As agreed upon, Batch '83 were to meet at SM (Sirok Mangga) beside the Legislative Building before the 9AM mass. One...two..three..i kept counting and then they kept coming. Guessing game came next as recollection of sorts became quite difficult. It is surprising to meet batchmates after 27 years, and it is even more surprising to learn that during high school, some of us never really got to know each other. How come? I started asking myself. No names, no faces, only the School binds us at that moment. That's just amazing. What's even great was asking one another names and sections way way back without fear or embarassment because it's just like asking each other for the first time and trying to establish friendship. Icebreaker? Yes perhaps. In High school, we probably wouldn't do that. You know, we were too shy, too proud maybe, or too preoccupied with our own little worlds. But of course almost all of us know each other. So we've grown. In age, mind, body and soul.
From SM, we walked all the way to SHS front, the area where we used to assemble for the daily flag raising ceremony, prayer and the singing of the school hymn. Every regular school day. Remember that October is Rosary month and we prayed the rosary then daily. Right after flag raising ceremony. How i survived that i really don't know. But i'm sure Mama Mary protected us from harm...oh take note ladies...COMs (Children of Mary, pero pano yung boys nun?sino protector nila?)
The mass started at about 10AM. We were early and the mass started late so we took the opportunity to take photos, catch up on each other... A little tease here and there, naughty, serious, hugs, laughter, memories..oh how we missed each other and also SHS. This too will become part of our memories.
We were made to form our lines, eyes rolling? No, of course not, we missed being led, instructed upon and scolded. But who would dare scold us now? We're adults, we were behaving, oh yes, we were scared to act unruly. Kabaabin met nu agwelwel tayo hehehehe. Anyway, Veni Grace actually had been warning us to behave the moment we step inside the church. Fair enough. Be naughty now, behave later. Easier said than done. But we promised her anyway. *wink*wink*
As we proceeded to the church, we were all made to walk in the center aisle then we took our designated seats (anian t nagan na dadiay atiddog a tugaw ti simbaaan? i forgot). The march along the aisle gave us a sense of belonging and pride for being a part of SHS. Those who went in first applauded as we approached the frontmost area. We had a beautiful yellow shirt on (thanks Jerry). The Priest and around 5 SHS Batch 2010 beside him were near the church door waiting for everyone to come in, with a welcome smile on their faces. He was taking our pictures with his own cam. How nice. To me at least, that was a very warm welcome. Suspetsa ko favorite nya Batch '83 hehehehe.
So we heard mass. I could hear some giggles, mostly from the boys at the back, by the way, why do boys or men always sit at the back and girls in front? Hmmm...
Elizabeth came in late, but that's alright. She travelled all the way from Baguio with her bunch of flowers. She scolded the boys at the back because they wanted a drink or two already...naughty boys. To quote Beth: "shut up boys, unaan yu pay nga uminom ni Apo Padi!!".
"Kabilin-bilinan ng lola huwag kang uminom ng serbesa...."
The mass was finished in about an hour...The choir sang "Come Sturdy Youth, come join with us to sing in chorus gay lalalalalalalalalalalal lalalalalalal" We still know it. Sang it like proving to one and all that we can still sing it. We all proceeded to Jessica's Beach Resort for lunch. Talks, chats, laughters, food, drinks...Everybody happy. Thanks to all our sponsors. It was time to prepare the float.
We split into 3. Ellen Ella Beth the Sansui Boys went to Ballay to Visit Mateo and Divina(see photo album of Ella in Facebook for an update of the visit) but Divina wasn't there. Another group was formed to prepare the float. The rest (or third group) stayed at Jessica's for videoke.
The float preparation group went with Atong to Taberna to prepare the float. In front of the cemetery hahahahaha. At first Veni was on top of the truck fixing the tarpaulin in place. Prisco Acosta took over and gave instructions on the design. So talented and authoritative. Veni could only scratch her head. In like 30 minutes the float was ready. Veni Grace had a plan which was a sellout, she made Rogelio and Marlyn wear our school uniform. Grabe, you should have seen the reactions of the spectators when Batch '83 float passed by.
