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(I am dedicating this
article to my batchmates in Leyte National High School, batch 1986 who are
spending so many hours organizing for our first grand reunion this December
29, 2004 after 18 years.)
I got a call from Mark after many years of absence since we
graduated in UP Diliman. We talked for hours reminiscing high school days
which prompted me to write this sequel. So sit back, relax and take a ride
down memory lane, as Jessica calls it.
Josephine was the most successful businesswoman in our class, as Robelita
says so, because of her chocolate crunchies and "mamon". Mark recalls that I
happened to be her number one debtor-client. My meager allowance was always
drained each time I saw her because the goodies were simply irresistible.
Joel and I tried to destroy the "Schindler's List" of debtors but she
managed to hide it down her private "ghetto". I cannot forget those chasing
moments with Josephine as some of them barricaded me so I couldn't escape to
pay.
Joel was the most sexually aggressive person in our class. His massive
collection of dirty magazines was unequalled. I never really saw explicit
sexual acts on print until Joel showed them to our face. Agree? Sharon had
tears in her eyes when she saw gigantic figures, uncensored. Eighteen years
later, everyone wonders if those were tears of excitement or something
else. Well, Sharon has a lot of explaining during the reunion.
On a serious note, there were obnoxious people underneath the main building
that fantasized women in skirts. I found this so inhuman but nobody really
surfaced out to face embarrassment. Yet, one might ask if they were really
performing taboo rituals. Whatever it was, this sanctuary was an eyesore to
everyone. I had some ideas as to who they were but who cares? We are not
gathering to share sad stories. Time has eroded all things unpleasant.
Wanna hear more stories? Well, in one of our many interesting occasions in
the Music class, Mr. Calleja gave as an assignment to learn a playful song
which everyone had to learn in a single day. Does anybody remember this:
tzena, tzena, tzena, tzena abanot korina kayalim, vamushyava. Alna, alna,
alna, alna abanot korina mibingka, yarishyava, etc. Mary Joy proved she was
still the reigning musical genius when she got perfect score during the
exam. The difficulty of this piece was the intricate, unending chasing of
melodies from one verse to the next. I dare any group of four who can still
execute it flawlessly. A great idea for the reunion.
Mr. Calleja's vibrant personality was opposite to the sinister Ms. Abasolo.
She tried to teach us the immortal song called "Exodus" because we were
constantly journeying a life of fear and absolute silence in her class.
Luckily my suffering didn't last long when I tickled those ivory keys,
utilizing me in various times for her own comfort.
Silvio's legendary performance of Lionel Richie's "Knife" was indeed,
piercing right down to the bone. Everyone had mixed emotions about his
drama. While others believed he was showing off, I thought he was playing
the part of a serial killer. A second performance is requested to make sure
he has transcended himself, or if this small knife has become a mighty
sword, as Arnel worries.
Despite all these incidents, we were serious with academics. Dennis had code
words for some of them so if you happened to sit close to him during exams,
surely his infamous "abacabacabdaa" will haunt your memory. If Leila could
memorize scientific names at the drop of a hat, Dennis could master the art
of codenames at the flick of the finger. I shared some of the glory in this
devious endeavor.
Ms. Fajardo's monumental speech class was remarkable. Chicago, Chicago,
Chicago!!! This epitomized the unbeatable voices of our class. I remember
when were still neophytes, the sound of "Like the Molave" echoing the walls
of the Quadrangle was like music to me. During our senior year, we conquered
the stage with this stunning piece.
The boys were endowed with athletic abilities as evidenced in the various
Intramural events where they won awards. Dennis, Joel and Mark were a trio
of Lydia De Vega fans against the unfavored Romeo Mista who worshipped Elma
Muros. All of them displayed bitter fights in the field but in the end
joined forces as they fought against other year-levels.
While our macho character was unbeatable, the girls had their share of
triumph as well. Jo Alcober led a group of exotic beauties as Band Majorette
for the school band. Margarita was one of the lucky few to show pride in
brain and beauty. A whimsical thought: Mark reminds everyone what those
"bloomers" supposed to imply aside from increased view of their vanity.
Wow legs, we used to cry out loud.
More in the social scene, Noel Gorre belittled everyone with his
breathtaking breakdance. Along with Charlie and the rest of the gang, they
showcased talents in the commercial scene not anyone dared to challenge. Ahh.....
Those were the days of fun. It was a time of curiosity when our young minds
were discovering things, exploring horizons and beyond. Once again, Leyte
National High School defined ourselves.
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