Balikbayans who belong to the MNHS class '61 are now back in their respective homes but the memories of their Golden Jubilee celebrations are still very much fresh in their minds . In fact , it was not only the balikbayan group but all the members of Class '61 who were present during the two-day celebration share the same sentiments of love and joy ..
Courtesy of Norman Cortez , who was the coordinator abroad , pictures which captured the moments during this special event , were sent to me to be shared to our readers . Ernest Serote , the over-all Class '61 Coordinator based in the Philippines , prepared the program and coordinated the activities with the assistance of their classmates who are also based in Mangaldan and Metro Manila , maintaining a close contact with their counterparts abroad .
The two-day celebration started with a holy mass at the MNHS Auditorium /Gymnasium officiated by Msgr . Heramia , followed by the blessing and turning over of the flagpole project of the class . Ms. Pilar Idia , assistant to the current MNHS Principal , Dr . Rosalino Agpalo , represented him and accepted the donation . The motorcade followed after the ground ceremony . Twelve vehicles occupied by the jubilarians snaked their way across the main streets of Mangaldan .
Lunch was served after the motorcade , followed by the program . Fifty one class members were present . Norman Cortez , who is a USA based class member was the master of ceremonies . Our incumbent Mayor Romero was the Guest of Honor and Speaker . Thanks to the presence of former teachers Mr. Benjamin Mercado and Mrs. Beatrice Lalatag , the program reiterated the deep camaderie the class experienced . A forum followed and the class members were divided into three groups . Group A consists of class members who are Mangaldan -based , represented by Amado Serote . Group B are those who left Mangaldan for Metro Manila represented by Virginia Fabia- Uson . Group C are the balikbayans ( foreign based ) represented by Nati Lim Rillorta . The forum became the start of their Fellowship Day and each member shared his or her experience . It became the ice breaker and so , the jubilarians had the time of their lives discovering more about their classmates . It became a renewal of their friendships .
The evening which was the Fellowship Night became more cordial and informal as everybody played games , danced and had karaoke singing .
Inspite of a late night , the class members got ready the next morning for the picnic lunch at the PTA beach resort in San Fabian . The day was another enjoyable day for the jubilarians .
The balikbayan group took the opportunity to do some tour in their own backyard ( Philippines ) . They went to San Fernando ( La Union ) , Vigan ( Ilocos Sur ) , Laoag ( Ilocos Norte ) , Baguio City and Bohol . The experience of such an enjoyable reunion prompted the class members to have a reunion every two years , considering that everyone of them is now in their golden years. " Ang klaseng di nagpapaiwan " . is now the class' motto ..
Here are some pictures which the class wants to share with us through the courtesy of Norman Cortez .
The MNHS Choir sang during the mass held at the auditorium officiated by Msgr. Heramia ..
Msgr. Heramia is shown blessing the new flagpole , donated by the MNHS Class '61 , during the celebration of the Class' Golden Jubilee . The members of the class gathered around the site ..
The early flag ceremony followed after the blessing of the newly erected flagpole . The jubilarians joined the MNHS students during the ceremony .
Here is the close-up ( not too close , though , so click on the picture to get a better view ) of the marker for the flagpole donated by the Class '61 class .
The motorcade was ready to roll after the turn over of the flagpole to the administration .
Norman M . Cortez was the Master of Ceremony during the Forum .
Mayor Herminio A . Romero was the guest speaker during the program and forum after lunch .
This picture was taken during the forum . Invited guests were Mayor Herminio A. Romero , and the former mentors of the class , Mr. Benjamin Mercado and Mrs. Beatrice Lalatag .
Bong Padre received the posthumous award for his late father , Sofronio Padre , who was the Principal during the Class' high school years in MNHS till their graduation .
Mr. Benjamin Mercado , a former teacher of the jubilarians received his certificate of appreciation from Norman M. Cortez .
Modesta Sison Lomibao presented the Plaque of Appreciation to the Class '61 mentor , Mrs. Beatrice Lalatag .