Parade parade...Veni was in command, we followed, but when she tried to take our caps, we kept it hahahahaha...Kasi some of our classmates who would be walking had no caps, naubos. We were comfortably perched on top of Yuleta and Rolex's Pick up truck, yellow caps from Jerry brightly and neatly pressed on our heads, it was very warm and Veni thought it unfair for about 3 classmates to walk without caps so she wanted 3 from any volunteer to sacrifice their cap, and we would not budge. Ayaw. it's so beautiful, it's a yellow cap with SHS '83 stitched in red thread... we wanted to be selfish for a while (3 kami dun sa truck, just look kung sino ung 3 dun sa picture) hahahahaha sori Veni, pakawanen na kami ngem di mi talaga ited hahahaha pagawan na lng natin ulit sila, you can't take it, not this time, not during the parade. not ever hahahaha. It's nice to be kids again.
Nelia remembered that last time we had candies to be given away from the float to the spectators, so we forgot this time...Lo and behold, Yuleta was running and catching up with our float, handed Marlyn and Mario pack of candies, oh Yuleta, you're so sweet. The parade route was short and i saw a man in front of their gate waving a flaglet with "1979" printed on it. You see, seems like all of the people here are taga-Sagrado and so proud of it. Aren't we all? We're mighty proud to be.
More picture taking after the parade...click click click...low battery, charge...click click click.
Walang aalis! An order from Henry even before the GR itself. We had to stay intact from morning til night. Agasem that?
Dinner's set at 6:30 in Henhaw Restaurant. It has a maximum capacity of 50pax. Early on during lunch, Lily Ann asked us to notify Henhaw that from 50, we'll add up to 65. It turned out later that we were actually 71? or 76? We told Henhaw to just set up the place for whatever number of pax that would arrive. It's a small but decent place. We wouldn't mind if we have to stand eating. Remember we sometimes took our recess standing for palamig, banana cue, cornik, mais, toge, pancit etc etc, wala pang Jollibee non...so we can also do some siksikan there in Henhaw. Hahahahha...Truth is, we had no choice, we already booked the place and we have an amazing turnout of batchmates. So the attitude should be: let's just make it happen.
After dinner, Veni delivered her speech...with ad libs from Norman, Mario, Marlyn, Brother Noel, you can never be serious when these guys are around, they kept clowning around..they're so funny it gives u bellyache. So Veni finished her piece and just as about we were to proceed to the Auditorium, Atong made a warning: those who would disappear, or who would nor follow will be fined, they will be paying it on the next GR. Aba, wala gusto magmulta ng malaki that's why pupunta ulit. Next came Llewelyn's invitation for a get together lunch the following day (Sunday) at Puerto de San Juan. Thanks Llewelyn. It will be shared exclusively in my next blog. So let's go....we marched to the auditorium.
At the Auditorium...RAKRAKAN NA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Pwede na uminom d na magagalit si Veni whahahahaha shooootttt!!!!!!!!!!! Dance.....ang saya saya natin wahahahahaha.... Lasing na ko... Parbangonen..
We occupied the Auditorium's bleacher, the area near the highway (Naguilian road). After 27 years, it just felt so good to sit on the very same bleacher you once shared with classmates. Nothing has changed much, the concrete bleacher, the steel railings, life itself, life may be slow at times but it is good, great even. The church and the SHS building still look the same from where we were, maybe a little different but it's the same i guess.. Some things need not be changed...like the essence of being a taga Sagrado...the very thing we represent. Our school formed our core values.
As we sat there talking, plans were hatched, batch '83 has now a vision, but that's another story, to be told in another time, in another blog, meanwhile, just let us sip our San Mig Lyts while we start getting serious again for some important matters. I took my San Mig with legs stretched on the bleacher. It felt good talking, planning, getting involved. We want to make things happen. Relevant ones. Just bear with us. BATCH '83 IS INVOLVED.
We stayed til closing time. We're like a colony of industrious ants, sticking and working together. Sikami apo ti maysa nga nagisirra ti Auditorium. From morning til night, we were together.
Hugs, tap on the shoulders, pat on the backs, we bid each other goodbye...happy.
For tomorrow's going to be another fun at Puerto...
