Vol. 11, No. 24, Mar. 17, 2008

On our first and second Grand Alumni Homecoming we took a trip down memory lane, relived and reminisced the fun of the good old days; retraced old tracks; and rekindled old ties with former friends, classmates, and teachers.

Homecoming is like an old song that brings back the memories you thought you left behind. Friends, classmates, teachers, and experiences never got old but they just got better with time as we look back with so much fondness of our younger years. Let us make the melody of life much sweeter and the journey of our lives more meaningful.

On the occasion of our 3rd LCHS GAH: "ogether Blending Melodies and Memories," let us together weave the melodies of life by picking up the pieces that remain, and blend the memories and old melodies that keep running through our minds and those that bind us together.

Mark your calendars for a two-day celebration of our 3rd LCHS GAH on May 23 & 24, 2008 at Lanao Chung Hua School campus, Pala-o, Iligan City.

Registration now on-going

Registration for the 3rd LCHS Grand Alumni Homecoming is now on-going. The GAH Secretariat is inviting LCHS alumni to register early.  Alumni who register on or before April 15, 2008 will each be entitled to a free, limited edition of GAH Polo shirt.  Registration fee is P1,200. Here are the steps for registration.

I. Alumni residing in Metro Manila and Metro Cebu:

- Registration form can be secured (or downloaded and printed) and submitted to the following designated Alumni Coordinator in the area.  To download, go to the LCHS Alumni Blog at http://lchsalumni.blogspot.com/ and click "Related Link" on the right panel.

1. Metro Manila:
Marie Jannifer Q. Lee
One Realty Shop.Com
No. 68 Doña Soledad
Better Living Subd., Paranaque City
(in front of Metrobank)
Tel. No. ++(02) 776-5588

2. Metro Cebu:
Charles O. Sy
Geo-Transport and Construction Inc.
Suite 301 3rd Floor Cebu Long Se Temple Bldg.
Osmeña Blvd., Cebu City
Tel. No. ++(32) 412-4088

II. Other alumni within the Philippines:

1. Download Registration Form from LCHS Alumni Blog.
2. Print and fill-up Form.
(A) Either scan it back and email to lanhua.alumni@gmail.com; or
(B) Fax it to (063) 223-1949 [or (063) 221-2547)]; or
(C) Mail/Express Courier it to:

MJ AUTO ACC ENTERPRISES
Juan Luna St., Iligan City
Attention: Marie Joan Quimbo Quidlat
Tel. ++(63) 223-1949

3. Remittance of the pre-registration fee can either be:
(A) Online deposit to:

CHINA BANK - Iligan Branch
C/A No. 186-105051-5
Acct Name: Booc James and Tan Geraldine

(Please include deposit slip together with Registration Form.)

(B) Or send/enclose check payable to: LCHS Alumni Association.

III. Foreign-based alumni:

1. Download Registration Form.
2. Print and fill-up Form.
(A) Either scan it back and email to lanhua.alumni@gmail.com; or
(B) Fax it to ++(63) 63-223-1949 [or ++(63) 63-221-2547]
3. Send the pre-registration fee (US$30) in check or money order to:

(Payee according to the receiving coordinator):

A. UNITED STATES:
Gloricita R. Kinnan
10990 Morgan Way
Keno, Oregon 97627, U.S.A.
P.O.Box 884

B. CANADA: Greater Vancouver Area:
Marie Josiefel Quimbo Ello
5-7600 Gilbert Rd.
Richmond, BC V7C 3W2, Canada
Tel# 604-273-7007

C. REST OF CANADA:
Maximilian Te
4-396 Wilson Ave.
Toronto, ON M3H1S9, Canada
Tel# (Office) 416-615-4233

D. OTHERS (Non-North America)
(Still to be determined )

RLCFCC to present "Dinner for a Cause"
By Belinda "Bunz" Lim (Batch '82)

The Resurrection of the Lord Chinese Filipino Catholic Community (RLCFCC) will stage a "Dinner for a Cause" presentation on March 30, 2008.  The presentation will feature song and dance numbers to be performed by the community's pool of talents.  For every P500 donation, one will get a ticket for dinner and see the parish members show off their talents that American Idol judges would put their thumbs up.  As an added attraction, the audience will also get to see Father Dan let go of the singing prowess inside that gigantic torso and translate it into a booming song number.  The RLCFCC was founded by members of the Tsinoy community of Iligan City, among them are Henry & Nene Siao, Edwin & Annie Co,  Pancho & Bing Bartolome, Sanna Co-Belmonte, Alice Cu Go, the late Maria "Eyay" Jo-Cu, and more.  For your donations and tickets, please contact any member of the RLCFCC or this writer, cell #0917-320-3858. (Accompanying photo shows members of the RLCFCC performing a choral number at the LCHS Grand Alumni Homecoming in July 2005.)

