Internet Newsletter of the Alumni of Lanao Chung Hua School Vol. 3, No. 5, May 31, 1999, Iligan City, Philippines CYBER RENDEZVOUS Spectrum opens LCHS chat room LCHS alumni can now chat online with their former classmates and fellow alumni anywhere in the world. An Internet chat site, based in the U.S.A., has been set up by the Spectrum called the LCHS Alumni Community Chat. The website allows alumni to chat with each other on real-time for free. Alumni interested to enter the chat room are required only to register as members.  Aside from the chat room, members can browse updated news about the alma mater on LCHS News Online, post messages or greetings on a Members Discussion Board, display their photos on Media Albums, sign Guestbook, and post Classified Notices. The Spectrum staff and some alumni took part in the chat room's inaugural run last May 16 and spent over two hours chatting up a storm with one another. Alumni who have signed up with the chat community are Charles Sy, Vinson Ngo, Ernesto Yu, Rene Tio, Roderick Ngo, Susan Jensen, Larry Sy, Leonardo Tan, Alex Rodriguez, Tessie Go, Johnny Chen, Lyndon Ngo, Nelson Sy, Lisa Lueong, Lonielyn Loa, Alfred Lai II, Peter Dy, Marie Janiefer Lee, Ritchelle Ang, Jonathan Mark Te, Johnard Ngo, Evelyn Yu Go, Jennifer Te, Suniel Lim, and Godwin Lim. Register now with our chat site while there are still free slots! The URL is: http://anexa.com/lchsalumni Secretariat needs technical staff By Johnny Tamala Chen (Batch '83) The grand reunion Secretariat is in need of full or part time volunteers in Iligan City to comprise its technical staff. The initial requirements are: 1 computer programmer and 1 clerical personnel, who will do the consolidation of all the suggestions, documentation and other paper works. Interested parties may call the Secretariat at tel. no. 063-221-3883.

EDITORIAL STAFF Charles O. Sy, Editor Henry L. Yu, Associate Editor Correspondents: Iligan - Johnny Chen, Alfred Lai II, Teresita Racines & Vinson Ngo. Cebu - Igdono Caracho. Metro Manila - Marie Janiefer Lee. Canada - Peter Dy & Mikee Lee. Australia - Leonardo Tann. U.S.A. - Ernesto Yu, Alex Rodriguez, & Aurora Tansiokhian Founded Aug. 1, 1968. Published fortnightly since its revival on April 15, 1997. Distributed free to LCHS alumni, friends and supporters worldwide. Postal address: LCHS Alumni Association, Lanao Chung Hua School, Pala-o, Iligan City, Philippines. Website: http://www.iligan.com/~lchs/alumni/ For subscription, contact: Johnny Chen, Tel. No. (063) 221-3883. E-mail: johnchen@iligan.com Address articles & comments to the editors, e-mail: charlesy@cnms.net Countdown: 61 WEEKS before Grand Reunion

There will be a meeting of batch coordinators on May 30, 1999, at 2:30 p.m., at the JY Dimsum House, Iligan City. The grand reunion primer, registration form, and official receipts are being printed and shall be distributed to the batch coordinators at the meeting. Coordinators are authorized to register their batch members and receive registration fees. So far, the following alumni have confirmed their designation as batch coordinators: July A. Ng (for Batch '99); Philchin Ng (Batch '97); Sheryl Yu (Batch '96); Vivian Yu (Batch '94); Alfred Lai II (Batch '89); Angelie U. Tan & Geraldine U. Tan (Batch '87); Steward Co (Batch '83); Nanette Chio Hernandez (Batch '77); Catalina Decipolo (Batch '75); Sherley Woo Racaza & Nilda Tejada (Batch '74); Evangeline Tan (Batch '71); Elena Lim (Batch '66); and Victor Chiu (Batch '65). The area coordinators are: Greg Dy (Mid-west USA); Ernesto Yu (New York, USA); Leonardo Tan (Sydney, Australia); Roderick Ngo (Metro Cebu); Marie Janiefer Lee (Metro Manila); and Rene Tio (Cagayan de Oro). Addresses and phone numbers of coordinators are available on the grand homecoming web page on the alumni web site: http://www.iligan.com/~lchs/alumni/