Virginia Fabia Uson presented her co-group based in Manila . Left to right are Marietta Navarro , Lucrecia Calicdan , Ernesto Serote , Modesta Sison -Lomibao , Pacita Frianeza - Cahigas , Avelina Visperas-Cabanilla , and Teresita Dotong-Lizardo
The foreign based members of the class are presented by their representative Nati Lim Rillorta .The balikbayans are Violeta Ferrer Castillo , Julieta Formoso Commander , Erlinda Lomibao Ramos , Luz Langit dela Rosa , Pete Cendana and Ligaya Lomibao . Norman Cortez is not in this photo .
The Mangaldan -based members of Class '61 are being applauded by the audience led by Mayor Herminio A. Romero . They are presented by Amado Serote who acted as the representative .
Here is the group picture of the 51 happy and lucky attendees of the Class 61 Golden Jubilee celebration . First row , left to right : Samuel Santa Cruz , Antonio Biagtan , Rodolfo Fernandez, Bernardo Carino , Juanito Guba , Norma Romero Fernandez , Floro Morales , Antonio Aquino , Eligio Bautista , Carmen Cendana , Concepcion Bautista Alvarez, Victoria Casupang Macasling , Rodolfo Muyano, Erlinda Lomibao Ramos and Virginia Fabia Uson .
Second Row , left to right : Vicente Quinto , Pedro Salayog , Arsenio Senin , Irene de Guzman Soriano , Violeta Ferrer Castillo , Lucrecia Landicho Canta , Erlinda Ferrer Mamayson , Teresita Dotong Lizardo , Modesto Sison Lomibao , Luz Langit dela Rosa , Msgr . Heramia , Ernest Serote , Ligaya Lomibao Magno , Nati Lim Rillorta , Maria Viduya Sarzaba , Avelina Visperas Cabanilla , Marcelina Padilla Molina , Amparo Magalong Velasquez and Melinda Quinto Tibigar .
Third Row , left to right : Bong Padre , Rodrigo Malanum , Norman Cortez , Elpidio Maningding , Julieta Formoso Comander , Amado Serote , Lucrecia Calicdan Ferrer , Marietta Navarro , Pacita Frianeza Caliyas , Salvacion Visperas Sabahan , Flor de Gusman Beltran , Merarda Quinto Caramat , Julieta Nate Ceralde , Amelia Roca Quisto , Marcelo Lomibao , Gerardo Naoe , Nemesio de Guzman and Mario de Guzman .
The Fellowship Night was an informal and intimate gathering where almost everybody joined in the games , the singing and the dancing . Each group prepared their own presentations . It was a night to remember for the jubilarians ! !
And finally , the Golden Jubilarians posed in front of their beloved Alma Mater , the Mangaldan National High School ......
CONGRATULATIONS , CLASS ' 61 ! ! ! GOD BLESS YOU . MAY YOU HAVE MANY MORE HAPPY YEARS TO GET TOGETHER . CONGRATULATIONS TO THE ORGANIZERS AND COORDINATORS . I MUST SAY , IT WAS A JOB WELL DONE ..
It has become a trend , actually a very welcome trend to look for former classmates and get together at every opportunity we have . The time in our high school always become significant in our lives . It is the time when we become adolescents , more mature in our outlook and make lasting friendships . Then graduation comes and we go our separate ways .
However , inspite of our absence in our town in search for better lives , we tend to go back to our roots and reminisce the good old days . It is always a joy to reconnect with people who have been a part of our childhood . Somehow , somewhere , somebody in each of our class leads the quest to gather the members of the good old group that we used to belong , which we call our batch ( or class ) . Each of us have a special bond with our own batch .
Many batches have had their reunion in different places but the most popular place to reconnect is right at home , in Mangaldan .