GAH registration
From Ritky C. Dy, M.D., (Batch '76), Clanton, Alabama, U.S.A.; email: Ritkydy@aol.com
Sun, 2 Mar 2008 at 12:29 PM

Hi to all fellow alumni! I finally got my plane tickets for May, in time for our 3rd GAH. I'm truly excited, especially having missed the first 2 GAHs. It will be a trip without my family as our kids will still be attending school till the end of May. But it's ok, at least I get the chance to see you all there.  I would like to offer to pay the registration fees for a dozen of our fellow alumni who can't afford it.  I also want to cover the registration fees of all my beloved aunts, including Bebe (Luisa), Inday (Francisca), Gonge (Siok Ching), Olay ( Sio Te), Meme (Sun Lay), Hiane (Siok Hian), and uncle Sun Che, including my siblings Kelly, Jane, Joce, Janet, Juvy and Willy.  Willy, however, might not be able to attend due to his premature newborn. This way, it is my ardent hope that our GAH will be a truly grand reunion. Auntie Olay, please help pass on the word for me. Salamat kaayo.

To the GAH Secretariat, please guide me/us on how to register and to remit the payments. By the way, the payment I'm offering for the dozen alumni registrants will still be remitted whether or not we reach that number. If this happens, the balance shall be donated to the alumni or scholarship fund in memory of my beloved dad Dy Sun Kang. Thanks so much to all of you who have worked so hard to make this GAH a reality. Warmest regards and God bless. See you all soon.

GAH registration for overseas alumni
From Leonardo "Loloy" Tan (Batch '66), Sydney, Australia; email: edtan@iinet.net.au
Thu, 06 Mar 2008 19:28:59 +1100

To LCHSAA: Once more, we are getting excited with the forthcoming GAH, just about two months away -- not that long from now. Thanks for the announcement on how to register. However, may I  suggest that there will be a way for alumni based in different corners of the globe to register as well. Per the announcement, many alumni now residing in Australia, Canada, Taiwan and other places not mentioned are excluded. It seems that this special announcement for registration is only directed to those living in the Philippines with special emphasis on those in Metro Manila and Metro Cebu, and those US-based ones. I know this is just an oversight. Maybe a section "Other Overseas Alumni"? Or something like that. Thank you very much.

Reply to Leonardo Tan
From Johnny T. Chen, Chair, GAH Steering Committee, Iligan, Philippines; email: akula88ynnhoj@yahoo.com
Thu, 06 Mar 2008 13:48:22 -0000

We are actually trying to address the issue of non-US remittance. Our main problem is that it might be more of an inconvenience and additional burden if non-US alumni would remit directly to us. Bank service charges alone would cost a lot. Submission of Registration Form is NOT the problem, but remittance is. One idea we are looking at is having the alumni communicate with a local friend/relative to advance the registration fee on his behalf. However, we can't impose this on the alumni. So I believe that this would be on case-to-case basis. Suggestions are welcome. The pre-registration was a given a deadline because we have to make sure that correct polo shirt sizes are ordered. Hope you understand our usual predicament in coming up with almost customized approach to this.

Remittances from Toronto
From Maximilian Te (Batch '90), Toronto, Canada; email: maximte@yahoo.com
Thu, 6 Mar 2008 06:59:48 -0800 (PST)

For alumni in the Toronto (or GTA), I can bring your US$30 with me on my trip to Iligan in May so that you can save on the bank remittance fee. I can also bring your free shirt, if you want. By the way, I'm Batch '90, son of Manuel Te (GoodYear Commercial). You can contact me at: 416-6154233 (ofc).

Remittances from Vancouver
From Marie Josiefel Ello (Batch '83), Vancouver, Canada; email: mjqello@hotmail.com
Thu, 6 Mar 2008 11:12:00 -0800

For alumni in the Vancouver area, I can help with the pre-registration. For those who want to pre-register you can mail the pre-registration to me and I can inform/forward it to the GAH Secretariat. Mailing address: Marie Josiefel Quimbo Ello, 5-7600 Gilbert Rd., Richmond, BC V7C 3W2, phone #604-273-7007.

