About MGM888
MGM888 - how it came about...
1995
Setting - Liberty Island, New York. The idea started when Mao (Mauricio de Vera)
got together with Jun ‘Uod' Eusebio on March 7th. Originally planned to be a cosy
gathering of mates and close friends. You know how ideas develop when you are with
friends who are dear!
1996
Setting - Sydney, Australia. Mao's home. The two guys got together again (hmmmm,
what is going on you wonder?). This time with Mr & Mrs Clean (aka Onie and Helen
Kalinisan) and even more talks (with Foster's of course!) about a grander reunion.
Now you understand what happens when more than 2 people get together and more alcohol
gets consumed! Then Deo and Mila Madrid made a visit and things got serious.
2000
Setting - again Sydney, Australia again Mao's home. Ocer Montemayor and family came
to visit (now you wonder if Mao's running a tourist agency?!). A meal with Onie and
Helen (perhaps they run a restaurant business?) and more discussions about a big
reunion followed. And obviously Ocer was very impressed and promised "Dumating lang
kayo at bahala na kami ni Gaspar (Imperial)".
The MGM community despite being small is big in gossip and rumour mongering.....
and with the help of emails and mobile phones (plus no doubt a lot of help from San
Miguel and Foster's) the word was spread around the world. San Miguel and Foster's
made them promise and sign up (no messing with those big guys!).
2006
Setting - Manila, Philippines - Ocer Montemayor's house. Guests include: Ocer, Gas,
Edeng, Cugat, Mao (thank God they do exchange favours!). Date 8th July and the MGM888
was formally launched. Apparently, because it is a lucky number (for Chinese) and
easy to remember. So remember the numbers and get your lottery tickets as soon as
you can!
2008
Setting - Manila, Philippines. Date: 8th August
Event: Grand Reunion of Mapua MGM Alumni
(story as told to Zeny Amante-Roberts)