What do you get when you put Kuya Vic and mix him with Celia and Diana and the Parados...a riot!  Here is an update from Kuya Vic on their recent mini-reunion in Felix & Tess' new digs in Glendora.  The pictures show how much fun they have.  You'll never have a dull moment when you're with Vic.  Thanks, Victor!

   Summer in the West Coast.....what could be more exciting than friends and families spending some quality time together camping in the beach?  The Gonzaleses, Bautistas and Parados is like a big family that to my opinion their friendship can never be shaken even by intensity 7 quake.  You guys are the model of solid friendship.

   Jerry Teodoro is our  latest Toronto buddy and we took the Canadian long weekend as an opportunity to get to see him.  We decided on a last minute plan to hold a mini reunion at Val's place at West Side Drive in Unionville.  Jerry did a lot of reminiscing and we tried to help him remember a lot of our batchmates... some of them he knew either from his elementary days or from the PLM days.

   Josephine Bracken flew down to NYC to meet the other divas of Batch '78.  Here is his account of how they rocked Manhattan.
 

   Can you guess who this boy scout is?   Click on the picture for bigger view.  Thanks, Jenny, for digging into your treasure chest.

   We want keep this minutes from the last issue and we have added some pictures to it.  Thanks, Fenchie for the pictures and thanks to Perlie again for her never ending perseverance in updating us.
 

   We feel the momentum as the Grand Reunion approaches and we are growing.  We have 9 new buddies found this month from different part of the globe...Bulacan, Micronesia, L.A. Toronto, New Jersey to name a few.

   Please change or add the following email addresses in your list.  Also notify us if your email address changed.  If you know the email address of other batchmates who has not contacted us yet, please let us know and we will contact them.

A Day at Nonino Pool (Circa'77)

      Clockwise starting from Top Left Mae Espino (Leah's sister), CHIT ESTEVA, Ching Cabildo, Leah Espino, Ana Suarez, Ronnie Nieva, Rey Bisda, Romy Austria, Egay Atienza, Zaida Tangug, Diana Lansangan, Malou Cruz, Ellen Directo, Ahmee Fabula, Au Valderama.

Thank you for the time and effort you're exerting for our batch in THS. Although you're also busy with your work, you still find time to make the website and organize each batch member's profiles and pictures. While I scan our website I can't help but shed a tear as memories come back to me through the pictures - the successes, present lives, what we have to go through after graduating from THS. I'm happy for those who are striving for better lives whether here or in places other than the Philippines, it shows that we as Torresians have what it takes to make it big in whatever path we choose. I only know two persons from the group I came from, the science group, Joseph Po and Janet Alfonso I'm  having a hard time recalling faces and names. I can't even recall that you have been my schoolmate back in gradeschool, maybe it's just time it's been too long. 

Regards to your family and to our other batchmates! 

Sincerely, 
Jenny
 

The welcome streamer beams:  WELCOME TO TORRES HIGH SCHOOL BATCH '78 MINI
REUNION AND FELLOWSHIP. . ."Walang uuna sa Torres High!"  The music from
the '70s were constantly being played. 

I was looking at the bare covered court of and the decorated stage of the
Holy Child Catholic School.  Until an anonymous member of Batch '79 came to
say hello.  She handed to me her PhP10,000 donation for the batch.  I was
deeply touched.  I knew we were headed for a blessed day.  Edna Adriano
Gilera arrived to talk to her briefly.  Seeing that nobody was yet to man
the registration table when it was already around 4:00 p.m., Edna she
decided take it.  Unknowingly, Jun de Cruz was already around assisting the
technicians taking care of the sound system. 

The came Perlie's group together with the E1 ladies with Evelyn as the
driver.  For nearly two hours,  it was time for happy welcoming of new
arrivals who were often met with giggles, kisses and embraces after what
seemed like a never-ending guessing game of names and faces that would
match them.  In the meantime, the HCCS Drum and Lyre Corps continuously
played joyful music of welcome.

While many who confirmed and attended the last Mini Reunion and Fellowship
were conspicuously absent,  our spirit soared at the arrival of many first
timers whom we haven't seen for the past twenty-four years.  The merienda
consisting of adobo rolls and hotdog bits was pleasantly simmered with warm
hugs, hellos and how are yous. 

Considered as a breakthrough was the coming of Libra-Virgo members:
Criselda Imperio Martinez,  Evelyn Bautista Ynte, Fernando Celis, Ronnel
Samson,  Precy Concepcion Cruz who were joined by Cancer first timers
Lodela Pedigan Manibo, Ched Conejos and Dr. Violeta Villanueva Casiguran.
Precy recalls that her high school crush was THE Val Buzon while Violeta
carried a torch for Jaime Tan. 

