Aliguas Mangaldan: Santo Tomas Catholic School

Welcome STCS Alumni and School Community

This section of Aliguas Mangaldan is dedicated to the alumni and administrationof Santo Tomas Catholic School (STCS), Mangaldan, Pangasinan, Philippines. Until recently, it was known as STHS (Santo Tomas High School).

STCS ALUMNI ASS'N ELECTS 2012 OFFICERS

                                         
                     

The  Santo  Tomas  Catholic  School   Alumni  Association  recently  elected  the  new  President  of  the  association . Bona  De Vera  Parayno  is  the  incoming  President   and  Fe  Tolentino  Datuin  is  the  outgoing   prexy . Congratulation  to  you  , Bona . We  wish  you  success  for  the  forthcoming  activities  of  the  association . The  officers  list  will  be  posted  soon .

Oath Taking  of  the  new  set  of  officers  headed  by  Bona  was  January 27th , 2012  after  the  7:00 a.m. mass  in  celebration  of  it's  Foundation  Day .

Message  from  the  new  President  , Bona  De Vera-Parayno :

Greetings..we just held our officers meeting at the school(STCS) today..In fact,we are in the process of formulating and amending our alumni by-laws .We had set up different schedules to meet our alumni especially each batch presidents and it's officers.
We are calling all batch presidents and each officers to attend the meeting on Feb.19 at 1:00 pm to assist us and share with us your bright ideas ,enthusiasm,creativity,commitment and spirit to make our 65th anniversary maintain our traditions of quality.
Yes, we are proud of our past.. proud to be a Thomasian! Alumni power-of that we have plenty!!We are encouraging all alumni  here and abroad to register as early as possible...Pls.celebrate our coming 65th Foundation!!!

 

Thank you for joining us.. I'm eager to get started together with my co-officers because our brothers and sisters are all supportive including the previous officers..so many awaits for the big when? Well it was decided from our last meeting to be on March 2-4 2013..before our town fiesta...a 3 days affair awaits you my fellow Thomasians...we still have the parade around town and lunch picnic....our grand night  and our service to the community (medical-dental mission)..We have added a "School Fair" or let me say "farmers market" if you are from the other country like U.S.A..further informations will be posted soon but not limited to class registration,fees,ads,etch..we are calling all class presidents and it's officers to attend the meeting  third  week of Feb. for dissemination of such events and informations to all Thomasians globally...As a management team we hope that in some small way,each of you will show some commitment to our Alma mater  and  may  you  feel  pride  and  joy  in our joint effort  to  achieve  success in celebrating our 65th anniversary . We  want  to  express  our  gratitude  for  your  messages   and  we  hope  all  of  you  will  feel  the  gratitude  and  joy  of  being  together  again for  our  coming  65th  Anniversary . Your  cooperation  is  most  important  to  make  the  occasion  a   success  .  

Information  for  registration  fees  and  contact  persons / numbers  will  be  posted  soon . We  will  keep  you  posted   with  important  details .. 

STHS CLASS '59 KEEPS THE BOND AT 50

        

Class  '59  of  the Santo Tomas High  School  is  50 ! A  year   after  our  dear  Alma Mater   celebrated it's   Diamond Jubilee  with  a  Grand  Alumni  Homecoming  . Hopefully  however , to  Class '59  it's  not  too  soon   to come   together  again  and  celebrate  it's  Golden  Jubilee . For  the  joys   of  this  wonderful event   and  the  blessings of  Class '59  are  many .

Members of  class  '59  thank  and  praise  the  Lord  for  the  gift  of  batchmates  who  found  joy  in  looking  for  old  classmates , tracing  their  whereabouts  and  connecting  them  to  one  another . Many  class  get-togethers  have  been  organized which  by  now  have  become  a  tradition .

Through  these  get-togethers  we batchmates were  able  to renew acquaintances , formed  new   frienships  and  strengthened  existing  ones  .We  shared  and  rejoiced  over  each  other's  accomplishments  and  successes  which come  in  varied  forms . We  learned   from  one  another 's  mistakes  and  compforted   each  other  in  times  of  pain  and  loss . We  were  able  to  re-establish  our  links  with  our  school  and  gave  our  generous  support  to  its  projects . Together  we mourned  the passing  away  of  dear  batchmates  whom  we  learned  to  love  and  treasure .  From  the  seemingly   idifferent  young  boys  and  girls   who would  reluctantly  acknowledge  one  another  even  with  just  a  smile   fifty  years  ago , we  have  bonded   like  a  family .  And  thus , each  one  becoming  a  gift.. a  grace  to  each  other ..

To  all  of  us  members  of  Class '59 , may  our  Golden  Anniversary  then  be  a  continuous  celebration  of  life  and  love . May  this  blessed  event  unite  us  in  praise   and  thanksgiving  to  our  all-loving  and  merciful  God  for  the  love  and  blessings  He  has  bestowed   on  us  all  these  years  . And  may  we  look  forward  to  many  more  happy  and  grace-filled  class  get-togethers  while  keeping  the  bond  that  make  us  one , strong  as  ever ...

By  Ludivine Mir-Loresco , Chairman on Souvenir  Program .

The  celebration  was  a  three-day  affair  which  started  with  a  mass  on  Feb . 28 , 2009 .

 

Picture  was  taken  before the  start  of  the  mass .  Photo  at  the  top  includes  Fr. Joel  Ynson , the  Director   Of  STCS .

The  following  pictures  were  taken  during  mass at  Santo  Tomas Parish  Church  in  Mangaldan .

   

     

 

   

Ludy  Mir Loresco  doing  the  reading  for  that  day .

   

Bishop  Jesus  Cabrera  with  his  very  interesting  homily .

 

 

Father Joel Ynson  , Director  of  STCS concelebrated  the  mass  with  Bishop J. Cabrera .

 

 

Catered  breakfast  was  served  at  the  gym  after  the  mass  , followed  by  tree  planting by  the  class . 

 

Breakfast  with Olympia Mercado , Tita Morales Quinto , Venus Jimenez Dioquino , Nieva Biala Sabado , Vivien  Cera Mariano , Nora  Cabrera and Marie Aquino 

And  the  trees  were  planted  on  the  grounds  of  their  Alma  Mater , STHS . We hope  the mahoganies  will thrive ...

Marie  tried  to dig the soil for the mahogany tree  with  the  help  of Fernando while  class '59 members  joined in  the  event .

   

Tita  tried  her  hand in  tree  planting  while Thelma , Cecile and  Fernando  looked  on .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 It  was  Serafin's  turn  to  plant  a  mahogany  while Diosdado , Rodrigo  and Fernando  watched  him .

 And  now  it  is  time  for  lunch  and  the  Fellowship  Hour ... .

It  is  true  that  we  all went  our  separate  ways  after  our  HS graduation  to  follow  our  dreams  and  our  quest  for  the  unknown . It  was  a  scary  time  for  us . But  the  memories of  our  four  years  together  in  STHS  remained  intact  and  became  one  of  the  driving  forces  in  our  journey . The  virtues  that  were inculcated  to  us   by  the  Sisters   and  our  mentors  became  the  beacon  that  guided  us  through life's  trials   and  difficulties .

