Our 2nd GAH last July 7-9 turned out to be another big success. The three-day affair once more brought our alumni, young and old, together from where they left off five years ago when we had our first GAH in 2000.
We had quite a few alumni who attended the GAH for the first time. And we could see the sense of excitement and joy on their faces as they met and hugged one another during the batch reunion night. They spent practically the whole evening in an endless exchange of memories, funny stories and unabashed giggles and chatter. Some of our alumni have become more distinguished by a few facial wrinkles here and there, silver hair on their tops, slimmer body or expanded tummy.
While it is true that we had fewer alumni attending this year's GAH than in the year 2000, the lesser attendance did not diminish the fun and excitement of the affair. One could see the degree of enthusiasm and high spirit in the faces of the alumni, of all ages, as they gamely took part in the impromptu singing and dancing all night long at the LCHS gym. Nobody needed any prodding to join the dancing. They all jumped in and joined the bandwagon one after the other.
We cannot compare the two GAHs that we had. They were both successful in their own way. What's important is that for three days and three nights we got together like old times, we all enjoyed and had good wholesome fun. I cannot imagine anything else that can offer the same kind of collective enjoyment and memorable experiences that we had in our GAH2005. To all our alumni who shared their time and presence with us, thank you for coming back. Let the beat continue ... till the 3rd GAH.
Among those who came ...
The 2nd LCHS Grand Alumni Homecoming listed over 200 alumni who registered. Among those who attended the GAH on July 7-9, 2005, per initial record of the GAH Secretariat, were:
Maribel Ang, Matina Bernado, Igdono Caracho, Teresita Soy-Chen, Sofia Vy-Co, Elizabeth Sy-Dy, Peter C. Dy, Ursulina Bernardo-Esteban, Henry James Go, Jose Sam Go, Remedios Suminguit-Hsu, Percy Sy-Huang, Betty Bernardo-Hover, Ricarda Tan-Lee, Emma Yap-Matiao, Elizabeth Yao-Navera, Conchita Te-Ong, Roderick Ngo, William Palmer, Neilly Co-Palmer, Gil Portugalisa, Marianella Wong-Sasil, Marciano Tan, Pablito Tan, Timestocles Tan, Himaya Siao-Tollison, Henry Yu, Aida Andaquig, Jimmy Ang; Stephen Ang, Melanie Bascug, Alexander Bernardo, Rene Bernardo, Jorge Racines, Benjamin Booc, James Booc, Robert Booc, Sheikding Booc, Aldo Caracho, Juanito Chio, Victor Chiu, Jose Chu, Jinith Chu, Perla Bernardo-Chua, Alexander Chua, Christopher Chua, Edward Chun, Edwin Co, Robert Co, Rudy Co, Steward Co, Rossana Co-Belmonte;
Lilian Sy-Cordero, Nilda Dagondon, Catlina Dagohoy-Decipolo, Cristina Dy-Carlos Deleste, Carlos C. Dy, Delia Dy, Henry C. Dy, Kelly C. Dy, Minnie Noreen-Dy, Sio Te Dy, Angelie Tan Dy-Carlos, Chester O. Dy-Carlos; Robert Dychutee, Sionnie Dychutee, Eliza Uy-Go, Fe Soy-Gerona, Nanette Chio-Hernandez, Aida Chow-Ipili, Juanita Te-Jo, Marlon Joe, Dennis Khu, Luis Kho, Andy Lee, Kee Sin Lee, Philip Jones Lee, Using Lee, Luisa Uy-Libron, Castor Lim, David Warren Lim, Elena Lim, Jose Lim, Suniel Lim, Jerry Ling, Eddie Lueong, Flora Chiu-Macarambon, Santiago Ong, Jamel Lou Racaza, Samuel Padayhag, Marie Joan Quimbo Quidlat, Fe D. Quimbo, Jeffrey Quimbo, Marie Janiefer Quimbo Lee, Sherley Woo-Racaza, Jone Raye Racines, James Racines, Teresita Racines, Julius Racines, Sherlita Racines;