Iligan airport to reopen soon

The Iligan airport may reopen soon for commercial service. Jacinto Ortega Jr., head of the Air Transport Office, reported that the installation of aerial navigation equipment and powerhouse at the airport in Balo-i, Lanao del Norte, is 25 percent complete. The airport, he said, should be ready for service by the second week of June this year. The airport was closed for rehabilitation in 1992. Repair work on its runway has also been completed. At least two airline companies, Air Philippines and Mindanao Express, have shown interest in operating commercial flights to Iligan.

Greetings from ex-LCHSAA secretary
Sat, 15 May 1999 00:24:10 +0800

Greetings! I have already observed the Spectrum since last year when I met Johnny Chen, our active secretary of the LCHS-AA. Ever since I left the association as its officer during the term of president Chua Teck An in 1985 to the time of Mrs. Andy Ang Lee, where I served as secretary, I have not been able to attend the annual elections and its activities. I have already lost contact with the new sets of officers. I congratulate the people who have made the Spectrum a success. I believe this newsletter reaches as far as the U.S.A. down to Australia, the domicile of Leonardo Tan. This hi-tech medium, which allows us to exchange information on a global scale, will play an important role in our grand homecoming on August 3-5, 2000. My congratulations to all. See you at the grand reunion! --Roger Suminguit (Batch '73), Iligan, Philippines, jing@spc.mozcom.com

I think we have a masterpiece in the radical article "Damned If You Do, Damned If You Don't" by Marie Janiefer Lee (Spectrum, April 19, 1999). After a month or so of its release, people are still reacting to it. Like in the recent Spectrum, we had two columnists writing their rejoinders. It's like James Cameron's multi-awarded film "TITANIC" having a long run. Congratulations, Janiefer! Your latest article "Color-coding" is also a fine piece. You've got the gift to see beautiful things in otherwise ordinary situations to light up a day. After that thunderous masterpiece, yes, we see the rainbow. And it's beautiful. Can we see the butterfly in your next article? --Rene Tio (Batch '70), Cagayan de Oro, Philippines, fishers@cdo.weblinq.com

Greetings from California! I would like to greet all of my friends and former teachers at MSU-IIT. Please give my regards to Diana Anoya of Bagong Silang, Tibanga. Her house is located near Bagong Silang Elementary School. I would like to send her a letter but I forgot her address. If anyone knows her, please notify her. --Janice Tomarong Berube, Bakersfield, California, U.S.A., jberube@filipino1.com

I am originally from Iligan. I am still interested in what's going on in Iligan. Through your website I and our fellow Iliganons abroad are able to know the happenings in Iligan by the information you guys are giving us on the Internet. Thank you very much and may the good Lord Bless you all. --Cesar O. Labrado, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A., marcelab@gateway.net

Venue for grand reunion
Thu, 13 May 1999 12:26:59 -0700

Has it been decided that the venue of our grand reunion will be the LCHS gym? I remember this matter was taken up in one or two meetings of the alumni officers last March and April. Some officers expressed apprehension about holding the reunion at the gym because of its poor condition. The structure is old and dilapidated. Alumni president Toto Samson has asked his architect brother to do a preliminary sketch for a new gym. I also suggested at the meeting that we conduct a fund drive for a new gym during the grand reunion affair, especially among our balikbayan alumni. Further discussion on the fund drive and a medical mission for our homecoming alumni was set aside at the meeting to allow the committee to concentrate on their preparation for the grand reunion. --Peter C. Dy (Batch '66), Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, pdy@freenet.edmonton.ab.ca

