Vol. 9, No. 9, September 5, 2005

Iligan City is gearing up to welcome Iliganon balikbayan from all over the world to its annual fiesta.  The city has come up with the concept "Bisita Iligan: Tanang Iliganon Tibuok Kalibutan" with appropriate activities for their homecoming during the month-long fiesta celebration in September.  Balikbayans will take part in the Pagpakana-ug (lowering of the statue) on the 20th of September, sponsor a novena for Sr. San Miguel and join the procession that follows. Other activities involving balikbayans include a dinner at the City Hall with Mayor Cruz and the city's first lady Gina Cruz, together with the city government’s department heads; a visit to the different barangays to witness the "Kahayag 2005" in cooperation with the first lady of Iligan; and several other festivities.

Johndorf opens Cebu office

Johndorf Ventures Corporation (JVC), a leading developer company in Northern Mindanao, established in 1986 by the Lim brothers of Iligan City (Dr. Wilson, Richard, Johnson, Wilford), marked another milestone last August 18 as it celebrated the blessing of its branch office in Cebu.  The new branch is located at the second floor of FGU Bldg. in Ayala Cebu Business Park. Shown in photo are among the guests who graced the occasion, l-r: Betty Bernardo-Jover (Batch '69), Emelita Lee (Batch '68), Christine (daughter of Ursulina Bernardo-Esteban, Batch '63), Sammy Go (Batch '67), Dr. Henry Yu (Batch '69), Dr. Wilson Lim (Batch '66), Robert Go (President of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry who cut the ceremonial ribbon), Johnson Lim (Batch '70), Beverly Castro (VP). Not in photo are Bonifacia Co-Go (Batch '65) and Roderick Ngo (Batch '70) who left earlier for some appointments.

Fiesta calendar of activities

The Iligan City Government has prepared a month-long lineup of activities in celebration of the city's annual fiesta on Sept. 29.

Among the activities are beach volleyball; inter-school open cheerdance competition, Sept. 9 (MSU-IIT gym); Sangka sa Awit ug Sayaw, Sept. 11 (Public Plaza); Dance Track III, Sept. 16 (MSU-IIT gym); Dagan Iligan Fun Run, Sept. 17 (ICNHS grounds); Banda Senor Drum & Bugle Competition, Sept. 18 (ICNHS grounds); Big Dance, Sept. 18 (Berds Theater Mall); Trisikad Racing Contest, Sept. 19 (Cabili, Poblacion); Pagkanaug Diyandi, Sept. 20 (Cathedral Church); Marang Festival, Sept. 20; Philharmonic Orchestra, Sept. 20 (Amphitheatre); Tartanilya Caravan, Sept. 21 (City Proper); Job Fair, Sept. 22 (City Hall); Bangka Racing, Sept. 23; Night of Modern and Pop Dances, Sept. 23 (Public Plaza); Ludabi Nights, Sept. 23 (Public Plaza); Golf, Sept. 23 (Golf Country Club);

Blast from the Past, Sept. 24 (La Salle Gym); CPAG Street Party, Sept. 24 (Roxas cor. Aguinaldo sts.); 6th All-Breed Dog Show, Sept. 25 (Miguel Sheker Parks); Balikbayan Night / Pagana Maranao, Sept. 25; Sandara Park Concert, Sept. 25 (MSU-IIT gym); Taekwando, Sept. 25 (SMC gym); 6th National Climbathon, Sept. 25 (Mt. Agad-Agad); Midsummer Nights Dream, Sept. 26 (SMC gym); Ballroom Dancing, Sept. 26; Kasadya Street Dancing, Sept. 27 (City Streets & Anahaw Amphitheater); Kariala Dance Ensemble, Sept. 27 (San Miguel Park); Larong Pinoy, Sept. 27 (Public Plaza); Miss Iligan Coronation Night, Sept. 28 (MSU-IIT gym); Civic Military Parade, Sept. 28 (City Proper); Comedia, Sept. 28 (Public Plaza); Parokya Ni Edgar, Sept. 28 (MSU-(ITT gym); NBC All-Star, Sept. 28 (MSU-IIT gym); Fireworks Display, Sept. 29; Fiesta Acoustics, Sept. 29 (MSU-IIT); Kasadya 2005 Street Party, Sept. 29 (Quezon Ave.).

