NESHS '58 Worldwide Alumni Community

Bridging the Miles
('Minsan, My Isang Bagong Salta Sa America')

(By: Eladio de los Santos; NESHS '58 Alumnus; November 21, 1998)

Still basking in the glow of the May 1998 Philippine reunion -- and recalling the 1996 invitation by Ace to visit the U.S.A. "so as to compare the U.S.' charms with those of Europe" -- I finally said to myself "Why not?" The idea of the U.S. visit was thus discussed with a friend who had already traveled to the places I intended to visit - Efren.

Hinting that a possible trip was being considered, my tentative plans were sent for comments to Ace. After some minor revisions suggested by Ace, the final itinerary was set about a week before my departure date.

LEAVING ON A JET PLANE

Thus, in the morning of June 22, 1998, the excited bagong salta was on the first leg of his three-week tour of the U.S. of A.

The trip was not without some hitches though. My erstwhile confirmed flight from Narita to Los Angeles, for some hazy reason given by the carrier, was diverted to Las Vegas instead. As a result, despite the assurances by the airline rep that the waiting parties in L.A. would be advised of the flight changes, my lady classmate -- who was to meet me at the L.A. airport -- had to wait for more than six long hours, wondering where and what could have happened to her bagong salta colleague.

The scheduled show and overnight trip to Las Vegas arranged by the Grajos had to be cancelled on account of the change in my port of entry. Also, some local trips had to be foregone because some relatives, friends and former officemates of mine, who were living in the L.A. area, invited me to visit them too.

Norma's green thumb is displayed by her flower-laden rose garden: yellows, pinks, reds and whites were all competing for attention. Close to the Grajo's perimeter walls were some Dama de Noche (whose lush growth reminds one of similar luxuriant Dama de Noches in the Philippines). Likewise, the onions, tomatoes, pomelo, santol, guava trees, and strawberries were all thriving and fruiting well. The secret of their healthy growth? Norma's TLC and sweet voice. Soon to share their company were two branches of newly-arrived, true-blooded Philippine siniguelas.

Disneyland was not only for the young but also for the young once. I enjoyed the train rides (twice!) and the submarine dives, encountering the stationary "fierce" razor-teethed sharks and giant octopuses "thousands of fathoms in the sea's abyss". And to show back home that I was at Disneyland, I even harassed a tourist to take my picture in front of Walt Disney's statue. (Mababaw talaga ang kaligayahan ng bagong saltang ito).

The highlight of the L.A. stopover was the mini reunion -- with Nydia Mabalay, Cely Yamsuan, Luisinia Labios, their respective spouses and Emmanuel Pablo -- arranged by Norma. With Frank's barbecued treats and other delicacies brought by the alumni guests, we viewed the tape of the Philippine reunion. The tape must have been engrossing for its viewing extended to the early hours of the following day (with Luisinia willing to continue even with her 6:00 AM work schedule).

There were also some revelations during the mini reunion. Take talent, for example. I did not know that aside from Norma's soft voice and sweet smiles; her way with the plants, trees and ornamentals; Norma also plays the piano well. And the latter, she was able to pass on to her daughter Kristine (including a matching concert voice).

READY TO "LEAVE MY HEART" IN SAN FRANCISCO

The trip to the Alvarez', about an hour's flight from L.A., was not noticable (being fresh with the memories of the beautiful events in LA.). I was also in a state of anticipation of the unexpected in San Francisco. Will the highways be wide and clean, lined with trees several meters deep as well? Will the drivers be that courteous too and the streets almost without pollution like in L.A.? Or, will I see some corncobs and banana peels flying from the car windows this time? Will there be some guys doing their "thing" beside lampposts or against walls? Also, will there be some stray and unleashed animals in the streets? Those were the questions that I asked myself in jest while in the air.

Our flight arrived a little earlier than scheduled at the San Francisco airport. After claiming my luggage, I waited at the front gate and looked for a familiar face. After sometime, I saw Rudy coming out of the terminal. We missed each other inside. While waiting outside, there was this lady, sitted in a parked car, who was occasionally staring at me. It was Tessie! She had seen me much earlier but thought that I was a Chinese traveller waiting for somebody. How about that for the unexpected? (Minsan, May Isang Bagong Saltang Intsik!)

The Alvarez's residence, a well-appointed place, has a back terrace overlooking a wildlife preserve. The preserve has a rugged terrain of thick vegetation that gives haven to birds and animals endangered by the encroachment of big city life. It was here in San Francisco that I spotted a family of deer leisurely crossing the street; hummingbirds fluttering to sip nectar from different blossoms at Tessie's colorful garden; a bluebird gathering the sweet white petals of Rudy's pineapple guava and lovingly offering same -- a beautiful ritual of courtship -- to his mate.

