| Batch ‘74 Reunion 2006
Sto. Niño Academy
Bamban, Tarlac
January 21, 2006
Narrated by: John A. Tuazon (I-B, ’70-‘71 / II-A, ’71-’72)
The much-awaited date has come! The optimism of the organizers was put to test… In the previous Batch ‘74 Reunions, the number of attendees was not that significant, thus making the organizers worried in spite of their never-say-die spirit.
At the strike of 8 o’clock in the morning at the Sto. Nino Academy campus, former classmates started to come in trickles which gave us a sigh of relief. Immediately, upon registration they were required to don the Dominican logo-inspired white shirt donated by US Balikbayan classmates. As minutes passed by, the old Calvary started to be covered with white shirt-clad batchmates. At this point in time, the organizers declared the reunion a sweet success. Jubilation filled the air. Imagine all these people, mostly grey-haired, exchanging pleasantries all at the same time; it’s a cacophony of sounds as they try catch up with the lost years; 31 years at that!
At about 8:30 AM, the SNAers flocked into the church for the Thanksgiving Mass. Did you know that the entrance walk was done in the same fashion as it was done before? Yes, the boys lined up on one side while the girls on the other and did the genuflection all at the same time as signaled by a clap of the hands (unfortunately, Sister Irene was not there as she used to do the honors).
Former teachers were there to join us in the Mass; they were Miss Lolita D. Rivera (now Buenaventura; I-B Class Adviser), Miss Elenita Salunga (now Sibal; II-A Class Adviser), and Miss Leticia Milan (now Siazon; one of our subject teachers in first year). There was an air of nostalgia…from the glorious days of high school up to the devastation of Mt. Pinatubo’s lahar. We thank God for bringing us back together after all these trying years. Just before the Mass was celebrated, the names of our departed classmates were called and prayers were said for the eternal repose of their souls.
At the end of the mass, Miss Juliet Liwag (subject teacher in second year) came in to join us in the batch pictorial. It was a fun-filled photo session that we forgot we were inside the church. Miss Liwag (now Lugtu) ushered us out of the church where the Drum and Lyre Corps of the SNA welcomed us with their pop tunes that made us dance to their beat. We also tried our skills in baton twirling. It was a wacky and crazy experience! No truer words can describe the happiness and joy each and everyone experienced in this early part of the day.
Light breakfast was served after another photo session at the stage was held. After the break, the SNAers were instructed to occupy one of the rooms for a classroom set-up dramatization. Instructions were given to facilitate a smooth flow of the convoy in going to Tony Valiente’s Resort in Magalang, Pampanga. Before we proceeded to Magalang, the batch donated four ceiling fans to SNA’s new Science Laboratory. As we all went out for the trip, to our surprise a very familiar figure came out from a car – it was Mrs. Irene Agustin! Just in time for her to join us on our way to Magalang. Mrs. Agustin stood as a good mother and a teacher to all of us.
We arrived at the resort at about 10:30AM. The place is a welcome site, we could not ask for more; courtesy of Mr. & Mrs. Tony Valiente. Immediately, the ladies prepared food for lunch (all native menus) plus a native lechon courtesy of the US Balikbayan classmates. The karaoke machine showed signs of breaking down due to the number of “instant singers” who held on to the microphone with a grip so tight that no one could snatch it. Nevertheless, most of them passed as recording artists (police record artists).
At this juncture, chats were silenced as food whet their appetites It was quite a site, having former classmates sharing one long, common table for a sumptuous lunch. It’s like watching a row of chickens enjoying their feeds in a chicken house. It was a great feeling while eating side by side with long lost friends.
After having a short break, we had the parlor games with lots of prizes at stake. Cash prizes were given the winners; again, courtesy of the US Balikbayan classmates and from those who did not make it as balikbayans this time. The games were played as if there was a riot! Everybody wants to be the winner as they played with their hearts out - almost literally because of their failing stamina and flabs (here, there and everywhere).
In between games, messages were said by former teachers expressing their appreciation on the achievements their former students earned over the years. The teachers wished that SNA Batch ‘74 could stage another one like this in the future.
We thank the teachers for gracing our reunion in spite of the other reunions being celebrated on this day. Our batch sincerely acknowledged such privilege and at this early, we invited them in advance for the reunions to come. Before the teachers left, Miss Juliet Liwag led a couple of sentimental songs – Auld Lang Syne and I Understand. As these songs were being sung, eyes sparkled with tears… tears expressing joy and love for one another.
As the sun sets, SNAers started to bid goodbye to one another as they looked forward to another gathering like this. Definitely, the organizers should again map out grander plans for the coming reunion and not to forget the 35th anniversary of the batch. See you all guys!
Note: I wish to thank the organizers and batchmates in making this reunion a great success. To those who contributed in terms of efforts, ideas, resources and cash, I thank you. I highly appreciate the extra efforts and financial assistance coming from the Balikbayans and to batchmates based in foreign lands who contributed and wish us well for the success of this reunion. God bless us all.
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