Mr. Ricardo Soares, who is the husband of my patient at the Medical City, told me that he served for a year as principal of LCHS - around 1965-66. He is now with Insular Life and has offices in San Juan (14 Allenby Street, San Juan, Metro Manila, with tel. nos. 7259785, 7253691) and Escolta (Escolta Twin Tower, Sta. Cruz, Manila, with tel. nos 2415289 and 2415471). Could you forward this information to the LCHS Reunion Committee for verification and for invitation to the Year 2000 Reunion? Regards. --David Y. Dy (Batch '74) M.D., Manila, Philippines, surgeon@pacific.net.ph

Feedback from our readers

Our April 5 survey elicited many valuable ideas from Spectrum readers. The survey did not require the respondents to identify themselves.  Hence, the sources of the selected remarks are identified here only by their e-mail addresses. Here are a few samplings of our readers' comments and suggestions.

From kenton@netasia.net:  "Would it be possible to publish the list of each graduating elementary/high school class so that we may be able to recall our batch mates?  It would be even better if you could include their e-mail or postal addresses so we can contact each other."

From et000179@ksts.seed.net.tw: "Please trace and encourage LCHS exchange students from Australia to Zimbabwe to contribute short articles. Feature some highlights on our beloved teachers who were and still are a big key for the Spectrum's and LCHS's existence and success. How about a loyalty award to ma'am Arnejo?"

From ejyugo@express-news.net: "How about articles on Christian faith, real life experiences and ways of coping with it? It's a great chicken soup for the soul. More inputs on humor, as well as articles on self-improvement, relationship and ways of improving it."

From desz@worldnet.att.net: "How about publishing some literary works from our students in LCHS, our future alumni? It is always good to know young people's ideas and points of view."

From lolee@natsteel.com.ph: "It is remarkable that my very generous host at Sydney, Australia  (during a November '95 vacation break with my sister Emy), Tito Loloy Tan (of "Briefs From Down Under" series) happens to be also a very prolific writer-columnist. Here's one person with a big heart who is also oozing with wit, humor, innate liveliness, and spontaneous flair for life in his articles. Keep up the good work!"

The following batch listing is supplied by the Reunion Steering Committee based on available school records and other individual resources. If you notice any names missing, please bring them to the attention of the Steering Committee or the Spectrum.

BATCH 1968:  Venancio Alvarez Jr.; Jose Booc; Rosit Cabahug; Laureto Capuyan; Jesus Chan; Jesus Chin Chiu; Leticia Chua; Edwin Co; Poncio Dingding; Carlina Dy; Dy Sun Lay; Alicia Foo; Henry James Go; Mario Go; Josefina Guen; Alex Handumon; Henry Kaw Hoc; Margarita (Siok Teng) Kho; Emelita Lee; Lee Kee Siang; Leonilo Leong; Letecia Lua; Josefina Lim; San Mondarte; Helen Ngo; Lucena Reyes; Helenita Sim; Jim Sim; Constantino Sy; Stephen Sy; Cynthia Choa Tan; Mansueto Villanueva; Elizabeth Yap; Cecilia Wong Yit; and Victor Yu.

BATCH 1969:  Betty Bernardo; Rodrigo Cayubit; Apolonia Chiu; Yolanda Chiu; Dy Chiok Hian; Delia Dy; Benny Kaw Hoc; Leodegaria Lagrosas; Janet Lee; Using Lee; Josefina Lim; Castor Ong Lim; Jose Lim; Richard Lim; Jimmy Ling; Alice Ngo; Julius Racines; Charita Sia; Proserpina Siangco; Edna Choa Tan; Adelfa Tan; Leopoldo Tan; Timestocles Tan; Antonio Leo Te; Elson Velasco; Segundino Velasco; Vy Beng Hong; Henry Yu; and Rodolfo Yu.

