2001 NEWS Diary 
Go to LATEST NEWS for current activities.
Go to 2002 NEWS Archives for the Sushifest, Fashion Show, Christmas Ball and other events.
Go to 2000 NEWS Archives for Y2K Homecoming and other activities.
Go to 1999 NEWS Archives for Homecoming preparation and other news.
Click here for SBCHS75 PHOTO CLUB full collection of pictures.
We, have 3 special guests for the evening. Annie Improgo, Jette Jose and Mae (Angelic Voice) Cendana & daughter Dae.
Christine Corpus brought Pancit Palabok; Annie Improgo brought her original recipe of Spanish Callos made of ox-tail; Leda Cruz did a chicken dish ala Pastel, Cold shrimp appetizer and vegetable appetizer plate; Mel Pulido did to sumptous desserts of Cheese Puff's & homemade bibingka & Chinese chicken; Jette Jose brought Tiramisu; Josie Abad brought Fish (Bangus) Relleno;Gilbert Cruz brought Leche Plan and Marianne Talens brought other dessserts... cookies & kareoka... and of course, I brought Leda's request of bopis, Edgar's pinakbet, and not knowingly Greg Improgo's favorite; kalderetang baka. This was really a feast...
Later in the evening we did our traditional exchange gifts. It was really fun.
Afterwards, we handed gifts to 3 husband & wives, a simple token of appreciation. The recipients were Arnel & Leda for hosting the party, Joji & Mel Pulido for their wedding anniversay (12/27); and Marianne Talens birthday (12/18).
At the same event, of course, they installed me as their Nor Cal Chairman, which was vacated by Chairman Olet Abad. Olet second the nomination and agreed by the husband & wives present. As I assumed the position, I started to invite the wives to colaborate and join hands with their husbands who composes the HS75 and them as Honorary members. I believed that if the family participates in every activities that we may come up, this will be a happy and fruitful one.
Anyway, before we closed the night, we had some singing led by the songstress "DIVA" our very own Mae Cendana, and little show of swing dance between me and Dae (Mae's beautiful daughter). Mae sang for the kids and the adults too.
Again, many thanks to Arnel, Leda & kids, Edgar & Christine, Gilbert & daughter, Olet, Josie & kids, Joji, Mel & kids, Edwin, Marianne & kids, Annie & Greg Improgo, Jette Jose, Mae & Dae Cendana...
Always in your debt, Jojo Lucero
Fr. Ed Africa's review:
"thank you for such a very meaningful and touching celebration last dec. 1. i did not even notice the time pass - no dull moment."
SBCHS75 CHRISTMAS BALL, Dec.
1, 2001 (by Sonny V.): We have seen Class Reunions and Alumni Homecomings and Balls, but
never in the annals of San Beda nor any school have I heard of a High School
batch (or part of it) holding a Christmas Ball. After weeks of preparation and rehearsals, one
just came into fruition, the SBCHS75 Christmas Ball, sponsored by the So. Cal. Boyz. Spearheaded by events
coordinator and Master of Ceremonies George Sityar, the black tie/ formal gown event ‘officially’
started after the arrival of a surprise guest from Northern California, our
Spanish profesora, Sra. Annie P. Improgo with her husband and relatives. Special thanks goes to our staunch supporter, Jojo Lucero, who pushed 110% of his energy to convince Ms. Annie and our NorCal brothers' presence. Previous to Ms. Annie's arrival was an
entourage of special guests, Fr. Ed Africa, Fr. Pio, who came with
Edwin Empainado (after flying in from Vancouver), and Fr. Lukas, who
flew in from Virginia just for the occasion. To everyone’s delight, the MIA Dr.
Euge de Guia a.k.a. ‘laos na artista, Bobby Navarro’ (as Sonny A. kept it a secret), showed up! We were glad to see Dr. and
Mrs. Joel Pengson who joined us after quite a few absences in our
meetings. It was also good to see Anne Gobbers once again, who flew in
from Germany just to be with us. Our Las Vegas connection, Butch Halog,
arrived early with Mon and family.
