Willy C. Gaa, formerly with the Esso Philippines Legal Department, is our newly promoted Philippine Ambassador to the United States. Ambassador Gaa was very successful in his last posting in Beijing, China and is an old hand in Washington DC, New York and Los Angeles. Willy is an experienced lawyer and member of both the Philippine Bar and American Bar.

During his stay in Esso, he was in the batch of the late Romy Villa (who later on became BIR Commissioner) and the late Pat de la Paz (who also later on became Secretary of Energy). Pat's spouse Cora de la Paz, who was formerly the Managing Director of Price WaterHouse Cooper and known to many ex-Esso employees, is now SSS Administrator and also CEO of the Equitable Bank.

Jose Reyes, formerly with Petron Marketing was recently appointed as a Commissioner of the Energy Regulatory Commission. Immediately prior to his appointment, Joe held key positions in the National Power Corporation and a major energy company.

Rey and Marie Crespo were in country recently to attend to the wedding of their grandniece to the grandson of former Chairman Geronimo Velasco. They are now grandparents to eight children, soon to be nine this May and all children are doing fine. Rey is now retired from his job at Johnson Matthey PLC. He has been retained as a consultant with the JM group of companies and acts as an interpreter and translator for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police assigned to the Special Services Group.

Alex Lainez and Nonong Gonzales, now reside in Philadelphia and Los Angeles, respectively. They, along with Rene Ira (former head of MPED), were hosted at the Tower Club recently by Conrad Marty, now president and CEO of Hyndai Asia Resources, Inc.

Agnes Gacayan (formerly Lindenberg) and Zeny So, two ex-employees now based in Daly City, were in town for a short visit. They met up with some friends for lunch and lots of chikahan. On hand to keep them abreast on the latest news were Lit Bernardo, Edith Cabanacan, Ruth Marbibi, Tessie Rivera and Cosette Realica. Agnes was accompanied by her husband, fondly called "Balbas."