Fire hits alumni stores

A fire of undetermined origin partially destroyed the Desiree Commercial in Pala-o, Iligan City in the morning of Aug. 28.  Another store, Carmen store, also suffered minor damages.  Both establishments are owned by LCHS alumni.  Desiree Commercial is owned and managed by Ellen Dy, wife of Ben Hur Dy.  Carmen Store is owned and managed by Martin Abadiano whose children studied and graduated at LCHS.

Roger Suminguit, Batch '73

BIENVINIDA PARTY.  Last Aug. 28, a bienvinida party was held for Johnny Wong Ling (Batch '76), his wife Moymoy, and their three children, Danielle (16 yrs. old), Genevieve (13), and Krizelle (12).  Johnny's parents also attended the party, Wong Yao Tung, now 84 years old, and mother Petra, 76 years old. Johnny is the brother of the late Jimmy Wong Ling (Batch '69), Remedios (Batch '72), and Jerry (Batch '80).  Johnny's wife Moymoy is the younger sister of Gloria Tecson (Batch '70), Victor (Batch '71) and Delfin (Batch '76).  Johnny and his family are now residents of Vancouver, Canada.  They moved to Vancouver in June 1998.  Johnny works at the Vancouver International Airport.  Johnny, known to most of his friends as Hay-toy, has been coming back to Iligan several times already before this latest trip.  The recent one was on his parents' 50th golden wedding anniversary in 2002.

Also sighted at the bienvinida party was Gloria Quilat-Tan together with her brother & his wife.  The Quilat family is related to the Wong Ling family.  They run the California Bakery, along Sabayle St.  Gloria and the late Lea were my batchmates.  The whole family of Johnny Ling had wanted to attend the 2nd GAH but their trip was postponed due to the high cost of travel during the early July long holiday season. He told "Tracers" he missed the first and the second GAH.  The party was held at the residence of Delfin Tecson at St. Mary's Road, Barangay San Miguel. Several family friends, batchmates and former LCHS schoolmates were also invited to the party.  A live band provided the entertainment throughout the evening. Among those spotted at the party were Philip Jones A. Lee (Batch '76) of Manila Bazaar & Hardware, Wellington Yee (Batch '76) of Hona's Refreshment, Dominador "Doming" Tan (Batch '71) & Prudencio "Wahoy" Tan (Batch '72), of Tan Sam Bakery in Marawi City, Jackson Wong (Batch '72) of Tam Wong Store, Stephen Ang (Batch '74) of Merry Muffet, and Mario Jaime Dy (Batch '76). The Wong Ling family used to run a hardware store called King Sing Bazaar along Gen. Aguinaldo St., just a stone's throw away from Pacing's Grocery where Dr. Henry Yu & Dr. Ernesto Yu used to reside.

DEBBIE'S NEW BRANCH.  The Debbie's Delight Refreshment recently opened a new branch in front of the former Kim San Company, Quezon Ave. Ext., Iligan City.  Debbie's Delight is owned and managed by Pitrickson So (Batch '95) and wife Debbie So (Batch '98), in photo hereunder. Pitrickson is the son of James So (Batch '66). Debbie's Delight was featured in "Tracers" not long ago when it opened its main outlet at the Ambassador Commercial along Quezon Ave. and De Leon St.

SY-PO WEDDING.  Christopher Benjohn Sy and Marjorie May Po exchanged marital vows last Aug. 28 at the Atlantic Ball Room of the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel. Benjohn is the son of Chu Eng "Ben" Sy (Batch '56) and Florcita Tiu Sy (Batch '63).  Marjorie May is the daughter of Danny Po and Paz Po of Cebu City.  The principal sponsors were Sy Chu An, Lorenzo Limketkai, Yao Bio Lim, Ely Chua, Maximo Tan, Alfredo Sy, Edgardo Sytiongsa, Peter L. Lim, Primitiva Sy, Dr. Vivina Chiu Yrastorza, Annie Yang, Gertrudez Ong, Cecille Conejos, Dr. Nena Co, Dr. Rhodora Damaso Diaz, and Rosalinda Sy.  Among the many Iliganon guests spotted at the wedding reception were Arthur Dy, Elizabeth Sy-Dy, Rosie Siao-Sy, Dy Sheik Tong, Lydia Sy-Chona, Nelson Sy, Charles Sy, Henry Siao, Nene Siao, Roderick Ngo, Alice Ngo-Militante, Susan Ngo-Lo, Virna Sy-Oh, Aida Lim-Uy, Romeo Dypico, Lina Sy, Amelia Sy, and many others.