Elynnor Rodriquez-Rocha, Grace Po-Romano, Flor Tan-Sagario, Josefina Chiu-Salvador, Arturo G. Samson, Henry Siao, Norma Wong-Siao, Philip Steven So, Roger Suminguit, Caroline Uy-Sy, Charles O. Sy, Farley Sy, Jorlyn Sy, Lilia Lua-Sy, Glenda Sy-Cabilan, Cecilia Bernardo-Tablason, Calix Tan, Evangeline Yee-Tan, Geraldine Tan, Janet Lee-Tan, Marcela Tan, Yugine Taongan, Manuel Te, Filipinas Taongan Tomada, Ernest Oliver C. Uy, Lalita Uy, Vy Beng Hong, Chiok Huan Dy-Wang, Jackson Wong, Roberto Lagrosas, Reynaldo Suminguit, Felisa Khu-Yu, Rodolfo Yu; Manuel S. Gaite, Precila Kwan-Ano-os, Jade Hanna Ano-os, Alicia Cu-Go, Elaine Co-Bartolome, Vivina Chiu, Fely Chiu, Gloria Lagrosas-Yu, Kevin Lee, Johnson D. Lim, Richard D. Lim, Wilson D. Lim, Jose Booc, Elizabeth Lim-Plando, Cristine De Vera, Charmaine Molo, Prudencio Tan, Jimmy Ang, Ruben T. Co, Benjamin A. Tan, Primo Lee, Helenita S. Tan, Remedios Tan-Wee, Albert Chiu, Janet Chun-Uy;
Percy Sy-Huang, Romeo Suminguit, Pitrick So, Shirly Vy, Bunz Cu-Lim, Juanito Lim, Netty Lim, Proserfina Siangco-Mondarte, Michelle Lim, Jonathan Clive Sy; Elvira Khu, Edwin Khu, Ethel Go-Lidon, Romeo U. Sy, Ronald U. Sy, Dionesio Chiu, San L. Mondarte, Eunice Taongan, Ree Jay Alibanggo, Dalton Yap, Richelle Dy, Dawmnie Tolentino, Ginnice Kristile Taongan, Sharlene Nicole Chan, Johnny T. Chen, Luisa Soy-Ang, Mely Soy-Lanquino, Maria Teresa Soy-Chen, Lily Soy-Dahinog, Francis Gerard Gerona, Letty D. Sy, Lyne d. Huang, Marion Jaime Dy, Philipp O. Lee, Maribelle Ang, Jessica Sy, Eric Taladua, Ben Sy Chu Eng, Florcita Tiu Huan Sy, Helinita Lim, Venancio Alvarez, Jr., Edmund Samson, Melicia Dy-Lamayan, and Leticia Dy Hallarsis.
Enriqueta
Arnejo
Enriqueta
Arnejo, former LCHS grade-I teacher, died of lung cancer last Jul. 11 at
the Mercy Hospital, Iligan City. She was unmarried. She was
one of the most remembered and beloved teachers of LCHS, having spent many
years as grade-I teacher throughout the 60s and 70s. Despite her
illness, she was present at the 2nd Grand Alumni Homecoming last Jul. 7-9,
2005. Concerned about her health, many alumni contributed funds during
the GAH to assist the former teacher. Members of Batch '82 raised
P8,000 from their class reunion, the LCHS-AA gave P5,000; Ursulina Bernardo-Esteban
also chipped in P5,000. Dy Sio Te was likewise able to raise P8,500
from several other kindhearted alumni during the GAH. In the words of LCHS-AA
executive VP Suniel Lim: "It was a source of consolation for her to know
that during her last few days on earth, somewhere out there, there are
still people who cared and loved her. She died bringing that happiness
with her." She was laid to rest at the St. Michael's Memorial Park
after a requiem mass at the Resurrection of the Lord Church last July 15.
Roberto Sia
Roberto "Amang" Rosillo Sia, of Hing Huat Trading, passed away last Jul. 8, 2005 in Iligan City. He was the brother of the late Charita Sia. He was laid to rest on Jul. 14, 2005 in Iligan City.
Congratulations!
Mon, 11 Jul 2005 17:18:49 -0700
To the men and women behind the 2nd GAH, congratulations for a job
well done! See you all in 2008!
