Vol. 8, No. 20, Jan. 17, 2005

The Lanao Chung Hua School recently awarded its loyal faculty and staff with more that 10 years of teaching experience with the school. The awarding ceremony was one of the highlights of the Faculty and Staff Christmas Party held on December 17, 2004 at Daisy's Fine Dining.

Here is the list of the awardees (for those belonging to batches of the 80's and 90's, I know you can still remember some of them):  Ms. Eva Khey, 28 years; Mr. Edgar Asok, 23 years; Mrs. Evangeline Chiu, 22 years; Mrs. Glenda Sy-Cabilan, 21 years; Ms. Elizabeth David and Mrs. Leonor Uy-Tabasa, 19 years; Ms. Conchita Cabanlit, 17 years; Mrs. Annabelle Alivio-Rapliza, 15 years; Mrs. Nilda Dagondon-Ramonal, 14 years; Ms. Sun-Lay Dy, 13 years; and Mrs. Normita Alivio, 12 years.  More Power to all the awardees and may this serve as an inspiration to all of us, especially the alumni.

LCHS-AA aids fire victim
By Roger Suminguit (Batch '73)

A fire destroyed the residential house and bodega of the Bernardo family in Bgry. Ubaldo Laya, Iligan City last December.  The buildings belong to Cecilia Bernardo-Tablason (‘72), sister-in-law of LCHS-AA Director Alexander Chua & sister of Ursulina Bernardo.  Alumni President Henry C. Dy assigned the secretary Roger Suminguit, Director Alexander Chua, PP. Carlos C. Dy & EVP Suniel Lim to make arrangements for assistance to the fire victim on behalf of the LCHS-AA.

GOOD NEWS FOR TRAVELERS
Iligan airport finally reopens

After 14 years of closure, the Iligan (Balo-i) airport has reopened.  Residents from the Lanao area need not have to journey to Cagayan de Oro city by road to travel by air.  This as the airport in the municipality of Balo-i, Lanao del Norte was declared open to commercial airline operations on Dec. 20.

Balo-i is a 15-minute road trip from Iligan City, the capital of Lanao del Norte.  It is also a 15-minute land trip from Marawi City, the capital of Lanao del Sur.  The closure of the airport in Balo-i was an offshoot of the peace and order problem in the area in 1990.  Officials of the Air Transportation Office led by Assistant Sec. Nilo Jatico and public officials of Lanao del Norte led by Balo-i Mayor Elias Ali, Iligan City Mayor Lawrence Cruz and Vice Mayor Henry Dy, Lanao del Norte Governor Imelda Dimaporo, and the province's representative to Congress Abdullah Dimaporo witnessed the reopening of the airport.  According to reports, the airport will open for air traffic as soon as all the facilities will be in placed and the airline companies will apply the Balo-i route soon. With the opening of the airport, Mayor Cruz said Iligan and Lanao del Norte were "given the break" that they needed for so long.

LCHS-AA board meeting on Jan. 18

The LCHS-AA will hold its first regular board meeting for the new year on January 18, 2005 at JY Dimsum.  The meeting is expected to focus on the 2nd Grand Alumni Homecoming and the assignments of the different working committees.  The issue of the schedule of the 2nd GAH will likewise be further discussed.

Raffle draw winners

The winners of the LCHS Foundation Christmas Raffles held on Dec. 30, 2004 are: 1st prize, ticket no. 0649, solicitor Fernando Khu (FK Mart); 2nd prize, ticket no. 2125, solicitor Conchita Te-Ong; 3rd prize, ticket no. 1195, solicitor LCHS-AA president Henry C. Dy; 4th prize, ticket no. 3176, solicitor LCHS-AA president Henry C. Dy; and 5th prize, ticket no. 3245.  For queries, please call Raffle Chairman LCHS-AA past president Manuel Te, tel. (063)-2213044 or Director Teresita U. Racines (063)-2212184 or cell no. 0917-7163387.