In 2009 , the Mangaldan National High School , batch '86 had a mini reunion . It was not a big crowd although the organizers timed it for balikbayans in their batch to have their holidays . E-mails and calls were made to the class members . Some came , some did not make it . Star Plaza in Dagupan City was the venue for their gathering . After dinner , the group tested their singing talent . They stayed in a room with videoke . Pinmaway so boses da ya pang Mangaldan Idol . They had such a good time that one of them quoted that " abawbawi so imbayar dad " Videoke room . Some have come from their adopted countries to join their classmates who reside in our beloved town and other local areas . Cora de Guzman is a resident of California , Neil Macatlang and wife Rowena and family came all the way from Birmingham , UK . Blesilda Biagtan Macatlang with husband Joel ( and their son ) also reside in Birmingham , UK . The Macatlangs were in town for a family get together , too ..
The following pictures show the classmates in complete abandon belting out their favorite songs .
The MNHS Class '86 girls dishing out their favorite songs . Pictured are Blesilda Biagtan Macatlang , Mildred Tibunsay Ydeo , Kathrima Visperas , Carina Aquino Aquino ( class Salutatorian ), Marliet Petrona Cando , Cora de Guzman , Connie Moulic and Rowena Macatlang ( wife of Class 86er Neil ) ,
At the men's corner , the guys are having the time of their lives in showing how far their vocal chords could go . From left to right are Neil Macatlang , Joel Cando , Voltaire Ydeo ( '84 grad ) , Joel Macatlang ( '84 grad ) , Azil Aquino and Ray Bautista .
Some mmembers of the class were able to reconnect with some friends in Metrotown Manila who were not able to make it to the Mangaldan reunion .
The SM Fairview Chowking became the meeting ground of Neil Macatlang and family with classmate Christopher Lomibao , who was the Class '86 valedictorian , who arrived with his son ..
This year , Class '86 will be celebrating their Silver Anniversary and plans are underway for a reunion . However , details are not available yet . The batch just elected their new officers :
President : Arnold Moulic , Vice-President : Virnyl de Vera , Secretary : Mildred Tibunsay Ydeo , Treasurer : Josephine Dizon Garcia , Sub-Treasurer : Aldrin Petrona , Auditor : Lorenzo Javier , PIO : Isabel Bienvenida , PIO : Mario Garcia , Bus. Mgr . : Renato Martinez , Bus. Mgr . : Josefa Pasiliao , Bus. Mgr . : Corazon Muyano ..
To the MNHS Class '86 who are interested in reconnecting with their classmates , please give your comments or get in touch with your newly elected officers or contact me in this website ... Pictures and other infos furnished by Neil T . Macatlang
By Marie Aquino Junio
The Mangaldan National High School Class '61 will be celebrating it's Golden Jubilee very soon . Ernesto Serote sent this letter through Norman Cortez as an invitation and reminder to the members of the class . Here is Ernesto's letter .
Contact persons : Norman Cortez : e-mail add : nmcortez@aol.com , cell # 626-347-2703
Ernesto Serote : e-mail add : eserote @yahoo.com , cell # 0917-9667344
MNHS BATCH '60 TURNS 50
By Tita Cera
Fifty years ago , they used to walk on the narrow street from La Fortuna Store to the then Mangaldan High School in their green and white school uniform or in cotton dresses . The guys had no uniform , maski ano was okay ...This was in the late 1950's before the age of tricycles and unisex jeans and t-shirts and these are the guys and gals who came together again .
Last February , members of the MNHS Batch 1960 celebrated their Golden Anniversary . What was originally planned as a two-day affair turned out to be a week-long reunion as one activity led to another , spontaneously . Everyone had "nostalgia attacks " and they relived their teen-age years and laughed at their " senior moments ".
On February 26 , Batch '60 members were at the MNHS campus to celebrate their beloved school's 65th Foundation Anniversary and Grand Alumni Homecoming . On February 27th , they did what other MNHS Jubilarians have not done before . They linked with the Santo Tomas Catholic School Batch '60 who were also celebrating their Golden Anniversary . They had a joint Thanksgiving Mass officiated by Rev . Father Jeremias B. Cera and Rev. Father Romeo B. Biala at the Parish Church . Afterwards , they had a joint motorcade along the main streets of Mangaldan and nearby towns . At lunchtime , however , the MNHS batch went to the beach while the STCS group proceeded to the Mangaldan Pavilion , Abad Bldg , for their own get-together .
