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 to 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.