Iligan bags 2nd prize in Sinulog

The Tribu Iliganon, the dancing contingent of Iligan City, bagged the second prize in the fiercely contested Free Interpretation category of the Sinulog Festival in Cebu City last Jan. 16.  The Iligan contingent, dancing with a papier mache backdrop of the Maria Cristina Falls, drew cheers and loud applause from an appreciative crowd of spectators.  The other winners were the Tribu Mangkopras of Basak, San Nicolas, Cebu City, 1st prize; Bonokbonok Maradja Karadjao of Surigao City, 3rd.  The 1st prize in the Sinulog-based category was won by Tribu Sananduroy of Tangub City.

Local tax amnesty program launched

Iligan City Government launched 2004 Tax Amnesty Program (City Ordinance No. 04-4640) for all taxpayers in Iligan city. The scheme applies to business & stallholders who are tax delinquents for the past 4 years.  The program covers renewal years 2001, 2002, 2003 & 2004.  The compromise tax is 20% based on the basic business taxes paid & unpaid.  The original deadline was last December 31, and later extended to January 31, 2005.  This program will help the city government raise revenue collections and will exempt the taxpayers from examinations.

2005 business permit renewals

January 2005 is the month for all business establishments to renew their business licenses. This includes the cedula, PTR for professionals, land tax & other taxes due the city government. January is the busiest month for accountants & bookkeepers as well as the taxpayers to renew and file business applications.

Scenes from alumni Christmas party
By James Booc, Batch 1982

Congrats to Janiefer Lee!
Mon, 20 Dec 2004 18:06:10 +1100
Hi Janiefer Lee!  Congratulations for a very wonderful and touching piece entitled "Nobody's Child" (Spectrum, Dec. 20, 2004). It really made me cry. But more so on what you had done for the 72 children of the Asilo de San Vicente de Paul. You just reminded us of the real meaning of Christmas. How to be a true Christian. How to live as a decent human being. The practice of charity towards our less unfortunate brothers and sisters. Keep up the wonderful work. I already know you are going to have a very Merry Christmas with the joy of helping so many children in need. May your New Year be a more challenging one and more charitable works from you, with you being no longer the President-Elect of your Rotary Club but the President comes July. In my list, you are one of the most outstanding LCHS alumnae who deserve to be recognized this coming 2nd GAH.  Once again, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your family. Big Cheers from Sydney!
--Loloy Tan, Sydney, Australia, email: edtan@iinet.net.au

Fri, 31 Dec 2004 09:47:14 +0800
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.
--Antonio "Boy" Te & Lorna Te & family, Taiwan, email: tonite@ms72.hinet.net

Sat, 1 Jan 2005 23:30:51 -0800 (PST)
Hi everyone!  Wishing you and your families not just happiness but pure joy; not just wealth but heaven's treasure; and not just silence but God's peace.  Happy New Year!
--Peter, Tita, Princess, Phillip, Peterson, Amy, Christian, and Trinity Dy, email: pdy50ca@yahoo.com

Roger Suminguit, Batch '73

Whooping Success.   The LCHS Alumni Association annual Christmas party at the LCHS gym last December 30 was a whooping success.  It was attended by alumni, young and old alike, guests, parents, friends and children. The program started with the singing of the invocation and the Philippine National Anthem by the Resurrection of the Lord Choir composed of alumni Evangeline Yee-Tan (’71), Elaine Co-Bartolome (’73), Elizabeth Lim (’70), Jose Lim (’69), Rudy Co ('67), among several other members.  The priest-adviser of the Resurrection of the Lord Church said grace for dinner.  Among the highlights of the affair were the Christmas Message of LCHS-AA President & City Vice Mayor Henry C. Dy.  He shared his insights on the spirit of yuletide, the significance the Christmas bash which has been held annually for almost 16 straight years now.  The raffle draw, with fabulous prizes, added excitement and fun to the event. The guest speaker was Robert Co (’66), president of the Lanao Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Inc.

