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Same group of ladies, same pool, same smiles, different view. From left: Letty, Erlinda, Remy, Soly, Vicki, Annie, Violy, Leonora and Lina. Standing at the back is Jess. Photo Source: HML
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Prepared for the hike, prepared for the heat. Walking the winding footpaths, Roly was carrying a gallon-sized bottled water. I commented "O Roly. Plano mo yatang gamitin yaan para pampaligo dito". You know, when we got back to the dining area (after the long walk to the waterfall), the gallon jug was empty and Rolly looked very refreshed.
2ND DAY - THE BIG DAY IN GAPAN
Heat notwithstanding. The temperature, in the shade, during the Gapan reunion (at the NESHS school grounds) was torrid. Some attendees from the U.S., Violeta, Erlinda, Roly, Annie and Lina among them, have improvised strategies to counter the heat: they wrapped chunks of ice in small towels and used those on their face, forehead and back of the neck. Jess, Esper and Eileen had a high tech solution: they had this aerosol gadget -- attached to a small, battery-powered electric fan -- that can squirt a cool water spray with the fanned air.
The doting dad and hubby, Jess held the high tech fan to Eileen ... and then to Esper ... then back to Eileen ...
"Powdered white" is cool. Violeta, to counter the heat, was putting a lot of talcum powder on her face, neck, and arms. Letty saw this and jokingly told Violeta that too much of the powder could make her look like an espasol.
Kodakan na! (that is, class picture-taking). Jessie was trying to get the alumni (all of whom, except one, were attired in their white NESHS '58 homecoming T-shirts) together for a class picture. Renato Ricabo (who has changed and is all set for a dance number) slowly walks by, natty in a sheer barong and black pants. Jessie greeted the nattily dressed person "Congressman Ricabo ...! Picture-taking muna tayo".
Frank Grajo, hubby of Norma Afable, overheard this comment and later asked Violy if the Class, aside from having an army general, also has an alumni that is a congressman.
Class spirit. Rodrigo (Matias) was being assisted by two males to get seated on a chair (placed near the edge of the big shade tree fronting the NESHS stage). I overheard, from someone nearby, that Rodrigo had a stroke. I went to, knelt by his chair, touched him on an arm and said "Rodrigo ..." He looked at me for a few seconds but seemed not to recognize me. I then said "Dati mo akong kaeskuwela ..." and introduced myself. He remembered then ... he did not say a word ... but a profound sadness formed on his face ...
The show must go on! For better viewing, the audience requested Thea to do her Hawaiian dance number on the cemented ground area (rather than on stage). Thea did so ... on her bare feet ... to the audience's satisfaction. What most did not realize is the effect of the sun-baked cemented floor on bare feet. After her performance, Thea (without complaining) had to ask around for BandAid to fix the blisters that developed on the soles of her feet.
Introduction needed. While I was walking to the soft drink table, a lady wearing a NESHS-logoed T-shirt was going in the opposite direction. She looked familiar. We looked at each other ... but that was all. I think it was Julita. We missed that chance to talk.
Overheard: Qualification to be a male student in Section 4. The student can only use and have one notebook -- folded and carried on one's hip\back pocket, and no books whatsoever -- going to class the whole year.
Talking about a 1992 letter. Joining Esper and Bibiana's conversation, I asked Bibiana if she recognized anything on the reunion magazine's "Letters" page (which precedes the magazine's greeting letters). Bibiana said "Oh yes! Those kindergarten handwriting!" laughing somewhat (referring to the letter, written by her for the 1992 reunion magazine, which was used as the decorative background for the "Letters" page). Bibiana was being humble - her handwriting was actually neat.
Mellow time. Leony came a sat by me (under a shade tree) during the ending part of the Gapan reunion. We chatted for some time ... about our families ... how things are ... and about a lot of other little things. The sun was starting to set over the horizon. It was nice to chat and spend some time with Leony (since during our high school years, we did not get to talk much and we even got into one of those after school spats. Come to think of it, those spats became an integral part of the bond).