--Marie Janiefer Lee (Batch '87), Makati, Philippines, email:
janiefer@pacific.net.ph
[Hi! I was pleasantly surprised by your last-minute attendance on our Gala Night. It was nice to have you back in Iligan again. But you missed the LCHS-AA officers & directors with Spectrum staff meeting at Cheradel. We were expecting your arrival earlier on the first day. Anyway, thanks for your coming. See you too in 3rd GAH in the year 2008. --Editor]
Congrats & condolences
Mon, 11 Jul 2005 10:51:56 +0000
To the GAH organizers and celebrants, congratulations for another successful
reunion. To Ma'am Arnejo's family: Our fervent prayers for Ma'am
Arnejo's eternal repose and our condolences to the family. Likewise,
belated condolences to the Sia family.
--Alex Rodriguez & family, Miramar, Florida, U.S.A., email:
alpacino_8@hotmail.com
Condolences
Sat, 16 Jul 2005 05:59:19 +0000
Our prayers for the eternal repose of the soul of Ma'am Enriqueta Arnejo.
At least we saw her in person during the 2nd GAH before she said her final
goodbye. And that's one consolation for us. We also pray for
Amang's soul. He has been our neighbor in Iligan circa 1960's. His
elder sister Charita was my classmate. His mother was my sister Evelyn's
ninang. God grant Amang eternal rest.
--Henry L. Yu and family, Cebu, Philippines, email: hvty@skyinet.net
Roger Suminguit, Batch '73
Till We Meet Again in 2008
THE NEXT GAH. During the general consensus meeting at Elena Tower Inn on July 9, 2005, there were suggestions raised to hold the GAH every three years instead of five, as previously resolved. The meeting was presided over by LCHS-AA President Henry Dy, with LCHS-AA Executive Vice President Suniel Lim as moderator. Upon motion of Christopher Chua Tek An, duly seconded, the motion was approved unanimously by the alumni in attendance. Thus, our next Grand Alumni Homecoming will be in the year 2008. The month in which it shall be held shall be determined in due time by the GAH steering committee. It could be set in May, as suggested by some quarters. So, till we meet again in 2008!
GAH FIRST TIMERS. Many of us were overjoyed to see several fellow alumni attending the GAH for the very first time. Among them were Neilly "Nene" Co-Palmer (Batch '61) and her husband William Palmer, from Australia; Himaya Siao-Tollison (Batch '59) and her husband, from Milwaukee, U.S.A.; Wilson Lim (Batch '66), Manila; Vivina Chiu-Yrastorza (Batch '61), Cebu; Gloria Lagrosas-Yu (Batch '62), Cagayan de Oro; Conchita Te-Ong (Batch '61), Cebu; Pablito Tan (Batch '66), Manila; Percy Sy-Huang (Batch '54), Manila; Venancio Alvarez (Batch '68), CdO; and many others.
RAFFLES DRAW WINNERS. The GAH raffle was drawn during the Gala Night last July 9 at the grand hall of the Elena Tower Inn. The lucky winners were: For the consolation prizes of 5 Kodak Cameras: Conchita Te-Ong, Melly Soy-Lanquino, Juanito Chio, Joy D. Ang & Venancio Alvarez, Jr. The 5 consolation prizes of rice cookers were won by: Manuel A. Te, Kelly C. Dy, Farley Sy, with the other remaining rice cookers won by Elizabeth Yap-Navera. The third prize of VCD player was won by Reynaldo Grepaldeo; the second prize of Kodak 3.2-megapixel digital camera was won by Richard Lim; while the first prize of Kodak 4.0-megapixel digital camera went to Ruben T. Co. Our congratulations to the all the winners. "Tracers" heard that Richard Lim, ever the generous guy that he is, raffled off the digital camera among his batch mates right after he received his prize. The winner turned out to be LCHS-AA Treasurer Teresita Racines. She deserved the prize after all her hard work in keeping our GAH finances in good stead.
GAH-2005 VIDEO. Video CDs of the recent GAH are now available. The video, which comes in a set of two CDs, was recorded personally by Charles O. Sy using a Sony DCR-TRV33 digital video camera. He converted the video tapes to VCD and donated them to the LCHS-AA. Those interested to obtain copies of the VCD may contact me thru cell no. 0918-9277641, or by email at: teboncho719@yahoo.com, or Terry Racines at: csm-tur@sulat.msuiit.edu.ph.
