Vol. 8, No. 23, March 14, 2005

Registration for the LCHS 2nd Grand Alumni Homecoming slated on July 7-9, 2005 is now ongoing.  The registration fee is P1,500 for local alumni, and US$30 for overseas alumni.  Early registration will be entitled to a discount.  The pre-registration fee (with 20% discount effective up to May 15, 2005) is P1,200 for local alumni, and US$25 for overseas alumni.

Among the first to pay their registration fees during the LCHS-AA board meeting last Mar. 8 at the JY Dimsum were the past presidents of the LCHS-AA, namely Beng Hong Vy, Andy Lee, Manuel Te, Carlos Dy, Sio Te Dy.  All the past presidents waived their 20% discount and paid the full registration fee of P1,500 each.  The other early birds who paid their registration fees were Peter Dy, Fe Quimbo and Greg Dy.  Peter Dy was granted a 50% discount as his prize for winning the GAH 2005 logo contest.  All inquiries or communications pertaining to the forthcoming Grand Alumni Homecoming may be addressed to:  lchsgah2005@yahoo.com

LCHS student wins inter-school tilts
By Michael John Siangco (Batch '96)

Jan Brian Ano-os, 3rd year student of LCHS, won the top plums in the Mindanao-wide Chinese Inter-School Competition held last Feruary 19 in Zamboanga Chong Hua School, Zamboanga City. The third-year student bagged 4 majors awards in the said event.  He was adjusted as the 1st prize winner in the Chinese Declamation Contest, 2nd prize winner of Chinese Calligraphy Contest, and 3rd prize winner of the Chinese Current Events Quiz Bee.  He was also given a Special Award in the Chinese Language Assessment Contest. (Accompanying photo, from left:  Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat, the victor Jan Brian Ano-os, and Chinese Ambassador Yuan Weixue)

Henry Dy runs for treasurer of VMLP

Iligan City Vice Mayor Henry Dy (in photo) is running for national treasurer of the Vice Mayors League of the Philippines (VMLP).  The election will take place in the Vice Mayors League Convention at the Century Park Hotel in Manila on Mar. 15-17, 2005.  Meanwhile, Iligan City councilor Alfredo Busico was elected Vice President for Mindanao of the Philippine Councilors League during the PCL Convention last Mar. 8 at the World Trade Center in Manila.

Manila alumni to form chapter

A group of LCHS alumni in Manila, led by Spectrum columnist Marie Janiefer Lee (Batch '87), gathered last Mar. 5 to form what may soon become the Manila chapter of the LCHS Alumni Association.  Among those who attended the gathering were Mr. & Mrs Felipe Sy, Atty. Geronimo Sy, Dr. Greg Dy, Mr. & Mrs. Hiram Dy-Henry, Honey Dy-Henry, Heidi Dy-Henry, Carina Dy Yu, Ellen Joy Sy Yulangco, and Marvin Abadiano.  The group has set their next meeting on April 2, 2005.  Alumni who have classmates, relatives or friends in Manila are requested to help the group invite them to attend the meeting.

More books for LCHS library

An appeal to help the newly-renovated LCHS library struck a positive response from an alumnus in Cebu City.  Dy Shek Tong (Batch '56), in photo, recently donated some 20 books of fairy tales to the children's section of the school library.  The donation was coursed through his brother Santi Ong (Batch '70), who turned over the donation to James Booc, chairman of the Library Renovation Project.  Santi also added several past issues of the National Geographic from his collections to the donation. The donation was in response to the appeal of James Booc for concerned alumni to help improve the facilities of the school library published in the Spectrum, Nov. 22, 2004 issue.  While the LCHS library has been fully renovated, its children's section is still in need of more reading materials suitable for LCHS grade school students.  More donations from generous alumni will be appreciated.

LCHS top 5 in math quiz
By Michael John Siangco (Batch '96)

Lanao Chung Hua School once again congratulates its pupils and students for making it big in the recently concluded 2005 Metrobank-MTAP-Dep. Ed. Citywide Math Challenge last February 24. Among the 14 schools in the Division level, all the elemetary and high school levels made it to the top 5.