One  thing  is  certain , the bond that  had  been  established   in  our  batch '59  has  endured  the  test  of  time . Nothing  can  break  this  bond . Petty  misunderstandings   and  small spats   may  occur  but  we  become  more  non-judgmental   and  forgiving . We  have  matured  and  mellowed . We  accept  each  other   as  we  are , without   any  questions , pretenses  or  egotism . SHARING in  all  aspects is  what  this  reunion  is  all about . The  quest  for  the  unknown  has  become  the  thing  of  the  past .  We  have  conquered  the  unknown .

After  all the members  have  shared  their  experiences  during  the  "Fellowship  Hour", it was very  evident  that  most  members  of  the  class sacrificed  a  lot  during  their  high  school  years  as well  as  after . But  look at  everybody  now , each  is  proud  of  what  their  families  turned  out  to  be ..".If  there is  a  will , there  is  always  a  way ."

By  three  o'clock , we  all  went  home  to  relax  and   prepare  for  the evening's  event ...

       

 

  

 

 

The invitation and program  of  the  evening ..

 

 

 

 

 

  Marie and Manny  as  co-emcees

 

The luau  centerpiece ( lechon ) with Serafin  ( over -all Chairperson for the Golden Jubilee celebration  ) , Pat Gilladoga , Marie ( Chairperson  of the Hawaiian Luau Night ) , guest Cecile Ferrer Mejia , Venus , John  Gilladoga ( President of  Class'59 ) and Ross Mejia ( guest )

 

Cecilia Cabrera  conducts the singing of the Phil. National Anthem and the STHS  Hymn

 

 

 

 

  Before  dinner , the  band  plays  their  60's  songs  for  the  dancing  pleasure  of  the  class .  Ludy  and  Raffy  take   to the  floor .

  Over-all Chairperson  Serafin  Serafica  and  wife Rebecca   enjoy  the  old  time  favorites ..

 

Marie  dances  with  John Gilladoga , President  of  Class '59

 

 

 

 

 

 Venus  and  Manny  on  the  dance  floor ...

With  all the  dancing , it  was  time  to  enjoy  the  buffet  dinner .  

Prayer before  meals  is  being  led  by Fr. Joel Ynson , Director of STCS

 

 

 

 

Chow time for the Hawaiian  clad Class '59ers  and  guests .Guests  enjoyed  the  lechon ( masalangsang  tan  mananam ) and  the  catered  dinner .

 

 

   

John Gilladoga , Rebecca A. Serafica , Rosie Serafica , Sister  Andrea  , Maura and Marina Vergara  are  seated . Standing   are  Rosie Barrozo Perez , Serafin Serafica and Marie Aquino .

Guest   Cecile  Ferrer  Mejia  poses  with  former  classmates  (  STHS  First  year )  Cora  Cabrera , Marie  Aquino , Marina  Vergara , Rosie  Barrozo , Cristina  Malabuet  and  Veronica  de Vera  .

    

Some of the tables  where  members of Class '59  are seated .. Rosa Daroy , Mercedes Biador  Veronica De Vera , Estrella Cuison , Cora Cabrera , Gleceria  ( Molina ) and husband  Cesar  Radoc  .

   

Seated  for dinner are guests  Cora J. Aquino  and her daughter  Ashley , class members  Venus J. Dioquino , Marie Aquino , Nieva B. Sabado and husband Raul .

 

Lilia A. Coronel  sits  with other guests  Ross and Cecile , Pat Gilladoga , Lito  Quinto , Marie  ,  Lita , ( Lito's wife ) and  Rebecca  .

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Most  Class '59 members during the Hawaiian Luau : Seated are  Corazon Abrazaldo  Riovaldez , Emerita Barrozo , Gilda  B . Bautista  and Marina Vergara . Standing  behind  are   John Gilladoga , Vivien Cera  Mariano , Rodrigo  Tibig , Rosario Barrozo Perez , Norma Roca  Quinto , Cristina Malabuet  Cornel , Yolanda Frianela  Cabiles , Veronica  Magno Caluza , Gleceria  Molina Radoc , Jovencia  Embuido  Eslava , Margarita  D. Aquino  and  Manuel  Biason   .

 

A song  medley  is  being    presented by  Estrella , Vivien , Thelma , Enriqueta , Gleceria , Veronica , Marina , Veronica M. , Yolanda , Norma , Jovencia , Mercedes  ,  Corazon A ., Gilda , Corazon  C.,  Emerita , Rosa , Olympia and Cecilia as the guitarist .

 

 What  is  a  Hawaiian Luau without  the Hula dancers ?   The " dancers " in grass skirts  are  Diosdado  de Guzman , Manny Biason , Rodrigo Tibig  and Serafin  Serafica who  did  a Hawaiian  interpretation  of  " Hukilau " song . Kudos  for  a   "job"  well done .  Mely  Tibig  led  the pack ..

   

Lilia A. Coronel , Director  of Cherished Moments  School , shares  her  ideas  on " Bonding "  as   the  Guest  Speaker .

 

 

  

 

 

 

Marie  and  Venus  do  the  hula  interpretations  of   the   " Lovely  Hula  Hands "  and  "  The Little  Brown  Gal " .   

 Time out  for  "dance  for  all " . On the dance floor are  Lito and Lita Quinto , Rodrigo  and  Mely , Ludy  and Raffy , and  Marina  and partner .

   

 Time  to  acknowledge  the  hard-working  , behind -the-scenes  individuals .  Serafin  presents  Olympia  Mercado , who  is  the  treasurer  and the "detective "  who  tracked  down  Class '59  members , a Plaque  of  Appreciation .

 

 

 

Ludy   expresses  her  gratitude as  she  receives  her  plaque  of  appreciation   for  an  excellent  job  she  did  as  Chairperson  of  the  Class '59 Golden Jubilee  Souvenir  Program ..

 

 

 

 

 

Manny  and  Marie  presenting  Lily A. Coronel  a  Plaque  Of  Appreciation  for  being  the  Guest  Speaker  of   Class '59 .

 

 

 

 

 

Another  dance  for  all . This time the dancers are Nieva  and Raul , Manny and Naida , Lito and Lita , Veronica M. and  partner .

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thelma  and  Mercedes showed  that they  still can  enjoy  dancing  without  male  escorts .

 

 

 

 

 

The  lack  of  male  members  of  Class '59  did  not  bother   Estrella  and   Enriqueta . Dancing " g to g "  is  the way to  go  nowadays .

 

 

 

 

 

Marie and Venus giving   their  interpretation of the Hawaiian Wedding  Song .

 

 

 

 

 

Musical  Chairs , a parlor game  became a part of the program .

 

 

 

 

 

 

The chairs  are  getting  fewer ...finally  a winner  emerged .

Statue  dance  was  also  a part  of  the  games . Winners  were  given  cash ..

In  between  dances , door prices  were  drawn . Prices  of  cash  and  goods  were donated  by   Serafin  Serafica  , Marie  D . Aquino  ,  Enriqueta  Morales  Quinto  and  Venus  Jimenez  Dioquino . 

The night  ended  with  a  closing  remarks  from  Diosdado  de Guzman , Vice-President  of  Class  '59  for the  Philippines .  The   Chairpersons  and  the members  of  the  committee  wish  to  express  their gratitude  for  the  cooperation  of  all  Class '59  involved  in  this  event .