I slept with a smile on my face. I had a wonderful time. Im sure everybody felt the same way.
THOSE OF YOU WHO WANTED TO COME BUT WERE NOT ABLE TO AND IS READING THIS RIGHT NOW: I CAN SEE YOU SMILING!!!
Log out muna ako...got work to do.. if i missed anything or anyone, please bear with me, i will edit this when i get back...love u!
Til next blog
From SM, we walked all the way to SHS front, the area where we used to assemble for the daily flag raising ceremony, prayer and the singing of the school hymn. Every regular school day. Remember that October is Rosary month and we prayed the rosary then daily. Right after flag raising ceremony. How i survived that i really don't know. But i'm sure Mama Mary protected us from harm...oh take note ladies...COMs (Children of Mary, pero pano yung boys nun?sino protector nila?)
The mass started at about 10AM. We were early and the mass started late so we took the opportunity to take photos, catch up on each other... A little tease here and there, naughty, serious, hugs, laughter, memories..oh how we missed each other and also SHS. This too will become part of our memories.
We were made to form our lines, eyes rolling? No, of course not, we missed being led, instructed upon and scolded. But who would dare scold us now? We're adults, we were behaving, oh yes, we were scared to act unruly. Kabaabin met nu agwelwel tayo hehehehe. Anyway, Veni Grace actually had been warning us to behave the moment we step inside the church. Fair enough. Be naughty now, behave later. Easier said than done. But we promised her anyway. *wink*wink*
As we proceeded to the church, we were all made to walk in the center aisle then we took our designated seats (anian t nagan na dadiay atiddog a tugaw ti simbaaan? i forgot). The march along the aisle gave us a sense of belonging and pride for being a part of SHS. Those who went in first applauded as we approached the frontmost area. We had a beautiful yellow shirt on (thanks Jerry). The Priest and around 5 SHS Batch 2010 beside him were near the church door waiting for everyone to come in, with a welcome smile on their faces. He was taking our pictures with his own cam. How nice. To me at least, that was a very warm welcome. Suspetsa ko favorite nya Batch '83 hehehehe.
So we heard mass. I could hear some giggles, mostly from the boys at the back, by the way, why do boys or men always sit at the back and girls in front? Hmmm...
Elizabeth came in late, but that's alright. She travelled all the way from Baguio with her bunch of flowers. She scolded the boys at the back because they wanted a drink or two already...naughty boys. To quote Beth: "shut up boys, unaan yu pay nga uminom ni Apo Padi!!".
"Kabilin-bilinan ng lola huwag kang uminom ng serbesa...."
The mass was finished in about an hour...The choir sang "Come Sturdy Youth, come join with us to sing in chorus gay lalalalalalalalalalalal lalalalalalal" We still know it. Sang it like proving to one and all that we can still sing it. We all proceeded to Jessica's Beach Resort for lunch. Talks, chats, laughters, food, drinks...Everybody happy. Thanks to all our sponsors. It was time to prepare the float.
We split into 3. Ellen Ella Beth the Sansui Boys went to Ballay to Visit Mateo and Divina(see photo album of Ella in Facebook for an update of the visit) but Divina wasn't there. Another group was formed to prepare the float. The rest (or third group) stayed at Jessica's for videoke.
The float preparation group went with Atong to Taberna to prepare the float. In front of the cemetery hahahahaha. At first Veni was on top of the truck fixing the tarpaulin in place. Prisco Acosta took over and gave instructions on the design. So talented and authoritative. Veni could only scratch her head. In like 30 minutes the float was ready. Veni Grace had a plan which was a sellout, she made Rogelio and Marlyn wear our school uniform. Grabe, you should have seen the reactions of the spectators when Batch '83 float passed by.
Parade parade...Veni was in command, we followed, but when she tried to take our caps, we kept it hahahahaha...Kasi some of our classmates who would be walking had no caps, naubos. We were comfortably perched on top of Yuleta and Rolex's Pick up truck, yellow caps from Jerry brightly and neatly pressed on our heads, it was very warm and Veni thought it unfair for about 3 classmates to walk without caps so she wanted 3 from any volunteer to sacrifice their cap, and we would not budge. Ayaw. it's so beautiful, it's a yellow cap with SHS '83 stitched in red thread... we wanted to be selfish for a while (3 kami dun sa truck, just look kung sino ung 3 dun sa picture) hahahahaha sori Veni, pakawanen na kami ngem di mi talaga ited hahahaha pagawan na lng natin ulit sila, you can't take it, not this time, not during the parade. not ever hahahaha. It's nice to be kids again.