Late in the day. Time is short. Emelita (wearing eyeglasses, more subdued than the perky Emelita of yore) walked over, greeted ... and thanked me for the 1994 reunion magazine (where she wrote a greeting letter) that I sent to her. Recalling that the magazine took two trips to the Philippines (and some anxious notes from her) to finally get there ... I wished that the day was not so late and time with colleagues were not so brief and so formal...
"I am glad we came!" Close to ending of Gapan Reunion. Esper commented "Isn't this great! I am glad we came!" I asked then (mutually knowing her earlier problems with cancelled flights and lost luggages) "Even with the aggravations?" Without hesitation, she responded "Yes!"
Bus trip from Gapan. The passengers requested the driver to stop by a highway store selling balot, pinoy, itlog na pula, buko and bottled water. When the bus got moving again, you can hear the soft cracking of eggs ... and see Joe , Andy, Erlinda, Roly, Annie and Nilo trying a pinoy or a balot (most eager being Joe who has not been in the Philippines for the last 44 years and whose favorite back then is balot).
3RD DAY - TRIP TO VILLA ESCUDERO RESORTS
Have jokes, will travel. The bus had a mike-and-speaker system and jokes were being thrown by Rudy, Eladio, Ace and Jess. Victorico (Leonora's hubby) slowly walked from the back of the bus, took hold of the mike, stated how impressed he is of the alumni group , that he believes that this is a special group ... shared with everyone his favorite jokes (most being medical\hospital-oriented) ... recited the sayings of a noted Canadian jurist ... and dished out some more jokes ... to the passengers' delight ... I looked back at where Leonora was and saw her leaning to one side -- to get a better view of her hubby -- with a toothy smile.
A patubig picnic. Lunching on native delicacies, served on bilao-style plates under-layered with banana leaves, sitting on picnic benches under a canopy of trees' shade, with your feet under ankle-deep cool water and the constant sound of rustling water and kids enjoying the water ... if this was not 1998 and we are not hundreds of miles from Gapan you could almost feel, for some moments, that you are in one of those 1950s picnic frolics in the patubig or ilog of Gapan.
Waiting for the Cultural Show. The group egged on Erlinda (who is known, among the U.S. alumni, for not being able to hold back laughing before her joke's punchline) to re-deliver her standard "old lady with one tooth" joke. Taking up the challenge, she did ... and for the first time (a historic first!) she delivered her joke without (her own) interruption ... and with a big applause from the audience.
The group focussed then on Esper and told her to practice her jokes so that she does not forget her punchline (which is what Esper has to train on). Esper responded that "I have one and I am reserving that for dinner tomorrow!" Vicky commented that Efren has a one (and only one) favorite joke which he fondly tells his family over-and-over again ...
Bus trip from Villa Escudero. Going back to Makati, approaching the superhighway toll gates, the bus occupants were looking in amazement how the 4-lane highway had transformed to about 10-lanes of vehicles ... and how our big bus (on the left shoulder) could, in a short time, end up travelling on the right shoulder!
4TH DAY - "FARE THEE WELL DINNER" Q.C.
Tables turned: "You don't know who I am". Lumeng brought along an alumna and asked me O Horacio. Tingnan mo nga kung makikilala mo siya" (pointing to a lady wearing a dark bluish-gray formal dress with a floral pattern). I looked at the lady and ... could not come up with a name. The lady tried to help me with a clue "Ako yoong kahulihuling nagpadala sa iyo ng litrato para sa magasin". I guessed at a name. Wrong!. Giving up on me, the lady said, quite disappointed, "Isabelita!"
Social hour. Walking to our table, I bumped into Ricardo Pangilinan -- who, in our more energetic days, I played basketball with; and who I have not seen for forty years -- and said a greeting: "Ricardo! Akala ko nagbago ka na dahil serisyo ka sa lahat ng mga litrato mo na nakita ko". Ricardo smiled and then said: "Sa mga litrato lamang yoon. Gaya pa rin tayo ng dati".