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MARCH  1 , PICNIC  AT   THE  PTA  RESORT  IN  MABILAO , SAN  FABIAN , PANGASINAN 

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inspite  of  the late night , all  the  Class '59  members attended  the  early  Sunday  Mass at  the Parish  Church .. First  group  to  arrive  at  the  resort  was  Tomas Espiritu ,  his  wife Concepcion and company . Next group  was  Marie  and  Venus ( with  sister  Cora and  Alex ) who  did not stay  long . By  12:00 noon , almost  all  have  arrived . Last  to  arrive  were  Olympia  and  her  husband  who  were designated  to  cook  pinapaitan  and  kaldereta ( goat ) .  Food  was  in  abundance . Lou S. Biason , the  widow  of  Class'59er  Dionie  and  a resident  of  Marikina  made  it  to  the  picnic . 

The  following  pictures  show  the  joy  and  camaraderie  of  former  classmates . The  Mayor  of  San  Fabian ,  Mayor  Mojamito  Libunao , dropped  by  to  greet  the  class  for  their  Golden  Jubilee  Celebration .                                               

Are these the same faces  as  last night ?  They  shoud  be , being  in  the  same  class '59 . Sitting  down   are  Enriqueta , Estrella Marie , Mercedes , Rosa and venus . Standing are Virginia ( Aida ) Thelma , Ludy , Cecilia , Serafin , Yolanda , Veronica M ., Marina , and Veronica  de V.  

 

 Well , Naida  and Nieva  just  joined  the   group ...   

 

 

 

 

 

 

Seated  are  Rogelio , Alicia  , Cora , Rose and her granddaughter . Standing are  Cresencio , Teofilo , Raffy ( seated ) , Johnny M. and Rosie ..

 

 

 

 

 

Augusto  is trying  to  practice  for  the  Mangaldan "Idol"  while Cora , Fernando , Petronilo  and Rudy  wait  for  their turns .

 

 

 

 

 

Chow time .. See those  broiled ( or  are they  fried ? )  chickens  ?  I think Amado  Carlos  caught  them   single-handedly ! ! Olympia  tries  to   sure  everybody  will  have  enough  to  eat  ....Definitely ! !

By  three  o'clock , everybody  was  ready  to head  home .. There  will  be  another  picnic ... a day  after  today ...

 

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March  4th , 2009 ... Hundred  Islands , here  we  come ...........

It was  very  early  in the  morning  when  started   to  head  for  Lucap , Alaminos  to  get  the  boats  for  Hundred  Islands . We  did  not  board  the two   boats  until  we  all  bought  ourselves  hats  for  the  hot  sun . We   also  took  the  opportunity  to  take  some  pictures  while  the  sun  was  not  yet  at  it's  peak  .

     

 

 

 

 

  

These  are the   Class '59  members who  were  able  to  join  the  Hundred Islands trip . Seated  in  front  are  Venus , Corazon , Nieva , Serafin , Vivien , Fernando , Cresencio and  Adolfo .  Seated  in the 2nd   row  are Teresita , Cecilia , Emerita Cristina , Marina , Enriqueta , Ludy , Rosa , Mercedes, Marie , Estrella ,Gilda , Rosie , Manny  and  Olympia .

 

Venus , Marie , Rebecca  and  Serafin  stayed  for another  photo ..

 

 

 

 

 

 

The  same  class  '59  members  but  not  all  gals  are  wearing  their  newly -bought  hats ...

 

  

 Boarding  the  boat  is  no  longer  so  easy . The fear  of  falling  overboard  gripped  us but  we  managed . We  had  two  boats , each  carrying  16  persons .  

 

The  short  boat  tour  started  at  about  8:00 a.m . so   there  were  not  strong  waves ..

 

 

 

 

 

Looks  of  anticipation showed  in  all of us  .. Nieva , Teresita , Marie , Tita , Manny ,  Naida  , Venus , Rosa , Mercedes , Gilda  , Marina , Estrella and   Rosie .

 

 

 

 

 

Do  you  know  what  time  this  is ? It  was about  10:00  A.M. but  we  were  ready   to  eat  our  lunch .. Yes , lunch  ! !  Do  you  know  what  Manny  cooked ?  Bisokol ( escargot )  and  pising . He  gave  a  short  lesson  on  " how  to  suck  a  bisokol " Mangaldan style .  We  have  all  your  hearts  (  or  shall I say  stomachs )  desire   in  this  picnic . Agaylay  karakel  lamet  na  panangan , so  we  started   eating  lunch  quite  early .

 

      

 

Hey , Manny  and  Serafin , are  you  trying  to  push  or  are  you  pulling  the  boat ? Naksel  kayo  amon  maong   so  are  you  trying  to  prove  your  strength ? 

 

 

 

 

The  lure  of  the  water  was  too  much  to  ignore .. Unfortunately , our  bikinis were left  at  home ..

 

 

 

 

 

 

Manny  and  Serafin  really  made  a  lot  of  splashes . They  were  quite  ready  to  bare  their  bodies .

 

 

 

 

 

 

After  a bit  of  exploring the fivesome decided to take time  out  for  another " oraca ". Ludy , Venus , Marie , Eva  and Rebecca  love  the place .

 

Another  discovery  by  Eva , Vivien  and Marie ; the Grotto  of  Our  Lady  of  Lourdes , which  sits  on  a  cliff  overlooking  the  water .Truly  a  breath taking  view ..

 

 

 

 

 

 

Is'nt   this  a  fantastic  picture  with  the  small  islands  as  a  background ?  Manny  looks  tired after his  romp  in  the  water . By  now  , you  must  know  the  names  of   those  class '59ers  in  the  picture , don't  you ?

  

Here are  the guys , Arturo Ferrer , Dr. Raul Sabado , Fernando Rivo , Raffy  Loresco ,  Cresencio  Caballero , Adolfo  Yonson and Serafin  Serafica ..

 

And  here  are  some  of  the  gals ; Rosie , Tita , Ludy , Olympia and  Marina ...

 

 

After  a  hearty  merienda  at  12:00 noon and  a lot  of  chika chika , the  class  was   ready  to  head  back  home ." Simpet  abong  la " before  the  big  waves  will invade  the  sea .

 

 

 

 

The  whole  three - day  experience  of   our  Golden  Jubilee  celebration  was  much  more  than  we  expected  . The  "bonding"  which  is  our  theme  have  grown  stronger . We  have  enjoyed  each  other's  company  tremendously...

And  as  we  prepare  to  go  to  our  homes   and  to  the  old  grind  , remember  that   we  have  added  more  SOUVENIRS  WITHIN  OUR  CLASS ' 59  WHICH   TIME  WILL  TURN  INTO  OUR  TREASURES  .  GOD  BLESS  US  ALL .. MAY  WE  HAVE  MANY  MORE  HAPPY   CLASS '  59  REUNIONS  AS  YEARS  GO  BY ...

By  Marie  Aquino  Junio

STCS Class ' 59 Celebrates 50th year In 2009

Fifty  years  after  graduating  from  the  Santo  Tomas  High  School  , Class  '59  members  are  celebrating  their  Golden  Anniversary  back  at  their  Alma Mater  in  Mangaldan  , Pangasinan . Members  of  the  class  are  requested  to  get  in  touch  with  the  class  coordinators  either  in  Mangaldan , USA  or  Canada  . 

The   celebration  will  be  a  two  day  affair  , February  28  and  March  1 , 2009 . I  am  printing  the   tentative  program  and  activities   during  those  days ...