The Golden Gate Bridge and the "Rock" (that is, the old Alcatraz prison) were marvelous sights (specially to a bagong salta like this one). The trips to the Conservatory of Flowers at the Golden Gate Park; the climb to the highest peak overlooking the city; the search in nurseries for the pineapple guava and maple seedlings; the flea market of backyard produce; and the window shopping spree with Tessie's sister Edang were all memorable. But the 'high' of my stay in San Francisco was the discovery (again) that Tessie loves singing and sings well! Without any professional voice coaching, Tessie's singing was simply beautiful. Edang (Tessie's promotional manager) even gave me tapes of Tessie's repertoire. Copies of these same tapes were later enjoyed by the U.S. and the Philippine alumni.

ON TO THE "BIG APPLE"

The third stop on my itinerary was at the dela Peņa's in New Jersey. Fort and Chit arranged a day's trip to New York and an overnight stay in Atlantic City (the Las Vegas of the East Coast). We had an enjoyable and thrilling night playing the slot machines in Atlantic City. We also watched "Danger II," a show of death-defying walk on a high-wire; a synchronized motorcycle ride, by four fearless cyclists, inside a round mesh enclosure; and heartbeat-stopping stunt by an archer shooting arrows at an apple-atop-the-head and a cigarette-on-the-lips of his willing-and-brave partner.

The following day, back in New Jersey, Inang (Fort's mom) prepared for us a U.S. version of our Philippine kakanin - guinataang mais and carioca, sans sticks. We also took a special trip to New York to visit Julieta. We had a sumptuous dinner in the company of Julieta's physician husband (Tony) and their daughter Antoinette. Tonette plays the piano very well and also served us her favorite specialty - sweet and colorful pop rice cake.

On my last evening with the dela Penas, we had dinner (together with the Dionisios) at the Pegasus; and tried our luck at the race track. This time, everybody lost (unlike in Atlantic City where Fort went home a big winner). Nevertheless, even with our loses, we all had a grand time.

ROAD TRIP TO THE U.S. CAPITAL

On the drive down to Washington, D.C., Annie and Nilo gave me a tour of the JFK Medical Center grounds (where Nilo works); and the site of the Dionisio's new residence (which was under construction at that time).

The activities planned by Ace and Violy were hectic. First: I "claimed" the Taberna Del Alabardero dinner certificate given by my U.S. colleagues last May in the Philippines. We also went to see the Baltimore's Harbor Place, Holocaust Memorial and Loyola College; Washington D.C.'s White House, Capitol, Washington Monument, new IMF Building, Air & Space Museum, National Art Gallery, Smithsonian Museum, Jefferson Memorial and the Kennedy's burial site at the Arlington Cemetery.

Note that in every stop, my hosts planned a full itinerary for me. Consider also that every time my back was beginning to get "adjusted" on my assigned bed it is time to move on to the next stop. This hectic schedule had a side effect: On the way to each of our destination, my hosts told me, I always dozed off. Not only that, so I was also told, my dozing off was complete with prominent "sound effects."

With friends, it was easy to feel at ease, even in unfamiliar surroundings. One evening (at Ace's), I opened the kitchen's sliding door (not aware of the armed security system) to let in the fresh pine-scented air from the wooded area in their backyard. It was good that Violy was there to de-activate the warning signal. Otherwise, loud sirens would have gone off and really "alarm" everybody.

On the fourth of July, Fort, Chit, Mernilo, Annie, Domingo, Linda (Doming's spouse), Rudy, Lina and Joe came to the social arranged by Violy and Ace. Also present were family friends and relatives of my hosts. During and after the grand dinner, everybody shared delightful moments and colorful stories; Joe supplied the background music at the piano; maestro Rudy refreshed the group's line dancing; and (capping the evening) viewing of the Philippine reunion video. I felt really sleepy then and I sneaked up to my room to catnap (planning to get up later for the evening's July 4th fireworks). I woke up much later than planned when Alyssa-and-friends came back from watching the night's fireworks display.

CRABBING IN CHESAPEAKE, VIRGINIA

Parting the following day was not easy. However, the excitement was also building up for the scheduled crabbing at Joe's place. In fact, a straw hat from China was bought days earlier, in a side street of New York, for the purpose. Before long, we were on the road towards Chesapeake. Highlight of the long drive - the 17.6 mile (!) Chesapeake Bay Bridge & Tunnel. That was some sight!

At Rudy's place, it was amazing to find big, red and succulent tomatoes (so unlike the smallish, drought-shriveled and petrified varieties that were available back home) along the sides of Rudy's well-tended and manicured lawn. Seeing the eggplants and bitter gourd vines nearby (all laden with fruits), the first thing that entered my mind was a platter of steaming home-cooked pinakbet. The yard's hedges were also elegantly trimmed and the miniature trees, shaped in various artistic designs. Not to be ignored was the deck-by-the-lake -- which Rudy constructed single-handedly -- that is sandwiched between two plum trees.

True to expectations, the crabbing turned out to be very exciting. However, there was a limit to what one could partake in one sitting. Thus, despite the kettles of steamed fat crabs that could feed a hundred, we had to give up at a certain point.