Ricardo then put his right arm tightly around my shoulder, while we were walking, and said to me, with a big smile, "I love you". Noticing his Scotch-flushed mien and going with the spirit of the evening, I said "... likewise".
The new miracle pill. Jessie asked Rolly and Rudy if "Vayagra" really works.
Picture-taking! A photographer aims a camera at a small group of individuals ... and says "Say CHEESE!" Before your know it, other individuals calls out "Teka! Sama ako! Sama ako!" quickly adding some more bodies to the group's left side ..., then to the right ..., at the back ..., and ... to the front ...
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Some of the '58 alumni able to get in this photo op during the "Fare Thee Well Dinner" at the Quezon City Sports Complex. Clockwise from rear left: Ace, Eli, Fort, Jess, Rolly, Rudy, Eyo, Efren Nilo, Jessie, Erlinda, Leonora, Lumeng, Isabelita, Daisy Dayao, Chit, Lina, Annie, Vicki, Violy, Esper, unident. female and Letty. Photo Source: HML
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Time for Special Awards. This is top secret stuff. The recipients and the general public do not have an inkling on what is coming and there are only three presentors.
LIFETIME CLASS SPIRIT AWARD. Efren read a letter -- framed and nicely printed in heavy bond paper; and signed by the Philippine alumni -- extolling the commendable class spirit of Rudy and Lina Mariano in annually bringing together the U.S. alumni and their families at their beautiful home-by-the-lake in Chesapeake, Virginia; that his colleagues have heard so much of the Marianos hospitality and the great time that everybody has during the annual get together ... that his Philippine colleagues have decided to make plane reservations ... to attend the next Chesapeake get together and ... all stay with the Marianos during their visit. When Rudy accepted the certificate, he was game to the last announcement and said that his Philippine colleagues are "Welcome all the time."
"ANYTIME" DINNER RESERVATION AWARD (AT THE TABERNA DEL ALABARDERO RESTAURANT). For the recipient's paving the way for the reunion to happen; for being a key liaison with the U.S. alumni, and, most importantly, for being the U.S. alumni's "mother hen" during the 4-day reunion . . . Mernilo handed Eli an "anytime" certificated Dinner Reservation Award at The Taberna del Alabardero Restaurant.
"ANYTIME, ANYWHERE" LIMO SERVICE AWARD. Erlinda took center stage and told the assembly that one of the U.S. alumni's concern prior to the reunion was the summer Philippine heat; that they were very relieved to see -- on the first day of the reunion, coming out of the hotel -- to see a big, air-conditioned bus waiting for the alumni. She asked then "Who do you think was the generous person who provided our bus? General Romeo Padiernos". In appreciation for that gesture, Erlinda, on behalf of the U.S. alumni, presented the award to Romy.
Romy, accepted the certificate, commenting "Mas gusto ko yata yoong kay Eli". While reading the contents of the award, Linda commented that "'other chicks' are not allowed on the limo". Romy was quick to the given condition and said that he was reading the award carefully to check that it is for him and his wife ..., otherwise, he will decline the award.
A SPECIAL U.S. ALUMNI CHILD AWARD. When the U.S. alumni had their first reunion in Williamsburg, Virginia in 1989 ... the alumni had their spouses and children with them ... it was fun ... and a real family affair. Thru the years, the number of alumni children going to the reunion have dwindled ... culminating in the 1996 reunion in San Francisco ... where there were only two alumni children among the celebrants. In this '98 PI reunion, there is only one U.S. alumni child ... that has been present in all five reunions attended by the U.S. alumni ... Eileen Tanghal ... the only daughter of Esper and Jess.
Eileen did not want to come on stage and speak ... but she did after much encouragement. Walking to the podium, Esper was heard saying "Anak ko yan!"
What do guys talk about after not talking to each other for 40 years? We were at the table were firewater-and-ice were on drinking glasses. Jessie commented to me "...bakit medyo yata manipis dito" (patting the top of his head). I told him (semi-seriously) that it must be the hot water in the States. Tameng asked how old I am now. After knowing that, Tameng said "Hinde pa dapat, bata pa". Jess came to my defense and said that my father also had thinning hair at about that age. Tameng said that he has a secret formula that gives him thick hair. (The formula, which is really a method, cannot be divulged on this pages).
