Just as a popular saying goes, "Those whom we love
dearly becomes a part of us. They weave color into our lives and leave us with
a tapestry of beautiful memories."
All roads lead to Manila Grand Opera Hotel amid the Feast of
Black Nazarene for the JASHS Batch ’82 Pearl Anniversary Class Reunion set on January
8, 2012. The event gave us the opportunity to go through a time in our lives
where we consider ourselves as care free high school pupils.
White anniversary t-shirts were given free to all batchmates
who presented themselves and appreciatively registered with the secretariat.
The t-shirt was sponsored by our generous batchmate Elmer Tan.
Before the start of the awaited program proper, a liturgical
prayer was presided by our very own Fr. James Uy in which he stressed the time
to remember our departed batchmates, to laugh at the shared moments, time to be
grateful for the gift of life, family, and friends, time to reflect and a
challenge to share the treasures. And finally it is an opportunity to gather
together and reminisce the old sweet memories.
The Philippine National Anthem was led by Lucy Sulita, while
the JASHS Hymn was led by Sammy Cariño and Ronel Villanueva.
Everyone, batchmates, and guests were thrilled and surprised
with the impromptu opening number by the committees and emcees to the tune of
“Blue Jeans” of the APO Hiking Society. Mind you, fears running in all veins
before the start of the program, but the performance were so impressive and we
finally started it with a bang.
The opening remarks and inspirational message was given by
Romeo Asuit, the Batch ’82 “Lider ng Taon” and “Boy Scout of the Year.” He espouses
sincere unity among batchmates and pure enjoyment of the celebration. His
message reminded us to constantly persevere to step our foot forward and do not
let nothingness stays in our heart.
Fun games that promote camaraderie among batchmates and
encourage everyone to know each others on a personal level preceded the
inspirational talk. The getting-to-know activities that were really the
intention behind the games have brought us back to our child-like manner but
with sensibility of a matured person. Each games was really a hilarious moments
for those brave enough to join merriment and even to those who stayed on the
sidelines shouting and cheering for their favorites.
Video slides presentation and clips of high school years prepared
by Ms. Tess Marquez were also shown while we were having a sumptuous dinner.
The gifts for the raffles were not expected to be so many that we almost
consumed the entire event calling out the winning number. Our grand prize, an
Emporio Armani watch courtesy again of our kind-hearted batchmate Elmer Tan was
won by Ms. Tabuzo.
We would also like to thank our batchmates abroad, James
Paranada, our batch salutatorian, our batch-mates from Saudi Arabia and the USA , who really took time to record
their video messages. They traversed the distance just to be virtually with us
in the celebration.
Congratulations once again Batch ’82! It was great to see
every one having fun and excitedly trading stories from each others, remarking of
how great their experiences were and to see old friends who have become better
with age! (wheee.:).
Our congratulations go as well to the organizing committees headed
by Sally Marcelo-Lilagan and Tess Marquez, for their overstretching efforts and
sacrifices.
… to the logistic team led by Pol Juan, assisted by Sani
Billones, for arranging the much applauded venue. Being the only group at the 8th
floor of the hotel has even made our celebration special. The comfort and
exceptional services were two thumbs up. Most importantly, it was cost-effective. To our Program team... Milen, Josie, Ellen, Gabby, and Tico, while Angelo directing the sequence and logistics... to our Secretariat headed by Weng Manuel and Tico... also to our GenServ headed by Vina, assisted by Ryan, Eloisa and Marlene...
to our sponsors who wholeheartedly gave their financial support
and assistance in every step of the way. Kudos to all of you!!
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