Remittances from Toronto & Vancouver
From Johnny T. Chen, Chair, GAH Steering Committee, Iligan, Philippines
Thu, 6 Mar 2008 14:28:09 -0800 (PST)

To Jojo Ello: Are you be coming home this May?  The batch would be looking forward to it, if you are. It's nice that you can help in consolidating the forms in Vancouver area. Also, can you help disseminate info about event in your area?

To Maxim Te: Thanks so much for volunteering. Would it be correct to assume that you're coming home this May? I think we can consolidate all the remittances of registration fee at your end (for all of Canada). I'm not sure how efficient the Canadian postal system is, but could you accept the checks/MO from the other cities and provinces in the country? Deposit them into your account, and bring the cash to us when you get home?  I hope Ahia Leonardo Tan could do the same for Australia.

Reply to Johnny Chen
From Maximilian Te, Toronto, Canada; email: maximte@yahoo.com
Fri, 7 Mar 2008 07:01:42 -0800 (PST)

Hi Johnny:  Yes, I can do that. I'll be in Iligan on the GAH week. They can send me a USD cheque (drawn from a Canadian bank and draft preferred). Canada Post is as efficient as any postal service of a first world country. My address: 4-396 Wilson Ave., Toronto, ON M3H1S9, Canada.

Regards to Manuel Te
From Alex Rodriguez (Batch '65), Miramar, Florida, U.S.A.; email: alpacino_8@hotmail.com
Fri, 7 Mar 2008 14:09:18 +0000

Hi Maxim: Sorry to impose on you but is your father's name Te Ban Doy? If so, please extend my regards to him. We used to be classmates and friends. Thanks.

Let's all lend a hand
From Charles O. Sy (Batch '67), Cebu, Philippines; email: syanlok@yahoo.com
7 Mar 2008 08:10:48 -0800 (PST)

It's good to know that we have concerned alumni like Maxim Te and Josiefel Quimbo Ello, who have volunteered their services for the collection of GAH registration fees in their respective areas. The GAH Secretariat back home is swamped with loads of work and they're burning the midnight candle, so to speak, to ensure a successful GAH. Let's all lend a hand where it's most needed.

Keep up the good work
From Henry L. Yu (Batch '69), Cebu, Philippines; email: hvty@skyinet.net
Sat, 08 Mar 2008 05:24:24 +0000

To all the members of the LCHS 3rd GAH Organizing Committees: Warm greetings from the City of Cebu! At this early, I would like to congratulate you all for the efforts that you're collectively putting into the organization of this homecoming. I know it's never easy to organize an event of such magnitude. I could see that you're really doing your utmost best to make this not just memorable but unforgettable. The 1st GAH was held in 2000. The 2nd in 2005. This is the 3rd GAH and this is the first time that the young gen is taking the lead in organizing this big event. At the rate things are going, I don't see any reason why it will not be a big success. With people of your caliber, I'm sure this event will be something for the record in the years to come. Keep up the good works, guys.

Pre-registration points in Canada
From Johnny T. Chen, Chair, GAH Steering Committee, Iligan, Philippines
Sun, 9 Mar 2008 22:41:10 -0700 (PDT)

Greetings! After a few exchange of emails, we are happy to inform you that we have consolidated the pre-registration points for Canada. Please see the blog: http://lchsalumni.blogspot.com for detailed procedure.  Special thanks to my classmate Jojo Quimbo-Ello (Batch '83) and Maxim Te (Batch '90) for making their effort to volunteer as registration coordinators! Kudos.
 
 

Rewind: Batch '82 in GAH 2000

See you at the 3rd LCHS Grand Alumni Homecoming, May 23-24, 2008, LCHS Gym, Iligan City

Charles O. Sy, Batch '67

It’s not true that Peter Dy went to Mexico to enjoy its tequila. Peter insists he went there for the Mayan ruins and Mexican Dy-licacies.

There was a time when the Spectrum was published weekly.  Now it only comes out weakly.

Terry Racines is a math wiz who believes there will never be a shortage of math teachers.  Because they always multiply.

When math teachers retire, do they call it the aftermath?