         

               

                                              GENERAL   PROGRAM 

    FEB. 28 , 2009

            1. THANKSGIVING  MASS ..........................................................7:00 a.m.

            2. BREAKFAST........................................................................8:00 a.m.

            3. GETTING  REACQUAINTED .......................................................9 :00 a.m.

            4.  LUNCH .............................................................................12:00 NOON 

            5.  PARLOR GAMES /BINGO/ VIDEOCADE ( OPEN TO  CLASS '59 FAMILY  MEMBERS,            

              CHILDREN  AND  APOS ).............................................................2:00 p.m.

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    MARCH 1, 2009

             1 . PICNIC ..............................................................................9:00 a.m.

             2 . RETURN  FROM  PICNIC ..........................................................3:00 p.m.

             3.  EVENING  GET TOGETHER ....................................................... 8:00 p.m.

                   HAWAIIAN  ATTIRE  AT  THE  STCS  GYM

    PROGRAMME  WILL  BE  AVAILABLE  AT  THE  ENTRANCE 

    CLASS  ' 59 ers , PLEASE  DO  COME .....SEE  YOU  ALL  IN  2009 ! ! ! !

    CONTACT  PERSONS :

     MANGALDAN :  

             LUDIVINE  MIR .... 75-523-5881 , DIOSDADO  DE  GUZMAN ....... 75-523-5869

      USA  : 

             SERAFIN  SERAFICA .....714-693-3072

       CANADA : 

              MARIE  AQUINO  JUNIO ......604-921-6845           

             

The Heat is On for STCS and Class '75 Forever

by Anne Evangelista-Buaron

The euphoria of the STCS  (60th) Diamond Jubilee and Grand Alumni Homecoming last March 1-3, 2008  is still being  felt  by  most alumni who  attended. 

In a way, Class ‘75 played a proactive role to  make our grand reunion a success;  like posting the Advisories on the updates and preparatory activities at the Pangasinan.org.–Mangaldan/STHS & Aliguas Mangaldan websites, which have contributed to a  lot of attendance. Atchi Marie Junio had vividly written the highlights of the celebration at the Aliguas, which connects our kabaleyans around the globe. She is not only an STCS outstanding alumnus, but more importantly co-owner and founder of this very popular website, with Sir Djoma de Guzman; hence they both deserved our warmest congratulations. 

Relative to this and in response to the prodding of some batchmates who are envious with the other  Batches, because they can’t find any B’75 picture posted in  the Aliguas, I am sharing therefore  our experiences  in three parts;  Before, During and After  the momentous event. 

I. BEFORE –  PREPARATORY ACTIVITIES

Some Class ‘75 alumni excitedly met at the STCS, Feb. 28, pm. to brainstorm and finalize the preparation for the 3-day activity. After a simple dinner, visited our balikbayan couple and  batchmates from Hawaii,  Tito and Virginia Gutierrez- Cendana   in  Salaan.   With the power of text messaging, our dear friend and benefactor Bona and husband Melchor Parayno,  who just  arrived direct from the  USA (despite very tired and jet lag), also  joined us  in reminiscing our  HS memories as evidenced by the  two photos:

Standing (L-R) Virginia Gutierrez -Cendana, Anita Evangelista-Buaron and Bona de Vera-Parayno. Seated: Nora  De Vera-Gonzales and Glorina Cervantes- Aquino.

Standing (L-R) : Larry Segundo,  Julio “Twit” Fernandez, Perfecto Cendana III,  Maximino Castro, Anne Evangelista-Buaron,  Andres Laluan, Rufino Aquino,  Rodrigo Visperas,  Bona  De Vera-Parayno and Rolando De Vera. Seated (L-R)  Arnulfo  Bautista,  Nora V. Gonzales,  Genaro Bautista, Virginia Cendana & Glorina C. Aquino.

The next day, Feb. 29 p.m., we met  again at the school   to  rehearse for  the Alumni  Socio-Cultural Presentation   on the much awaited day, 
March 1.

The photo shows the C ’75  macho boys gamely but seriously  practice the version of  Hagibis’ “Katawan”

Two pictures  of  C’75  rehearsing  the presentation of their chorus and national song, “ Kung Sama-Sama...” If We Hold On Together”

While rehearsing,  saw  some alumni of Batch ‘59  and about to practice also. I excitedly approached  no other  than Atche Marie Junio of Aliguas to meet her personally for  the 1st time. Sayang, missed to capture with a picture  together  that rare  moment.

After the rehearsal, our very generous TFC batchmate/ninong Genaro S. Bautista, Navy Reserved, USA brought  a lot of pasalubongs for all of us, contained in 2 big balikbayan boxes. They consisted of branded  shirts, tshirts, maong  pants, slacks, perfumes, lotion, soaps, jewelries, bags, watches, sunglasses, wallets, rubber shoes, etc.  Batchmates who weren’t present were  also given  their  shares  when  they visited him  at the ancestral home of his wife, Aida Gatinga near Romana Peanut Brittle.

And now... a time of gift giving and distribution of pasalubongs... me

Principal Arnold all smiles with his presents, . ..the   printed polo he’s wearing and a nice t shirt on hand.

Noli Bautista fits his pasalubong of printed polo and shows to Ninang Bona, (another  very generous batchmate)the brand of t- shirt (orig) given by Gene. When  all the contents of the 2 boxes were  emptied... It’s time to thank Ninong Gene ... and   poses for prosperity....

A wacky  and joyful  shot...One more happy pose

Time to partake simple dinner of  pansit and softdrinks. Pic shows Rosemarie Ferrer- Magtangob and husband, Josie Jimenez-Petilla, Daniel Cabanilla, etc.

II. DURING  -THE BIG DAY – STCS Diamond Anniversary,         
March 1,2008, First Day

Class ’75 before the Thanksgiving Mass

B ‘69 with my brother director Ces M. Evangelista. Five alumni of Batch ‘67 including my   Kuya Angel  M. Evangelista. Sorry I didn’t get the names of the others.

Queuing up for the Holy Communion . . .  Bonafe de Vera - Parayno with husband Melchor, accepting the Plaque of Appreciation from Fr. Joel Ymzon,  STCS Director,  as  major donor and sponsor    for  the  construction of  the STCS Gymnasium.

With  the support of  hubby Rodel  M. Buaron  and son Reinard.

AFTER  THE MASS...THE MUCH  AWAITED MOTORCADE!!

Hello from Class ’75 !     Class ’65 with my Atche Rose, Rosario  M. Evangelista.

Class ‘73 with my Atche Julie M. EvangeIista-Sierra

Class ‘ 75 posed  at the gym after  the motorcade . . .

It’s  time to eat for lunch!  We have the privileged  to have 3 Sisters and 1 Father as our guests, but very sorry,  didn’t get their names.  On the table  are  Anne, Fe Suque-Maramba,  Armando Ydia ,  Sister? and Sister ?, Father Carino, Andres Laluan  and Sister ?. Am really very sorry, Sisters.

The second photo above shows Gil Abrazaldo, Nora Carmen Aquino, Nora Gonzales, Glorina Aquino, Josefina Petilla, Merlinda Evangelista, Luz Bautista and Susan Torralba.

A posed by the guys... Twit Fernandez, Alfredo Costes, Rufino Aquino, Nicanor Abalos, Ernesto Natavio, Gerardo Abrio, Boy Visperas, Larry Segundo, Bernardo Tandoc  and Maximino Castro .