There were also Sc2 first timers: the regal-bearing Janny Jaymalin Isidro
(who came with her ever cheerful children and husband) and Augusto Guasis
who only discovered each other's presence at the later part of the
gathering.  There was also the presence of Nick Concepcion from PA3 and a
lot more "new faces" from the Math, Science and English groups. 

The occasion was also made special by the loving presence of two teachers:
Ms. Raquel Gulapa (Special Science teacher of Botany and Zoology and the
Science Group's teacher in Environmental Science) and Mrs. Carmelita
Suavillo (Libra adviser and Social Studies teacher).  They were joined by
Mrs. Angie Z. Modesto, THS Alumni Affairs Coordinator and is remebered by
many as the loving Ate of the Student Catholic Action (SCA) from Batch '76.
 Ms. Gulapa looked like one of the batchmates as she remained young and
virginal through the years.

In the meantime, my mobile phone kept on ringing with Rey Bisda calling
from Canada wanting to talk to his teachers and PLM buddy, Elmer Pangan.

At around 6:00 p.m., the program started at the covered court.  My students
from HCCS rendered a Batangas folk dance, Subli,  while anpother student,
Sarina, sung a soulful rendition of Open Arms, the oldest song that she
could sing.  Then, it was Jessie Guevarra Moran's daughter's turn to sing
another song . . . reminiscent of Jessie's endless stints in programs way
back when.

Then, the whole group moved to the more convenient (airconditioned) and
intimate venue, the Audio Visual Room.  Everyone proudly joined in singing
the timeless Torres March with the help of a projected lyrics as there are
too many who are too old to remember.  The business meeting begun.  Ms.
Gulapa gave her recollections and insights.  Mrs. Suavillo did the same
remembering one of the best and most intelligent batch of THS and her fond
memories of her beloved advisory class - Libra.  One could remember that
Mrs. Suavillo liked Eggie Endrina of Libra very much. They recalled
everything as if it were only yesterday.

Moises Sta. Ana gave the sharing on the "Most Important Lessons Learned in
Life."  He did it his way . . . his honest-to-goodness way.  To think that
Ms. Gulapa earlier confessed that Moises gave her the baptism of fire as a
teacher.  He was her nightmare, the epitome of a teacher's headache. Ms.
Gulapa almost gave up teaching because of Moises. (She later recalled
another student from our batch whom she remembers as "makulit, malikot at
madaldal." His name: Rodolfo Nacianceno.)  It was a very Moises but this
time, more matured and serious about life.  His last words, "Magkaroon tayo
lagi ng banal na pagkatakot sa Diyos."  There was thunderous applause. 

Business meeting followed.  The group decided to create a foundation for
the batch's socio-civic undertakings.  The following were chosen as
incorporators: Fernando Celis, Edmond Liao, Evelyn Bautista Ynte, Mercedes
Conejos and Ching Cabildo;  Jennifer Jaymalin Isidro, Augusto Guasis, Edna
Adriano Gilera, Antonio Rementilla and Ferdie Zalameda;  Evelyn Alcaraz,
Dodie Morales, Jessie Guevarra and Rodrigo dela Cruz, Jr.; Dante Manalang,
Gigi Gregorio, Cora Grande, Mon Salas and Bond Ramos.  It was also
officially announced that while I remain the Chairman of the Batch, Edna
would be the Executive Chairman.  Leah Espino Ponio sent a word that she
could no longer be vice chairman and Nelson Ceña will take her place.

Tentatively, the planned activities were made known:  Bingo Social, Medical
and Dental Outreach, Concert for a Cause (featuring Joey Generoso of Side A
Band who himself is a member of Batch '79 and Ai-Ai delas Alas at the Music
Museum) among others.   They also like the idea of holding the Grand Alumni
Homecoming on the second week of August next year.  There will be several
activities during the Homecoming Week:  Balikbayan Night (ala Barrio
Fiesta);  Family Day which will end with a jamming session among batchmates
who would sing the hits of the late 70's;  Medical and Dental Ourtreach to
the poor people of Tondo; and the Grand Alumni Homecoming Night.  Of
course, we will give donation for the upgrading of the deteriorating
facilities of Torres High.