Speaking of teachers, we hope our 3rd GAH organizers will be able to draw more former teachers to the two-day bash. Only a handful of former teachers graced the previous GAHs. It will help if our GAH planners form an ad hoc committee to trace the whereabouts of former teachers and invite them way ahead of time.  The same committee may also be tasked to make arrangements for the accommodations of teachers coming from out of town.  Many will be inclined to attend if they know a pleasurable stay awaits them back home.

In keeping with the spirit of the occasion, a tribute to our mentors ought to be made a highlight of the gala night. Aside from gifting them with the customary tokens of our collective appreciation, a few of the teachers may be invited to speak about their years spent at LCHS. Former principal Crisanta Alcover-Ayson is a good candidate for this. This is far more meaningful than having government officials deliver lenghty speeches that bear no relevance to the essence of our grand reunion. Speeches from political figures abound in many other forums any given day.  But the sharing of personal insights by our past mentors is a rarity that we can savor only once in a long while

A balanced GAH program embodies equal measure of memories and melodies. Not one that’s long in melodies yet short in memories. Ours is a reunion, not a concert. Let's offer some moment and space for alumni and teachers to rekindle cherished memories and rebond with one another.  The theme of the GAH, let's not forget, isn't solely about melodies, it's about memories as well.

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

Dearest Child,

We join you in this one special moment of your life -- your graduation. This is indeed an achievement that we are very happy about and proud of. Happy because you have grown up to be the good child that we envisioned to become someday. Proud because you made it by being a good and honest student.

We thank the Lord for all the years that we have shared together as a family, for the mission that He has given us to be your parents who took good care of you ever since you were born, with unconditional love. We may have been overprotective in our dealings with you, but please understand that we are doing this because we love you so much and we want only the best for you and your future.

As you graduate today, we are filled with mixed emotions. For one thing, we could feel that we are indeed growing old as we see in you an image of a grown up child who was once our little angel not so long ago, somebody we used to carry and cuddle with so much love and affection, reading bedtime stories, putting you to sleep by singing out-of-tune lullabies, being by your side with TLC when you're sick, buying items needed for school assignments, attending school activities, family fairs, and more. Oh, just how fast time passes by!

We hope that you will always remember the valuable lessons we have taught you through the years. May you put into practice such virtues and traits as you journey through life in the coming years of your adulthood. Please remember that we will always be here for you not only as your parents but as your best friends with whom you can always turn to anytime in your moments of doubts, perplexities, triumphs and victories. You will always  be our little angel no matter how old you have become because our love for you knows no time. It is as boundless as the sea, and as sure as the sunrise and the sunset.

We thank the Lord for giving us the chance to be your parents. We thank you for giving us the chance to be your best friends. Congratulations to you, our dearest child. We love you so much. And that will be forever.

With all our love,

Mom and Dad

All about GAH
By Marie Janiefer Lee
Batch 1987

GAH-BINISAYA
"GAH-unsa man ka karon?"
"Magkita ta sa IliGAHn ha?"
"Kay duGAHy na ta wag magkita."
"Ay na pag GAHlawgaw diha."
"Kung di ka muadto maGAHlit gyud ko nimo."
"GAHlisod na mi og pangita ninyo."
"Mao na nga GAH-samok-samok ko ron."
"Para mu adto gyud mo sa GAH."

enGAHlish (English)
Let down your GAHurd (guard).
The old GAHng (gang) is back.
See you all at the GAH.
It's GAHranteed (guaranteed) fun.
No need for GAHs (gas) money.
Just bring along your gift of GAHb (gab).
And let’s have a GAHrand (grand) time!

---

Smart Chinese
From Ellen Lim, Manila, Philippines

This is hilarious. Even an Englishman could not construct sentences using numeric, which is exclusive only to Malaysians and Singaporeans.

Ah Kaw was asked to make a sentence using 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.  Not only did he do it 1 to 10, he did it again from 10 back to 1. This is what he came up with:

1 day I go 2 climb a 3 outside a house to peep. But the couple saw me, so I panic and 4 down. The man rushed out and wanted to 5 with me. I ran until I fell 6 and threw up. So I go into 7-eleven and grabbed some 8 to throw at him. Then I took a 9 and try to stab at him. 10 God he run away.

10 I put the 9 back and pay for the 8 and left 7-eleven. Next day I called my boss and told him I was 6 . He said 5 , tomorrow also no need to come back 4 work. He also asked me to go climb a 3and jump down. I don't understand. I am so nice 2 him but I don't know what he 1.

Igdono U. Caracho, Batch '66

Spirit of cooperation