BATCH 1970:  Erlinda King Barbon; Ruben King Barbon; Sherly Co; Elizabeth Dychutee; Noel Edusma; Antonio Go; Mario Go; Lee Kee Sing; Peter Lee; Ruben Lee; Elizabeth Lim; Felipe Lim; Gloria Lim; Lim Kim; Armando Lim; Johnson Lim; Wilson Lim; Felicitas Ly; Pablito Ngo; Roderick Ngo; Luis Ong; Santiago Ong; Johnny Sim; Jane Sy; Elsie Tan; Ester Tan; Anita Tan; Gloria Tecson; Reynaldo Tio; Vy Sio Hua; and William Yee.

BATCH 1971:  Aida Andaquig; Charles Ang; Evangeline Ang; Eduardo Cabayao; Roberto Chua; Sonia Felicitas Clemen; Giovanni Teh Co; William Dy; Sionnie Dychutee; Eliza Kaw Hoc; Bonifacio Khu; Elizabeth Khu; Susan Khu; Erlito Lee; Eddie Lueong; Jane Lim; Henry Lim; Jimmy Lim; Pablo Lim Jr.; Helena Lueong; Roque Booc; Susana Samson; Guido Samson; Nelly Sim; Claro Tan; Dominador Tan; Eugenio Tanjoco; Victor Tecson; Emily Uy; Manuel Yap; Evangeline Yee; and Johnny Yip.  (To be continued)

By Ernesto L. Yu, M.D., Batch '65

It was a rude awakening to be denied access to the exclusive Anexa.com chat room, especially when I was positioned and angled rightly at the designated location and time. No amount of screaming my lungs out could unravel the entry code. I was stranded desperately in the cold RAMs and megabytes, frozen in restless frustration. The best I could extract from the demoralizing circumstance was to propel my elastic imagination to the virtual site where this online pandemonium of hugging hellos and bombastic silliness was shaping up. I visualized my wheezing schoolmates from the old block (Loloy, Mei-mei, Charles, Larry) vibrate with joy, bubbling with energy and trading folksy dinosaur-talks. I felt awfully abused and eroded by my computer's temper tantrum - so near, yet so far. Incidentally, guys, I don't have these dynamic duo, Vinson Ngo and Johnny Chen, etched in my memory channels. They must be still dangling in unfertilized state in their parents' drawing boards when we were already engrossed in active expeditions to unearth eggs to swap and disorient with our love serenades.

Judging from the current cascade of info whistling by my corner of the world, the "Beat Goes On" prime movers in Iligan are tackling with savvy and dedication the crippling responsibilities of staging an epic millennial happening: from logo T-shirt to the gala ball. For sideline worshipper like me who is too remote from the bustling activities of preparing for such huge party for a new century, the least I could do is commit to bag my body next year for the tormenting 22-hour flight from Buffalo to Lanao and savor the chance to identify with precision, utilizing any residual basic instinct, the rambling species (with limps or without) in Jurassic Park who modelled thick sideburns and delicate mustache the last time I ambled with them. Another contribution that I can spare to the committee head honchos would be e-mailing concrete suggestions that can plaster better odds of inspiring overseas battalions to drag their posteriors (dehydrated or sagging) to the grand reunion of all times. That, however, is double jeopardy because this task commands critical thinking and sound mind, two qualities that I'm hoping to possess after a brain transplant!

It seems like the echoing notion around the alumni circle is that our LCHS soil chemistry has bred an armada of outstanding over achievers, making the final crowning ceremony an arduous process of selection and elimination. How do you skim out the best from the good, the awesome from the glorious, the shimmering from the glowing? The enlightened judges will have to define critical criteria and pin face value to every trait and accomplishment of the cheered chosen few. In the event of ties or dispute, I'd be delighted to chair the Office of Last Appeal. I only need a two-sided coin. Anyone who harbors ill feelings after being dethroned in the initial flip can always bet their bad luck in my very scientific eenie meenie minee mo. Still shaking from a sad outcome? What the heck! Instead of flying in and out of petty rage, I'll make you a garland of stringed Coca Cola bottle caps or carve your legacy on the trunk of a mango tree (rope will be available if nothing paints smile on your face!).

