CEBU, Philippines - The long wait has finally ended! Twenty-five years of not actually seeing your batchmates in person, all of whom you have grown to love and cherish, did create a lasting impression from an imprint that flourished during childhood and adolescence. So, when Batch 88 of the University of San Carlos Boys High School (now North Campus), led by batch president Cresente Pilapil and Roquerick Ricardo Urbina, decided to spearhead its silver reunion, the spark catalyzed a radical movement where everyone found themselves involved in preparation for the big event that culminated last July 26-28, 2013. The concept was to set-up a big bang to entice not only the local-based group but also the out-of-towners to participate and have fun during the event. Most of all, it was to unite everyone regardless of status and bring everyone closer together as a batch, a team and a family. Funds were then pledged from around the globe and the plan materialized.
Day one of the reunion became a primer for a brief nostalgia. The event kicked-off with a Mass celebrated by Fr. Mar Alingasa, SVD, the very same priest who celebrated Holy Mass during the elementary and high school years. The old chapel at the center of the USC (North) school quadrangle was transferred to its new site near what used to be the Nursery area at the time. Miss Datan, who used to be the Filipino teacher in high school, turned principal, together with over thirty batchmates attended the Mass. It was followed by a school tour. The old library now housed the school faculty, the Director’s Office was moved to the second floor of the front building, the canteen was transferred to the soccer field area, the place where batch 88 had their CAT formation and YDT training. Numerous buildings now occupy what used to be open spaces for playtime in school. But most of all, it was the group’s emotional experience to witness the beloved classrooms now occupied with coed students. This prompted flashbacks of how the batch used to learn, laugh and cry inside these rooms.
In the afternoon, the medical mission led by Dr. Alvin Tenchavez, batch valedictorian, was held in Apas, Lahug. Unrehearsed but very coordinated, the working crew attended to as many patients with different ailments and needs as possible. It was a very fulfilling experience for the batch not only to reunite but also to work for the community. It’s payback for the nurture the society extended to the batch.
The most awaited part was the Grand Party Celebration at Café Laguna (Ayala Terraces) on the second day. With overwhelming attendance, cocktails stretched from six to past eight pm. Conversations overflowed. Who would not have long conversations with someone you have not seen for twenty-five years? Until they were advised to change to their batch 88 t-shirts and prompted to take their seats, conversations would have not ceased. Funny how you would make a conversation, completely unaware that the person you are talking to was your seatmate! Dr. Jerry Alinsug used to be this very cute innocent-looking guy cum chubby person with cropped hair and matching moustache. This writer would not have bet on it if he did not find out it was him! Running from a gamut of activities, the gay groups showed joy – of being reunited with old flames, to revealing their secret crushes in high school. Tony mentioned his high school crush as having “those beady eyesâ€. Whose beady eyes was it, anyway? Did it belong to the batch valedictorian?
Married life and business took over the lives of many of these adults but there was little talk of it that night. The group danced their hearts out like they were fifteen again. This was to the delight of past high school teachers who were there – Ms. Datan, Ms. Cadel, Ma’am Carteciano and Mrs. Sasing.
Even after the club dancing died down, and others left, many went on exchanging conversations. The best part was revealing the juicy secrets that were never revealed in high school, until then. The group led by Roque went on to visit Formo in the wee hours of the morning. But all good things did come to an end. Parting ways left such a hangover that Facebook was bombarded with posts which triggered reactions especially from batchmates who were not able to attend.
Day three never materialized because nobody woke up early. It was supposed to be a family day. They may have opted to find some quality time with their own families. But the chatting, posting and a lot of internet stuff never ceased thereafter.
There was a very good lesson learned here. As brothers and lifetime friends, people choose not to forget. They have kept holding on to one another despite the distance or the many things one has chosen to be hitched with. That as brothers and friends, people chose to help one another, united for a good cause and a common good. And as brothers and friends, they dared not to forget their humble beginnings. And, most of all, never forgot the true meaning and value of being a true Carolinian.
Thank you, dear University of San Carlos Boys High School. Batch 88 was and will always be soaring high because of you. Long live, Batch 88! (FREEMAN)