We started with an invocation by Fr. Lukas. (Would you believe, he could keep everyone quiet ?) After introductions and welcomes by George and Cuzin Al, a celebrity from an El Monte car dealership, the Northern California contingent entertained the crowd who were
munching hors d'oeuvres at the foyer of the La Cañada Flintridge Country Club,
including some of our parents and children. Jojo Lucero led the NorCal husband
and wife choir of Mr. & Mrs. Egay Corpus, Joji Pulido and Edwin
Talens, who came with their 3 lovely daughters. Feliz Navidad was dedicated, of course, to Sra. Annie, then the
crowd joined in for “Ang Pasko ay Sumapit”. After a few gift raffles came the Mischievous
Boyz 2 Men choir’s rendition of 12 days of Christmas. Joseph, Al, Bubut,
Sonny A., conductor George, Jocel, Sonny V., Caes, Bunny, Mon, JoPad,
and Butch C. sang the 12 days tune in the order of names shown. Raffy B.
was able to escape this one!
Finally, the doors to the
Ballroom were opened to the tune of ‘70s Disco music. It was time for REAL
entertainment as the crowd was treated to memorable, as well as, new songs by Mae
Cendaña, of the ‘Ambivalent Crowd’ fame and now resident of San Francisco, CA. Mae, of St.Paul's College, Manila HS75, was with co-graduates from her Alma Mater, Ching Llagas, who flew in from New York for this occasion, and Marissa Maceda, Joseph's friends since High School. We heard tunes like, "Do That To Me One More Time" by Captain & Tenille, "
Hit 'Em Up Style" by Blue Cantrell, and a
Donna Summer Medley - "On the Radio/Heaven Knows/Last Dance" that was backed up by the
dancing couples Jocel and Monette Razal, George and sis-in-law, Carol
Sityar. After our sumptuous dinner, we were treated to a dance by So. Cal boyz' wives with Barry White’s ‘Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Babe’ amidst
the crowd’s wild whistles and cheers. The ithMILE Dancers (so called for their lovely ismiles, learned after weeks of practice) Susan Anonas, Zelda
Alejandre, Leah Alcantara, Eda Gayon, Menchie Guitarte, Donna Ortega, Monette Razal and Carol Sityar’s
weeks of practices paid off with a smash performance!
Late to arrive after driving
(scared to fly) straight from San Francisco was Mr. and Mrs. Arnel Cruz.
But they were just in time for the long night of food, drink and dancing.
Guests, including SBCAASC directors and wives Vic and Connie Zamora and Ferdie and Liz Bagsic, reminisced the 70’s dance music, although Vic must have watched from the
sidelines as he did that night. Special guests, who drove in from San Diego, were entertained by Joseph. After the Disco music, Twist, Boogie, Cha cha,
Swing, Pata Pata (hindi puwedeng wala ito), and more disco, we mellowed down to
sweet music for more reminiscing.
Watchful eyes preyed on our
SBCHS75 bachelors as they danced with partners that kept the rumor mills on
fire! I better not mention any more names. We can’t wait for our professional videos
and photos to arrive so we could once again exchange ‘tsismis’ in our sacred
‘Basement’ grounds, thanks to Caes and Susan, of course!
At around 12:30am, George
started thanking special people who helped in the preparation of the Ball, most
especially Jim Sargent and a handful of helpers for preparing the Props.
SBCHS75 Boyz started trickling into the dance floor, and waited a while until
George finished thanking everyone, (I think he even included the wife of the
gardener of the country club who worked morning shift. Ang haba!) And so, after
Jocel played the song 3 times over on his keyboard, the Mischievous Boyz 2 Men choir
finally sang the SBCHS75 graduation theme song, the Carpenter’s “Sometimes”, a fitting
theme to thank everyone in the Ballroom, our teachers, friends and family, and our SBCHS75 brothers who came from afar.
But we were not yet done... Mae (coming from behind) appeared to the crowd as she sang “Have
Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”, backed up by the Mischievous Boyz 2 Men
choir. This song will probably leave that night forever etched in our minds
every time we hear it, especially with Mae’s magical voice (and fumbles in the
background voices).
The night is not yet finished!
