A tour of Quemoy has been organized by three chapters of Philippine-based Quemoy Association.

The trip, set on Oct. 1-6, 1997, is under the auspices of the Quemoy Associations of Metro Manila, Cebu and Iligan. The trip will bring overseas Quemoyanons on a socio-cultural pilgrimage to their ancestral home of Quemoy, Fukien, where most LCHS alumni have their roots.

Alumni interested to join the trip may see Willy Sy Chun Yuan (in Cebu) or Henry Ang (in Iligan) for more information.

Alumna's Son Comes to Spectrum's Rescue

The Spectrum was in doldrums for several days last week and, consequently, failed to produce any issue. The cause: the editor's computer went haywire after a system upgrade. It also lost its Internet program and remained off-line for several days until a computer whiz came to its rescue.

The technician sent over by the USC Internet Service Provider turned out to be a son of an LCHS alumna. He's Brendon V. Co, son of Vy Sio Eng of Iligan City and Vicente Co of Cotabato City. Brendon is a third year Computer Engineering student at the University of San Carlos. He works with the Web Page Design section of the USC Center for Network Management Services (CNMS). Brendon spent over an hour bringing the Spectrum's computer system back to life and into cyber-orbit.

Learning the Art of Tai-Chi with Lando Khu

What's tai-chi? Health-conscious alumni can now learn this unique form of Chinese exercise from Fernando "Lando" Khu (Batch '65).

Tai-chi is an ancient Chinese form of exercise that combines meditation, aerobics, body stretching, and deep breathing exercise. Lando, who has spent two years mastering the technique, now shares his expertise with a group of tai-chi aficionados in regular sessions every Saturday, at eight in the evening at the Masonic Lodge along Quezon Avenue, Iligan City.

Alumni and friends who wish to join the exercise may get in touch with Lando at FK Mart, where he holds office daily.

Correction on Last Issue's Wedding News

Our report on the two Chu nuptials last issue had a little mix-up.

The wedding of Judith Chu (Batch '84) and Teodoro Bualat Jr. on June 19, 1997 was held at the St. Michael's Cathedral and reception was held at the Elena Tower Inn, Tibanga, Iligan City.

The wedding of James Chu (Batch '78) and Jan Montesclaros on July 5, 1997 was held at the Corpus Christi and reception was held at Sheker's Residence at Tibanga, Iligan City. 

Where is Mr. Tan Dih Hong now? He taught Chinese language, history, sciences, the arts and craft for many years in LCHS back in the 60s. He is best remembered for his fine rapport with his students and for his skills in story-telling. A man of many interests, he was also behind the school's numerous dramatic productions and choreography for the "Chinese Night" programs in the city's yearly fiesta celebrations.

He was last heard some three or four years ago to be living in Tacloban City, where he runs a successful hardware business. He is also a major benefactor of the Chinese school in Tacloban. 

Childhood memories are among the best we can have in a life time. Part of those memories are the many games we used to play when we were kids some forty summers and moonlights past.

During our time, we never had what our young gen (read: generation) of today are enjoying - computers, brick games, Tamagotchi, etc. When we were kids, the world was simpler and less complicated. Our kinds of games were less expensive but just the same we enjoyed every minute of it immensely. Must be part of being young and carefree plus the fact that we had less choices then.

So, what were the games we played in our time? I'm sure my co-midlifers will forever remember them as part of our wonderful and unforgettable childhood. Many of these games exemplified local ingenuity and were fashioned out of indigenous materials. Let's see how much you can recall of the following games:

Patintero or tubig-tubig; kondisi or siatong; tagotago (hide-and-seek); takingking; lastiko (bubber band); jolen (marble); koti (tops); balay-balay or luto-luto; duyan (seesaw); ta-kian; bato-lata; karang (stilts); lantaka; telepono de lata (tin-can telephone); luthang; tirador (slingshot made from guava twig); tabanog; and yo-yo.

A new attraction is fast drawing visitors in droves to Cagayan de Oro City. It is called the "Garden of Malasag, The Eco-Tourism Village." Topbilled as a "lush Eden of cultural treasures," the place is inspired by the famous Gardens of Granada, Spain, and the Bouchart Gardens of Canada.

I visited the place last August 17 together with my wife, my Mom, my brother Dodong, two balikbayan friends, my younger brother Tata and his wife, his former LCHS classmate David Lee (of Manila Bazaar) and two other Iligan visitors. Needless to say, we were all enamored by the mountain garden, its greenery, and the splendid mountain view.

This new tourist spot is a joint venture of some local businessmen and the government. Nestled along the slopes of Cugman watershed, it sits on 7.5 hectares of land etched with nature and eco-trails, connecting to a vast 57-hectare reforestation area. It is every inch a nature's sanctuary and floral paradise. It has an orchidarium, a fauna domain featuring a spectacular butterfly garden, an aviary, a rescue center, and a deer zone.

This place was developed at monumental cost. I hope they will be able to maintain its high level of standard and preserve its natural splendor because it has become CdeO's newest pride and a must-see for visitors to this city. If one is not impressed with the lush forest and the spontaneous crows and chirps of the wild birds, one will certainly be captivated by the pleasant climate up there.

Another attraction is its 20-meter-long, single-lane hanging bridge. I tried this bridge and this is definitely not for everyone. Though not too high (about 10 feet from the ground), traversing the bridge requires skillful balancing act and lots of nerve, very much like walking a circus tightrope. I haven't gone into the picnic grounds and its deer park yet. The buildings here are built with indigenous Mindanao materials with ethnic motif, including its restaurant, conference hall, and amphitheater. There is also an airconditioned museum showcasing antique basketry, ornaments, women's headgears, hunting gears, and many more.

By the end of the year, it will be more beautiful up there, with fog and low clouds shrouding the mountaintops. By summer, the panorama gets even more majestic, with our beautiful sunset and silvery moon at night. An overnight stay in its airconditioned cottages with individual balcony overlooking the breathtaking Macajalar Bay will be a soothing experience for those who love to commune with nature as its finest.

Malasag is one of the last protected mountain frontiers, easily accessible to all, about 15 minutes drive over concrete road from the city proper. Come on now for a visit and be an eco-tourist!

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