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2014 NAC REUNION: ‘MEET ME IN HAWAII’
Six UP High 1950 classmates and their spouses take on Oahu, Hawaii for a full week of fellowship
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The following is a day-by-day report on seven days of fellowship that six classmates from North America embarked upon on Oahu, Hawaii Sunday, September 28 through Saturday, October 4, 2014. Their activities centered in the city of Honolulu, from the Hale Koa hotel.
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DAY-BY-DAY ACCOUNTS
DAY 01 | DAY 02 | DAY 03 | DAY 04 | DAY 05 | DAY 06 | DAY 07
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PHOTO ALBUMS
SEP 28 | SEP 29 | SEP 30 | OCT 01-1 | OCT 1-2 | OCT 02 | OCT 03 | OCT 04
Walt’s 28 Pictures
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VIDEOS
The ‘BUS SINGERS’ Serenade Class 1950 | The Picnic At Waikiki Beach
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COMMENTS & OBSERVATIONS
From SERGE | From PETE 1 | From WALT | Between ROGER/WALT | From PETE 2
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DAY 1: SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2014
ARRIVAL: A Schedule of Pick-Ups, Cocktails at The Trump and A Talk Story Dinner
Reported by Sergio M. Domondon
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At cocktails at the Trump International Hotel on Waikiki hosted by hotel manager Scott Dirks. Front row, from left: Vilma Manansala, Siony Austria, Rose Domondon, Norma Willis, and Chelita Garcia; standing, from left: Serge Domondon, Pete Manansala, Roger Austria, Julius Willis, and Bert Garcia. Not in picture are Walter and Barbara Butler.
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The 2014 NAC Hawaii Reunion came off to a good start on Saturday, September 28, with the arrival of five classmates – four from the mainland and one from Canada, all accompanied by their spouses.
Arriving first at about 12:30 PM Hawaii time (from Sacramento, CA) were Pete and Vilma Manansala who were picked up from the Honolulu International Airport by my daughter Liana Mulleitner and taken to the Hale Koa Hotel.
Next to arrive at about 2:00 PM were Julius and Norma Willis who I fetched from the airport and delivered to the Hale Koa.
NAC chairman Roger Austria and spouse Siony were next, flying in from Wisconsin and arriving at about 4:00 PM. After picking them up from the airport and delivering them to the Hale Koa, I repaired home for some rest.
Finally, I picked up Bert and Chelita Garcia from the airport at about 5:00 PM and took them to the Hale Koa.
Walter Butler and spouse Barbara arrived from Las Vegas, Nevada earlier in the day and went straight to the Ala Moana Hotel where they had booked themselves.
The Hale Koa, right on Waikiki Beach, is a first-class, five-star US military resort.
After an hour or so of rest, we all met at the Waiolu Lounge of the Trump International Hotel in Waikiki (walking distance from the Hale Koa) where we were royally treated to cocktails and appetizers by hotel manager Scott Dirks.
The classmates then trooped to the Hale Koa where they hung out at Bibas and partook of a light dinner. Following dinner was a good night’s rest from a long trip and preparation for the next day’s activities.
Click here to view DAY 01 PICTURES.
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DAY 2: MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2014
Scenic Walk to the ALA MOANA for Lunch and Dinner at MAX’S OF MANILA
Reported by Pete Manansala
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Classmates Julius, Bert, Roger, and Pete and their spouses Norma, Chelita, Siony, and Vilma walk over to the Ala Moana Hotel to meet up with Walter and Barbara Butler. They are shown here during their walk through the Ala Moana shopping mall.
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The classmates, led by their GPS and NAC chairman Roger Austria, walked from the Hale Koa to the Ala Moana Hotel to meet up with Walter and Barbara Butler. It was a nice, not too long, scenic walk - peppered with commentaries by their leader and guide.
Crossing streets was not a problem, since Hawaii is part of the United States and vehicle drivers “respect” pedestrians.
The four classmates and their spouses from the Hale Koa met the Butlers at the Ala Moana lobby where they exchanged pleasantries and traded accounts of their trip from the mainland. After that, the classmates trekked to the Ala Moana food court where they had lunch.
After lunch, the classmates (their spouses, in particular) did a little shopping and enjoyed the shows that took place at Hawaii’s largest shopping mall.