NEW TOWNHOUSE COMPLEX.   Architect Edmund Samson (Batch '76) recently held a groundbreaking ceremony of a new high-end townhouse complex in Cebu City called One Edison Place.  This is a project of Gothong Properties, a venture of the Carlos A. Gothong Holdings Inc. (CAGHI), with Brenda Gothong-Samson as president and Edmund Samson as project manager. The project, a 14-unit upscale townhouse complex, is located in the St. Therese area, Lahug, Cebu.  Formal launching of One Edison Place is scheduled before year-end.

ILIGAN AMITY LIONS.  The Iligan Amity Lions Club of District 301-E made a loud ROAR.  The club was chosen as the lead organization and finance chair of Alay Lakad (Walk For a Cause) held on September 4 in Iligan. The project was aimed to fund the educational needs, income productivity, values enhancement and advocacy of out of school youth and street children in Iligan City. The culmination program was held on September 1 at the MSU-IIT gym where the out-of-school youth & street children together presented a socio-cultural dance drama. The Iligan Amity Lions club officers and members are alumni past president & Lions Club president Calix Tan (Batch '57); Tiaolito Ruben Lee, treasurer; members Romy Suminguit (Batch '73), and Jerry Gaite (Batch '73). Alay Lakad is organized by the Alay Lakad Foundation Inc., Iligan City Chapter.  It has been sponsoring such activities every fiesta time in Iligan for a long time now.  The Iligan Amity Lions Club has been busy sponsoring several civic activities through the years. Hep-hep, roar, Lions!

UPDATE ON BONNIE DY.  Past alumni president Carlos "Bonnie" Dy checked out of the Mercy Hospital last August 23 and is now recuperating well in his home. As a result of our vehicular accident in Pala-o last Aug. 15, Bonnie suffered two cracked ribs. But according to his doctor, they will heal by themselves in about two months.  I could see his face grimacing with a little pain every now and then.  But I guess that's not due to his injury but the inability to join his friends in their usual hangouts.  Bonnie, as we know, enjoys spending relaxation time with our usual group at Teepoy's Grill.  Among those in the group are Philip Jone A. Lee (Batch '76), myself, and Lester R. Salazar, the operations manager.  He also enjoys spending leisure hours in the house of his brother Masons, like Dr. Ed Quimpo or Kag. Manoling, with whom he can spend the whole evening chatting about all issues under the sun.  Our recent vehicular smashup was a pure accident.  But we suffered more damages than the RAV4 vehicle that hit us.  We, along with his brother Masons, will be visiting Bonnie one of these days.  We all wish Bonnie a speedy and full recovery.  Everybody misses his wit and down-to-earth humor.

CEC ALUMNI HOMECOMING.  The Cebu Eastern College will celebrate its 90th founding anniversary on Sept. 24.  As part of the festivities, the CEC Alumni Association will likewise celebrate its 25th anniversary with a grand alumni homecoming dinner in the evening of Sept. 25, at the Cebu Grand Convention Center.  All CEC alumni are invited to the affair.

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

Let me just share with you this piece about the ageing process: "Ageing is a slow process of saying goodbye. You say goodbye to friends who die ahead of you. You say goodbye to familiar places you move from old neighborhood to a village in the suburbs. You say goodbye to old traditions, old ideas and old familiar church hymns and love songs. Everything seems to be leaving you when you grow old and gray. Even your eyesight and memory."

