Last September 7, I received an award along with dozens of others for performance in various categories during the 75th anniversary of La Consolacion College – Bacolod.
In the morning, we met Othello Servañez and his wife Carmela, China’s brother, for a quick breakfast. We were picked up by Via and went straight for breakfast, where we bought some “marang” and “lanzones.” China was amazed at the price of these fruits, which were four times as much in Manila.
Via brought us to her friend’s Coffee Alchemist, a brainchild of former students of La Salle. The staff included a relative and his girlfriend. Clark, Via’s brother, followed us there. The place was simple but offered good products such as salted caramel coffee. We bade goodbye as we needed to meet another group for lunch.
My mother, Norma, and aunt Natalia, called to remind us of lunch at my dad’s favorite Apollo Restaurant. John, his wife Jane, and Katrina and Daniel joined us as it was his schedule for dialysis. We ordered the usual bird’s nest soup, fried chicken, fried rice, and other dishes. My mom commented that the taste was not the same, but for me, it wasn’t worse either.
Ollie Abata, as she was more known before becoming Mrs. Abata-Sarmiento, drove us to LCC by 4:30 p.m. for the 5 p.m. program. She is Araceli Mendoza-Eckert’s representative as Araceli is currently in the US assisting her husband who is recovering from an illness. We are praying for his immediate recovery. Araceli is also an awardee along with dozens of others, including batchmates Dr. Mary Grace Esoinosa-Escaniel and Dr. Jose Pepito Malapitan.
The event was sponsored by Class 1989 and we also saw other alumni members from Class 1971 or even older. There were close to a thousand attendees, with a sumptuous dinner prepared for the awardees.
The event was a success. Congratulations to the Alumni officers, President Atty. Benilda Abrasia Tejada; Vice President Ricardo P. Presbitero, Jr.; Treasurer Lilian Lozada Leyes; Auditor Rosario M. Monge; PIO Alfredo D. Gonzales; Board of Directors Fernando M. Pabalinas, Erlinda U. Cenzon, Agnes N. Capigon, Edith P. Chuayana, Ma. Irel M. Espuerta, Arnel K. Historiador, Vlademir L. Nonato, Nino P. Lavaro, and Mary Jean L. Ramos.
Our other batchmates were there to support us, while others followed at Yumla for dinner. Among those who attended were Josette, Joy, Victoria, Rona, Jane (one of the beautiful and bright among our batch), with other equally beautiful Dr. Cecilia (wife of Dr. Pepito, a fellow awardee), Anabelle, Sheryl, Val, Marigold, Tiffany, Kristen Nava, Christen Lizares, Alfie;
Pinky Luz, Farah Dina, Dinah, Sheila Michelle Delicana, Philomel Dioso, Daphne, Joy, Victoria, Josette and Pauline.
My hardcore LCC batchmates who contributed to my colorful HS life were also there. They are: Hope Acma Ali, Lee Morada, Lee Santiago, Ramir Cuarom, Arturo Santander, Richard Remo, Ben Gonzales, Leo Lanaca, and Engr. Vlademir Nonato, who included me in the nomination with his wife Janette. The better halves of some batchmates also joined us.
The following day, we couldn’t leave without meeting our mentor couple from Bacolod City Host Lions Club, PDG Ramon and Lady Sony Manojo. They treated us to lunch at Shanghai Restaurant at Ayala Malls. Later, Tita Annie and Lourdes took us to the airport after having a quick coffee at Quinos. While tired, our trip to Bacolod was worth it and will always be cherished in our memories. ||
