Vol. 9, No. 6, July 7, 2005

The LCHS Alumni Association has rolled out the red carpet to welcome fellow alumni coming home from near and afar for the 2nd LCHS Grand Alumni Homecoming on July 7-9, 2005.  The GAH Steering Committee expects about 250 alumni to troop to the Alma Mater for the three-day reunion.  Over the last few weeks, members of different committees have been busy at work to ensure a successful homecoming for all alumni. Faculty members and students of LCHS, too, are participating in the festivities with their presentation of songs and dances.  Formal invitations have likewise been sent earlier on to former teachers to grace the occasion. The LCHS gym, venue of most of the activities, has been adorned with colorful decor, streamers and buntings to render a festive ambience to the gathering.  Needless to say, all alumni can expect a wonderful time for fun and fellowship throughout the three days of festivities.  It's all systems go for GAH2005.  It's time to party!

In a related development, the LCHS-AA officers unanimously passed a resolution at a board meeting on June 15, 2005 conveying its appreciation to Cebu alumni, namely Roderick Ngo, Charles O. Sy, Igdono Caracho, and Henry Yu, for their contributions in placing paid ads and press releases in various Cebu dailies and other newspapers concerning the forthcoming GAH.  The motion was proposed by Roger Suminguit and seconded by Vy Beng Hong.

More alumni joining the GAH
By Teresita Racines (Batch '67)

More and more alumni are joining GAH2005.  The number of pre-registrations rose to 120, as of June 23.  That might be just the tip of the iceberg.  As in GAH2000, many more are expected to arrive and register on site on the first and second days of the GAH.  The registrants, so far, are (in chronological order):

Vy Beng Hong, Dy Sio Te, Andy Lee, Fe Quimbo, Manuel Te, Carlos Dy, Peter Dy, Bebencio Palang, Antonio Te, Teresita Racines, Sofia Vy Co, Arturo Samson, Henry Dy, Gregorio Dy, Minda Ang Saludo, Linda Ang, Joselyn Ang, Charles Ang, Juanita Te Jo, Conchita Te Ong, Franklin Siao, Remedios Tan Wee, Ricarda Tan Lee, Marciano Tan, Pablito Tan, Timestocles Tan, Gil Portugalisa, Eleonor Rocha, Alexander Chua, Igdono Caracho, Aldo Caracho, Julius Racines, Jorge Racines Jr., Sherlita Racines, James Racines, Jone Raye Racines, Santiago Ong, Asuncion "Asiong" Lim, Cristobal "Ko Chuy" Tiu, Sheik Din Booc, James Booc, Calix Tan, Honey Dy-Henry, Hiram Dy-Henry, Hazel Dy-Henry, Heidi Dy-Henry, Rodolfo Yu, Perla Bernardo Chua, Ursulina Esteban, Betty Jover, Cecilia Tablason, Rene Bernardo, Alexander Bernardo, Juanito Chiu, Dy Sheik Tong, Charles O. Sy, Lydia Sy-Chona, Jane Sy-Limtin, Kenton Sy Sua, Henry Yu;

Johnny Chen, Jeverly So Chen, Geraldine Tan, Emelita Lee, Jorlyn Sy, Roger Suminguit, Farley Sy, Sionnie DyChutee, Robert DyChutee, Jackson Wong, Emily Uy, Susan Ngo-Loo, Alice Ngo-Militante, Helen Ngo-Lim, Roderick Ngo, Delia Dy, Janet Lee Tan, Chiok Hian Dy Wang, William Palmer, Nelly Palmer, Fernando Khu, Sio Tin Vy-Khu, Franklin Khu, Sally Vy, Sheila Vy, Angelie Tan Dy-Carlos, Chester Dy-Carlos, Catalina Decipolo, Regalado Chua, Robert Booc, Dennis Khu, Marianella Wong Sasil, Norma Wong Siao, Remedios Suminguit Hsu, Evangeline Yee-Tan, Aida Andaquig, Himaya Siao Tollison, Rudy Co, Jose Sam Go, Jimmy Ang, Steven So, Yugine Taongan, Samuel Padayhag, Jeffrey Quimbo, Emma Yap Matiao, Elizabeth Yap Navera, Jerrywences Chin, James So, Janet Chun Uy, Ellen Ang Lee, Jessica L. Sy, Stephen Ang, Marcela Tan, Felisa Khu Yu, Flor Tan Sagario, Lillian Ang Tan, Gregoria Ang-Sy, Elsa Ang-Uy, Lucio Choa Tan, Ke Sin Tan, and Cristina Dy-Carlos Deleste.
 

