Many years have passed by since we encountered and touched one another's life. We tried to help one another become better persons...hopefully. We are molded by everything that happens to us---the blessings, the blows, the blues---sunshine and rain and storms...of various kinds---all things, everything can make us "GO, GROW, and GLOW"... and in the process, we radiate light, life and love, both in our human and spiritual lives.
May you continue to become better persons, individually and as a community... not only for yourselves, but also for and with other people you come in contact.
May you have an enjoyable and fruitful reunion.
May you continue to keep in touch not only with one another also with HIM, our God---the Divine Third in every relationship.
Sr. Stella Aranas' message:
In the 70's and 80's, life was much simpler for many of us Filipinos. Only the Marcoses and their cronies wallowed in wealth. There were lesser mouths to feed, electricity bills weren't so high, so with education costs, and the peso was stronger. Jeepney fare was only 10 centavos and taxis had 15 centavos flagdown rate. The prices of commodities, medicine and oil were much cheaper in those times. There was less pollution, less traffic, and the young ones were more respectful to their parents and elders. There were less fastfood outlets, and less corrupt people in government and the military.
Thirty years ago, the income was low, the goods were a lot cheaper. Today's salaries are higher but prices of goods, education, medicine and transportation have increased unabatedly. Truly, life became harder for most Pinoys due to unregulated prices of commodities and services and misgovernance.
Despite these difficult times, there are sparks of hope, compassion and love. Truly, God's presence, love and faithrulness are being enfleshed by all of you. Class 76 of Holy Family Academy, you answered God's call to care for one another, to bear one another's burden and to bring hope and be light to the downtrodden. Grateful for all the blessings you received, you are happy to share these with the poor and deserving students through educational scholarships at your Alma Mater. Your charitable deed is most welcome and timely. All Filipino parents believe that the future of the youth today depends on education. This is the priceless inheritance parents can give to their children. Education can't be robbed from a person. With the gnawing impact of the global crisis--Class 76 of HFA is there...committing themselves joyfully and generously to support two First Year students starting SY 2011-2012 who could hardly avail themselves quality Catholic education.
I am very happy and very proud of your group's decision and choice of ministry and commitment. Above all, Jesus is happy and smiling: "You have loved, you have found me in the past, and have known that everything here on earth will fade except LOVE ... pricesless and timeless.
Congratulations to all of you!!!
Ms. Consuelo B. de Peralta's message:
Kumusta na kayo? Enjoying life over there? Huwag naman ninyo kaming kalimutan dito sa Baguio! Dalawin niyo naman kami dito. Sariwain nating muli and inyong kabataan. Kabataan ko rin! Tama ba angTagalog ko?
So many years back, you were just simple little girls, busied with books, assignments, projects and other school activities. At times, things seemed dificult. But with a little mischielf, "why not" oneness and the feeling of belonging with one another, everything seems alright. Of course, the help and the guidance of your teachers was always there. High school life was very enjoyable in our dear Holy Family Academy.
Many times, if not most of the time, you misinterpreted the strict ways of your teachers and the rigid school regulations. You rebelled. You started not wanting to do what was told. Now, you realize all that was meant for a well-rounded education, one of the factors that led you to what, and where, you are now.
How gratifying it is to see all of you now, successful and responsible career ladies? You have landed good jobs, have succeeded in business endeavors and the like, and have managed to raise children of your own. I know that you have passed on to your children the things that we have taught you and more ... the lessons you learned along the way.
Take care of your children ... even grandchildren for some ... just as we took care of you.
Congratulations! I feel great ... I am part of your success! Go on, share your success ... be of service to your fellowmen in the best way you can!
Come visit the Philippines! Come visit Baguio ... once your home ... okay?
Love and kisses to each and every one of you!
Bye!
Judge Iluminada P. Cabato's (Class Adviser, 1976 Class) message:
To all of you there...here's a warm and loving hug to each of one...hm...hm...hm...hm...
Reunions, get togethers, homecomings--whatever you call them , it is always nostalgic. It gives me that feeling of youthfulness.
Looking back 35 years or so ago, in those exuberant years of my youth as a young teacher, I had a dream which I treasured in my heart...that someday I will see my students reach their goals in life, successful in their chosen careers and happy as persons either alone or with their families. In the high school reunions which I have attended these past years, I felt so elated and proud to know that I was somehow a part of their lives and an instrument of their success. I would like to share with you a secret. Honestly, you...all of you...made me a better person, a more concerned and caring teacher. I learned a lot from you, too. You are also a part of my life and success.
As I reminisce those years I spent with you in the day-to-day classroom drama - the deafening silence when I entered your classroom, the straight lines on the aisles, the hands on the desks, the excitement in winning contests, the frustrations when I or the president of the class was called to the principal's office because my advisory class failed to observe some school rule or regulation, and the rewards of hard work, now belong to the past. Yet all this excitement, frustration and reward have become the fine threads that are woven and embellished in our memories. I am sure this wealth of experience is more lasting than [that offered by] material things. We are all standing tall.
I would say that the years we spent together can be best described by "T.L.C." Ordinarily, this means Tender Love and Care, but I have a better description -- Teaching, Learning, and Caring.
A toast to all for more fruitful years ahead.
With much love.