Golden & Silver Jubilarians.   Another meaningful highlight was the commemoration of the golden & silver jubilarians (Batch 1954 & Batch 1979).  The recognition brought the attention of the crowd to the jubilarians as their names were announced.  The audience was visibly pleased to see four members of Batch 1979 in attendance, namely class president Melvin Fabiana, Faustino Escalante, Jr., Anthony Sy & Alicia Cu-Go.  On the other hand, Batch 1954 was represented by its "lone ranger," Christopher “Tek An” Chua, who also received cheers from the audience for representing his batch composed of alumni like Vicente “Shik Din” Booc, Leonardo “Liong Hing” Go, Dina Sy, Evelyn Sy & Precy Sy, to name a few.  For the first time in our Christmas party, the jubilarians took centerstage as they played Santa Claus by distributing Christmas gifts to the children at the party. The give-aways and gift certificates were courtesies of Iligan Galaxy Commercial, Krisland Commercial, FK Mart, San Cha Trading, JY Dimsum, Dunkin Donut-Iligan, and Pick ‘n Berry’s.  As usual, contributors of lechon were Mr. & Mrs. Charles “Amboy” Ang (‘71), Linda “Dindin” (’59) & Jocelyn “Angkaw” Ang (‘67) of Charles Ang Farms, Mr. & Mrs. Benjohnson Siao of B. Siao Farms, Mr. & Mrs. Victorio Tan, and Ernest Oliver Uy (‘87) & Mrs. Car Michael Uy of Estrella Agri-Farms.

Party Highlights.  The party also witnessed the brief showing of the 1st Grand Alumni Homecoming highlights held on August 3-5, 2000. The video presentation in LCD was made possible through the efforts of LCHS-AA President & Vice Mayor Henry C. Dy and narrated by Executive Vice President & GAH Steering Chairman Suniel “Boy” Lim.   We have upgraded the sound system in the gym, which produces quality sound.  Alumni family groups who showed up in full force were also recognized.  They were Giovani “Bunny” Co (’71) & children, Dr. Marlon Co (’78) & wife Arlene.  Marlon is a cardiologist with clinic at Cebu Doctors Hospital in Cebu City.  From Melbourne, Australia came Lyndon Co (’81) & wife Marissa who arrived to spend Christmas in Iligan  (in photo).  The others were Sherjack Siao & wife, Robinson Siao & wife, and Manuel Chan of CMV Marketing in Cagayan de Oro City. Direct from a farflung country was Alvin Flauta (’91).  Also coming in from Zamboanga were Willy Dy (’84) & wife. And, last but not the least, Peter “D’ Great” C. Dy ('66) who planed in from Edmonton, Canada.  Spread out along the four corners of the gym were members from different batches, ’72, ’73, ’74, ’80, ’81, ’82, ’83, ’84, ’87, ’90, ’94, ’95, ’96, ’97 & 2001, who gathered at the party for a spontaneous mini reunions among their respective batch members. The badminton group likewise enjoyed some light moments of their own, led by Dir. Ernest Oliver Uy, Ronald Sy, Benjo Tan and other members.

Iligan’s Sights & Sounds.   The whole city of Iligan came alive last December with the staging of various activities and programs highlighting the Christmas celebration.  All corners of the city brightened up with Christmas lights and décor adorning every household and backyards.  The city may also have made the news for coming up with the tallest Christmas tree in Northern Mindanao. As the clock approached twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, the city came alive once more with the colorful fireworks brightening up the sky amid the endless crackle of firecrackers. Tin cans and old metal casserole dangled around the streets coupled with the blowing of horns to usher in the year 2005.  We usher the Year of the Rooster which is characterized as "outspoken and high-profile & does not trust anyone but ready to give advice and support to others.  The Rooster is born to be lucky.

Alumni News Tidbits.  "Tracers" just learned that Lilen Uy (in photo), daughter of Yok Eng Sy-Uy (Batch '55), was among top five nominees for "Fashion Photographer of the Year" award in the recent People's Choice Awards of MTV Philippines.  Held annually in cooperation with LG Electronics, MTV gives the awards to honor today's style pacesetters in music, entertainment, fashion, business and politics.  The award ceremonies were held at the NBC Tent in Fort Bonifacio, Manila. Lilen is a professional photographer based in Manila.  Our congrats to Lilen Uy!

Many alumni went on vacation spree last December.  Jesus "Hesing" Dy (Batch '63) and wife Melania spent their Christmas vacation in Mexico (in photo at right).  They went to Mayan Riviera last Dec. 12 to 19 and stayed at the Akumal Beach Resort.  It is exactly like the Philippines but the hotel is much better, commented Hesing. They also toured the Mayan pyramids which were built many thousand years ago.