Jul. 4-9 declared "LCHS Alumni Week"

The Iligan City Council, on June 28, 2005, passed Resolution No. 05-608, authored by City Councilor Alfredo R. Busico, declaring July 4-9, 2005 as “LANAO CHUNG HUA SCHOOL ALUMNI WEEK” in connection with its 2nd LCHS Grand Alumni Homecoming. The excerpts:

WHEREAS, presented to the body for deliberation was the letter dated June 23, 2005 from Mr. Roger Suminguit, Secretary, LCHS Alumni Association, requesting the Honorable Council to pass a Resolution declaring July 4-9, 2005 as “Lanao Chung Hua School Alumni Week” in connection with its 2nd Grand Alumni Homecoming;

WHEREAS, on July 7-9, 2005, LCHS alumni from all over the world will converge in Iligan City on the occasion of the LCHS Alumni Homecoming and Grand Reunion 2005;

WHEREAS, this is the second grand reunion since the founding of LCHS in 1938;

WHEREAS, the affair will have its theme: “LCHS Looking Back and Moving Forward, The Beat Continues”;

WHEREAS, on motion of member Alfredo R. Busico, duly seconded by members Vicente F. Belmonte and Voltaire I. Rovira;

BE IT RESOLVED, AS IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, by the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Iligan to declare as it
hereby declares, July 4-9, 2005 as “Lanao Chung Hua School Alumni Week” in connection with its 2nd LCHS Grand Alumni Homecoming.

CARRIED unanimously by the members present.  Dated June 30, 2005, Iligan City

The undersigned hereby attests to the adoption of the foregoing as verified to by the member-author.

(SGD): ATTY. ARTHUR LL. PADILLA, Secretary to the Sanggunian
VERIFIED: ALFREDO R. BUSICO, Member-Author
CERTIFIED BY: PROVIDENCIO P. ABRAGAN, SR., Acting City Vice Mayor, Acting Presiding Officer
APPROVED BY: HENRY C. DY, Acting City Mayor

A Toast
Our toast to Acting City Mayor & LCHS-AA president Henry Dy on his induction last June 25 as member of the National Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) for another year.  He was sworn in by BSP President Jejomar Binay in Makati.  Henry Dy has been a member of the Board for several years now.  Last July 1, he was in Malaybalay to attend the Regional Development Council (RDC) meeting in his capacity as acting mayor of Iligan.

A dream come true
Thu, 23 Jun 2005 20:05:15 +1000

Dear fellow LCHS alumni:  It is only about two weeks left and the 2nd LCHS GAH will be upon us again.  Once again, I shall miss this one. But one of my dreams for this occasion is becoming a reality.  In the September 11, 2000 issue of the Spectrum, I wrote that maybe the City Mayor by that time would be an alumnus.  By a twist of fate, LCHS-AA President Henry Dy is already the acting City Mayor these days and during the 2nd GAH.  I shall miss you all.  Cheers from Down Under!
--Loloy Tan (Batch '66), Sydney, Australia, email: edtan@iinet.net.au

Missing the GAH
Tue, 28 Jun 2005 19:02:11 EDT

To all our classmates of Batch '68 & Batch '70, respectively, and to all our dear fellow alumni, specially Charles Sy and Henry Yu, I regret that my wife Elsie and I won't be able to have the time to attend our coming GAH this July 2005.   It is so frustrating on my part because we also missed the 1st GAH in year 2000.  The timing coincides to my very heavy business schedules. If GAH 2005 would have been held on the 1st or 2nd week of August, my wife and I could most probably be present in this memorable occasion.  The months of May to July are peak seasons in my business.  My wife and I could have ample free time in any given month except the months I mentioned.  Three years ago, we went to South America and Mexico.  Two years ago, we were on vacation in Europe.  And in March of this year, we just had our 29 days' tour in Southeast Asia and China. This coming October we are bound for China again to about 8 cities that we have not visited in our previous itineraries which were Beijing and Shanghai.