Life is indeed a cycle. We were yesterday's students and today's professionals. It seems like only yesterday when we used to walk around the school campus in school uniform as hyperkinetic kids, young, innocent, and carefree, laughing all the way in endless giggles, going up and down the stairs to the high school building everyday of our lives, eating in the canteen during recess period, playing basketball, volleyball, pingpong, badminton, or being up there onstage for the Declamation Contest, living up with peer pressures, the barkada, puppy love, crushes, infatuations, etc. Oh, how fast time really passed by! The next thing we know we are students no more. Yes, gone are those days when we used to be the school's contestants in the Literary Musical Contest (Song solo, Declamation, Oratorical, Caltex Spelling Bee, Science and Math Quiz, etc.). For now, it's our kids taking the lead with us staying backstage in supporting roles.

Yes, gone are our Superstar Days when we used to be the campus heartthrobs, crush ng bayan, and all that jazz. Gone too are the Coca-Cola bodies, the flat tummy, the face that refreshes, the vim, vigor, and vitality. For now we just contend ourselves sitting at home sipping coffee while we make a rewind of our youth, feeling nostalgic as we remember the times of our life, of the way we were. Oh, "those were the days, my friend, we thought would never end."  As time goes by, we move one step ahead. Our children took our role as yesterday's students. We become the parents.And our parents become the grandparents. Very soon, we too will become lolos and lolas. It is a reality we have to face. Time passes and we grow older with each passing day, year after year after year. But doing it with grace is another story. Let's grow old gracefully. You and me.

Michael John L. Siangco, Batch '96

It has been more than a month after the 2nd Grand Alumni Homecoming.  Classes have long been back to normal.  Alumni have long been back to their respective workplaces, to ther respective countries.  But the e-mails and the felicitations are still alive.  They all look forward to the next one, probably sometime in the year 2008.

I have not been really that 'fervent' about the homecoming.  Although, it's been almost 10 years since my graduation from high school, I still felt that our batch is still not 'ripe' for such grand events.

For one, we still see each other from time to time, still get together during the December Christmas Party.  Then, most of us in our batch are still 'etching our own niche' and that there seems to be nothing much to talk about.

That didn't mean that I never attended the event.  In fact, I was there during the first night at Cheradel and spotted some acquaintances.  I saw Jone Raye Racines and Sandy Sy, both from my batch.

Actually, JR is now a successful businessman in his own right, and Sandy just married another classmate of ours, Scarlet Dy.  We didn't really had the time to talk because I had other obligations to attend to (I went there as a teacher).

As a laoshi, I felt that I have a personal attachment with the school.  But as an alumnus, there is much more than the mere attachment.  There is the responsibility, the obligation and the sacrifice.  I may not be very enthusiastic the last time, but the fire has always been burning inside me.

Another homecoming is up sometime in the year 2008, then maybe 2011, and so on.  When I'll be in my 40's and the registration fee would be ... say ... 20,000 pesos, I assure you ... I will be the first one in the list to register.

One day, a poor boy who was selling goods from door to door to pay for his hungry stomach, decided he would ask for a meal at the next house.

On the way through school, he found he had only one thin dime left and he was very hungry.  However, he lost his nerve when a lovely young woman opened the door. Instead of a meal he asked for a drink of water.  The woman thought he looked hungry, so she brought him a large glass of milk.  He drank it slowly, and then asked, "How much do I owe you?"

"You don't owe me anything," she replied. "Mother has taught us, never to accept pay for a kindness."

He said, "Then I thank you from my heart."

Years later, that young woman became critically ill.  The local doctors were baffled. They finally sent her to the big city, where they called in specialists to study her rare disease.  Dr. Howard Kelly was called in for the consultation.  When he heard the name of the town she came from, a strange light filled his eyes.

Immediately he rose and went down the hall of the hospital to her room. Dressed in his doctor's gown, he went in to see her. He recognized her at once.  He went back to the consultation room, determined to do his best to save her life, and from that day he gave special attention to the case.

After a long struggle, the battle was won. Dr. Kelly requested the business office to pass the final bill to him for approval.  He looked at it, and then wrote something on the edge and the bill was sent to her room.

The woman feared opening it, for she was sure it would take the rest of her life to pay for it all.  Finally she looked, and something caught her attention on the side of the bill. She read these words: "Paid in full with one glass of milk. -- Signed, Dr. Howard Kelly."

Igdono U. Caracho, Batch '66