TRIP TO CHINA. After the exasperating GAH, two alumni brothers set their escapade for a weeklong trip to three big cities in mainland China. The trip covers Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzen. I am amazed by the stamina of these two alumni brothers. Instead of having a good rest after the flurry of GAH activities, they chose to continue the frolic by going on a tour of China last July 16. I'm referring to Carlos "Bonnie" Dy (Batch '58) and Peter Dy (Batch '66) along with his wife Tita Dy. It's obvious they have not mellowed a bit. A ambushed interview with the two adventurers by "Tracers" should be in order upon their return.
Charles O. Sy, Batch '67
Yesterday Once More
Our 2nd Grand Alumni Homecoming is over. The euphoria has subsided. All too soon, it's all peace and quiet again back in the home front.
In terms of attendance, the recent GAH paled in comparison to our first GAH in 2000. No less than 350 alumni jampacked the LCHS gym in 2000. The recent GAH, on the other hand, registered only a little over 200. Yet, that did not deter the hardworking men and women behind the GAH from making the occasion an enjoyable one for everybody. Despite some drawbacks (such as the aborted search for outstanding alumni achievers), GAH-2005 turned out to be another whooping success.
If GAH-2000 was historic, GAH-2005 was terrific. The comparatively smaller crowd in GAH-2005 offered a more intimate ambience to the affair. There were less of the untamed frenzy and ruckus that characterized GAH-2000. We had more opportunities for one-on-one interaction and ample space for reconnecting with one another. Perhaps because I also had lesser task to perform this time, I was able to spend more quality time with my batch mates and old buddies. We had moments to ourselves, trading tales of our separate lives, recollecting past follies and foolish dreams, and resealing the kinship that began in our high school days. It all seemed like yesterday once more.
The picnic at Soyo's Beach Resort in Naawan on the second day was a gastronomic adventure. Food preparation was superb. Dy Sio Te and Andy Lee deserve our big toast for the excellent banquet. The kinilaw, grilled panga, lechon, assorted seafood and fresh fruits were all to die for. Everybody had a grand time feasting on the overflowing array of delectable dishes. But there was just a little "fly in the ointment," so to speak. It seemed a swarm of flies was also having a grand reunion of their own in the same dining hall. They practically "gatecrashed" our feast.
On our way home from the picnic, we stopped by the Centennial Park in Dalipuga. Aside from the tallest flag pole in RP, another attraction in the park is the Jose Rizal monument which used to be a central figure at our old Iligan public plaza. The statue bears exactly the same structure and design, although white cement plaster has replaced the granite and marble slabs that encased the original structure. The sight of the statue brought back nostalgic memories of our childhood frolic at the old Iligan public plaza.
The batch night at the LCHS gym on July 8 was the liveliest of the three-day festivities. Unlike in GAH-2000 when the oldies ruled the floor, this time younger alumni hugged the limelight. They were the life of the party. As soon as dinner was through and the photo-shoots done over with, the younger alumni, belonging mostly to Batches '80 and '82, started a train dance that triggered a chain reaction of uninhibited dancing and collective jubilation by young and old alumni alike throughout the night. Their synchronized line dance, too, was a sight to see. Everyone was in high spirit. This night was indisputably the best moment of GAH-2005.
What we saw at the batch night party bears out the fact that a new generation of active alumni have emerged. Their contribution in the recent GAH underscores the potentials of this new breed of alumni to run the show in the years ahead. It's about time our older alumni pave the way for these young men and women to take the helm in our alumni affairs, including the next GAH. Another accomplishment in the recent GAH that mirrors the dynamism of our young alumni is the GAH souvenir program. It's a well produced piece of hard work. Despite the limited time, the magazine came out on time, with neat presentation and balanced layout. Credit goes to the indefatigable James Booc (Batch '82) who, along with his contemporaries, represents a new wave of promising alumni leaders on the rise.
At the grand ball on the third night, selected members of the Resurrection of the Lord Chinese Filipino Catholic Community Choir, clad in school uniforms, regaled the audience with a medley of our old Chinese nursery rhymes. The presentation earned tremendous applause from an appreciative audience. The repertoire was well conceived and the musical arrangements splendid. It was the most entertaining highlight of the gala night. Their performance transported us back to our grade school days at the old LCHS Roosevelt campus.
For a moment there, pleasant images of our near-forgotten past came flashing back to life. And everything seemed like yesterday once more. And that, in a nutshell, sums up all that truly mattered to me in coming home for the GAH.