After dozens of raffle prizes were given away, we danced some more! Donna
Ortega was asking me why people don’t want to go home. Well, it looked like no
one wanted the evening to end. Even Fr. Ed and Fr. Pio, who earlier said they
might only stay until 10pm, were there until it ended past 1pm. (Wala kasing
maghahatid.) As handshakes and 'kisses sabay hugs' were exchanged, Fr. Pio was
overheard saying, “All I can say is, this Ball is much better than the Centennial Ball!” ‘Til
next time, boyz ?
See our Ball featured in St.Paul, Manila HS75's Website. With a cool picture from yesteryear!
A message from Mrs. Ana Pereira Improgo
Dear former students and friends,
I apologize to address you in this fashion but I don't want to run the risk of missing anyone's name. I just want to say that The Christmas Ball was superbly organized and impeccably coordinated. It was wonderful to meet your wives and children and to see you all again after all these years. I admire your true bedan spirit and the camaraderie that you have nortured inspite of the time and distance that has set you apart. The support your wives and families have given you is likewise incredible. I missed attending the Red and White Ball in 2000 and the centennial ball but if Fr. Pio says that the SoCal Christmas Ball is better, I believe him and now I don't feel so bad.
I want to let you know that seeing you all again and watching your wonderful songs and presentations gave me a chance to probe back into the past and retrieve memories of days long gone...from a teacher's perspective. From the lessons done in class to the class parties and other activities,I remember how you all were with your long hair and I am so glad I saw you all again not as my teenager-students but as accomplished, respectable adults. Maybe I never told you but I want to thank you for having been my students because I learned so much from you too. What you as my students taught me then, is and will always be part of me as an educator today. We all are far away from our homeland now but it is amazing how close to home we feel still.
Thank you so much for having me. Congratulations on a job well done to all of you. Merry Christmas. En español, enhorabuena y muchísimas gracias por todo. Feliz navidad!
Mrs. Improgo; (Annie or whatever way you want to address me!!!!!)
Mae is shown with Butch, Geo and Joseph on her L.A. visit last year.
NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD AT THE VENUE on the evening of the affair. ONLY prepaid tickets/reservations will be available on a "will call" basis. This being that we do not have the manpower and time. This is after all a party.
DON'T FORGET to bring invitations and tickets to be able to enter venue. Dress code is FORMAL.
GENTS - tuxedo/white dinner jacket, barong tagalog (although it is winter), dark colored business suits.
LADIES - evening dresses (gown or dress lengths), evening suits (dress or pants)
KIDS - BOYS - dark pants/shirt AND tie (acceptable) GIRLS - formal dress (acceptable)
Everyone expect to have an evening of elegance, fun, entertainment and friendship!
Payments for guest must be received with RSVP to Joseph by NOVEMBER 15,'01. He may be contacted at joseph@terrav.com.
Verbal RSVP's maybe E-mailed to Geo via gasityar@aol.com or phoned in at 818 242 8611
Already, rehearsals are planned to fill the night with song and dance. Don't forget the wine before the song ;-) Special guest appearances are in order with professional singers and dancers at hand. We hope you could join us! Contact Geo Sityar at GASityar@aol.com for more information.
Unang-una na ay ang pag-sasalo upang ipagdiwang ang pagdalaw ng ating kamag-aral na si Kagalang-galang na Hukom Reynaldo Umali. Siya'y amin nakasama sa isang gabi ng kasiyahan at sari-saring kasaysayan ng mga panahong nakalipas at pangkasalukuyan. Mayroon din mga bali-balita ukol sa buhay sa Pilipinas at mga iba pa natin mga kamag-aral na sa awa ng Maykapal ay patuloy ang mga pag-unlad.
Rey, sana'y iyung mga sandali na amin ika'y nakapiling ay nakadulot rin sa iyo ng kasiyahan at mahahalagang ala-ala. Harinawa'y ikaw ay muling makalakbay dito ng amin ay ikaw muling makasama.