Right photo is the group of Alex Bautista, Jose Oca, Arnulfo Abe, Diosdado Surait, Santiago Cerezo, Romulo Martinez and Ernesto Natavio.

Leticia Villanueva, Jose Oca, Cenon Pulanco and Rodrigo Cabanisas.

Above right, a happy shot  with  B’75 Jose Oca, Lydia Tibig, Leticia Villanueva, Anne, Nora, Rose, Rogelio  Evangelista, Twit Fernandez, Gene Bautista and Max Castro

The photo below shows B’75 on  stage before the Cultural Presentation . . . . . With more C ’75 members, and calling for more.

Batch ’69 with my Kuya Cesar  M. Evangelista.

Above right, this time with my Atche Gelimina M. Evangelista-Espino and Class ’61 alumni.

B’75  Noli  Bautista, Connie  Aquino,  Anne Buaron, Jose Juanatas, Gene Bautista , Nora Gonzales , Janet  Cendana.

BEFORE THE PRESENTATION.... The guys  getting ready and fixing  their outfits  with Paz Morales-Romero assisting.

The Actual Presentation... Batch ’75 ..guys and ladies giving their best in “Katawan”,

And the Class ‘75  rendition of  Kung Sama-Sama ..‘If We Hold on Together...  Where we got 2nd place.  Batch ‘73 got the 1st place!

Anyway, most of us  have Ates or Kuyas in Batch ‘73, so we were all winners. After the program, some stayed  a while in the school for more bonding, me included.

Above right, In the photo are,  Standing; Josie Petilla, Susan Torralba, Paz Morales-Romero, Anne Evangelista- Buaron, Rosemarie Ferrer-Magtangob and husband. Infront are   Rodrigo Visperas, Manuel Tandingan, Arnulfo Tangulig,  and Nora De Vera-Gonzales.  Rosemarie was our contestant to the  Mrs. STCS Alumni 2008.

THIRD DAY- MARCH 3- MEDICAL  AND DENTAL MISSION
Some Observations/Insights...

The STCS Alumni Volunteer doctors, nurses and dentists were treating some patients, others were waiting for their turn, when I went to the school around 10:00 a.m.  At 1:00 p.m. , no more medicines, so the patients were  just given prescriptions. The Mission ended around 2:00 p.m.   When I went to the school, saw Fr. Dir. Ymzon and   approached him, but was surprised with his comment, “ I thought nawala na ang suporta ng Batch ’75, kasi wala pa akong nakita, unlike before. 
Although  batchmate Fe Suque-Maramba, Chief Nurse at the Regional Hospital was already there.  I replied of course, B ‘75 is always supportive, that’s why I’m here.  But told him  that I want to explain the absence of Bona De Vera-Parayno, who was supposed to be the Chairperson.

As a background... The Diamond Jubilee Program and Schedule of Activities were distributed 2 weeks before the Homecoming. In the Med Dental Mission Project, nowhere can we read the name of Bona in the Committee, even as a member. Where in fact, as early as June 07 of the Alumni Meeting, when the officers decided that a Medical and Dental Mission shall be conducted, it was suggested that it was to be chaired by Bona   due to the successful 1st STCS MedDental Mission in March 2007, which she sponsored, in cooperation with STCS Admin., volunteer doctors, dentists nurses, B’75, etc.. There were more than 2,000 patients treated and given free medicines. Bona readily accepted the chairmanship, and I, as the coordinator of B’75 and contributing writer for STCS at Aliguas, tried to attend the Alumni meetings  at least  every other month, since am based in MM. Prepared the Terms of Reference (TOR), and started our coordination with the alumni through the net, emails and texts. However, Bona learned that she wasn’t included in the Committee, so we have to cease our preparations and coordination.  But for the sake of STCS, she was still very willing to shoulder half of the expenses for the medicines. That’s why, during the Cultural presentation break, she announced a meeting for the Med Dental Committee officers and volunteers after the presentation to finalize the plan.  However, the meeting was also cancelled without even notifying her again, so that was the final blow/ moment.

However, during the Alumni Ball, Mrs. Fe Datuin, Alumni President approached her inquiring on the medicines. She was taken by surprised, but did not comment anymore.
After the Grand Alumni Ball, we (Bona, Manny, Principal Arnold, Noli and  me)  discussed about the  Mission, and our final  decision was..to let the Med/Dental  Committee take charge, since we are not included in the Committee.

When I finished narrating to Fr. Ymzon, he said that did not know anything about it. He then invited me to tell to the Alumni Treasurer Mrs. Rosario Serafica–Cervantes and Sub- Secretary Ms. Abejero who were at the Admin. Office and they too, were surprised. If it ever reached the Alumni President, Ms. Datuin, don’t know, I just raised our sentiments.

In my job/ nature of work, I have been involved in  organizing and coordinating national and international  events.  As I observed, the Med Dental Mission conducted was alright.  However,  it would have been more successful,  if the Alumni Officers honoured  what had been agreed and decided during meetings as stated in the Minutes of the Meeting , and let us,  B ’75 did  the coordination as we’ve started.  Besides our efforts and sacrifices that we started were nasayang, when the Officers suddenly changed the committee without the courtesy of informing the original members.  Nevertheless, we would like to congratulate the Medical Dental Committee for doing their best to make it a successful one.

POST ACTIVITIES

On the other hand, life goes on for Batch ’75.  At 4:00 p.m., met again at the STCS to evaluate the 3-day STCS Diamond Jubilee Celebration. 
We also agreed to have another get together on March 8, 2008 (also the town fiesta) at the Hidden Rock Resort , pot luck for the food.

After the meeting, we’re treated dinner by Mr. and Mrs. Mechor Parayno at JG’s restaurant in Mangaldan as shown in the 2 photos. . .

GOLDEN BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

On March 4, 2008, a  day after the Diamond Celebration, our  batchmate from the USA, Genaro Bautista and his wife, Aida Gatinga -Bautista, MNHS ’74  celebrated their joint birthdays  with their friends and relatives here  in the Phils. at Casa de Dona Upeng  (the former Mansion of Dona Upeng) .  Aida, celebrated her golden  birthday last Sept. 2007 in the US, while Gene will celebrate his birthday on Sept. 7, 2008, also in the US.

Below are some photos taken during the joyful event:
Aida Bautista with partner, relatives and friends started the ballroom dancing.

Above right, Gene with batchmates and friends, from (L-R) Noli Bautista, Salome Cervito (Elem.), Bona Parayno, Anne Evangelista-Buaron, Gene Bautista, the celebrant,  and Manny Tandingan.

Below left, Standing: (L-R) Manny, Gene, Fe Suque-Maramba, Nora De Vera-Gonzales, Cenon Pulanco and Salome Cervito, Seated(L-R) Christopher Bautista (Gene’s son), Bona, Anne and  Paz Morales-Romero.

Above right, the handsome guys, Maximino Castro, Noli Bautista, Julio (Twit) Fernandez, Rodrigo (Boy) Visperas, Perfecto (Tito)Cendana, III,  and Conrado Mangsat.

It was also a  mini-reunion of  Mang. Elem.  School Batch ’71 with Cenon Pulanco, Twit, Fe-Suque-Maramba, Boy, Bona,   Salome,  Andres Laluan, Tito and  Paz.

Lets Swing  .. by Rodrigo Visperas and  Janet Cendana Salome Servito and Julio Twit Hernandez.

