St. Augustine, one of the Christian thinkers after St. Paul was born November 13, 354 and was the bishop of Hippo from 396 to 430. His Christian teaching created a theological system of great power and lasting influence. He had numerous written works, the most important of which are Confessions (c. 400) and The City of God (c. 413–426). In Roman Catholicism he is formally recognized as a doctor of the church.
I was awed to receive an invitation from La Consolacion College Bacolod Alumni Association, through my classmate Engr. Vlademir Nonato, to attend the 75th Anniversary of the school on September 7. The invite stated that I would be receiving an award from my alma mater. The award is a big surprise as I had not set foot in LCC Bacolod since September 2022. Hopefully, this September 7 won’t be my last.
We all graduated from LCC Bacolod. My sister, Stella, belongs to Class ‘86. John, my brother, was in Class ‘87, and my younger brother, Dominic, graduated in 1990. Among us, I was the true blooded LCCian since my sister was in Grade 3 when she enrolled in LCC, while my brother, John, transferred to La Salle for a year and Dominic joined my mother in Iloilo for a year, but later re-enrolled in LCC.
As a student, I wasn’t consistent in my studies. In elementary, I would be in Section One and the next school year in Section Two, and so forth. In high school where we were in mixed sections, I skipped classes until one day, as a freshman, failed to attend classes for three months after getting hooked to billiards. Another reason for my being an MIA was that I owed my classmate Liza her brother’s Rotring and had not replaced it.
My high school life was a roller coaster. I was on top now and down the next day. As a student, I was not that intelligent. I would rather label myself clever since I grew up in Libertad, a dog eat dog territory. This experience may have influenced my outlook on life, motivating me to strive harder after seeing childhood friends succumb to drugs and crime, often resulting in premature deaths.
I did not have communication with my high school batch-mates until sometime in 2012 when we had a mini reunion at Glorietta, thanks to Dr. Oliver Tabujara who sponsored the dinner. We disconnected again afterwards. There were some few friends like Ollie Maridone Abata-Sarmiento and Hope Acma-Ali, who kept me abreast of the latest news on homecomings that I failed to attend.
The nomination and award is a blessing. The past year, my life nearly ended when I had cellulitis that led to sepsis but was averted with proper medical care. After a few months, while I still could barely walk, I was invited to join Negros Now Daily as a columnist. And now, just a few days ago, I received this letter of invitation as an awardee. Thanks to my good friend Ollie Maridone Abata-Sarmiento, who nominated me and kept inviting me to attend our homecoming in the past.
I am proud and thankful for the years I have been a student in LCC. Had it not been for my desire to pursue law, I would have become an architect and stayed another 5 years after high school in the same school. Be that as it may, God had other wonderful plans for me. I have nothing more to ask for from our Creator. Congrats, La Consolacion College – Bacolod City on your Diamond Anniversary. ||