Pista sa Silungan
Itong Sabadong nakalipas, amin naman ipinagdiwang ay ang Pista sa Silungan. Dito'y amin ipinagdaos ang dalawampung taon na paglilingkod ni Ka Jo Padua sa kanyang ipinag-hahanapbuhayan. Siya na rin ang umako sa inihandang napakasarap na pag-kain na tubong Pilipino talaga. Ito rin ay sinamahan ng letson na handog naman ni Ginang Sheila Bajamundi. Pistang-pista talaga ang pakiramdam ng lugar maraming salamat sa makukulay na banting na nakasabit sa paligiran. Ka Joseph, maraming salamat.
Ang mga gayak ng nagsidalo ay maliwanag na halimbawa ng sari-saring kultura na mahahanap sa atin bansa. Nariyan na ang mga dalagang bukid sa kanilang mapusyaw at makulay na mga kimona't patadyong. Sila'y sina Ka Sheila, Ka Zelda at si Ka Merle, ang panauhin namin na dumalo pa mula sa San Diego. Napanindigan din namin ang mangiisda't mambubukid ni Ka Susan at Ka Joseph. May buhay na patalastas pa ng kapeng barako na nasa anyo naman ni Ka Cesar! Pati na rin ang Abu Sayaf ay ipinag bigyan na rin, salamat kina Abu Sonny Alejandre at Abu Butch Corcino, na ibinuo pa niya sa pagdala ng "hostage" sa katauhan ng kanyang mahal na si Anne.
Ang mga "balikbayan" naman ay binigyan buhay naman nila Bubut at Menchie Guitarte.At ang iba naman ay gumayak ng sari-saring uri ng pananamit halo na ang moderno na taga lalawigan at taga loob bayan. May mga panauhin din banyagang nag-sidalo maliban kay Anne. Sila'y sina Ruben, na kabiyak puso ni "RROCA" (misterio talaga) at Si "Mang" Jaime, ang mahal sa buhay ng inyong linkod. Ito'y naidaos din sa pamamagitan ng mga sari-saring palaro na sinalihan ng lahat.
Naipagdiwang namin ang kaarawan nila Sheila, Susan, Zelda, Sonny A., Sonny V., Al Alcantara at Bubut Guitarte. MALIGAYANG BATI muli sa inyong lahat. Nakapiling din namin muli sila Fred Young at ang mga may-bahay na sina Lea Alcantara at Belen Vergel de Dios. Salamat sa inyong pagdalo. At sa gabing iyon din ay natuklasan kung sino na nga si RROCA. Ibig niyo ba rin malaman?..............
Subaybayan ninyo ang mga susunod na kabanata at larawan na tiyak na ipapalabas sa mga pahina ng ating "website". Sa muli, tulad ng dati, matagumpay at masaya ang salu-salo. Maraming maraming salamat muli Ka Jo at Ka Sheila sa masarap na pagkain, Ka Cesar at Ka Susan, sa pag-gamit muli ng Silungan, Ka Joseph, sa mga makulay na banting at sa lahat sa inyong dumalo at naki bahagi sa Pista sa Silungan.
Kaya hanggang dito na muli, hanggang sa susunod na pangyayari.
Ka Jorge
Hindi malaman kung si Sonny A. ay nag-bihis ala Abu Sayad o bihis labandera. Samantala, ang kanyang kabiyak sa puso, Zelda, ang nagwaging Mutya ng Silong.
Another opportunity to gather for the Philippine Commission
See the lunch at the Abbey and more during Ceas' Visit.
As I put the last plate in the dish cabinet, I just have to stop and think. It just came to me all of a sudden, if I never took that flight going to the SBCAA picnic at Diamond Bar in Southern California August 12, 2000; if I didn't pick up that phone call from my son at 4 in the morning, if I took everything as "bale wala ito!" notion, and if I turned away at this, it may be my last chance to see this outrageous wonderful guys... a-lot of "IF's". I think I made one of the best choices I did in my whole life aside from settling down.
What do these guys have to offer that I cannot turn myself away from them, I already served my apologies from what I had done in the past. Indeed the past, the past that had made me open up myself again to this group of guys.. the most wonderful beings that I have encountered. Now they have presented themselves to me and offered their un-ending friendship to me with no malice but with lots of love and respect to what I am. In short, I cannot ask for anything else, but to give me more time so I can spend more quality time with them and their families. "As my son had said, I owe it to myself to once see them and reconnect myself with reality... how can a 13 year-old person say this to a 42 year-old father???... Honestly, I never stopped thanking him and Him from above.