The members of the '60 batch may have matured in looks as they have gained some silver threads on their hair and a few wrinkles here and there but when they talked about their MNHS years , this group of grandparents , professionals , homemakers and balikbayans sounded like it was high school all over again ! ! ! Gray hairs and wrinkles did not seem to exist ..
Below are the pictures which speak for themselves ...
NOTE : CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU , MNHS AND STHS CLASS '60 . HAPPY GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY ! ! YOUR JOINT CELEBRATION SHOWS THE SPECIAL COOPERATION , FRIENDSHIP AND UNITY THAT COME WITH MATURITY . WELL DONE , GOLDEN JUBILARIANS ! ! !
The MNHS Class '48 members made it again to the 65th Anniversary Celebration held in Mangaldan , Pangasinan . Thanks to the organizing efforts of the husband and wife team of Adolfo ( Dolting ) and Nemia ( Mimi ) Visperas , who belong to the same class and are now residing in Mangaldan . There was a good turn out of the class members inspite of the inability of other members who are living abroad to attend . Congratulations , Class '48 .
While Class '48 members were celebrating in Mangaldan , their classmates in California , who were not able to join them , were having their own special reunion with their long lost classmate . Without further explanation of the circumstancecs surrounding the meeting , Mrs Elisea A. Bayle , Mrs. Norma T. Ramat and Mrs. Alejandra M . Romero joined former classmate Ulpiano Juguilon and his wife Marcelina ( aka Marcie or Celie ) in their Oceanside , California home . Mr. Juguilon has not been in touch with his classmates for 62 years and meeting them again after so many years ( since their High School grad ) was such an enjoyable and exciting experience for all . If our website , Aliguas Mangaldan , has anything to do with this extraordinary reunion , I should say " Hurray to Aliguas Mangaldan ".
I credit Mrs. Elisea A. Bayle who constantly keep me abreast of Class' 48 activities with the great help and support of her colleague , friend and co-Californian , Mrs. Norma T. Ramat for the continuous update of their activities in our website . If all classes have the likes of Atchi Ely and Atchi Norma in their enthusiasm and interest to reunite their classmates, I am sure full cooperation from members of each class is easy to achieve .. I tip my hat off to Class' 48 , specially to the organizers in Mangaldan , Kuya Dolting and Atchi Mimi , for their good class attendance during the MNHS 65th Anniversary Celebration and Reunion .
Thank you , too , to you Atch Ely and Atchi Norma for your continuous support of our website. It is always my pleasure to facilitate the connection you wish to establish among your peers , families and friends .
By Marie Aquino Junio
The Office of the Municipal Planning and Development Office through Dr. Teresita G. Cera has sent an invitation to all the MANGALDAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI to join the 65th Anniversary celebration in February , 2010 . Here is the PROGRAM OF ACTIVITIES :
PLEASE COME AND JOIN US IN THE CELEBRATION OF THE 65TH FOUNDATION ANNIVERSARY OF MNHS AND GRAND ALUMNI HOMECOMING !