As I have said, I'm so sorry to miss this coming GAH 2005 in July, but I would never lose hope of gracing our 3rd GAH in 2010. God willing, My wife and I shall have the time to attend. I wish all our classmates and fellow alumni to have a good time and enjoy one of the most joyous, memorable and happy occasions on our lives.  Please, just send me videos of all the events, if any. Just let me know how much and I'll be happy to pay.  My best regards to all my fellow alumni!
--Laureto Lao (Batch '68) and Elsie Lao (Batch '70), Riverside, California, U.S.A.; email: Elsierito@aol.com

Suggestion
Fri, 24 Jun 2005 00:30:49 +1000

I was just inspired to learn that our two former editors, Charles O. Sy and Dr. Henry Yu, are now writing regularly for Cebu City's oldest newspaper, The Freeman (Spectrum, Jun. 23, 2005 issue).  I am, of course, not surprised about this latest development, considering their writing skills.  Congratulations!  However, since the Spectrum lately is missing some regular columnists and article contributors, may I suggest that Charles O. Sy and Dr. Henry Yu also share with us, Spectrum readers, what they are writing for The Freeman.  This will somehow solve the Spectrum's current problem of the lack of materials.  It will also be a big bonus if Janiefer Q. Lee also returns straight from her heart. Cheers!
--Loloy Tan (Batch '66), Sydney, Australia, email: edtan@iinet.net.au

Replies to Loloy Tan
Thu, 23 Jun 2005 23:54:10 -0700

Hi Loloy!  It saddens me to learn that you wont' be around in our GAH this coming July 7-9. We missed you in the first GAH in 2000. Your presence in our second GAH will again be sorely missed by many of your batch mates and hometown friends as well. Having been one of the original proponents of the GAH back when the event was still just a speck of an idea waiting to be born, your presence would have given our GAH more meaning and more fun.  Regarding my column in The Freeman, it's still new and I'm still feeling my way around. I started it only last June 19 upon the invitation of Marlinda Angbetic Tan, executive editor of The Freeman's Lifestyle Section. Marlinda and I both belong to the Cebu Toastmasters Club. Our Spectrum readers will also remember that she has, on several occasions, contributed articles to our Spectrum.
--Charles O. Sy (Batch '67), Cebu, Philippines, email: syanlok@yahoo.com

Tue, 28 Jun 2005 02:27:05 +0000
Dear Loloy:  Thank you for your kudos greetings.  You suggested that I also share with the Spectrum readers what I am writing for The Freeman.  Yo! It's the other way around. Because I'm sharing with The Freeman readers what I'm writing for the Spectrum.  Siyempre, "charity begins at home."  But the fact still remains: We're gonna miss you and the hundreds of other LCHS alumni scattered all over the world who could not make it to the 2nd LCHS Grand Alumni Homecoming on July 7-9, 2005 for one reason or the other.  To all my classmates of Class 1969 and fellow LCHS alumni who will be in the GAH, I sing: "Together again, all my tears have stopped falling, the long lonely nights are now at an end."  And to you, dear Loloy and the rest who won't be with us: "When will I see you again? When will we share precious moments?"
--Henry L. Yu (Batch '69), Cebu, Philippines, email: hvty@skyinet.net

Mo adto ka?
Tue, 28 Jun 2005 18:14:17 +0800

Three weeks ago I started getting text messages and phone calls from my classmates and friends asking me this very question: Mo adto ka?  And my answer so far has been a constant "ambot lagi."  Why the indecision?  Well, most of the reasons or rather excuses were mentioned by my boss (C.O. Sy) in his column.  But deep in my heart I want to be there, not really for the warmth of being in the company of my classmates and teachers (hehehe) because I still see most of them even if it's not the GAH. But it's really all about the food (hehehe).  It's something I don't get around here as often as I want to. If I should find my way to the GAH on July 7, 8 & 9, it's because I want to once again savor the very mouth-watering kinilaw we all had during the pool side party of the last GAH.  If I find my way to the reunion next weekend it will be to once again dance the wala-deri-wala-didto style on the last evening.  I had so much fun during the first GAH. I'm sure if I don't find my way to Iligan next weekend I know I'll miss a lot.  So whether mo adto ba ko or not honestly I still don't know. But reading the reasons of my boss for going to the GAH makes me think twice, just a little shove and I'll be packing my bags.
--Marie Janiefer Lee (Batch '87), Makati, Philippines, email: janiefer@pacific.net.ph