Ricardo's address. "Masasayang masaya ako na makita ngayon ang ating mga mahal na kamagaaral sa NESHS ... kamukha nila Panching ...". From the audience, somebody corrected Ricardo and said "'Esper' ang pangalan niya ngayon!". Ricardo answered "... yoong 'Esper' ay pang America lamang. Tunay at mas matamis pa rin na salitain ang 'Panching' ..."
More from Ricardo. "May nagsabi na bakit daw wala ako sa Gapan ... May nagsabi din na bakit hinde ako sumama sa Villa Escudero ... Ang isa ko lamang na gustong sabihin sa inyo ... na gusto kong malaman ninyo ... ang dahilin kung bakit wala ako sa Gapan ... at sa Villa Escudero ... ay dahilan sa taimtim kong pagdadasal para sa inyong kaligtasan sa paglalakbay ninyo sa mga nasabing lugar ...". From the audience, came the encouragement "BOMBA pa Carding ... BOMBA!"
Please stay! Near the evening affair's closing. Estrellita (who will be driving back to Gapan that same evening) was saying goodbye to everybody. Jessie called out from his table "Esterling! Huwag ka munang umuwi. Unan lamang ang dadatnan mo sa Gapan". Estrellita gave Jessie a look and told him to stop it, or ..., Rodrigo is going to see him.
A little something from us to you. A token of goodwill, thoughtfulness and a pabaon for the trip back to the U.S., Lumeng, Ligaya and Remedios gave Violy, Annie, Lina, Erlinda, and Chit a box each of Philippine goodies. (Comment by Ace: "Those binusa were great!")
"We had fun!" Evening's ending. Leonora, saying goodbye to everybody, added "We had fun. We are glad we came ... and we thank you for bringing us here".
Saying goodbyes. Soly's lament. Evening's Ending. Walking out of the ballroom, with Soly and other colleagues, saying our last goodbyes ... Soly said (with misty eyes) "Nakakalungkot naman, aalis na kayo".
Last, last goodbye. Walking to our bus, I heard someone call. It was Oca (who was in his car with wife Myrna). I walked over to where they were parked, exchanged pleasantries, and after saying our adieu and shaking hands, I asked if it is OK for him to be driving (noticing his "tanned" countenance). He said it is OK.
Mission accomplished. Going back to Makati, it was dark ... and untypically quiet at the back of the bus. I said to Erlinda, Roly, Lina, Rudy and Violy "... I have fulfilled most of my mission for this reunion". They were looking at me ... waiting for what follows. "I have had buko ..., puto bongbong ... and even ...goto (at Goto King) ..." That broke the quiet.
DAYS AFTER THE REUNION
Update on the Tanghal's and Siwa's lost luggages? The Tanghal's errant luggages tried to catch up with them in Manila. No luck ... the family has already left for Chicago. So the luggages took a trip back to Chicago ... where luggages and owners had a ... reunion.
The Siwa's luggages ... They were found in ... (and never left, as claimed by Northwest Air) Chicago.
The next one? Back in the U.S. Esper called one weekend and told me about the "reunion" with their missing luggages. She also mentioned that Jess (her hubby) had a real good time during the reunion ... and wants another PI reunion in five years. Likewise Fort (Chit's hubby) ... and likewise Lina (Rudy's spouse) ... Ace's comment: Note that it is the U.S. alumni spouses (instead of the alumni themselves) that are at the forefront at this early stage and eager to go to the "next one".
U.S. visit of a Philippine colleague. In late June, about a month after the Philippine reunion, Eli -- just like the alumni's trailblazer in Hidden Valley and now trailblazing in the U.S. for the P.I. alumni -- visited his colleagues in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia and Chicago. The U.S. alumni had great fun showing a visiting colleague their home cities.
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