MARCH 8, 2008

1. AT HIDDEN ROCK FARM RESORT, 8, 2008.. It was a day of singing, story telling ,even playing tong-its for some...  The guys  with Mariet,  while playing tong-its...

2. FromHidden Rock, the group were invited by  Joel Meneses since it was also  pistay baley.  Katon  panangan lamet, stomach progress talaga. Then lumipat kamid  abong di Max  tan  Mila,  masasarap lamet so handa nila , naimpatso kami lan talaga. Max, Dandie Damba , (naogip la ta apoyat ed biyahe), and Rodel.

Anne and Twit while relaxing and having chit chat at Max’ place.

And now...It’s time to give Certificate of Appreciation to Ms. Bonafe DeVera-Parayno...

and   to  Perfecto Cendana, III, etc...Thank you very much for support to Batch ’75.

DESPEDIDA:

March 14, 2008 –DAD’s Kamayan, SM Megamall

The despedida dinner of Daniel Cabanilla  before his return to Australia the next day, with  Dandi Bamba,    Jun Tandoc, Daniel,  Gil Abrazaldo, AnneBuaron and Nora Gonzales.

2.  LAST TCF BATCHMATE TO LEAVE –GENARO BAUTISTA

The  2 pics   were taken at Dusit Hotel lobby, Makati City on March 18, 2008, the night before Gene Bautista and family went back to the USA.

Nora, Gene, Christopher (Gene’s son) and Anne. . . .With Christopher, Anne and Gene

With this, babaleg ya salamat for spending your time to read and share with us, the Class ’75 memories on the STCS Diamond Jubilee and Grand  Alumni Homecoming and beyond.. Hanggang sa muli.  Muaahh...

ABOVE ALL,  Thank  Very Much Our LORD and SAVIOUR , for all the blessings and guidance !

(Kamay ni Hesus Shrine/Grotto, Lukban,Quezon)

-  Anne  Evangelista – Buaron,C75

Class 1978 in STCS 2008 Diamond Jubilee

Hi Djoma,

My name is Froilan Reside and although I was physically absent during our diamond reunion, I'm actively helping my Batch in whatever  way I could most specially web related issues. In my batch behalf, I would take this opportunity to ask you favor by posting our reunion shots during the celebrated homecoming. I would also wish to extend my advance and immeasurable thanks for you and all the people who made sacrifices to make this site a reality.Mabuhay Kayo tan ABANTE MANGALDAN.

Froilan Reside / Anolid

269 Boyd Avenue,

Jersey City, New Jersey, 07304

Class 1975 in STCS 2008 Diamond Jubilee

Gene Bautista, President of Class 1975, shares the following pictures during the March 1, 2008 reunion at the STCS campus.

Batch 1971 STCS - All Present!

I am in Manila now and will try to upload Raffy Rivera's posting (Djoma):

Hi djoma,
              I don't know if i did it right,but i got some batch 71' pictures during our motorcade,you think it's good enough to be printed in Aliguas website?picture#12
sitting inside Raquel Golea, & Gloria Tandoc.standing are Elvira Cendana,Ella Soriano,Violeta Lambino &Roberto Fernandez.
#14 Rafael Rivera,Bart de Vera, Mario Biason,&Mario Calicdan.
#17BartDV.,Simeon Clata,Robert F.,Roberto Guban.,Mario Biason, Mr.M.Soco Arnel Dutong,Edelberto de Vera& Alex Tambaoan.
#18 Larry Lambino,E. dV., Crispin Padilla,Alex T., George Nabua, Unknown LeonardoGubatan.
#19 Ella Soriano &The boys
#20 The fun has just begun.
#21Batch 71' group pictures
Thank you somuch we all had such agreat time.

Highlights Of The STCS Diamond Jubilee

By Marie Aquino  Junio

The celebration of the Santo Tomas Catholic  School Diamond  Jubilee  and Grand Alumni Homecoming  turned out to be  beyond  expectation  by the organizers as well  as the  alumni members  with regards to  the  attendance .

MARCH 1st

It started with the registration  of Alumni  who  arrived in droves , in their " decada color -coded " t-shirts  at the quadrangle . The atmosphere was so  "electrifying" . The excitement of  seeing  their classmates  after so many years  was so overpowering  . It was a beautiful sight !

The "make-shift " altar  at the gym  was filled  to capacity  when the Holy Mass started . Hundreds ( maybe thousands) of alumni from Pangasinan  ( Philippines ) as well  as  all over the world showed up .  The mass  was  officiated by  Mons.  Mayugba concelebrated  by  Mons. Joel Ynson  and the alumni priests : Father Romeo Biala , Father  Peter Aquino , Father Paul de Vera , Father Anecito Malanum , Father Diosdado Posadas , Father Francis Posadas , Father Jerry Cera  , Father  Beda Mangonon and  Father Rene  Mendoza  .  Officers and organizers of  the  Jubilee  celebration  were  presented  before  the start of the mass ..

 

In the picture with  Rev.Father Joel  Ynson are : L-R , Fe  Tolentino Datuin , Rose Serafica Cervantes , Cecilia Ferrer Ferrera , Porferia Lopez Tamondong  , Raquel ( Ana ) Gilladoga Labayen , Tito Sarzaba , Luz ( Sheila )  Samson Quinto , Lucia de Vera Arcinue , Amanda Biala Cera and  Bona  Biason Secoquian . Some officers  are not in the picture .

The  crowd  before the  start of the Holy Mass . Decada  50s in their Gold  t-shirts ..

Decada 70's  in their  designated  area during  the Holy  Mass ...

There are  five  of the eleven  pioneer graduates  ( Class '50 ) who are still  around , however , only  three  were  able to attend the celebration .

The five pioneer graduates are Ligaya de Leon MacFarlane , Lourdes Aquino Sampaga , Pedro Biala , Maria  Biason Cervas  and Restituta Barrozo .

STCS Pioneer graduates leading the Decada 50's Golds are  Lourdes Aquino Sampaga , Ligaya de Leon MacFarlane and Restituta Barrozo .

After the Holy Mass , alumni assembled at the Mangaldan central School grounds  for the motorcade ..Luckily , the weather  cooperated . The sun did not appear until  the motorcade  was  almost over . Hats and umbrellas were handy ..

Decorated trucks prepare for the  motorcade  .

The Batch '59 float

Batch '59 are all smiles . The sun has not  affected  the motorcaders  at the first "lap "

The motorcade  covered the San  Fabian  Poblacion  and   the rural areas , Mapandan  Poblacion and the Barangays , Maasin, Anulid  and  other  Mangaldan Barangays  and back to the STHS  grounds ...

It was a long motorcade  and everyone was famished . Some batches had  their lunches catered  and some had "Pot Luck "" . During   lunch , friends took the time to reconnect . Lots of pictures  have been taken ..

Class '58 celebrated their  GOLDEN  JUBILEE  with  a  Pot Luck  lunch ( after the Motorcade ) with Lilia Almonte  Basto  donating  the Lechon .

 

Some members of Batch '59

Batch '59 after  the Motorcade .

Batch '56

After lunch , each batch  went  on stage  for  their  socio -cultural presentations  . Decada  '50s  and 60's  had  barely  found time  to practice  but everybody did their best .

Combined  efforts  of  Class '52  to Class '56  resulted  in  a  Hawaiian dance of  Pearly Shell . For golden girls , it was an astonishing accomplishment . Makolkolaney met ni balangbang dara ...

