Yesterday's ( Aug.20, 2011) Kapihan - the "Battle of the Iron Grill Chefs" - is another successful, well-attended event of the UPAAT. Seventy nine attendees enjoyed the sumptous barbecue and other excellent food prepared by the Food Commitee.

Five past presidents, chefs Evelyn Laraya, Mila Symes, Linda Etzkorn, Tom de la Torre and Joe Zagala "battled" over the barbecue grill with beef, chicken and pork. Special guest chef, Consul General Pedro Ong Chan, also  UPian, is a departure from the rest, when he grilled flayed marinated bangus, the national fish of the Philippines.

Amidst all the fun and hilarity, Immediate past president Joe Zagala won the most coveted Championship, and Evelyn Laraya the runner up. It was surmised that Joe was given the winning votes because he pleaded " Botohin nyo na ako - gugolpihin ako ng asawa ko kung matalo uli ako."  He lost in 2009 at the first "Battle ".  JoeZ as the third champion of the barbecue cooking contest follows two winners in 2009 and 2010, Beth Ruivivar Vasquez and Terry Chua, respectively, who are this year's coordinators of the "Battle of the Iron Grill Chefs."

JoeZ and Evelyn were sketched on the spot by  artists Romi MananQuil and Omel Masalunga, whose art works are much prized. There was singing of favorite songs and some dancing review of the " Bulaklak"  dance. Omel Masalunga and Romy Herrera played the keyboard and guitar. Best of all, there was camaraderie and fellowship in our group, which is priceless.

Our next Kapihan is brunch as usual, and this time we will have " Sketching From Life" where a  professional model will pose for the members of the Philippine Artists Group who will once again join us. As you know, PAG's founder Romi MananQuil and current prez Omel Masalunga are UPIans. There is a clamour  from UPAAT's female members to have a male model this time, but we have not yet heard  if someone  is interested.

We will announce the date and venue of the next event.  Keep your attendance at our events and have fun..... join the forums on the Spratlys, and watch for other community events....          

                           
Rose Tijam