Roger Suminguit, Batch '73

The promises of the first GAH in 2000 are now becoming the fulfillments of GAH2005.  Now the time has come for us to reap the harvests of GAH2000.  Your GAH committee is ready for our 2nd Grand Alumni Homecoming.  We have been meeting twice a week since May and various initial problems have been tackled. The final detailed program is now ready.  Everything is now in place.  We are ready to rock!

The GAH committee has been working meticulously in organizing every fine detail of activities, from arrival to the celebrations.  There are lots of new sights & sounds waiting for you to discover.  For the past five years, the city of Iligan, through the efforts of the local administration, has undergone tremendous transformation, particularly in tourism, commerce & facilities.  One of our 2nd GAH activities is definitely celebrated at the newest function facility in Iligan, the Celebrity Dome, the new pride of Iliganons.

Remember those touching moments of parting ways among our alumni during last GAH?  You promised each other to meet again in the next GAH?  Now that special moment is here.

And here we share once more with our homecoming alumni snatches of insights immortalized by our alumni writers in the souvenir program of GAH 2000.  It's amazing how their foresights and insights about our homecoming still ring true today as they did in 2000.

In his article, “Coming Home to a Home,” Henry Yu (Batch '69) wrote: "For once in our life, let us relive the memories of yesteryears and make this affair a truly memorable occasion, something that we can always look back with a song and a smile in our heart in the years ahead when we shall be old and gray, when today's memories become tomorrow's history."

In her piece, "Thank You," Marie Janiefer Lee (Batch '87) expressed her gratitude to the alma mater: "For shaping us into what we are today, for the knowledge and skills you've armed us, to be able to face life's challenges with ease."

And here's Leonardo "Eddie" Tan (Batch '66) who wrote in "For Old Time's Sake":  “A once in a lifetime chance for all of us to meet once again in real flesh and blood. What a golden opportunity for every one of us to be together and be happy and glad!  Like the swallow that travels halfway around the globe yet return to its birthplace, all LCHSians should take this  unique occasion to meet each other face to face. For us humans, we ask ourselves: what is life without the sweet old memories? It is as if we didn’t have a life at all, as if we’ve wasted on some plotless stories.”

For his part, Ernesto Yu (Batch '65), in "A Love Like Ours," threw in these poignant lines:  “Perhaps this reunion will inspire us to fly without wings our dreams and imagination to new stunning heights of enchanting reality and distill a renewed testament of that once upon a time special something ­- a love like ours.”

And for the final clincher, Spectrum founder Charles O. Sy (Batch '67), in "A Homecoming To Die For," encapsulized the essence of our homecoming thus: “A homecoming is a retreat to a time long gone. A rediscovery of treasured moments. A rebirth of cherished dreams.”

So, dear fellow alumni, this is the time again to rediscover those long lost treasured moments, to renew our bond & rekindle our memories of yesteryears, and to relive those moments we once shared at the old & legendary Lanao Chinese High School of yesteryears.  It's time for "looking back and moving forward ... the beat continues."

Charles O. Sy, Batch '67

Just a few days from now, our alumni will begin another journey home for yet another rare occasion of grand reunion at the GAH2005.

We are well aware that there are many others who may not be present at the GAH.  A few amongst us won't be there not because they choose not to, but because of unavoidable constraints affecting their individual circumstances.  Yet, there are likewise others who simply choose not to because they don't feel the same excitement any more as they did in our first GAH in 2000.  A few others say the GAH has lost its novelty.  Some others say the activities are simply a recycle of the same events of the first GAH.

To all our fellow alumni who are unable to grace the occasion, we share their sentiments. We are going to miss them all. But I, on my part, will go to the GAH just the same, come hell or high water.