Batch '59  tried to sing and dance  to the tune of  " Ponciano "  with their kodigo  .  With just one rehearsal , how  can  it not be " agaygay " ?

   

It looks like this  was one of the  presentations of  Batch '75 . They  got  the 2nd prize  among the Batch presentations .

 

A modern dance presented  by  one of the Batches  in  the '70's Decade

It was such a long  presentation  of  all the batches  and  a  long day for the  judges  .  Batch  ' 73  garnered   the  1st  prize .  Congratulations to the  winners  . All the batches tried their best  so kudos to you all .

Reconnections made :

I made sure  I have a picture with  our special  and most loved  teacher  and friend , Mrs . Josefina  de Vera , who is now based in L.A. Thanks for sharing us this occasion , Atsi Pinay .

Green versus gold .. Mona Lopez Tan  and Marie Aquino Junio  both from  Vancouver , Canada , Luz ( or Sheila ) Samson Quinto  based in Mangaldan and Nieva ( Eva  )Biala Sabado , based in Manila .

Ana ( aka Raquel ) Gilladoga Labayen , Class '61 , is now based in Quezon City  and  is  one of the   active  organizers  of  the  Alumni   event .

  Rebecca Aquino Serafica , Serafin  Serafica , Mrs.  Josefina de Vera , Marie , Dra . Tita Morales Quinto  and Estrella  Cuison Tolentino ( Mapandan ) did make some reconnections ..

Linda Lalicon Serafica ( class '60 )  who is based  in New York  and Marie ( class '59 )  are happy  to see  each other again ..

    

The Golden Girls , Sister Severina Aquino  , Class '54 , Marie ( Class ' 59 ) , Cora  del Rosario ( Class  '56 ) and our forever young  teacher  , Mrs. Josefina de Vera posing for posterity ..

*******************************************************************************************************************

MARCH 2nd ,2008

It was family day . Batches  went on their  different ways  to celebrate , either  to the beach  for a potluck picnic  like  Class '59  and Class' 67  who  spent  the  day  at the PTA Resort  in Mabilao , San Fabian  or  other venues .  Class '50 - '54 spent their day  and lunch at the garden of Rose Serafica  Cervantes  at the Residencia San Jose . Batch '58 , the Golden Jubilarians  had their potluck lunch   at the STCS  grounds . 

Mangoes , Papayas  , bangus , orang  and  other  Filipino  delicacies  are  in abundance  at the PTA Resort  where  Class '59  had their picnic .Olympia Mercado Ferrer , Marina Vergara , Cecilia Cabrera , Soriano , Lita Sarzaba Torio , Mercedes Biador Amistad , Rosa Daroy , Marie Aquino Junio , Estrella  Cuison Tolentino and Enriqueta Morales Quinto seem to be  enjoying  the  food .

San Fabian Town  Mayor  Mojamito Libunao  joined us  for a  photo session  at  the  PTA  picnic  grounds .

Class  '59  picnickers  at PTA Resort in  Mabilao, San Fabian .  It was a very good turn-out  for the batch . David Lalimarmo , husband of Batch '59 Annie Castro  joined us in lieu of Annie who was not able to come home  from  Boston ...   

Each batch had their own splaces  to spend  the day   and stories  to tell . It was just   a truly special , wonderful  , day  for them and their families ...

****************************************************************************************************************************

STCS   BALL ...

It  was a night  the Alumni Thomasians  have been looking forward  to ..  A FORMAL  BALL ! ! !  The  Plaza Auditorium   was decked  with  decorations  depicting  the Decadas and batches . DI's ( dancing instructors )  were ready  to  swing  and  dance  with  the ladies  as long as they want . A short rain almost dampened  the  special night . Alumni and guests squeezed themselves under  the small  kiosk  where  more hugging and reconnections  took place . Nankakabatan ya andi oras iramay agni nan neneng nengan  ya dati ya sankakaaro  while waiting for the rain to stop  . After about thirty  minutes  , the rain  finally stopped  and came the clear skies . Alumni were presented by  the STCS Alumni President Fe T. Datuin  followed  by  Alumni marching around the  auditorium by decades ( 50s,60s,70s, 80s , 90s , 200s .) The  highlight of the evening was the selection of Mr . Alumni , Mrs. Alumna and  Miss Alumna . Silverio ( Boy ) Moulic  , Mrs. Perla Cruz and  Dr. Monina Posadas  got the coveted titles  respectively .

The  '50s  Decada  led  the march of the Alumni around the  Public Auditorium 

Class  '59  and class '60  at their designated  seats .

More  alumni  at the  ball

Perla Biala Cruz  ( from  California ) as Mrs. Alumni ( alumna ) and Silver "Boy" Moulic " ( from New Jersey  ) as  Mr. Alumni  ( alumnus )  of the  night  as declared  by the judges . Dr . Monina C. Posadas  won the  Miss Alumni ( alumna ) title .

The  reigning "couple "of the night , Perla and Silver " Boy " with  some friends Digna Banez ( who was one of the contenders ) , Annie  Penullar Cancino , Marie  A. Junio and Purita  Aquino Farrales

More  STCS Alumni attendees : L-R : Nieva Biala Sabado , Chit Biala Magalong , Ludy Mamayson , Fely Mamayson , Pat Cera  , Lourdes Aquino Sampaga , Vivien Cera Mariano  and Marie Aquino  Junio .

Lilia  Almonte Basto , Marie  Aquino Junio , Lourdes A. Sampaga , Romana  de Vera , Josefina Moulic Olaer took refuge under the kiosk while  rain  poured over the  town .

It was four o'clock  when  the last group left the plaza . Joy and satisfaction reigned  at the ball  where  almost everybody   danced  with " gusto " . It was truly a night to remember by  Thomasian  Alumni  specially those  who  came all the way  from  all over the world  to share  the Jubilee  celebration days  with their  batchmates as well as schoolmates . Thanks to the emcee of the night  Mrs. Rosalie Ramirez ( class '83 )  Hulipas  and the judges  for the selection of   the Mr . , Mrs. and Miss alumni titles .

March 3rd  was  the day of the  Medical and  Dental  Mission . Inspite  of the  late-night activities at the ball , the   Alumni  officers  and organizers  were   present  early the next day  to assist the volunteers and to welcome  the  recipients ( or patients ) who came in droves  to avail themselves of the free medical and dental  assistance . Giving back to the community ( as a  part of  the STHS Diamond  Jubilee  celebration ) was the best  STCS  and the alumni  could offer  and  it  was truly  the best  feature  of the three -day celebration  . Kudos to Mrs. Fe  Tolentino  and  the  officers and organizers and those who are involved in this  special  event  , a special  Gem  indeed . 

P.S.  I am still waiting  for some pictures of the winning  batch  presentation  and some pictures of the different  batches  as well  as the Medical and  Dental  mission . Please  e-mail them to me at lelimar07@yahoo.ca .. Thanks .

Marie    

      

STCS Class '79 Mini Reunion

By Marie Aquino  Junio

When Reynato ( aka Rey )  and  Madonna ( nee  Donna  Maningding )  Tan  decided to spend their 2007 Christmas and 2008 New Year  in Mangaldan with their children , they knew  they won't be able to  wait for the STCS  Grand Reunion on Mar .1-3 .  The couple  and  their  two children reside in Vancouver , B.C. , Canada . So  Donna  gathered  her  Class '79  batchmates based  in Mangaldan and decided  to  hold  an early mini reunion  .  Manny Cabanilla ,( who is  a Class '79 graduate ) and his family  arrived from  Australia  to spend the Christmas season in Mangaldan  so  he was able to help in  coordinating  the event .