By Leonardo "Eddie" Tan, Batch '66

Now that the LCHS 2000 GRAND REUNION is just about 14 months away, we are expecting some bright ideas to pour in from everywhere. There will be so many suggestions as there are so many interested alumni. And this is a very good and healthy sign towards the success of the grand affair. However, may I exhort everyone to express their opinions as early as possible so that the Board of Directors or LCHS-AA, together with the Steering Committee, could have enough time to assess, evaluate and perhaps incorporate one's suggestion into the activities of the Grand Reunion before it is too late.

Of course, there is no guarantee that an idea might be adopted by the committee. The final decision will be their prerogative. And with so many bright alumni sharing their wonderful ideas, the committee shall never lose sight of the art of compromise.

Two weeks ago, I was provoked by the thoughts of our friend, Rod Ngo, who suggested that all the alumni should receive some sort of recognition and not just limited to 10 most outstanding alumni as proposed by the Award Committee chaired by Vy Beng Hong. In my unsolicited advice to the chairman a while back, I cautioned Beng Hong that the awards should be kept to just a handful. I was even thinking of only 5! Now what is the purpose of giving everyone an award or recognition? Are we now a mutual admiration society? This will just be a great waste of time, money and effort. Remember, the key words here is "Most Outstanding." Have we now forgotten that in each class, there is only one special award reserved for the valedictorian? Perhaps, we could accommodate a few numbers of honorable mentions as a compromise. Maybe two honorable mentions for every category. Just like in the Oscar awards, it is an honor enough just to be nominated. If I have my way, I will stick to only 5 slots for the Most Outstanding Alumni Awards and nothing more, to make it a very coveted and prestigious prize indeed. Let us not limit the awards to the living. Let us also remember those who have gone before us. If they were deserving, why not a posthumous award?

Dr. Henry Yu had also made a few good suggestions a while back. One of these is the exhibition booths which I understand was discussed seriously at the first meeting of the batch representatives. The idea is very good but I would rather have it as one big booth for all instead of one booth each for every batch. We will just label the items that will be exhibited with the name of the alumni and the batch year. This is an expanded version of my earlier suggestion of a photo exhibit. Now let us include any interesting items about our school days. Maybe a handicraft, a drawing, an old Christmas card sent by a classmate seating next to you, an autograph, a school diary, a test paper with a perfect score, an old basketball uniform signet or pennant, or perhaps even a love letter one received from a schoolmate.

We might see a lot of empty booths if we have one for each batch. And, of course, where shall we place all these booths? Our resources are very limited. By the listing of each batch year, we would be lucky if we have more than ten graduates per batch attending. I think one big booth for all is one unifying factor and a better compromise. It would be better managed with a lesser expense. We could even use one of the vacant classrooms. I would say it would be extremely lucky and wonderful if during the Grand Reunion, at least a representative of each batch year is present during the roll call. Just like what the new logo proclaims - from 1938 to the year 2000!

By Henry L. Yu, M.D., Batch '69

How time really flies! It seems like only yesterday when I was inducted as the centennial president of the Cebu Medical Society at the Cebu Plaza Hotel June 11, 1998 in a centennial ambiance, motif, frivolities and all. Myself and my cabinet were formally inducted into office by Dr. Modesto Llamas, president of the Philippine Medical Association, of which the CMS is a component society.

I still remember the ambivalent feelings of excitement, heavily loaded with uncertainties and fears of running the show composed of doctors all over Cebu City and its provinces. Albeit, being president of CMS was not really part of my life's agenda for 1998, just the same, I was there taking the position at the insistence of majority of my fellow doctors, telling me to take the presidential position which according to them was "long overdue for me having been with the CMS board for the past 9 years."