Here are the creme de la creme: Grade 1, 2nd Place with Annamitz Rapliza and Ernest Mikhail Uy as representatives; Grade 2, 2nd Place with Jan Avery Chen and Justin Roland Lee as representatives; Grade 3, 4th Place with Maxine Ang and Mary Olivienne Dy; Thomas Derrick Siao and Al Josef Rai Tan represented the Grade 4 class and ranked 2nd; Nicole Leslie Chua and Kenn Calrson Dy from the Grade 5 class ranked 3rd; while Ann Catherine Co and Kento Fujimori ranked 5th and represented the Grade 6 class. For the high School level: Karen Andrea Chua and Kevin Bryan Dy represented the First Year and ranked 2nd; Pao-Ju Chi and Ben Alfie Oliverio from the Second Year ranked 2nd; Third Year representatives New Blossom Ang and Tristan Ervin Lim ranked 4th; while Katrina Lee and Joni Ling from the Fourth Year ranked 4th.

Iligan signs sisterhood pact with Makati

Iligan is now a sister city of Makati.  The sisterhood pact between Iligan and Makati was signed at the Makati City Hall last Mar. 8.  Present at the formal signing ceremonies were Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay, Iligan Mayor Lawrence Cruz and Iligan Vice Mayor Henry Dy, along with some members of the Iligan City Council.  In the afternoon of the same day, Iligan officials inaugurated the Iligan City Liaison Office located at the Boy Scouts of the Philippines building, at the vicinity of SM Manila and Manila City Hall. Blessing of the office was officiated by Rev. Hugh, an old timer of Iligan and formerly with the St. Michael's Cathedral.  Among the guests were diplomats from the embassies of U.S.A., India and Taiwan.  The liaison office is headed by Merci Aberilla, daughter of the late radio commentator Carlos Aberilla.

Iligan eco-adventure race Apr. 4

The Conquer Iligan Eco Adventure race will kick off on April 4-6, 2005 in Iligan City.  The race course is set along a 300-kilometer adventure terrain covering towns, mountains, coastlines and the open sea in what promises to become the premier adventure racing event in the country.  The race will include trail running sections, rubber tubing, mountain biking, trekking, swimming, paddling, rope sections, orienteering and a few other surprises as well.  Patterned after the very popular "Outdoor Quest," Iligan's eco adventure race is the first ever race of such type in the country.  The event is held under the auspices of the Iligan City Sports.

Interested in GAH 2005
Wed, 23 Feb 2005 19:56:12 -0500

I am very much interested in the forthcoming GAH 2005. I hope you can send out invitation. I may have a scheduled trip to Iligan by that time to attend the said event.  More power and best regards.
--Terence L. Chua (Batch '89), Mandaue, Philippines, email: tlchua@lenbertfurniture.com

[Editor's Note:  It's nice that you have read our newsletter, LCHS Spectrum.  The Spectrum is our line of communication and it is accessible to everyone worldwide.  Our 2nd GAH will be on July 7-9, 2005.  Please log on to our Spectrum website for updates.  You can invite other fellow alumni living in your area to attend our GAH 2005, and if possible, you may also form a local chapter. Thank you.]

Calling LCHS alumni in Manila
Fri, 25 Feb 2005 17:53:56 +0800

We're inviting LCHS alumni who are based here in Manila to join us; we're trying to form a Manila chapter.  Hoping we could gather a good number for the upcoming GAH this July.  Aside from this, we might be able to come up with projects to help improve our beloved LCHS.  For those who are interested, please call me at 867-11-31, Mon-Sat 9 am-6 pm.  Or just reply to this message with your contact number and we will give you a call.  Thanks!
--Marie Janiefer Lee (Batch '87), Makati, Philippines, email: janiefer@pacific.net.ph

Response to Janiefer's invite
Sat, 26 Feb 2005 11:27:45 +0800

Hi Janiefer! Hope I got your name right. I consider myself an LCHS alumnus although I didn't actually graduate there because I moved to Cebu when I was midway through Grade V and that was way back 1975.  If I got my numbers right I should have graduated from LCHS high school as a member of Batch 1980 (some of my classmates were Jerry Ling, Caroline Sy, Janet Dy, Grace Dy, James Racines, Philip Lee and others whom I can't quite recall with old age).

I finished elementary and high school at Cebu Eastern College, then came to Manila to study at UP Diliman where I graduated 1984 (A.B. Pol. Sci.) and 1988 (Law). Took and passed the BAR exams that same year.  Worked at the law office of Raul Roco for initial 2 years or so, then left and opened my own law office here in Binondo in 1991 with two of my UP classmates.  Also taught part-time business law at UP Diliman College of Business Admin for 2 years (1991-93) but stopped because the distance was too far.