GENERAL SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES :
February 24 , 2010 - Celebration of the 65th Foundation Anniversary at the MNHS Campus
February 25 , 2010 - Open House ( MNHS CAMPUS )
February 26 , 2010 - GRAND ALUMNI HOMECOMING
AM* THANKSGIVING MASS at the MNHS QUADRANGLE
* MOTORCADE ( After the Thanksgiving Mass )
* FELLOWSHIP LUNCH BY BATCH at the MNHS CAMPUS
PM* LITERARY-MUSICAL PROGRAM
ELECTION OF NEW SET OF MNHSAA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
AND OFFICERS FOR 2011-2015
February 27 , 2010 - AM * MEDICAL-DENTAL MISSION at the MNHS CAMPUS
EVENING * ALUMNI BALL at the MANGALDAN PUBLIC AUDITORIUM
February 28 , 2010 - WHOLE DAY OUTING AND PICNIC by BATCH
FOR OTHER DETAILS , PLEASE CONTACT :
OVERSEAS COORDINATORS * MARIO V. DE GUZMAN ( mdeguzman988@yahoo.com )
* CRISTETA CERA -ATUTUBO ( cristetacera@yahoo.com )
* JULIANA ABUAN-BRAVO
PHILIPPINES * JULIETA CERA-PETONIO ( ompdcmangaldan@yahoo.com )
* TERESITA G. CERA ( tgcera2432@yahoo.com.ph )
By Aridna Revilla de Guzman
Initially , a simple lunch or dinner meeting within the core group was planned for the coming Grand Reunion of MNHS Class '73 to be held on March 2010 .
However , due to the generosity of our batchmates , there was enough funds for a mini reunion of Batch '73 in Mangaldan on March 7, 2009 .
Through the leadership of the class Chairperson ( and Class Valedictorian ) , Marie Billote Condes , preparation for the Mini - Reunion started during the early part of October 2008.
Surprisingly , a five month's planning and preparation turned out to be very successful . Sixty batchmates attended the event .
It started at 8:00 am at NG and Beth Orara's place in front of the MNHS campus . Registration , distribution of name tags and T-shirts was followed by a light breakfast and photo shots .
At 10:00 a.m. , the Motorcade started from the MNHS campus which winded up at the Leisure Coast Resort , where the program was held . Lunch was served , followed by games and Bingo .
The MNHS Class '73 Mini-Reunion was celebrated in a unique way . A lot of door prizes ( small appliances ) plus big prizes ( Digital camera , Swiss Watch , stc. ) were given for the Bingo and Games . No one among our batchmates went empty handed except the organizers , Marie Billote Condes , Aridna Revilla de Guzman , Manny ( Boy ) Almonte , Daniel Soriano and Rolly Solis who won two prizes but he donated both to the upcoming 2010 Grand Reunion .
It was a one day celebration , a simple one with casual attires . Everyone felt so at home and they all felt so welcomed , " without borders " .
In behalf of the MNHS Classs '73 , we wish to express our million thanks to the foolowing batchmates who made this Mini-Reunion a truly fantastic and unique event : Lito Condes , Domy and Lina Visperas , NG and Beth Orara , Esong Molina , Glynis Almonte , Judith Prado , Remy Rivo , Imelda Morales , Lanie Basuel, Nelson Martinez , Dindo Idio , Ely Prestousa and Hermio Esquig and Lina Ydia Esquig . They were not able to attend due to their busy schedules yet they were so generous in supporting the event financially and materially .
And to the rest of Class '73 , THANK YOU for your presence and cooperation . Mabuhay kayong lahat . GOD BLESS YOU ALL ! ! SEE YOU ALL IN OUR 2010 GRAND REUNION ! !
Here are some of the pictures taken during the Mini-Reunion of Class '73 ...
Marie Billote Condes delivering her speech
Gloria Quiroz "claiming" her prize , a rice cooker .
Marilou Idio won a lantern and Joe Enriquez got the electric fan .
And the Swiss watch goes to Beatriz Llena .....
Picture of some special awardees including Alexander reside and Salvador de Guzman ( in wheelchair ).
The MNHS Class of 1968 had its 40th class reunion in March 2008. It is looking forward to coming together again. Below is pair of pictures provided by Exequiel "Ex" Idia.
