November 2nd

Please note that Joe Andaya and Delma Lavarias have made arrangements to hold the reunion/ planning meeting at the Golden Pine Hotel at 2 pm on 2 November. It appears that the road conditions into Baguio are now operational with little disruption. The hotel is located below City Hall and the Insular Life Building. Class 61 and Class 86 members are invited. For details, please contact: Joe Andaya 09194159870 or Delma Lavarias 09155415407
We look forward to hearing about the meeting, soon!

CHICAGO! Not the Musical

Have you got your pencils and 2011 calendars ready?? Then mark the dates 5 through 11 August, for the 6th BCHSIAA Triennial Reunion. Our Chicago Chapter bretheren planning committee have already met a couple of times to firm up plans and activities, for what promises to be an exciting reunion in the third largest city in the USA, also known as the Windy City or Chi-Town.


Perhaps those of us who will be going there, could plan on a brief visit, and probably together with Nap's family, to his grave to pay our respects and remember him as one of us: Class 61.

GUESSING GAME 7-(a)

We Are Family

You know how special our coming together as a class can be! Then we encourage you to join us and experience renewing old friendships and old acquaintances become friends! Pencil-in, in your busy datebook, the first Friday and Saturday of May 2011 for our alumni homecoming.

High school: I have to admit this experience was nothing like I thought it would be. We often hear about high school years being the best of years. Perhaps so, perhaps not. We don’t get to choose who our classmates are: we may not always like everything about them. But what makes a class a family? It is the collective memories that bring us closer together? Like it or not, we all share an experience that has bonded us for the rest of our lives.

Marlo: add an “n” and gives you a popular man’s name. As in that Brando chap. Add “kong” and gets as close to an Ilocano bowl as you can imagine. She got teased often because of this, but has never revealed the origins of her name although she has a brother who has a fairly unusual name too: Zeno. As Valedictorian at the New Baguio Central School, she came into our freshman class as one of the tallest girls. Because of this she had a tendency to stoop a little bit.

I can relate to Marlo in some ways: our older siblings all attended City High, and therefore were subjects of constant comparison with them, all the time. She was known to many of the teachers: Miss Soledad Blancas was her next-door neighbor (I think hers was the closest to the Imperial house, now owned by Lucio Tan) at the Teachers Camp cottages , Mrs. Dequis-Teodoro was her mother’s sister, Mrs. Felisa Beltran was her godmother (I think), and so on. This was an advantage to her, having reduced considerably the life-altering cycle that is high school, and got adjusted quicker to this cycle than many of us. She retired from Rizal Elementary School at Pacdal in 2005.

It is somewhat surprising, that none of her three sons have entered the teaching profession as well. They are, respectively, a military dentist, a lieutenant colonel and PMA graduate based in Samar, and a civil engineer in Baguio. Perhaps it was the influence of her husband, Camilo D. Aspiras Jr., as he served as mechanical engineer with the city’s Public Utilities Services. By her own admittance, he is her favorite person! And perhaps one of their three grandchildren might still become a teacher someday?

I enjoyed having Marlo as a classmate and ka-barkada, and I think a lot of the other classmates did, too. She was easy-going, positive and a lot of fun. (She still is!)! Teaching runs deep in her family blood: her mother was one, her Dad was the custodian at Teachers Camp. So it was no surprise that she took a degree in Education from Saint Louis University, having the teacher-skill set in place, already. Back to her Dad: he was a kind man, always hospitable and welcomed us (the rowdy classmates with shoe soles stuck with lots of Baguio clayish mud) into their house at Teachers Camp, to hang out a bit or just to spend some time before the trek back home. He reminded me of a Filipino version of Mr. Rogers with his ever-warm cardigan.

Since graduation, Marlo and I see each other when we can (about once every four years?). When we reconnect it is as though time stood still, except for the little clues here and there: the streaks of silver hair, the gait that has been replaced by a shuffle, but the smiles and jokes and recalling stories are still there. The often-thought of innocence of our high school youth and how much fun that was, are forever imprinted in us.

One incident that happened, during our junior year is something quite unforgettable. For some funny reason which I do not recall now, Marlo had the notion that a group of us were avoiding her. Mrs. Beltran, in our Biology class, mentioned that some of us were “boycotting” Marlo. She added that if we did not know the meaning of the word we should consult a good dictionary. That afternoon I had to return some Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys library books at the Baguio Public Library (which was housed then at the former Amapola Café on Upper Session Road), at the basement. The attending Librarian, Mr. Gacad (husband of Mrs. Florfina Gacad) was clearing the books that I had borrowed. I think there were three of us together at that time: Ludy B and Salvacion F. In the middle of the transaction, Marlo came bounding down the spiral staircase and inquired from Mr. Gacad where she could find the dictionaries. He inquired what word or words she would consult, and she said, “boycott” – so he referred her to some of the large-size dictionaries which stood on wooden stands, one floor up. So the three of us looked at each other with quizzical looks!

