By CHITA PARILLA JAO
"Reminiscing and Sharing Golden Memories Through 50 Fruitful Years" is the theme of the three-day Golden Jubilee Reunion and Grand Homecoming, Batch '60, Bohol Provincial High School, now Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School, which reeled off May 21-23, 2010. The golden jubilee reunion and homecoming proved to be touching and emotional along with nostalgic feelings, felt even on the weeks that followed.
In the afternoon of Day I, the jubilarians arrived, reluctantly at first but later recovered, as each batchmate came either limping or bent but in high spirits, hugging and kissing each other with misty eyes. They behaved like young ones once more, thrilled and excited until forty-five batchmates had registered. They stayed long at the lobby, chatting and laughing as digital cameras busily clicked while jubilarians moved around for photo opportunities. At 4 p.m. they trooped to Meridian Hotel where a welcome party was awaiting, which was preceeded by a thanksgiving mass officiated by Rev. Fr. Stephen Supremo, a special offering was made in memory of the departed batchmates. A sumptuous dinner followed, after which a testimonial program was held hosted by the tandem of Belinda Parras Gaudiel and Vicenta Bioco Apepe, class valedictorian not to mention the presence of Madam Nena Torralba Gica, one of the surviving teachers. Julieta Solis Miral led the Philippine National Anthem and Batch '60 Pres. Lita Karaan Palileo delivered her words of welcome. The jubilarians wore eager faces with fast-beating hearts as they listened to the names of their long-lost classmates who stood as they were called. They either aged beautifully or whatever life have treated them through the years which showed golden marks on their faces.
Chita "Turi" Parilla Jao, introduced the School Principal of DCPNHS Mrs. Concepcion Bagotchay, the guest speaker. Dr. Alfred Solis introduced those who came all the way from the "Land of the Brave and the Free" obliging each to deliver a short message.
This group made all things happen from start to finish. During the program, a Plaque of Appreciation was awarded to Lita K. Palileo and nine others were given certificates of appreciation, who were the winds beneath the wings of the whole activity, courtesy of the US-based jubilarians. Romulo Sarmiento a tax analyst in California, USA exerted overwhelming effort to convince his colleagues in USA to attend the most-awaited golden reunion. Romy officially closed the program.
Day II started with the jubilarians assembled at DCPNHS grounds, exchanging pleasantries as usual. Off they went to Loboc town, the home of the world famous Loboc Children's Choir. Alma Fernando Taldo, a batchmate herself, conductress and trainor of the choir, treated the group to a "Lamao Party". Aboard the floating resto, was a delectable dinner on deck while river cruising across the Loboc River. Serenaders lulled the jubilarians to nostalgia as the floating resto glided smoothly through the quiet waters, while digital cameras clicked punctuating the darkness which enveloped the environ. Everyone enjoyed the night cruise against the backdrop of multi-colored lights.
The third day was more memorable and hilarious as they motored to Bikini Beach in Dauis town for a Beach Party. Parlor games added enjoyment what with green bucks, perfumes, and chocolates given away to participants courtesy of US-based jubilarians.
After the beach party, off they went to La Paz, Cortes to see the Garrote Memorial Library courtesy of Nene Garrote Trinidad, proceeded to Balilihan for the dinner treat of Lita Lim Chatto. The jubilarians returned to their respective homes, tired but happy and contented, looking forward to the next days' itinerary. The 3-day reunion didn't end, for in the next days, the batchmates who stayed longer gathered for a post-reunion dinner in time for the house warming of Dr. Alfredo Solis' home equipped with centralized cooling system. Dra. Bellie Maglahus Cloma, Lita K. Palileo, and Esper Calipusan Dumlao threw their own post-reunion dinners. Dr. Rafael Apostol and Engr. Alfred Lim failed to attend but they sent in earlier their financial assistance. Javello Baura, a softspoken person is a "big man" at De Ocampo Memorial College, Sta. Mesa Manila. Nen Garrote Trinidad was the official videogirl while Chita Jao, Lita Lim, Esper Calipusan, and Dr. Alfred Solis were the stockrooms of jokes making the jubilarians very much alive and kicking. A closing dinner was held at the residence of Engr. Bellie Maglahus Cloma, graced by the presence of Engr. and Mrs. Paul Caverte. They came, they enjoyed, they parted ways, bringing home a bacon of bliss and contentment.
Batch '60 would like to convey their heartfelt and sincere condolonces to the bereaved family of Late Fe Mission Licayan, a batchmate, who passed away days after the golden reunion.
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