After their tour of the mall and shopping were done, the classmates repaired to the Hale Koa to freshen up and prepare for Pete Manansala’s production at Max’s of Manila, located in the Dillingham district of Honolulu. Walter and Barbara, or course, stayed at the Ala Moana from where they were to drive over to Max’s.
Classmates from Hale Koa taxied their way to Max’s, arriving there in time for the 6:00 PM reservation made by Pete. Max’s in Honolulu’s Dillingham district is quite expansive and well-appointed. The staff were all Filipino and very courteous and customer-focused.
Pete and Vilma Manansala hosted the dinner which naturally included the famous Filipino halo-halo for dessert. And, of course, San Miguel beer was in abundance thanks to the Manansalas.
 Noticeable during dinner was the big sign that read “ALOHA SYL & LU. WE MISS YOU.” Classmates Sylvia Roque Gamboa and her hubby Lu were supposed to be with the class on this reunion but due to Lu’s knee problems (which made it difficult for him to move about), the two decided not to make the trip.
Dinner at Max’s ended with Pete’s awards ceremony: he had certificates of appreciation made out for Roger Austria and Julius Willis -- in recognition of their contribution to the NAC as chairman for life and as website webmaster, respectively. Of course, Roger and Julius both expressed the idea that it was they that had to be thankful to the association for giving them the opportunity to be of service.
After causing a 30-minute delay in Max’s closing time, the classmates called it a day and trooped back to their respective hotels.
Click here to view DAY 02 PICTURES.
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At Pete Manansala’s awards ceremony (from left): Serge Domondon, Julius Willis, Pete Manansala, Roger Austria, Walter Butler, and Bert Garcia. Pete presented “Certificates of Appreciation” to Roger and Julius.
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DAY 3: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2014
Talk Story Lunch, Dinner at BENIHANA’S, and Shopping at the Hilton Village
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Selfie shows classmates on their way to Benihana (a tepanyaki restaurant) from the Hale Koa. Earlier in the day, they met at the Hale Koa lobby for coffee and “Talk Stories” and had brunch at the Hale Koa’s Bibas Lounge.
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The classmates met at the Hale Koa lobby in the morning for Starbucks coffee and a little chat. It was -- as throughout their reunion -- a hot and humid day. Hale Koa’s open lobby -- from end to end of the huge complex -- allowed a fresh breeze from the sea to cool them off occasionally.
Following their coffee break, the classmates wind down the long stairs to the gorgeous garden and Bibas lounge -- where buffet breakfasts, lunches, and dinners are served -- for brunch.
After brunch and a fellowship session, the classmates repaired to their hotel rooms for some rest. After rest, the classmates regrouped at the hotel lobby at about 4:50 PM to plan their evening, which they decided was going to be a walk to the Hilton Hotel & Shopping Center where the famous Benihana tepanyaki restaurant was located for tepanyaki dinner and some shopping.
Click here to view DAY 03 PICTURES.
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DAY 4: WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2014
Grand Tour of Oahu and Dinner at The WILLOWS
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At the Japanese Shinto Memorial, part of the Oahu island’s memorial cemeteries: Bert Garcia, Julius Willis, Pete Manansala, Roger Austria, and Walter Butler. Not in picture is classmate Serge Domondon.
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The classmates met at the Hale Koa lobby to start their tour of the island of Oahu (from one end of the island to the other - the ENTIRE island) at 7:20 AM. The tour passed along more than 20 historic spots on the island, making 30-minute stops at 12 of the most scenic and memorable places, including Diamond Head, Koko Head, the Halona Blowhole at Sandy Beach, Sea Life Park, Kailua, Kane’ohe Bay, Mokoli’i Island, Kahana Bay, the Polynesian Cultural Center, Kahuku, the Mormon Temple, the Waimea waterfalls, Sunset Beach, Kawailoa, Hale’iwa, and the Dole Plantation.
The group’s tour guide described scenes non-stop during the 10-hour trip around the island via the oxymoronic “Interstate” highways H1, 72, 61, 65, 83, 99, and H2. Aside from the bays and isles (Chinaman’s Hat, etc.) the classmates marveled at the Ko’olau and Wai’anae mountain ranges and the waterfalls at Hau’ula.
The tour ended at 5:00 PM and after a brief rest and freshening-up at the hotel, the classmates taxied over to the popular The Willows restaurant for a 6:00 PM dinner.