Also seen spending his Christmas out of town was Peter Dy (Batch '66) who sailed to Cebu on Christmas eve to attend a rare reunion of his former Cebu Eastern College classmates.  A day before the class reunion, Peter took time out to get together with his two LCHS buddies in Cebu, namely Charles O. Sy and Igdono Caracho.  The threesome feasted on an eat-all-you-can Peking duck buffet on Christmas Day at the Cebu Grand Convention Center.  Meanwhile, "Tracers" heard that John Go (Batch '65) has moved his residence from Edmonton to Calgary, Canada.  We heard that John, or "Tuti" as he is known among LCHS alumni, is now an expert in therapeutic massage. Another alumnus who just recently returned from a funfilled vacation was Jonas Sy (Batch '68).  Jonas went on a two-week whirlwind tour of China together with a close friend from Manila.  Their trip covered Beijing, Shanghai, among other thriving cities in China. Needless to say, Jonas was visibly awed by the colossal progress of what was once dubbed a sleeping tiger.  "China has now taken another Great Leap Forward," says Jonas upon his return to Cebu.  From Taiwan, "Tracers" received season's greetings from Antonio "Boy" Te ('69) accompanied by a nice photo of the Te family taken on New Year's Eve in Taiwan.  In photo hereunder are, from left:  Abigail Te, Mrs. Lorna Te, Tonton Te, Armi Te, and Antonio Te.

Joe Tan Celebrates Sto. Niño Fiesta.  Joe Tan’s family celebrated the Feast of Sto. Niño at their residence in Pala-o, Iligan Cty last Jan. 15.  Among the invited guests were his golf buddies, LCHS-AA past president Christopher Tek An Chua & wife Dennie, LCHS-AA past president Carlos C. Dy, LCHS-AA president Henry C. Dy & wife Inday, Peter C. Dy, LCHS-AA past president Arturo “Toto”Samson & daughter, Chester Dy-Carlos & wife Angelie with 2 kids, Pepo Deleste & wife Cristina with 2 kids, Angging Deleste, Uy Chu King & wife Remedios Ong-Uy, Lee Kesiang, Evan Lluch, branch Manager of UCPB-Iligan with friends and other pals of Joe Tan.  Pit Senyor!

One of the news stories I wrote in this issue is about the recognition of the faculty and staff who had rendered more than 10 years of service in our school.

Ten years is a long time.  If it were a child, he's already in Grade 4 now.  If it were studying medicine, it's proper med, internship plus specialization.  If it's the political system, the Philippines will have at least two presidents (that is, without impeachment).

In that span of time, however, these teachers and personnel took a different course in their lives.  The English teachers could have transferred to the public schools a long time ago if they wanted to.  They will have bigger salary and more benefits there in comparison to the private school.  The Chinese teachers could have ventured into business.  They earn more money minus the load of paperworks from lesson plan, preparation, test questionnaires, etc.  Some of them even have relatives abroad who can help them seek greener pastures.  But despite all those, these teachers and personnel remained loyal to the school.

They found their family among their co-teachers, among the students, among the staff.  They spent more than ten years of their lives getting up early, teaching students, molding the young minds, taking care of the school properties.  One whole school year is almost unbearable for new teachers like me, but more than ten years?  Well, even ten years is already a feat.

Being a faculty of this school, it is indeed my honor to work with these teachers (some of them were even my teachers).  I have been here half of my life and these teachers were the ones who really got the chance to see me grow everyday.  And now I can remember Siansi Eva in my kindergarten days; Siansi Mitsu, and Siansi Conchita in my elementary years; Siansi Hong and Siansi Meme in high school.  Of course, Ma'am Tabasa was my Grade-3 adviser, Ma'am Rapliza was my Grade-5 adviser (or was she?), Ma'am David was my Grade-6 adviser, and Ma'am Alivio as my Filipino teacher and 4th year adviser.  Of course, who can forget the other 'siansi' in the canteen Siansi Nilda and last but not the least, Manong Edgar who had seen me climbing the walls in the gymnasium, playing with the tadpoles, going to our 'mini-forest' and playing hide-and-seek, etc.

For the awardees, may you continue to inspire all of us.  Thank you and congratulations.