Hogan High School Class of 1985 Reunion: Martin Nunez & Tony Palisoc in Stockton
Martin Nunez & Tony Palisoc: Hogan Spartans '85 Brotherhood at the Lake
Laughter, old stories, and lifelong bonds as the Class of 1985 reunites at Michael Dondi Reyes' birthday celebration.
There is a specific kind of laughter that only comes from brothers who have known each other for over four decades. At the recent lakeside gathering for Michael Dondi Reyes in Stockton, Martin Nunez and Tony Palisoc reminded us all what "Civic Memory" really looks like in action.
The table was filled with more than just food; it was filled with the shared history of the Hogan Spartans Class of 1985. Whether it was catching up on life today or reaching back into the vault for stories from Vallejo, the energy between these two was a highlight of the afternoon.
🇵🇭 TAGALOG WOD
Samahan: From sama, meaning "to be together." It captures the Filipino value of togetherness that goes beyond friendship — a commitment to show up, share the meal, and carry each other's stories forward. What Martin and Tony brought to that Stockton table was pure samahan.
📷 GEAR SPOTLIGHT: SONY A7III + FE 85MM F1.8
These shots were captured on the Sony a7III paired with the FE 85mm F1.8. The prime lens compression keeps the focus exactly where it belongs — on the brotherhood. Check out more from our Sony a7III archives.
Enjoying the shots? If you want your next community gathering or family milestone captured with this same attention to detail, I might just be available for a few sessions. Reach out before the calendar fills up!
📍 Stockton Fil-Am Fact
Stockton has one of the longest and deepest Filipino roots of any city in the continental United States. Filipino farmworkers began settling in the San Joaquin Valley as early as the 1920s, drawn by the asparagus, grape, and tomato harvests. By the 1930s, Stockton's Little Manila on El Dorado Street was the largest Filipino community outside the Philippines — a four-block world of barbershops, dance halls, pool rooms, and labor union offices. It was here that Larry Itliong and the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee launched the 1965 Delano Grape Strike, igniting the broader farmworkers movement. Today, Filipino Americans make up roughly 12% of Stockton's population — and every lakeside reunion, every shared meal, every laugh between Spartans like Martin and Tony is a living extension of that legacy. 🇵🇭 More Stockton stories →
Author & Photographer: J.F.R. Perseveranda
J.F.R. Perseveranda is the architect and lens behind PinoyBuilt. From IT Product Manager to Fil-Am storyteller, J.F. bridges the diaspora through photography and culture.
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Seeing Tony P and Martin laughing is definitely a Kodak moment! I can just imagine the stories/memories being shared. 💕
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