The classmates hung out at the Hale Koa lobby after dinner for a “Talk Story” session before retiring for the day.
Day 04 PICTURES: First Group of 25 Pictures | Second Group of 25 Pictures
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Touring classmates at the Waimea waterfalls park. From left: Pate Manansala, Vilma Manansala, Roger Austria, Chelita Garcia, Siony Austria, Walter Butler, Barbara Butler, Norma Willis, Bert Garcia, and Julius Willis.
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DAY 5: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014
Picnic By The Beach & A LUAU at HALE KOA
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Classmates held a picnic at the beach where they were treated by Serge and Rose Domondon to lunch, games, and a professional hula dance instructor. In pictures (left) are Chelita Garcia, Siony Austria, Rose Domondon, Norma Willis, and Barbara Butler (Vilma Manansala was wading in the beach), and (right) Pete Manansala, Roger Austria, Walter Butler, Bert Garcia, Julius Willis, and Serge Domondon.
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The day started with Starbucks coffee at the Hale Koa lobby. The classmates then walked to the rear of the hotel toward the hotel’s beach area. (Here is where the Hale Koa has a Barefoot Bar and the Barefoot Snack Bar.) Classmates were treated by Serge and Rose Domondon to lunch at the beach.
After the picnic lunch, the classmates took hula dance lessons from a pro, compliments of the Domondons. After the hula lessons, classmate played games of scrabble and backgammon.
Classmates then dared to walk toward the sandy beach under the hot sun. Only Vilma Manansala dared to wade into the waters. The rest of the group stayed under the shade of the banyan and other trees.
At about 4:00 PM, classmates repaired to their hotel rooms to refresh and prepare for the day’s big event that was to start at 5:30 PM - the LUAU and POLYNESIAN CULTURAL SHOW at the Hale Koa’s Luau Garden.
The LUAU was a feast -- tons of food and drinks and a chance to meet new friends.
Pictures show the magnificence of the LUAU and the cultural show. The show ended at 8:30 PM when classmates had a chance for photo ops with the show’s cast.
Click here to view DAY 05 PICTURES.
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Part of the Polynesian Cultural show at the LUAU: a dozen dance performances highlighting Polynesian culture entertained the LUAU crowd.
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DAY 6: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014
Brunch and a ton of Fellowship at the Domondon Home
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The classmates enjoy brunch at the IHOP on Kalia Road before making the trip to Serge and Rose Domondon’s Pearl City home for an evening of fellowship. From left: Pete Manansala, Roger Austria, Bert Garcia, and Julius Willis. Classmate Walter Butler was proceeding to the Domondon’s from the Ala Mona hotel where he and Barbara were staying.
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The classmates met as usual at the Hale Koa lobby for morning coffee and a plan for lunch. They decided to take the short walk around the block on Kalia Road to the IHOP where they had brunch.
After brunch, the classmates walked back to the Hale Koa for a little rest and then gathered again at the hotel lobby for the trip to Serge and Rose Domondon’s Pearl City home.
Except for Walter and Barbara Butler who had their own vehicle, the classmates cabbed it to Auhuhu street in Pearl City where the Domondons live.
Classmate Serge hosted the classmates at their beautiful home. The Domondons served coctails and an array of Filipino dishes for dinner, including desserts.
After coctails and dinner, the classmates engaged in some “Talk Story” and a host of games sprung up by NAC chairman Roger Austria.
Capping the evening was a set of native Filipino songs sung by Pete Manansala’s famous “Bus Singers.” (Remember them from the trip to Bohol in 2010?)
The party at the Domondons broke up at about 10:00 PM and the classmates ruefully said their ”Mahalo”s and “Aloha”s to their hosts -- the reunion hosts -- and took the trip back to Honolulu where they would spend abother night before finally calling an end to their reunion.
Click here to view DAY 06 PICTURES.
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The classmates at Serge and Rose Domondon’s beautiful Pearl City home: Bert Garcia, Serge Domondon, Julius Willis, Pete Manansala, Walter Butler, and Roger Austria.
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DAY 7: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2014
Mahalo and Aloha: Until We Meet Again
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It was bitter sweet having to say goodbye to each other after a short week of fellowship. All agreed it was fun while it lasted and it should happen again soon.
Classmates all said their goodbyes and each boarded their respective shuttle or drove on to the airport.
Walter and Barbara Butler (who had rented a car for their stay) drove on to the airport to catch their early morning flight.
