Easter Weekend at the Sta Maria's: Mannering Park, 22-23 March

Lakeshore sunset. Photo courtesy of Lakeshore, First National.

These are some of the views in WBro Jack and Sis Elvie's holiday house in the Central Coast. According to WBro Jack, the house is a three-bedroom house with a yard that can accomodate from five to seven tents. So make sure you bring your linens, tents (if you prefer), boat and fishing gear, golf and other sports' gears.

Larger groups can be accomodated at Monterey Tourist Park, which is a couple of streets away from their home.

This outing is in conjunction with our March monthly meeting. As stated previously by WBro Jack, everyone is welcome to come as early as Good Friday, 21 March and extend till Monday, 24 March.

According to WBro Jack's handouts (which he handed out at the Ladies Night):

"Mannering Park is located on the southern shores of Lake Macquarie and in the northern region of the Central Coast. This area offers activities and interests for everyone of all ages.

Lake Macquarie is the gateway to the subtropical rainforests of the Watagan Mountains and the Hunter Valley Vineyards in the West, Newcastle in the North and beautiful unspoilt beaches in the East.

The lake itself is the largest coastal saltwater lake in the Southern Hemisphere, covering 109 square kilometres (4 times the size of Sydney Harbour). It is 24 km long, 3.2 km across at its widest point and 9.7 km at its deepest. The Lake is calm enough for fishing, boating or any variety of watersports. The Watagan Mountains provide the perfect backdrop for adventurous hikes, picnicking, camping or horse riding."

Parks and gardens in the area include the "lovely Vales Point Reserve, offering an ideal setting for a family day out. Featuring picnic tables, electric BBQ's, seating swimming facilities, boat ramp and toilets. You can relax and unwind in a tranquil setting in one of Lake Macquarie's most beautiful suburbs."

Social Director, WBro Jack suggested activities before and after the meeting are fishing, beach, boating, wine tasting, RSL clubbing, shopping; and of course fellowship!

Ladies Night 2008: A Successful Night Out

Some of our Ladies who attended the night out. Seated, from left to right: Sis Melinda, Sis Pen, Sis Lourder and Sis Elvie (not in picture is Sis Ruth). Standing, from left to right: Sis Irene B, Sis Odeng, Sis Remy, Sis Irene V, Sis Sony and Sis Dodo (not in picture Sis Ellen).

The semi private area we managed to occupy, on the left side is the dance floor and the band.

As expected, the 2008 Ladies Night was a success, based from the happy faces of the attendees.

Present were: President WBro Fidel and First Lady Sis Pen, IPP Bro Manny and Sis Odeng, IVP Bro Mario and Sis Irene, Bro Nomer, Sis Sony and son; Bro Rey and Sis Irene, Bro Manny and Sis Dodo, guests Mr Freddie & Sis Melinda (brother and sister in law, respectively of Sis Dodo), Sis Remy (WBro Manny at work), WB Ted and Sis Lourdes, WB Romy and Sis Ellen, WB Jack and Sis Elvie, and Bro Ved, Sis Ruth, her mother and daughter, Dianne.

"Maitre D' Bro Manny P" checking the Reyes' table.

Bro Nomer entertaining the ladies and WB Ted after the dinner.

The group managed to get a semi-private area at the newly refurbished Dooleys' Catholic Club, close to the two-band musician. As expected the food was affordable and excellent, except for the time in between ordering and getting the food.

We had the dancefloor all to ourselves.

WB Romy checking whether time to go home or go back to the dancefloor.

After the dinner and fellowship, the ladies decided to dance away the accumulated calories. Their enthusiasm attracted not only the brethren; who were talking among themselves, but another Filipina and another patron on the dance floor. Even the sore knee of Sis Ellen miraculously "dissapeared" on the dance floor, with the help of partner, WBro Romy. The night out went on till about 11:30PM and the fellowship continued some more at the car park!