When  the  organizers  decided  to go  on  with the plan , everybody joined  in  to help  in  making  it a successful one  . Rodrigo  Ocomen  started the ball rolling by contacting  his classmates  . On  December 29th , 2007 , the first  organized  reunion of Class' 79 took place  in the San Fabian  Beach Resort . It was a Pot Luck  lunch . Manny Cabanilla  donated  the traditional  "lechon " and Rodrigo  Ocomen  gave a discounted  price  for his  own  barbecued  chicken .

The pictures sent by Donna  show  the batch's  enthusiasm  and joy in  this special reunion . The " kumustaan"  continued on and on . Reviewing  the old  album  of  class pictures  drew a lot of "ohs" and "ahs".  After 29 years  without seeing  each  other , could there  be much change  physically ? The pictures  still  show   "pogis "and "pogitas" among the  batch mates .. You can see for yourselves  what  the years have been to this  class ...

Amanda Orap  followed by  classmate Ronaldo  Jimenez . Are they the first group to arrive or  last group to  arrive  at the picnic area  ?

Members of Class '79   who  were  at the San Fabian Beach  Resort  for the  much-awaited class  reunion ..Quite  a  good turn-out , I must say ...

   

Madonna  Maningding Tan , Vivian de Venecia , Alicia Aquino , Nelia Tamondong  and Marlene Ydia looking  at some old class photos .

   

Picture shows Vena , Amor , Josephine , Lolita , Glicerea , Amanda and  Victoria

   

The guys

More pictures of the ladies , Lolly, Gliceria , Vera , Josephine  and Madonna .

A  note  from  Madonna :

Thanks to Manny Cabanilla  for donating lechon and  to all who have contributed to this  mini-reunion of Class '79 . A special "Thank you " , too  to  Rod  Ocomen  who put  a lot  of effort  in coordinating and  gathering  everyone  for  the  occasion  and to  Amanda Orap  who  provided  gifts  for all  everybody  present  at  this special event .

A note  from  Atchi Marie :

To you , Madonna , a job well  done for initiating  your mini reunion  and  for the  financial help  you are  extending to make sure  your classmates  can make it to the STCS  60th  Anniversary Grand Alumni  Homecoming  on March  1-3 .  I am sure  your classmates will surely  appreciate that gesture ..     

STCS Class '59 Advisory

From  Marie  Aquino  Junio  :

As  our  Santo Tomas Catholic School  ( formerly STHS )  Diamond  Jubilee  and Grand  Alumni Homecoming  is approaching , may  I  request  ( or implore )  my  batchmates  , Class '59 , to get in touch  with  one of the following officers : Mansueto  ( John ) Gilladoga  ( Philippines )..Tel # 02-506-0084 or 02-505-4989 ; Ludivine ( Ludy ) Mir Loresco  ( Philippines )..Tel # 75-523-5881 ;  Serafin Serafica  (  United  States )..Tel #  714-693-3072  and  Margarita ( Marie ) Aquino Junio ( Canada ) ..Tel # 604-921-6845 ....We want  to have an  idea  on  how many  members of our class  will be attending  and participating  in the activities .

Let us try  to  achieve  a  100%  attendance , if  it  is possible ...I  feel so sad  to  say  that  we  lost another  classmate , Francisco C. de Aquino ( whom we  used to call  Iyong ), most recently . He passed  away on  November 12 , 2007  and  was  buried  today  ( November  18 , 2007 ) at  the Mangaldan  Cemetery . Please pray for the repose of his  soul ..

Ladies , here is our class '59  picture  . Can you identify  yourselves in this picture ?  Unfortunately , I can not  find  the  picture of the  class '59 boys  . If  anybody  among our classmates  has that  picture , please  let  me know or e-mail it to me  at  majunio@telus.net .. We  are looking forward  to hear  from  you , classmates ....Please  keep  in touch ....

             

 

These two pictures  below were taken  in December ,1999 during  the STHS Golden Anniversary  Celebration ..   

                                                                                             

                                  

  List  of Class '59 Graduates :   

Males :                                 

Abrogar, Alfredo  + / Agustin , Mauro / Aquino , Augusto / Aquino , Benigno /Aquino , Francisco C. +/ Bernabe , Rodolfo / Bianan , Petronilo /Biason , Dionisio + / Biason , Manuel / Caballero , Cresencio / Cabrera , Ramon + / Cachola , Ruben / Cendana , Alfeo / Domondon , Rodolfo / Espiritu , Tomas / Flores , Felipe / Garcia , Marcial / Garin , Vito / Gilladoga , Mansueto Jr. / Gutierrez , Teodoro / Gurierrez , Teofilo / Guzman , Diosdado de / Imuan , Remigio + / Imuan , Teofilo / Jacob , Remigio / Malanum , Guillermo / Mangsat , Juan / Mejia , Servillano / Morales , Bernardino / Moulic , Federico / Muyano , Marcelino /  Pasaoa , Juan Jr. / Perado , Juan / Perez , Andres / Perez ,  Francisco / Quinto , Rudy / Quirimit , Ben / Rheberg , Francisco Jr. / Rivera , Ruben + / Rivo , Fernando / Sarzaba , Rogelio / Sembrano , Manuel / Serafica , Serafin / Serote , Pacifico / Soriano , Raymundo / Tibig , Rodrigo / Velasquez , Rogelio / Venecia , Renato de / Vera , Rolando de  + / Villegas , Romeo / Visperas , Alfredo / Yonson , Adolfo

Females :

Abrazaldo , Corazon / Amon , Erlinda / Aquino , Apolonia / Aquino , Margarita / Aquino , Teresita / Aquino , Virginia / Barrozo , Rosario / Bautista , Esperanza / Bautista , Gilda / Biador , Mercedes / Biala , Nieva / Bulatao , Julita / Caballero , Gloria + / Cabrera , Cecilia / Cabrera , Corazon  /Calicdan , Aurora + / Castro , Mildred  Annie  / Cera , Vivien / Cervas , Norie + / Cuison , Estrella / Daroy , Rosa / Diosana , Lilia / Edic , Concepcion / Embuido , Jovencia / Erfilua , Clarita  + / Eucapor , Erlinda + / Frianela , Yolanda / Guzman , Aurelia +  / Idio , Linda + / Jimenez , Venus / Juguilon , Marcelina / Lalicon , Thelma / Lim , Purisima + / Malabuet , Cristina / Mayugba , Teonila / Mercado , Olympia / Mir , Ludivine / Molina , Gliceria / Morales , Dolores /  Morales , Enriqueta / Morales , Estela + / Morales , Fenelia + / Muyano , Florentina / Nipales , Angelita / Plasique , Luz / Roca , Norma / Sarzaba , Rosario / Serafica , Linda / Tempra , Perla / Vera , Veronica de / Vergara , Marina / Vergara , Teofila / Vera , Juana de + / Viray , Estrellita ...

We have two  honorary  members of Class ' 59  : Julita  Sarzaba  and  Amado  Carlos who have  always been  present   and  contributed  tremendously  to our past  class  reunions  ..

The   +  signifies  deceased ....