I'm going to the GAH not because I am eager to watch the programs or listen to speeches.  These activities, like most others, are all simply routine and run-of-the-mill.  I'm going to the GAH not because I want to savor the many delicacies in store at the parties. These stuffs I can have within my reach where I live.  I'm going to the GAH not for the cool springs of Timoga or the beaches of Iligan.  These attractions are aplenty around the island near my place.  I want to go to the GAH not because I miss the landmarks of Iligan.  Many of them haven't changed nor improved a bit since I last set foot in Iligan.  I'm going to the GAH not for love of the LCHS campus.  I am unable to relate myself to the new campus as much I could with the old campus at Roosevelt Ext. where I spent my elementary & high school years.

I'm going to the GAH because I miss the warmth of the company of my childhood friends.  I'm going to the GAH to reseal the bond that brought me and my classmates together many moons ago in our old campus at Roosevelt Ext.  I'm going to the GAH because I miss the symphony of laughter of my hometown friends and schoolmates.   I'm going to the GAH to make one final embrace with my former teachers who opened our eyes to a new world beyond the confines of our small town. I'm going to the GAH to rekindle long lost memories of a valuable chapter of my life.  All these I can have only if I attend the GAH come July 7.  All these we can share with one another if only we present ourselves at the GAH.

For all we know, either we or they may not pass this way again.

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

With our Grand Alumni Homecoming just four days away, I can't help but feel my adrenaline soaring to higher level as I get more excited with each passing day about coming home to Iligan, my birthplace, my hometown. The mere thought of meeting again classmates, schoolmates, teachers, and friends, gives me that certain kind of high like no other.

As I sit on my office chair today, faces and places keep flashing back as I recall yesteryears' glory, misery, triumph and victory.  Indeed, each journey to the past brings forth beautiful memories of the things we did, the dances and songs, the fashion and games, the autograph, penpal writing, Beatles, Matt Monro, the joy, the fun, and our seasons in the sun.  For today, let's make a roll call just like the way our teachers did circa 1960's when we would answer "Present" or "Taw" when our name was called.  Let me start with the Class of 1969, the one I grew up with since School Year 1959-1960 when we were in Grade I: Betty Bernardo, Apolonia Chiu, Yolanda Chiu, Vinson Chou, Chiok Hian Dy, Delia Dy, Mario Go, Benny Kao Hok, Leodegaria Lagrosas, Janet Lee, Using Lee, Castor Lim, Jose Lim, Josefina Lim, Richard Lim, Alice Ngo, Proserpina Siangco, Julius Racines, Adelfa Tan, Edna Tan Choa, Timestocles Tan, Antonio Te, Elson Velasco, Segundino Velasco, Beng Hong Vy, Rodolfo Yu, Henry Yu.

Who are not called today?  Ah, Rodrigo Cayubit, Jimmy Wong Ling, Leopoldo Tan, and Charita Sia. Because they have gone ahead to the Great Beyond.  But to them we say: "You have gone ahead of us, leaving a void in our hearts. You may not be with us today, but we will always remember you and keep you dear in our hearts. Because you are part of our joy, our fun, and our seasons in the sun. Forever."

Let's also make a roll call of our grade school teachers:  Miss Tagaro (Grade I), Miss Corazon Alpuerto (Grade II), Miss Anacorita Campugan (Grade III), Miss Concepcion Yap (Grade IV), Miss Josefa Demeterio (Grade V), Miss Josefina Tan (Grade VI).  Our high school teachers: Miss Crisanta Alcover, Mr. Julian Narciso, Miss Lourdes de la Cruz, Miss Teresita Maulas, Miss Teresita Lim, Mr. Gener, Miss Chona Serrato, Miss Nonela Wong, etc.

Let's continue the roll call of the other LCHS Stars of the 60's as they make a random flashback in my aging mind today.

The Volleyball Players: Deborah Debalucos, Gloricita Racines, Virginia Wong, Joselyn Ang, Aida Chou, Melania Handumon, Elsa Lagrosas, Lily Leuong, Lolita Lua, Charmaine Molo, Virginia Ngo, Lalita Uy, Felicitas Ly, etc.