Henry L. Yu, M.D., Batch '69
Letter of Thanks
To the Officers and Board of Directors of the LCHS Alumni Association and the Organizing Committee of the 2nd LCHS Grand Alumni Homecoming:
As I look back to our 2nd GAH, I am ever grateful to all of you who have made things happened. It was truly worth coming home. I know it's never easy to organize a big event like this, especially that all of you have your respective works to do at home, in the office, or anywhere else. In short, organizing a big thing like the GAH is an added task on your part. And yet you took the challenge and responsibility. I salute you guys for going out of your way in taking extra efforts to make this event a smashing success. I would like to specifically thank the following:
--Young and debonair Mayor Lawrence Lluch Cruz and the rest of the officials of the Iligan City Government for the full support and needed paraphernalia and manpower afforded to the event.
--My tukayo, the indefatigable Henry C. Dy (Iligan City Vice Mayor and President of our Alumni Association) who saw to it that things were in order. I'm so happy and proud of you, Tux Hen! And if only for that, I'm glad to be named Henry, one of the 5's (Henry SIAO, Henry GO, Henry LAGROSAS, Henry DY, and Henry YU).
--Suniel S. Lim (Overall Chair of the 2nd GAH and Executive Vice President of the LCHSAA) who saw to it that everything was done the right way and in harmony and yet so cool and composed.
--James L. Booc for the souvenir program. Yo! You did a good job, Hijo.
--Roger Suminguit who was always on-the-go in serving us non-stop as if there's no tomorrow. Maikog man sab ta nimo, Ka Ger.
--Terry, Olay, Rodolfo, Glenda, Sandy, Ernest, Maning, Andy, Calix, Bandoy, Toto, Santi, Chester, Bonnie, Guat Ching, etc., for being with us the past three days of the GAH and making us feel like we're in paradise. I saw how you worked and it's really great to have people like you around. Really, the GAH would not have been possible without you.
I also would like to thank the following for being there to share that momentous event with us:
--My classmates of Class 1969: Betty Bernardo-Jover, Chiok Hian Dy-Wang, Delia Dy, Leodegaria Lagrosas, Janet Lee-Tan, Proserpina Siangco, Using Lee, Castor Ong Lim, Jose Lim, Richard Lim, Julius Racines, Timestocles Tan, Beng Hong Vy (for driving me around), and Rodolfo Yu (for being a total performer and leading us to line dancing).
--Charles Sy and Roderick Ngo for "shooting" us in all angles thru digicam
and video-cam.
--Marlon Joe (Class 1980) and Rodolfo Yu (Class 1969) and all those
who gamely danced with us on stage. It's really fun. Let's have it again
in 2008. Yo!
--Our former teachers (Crisanta Alcover-Ayson, Josefina Tan-Gaid, Enriqueta
Arnejo, etc.) who purposely came to be with us, for making us feel young
again, but no longer innocent and carefree. Hehehe.
--The Resurrection of the Lord Community for their production number
which brought us back somewhere in time thru their songs and school uniforms.
--The GO's (Sammy, Jane, and Henry James for walking with me as we toured the city of Iligan, bonding and sharing nostalgic moments). The TAN's (Remy, Marcing, Pabling, Carda, Timmy). The YAP's(Elizabeth and Emma and husband Wilky Uymatiao). The BERNARDO's (Perla and husband Sandy, Ursulina, Betty, Celia, Rene). The DY's (Bonnie, Henry, Peter, Guat Ching, Delia, Olay, Sunlay, Kelly, etc.). The CO's (Robert, Edwin, Giovanni, Rudy, Nene and husband Bill, Rossana and husband Varf, Elaine, etc.). The LIM's (Wilson, Richard, Johnson, Cristina, Elena, Elizabeth, etc.) The LING's (Helen and Jerry). The CHIU's (Vivina, Flora, Fely, Diony, Panga, Melecia, Letecia). The TE's (Juanita, Manuel, Conching). The RACINES's (Terry, Julius, Jorge, Sherlita). The SUMINGUIT's (Reynaldo, Roger, Romeo, Remedios). The DYCHUTEE's (Sionnie, Robert). The UY's (Loy, Eliza, Lalita). Henry Siao. Sy Chu An and Lilia. Prudencio Wa Huy Tan. Jackson Wong. Elynor Rodriguez. Felisa Khu and husband James Yu. Edmund Samson. Nanette Chio. Fe Soy. Philip Lee. Flora Dy. Felicitas Ly. Gloria Lagrosas. Luis Kho. Sy Beng Gui. Ching Sio Eng. Himaya Siao. Denny and Teck An. Maning and Jane Gaite. Grace Po. Henry Lagrosas. Venancio Alvarez. Jose Booc. Lee Kee Siang. San Mondarte Diong Diong. Charmaine Molo. Flor Tan. Aida Chow. Helenita Sim, Igdono and Aldo Caracho. The Silver Jubilarians (Class of 1980) who were in green. The Class of 1982 (who were in yellow). The young generation alumni. And all the others who came to Iligan, saw Iligan, and conquered Iligan. Oh, it's really so nice to see you all again.