Roger and Siony Austria also had an early morning United Airlines schedule -- they were the first to leave the Hale Koa.
Bert and Chelita Garcia, also booked on United, left the Hale Koa next, followed by Julius and Norma Willis - leaving behind Pete and Vilma Manansala. Oh, but Pete and Vilma were set to drive to Turtle Bay on the island where they were spending Sunday and Monday with their daughter and son-in-law. They were to return to Honolulu for the flight to Sacramento on Tuesday, October 7.
Mahalo and Aloha, Honolulu! See you again soon!
Click here to view DAY 07 PICTURES.
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COMMENTS ON THE 2014 ‘MEET ME IN HAWAII’ REUNION
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FROM SERGE DOMONDON:
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Aloha Kanes and Wahines!
Your visit to my island home was so wonderful. A most enjoyable NAC UP High 1950 reunion. The never-ending fun and fellowship from the moment you all stepped off the plane up to the time we said our Alohas and goodbyes. You made the reunion quite memorable and an unforgettable experience.
Let's continue the fun and fellowship.
Until we meet again, "Ahui Ho!"
With Warmest Aloha,
Serge and Rose Domondon
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FROM PETE MANANSALA:
Saturday, October 11. 2014
My observations:
1. Compared to past reunions, this one afforded time for the attendees to get up close and personal, sharing idiosyncrasies, etc. It was to me more like a family gathering than anything else.
2. The ladies were asked to participate in discussions during the banquet at Max’s of Manila. At the end of the night, Siony Austria said she was very impressed that the ladies had participated, thus adding credence to the deliberations.
3. Inspired by Siony's comments, the ladies took the offensive and came out asking for the meaning of terms like potang bengi, tacsiapo, and damulag. Unfortunately, I was not able to explain the meanings of those terms.
4. When I related a story about “Psalm 89,” the ladies each insisted "I did'nt get it." So I went on to retell the story over and over again -- only to find out later that they did “get it” the first time around; they loved the story so much they wanted to hear it told over and over again. To which Abe Roger said he will remember the story for future reference.
5. During the picnic at Waikiki Beach, Abe Serge brought with him his neighbor -- a professional hula dance instructor. As soon as the hula music started, the ladies showed their mettle and proved that they were young at heart, no matter their age. Not to be outdone, the men drank their beer and smoked the cigars that Abe Roger brought with him – away from the group, of course.
6. One morning, while we were assembled at the Hale Koa Hotel lounge, Abe Julius and I went down to the XChange and bought us each a nice Hawaiian straw hat. Upon his arrival at the lobby, Walt Butler noticed the hats and asked where he could get one – and promptly went to buy one for himself. When he returned wearing a nice straw hat, I promptly introduced him as "Abe Walt," bringing a smile to his face. The hat did it – what a welcome addition to our dwindling numbers.
7. During the reception at Abe Serge and Rose Domondon’s Pearl City home, NAC chairman Roger called for the “Bus Singers” to perform – the group delivered with a lot of gusto, belting our old favorites like Lambingan and Maala-ala Mo Kaya. It was a nice and romantic way to end a reunion.
And then it was "Aloha" time.
Pete Manansala
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WALT'S REFLECTIONS ON "MEET ME IN HAWAII"
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
My overall impression of the gathering in Hawaii is that it was an unqualified success. There were many opportunities for open communications with each other and everyone appeared to enjoy each others company. The accommodations were great, though a bit on the expensive side; the food was scrumptious with many items reminding us of what we enjoyed when our homes were in the Philippines, and the activities were well planned and a lot of fun.
Everyone made a special effort to make Barb and I feel welcomed and appreciated. For that we are grateful; and we thank everyone for their kind expressions. While on this topic, we extend our special thanks to Serge and Rose Domondon, for hosting the entire group at their beautiful home in Pearl City on October 3rd, and for arranging the picnic on the beach behind the Hale Koa Hotel. Many kudos for the Domondons.
We thought all the classmates and their spouses attending the reunion were beautiful people. Everyone looked great and mentally alert, not characteristic of octogenarians. We didn't hear any of the usual complaints of aches and pains nor any recitation of medical conditions characteristic for octogenarians. We suspect though that everyone is working with their rations of ailments, some fair and some not quite so fair; but all are dealing with them in a responsible manner.