The Basketball Players: Franklin Siao, the Sy's (Peter, Robert, Constantino), the Dy's (Carlos, Greg, Jesus, Henry, Johnson, Peter, William), the Co's (Peter, Robert, Edwin, Giovanni, Johnny, Rudy), the Tan's (Marciano and Pablito), Rolando Te, Manuel Tan, Antonio Chan, Nicomedes Debalucos, Fernando Khu, Artemio Lagrosas, Jaime Rodriguez, James Tio, Bienvenido Lim, James So, Aldo Caracho, Dionesio Chiu, Venancio Alvarez, Jose Booc, Laureto Capuyan, Henry Kaw Hok, Lee KeeSiang, Leonilo Leuong, San Mondarte, Castor Lim, Antonio Te, etc.  The Majorettes: Vivina Chiu, Nelly Co, Dy Sio Te, Elizabeth Co, Bonifacia Co, Melania Handumon, Felicitas Ly, etc.

The Stage Performers: Alex Handumon, Antonio Te, Dy Sio Te, Norma Sy, Teresita Siao, Vy Sio Tin, Perla Yu, Melania Handumon, Marcy Sy, Fena Tan Choa, Josefina Tio, Dy Sun Lay, Margarita Kho, Helen Ngo, Cynthia Tan Choa, Chiok Hian Dy, Josefina Lim, Alice Ngo, Adelfa Tan, Gloria Tecson, Jane Sy. Shirley Co, Vy Sio Hua, the Lim sisters (Elena, Lolita, and Elizabeth), etc.

The Barkadas: ALABER, COSY, GRIZZLY, THJL, JEL, ABCD, Pogi Dozen, Magnificent Seven, etc.

And what about the Literary Musical declaimers and orators, the Spelling Bee contestants, the presidents of the Student Council, the Class Officers, the honor students, the editors of the school organs, the members of the drum and bugle corps, the cheering squad.  These and more. Where are they now? What have become of them after all these many years?  Will I see them during the Homecoming? Will we share precious moments again?

Michael John L. Siangco, Batch '96

It's been quite some time now since I last sat down and wrote something.  Although writing has been one of my favorite pasttimes before, I incorrectly associated it with work.  You can't really blame me.  After all, I am a teacher and most of what a teacher does is write lesson plans, correct papers, make grades, etc. So when vacation came, I also left my 'pen' behind.

But I had a productive summer vacation.  With the help of the school, I was given a chance to go to Manila and study something 'unthinkable' (as what my friends said) in the modern times. Guess what?  An abacus.

Some of my non-Chinese friends don't even know what an abacus is.  I had to explain to them that an abacus is an ancient "calculator" used by people in East Asia (China, Japan, Korea).  That it is a very accurate tool in solving arithmetic.

In this age of calculators and computers, who needs the abacus anyway?  In this age of ALOHA and mental mathematics, does the abacus still have relevance in basic arithmetic education?

The Chinese (Taiwan) Cultural Center has the answers.  Every summer, they offer different programs for pupils (not teachers!) about the Chinese arts and culture which are not much of a priority in the Philippine Chinese Education.  They offer abacus classes, calligraphy, dancing and singing. They offer a better alternative for kids who, instead of learning swimming or basketball, learn to see a better picture of the brilliance and grandeur of the Chinese culture.

Did I say kids?  Actually, in our class of 43, the youngest is about 7 years old.  Of course, being 25 years of age, I was the "most mature."  I am the only teacher and the one after me in seniority is a college freshman.

You might think they are no match with a B.S Biology (it has Algebra, Trigonometry and Calculus in its curriculum) graduate like me.  But that's not the case.  In our final ranking, I only ranked number 10. But I was really thankful for that because God knows I really can't compete with those kids in speed.  That's when I realize the relevance of abacus in arithmetics.  Aside from its cultural connotations, it actually sharpens our brain and makes us think quick.

Malaysia is good enough to realize the importance of abacus as they include it in their education curricula.  Too bad it is never included in our Chinese Educational System.

With this, the school deserves some credit in its efforts to enhance the mathematical skills of its pupils.  Even if we don't lag behind in mathematics citywide, we still have to develop the speed and agility when it comes to basic arithmetic operations.

I have seen international competitions in mathematics on TV with exceptional geniuses (they calculate accurate answers after the question is read, without calculator, without pen and paper). I just notice their fingers moving. Now I knew they were thinking of abacus.

