Happy New Year, Everyone!!!

Hey, everyone!

As we say goodbye to 2024 and welcome in 2025, I just wanted to take a moment to share some thoughts and warm wishes with you all.

To my family: You are my reason for being. And I can’t fully express how grateful I am for the love and support you’ve given me. Reflecting on the past year, I cherish the moments we’ve spent together – the laughter, the wonderful memories we created, the challenges we faced, and even the disagreements – for all those moments simply remind us that we truly care for each other. Here’s to more fun times and spontaneous adventures ahead! Let’s keep lifting each other up and create even more unforgettable memories together!

To my awesome friends, I truly appreciate each one of you for playing a positive part in my life. I am truly blessed to have great support groups that have helped me in so many countless ways. And allow me to mention some of you here. For those I fail to mention, please bear in mind that it is always a virtue to to be patient and kind to seniors and their senior moments. 🙂

A huge shoutout to the 1AMI and Jade group led by my partners, Odess Lacia and Loi Martinez. Your hard work and dedication truly never fail to amaze me. This year, we’ve certainly had our fair share of challenges, but your creativity and teamwork inspire me every single day. I’m so excited for what’s in store for us in the new year. Let’s keep supporting one another and smash those goals we’ve set. I can’t wait to see what we’ll achieve together! (For more on 1AMI and Jade Solutions, pls read: Jade Solutions – Revolutionizing Recruitment Process Outsourcing.)

My PMA mistahs have been with me since 1974, when we entered the Academy as plebes. My mistahs have been with me through thick and thin. The class, led by our present Class Chairman Romy Prestoza, has been quite active in coming up with creative ideas to get together, the ladies included. Thank you, and my wife and I look forward to our annual trip to Baguio, especially this 2028 when we shall have reached our golden 50th! (For more on PMA 78, pls read: Remembering our Reception Day Fifty Years Ago.)

My Pisay batchmates have had frequent meet-ups, thanks in no small measure to Winnie Constantino, who has volunteered her place whenever a number of batchmates living abroad come for a visit. Our Pisay batch has travelled and enjoyed unforgettable adventures together. And we’ve had so much fun together, especially with jester Jojet around. I’m eager to know what new adventures you guys will come up with this year. Let’s keep exploring, while our bodies are still strong enough to travel. (For more on Pisay 72, pls read: Reunited, And It Feels So Good.)

I didn’t realize I had many DWCT batchmates who now consider Mindanao home. Boygie Gatal has been making sure the Mindanao group remains very active. Manila-based Ben Silva, on the other hand, has been creating so much fuzz in our chat group. And Class President Quintin Lim has hinted of a 2-day all-expenses paid beach party this May in Panglao. That’s something to look forward to! (For more on DWC-Tagbilaran ’72, pls read: A Brief Respite To Bohol and Cebu.)

But apart from the fun activities we look forward to, some of our orgs have also been active in supporting socio-civic activities as a way to give back.

The newly-reconstituted Bohol Association of Metro Manila Inc (BAMMI) is starting to flex its muscles once again. We – the members of BAMMI – all share a common vision of being able to help our province of Bohol. Along with our earlier creation, Tapok Tapok Bol-anon Inc, we have agreed to push further to find ways to give back to our province. With Tapok previously, we had provided computers, musical instruments, welding machines, even constructed school rooms complete with tables, chairs, even provided internet. Our last project then was sports-related. We organized a dragonboat competition, which started off with the creation of a dragonboat club in Bohol. BAMMI pledges to do more of the same, hopefully to be able to help the youth of Bohol. Tapok, now under the leadership of Edgar Torralba, will work hand-in-hand with BAMMI in this noble endeavor. (For more on Tapok, and by extension, BAMMI, pls read: Tapok Bol-anon Dreams Big For Bohol.)

My BNI Xcel brothers and sisters are a great source of business leads and advice. Joining BNI, I gained access to a structured program that has members sharing leads and referrals, thus increasing their respective network. DC Royce Banzuela has been a wise counselor, and with guys like the dynamic Mr Energy of the team, Engr Rene Aguilar, we are confident of reaching the moon and stars! Here’s to more opportunities and collabortions down the road. (For more on BNI. pls read: Inspiring the Youth: Lessons from BNI.)

Apart from the PMA Alumni Association (PMAAA) where the PMA ’78 is a subordinate to, I am a member of the Alumni Association of 2 special units in the AFP: the first being the elite Scout Rangers; and the second, with the equally-lethal Special Forces. And I’m proud to say that I am one of a rare group of men who have both SR and SF pedigree. The SR was my very first unit upon graduation from the Academy. (Pls read: The 1st Scout Ranger Company Reunite.) After our Airborne training in 1980, I was transferred to the SF Group where I was eventually deployed to Eastern Mindanao. (Pls read: A Brotherhood Forged in Adversity: Our Special Forces Reunion.)

Back in Bohol, I have a special barkada fondly called the Jayrabs. We’ve been together for more than half a century, and the brotherhood remain as tight as it was more than 50 years ago. Now in our senior years, the barkada continues to be of help to one another. Here’s a toast to us all!

To my relatives: Even though we don’t see each other as often as I’d like, know that you’re always in my heart. Whether you’re with the Holganza side in Cebu; or the Bustrillos side in Bohol; or the Garcia side in Davao, I hope this year bring us all tons of joy, health, and happiness. Let’s make an effort to connect more often – be it thru family gatherings, calls, or just a quick message. Family means everything to me, and I’m so grateful for each one of you.

There are many more individuals who have made a great impact in my life this year. I may not be able to mention all of you, but I’m sure you know who you are. I shall always be indebted to your kindness, your wise counsel, you wholehearted support.

As we step into this new year, let’s embrace all the possibilities ahead. May it be filled with love, laughter, and countless blessings. Let’s celebrate our wins together and support each other through any challenges that come our way.

Here’s to new adventures, fresh starts, and the beautiful journey that awaits us. Happy New Year to each and every one of you! Let’s make it our best year yet!

With all my love,

Chay

For a closer look, just click on the pics.