7 months and 19 days after.... March 31, 2001. All I could do was e-mail everybody and come up with this idea of getting together for my birthday celebration... who can beat this record 5 birthday celebrations in one year, not to mention the locations... Manila and California. SBCHS75, thank you!!!! Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat.
March 30, 2001; they start coming .... Southern California was hitting Northern California like a storm, Raffy & Sheila Bajamundi who arrived in San Jose Int'l airport at 920pm; Butch Corcino & Anne at 1020pm from Orange County.... on the road, the carload of Sonny Vergel de Dios, Al, Alcantara, Joseph Yu and Jojo Padua hitting Hayward at about 220am. After picking up Butch & Anne from the airport, we passed by Sheraton Hotel Milpitas to pick up Raffy and Sheila. We had some late dinner at my place in San Jose. Tequilla steak with sauteed mushroom and Tortellini Pasta with cream sauce served with garlic toast. Merlot wine accompanied the dinner. Yosi afterwards at the back house. Knowing this people we don't have much time so we have to fit everything, ignore the yawning of Sheila back at the dining table, the constant leaning of Anne on Butch shoulders... this did not stop us from the unending stories of the past. Pound cake with fresh fruits topped with whipped cream dessert and coffee was served after another session of the yosi. Separated at about 230 am. Butch and I were looking at some of my pictures dated back 1981... yes 1981! Breakfast was served with the likes of itlog na maalat at kamatis, tinapang salinas (GG) and longanisang Capangpangan, sinangag and tsokolateng cacao was feasted on. I continued cooking for the evening event. Time was closing in.... Bubut and Menchie arrived at Egay Corpus' residence hours before the party.
As most of us slept in the early morning, a round of golf was played by some attendees, namely Arnel Cruz, Sonny A., Egay Corpuz and daughter, and newly found, Joey Buendia, a NorCal local.
At 245pm as I arrived at the Lick Mill Hall, the guys were already there and coming.... Jojo P, Al,Sonny V and Joseph were already there. They helped unload the tons of props and food. Then came Johann Yuzon with the kids. As the Hall was being transformed to a Red and White affair (even the table cloths and salt & peppers are red & white!!) everybody was helping... Butch and Anne are doing the covers, I in the kitch, Gilbert Cruz at my short notice came in with the red & white balloons... family members were also pitching in. at 445pm, more people were coming in. Joji & Mel Pulido; Arnel and Lida Cruz, Ernie Mangalindan (wife came in a bit later and so with Gilbert's wife and daughter),Edwin and Maianne Talens (the anniversary celebrants 3/28) Raffy & Sheila, Sonny & Zelda Alejandre. Joey Buendia and Louie Suntay (just discovered that same morning!!!) joined in the festivities, so with Noel Corpus and Bowing Alcantara (brothers of Egay C. and Al A., respectively). At this time, Bubut & Menchie Guitarte together with the Corpus clan arrived. And so with Bunny Gayon from Sacramento.
Reunion at the Bay
Pictures were being taken left and right, who needs Hollywood to be recognized!!! We had the Nor Cal and So Cal challenge in singing represented by no less than Al Alcantara (My Way) and Joji Pulido (Bridge over Troubled Water). The renditions was great.... then we had Bubut Guitarte (and a duet with him...hay naku!) Finally, Jun Urbano (who was mistaken as a AMWAY Distributor, with all the gadgets.... thank you Jun for the wonderful video presentation of us, entitled Then & Now!!! In the midst of the showing, Ms. Jette Jose arrived (another former Bedan teacher & brother of Eddi Boy "kung fu" Jose).
The evening ended with the singing of the Bedan Alma Mater Hymn that was very appropriate at this so-called reunion. Everybody had a wonderful time and food was offered for togo's. Well, this is a Filipino affair siyempre TO GO's!!!
