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
YOHHHHHOOO..
cool.. ahaha...
have fun and enjoy!
"THOMASIAN'S"
Posted by: JOY | June 27, 2009 at 06:35 AM
My dear Marie,
Indeed, it was with a real joy to watch all the members of the STCHS, Class of 1959, as they celebrated their golden reunion. First, from the mass offered on their behalf at the Santo Tomas Catholic Church, followed by breakfast, then tree-planting at the high school ground, the Hawaiian Luau night, the picnic at San Fabian PTA Beach Resort and, finally, the trip to the Hundred Islands. Really, I am very envious with you, guys and gals, with the kind of bonding, camaraderie, cooperation and unity shown by everybody! They all looked very tired after several days of bonding and reconnection; however, their faces showed only contentment and happiness, no complaint!!! A far cry from what we, the members of MNHS Class of 1959, went through! We were divided, so to speak, and the happiness we felt was just 50%, compared to yours, which is 110%!
Kudos and my hat is off to all of you wonderful STCHS '59ers, who worked so hard and sacrificed a lot to make it a big, big success! Ross and I feel very fortunate to be a part of one of the STCHS '59ers events, the highlight of them all - the Hawaiian Luau night!!! And I am so happy to have met, after more than 50 years, my former elementary and first year high school classmates during the Luau night!
God bless you all! May the Almighty Heavenly Father give you all continued good health and long life! Is it farfetch to say that after the big success of your golden anniversary, your sights and thoughts are now focused on your Diamond Jubilee! Go, go for it!!!
Cecile
Posted by: Cecile | March 22, 2009 at 01:02 PM