Nelia remembered that last time we had candies to be given away from the float to the spectators, so we forgot this time...Lo and behold, Yuleta was running and catching up with our float, handed Marlyn and Mario pack of candies, oh Yuleta, you're so sweet. The parade route was short and i saw a man in front of their gate waving a flaglet with "1979" printed on it. You see, seems like all of the people here are taga-Sagrado and so proud of it. Aren't we all? We're mighty proud to be.
More picture taking after the parade...click click click...low battery, charge...click click click.
Walang aalis! An order from Henry even before the GR itself. We had to stay intact from morning til night. Agasem that?
Dinner's set at 6:30 in Henhaw Restaurant. It has a maximum capacity of 50pax. Early on during lunch, Lily Ann asked us to notify Henhaw that from 50, we'll add up to 65. It turned out later that we were actually 71? or 76? We told Henhaw to just set up the place for whatever number of pax that would arrive. It's a small but decent place. We wouldn't mind if we have to stand eating. Remember we sometimes took our recess standing for palamig, banana cue, cornik, mais, toge, pancit etc etc, wala pang Jollibee non...so we can also do some siksikan there in Henhaw. Hahahahha...Truth is, we had no choice, we already booked the place and we have an amazing turnout of batchmates. So the attitude should be: let's just make it happen.
After dinner, Veni delivered her speech...with ad libs from Norman, Mario, Marlyn, Brother Noel, you can never be serious when these guys are around, they kept clowning around..they're so funny it gives u bellyache. So Veni finished her piece and just as about we were to proceed to the Auditorium, Atong made a warning: those who would disappear, or who would nor follow will be fined, they will be paying it on the next GR. Aba, wala gusto magmulta ng malaki that's why pupunta ulit. Next came Llewelyn's invitation for a get together lunch the following day (Sunday) at Puerto de San Juan. Thanks Llewelyn. It will be shared exclusively in my next blog. So let's go....we marched to the auditorium.
At the Auditorium...RAKRAKAN NA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Pwede na uminom d na magagalit si Veni whahahahaha shooootttt!!!!!!!!!!! Dance.....ang saya saya natin wahahahahaha.... Lasing na ko... Parbangonen..
We occupied the Auditorium's bleacher, the area near the highway (Naguilian road). After 27 years, it just felt so good to sit on the very same bleacher you once shared with classmates. Nothing has changed much, the concrete bleacher, the steel railings, life itself, life may be slow at times but it is good, great even. The church and the SHS building still look the same from where we were, maybe a little different but it's the same i guess.. Some things need not be changed...like the essence of being a taga Sagrado...the very thing we represent. Our school formed our core values.
As we sat there talking, plans were hatched, batch '83 has now a vision, but that's another story, to be told in another time, in another blog, meanwhile, just let us sip our San Mig Lyts while we start getting serious again for some important matters. I took my San Mig with legs stretched on the bleacher. It felt good talking, planning, getting involved. We want to make things happen. Relevant ones. Just bear with us. BATCH '83 IS INVOLVED.
We stayed til closing time. We're like a colony of industrious ants, sticking and working together. Sikami apo ti maysa nga nagisirra ti Auditorium. From morning til night, we were together.
Hugs, tap on the shoulders, pat on the backs, we bid each other goodbye...happy.
For tomorrow's going to be another fun at Puerto...
I slept with a smile on my face. I had a wonderful time. Im sure everybody felt the same way.
THOSE OF YOU WHO WANTED TO COME BUT WERE NOT ABLE TO AND IS READING THIS RIGHT NOW: I CAN SEE YOU SMILING!!!
Log out muna ako...got work to do.. if i missed anything or anyone, please bear with me, i will edit this when i get back...love u!
Til next blog