Some of the guys were treated with a side tour of Columbus and Broadway in downtown San Francisco. The group disbanded at about 4am at my house. But before this, a brunch was arranged at my house again later that day (yes, it's Sunday already!), now with Sra. Anna Improgo joining us.....kwentos and laughter were present. Guys with the likes of Al, Joseph, Sonny V, Jojo P, Bubut Guitarte, Butch Corcino, Sonny A, Bunny Gayon, and spouses in the persons of Zelda Alejandre and Menchie Guitarte was present and hungry!
Then came the last shots of pictures in the living room. Everybody left all at the same time except the Corcinos & Guitartes. At 635pm, I waved to the Corcinos another good bye and a whisper of see you soon to each and everyone. Now everything is well and done with...April 1, this is the best April Fools I ever had, but blink twice and thrice, it was a real thing, it is not an April Fools one as what it should have been.
Thank you guys.... and to all of those who never made it, you were not forgotten, you were here with us as we all know it...
Maraming salamat sa lahat...
And as Gary V. sings it.... SANA MAULIT MULI.... and IT WILL!!
Just keep on coming back.... I will never get tired of cooking for all of you... students and teachers alike.
Always, Jojo Lucero
Marlex Montemar represented us in the Alumni exhibition basketball game in the am. Mass at the chapel started a bit late. We were surprised with the job there, which except for the altar and painting over it , is nearly complete. The chapel and paintings look much brighter. Pop quiz from Fr. Perez, how many paintings are there and what do they mean?
Batch 75 started seeing each other at registration. Manny Reinoso, wife and one month old baby came in from Mindanao. Ditto Jay Taracatac (from Tarlac). Each section had representatives and we numbered about 30 plus. We were able to put 3 tables together but some had to wait their turn to sit down. A lot of batches were there, so you'll see siblings and generations of Bedans.
JO LU - stood on a chair and danced to the tune of San Beda ( a take-off of the Hot Dog "Manila" song. Blonde hair, white suit and all, the homecoming took off. Akala mo siya ang host ng event. Pls USA, pakisundo na!! Ops, teka magpapainom pa raw siya, sigue deferred your honor for one week.
"Twins" Toti Guevarra and "clone" Usec Joel ( retained by GMA) in a family portrait. Akala raw ni Rufa Mae si Toti ang orig. This was followed by a "midnight cabinet" talk between Usec and Benji Parungo.
Bernie Vios and Eddie Lorenzo (SBC YFUer), long time no see. Pero hindi na tayo ang host. Si Bong Desales naman,moving to and from batch 75,76,77, saan ka ba talaga? But the grounds were filled with alumni wearing red and white. Video walls, food and beer galore. Salamat Ira.(Editor's note c/o Bong deSales: Ira donated 130 cases of beer and Jojo Lucero also donated 4 lechon.)
Explosive punctuations c/o Jess Gonzales ( with constant companion!). Hindi mo ba mabenta yung mga paputok mo? Abet Mariano (without constant companion) fully awake this time. But si Toti naman ang natutulog noong huli.
Attys. Umali, Arreza and Fiscal Rabby Solis. Hoy kung partihan na ng Fontana sali kami. Unusual combination, Dr. Giron and banker Gabby Go susunod tumawag kayo ng mas maaga. Pris Martinez and Alex Depante, dahan-dahan sa kuwento,baka ma "kuryente" nanaman. Picture taking with Mrs Young!!!!! Buti hindi inipit ni Roy Abesamis and Bebet. Dapat panoramic yung camera because everybody wanted to be in those pics and beside her. Pero na isahan tayo ni Boy Masakayan. Had a private talk with her near the flagpole. Akala mo hindi kita nakita.
Bob Yap, Aris, Mario, Jay, Andy, ang tumayo, wala ng silya. Rey Francisco and Flex late nanaman. Salamat Annie Robrigado for being our photographer again! If I missed mentioning a batchmate sorry, hilo na ako sa beer and lechon (baka and baboy). Oh yes, Lucas/Andre,tanong ni Toti bakit ba hindi ka naka sultana? Sino ba yung kinakaladkad sa SBC Alabang ng guards and why? To repeat Gabby C, "God works in mysterious ways".
that's all folks. Mario
Click here for Centennial Homecoming pictures.
1999 SBC-HS75 Website. All rights reserved Created: 1/21/99