The SMC High School Class of 1959
Golden Reunion on January 22, 23 and 24, 2009
Held in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya
--- By Terri Lacson ---
The day started at lunch time hosted by Olivia Bayabos Valle for overseas alumnae. In attendance were Pepe Lopez and wife Gloria, Gene Rivera and Salve, Moaaa, Nena Ludan Dizon, Alice Medrano Sagasay, Violeta Gabot Madlaing, Remedios Ordonez Guy and Judy Tiamkegg. It was a good lunch but I have to run and make sure the venue was ready for our registration. 3:00 on the dot, everything was ready. Early birds Pepe Lopez and wife were already there. Puring Liquigan in a nun's outfit, Belong dela Cruz wearing a sotana as a priest and Judy TiamKegg in a school uniform of SMC were at the entrance to greet alumnae coming in. It was good to see familiar faces after all these years. Yes, we have aged but the young spirit showed more than anything else. The Ayuyang folk singers were there belting out songs from yesteryears bringing back memories. The supposed program was not really followed to a T but hey, we are not in high school anymore to conform to any restrictions
At the start I thanked all those who has helped this reunion possible financially or in some other ways. I was a lil bit tipsy so my thanking was kinda erratic but I pulled it through. The night was nothing but memories, memories and camaraderie.
Next day was started with a 6:00 mass for our departed classmates as well as thanksgiving for the living. I had tears in my eyes when I looked back and saw all if not most of classmates in attendance. The priest honored the class of 59. It was followed by a breakfast in Highlander Hotel in Bayombong. What could I say? I'll never go back to that place again. It's something I can't control and was embarrassed so let's move on. They left for the tour of places such as the Rizal shrine in Casat built by Mahmoud Asfour, then I guess to the Capitol, SMU, Lunduyan (girls high), Capitol museum and of course the boys high. I wasn't there due to the fact that I have to oversee the potluck preparations in Puring Cansino Liquigan's house. Everything was ready by the time they got back. A few of our classmates were looking tired but perked up after the meal. Native dishes were in abundance. Gerry Cabreros donated a goat and my they were delcious. After that everybody went there own way to be ready for the 6:00 Bongahan Nite. Bongahan Nite, what can I say. Everybody had the chance to dance and be merry. Jun Mania and Med Ordonez Guy kept the program going. One of the highlights was Jun dressed as a woman dancing to Hello Dolly rendition of Louie Armstrong. I appreciate the fact that he was game for any thing for the sake of the reunion. And to think that we were old!!!!!! No , all I see are spring chickens grooving to the music. Before I forget, we feasted on a delicious lechon donated by Bing Umaquio Emnace. Thanks Bing!!!! The rest is history captured in video.
Third day, picnic at Haven farm. That place is topnotch considering the location. Our host Puring Mansano dela Cruz ( Abraham dela Cruz wife) was so gracious to let us use her private hideout. We were all wearing the golden T shirts for the reunion. Talking about girls misbehavin. Cameras were just clicking away with no end. I rained but it didn't dampen our spirits. We were all busy connecting with each other that the parlor games were forgotten. No big deal, we had group singing and karaoke. The boys surprise us with some good sounds. We have a lot of singers hidden through out the years. Another lechon donated by Bing was served. During the singing of auld lang syne, tears were shed because friendships were bonded and saying goodbye was almost not an option.
To sum it up, my friends, when will we meet again.
