Tanauan I Central School Batch '83

The pupils of Tanauan I Central School who graduated in 1983 were once again reunited after 25 years since they stepped out of their Alma Mater. The reunion was held on May 11, 2008 at the Bahia Beach Resort in Sto. Nino, Tanauan, Leyte, the place was perfect for the occasion as the guests were welcomed by the breathtaking view of the beach complemented by the tranquility of the sea which was truly was amazing. The big financial contribution of Rolando Cinco, a.k.a. BANKER, a bachelor bank officer based in Manila and will soon be assigned in Dubai, which amount was given ahead of time and was sent through the bank account of Josephine Mendiola, greatly afforded to fill the large banquet table with mouth-watering and satiable foods prepared by the vivacious and sexy chef, Salome Tecson and assisted by the active interim-ad hoc- ‘Class President’- whatever you call it - Albeth Moron, she and Josephine. Class ’83 was composed of four sections, and knowing each other’s full name seemed unexpected. So instead of having the usual self-introduction, a game was played wherein the person who correctly gave the correct full names of all those who were there receives a price. After three failed attempts by Edna Cornejo, Nancy Almaden and Arlene Custodio, it was Rolando Cinco who gave the correct names. The musical faculties and powerful voices of the Top 10 Pinoy Idol, or even World Idol, wannabes – Carmen Sabalza, Armi Almaden, Emeterio Evangelista, Vitalico Avila, Luisito Pelino, Babylyn Perez, Mirasol Mendiola, Angelo Palana, and Ma. Antonia Amparo- melodiously serenaded everyone. Had Simon Cowell, one of the judges of American Idol who is famous for his satirical and insulting comments, been there and heard them sing, most probably, he had brushed off the negative comments he is famous for. Salome Tecson’s ala Mystica rendition of “Labi sa Labi” was something to beat. Every sexy and romantic lyrics of the song synchronized with the sexy sway of her body. Winefredo Udtohan , on the other hand, chose heart warming songs that made us either fell in love again or be reminded of our unpaid debts - on my part, I chose the latter! LOL (laughing out loud). Some of our former classmates are still as coy and timid as they were when we were in our elementary days and it includes Nancy Almaden, Ma. Benita Amparo, Consolacion Co, Marissa Mendiola, Jerome Avila, Francisco Fabre, Donald Yaranon, Dean Perez, Francisco Baguisa, and Zandro Morabe. Seeing with my former classmates, whom I haven’t seen in decade or more, and being with them once again, was a recollection of the days when I was still a very petite being in the first row always and was the first to be called by the teacher when the ranking was according to height, fragile – malnourished looking to a certain extent, immature – excusable for being, ehemm, a year younger than my classmates, and timid grade school girl of Tanauan I Central School. Everyone was caught into surprise to see Dennis Roa, now a teacher and aspiring to be a lawyer, who is based in Butuan City, for the 360-degree turn of his life, from being the most malabad (there is no other word to best describe him) to being the most behaved. (Sorry Dennis buking ka yana . . . hehehe ) He was once most famous for being irascible, naughty and mischievous albeit his very small body frame. If I’m not mistaken, his best buddy then was Dean Perez, who was his exact opposite when talking about how they behaved in school. If I remember right too, he and Lyn Morantte were like cat and mouse fighting each other most often, oppsssss. . . . . I remember now, it was Dennis who quarreled Lyn. . . . It was ironic that Dennis was the smallest in the class yet he was the fiercest of all. I don’t exactly understand where he got all those mighty powers to dwarf everyone’s superior heights, coward the male spirits and triumph duel against troublesome kids in town. . . Fast forward to present . . . in fairness to him, he is a changed man, a gentleman to be precise, a non-smoker and non-drinker, a good family man and a good educator, I’m sure he has extra ordinary ability to discipline troublesome kids in his own classroom as his own experience was his best teacher. Even at around 5:00 o’clock in the afternoon, the mood was still lively and two latecomers arrived – Atty. Edgar Octa and Grace Ilustre who both had previous commitments. I was one of the first persons to go home at around 7:00 o’clock in the evening and I don’t have any idea what time they wrapped up. The day spent with my former classmates was totally wonderful and I can’t wait to see them again next year. For those who failed to make it this year, see next year. . . . .