"Haaaay, matay akkk-kon!!" That is a quote, uniquely Marlo Pimentel-Aspiras. Friend.

"Viewing the Philppines in a Different Light"

Good News Pilipinas website contains a positive and inspiring article, written by an Aussie who has fallen under the siren spell of the Philippines. He takes the view that the various linguistic and cultural groups are rich, strong and proud… friendly and welcoming to outsiders.

Scott Allford says, "On a trip to Sagada I was welcomed into a very warm and friendly Kankanaey family. They showed us around Sagada and told us stories of Kankanaey cultural practices. They even taught me how to wear a traditional bahag (a hand-loomed loin cloth or G-string)."

"With all that this country has to offer I am baffled as to why it has been branded in such a negative way by the International media. However, I think that more and more people are starting to discover that there is a different side to the Philippines to the one they have been bombarded with for the past few decades. Those who come to the Philippines to seek out the beauty of this country will not be disappointed. However, first time travellers to the Philippines should beware, just like me and many other foreigners, this amazing country may compel you to stay quite a bit longer than you initially planned."

What a refreshing way to re-brand the flip side of poverty, disease, calamities, corruption which is the staple on which the international press thrives on about the country.

Thank you Norma G-A for this article.

http://goodnewspilipinas.com/?p=8873
http://tourism-philippines.com/viewing-the-philippines-in-a-different-light/

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Your Golden Pine Tree

You can now view it at www.iaabchs.com and look for the Golden Pine Tree. It may take time for it to appear - it is 34 pages but just be patient and wait.

GUESSING GAME 9 Responses

Thanks for your responses. Parehong tama!

"The answer is Angelica B-M and Evelyn D-B!" from Rudy L; and also from Ano N:

"And, I thought, I could nail this guessing game #9 with all the clues included.. however, big brother beat me to the punch, he must have been awakened by his loud snoring @4:00AM.

To: Angel - finally.. we have a picture of you during your younger years...

To: Evelyn - Thanks for this picture and all the "old" pictures you have been sharing."

... And here is a non-Photoshopped photo of Angel and me. And Angel, on a recent holiday in Prague (extracted from her Facebook photos). Just goes to show that "nothing changes". Except maybe for the pedal pushers.

GUESSING GAME 9: Who are We??

Note: any responses regarding the Guessing Games, from BCHS-related persons will be entertained, regardless of class, school, age, sex, dialect ... And who are we? Take a wild, wild guess. I think I saved the original photo, which will be published when guessing entries come in. This photo was taken at a Girl Scout picnic in Wright Park. FYI, those pants were called "pedal pushers" at that time, which pedals were being pushed, I just don't know. BTW, I think the pockets are stuffed with small change, tissues, etc. and not Fighter and Posporong Guitara (that was for the boys then).

Here are some clues!

Both these shy young ladies have older brothers who finished their law degrees from the same university: one is associated with John Hay plus the Baguio flower festival; the other, in the Philippine foreign service. These ladies were seatmates/ classmates in saling-pusa Grade 1, under Mrs. Alcantara, as the school did not have a formal kindergarten class at that time. Each one married non-Filipinos: one comes from the city where Big Ben is located, while the other, the Pyramids. The real, real pyramids, not the Las Vegas faux one. One has two sons and the other, one daughter. One worked in New York, the other in Washington, D.C.

Other clues: This acronym means something to them (hackers, note this: they probably use it as their passwords) LESBCHSUP. One loves Math with a passion, the other does not! Both are West Coast residents. They lived within 174 meters of the then-Mayor of Baguio. Both bought their daily breakfast pan de sal from Sunshine Bakery on Magsaysay Avenue. Their mothers raised prized roses and dahlias. Each had a set of one Ilocano and one Tagalog parent. Any guesses who we are?