I remember our high school written class prophecy which stated me as being the president of the medical association someday. Honestly, being CMS president is a long cherished dream. I planned it supposedly for the year 2003 when our CIM Medicine Class will celebrate our Silver Jubilee. But as the Book of Psalms would put it, "Man makes his plans, but it is the Lord who directs his steps." So there I was all of 46 years, a graduate of CIM Class 1978, being past president of the Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, past president of the Medical Staff Association of the Metro Cebu Community Hospital, president of the CIM Class 1978 Alumni Association, vice president of the Philippine Diabetes Association, among others. In short, I have gone through several minor positions prior to my being the CMS president.

As I look back to the 365 days of my term, I can say that it was such a wonderful journey being CMS president. I have learned so much from being one, most notably about human relationships, on how to control some emotional upheavals, on how to keep my cool and poise amidst chaos, crossing paths with top guns from here and abroad, and many other things which I did not learn from medical school. It is one rare honor and privilege. As Dr. Wyben Briones, past CMS president, would tell me, "Come to think of it, there are more or less 2,000 members of the society, so it will take some 2,000 years before one gets to be president. Not everybody becomes one." How true indeed!

What now after the CMS presidency? I will still be sitting down as the immediate past president. I may be in a supporting role, but just the same, I will still be around to support the CMS in particular, the Philippine Medical Association and the ERAP administration in general.

At the end of the rainbow, I may not find a pot of gold, but for sure I will find one book made of beautiful memories - of good friends and good times together - to which I can always look back with fondness in the sunset years of my life. And that is enough for the record.

To my high school classmates, thank you for that written class prophecy. The mission has already been accomplished ... after 30 years! Cheers to Class 1969!

What's college life all about?

"To me, college has a special meaning. It is a place where one finds a chance to realize the verities of his existence. It is a place where one should be conscious enough to face the sweetness and difficulties of life. I say conscious enough for when one fails to get acquainted with all these things, he may become one of those countless desperate individuals who, after college, fall into the den of failures. Alas, repentance never comes ahead; it will always be at the last."  --Emelita Lee (Batch '68), quoted from the Spectrum, November 1969 issue.

Joke from the Internet: College graduate

A young man hired by a supermarket reported for his first day of work. The manager greeted him with a warm handshake and a smile, gave him a broom and said, "Your first job will be to sweep out the store."
"But I'm a college graduate," the young man replied indignantly.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't know that," said the manager. "Here, give me the broom - I'll show you how." -- Contributed by Larry Sy (Batch '72), Burnham, Ill., U.S.A.

One will know when May is just around the corner, for many barrios here in the country celebrate their fiestas on this month. Some people prepare for it by repainting the house, buying new curtains, dusting those precious china, and hunting down those spiders, who have been hanging cobwebs all over the house all year round. But in some households it's a different story.

If you have a househelp who hails from one of the barrios that's going to celebrate its fiesta, then you'll notice the changes in your yaya weeks before May. She will be extra efficient, extra sweet, extra nice - like a lion stalking its prey. She's waitting for the "right" time to ask for a "week" off. Since she's been a "good girl" for the past few weeks then you have no reason not to let her go for the promised "one week." With one year's savings at hand she's off to her mother land, complete with new clothes, new shoes, a big can of biscuit and a new cassette player. She will make a promise like Gen. MacArthur: "I shall return."

After the week promised had passed you would start to wonder if you heard her promise right. Was it one week after she left? Was it one week after the fiesta? Or was it one week after every neighboring town's fiesta? That's when you realized that the one week she meant is not the same as the one week we know. For her "one week" may mean the week after she spent all her hard-earned money up to the last cent. Her "one week" is over though when you get that telegram saying: "ate, wala na kuwarta, palihug padala plete. from yaya." This will be your cue to rescue your most valuable "player" to bring her back.

Year after year, the same scenario repeats itself. You'd wonder who's the fool here: the amo who always gives in or the yaya who never seems to learn? I think April Fools' Day should be moved to the merry month of May.