And to all of you who have made us feel we're really back home. It was indeed another rare moment in the history of our alma mater. We have relived once more the glory of the good old days. We all had fun. Yes, you have just turned a dream into reality. And it's indeed such a blessing to have people like you. My congratulations. God bless us all. Till we meet again in 2008.
Today, we are happy that our alumni from all over the world has gathered here to share their time and get reacquainted with their classmates and teachers and to look back to the good old days. I remember some 40 years ago when we were still in short pants, wearing Elpo or Custombuilt rubber shoes, playing takyan and jolin or whatever was the craze at that time. We were impatiently listening to the lectures of our teachers. Now we are the ones doing the talking and being called the old ones.
It is said that the only thing that remains constant is change. We now see a lot of improvements in our school although this gym can still use a lot of improvement with your help. We are proud that our alma mater has produced a lot of professionals: engineers, doctors, nurses, medtechs, teachers, businessmen, politicians, lawyers, who have become outstanding in their field of endeavo. These are the fruits of our alma mater.
This is our 2nd Grand Alumni Homecoming in the 67 years of our school's existence. The officers and staff of the LCHS alumni homecoming committee have worked hard to ensure the success of this affair. They have lined up activities to see that everyone will have a wonderful time. So I encourage you to join in all the activities and renew and deepen your friendship with your classmates and teachers.
So in behalf of the LCHS Alumni Association and the Lanao Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce, the LCHS Board of Trustees, we welcome you all to our 2nd Grand Alumni Homecoming.
GAH2005 Message
By Henry Siao, LCHS School Director
(Speech delivered at the Opening Ceremonies
of the 2nd LCHS Grand Alumni Homecoming, July 7, 2005)
Coming home to our dear alma mater will surely be a positive, funfilled and memorable experience for all of us. What can be more memorable and fun than meeting your old classmates and reliving the good old days of your youth?
May I, at this moment, point out to you another very positive and significant act that you can do and that is to help your dear alma mater by giving scholarship grants through the alumni association, by donating books to the school's library, or by sponsoring the purchases of equipment and the upkeep of the biology lab, physics lab, or chemistry lab. These are old labs and the upkeep should only cost you a minimal amount. Among your fellow alumni are many successful enterpreneurs and high-earning professionals. You can very well afford to sponsor the operation of a audio-visual speech laboratory. For the kind-hearted donors, LCHS will stamp your names on the books you are donating. For the sponsors of the laboratories, we will place a bronze plaque on the door of the laboratory you are sponsoring.
Without intending to call attention to what my family has done, but only for the purpose of encouraging others to do the same, my family has been sponsoring students, paying for their tuition and other fees for the last few years. We have also sponsored the computer laboratory by buying the computers, and will continue to do so in the coming years.
In the meantime, your alma mater has gained some reputation in Iligan City as good in Math and English.We have won many inter-school contests. We are still trying to improve our standard where we can. Starting this school year, we are teaching abacus, not for its Chineseness but because abacus improves a person's arithmetical acuity and mental agility.
In fact, we are just emulating the Malaysian government, which teaches abacus in its public schools. And I am proud to announce that our abacus class is handled by fellow alumnus, Michael John Siangco.
Fellow alumni, let us enjoy our homecoming but let us also do what we can to help improve our alma mater.
Igdono U. Caracho, Batch '66
Celebrity Dome
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