The winner will be awarded Summa Cum Laude honors for a day.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS We Attended

Dear Klasmeyts (as Art would say...) It seems that there is a pattern emerging, of the sub-groups within City High Class 61. These are the pupils who attended elementary school together. So far, I can name a few in the subgroups belonging to

Old Baguio Central School- now Baguio Central School
New Baguio Central School- now Quezon Elementary School
Aurora Hill Elementary School
Lucban Elementary School - LES
Bonifacio Elementary School
Pacdal Elementary School - now Rizal Elementary School
Irisan Elementary School
One in Ilocos Sur- Tita B and Alberto and Emmanuel C graduated from this elementary school, Tita was Valedictorian.
In Acupan, Itogon?

I can speak for my co-LES graduates, that there were a number of us who went on to City High. I have posted a list, together with some notes as far as my memory would serve me. From experience, this is a fun thing! These are posted toward your last scrolls of this blog.

Your kind support is requested, to make these lists as complete as we humanly can and as far as our memory banks would allow us. And if you can, please add some notes also, to the best of your good memory. Good laeng, a, bad is okay as long as it is not malicious nor hurting nor b____s. So bad-good is acceptable. That is why you have a Moderator, namely Siac.

It looks like none of City High 61 went to the parochial elementary schools such as St. Louis, and others. But then I could be wrong.
SO GET THOSE DUSTY ALBUMS AND SCRAPBOOKS AND BITS OF REMEMBRANCES FROM UNDER YOUR BEDS, BAULS, CARNATION MILK BOXES, OLD SAMSONITE SUITCASES, FAKE LOUIS VUITTONS, AND FROM YOUR BASEMENTS, AND LOOK FOR FAMILIAR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FACES, STORIES, FACTS, WHATEVER: AND SHARE THEM WITH YOUR BELOVED '61 KLASMEYTS!

If these were waterlogged during the last typhoons, the more reason you should be submitting these names before they slip away into oblivion nga conada. Look forward to hearing from you.

City Camp Lagoon

Here is a photo taken by Delma's son Joshua Samuel and posted on Facebook. It shows part of the flooding damage at City Camp Lagoon.

Mini-Reunion/ Planning Session Postponed

With regard to the mini-reunion for 2 November, Rudy L said...

"Shouldn't the mini-reunion planned for Nov. 2nd be rescheduled? It will be awhile for the city to recover from the ravages of the typhoon."

Also, Delma L. emailed: "since Nov. 1 is All Saint's Day in the Philippines, and people will be either going down to the provinces to visit their dead except for those who are in Baguio. Nov. 2 usually is a family day for some, and the rest would be coming back from the provinces, and depending on the traffic situation and weather condition, I hope we can get as many Cl61 to attend." Delma, kindly cancel arrangements with Golden Pine Hotel since we need to move the dates.

It looks like the essential focus of Baguioites for the next months to come is upon getting dry, obtaining food supplies, attending to the sick and injured, repairing homes, rangtays and roads.

May we please have views of others, and some idea on suitable dates. I would vote for the reunion to be postponed, to coincide with the dates of the annual reunion of City High the first Friday and Saturday of May 2010, killing two birds with one bato. Or if you have any other ideas please share them.

Rudy, because of the time difference it is a bit difficult to get Ludy B-A on the telephone. Kindly pass on the message about postponing the mini-reunion, and if she has some ideas about dates.

Ar B, are you Canada or Baguio right now. But I think I see you giving swimming lessons in the Lagoon in the photo posted on the 9th, to the left of the foreground pine tree and green roof.

Baguio is Temporarily Inaccessible

October 11, 2009
Lisa wrote:
Although the skies are now clear and the weather is perfect, Baguio City right now is totally cut off from the rest of the Philippines because all access roads: Kennon Road, Marcos Highway, Naguilian Road and Halsema (Mountain Trail) are either being checked for safety or repaired. The effect of this would be that no supplies can go up and down except by airlift until one of the first three is opened.

The Rosario bridge is down, suffering damage when one of its foundations gave way and they are working on a Bailey bridge for that section. This bridge is important because it connects Pangasinan to La Union, where Kennon, Marcos and Naguilian Roads have entry

Alternative route: Motorists can still access La Union and Baguio via Dagupan, San Fabian, Damortiz in Pangasinan, except that those area are still flooded as I write, although the flood waters there are already going down. Folks may reach MacArthur Highway via the Dagupan-Asingan road and turn right at Urdaneta City or proceed to Camiling and enter MacArthur in Tarlac City.

Tourists are stranded with all bus trips temporarily cancelled so I see quite a lot of them walking around, basking in the sunshine.