Mangaldan National High School Class III-A (1967)
Front row: Teresita Penullar, Teresita de Leon, Delia Soriano, Mr. Federico Moulic, Donna Frianeza, Teresita Biagtan;
Second row: Lea Petrona, Lucrecia Aquino, Lourdes Bianan, Zenaida Torio, Thelma Mangaoang;
Third row: Jovita Maningding, Perla Castro, Marlene Cereno, Urduja Marcella, Mildred Garcia, Elvira Tandoc;
Fourth row: Exequiel Idia, Romulo Gotinga, Teofilo Mangaoang, Jaime Tamondong, Agapito Servito, Arturo Garcia;
Back row: Felicisimo Estrada Jr., Vicente Quiroz, Jaime Estayo, Jaime Tamayo, Carlos Bulusan, Abraham Caberto;
Not in photo: Amor Lomibao, Crisostomo Obtinario, Felipe Cabrera, Jaime Mejia (Boy Scouts).
The much-awaited Golden Anniversary of the MNHS Class'59 have finally arrived . Class '59ers from abroad came to join their former classmates based in the Philippines . There was much jubilation , indeed .
Fred Martinez was not able to attend the Class '59 Celebration in the Philippines . He sent his message which was read by Lito Quinto during the celebration at the Star Plaza .
The members of the class who made it at the Pre-Celebration lunch are pictured here with the hosts , Mamerto and Emily Frianeza ..
Ladies only , except one guy who seems to be lost ..Loly , Delma , Cecile , Bora and Carmen Balolong . Seems like Lydia enjoys standing .
Lito and Lita , Jun and Juliet take time out for foursome photo .
Is Lito trying to sing to the host and hostess , Mamerto and Emily ?
Say , what's a guy doing among the gals ? Looks like Jun can't get enough of Juliet ?
Lita , Delma , Juliet , Bora , Loly , Melba and Cecile are doing "chika chika .
Classmates-turned- husband and wife Jun and Juliet look like they are having a blast ! ! !
It is the turn of the guys to be "chiko-chiko ."..
This picture shows , Jun, Mamerto , Juliet, Cecile , Lito , Emily , Romy and Lita . Seated is Ross .Looks like they are greeting us readers or some classmates who are just arriving ?
***************************************************************************************************************************************************
February 21st , 2009 .......The day started with a Mass at the Santo Tomas Catholic Church , followed by breakfast at Rosie Generosa's house . The event was moved to the Gym of MNHS where lunch would be served and the Fellowship Hour would take place .
T-shirts and name tags are being distributed to the Class ' 59 members . Juliet , Zenaida and Rosie are busy taking care of the line-up..
Picture of some MNHS Class '59 members and Marie Aquino , who is an invited guest and Mrs. Ildefonsa Lomibao Dulay , who would give the inspirational talk .
Mrs . I. Dulay is being introduced by Lito Quinto , who is currently the Class '59 President .
Picture shows Lito and Lita Quinto , Orlando Bernabe , Ross and Cecile Mejia and Marie , a guest .
Looks like Juliet invaded the guys' table ..
Romy Visperas joins Rodolfo Aquino and wife and family .
Mrs. Ildefonsa L. Dulay is joined by Lita Vergara , Araceli Golea and Delma Frianeza , Standing are Emily and Mamerto Frianeza and a nephew of Emily .
"Squeezing the eggplant " is one of the parlor games that evoked a lot of laughter .
The guys seem to be just enjoying what is going on specially the parlor games ...
The winner of the "Eggplant squeeze" is being announced by Melba Biagtas , who is the coordinator of the games ...
******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
AT THE STAR PLAZA
Lito and wife Lita Quinto and Juliet and Jun de Guzman made sure that everything is done according to plans .
Mangaldan Town Mayor Herminio Romero is the Guest Speaker of the class . He is flanked by Class '59 President Lito Quinto and his wife Lita .
Mayor Herminio Romero speaks before Class '59ers .
Class '59ers at the Star Plaza celebrating their Golden Anniverasary .. What happened ? Where are the ladies ? As the group prepares for a photo with the Mayor .....
This is the official picture of Class ' 59 Golden Anniversary Celebration with the Guest Speaker , The Honorable Mayor of Mangaldan , Mayor Herminio A. Romero .
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL MEMBERS OF THE MNHS CLASS '59 ON YOUR GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY . GOD BLESS YOU ALL ...
Recent Comments