Joe gave me a tour of the Norfolk Naval Station - the home to the U.S. Naval Atlantic Fleet. Rudy and Lina brought me to the (Douglas) MacArthur Memorial, which I recommend should be a "must see" for every Filipino who visits the area. That evening, we went to visit one of Lina's sister. Her sister's place was surrounded by hundred of towering trees where one could easily get lost inside the dense stands. Given the change, I would not have a second thought to retire in such an idyllic retreat.

Coming back from the beach with Lina the following day, I observed that the drivers were very disciplined and hardly used their car's horn. Driving was relaxed and smooth all throughout. Street islands were even planted with flowering shrubs that thrived well since there was hardly any pollution at all. While enjoying the fresh air at Rudy's deck one afternoon, I noticed the tranquility of the environs; neighbors were sensitive to other people's right to peace and quiet; there were no noisy pets in the backyards nor loud stereo music to disturb one's rest. Likewise, unnecessary loitering around was virtually non-existent.

CHICAGO - MY KIND OF TOWN

My sixth and last tour destination. Chicago's airport was huge by any standard. By the time I reached the baggage claim area, Rudy had already retrieved my luggage. Despite Lyn's busy schedule at the hospital, she was able to join Rudy and me in a tight set of activities. We had a splendid time at the Sears Tower (acclai med to be the tallest building in the world to date); a guided tour of the metropolis; a leisurely promenade along the harbor; and an exciting night a Drury Lane where we dinned and watched the rib-tickling stage play "My Girl."

Esper, who was out of town when I arrived in Chicago, made it on the eve prior to my last day with the Siwas. The four of us had a fun-filled day visiting the Field Museum, the aquarium, the Philippine booth (in connection with the centennial celebrations), the planetarium and enjoyed the invigorating stroll along the shoreline as well. Back to the Siwa's, with a whale of an appetite, we once more savored the special and tasty venison. With lots of fresh, red and juicy tomatoes the venison easily became my favorite request to Lyn.

GOING HOME

Early the next morning, Rudy accompanied me to the airport. Esper was there also to see me off. With a heavy heart, it was time to say goodbye. It had been a well spent three weeks of colorful memories with friends, relatives and classmates. All these are new and treasured chapters of my life, a prelude to yet another set of fresh and new "leaves" that will come about in the year 2000.

The Pascuals Feted in Washington & Chicago (Nov. 21, 1998)

Vicky and Efren Pascual, in the U.S. for a short visit, were entertained by Ace and Violy last November 7-8, 1998 at the Lotuacos Silver Spring residence. Also in attendance were Nilo, Chit and Fort, and Linda and Domingo (Cenon).

The November 7th affair was the first meeting, after forty-two years, of Efren and Doming. Doming left NESHS, to continue his schooling in Manila, after his second year.

Efren visited Chicago November 14-15, 1998. Esper, Jess, Erlinda and Rolando were his hosts during his visit. The Pascuals will be returning to the Philippines on November 22nd.

Natividad New Mayor of Gapan (Nov. 16, 1998)
Source: Jhun Lotuaco, Gapan, N.E.

There is a new Mayor of Gapan, Ernesto Natividad. The former mayor, Arthur Velayo who is the son of ex-Mayor Virgilio Velayo, was ousted by the COMELEC due to election fraud. Certain voting areas where Arthur Velayo won was nullified because not one of his rivals got a single vote, which to the COMELEC is unacceptable.

A former Velayo supporter also testified that there was massive fraud committed on the said voting areas. The Velayo's failed to come up with a TRO (Temporary Restraining Order) from the Supreme Court primarily because of Judge Bernardo Pardo (the former COMELEC head who nullified the proclamation of Arthur Velayo and is now installed by President Estrada to the Supreme Court).

Typhoon Babs Hits Gapan (Nov. 12, 1998)
Source: Jhun Lotuaco, Gapan, N.E.

". . . the typhoon's eye went directly over Gapan. The winds blew 170 kph (kilometers per hour) and carried a lot of rain causing our river to rise fast. Ate Mer's house was under water for two days. Our VHF radio antenna fell to the ground because of the strong winds, but now everything is OK".

Changed Date for the Year 2000 Reunion (November 6, 1998)

Thirteen (13) respondents, unanimously voting "YES", approved the request to move the Year 2000 Reunion's date to July 15-17, 2000 (Sat.-Mon.). The reunion was originally scheduled for July 1-3, 2000. Vote count was tallied November 6, 1998.

The respondents (coded IDs) were: EARL-JOSHUA, EBS, K, LARA I, LARA II, LT, MADAM X, RDS, 007, 135, 888, N. GRAJO & F. GRAJO (the last two being verbal votes).

Alumni On the Go (November 3, 1998)

Two alumni families were travelling this fall: Chit and Fort were in Madrid, Lisbon, Paris and Lourdes last October. Leonora and Victor sent a postcard from Paris last November 3rd. Other sites seen by the Singzons: Tuilleres Garden, Apparition Site of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, Lisbon, Santarem, Fatima, Lourdes, Lisieux, and Chartres.

Chit described their visit to Lourdes as "very moving". Leonora wrote that she "included all of you in our prayers at the Apparition sites:.

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