I have seen and read your articles in the Spectrum (by the way, Charles O. Sy is my uncle).  Would be glad to meet up with you one of these days (sked permitting) and help in any little way I can for our school.  Was not able to join the 2000 GAH and would really want to attend the 2005 GAH this time. Will try to call you up next week.
--Kenton Sy Sua (Batch '80), Rm. 622 BPI Condominium, 150 Plaza Cervantes St., Binondo, Manila, Tels. 242-11-59; 242-11-70

Roger Suminguit, Batch '73

GAH 2005.  The LCHS-AA officers and directors are now getting busy with preparations for the 2nd Grand Alumni Homecoming scheduled on July 7-9, 2005.  The preparations are focused on the souvenir, ad solicitations, registrations, monitoring alumni whereabouts, and assignments of different working committees.  Board meetings are now being held weekly.  The LCHS-AA board, through balloting, has chosen the official logo & theme for GAH2005.  The theme is: "LCHS: Looking Back and Moving Forward ... The Beat Continues."  For sure, the three-day affair is going to be packed with exciting programs and activities -- all centered on one important element: fun.  More surprises await all alumni coming home for the grand reunion.  We are hopeful that our second GAH will surpass GAH2000 in attendance.  It may be safe to project an attendance of 400 or more as the second timers are surely coming back, and the first timers certainly would not want to miss it this time the way they missed the GAH in 2000.  We enjoin all alumni to spread the word to every fellow alumnus near them.  We are calling on our alumni to register now or before May 15, 2005 and avail themselves of the discounted rate of 20 percent.  Please forward your registration fee to Director Teresita Racines, or Secretary Roger Suminguit, or any of the LCHS-AA officers.

ALUMNI WEDDING.  Two alumni exchanged “I do’s” at the Resurrection of the Lord Chinese-Filipino Catholic Community Church, Pala-o, Iligan, last March 12.  The newly-weds were John Smith Khu-Yu (Batch ’91) and Christine A. Tan (Batch ’93).  John Smith is the son of Paz Khu and the late Virgilio "Tarzan" Yu.  Christine is the daughter of Engr. Calix & Elisa Tan.  The wedding ceremony was officiated by Rev. Fr. Daniel S. Sormani, CSSp.  The principal sponsors were LCHA-AA president Henry C. Dy & wife Esterlita; Richard Sy & wife Nicanora; Henry T. Siao & wife Juanita; Sergio T. Siao & wife Norma; Henry K. Ang & wife Rita; Sheikding O. Booc & wife Bily; Tiaolito Ruben Lee & Minda Ang-Salud.  Among the guests from abroad were a cousin of PP Calix Tan from Taipeh, Yen Sun Wei; Dr. Aurora Tansiokhian (Batch ’58), in photo; and Engr. Santas Tan-Seitz (Batch ’61).  Aurora and Santas arrived home from the U.S.A. to grace the occasion.  Aurora is a former columnist of the Spectrum.  Santas lives in Manhattan, New York and works as a senior chemist.  To Dr. Aurora Tansiokhian and Engr. Santas Tan-Seitz, welcome home!  Among the other invited guests were Marciana Sy-Roa (’61); Mrs. Matea B. Dy Chutee (’54); Mr. & Mrs. Robert B. Dychutee (’72); Director & Mrs. Alexander Chua; and PP & Mrs. Vy Beng Hong.

ALUMNI JETSETTERS.   Ever the man about town, Spectrum anchorman in Cebu, Igdono Caracho (Batch '66) sailed off to Bohol for the weekend last Feb. 25 to spend his Edsa People Power holidays.  He came home with a bagful of photos of famous scenes and attractions of Bohol to share with our readers in his "Camera Candid" column.  Igdono says he is now a certified "jetsetter" because, well, he always takes Oceanjet when traveling to Bohol.  (Accompanying photo shows Igdono seated at the life-sized monument commemorating the Blood Compact between Miguel Lopez de Legaspi of Spain and Rajah Sikatuna of Bohol.) Another Spectrum stalwart in Cebu, Dr. Henry Yu (Batch '69), was seen jetting off to Manila last Feb. 24, where he attended the 44th annual convention of the Philippine Academy of Family Physicians (PAFP) at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).  Jesus Dy (Batch '63), who was here on a month-long vacation, returned home to Edmonton, Canada, last March 5.  "Tracers" looks forward to seeing him back in July for our 2nd Grand Alumni Homecoming.

