The homecoming days took place from the 29th of April through 1st May 2010. On Thursday there was not much activity but registration and preparations were well under way. I met Delma in the morning, and was introduced to Pigeon Lobien, one of the most active Class 85 host members. The class really put in their full effort to make the event an “out of the box” one and introduced some new activities such as a golf tournament and a Homecoming King and Queen. Some debate was going on whether the bonfire would take place in the evening or not. Soon after, we walked over to SM on the hill where Pines Hotel used to sit majestically. It started to pour, like the heavens opened and water was being poured on this part of the earth, to the soggy ground. The bonfire event was cancelled.
Friday’s events included lunch and dinner at the new Auditorium: Joe and Alberto drove in from Manila and joined Delma, Marlo and I for a joyous and fun time. After lunch we decided to pay some of our classmates a visit: first was Joe Dacawi who unfortunately was ill and has been under medication for a while. However, he received us at his nice bungalow at Pacdal, and relating the events leading to his illness. His daughter works as a doctor at St. Luke’s so he is fortunate that medical care from a family member is available to him. It was the same old Joe, only with more grey hair and considerably thinner than I last saw him on Session Road one day in 1978. He promised to cooperate with our homecoming to the extent that he could.
Philip Lloren was next visited by Joe and Alberto but was told by his sister Marylou that he was out. We met some of Class 60, including Lennie Abellera-Blair, Ginnie de Guia-Abiad, Elsie Domingo, Marilou Lloren, Grace May Dacanay-Chong, Irene Dacumos-Meneses, Dr Conrado Vito, Dely Claridad-Balatian, Bernard Balatian,(an earlier version placed Ber/Del as “”Beltran” – mea culpa!), Atong Paraan, Bayard Aquitania (the artist who received this year's special golden alumni award), and others whose names escape me right now. Filipinas Beltran, now a retired BCHS teacher, was unfortunately diagnosed with an illness and had undergone radiation that morning. I think there were about 60-80 Class60 who attended (an estimate). A number of presentations entertained the alumni.
Saturday morning was parade day starting from the Post Office. As usual, the Golden Class led the parade, followed by the oldest alumni. Dely Camongao of Class62 introduced herself as cousin to Nora Calica-Buluran. Joe and Alberto held our class banner, Delma and I trailing behind. Delma must have sent a dozen text messages to those on her BCHS Class 61 list to join us at least for the parade but there were only four of us who were there. The Alumni Board presented their findings soon after the parade in the sunshine. Joe was appointed as a replacement Alumni Board member for one year, to replace Art Florendo (Class 58) who recently resigned.
The Gala Dinner took place at the Baguio Country Club. Joe and Myrna, Delma, Marlo and myself sat at one of the shared tables. Class60 presented a medley mostly of Ilocano songs, accompanied by taped piano accompaniment. They did well, with Atong Paraan leading the boys in a Paru Parong Bukid dance. In Class 60, it appeared that for every male, there were three females! The program went on, and while the turnover from Class 85 to Class 86 to become the hosts for the 92nd homecoming in 2011 happened, we “highjacked” the three Class86 members who took over the traditional trophy, so that at least an informal meeting could take place. Two other names were also obtained, so we now have a total of five names as Class86 contacts. We had sought them through Facebook and other means but were not successful, so that it was a relief to at least get a few members that evening.
The live band, consisting of Class85 members, played sixties and seventies dance music to the delight and creaky knees of the Goldens.
None of us had cameras and so we had to depend on others for copies.
The photo is the cover of the souvenir program, being sold at P119.85, and became available only after the Gala Dinner when most guests had already left.
(Revised edition, thanks to Aurora L. who spotted the “Balatian” error)
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