phoenix. Ms. Mayen Tan was also going back to Cebu in two days.
After all great moments shared, saying goodbye is such a hard thing to do. I just wished we had more days to continue our “remember when” sessions. Our hosts Cres and Mali were just the most wonderful people you could ever be with and I’m pretty sure that someday it would be my turn to play host and give everyone a wonderful time.
Next year’s reunion is sooner than you think! We would be together again to share fun memories, with lots and lots of laughter. See you in Las Vegas!