But We Need Fuel and Food

Because we are now cut off, and folks have been “panic buying” for two weekends now (Pepeng hit us lightly at first on October 2 and hit us hard on October 7-8) so we will be needing food supplies. I heard a plane overhead finally today and am hoping that the supplies that 300,000 residents will need will be coming soon. Hey, by my estimate, about 50,000 of the population is composed of college students from the lowlands, whom we still have to feed. Since school is not yet out, they’re all still here!

By the way, Goldilocks and Red Ribbon are all out of stock, the groceries are fast running out, the restaurants have a lot of items out of stock by now, too and are waiting for supplies to reach us.

I suggest, that since the weather is fine, that people stop using their cars for a while and start walking around as much as possible to conserve on fuel.

Kennon Road will open at 5am tomorrow till noon for vehicles going down, and 12 noon to 6pm for vehicles coming up. And they kept saying Marcos Highway was more reliable…

Typhoon Pepeng made a U-TURN. First the winds were a category 4, which means over 215kph, then sunshine then steady rainfall.

Although internet signals just came back a few hours ago, we have had electricity and water throughout and no landslides nearby.

But unhampered migration to the City of Pines has caused this beautiful place to become overpopulated with folks erecting houses on public land that is not necessarily fit for residential purposes, sticking shanties on mountainsides, along riverbanks and beside canals. But we cannot blame them because the local government has allowed and even encouraged all these, especially in the 19 years after the great 1990 earthquake.

Areas That Were Hit

Some areas suffered a lot of damage, with more than 60 total casualties. City Camp, which used to be a lagoon and somehow was declared fit for residential purposes experienced severe flooding — as usual.

City Camp, which is right off Legarda Road and about 1 kilometer from the Baguio City Market is also where the mayor plans to build a permanent satellite market, borrowing Php250M which taxpayers will repay in 10-15 years if the deal pushes through. More than anything, they should rethink this location because flooding here is a recurring problem.

Benguet was hit hard, even its capital La Trinidad which is a fabulous priece of flat land, where more than 100 persons perished in landslides. The area called Longlong-Lamtang, that has a road connecting Baguio City to La Trinidad via Naguilian suffered landslides.

Read full article in http://www.i-baguio.com/pepengs-second-coming/

Ondong, Pepeng...or Ketsana, Parma...

What Baguio is like during the two typhoons' wake. Check out the video by Karlo Marko Altomonte, a Baguio resident. It gives views of Naguilian Road, City Camp Lagoon, Government Camp, Session Road:

http://kmaltomonte.blogspot.com/2009_10_01_archive.html
photo: H. Palangchao, Baguio Midland Courier

Guess.Game 8: St. John Bosco Parish Church

Ar, you are right - it is the Catholic Church at Trancoville, off Roxas Street and Malvar Street. The latter is the street where Ludy's house is located, it is the road leading to Leonila Hill and Aurora Hill. Ludy used to take me to that church (after crossing the Balili River and chanting: Makan Apo, Lumabas Kami Pay Apo at a certain area where some "spirits" are known to reside; probably an ancient gravesite). We would view films like Marcelino Pan y Vino (a Spanish film), or the Miracle at Lourdes (starring Jennifer Jones). And during the Christmas holidays, they had a loudspeaker that could be heard for miles around: a scratchy "It Came Upon the Midnight Clear" is still so fresh in my ears. Our maid would sing out, "Pee-ssonda e-ert goodwill tomen, and asked, ania kadi iti tomen?".

And Holy Family is on Naguilian Road, near the Bokawkan Road intersection. Much to my surprise, I would have figured out that you knew where Holy Family is: that's where some of the pretty kolehialas go to school, during our time! (Djok laeng, a)

GUESSING GAME 8: What/where is this building?

Can you guess the location or name of this building?

Clue 1: I opened my doors in 1951.
Clue 2: The architectural style is known as Greek Revival.
Clue 3: People who enter the doors would come from Bayan Park, Camdas, Qurino Hill, Trinidad, Trancoville and possibly Aurora Hill too.
Clue 4: There is an elementary and high school associated with the building.
Clue 5: It is not so far from Balili River.
Clue 6: I am located within a very few tiny steps away southeast, to the residence of one of BCHS Class 61 members.

Share your findings!

Tech Problem

When you read this page, do you get funny characters, something like this:

x.!--if support Empty Paras ) - - > (End if>

Rudy brought up this problem, he can "read" these characters in the blog entries. When I opened this page at the Taipei International Airport two days back, these characters also appeared in the blog entries. But this morning at home in Bangkok, these characters were gone! Please let me know, I may have to do some corrections, re-formatting or some solution. Thanks! (Just click on COMMENTS below and type in your message...)