I am also thinking of abacus now.  Not because I want to join math competitions but because I want to write something about it.  Or perhaps, I am thinking of writing something that's why I thought of the abacus and my summer vacation.  Whatever it is, it's back to reality. Back to work, back to writing, and back to teaching.

P.S.:  And this year, as both students and teachers all go back to school, another "set of people" is also coming back to their alma mater.  As we all cherish your (I mean our) homecoming, let's all be grateful for everything that this institution had imparted to us.  Long live!

Coming Home
By Henry L. Yu, M.D.
Batch 1969

Once upon a time
There's a place that we call home
Where we toiled
Amidst sunshine and the rain
Enjoying the seasons
For so many reasons
People we've been with
Places we've been to
All these we remember
Like a song's sweet refrain
Forever we will be
LCHS students of long ago
Of a place that we call home
Where we once all belonged
Where our hearts will always be.
Today we celebrate
The memories of our glorious past
Together we come home
To a place that we call home
To a place
Where our hearts will always belong.
We're coming home
Yes, we're coming home
To a place that we call home
And together we will make history
Many years from today.

In your hands is the special edition of the Spectrum.  It chronicles the full scope of the 2nd LCHS Grand Alumni Homecoming.  It heralds the efforts of the men and women of the LCHS-AA in the painstaking preparation for this momentous event.  But for us in the Spectrum, this serves as a mute testimonial to the silent struggle of the last remaining skeletal force in the Spectrum staff to put together this special issue for the benefit of our readers.

For the past eight years, the Spectrum has taken upon itself the thankless job of servicing our fellow alumni here and abroad by bringing them relevant news from home and up-to-date information about our alumni everywhere.  In the process, this paper eventually grew to become a potential link among our alumni spread out across a vast expanse of the globe.  Out of the interaction of our alumni through this little medium was born the idea of a grand alumni homecoming.  What used to remain only an elusive dream was realized on August 3-5, 2000 when we held our first such gathering that brought no less than 350 alumni together in a historic grand reunion.

All along, we in the Spectrum thought we could rest our pens thereafter.  But no, it turned out we still have a second grand homecoming to reckon with.  Thus, for another five years we carried on.  We continued to struggle with each issue if only to keep our links intact and our fragile bond in place.  We persevered despite dwindling material inputs from our alumni community. Soon our writers began vanishing one after the other.  Our resouces became scarcer and our issues thinner and more erratic.  Try as we might, our creative juices have all been squeezed dry. We have reached the point when the Spectrum has ceased to be a viable proposition.  We would have to be hopeless masochists to continue hacking away in the face of all these staggering odds.

And so, as we gather one more time for our 2nd grand homecoming, let this also be our day of reckoning for the Spectrum.  This issue in your hands could be our last hurrah.  After all, we have gone far enough.  We have given our best shot.  We have covered two grand alumni homecomings.  We have given our fair share in the service of our alumni community.  We are poised to rest now on what little laurels we may have earned in the last eight years.

Will you allow us to do so?  If not, what are you prepared to do for the Spectrum?
 

EDITORIAL STAFF   ROGER SUMINGUIT, Editor    MICHAEL JOHN L. SIANGCO, Associate Editor  Correspondents: Teresita Racines & Michael Philips Lim (Iligan); Igdono Caracho (Cebu); Marie Janiefer Lee (Manila); Peter Dy (Canada); Leonardo Tan (Australia); and past editors Charles O. Sy, Henry L. Yu & Victor L. Chiu (Board of Advisers). Founded Aug. 1, 1968.  Published fortnightly since its revival on April 15, 1997. Distributed free on the Internet to LCHS alumni & supporters worldwide. Postal address: LCHS Alumni Association, Lanao Chung Hua School, Pala-o, Iligan City, Philippines. Web site: www.geocities.com/lchsspectrum. Spectrum welcomes articles, news reports & comments from LCHS alumni, faculty, students and readers. For subscription & submission of articles, contact Roger Suminguit, tel. (63)-221-2422 or e-mail: teboncho719@yahoo.com, with "cc" to: lchsspectrum@yahoo.com