Then, the crowd grew restless.  They were young high schoolers once more
who would not want to listen anymore.  They wanted to spend the rest of the
night bonding.  Thus, we called for the dinner break while the video of the
2000 Reunion and Felloswhip was played.  It was undescribably noisy.
Laughters here and there.  Until videoke time came.  The star of the night
was Rey Medenilla who gave the most entertaining version of "Hello Dolly"
complete with choreography.  Lodela did "Top of the World."  Beng and
Elmer, the caterer, prepared a feast consisting of chicken afridata, fish
fillet, sotanghon, callos (the best) while Edna brought spaghetti.  There
was also chicharong bulaklak for pulutan.  130 persons partook of the meal
as per head count.  Four bottles of wine for the ladies were consumed.  And
seven boxes of San Mig Light went to the men's beer bellies. 

When people started saying goodbye at around 10:00 p.m.,  a big number of
group still remained to drink and talk.  Finally, Edmon and Lala, the last
couple to leave mad an exit at aroung past 11:00 p.m.

There were still "boo-boos" too.  WE FAILED TO TAKE A GROUP PICTURE!  But
even without it, we recorded the memorable event through photoraphs (with
two professional photographers taking shots) and videocamera (for posterity).

Herewith is the list of attendees.  In as much as spouses are honorary
members of the Batch, I included them in the listing among the regular
members. 

Attendees:

1.  Precy Concepcion Cruz
2.  Evelyn Bautista Ynte
3.  Dr. Violeta Villanueva Casiguran
4.  Fernando Celis with wife,
5.  Rosemarie Celis
6.  Ariel Ciego
7.  Edmon Liao, with wife,
8.  Lala Liao
9.  Jenny Jaymalin Isidro with husband,
10. Bien Isidro and children
11. Jun de Guzman with wife
12. Sheila and children
13. Kagawad Mercedes Conejos
14. Lodela Pedigan Manibo
15. Augusto Guasis
16. Dante Manalang
17. Wilfredo Ramos, with wife
18. Emilie Ramos
19. Cora Grande
20. Edna Villanueva Centeno
21. Ariel Nepomuceno, with wife
22. Lady Nepomuceno
23. Gigi de Silva Gregorio
24. Ronnel Samson
25. Regina Santiago delos Reyes, with husband
26. Deonnie delos Reyes
27. Dr. Janet Alfonso Manalo
28. Ellen Directo Fabie
29. Rey Medenilla
30. Beng Ceña
31. Nelson Ceña
32. Ate Angge Modesto (Batch '76/ THS Alumni Affairs Coordinator)
33. Felizardo Tuazon
34. May Mendoza Dula
35. Rodrigo dela Cruz
35. Wilma Anne Bais Cabullon
36. Juanchito M. Alnajes
37. Olivia Griarte Seña
38. Ma. Evelyn Alcaraz Muallil
39. Ma. Perlita Gonzales and children
40. Dolly dela Cruz Ramos
41. Octavio Reyes
42. Ma. Edna Adriano Gilera, with husband
43. Jun Gilera
44. Antonio Rementilla
45. Jessie guevarra Moran and children
46. Elmer Pangan
47. Rebecca Cruz Pangan
48. Edgardo Morales, Jr. and son
49. Arnel Macalinao
50. Moises Sta. Ana
51. Wilfredo Torres
52. Criselda Imperio Martinez
53. Nicolas Concepcion (P.A. Group), with wife
54. Rosario Concepcion
55. Solomon Salas with son and wife,
55. Tess Salas
56. Ferdinand Zalameda
57. Reynaldo Santos
58. Rolando de Vera
59. Ferdinand M. Manalo, Jr.
60. Ma. Luz S. Garon
61. Merlie Leocadio Sugay and children, with husband
62. Tom Leocadio
63. Jollo T. Semilla
64. Marilou Cruz Santos
65. Fr. Erick Y. Santos
66. Teacher, Mrs. Carmelita Suavillo
67. Teacher, Ms. Raquel Gulapa
68. Lodela Pedigan Manibo
70. Anonymous from Batch '79
71. undocumented
72. undocumented
73. undocumented

In reality, there were 63 alumni who came including those undocumented as
their coming were fleeting and left in a jiffy.  Not bad for a mini-reunion. 

Later that night, i still joined my staff who dovoured the remaining beer
cans. I settled for white wine and there, without my batchmates and only a
handful of my staff with me, I belted songs in the videoke half drunk.  I
went up my room before 1:00 a.m.

Feeling tired, I retired for the night with beaming eyes refusing to close
as a I reminisce the memorable night that has passed.