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REUNION,
ANYBODY? by
Anecita Mae
Cavero Rodil (Class 73) Over
the past 33 years, our school made a great effort to build a character
in each of the students combining superior quality of education and
discipline with moral values and integrity. The
Divine Word Academy of Urdaneta (DWAU), known as the State of Art
Seminary School in Pangasinan, and still remains to be so to this day,
has continually preserved its cornerstone of quality and values in
decades. This, it had
successfully achieved in the face of the constant change of modern
times. The
philosophy and mission of our beloved Alma Mater remains unchanged to
this day. The credit is
attributable to its selection of talented faculty and staff which in
turn produces an equally talented, productive youths, and citizens. It
is with distinct pleasure that I share the same values, vision and
experience to the youth of the next generation. We are what we are today
because our educators and mentors played a big part in molding our young
minds into model citizens of today. Now, it is only proper that we share
and pass on what we have learned to the youths of today and tomorrow. Each
one of us has their own version of experience and reasons to find rare,
long lasting friendships. To this end, I mention my incredible
friendship with the original “FHADE ’73”.
The brainchild of fellow alumni Diosdado Bautista and Ernesto
Malbog, the acronym itself stands for the first names of its members:
Filomena (nee Marcelo), Helen Gayanggos, Anecita (nee Cavero), Dorliza
(nee Sipin) and Evelyn (nee Bascos). As
with all other great friendships, we stuck to each other through thick
and thin. We were strong as a rock until such time our group became
inactivate due to the pressures and calling of college.
Due to the miracle of communication and the hard work and genius
of Johnny Soriano, I touched base once more with my old crusty group.
Knowing that Dodie and Filomena ended up as a lovely couple and with
professional degrees as a Ph.D. and medical doctor respectively to boot
is a testament of the great role our Alma Mater played in their
formative years. On
the other hand, I regret that I never had the chance to know each one of
my fellow alumni of Class 1973. A
few of them have immigrated abroad to include myself while a big chunk
is scattered throughout our homeland in the Philippines. I
can only look back and reminisce the priceless memories that we have
left behind: The coaching of each other during recital grading period.
The sharing of 1/4 and ½ sheets of pad paper for unannounced quizzes.
The struggle I went through Mr. Manzano’s gardening class as I
took it for granted. Now it
comes all the more clear what it was, as we become parents. The
glamour of being a part of “The Boy’s Hi ’73” is unforgettable
what with their great sense of humor. There was never a dull moment! I
want to thank all my former classmates for taking me on their wings and
helping me a great deal. All the dedicated teachers with their style and uniqueness of teaching had made it easier for us to understand Math, Physics, Geometry, Science, English, History, Music, Theology, PE, Pilipino, H.E, Spanish, Electives, etc. To
our dear Principal who rescued, counseled and bailed us out of trouble
so many times; Father Herbers and his Rectory Staff who availed
themselves any time for spiritual services and a few times funds, too;
the many Fraters who came and went and Sister Gloria who made us
stronger with our faith, made grow in wisdom and appreciate the love for
music. To
our PE instructors headed by Mrs. Ridao and formerly Ms Gerola who
taught us the finer points of dance choreography, showed to us
self-esteem and how to gain confidence. I
also enjoyed watching the PMT cadets perform the Pass-In Review what
with sharp looking uniforms worn by these guys. Some Corps Cadet
Officers really pursued their career in the military afterwards both in
the home front and the United States military. The
intramurals held every summer showcased outstanding athletes and our
very own basketball players were so aloof and intriguing! During
Invocations, the “Jamming Club” and the “DWA Hiking Society”
composed of Paeng, Pidiong, Cel, Ernesto, Glenn, Boyet, Richie, Wendell,
Jose, Ruben and all their sidekicks, always belt out James Taylor and
Cat Stevens’ songs back to back ending with their trademark tune of
“You’ve Got a Friend”! The
out of town fellowships and retreats with sleepless nights and unending
chats from Baguio to Tagaytay City also comes to mind. What
about the Juniors and Seniors Prom that gave us all the chance to ogle
closely with the boys and girls. How about the aroma of delicious food coming from the canteen
especially the adobo, afritada, menudo, pancit, pinakbet and the tapa.
Before you know it, you’re flocking to the canteen to partake
of the sumptuous meal! My
favorite place after school (FHADE’s regular hang out), which also
seems to be DWAU’s rendezvous place is “D’Abigail’s” in the
Sison’s compound. But if
you’re up town (city now for those of you who hasn’t gone back for a
long, long time) the landmark of choice is “Eniang’s”! I
can still recall the prominent faces promenading under the pine trees
before and after school the “Three Musketeers” composed of Yogi
Diaz, Rhodetto Magat, and Candido Bautista. The
jeepneys, tricycles and other bus services turning at the corner while
students make a dash for the main gate barely making the first bell
class. Who
could forget the inseparable dynamic duo, Ms Gilda Doot and Ms Erlinda
Oliviano? How about the
lovebirds of all times, Mr. Gregorio Manzano and Ms Aurora Sandoval?
I also admire Mr. and Mrs. Teneza’s perseverance and rationale.
Anybody “missing in action” at that time, would just has to
dial 1-800-LOCK “U” UP. Considering
the Ridao’s, “You’ve Got It Baby, The Boys and Girls Hi Shelter
Home. Who
can really guess what Mr. Stackler was talking about? And what about the
adorable little bunch of energy called Mr. Amolacion who seemed to have
endeared himself almost to everyone playing big brother with a
captivating boyish smile to boot. As
far as posterity is concerned, D’Agawin Studio was hot on our trails
capturing the highlights and spotlights of our days! These
are just the common sights that we observed during our glory days.
Most definitely, I miss the Golden Girls and the Golden Boys of
DWAU. The temptation of
coming home and be with the people you shared and traveled with is tops
on my to do lists. The
Class of 1973’s 30th anniversary is not only remembering,
recognizing and renewing the deeper bonds of friendship but also
thanking those who guided us to be what we are today. We
have outgrown our past and we certainly have families of our own now
yet, we still share that same vision and values that molded us three
decades or so ago: To see
that our own offspring get the same kind of education, wisdom and vision
as we did back then. I
am fully convinced that the upcoming class anniversary would give us a
wonderful opportunity to meet again, banter with one another, old
friends and colleagues alike. “We
were once lost but now we’re found.” Please
stay involved and be Divinians Forever!
Remember your donations, how big or small matter and your
presence and thoughts count as well. With
that in mind, the nagging question pops up; will it be in July or
December 2003? The decision
is yours and it’s your choice! A
reunion poll date is still in progress! More power to you all and the best of life to each and everyone. §
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