Friday the 13th is considered a foreboding date by many, but it turned out to be a fun and exciting day for us. Shell Club 15 Plus’ summer outing for its retirees was scheduled early this year at the very start of the hot season at Palms Country Club in Alabang, marking its 16th year of service in the Good Samaritan Club. A bus was made available to transport the retirees to the venue from Shell House. The retirees experienced an excellent and sumptuous lunch with lechon, a wide assortment of dishes and desserts, with perfect service. There was an earlier breakfast of siopao and mami plus afternoon merienda, so it was endless eating for the retirees. A big thank-you to Shell Club 15 Plus’ President Baste Quinones for such a delightful treat.
Expert emcees Vic Pascual and Mila Azanza hosted the day’s program. It began with an overall report from the President and financial updates from Treasurer Au Alcantara. Excitement ensued during the various games where the contestants were hand-picked. Undoubtedly, retirees still have the boundless energy to compete in fast-paced activities. The theme of the summer outing was “Barbie and Ken” with a contest for the best male and female costumes. Menchie Martinez won the best Barbie costume, while Cezar Alcaraz was judged as the best Ken. Ann Sta. Barbara came in Barbie attire of a striking floral dress with a matching wide-brimmed hat, but she could no longer compete for having already won successively before. The winners in the singing contest were: First place: PPC Group; second place: Glo Rafon; and third place: Yett Aguado. The winners surprised and amazed everybody with their very good impromptu performance. Bingo is always a must-have game in any summer outing and greatly anticipated by many. It was the highlight of the day presided over by Ann Sta. Barbara and Vic Sonsing. Congratulations to all the winners.
We had special first-time guests this year with the presence of Mr. Marangal “Maring” Domingo and balikbayan Marian Tengco. They had a boss-secretary setup in the 70s when Mr. Domingo was Controller and Marian was his secretary. Shell Club 15 Plus presented each of them with a cake. It happened to be Marian’s 85th birthday on April 13.
Mr. Nitong Mirasol is also a first-time attendee in our summer event.
Shell Club 15 Plus’ Secretariat is the power behind its myriad events. We thank them for their untiring service, namely Mila Azanza, Flor Soriano Ruby Ferniz, Annie Padlan, Nita Pastrana and BOT members Au Alcantara, Mela Epili, Fe Goyenechea, Mary Ann Macoy, Yoly Alcaraz, Rudy Jamora, Jun Carreon, Vic Acorda, Vic Sonsing, Ross Taguiam (Bingo Masters’ favorite), President Baste Quiniones whose Palms Country Club membership was used for the venue and, of course, Vic Pascual III (Thirdy), Chairman of the Festivities Committee.