I apologize to Julius for my tardiness in getting my pictures and this epistle to him. However, I believe he has substantially greater skills than I in working with all the current high tech stuff. He has already posted a thorough report with many pictures on the web site for the UPHS class of 1950.
I wish to report that immediately following our return from Hawaii, we drove to St. George, Utah from Las Vegas, to participate in the swimming portion of the Huntsman World Senior Games for 2014. There were more than 10,000 participants in all the sports ranging from archery to volleyball. I was fortunate enough to win the silver and the bronze medals in the 50- and 100-meter freestyle swimming events, respectively, despite coming off my daily workouts for the week of fun in Hawaii.
Walt Butler
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View 28 PICTURES from Walt Butler
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EXCHANGE BETWEEEN ROGER AUSTRIA and WALTER BUTLER:
From: Roger Austria [mailto:rogeraustria@yahoo.com]
Sent: Saturday, October 18, 2014 6:59 PM
To: wltrbtlr@cox.net
Cc: Jr. Julius C. Willis; Pete Manansala; Rose Domondon
Subject: Re: Note of Thanks
Hi Walt and Barb,
Walt, you beat me to it -- had wanted to write you and Barb earlier but Siony and I proceeded to Seattle from HNL to visit our grandson for a few days before heading home. Then when we arrived in MKE, we were swamped w/ the mail, both slow and email plus all the bills that were shouting for attention.
Anyway, thank you so much for joining us at the reunion -- you made it memorable. After all, it's been about sixty-four years since your high school classmates saw you. Yes, the camaraderie in our group is great. We have all been looking forward to the planned get-togethers knowing there will be an end to them but praying not that soon. And when we meet we truly enjoy one another. Hoping you will join us again at future reunions which are far between.
Glad you were able to reunite with your foster cat, Boo and that she seemed to remember you after about five minutes when she was brought to your hotel.
Should you happen to be in our neck-of-the-woods, please do not hesitate to call me so we can get together again, sooner than later. Perhaps Barb might have another cousin somewhere in WI. We have a few cultural points of interest in MKE that we can share with you.
Until we get together again ...
Roger and Siony
From: "wltrbtlr@cox.net" <wltrbtlr@cox.net>
To: "rogeraustria@yahoo.com" <rogeraustria@yahoo.com>
Sent: Friday, October 17, 2014 8:52 PM
Subject: Note of Thanks
Greetings,
Congratulations, Roger, on pulling off a very successful gathering of the willing from the UP High Class of 1950. You and your very efficient lieutenants, Julius, Pete and Serge, deserve a lot credit for all the detailed planning and for the efficient implementation of the plans. Everyone seemed to enjoy each others company, the great food and all the activities. There is no need for succession planning, since the decision was taken to have you as the "Permanent Chairman" for NAC.Barb and I wish to thank you for your generosity in treating us to the dinner at the Willows restaurant. We enjoyed the variety of entrees that were offered and the desserts were really good. Thank you!
We also wanted you to know that we were able to visit with Barbara's cousin and with our foster cat, Boo. They came to join us for brunch at the Ala Moana hotel. It appeared to us that Boo remembered us after about five minutes. Attached are pictures of Frank-Peter with the cat carrier, Boo with Barb, Boo with me and the four of us at brunch while Boo waited in the room.
Until next time, take care. /// Walt ///
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From: Pete Manansala [mailto:p_manansala@sbcglobal.net]
Sent: Tuesday, November 04, 2014 10:03 AM
To: "wltrbtlr@cox.net" <wltrbtlr@cox.net>
Subject: Fw: Message of Appreciation
Dear Abe Walt and Barb,
Thank you so much for the kind words, specially from someone with such
impressive credentials. Our small group is indeed fortunate to be augmented
with the likes of you. While Barb seemed to be somewhat adamant initially,
she quickly adapted to a new group (perhaps a little strange to her) at first.
The hula dance lessons seemed to be to her liking generating some smiles
and applause.
Since we only get together once a year, we get a tendency to get rowdy at
times, exchanging friendly experiences. But what is a reunion if not to celebrate,
discounting protocols from time to time. These folks have become our extended
family, and Vilma and I have a ball whenever we get together. I think it is hightime
that we enjoy ourselves everytime the opportunity present itself. The coming
together in Oahu will sustain us for sometime. Your presence was to us a huge
bonus. Warmest regards.
Abe Pete ans Vilma
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