APRIL 11, 2009 - THE BATCH'79 REUNION

By: Edel S. Ramos
ramosedilberto@yahoo.com

After 30 years, high school graduates of San Miguel High School batch'79 finally see each other...once more. It was a reunion...a gathering of old but familiar faces whose names we could hardly recall at the start. The air was filled with so much excitement...and you could hear the laughter when old friends and classmates recognized each other. It was also a reunion of our former teachers/advisers who came in full force.

Honestly, hosting the reunion made me nervous. I have never been a good speaker when we were in high school. Standing in front of our former classmates and teachers was terrifying...knowing that we have been out of contact for 30 years. Zoraida was a good support. She made me feel more comfortable at the middle of the program until we finished it.

It was a day of good memories...because many of our batchmates brought old pictures. Old pictures and memories are our link to present and these will lead us to the future. We made we were all but the same in terms of status and achievement in our respective profession. Walang mayaman...walang mahirap. Walang successful...walang failure. And that made the occassion truly successful.

The opening prayer was highly spiritual. It was about how we should all thank our Creator for putting us together once more. For the gifts of life despite our shortcoming...for the many sins He has always forgiven. Three decades ago...our relationship with HIM was quite not healthy but as years went on...our spirituality was enriched by many (good and bad) things that we all encounter in life. We have come to know ourselves by knowing HIM better. We measure our weaknesses by HIS strength and power.

The welcome address of Marlyn Pagsibigan spoke of our individual JOURNEY...The paths we all have taken and where these have brought us. It was about how life is spent...how goals were achieved...how far we have gone...and how we measure one's value as successful individuals. The JOURNEY is everyone's ride ...and as she mentioned, we are all just travellers who always leave marks in every steps we made.

The inspirational speech of Jaime Gatchalian was truly a valedictory address. It was made purely in Tagalog and well-written. The words were perfectly chosen and these penetrated our heart and soul. Jaime spoke of SUCCESS...and how it should be measured. According to him, success has many faces and it all depends on how success is treated squarely. Personally, I never thought it was Jaime speaking to us. And admittedly, I never expected Jaime to deliver his speech with so much emotion but he did it. Jaime was very Valedictorian in his style. He may not know it but Zoraida and I were teary-eyed. What a powerful message!!!

The speech of our guest speaker, Ms. Edna Santos Zerudo was equally outstanding. She dwelt on the challenges we are facing in life. The responsibility we have on our shoulders regardless of the role we play. She tackled the transformation one needs to undergo...the many changes we face...the trials, victory and defeat. In the end, she emphasized that more important than material goods, it is the happiness one keeps in his heart that makes a difference.

The committee who handled this event offered many surprises. They gave away many gifts...the food was over-flowing...the entertainment guests made us all laughing all through out. We hired professional photographers to record the event in video and photo. The sound system was very good. The committee headed by Marlyn Pagsibigan made everything possible. And she made this happen.

Personally, I was extremely overwhelmed by the presence of our batchmates and former advisers. I could see from their faces the happiness of being together...of being one even for few hours. I never felt how far one has gone in his life...rather, it was how far one still has to go because there are still so much to do not only for ourselves but also for those who need love and support. Thirty years ago, we all dreamed of being somebody someday... somewhere. Today, some have already achieved what they wished for many years back. Some did not. Our main objective in this reunion was to re-establish communication lines amongst 1979 SMHS graduates. Surely, we achieved our target. But there are still many things we can do...many dreams we can fulfill...many lives we can touch...many people we can inspire...and many wishes we can make come true. To share is grace and knowing to share becomes a blessing to others. Life is a JOURNEY...it is just a passing but it is more beautiful if we make our journey more meaningful. Hope to see YOU my fellow TRAVELLERS next year and let's join the ride TOGETHER!!!