ALUMNI IN THE NEWS.  Vivina Chiu-Yrastorza (Batch '61) was in the limelight again last February in Cebu where she participated in the "Operation Smile" sponsored by the Mariquita Salimbangon Yeung Charitable Foundation, Inc.  Vivina and other doctors rendered their volunteer services in the treatment of more than 300 cleft-lip patients at the Don Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center during the week-long operation.  Vivina is also a director of the Mariquita Salimbangon Yeung Charitable Foundation.

GOLF BUDDIES.  The Iligan golf team flew to Bacolod City to compete in the 58th Philippine Airlines Interclub Golf Tournament last Feb. 23-27. The alumni golfers participating in the senior category were alumni president Henry C. Dy, Carlos C. Dy, Jose Tan, Jesus C. Dy, Bebencio Ma Palang and Christopher Chua, along with some other Iliganons.  Another team of Phil-Am golfers, led by Gregorio "Greg" Dy, planed in from Chicago.  On the regular team category were alumnus Raymund Sy and other Iliganon players. The Iligan Regular Golf Team, led by Teepoy's Grills operations manager Lester Salazar, bagged the Philippine Sports Writers Championship.  After the Bacolod sorties, perennial golf buddies PP Carlos Dy, Jose Tan and Peter Dy flew to Manila for yet another round of golf at the Eagleridge and Northwood.  I wonder why our friends play so hard with one tiny white ball just to putt it into a very small hole. Ayah! Why don’t they just pick it up and simply place it on the hole, tapos?

Marie Janiefer Q. Lee, Batch '87

Just the other day I was invited to a wedding.  The wedding of a couple who's so perfect for each other; who deserved a perfect wedding to start off their life as husband and wife.

The mass went fine; it was so solemn, attended by a handful of family and friends.  So far, everything was working like clock-work.

The venue for the reception was another perfect choice.  It was at Fr. Blanco’s Garden in Intramuros.  A big beautiful garden with a huge fountain in the middle, wishing wells on both sides and a gazebo in one corner decked with Malaysian mumps.  “Perfect” is just the word I can use to describe the place.

Then an ear-piercing voice from the sound system jolted me out of my daydream.  I thought it must be just the faulty wires or something, but still it went on.  As I traced the source of that scratching sound it zeroed in on the lady emcee of the program, complete with an intro that goes: “A pleasant good night to everyone.”  What?!!! Di ba it should be “a pleasant good evening”?  Well, anyway, maybe she’s just having trouble concentrating on what to say at the same time faking that British accent.

Her pa-cute gimmick was draining down my patience, especially when it was time to introduce the entourage.  She made side comments like “oh no, I can’t pronounce this name, it’s so Tagalog.”  Aaarggghh!  I just want to throw a plate at her.  How could she sound so mean and insulting?  She was even having a hard time saying the name of the bride and the groom.  We later learned that she’s part of the group of the wedding planner.  Which means she had all the time in the world to go through the names months before this wedding since she’s one of those who prepared for this day.  So what’s this acting for?  I want to strangle her for ruining such a perfect day. It’s not as if she’s a foreigner because right before the program started we all heard her speaking in Tagalog and it was better than my Tagalog.  Mine has this very bisdak (bisayang daku) accent.

When the niece of the bride rendered a dance number to the tune of "Otso-otso," I thought that our ears could rest from the torture of her voice only to be bombarded some more, because she intentionally or unintentionally forgot to turn off the mic and she was singing along with the tune.

Then she called for volunteers to say something about the couple or give their wishes for the couple.  The maid of honor stood up and said: “I’m the bride’s cousin, we’re very close because we grew up from childhood.”  I almost choked on my Coke.  Didn’t we all grow up from childhood?  I don’t think there’s any other way.  By that time I was convinced at how potent and contagious the emcee is.  She’s rubbing it off to everybody who comes near her.

That day would have been perfectly perfect if the perfect couple just gagged the emcee and threw her into the huge fountain in the middle of that beautiful garden.

Igdono U. Caracho, Batch '66

Port of Iligan