Class History

The Memories Will Linger On ….

There is a big lump in every graduate’s throat as the air once again vibrates with hundreds of resonant voices. Emotions almost succeed I choking out the last refrain of our graduation song "Farewell to All". Despite the glamour of this happy occasion, our eyes are wet with tears. Everything grows hazy … Thoughts begin to linger in memory’s lane; we find ourselves standing before a great institution of learning, Pampanga High School. The time – school year 1961-1962.

1961-1962

June 1961 ushered in the hectic days of enrolment. Young and innocent looking girls and little boys still in shorts excitedly entered the iron gates, accompanied by their parents. Obviously, they were a bunch of "freshness" for their looks could not belie the restless, bewildered and nervous feeling of newcomers, nor could they suppress their deep sighs and steady their trembling hands as they filled out the registration forms.

The school experienced the perennial problem of increase in the first year enrolment. Registration rooms proved too small for the large number of greenhorns that kept pouring in on the first day. A day after enrolment, we were divided into seventeen sections according to our grade averages.

Enriqueta Figueroa and Elpidio Tiglao, both products of the San Matias Elementay School, came out full and half scholars, respectively, based on the results of the intelligence test given by the Bureau of Education.

Our first days in school were filled with orientation activities. "Orientation" was a word whose meaning we did not know at first till we went through a lot of "Let us get acquainted", "School and Library Rules" routine. Upturned faces, hushed silence, exceeding enthusiasm, keen ears helped us take in every word of the teacher. In a week’s time, we were like parrots rattling the school and library rules like a daily prayer.

School was a "home" away from home.; teachers were our second mothers, Miss Teresa Medina, especially. We were like toddlers feeling our way around and Miss Medina was always around to set us off each time we faltered.

Our thirst for learning could not be quenched as days passed. Like leeches, we sucked the knowledge of the ages and that in time, young talents came to the fore. Enriqueta Figueroa, Danilo Galang, Alejandro David, Eloisa Lopez, Marietta Toledano and yours truly became "P" (The Pampangan) contributors. Amorlito Suba and Felisa Dayrit won the student populace with their golden voices and ran away with prizes during the Christmas Amateur contest. Marietta Toledano was elected president of the Freshman Organization. Enriqueta Figueroa and Danilo Galang, members of the Kabataang Maka-Rizal (KMR) , were delegates to the LOTI (Leadership Organization Training Institute) in Manila. Yours tuly got a gold medal in Arithmetic I. Competition was keen. Enriqueta Figueroa emerged half-scholar; yours truly, full scholar. Others who graced the honor roll were : Danilo Galang, Millie Panganiban, Alejandro David, Marietta Toeldano, Dandy Liwanag, Marina Halili, Lida Gopez and Virgilio Malang.

1962 – 1963

We welcomed our sophomore year with eager participation. Antonietta Nunag, Helen Ocera and Jose Lalisan Jr. were among the new acquaintances. We missed old friends, for Loreto Sison quit school and Elpidio Tiglao transferred to Manila, This was an eventful year for we witnessed the Golden Jubilee Alumni Homecoming and we were proud to be part of the grandiose preparations. There was the PRISSA (Pampanga Regional Inter School Student Athletics?) when our school played host. We welcomed the week of respite IN the same year, Enriqueta Figueroa and Danilo Galang had their first experience of the NSSPC (National Secondary School Press Conference) T Pinaglabanan, Rizal. Meanwhile, Marietta Toledano was elected president of the Sophomore Organization; Enriqueta Figueroa won back her full scholarship; yours truly became a half scholar. The same names were in the honor list and that of Jose Lalisan Jr. was added.

1963-1964

A revision of the school calendar prolonged our vacation to three months; schools were opened in July. New names were added to the faculty roster; new subjects were introduced. During our freshman and sophomore years, we could lean back comfortably. Now, we had to buckle down to work. It was the alpha to an arduous climb. Biology was taxing but all the more interesting. Mrs. Sixta Otchengo gave no leeway. In time we developed a love and zeal for biology and for our teacher. Geometry was like purgative to many. We had to gulp it down nevertheless, Junior days were not all work and books. Educational trips to the Manila Zoo and Philam Life Auditorium greatly eased tense nerves. Before the end of the semester, Charles hank Adams, an AFS (American Field Scholar) scholar, joined our class in Philippine Problems. He gave first hand information about the American way of life and problems like juvenile delinquency, divorce and racial segregation. He left after two months; we saw him off at the Manila International Airport. In the National Essay Writing Contest, which had for its theme "Why I Respect the Centavo", Felisa Dayrit displayed her talents when she copped the Regional Prize. We also show promise in athletics when we garnered first place in basketball and third place in the general championship of the Central Luzon Athletic Association Meet (CLAA). Special mention is given to Cielito Lindo , record breaker in running broad jump in the CLAA meet. The battle of the wits continued. Scholarship saw a status quo while Jose Dizon, Abraham de Leon and Rodolfo Vergara were among the honor students.

1964-1965

The last phase of our educational struggle came over the din of the previous year It was beset with petty bickering and dissension that threatened our unity. Now, more than ever, we realized that school life was likened to a "pathless wood where our face burns and tickles with the cobwebs". There was a bitter strife for political supremacy of the three contending candidates for president in the Student Council. Alberto Sayag emerged victorious over rival candidates Danilo Galang and Rolando Perez. The pressing problem of accommodation found solution when we, the seniors, (percolate) were transferred to the former Second Station Army Hospital. Here we patched up differences; once again we were a big, happy family. The last NSSPC held in Sorsogon is worth remembering in that our delegates brought home unique prizes, not trophies nor medals, but hearts that throbbed with sincere hospitality. As we go over the inspiring lines "Onward we go to distant isles, in search of fuller life of hope", we realized that we have finally reached the end of our four-year struggle. Indeed, onward we must go in quest of a fuller life equipped with a stronger faith and determination to achieve our goal. With us will follow lingering memories of a joyous and fruitful past.

Marilyn de Castro

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