A Sequel To Our Past

It's been 28 long years since our elementary graduation. It is a great gesture for the organizing committee who made it possible for our batch to reunite, relive the stories and learn from each other once more. 11 July 2009, at Ralph's Resort at Los Banos, Laguna, Philippines- that's where it all happened - Sta Cecilia Catholic School Batch 81 Alumni Homecoming.

Seeing friends who I grew up with, learned my ABC with, my 123, and English rhymes with, is an experience worth spending a costly air ticket just to be with them again. It was a blessed sunny day which we started with the registration (I don't remember a register book though :)) and of course the trademark of Sta Cecilia Catholic School - a Holy Mass before any event.

Our past teachers were there too. Mrs Peltra, Mrs Alemania, Ms. Wagan, Mrs Ramos, who still have all their prowess in making us listen and understand bits of what they have to say, said their short speeches - just like the good old(younger) days.

I was looking at all my former classmates faces, trying to fit the name to their faces. The ladies' faces had slight changes from most good to better, the shapes are a lot changed though, but I still easily can name all of them. The gents are all different now. Some of them have grown "bigger" and the others became slimmer.

After few hours shaking hands with them, telling jokes with them and taking photos here and there, all the old memories and faces and names and all came back.

We were like small kids again. We teased, we laughed, we played - naughty and matured games this time, not anymore the wholesome, teacher assisted, nun-spied games.
It was a big, long day and most wouldn't want this day to end. There were singing, dancing, eating, drinking or just merely talking.

Most swam as it was a hot day/night. I didn't intend to swim at all (partly because I have a big pool at home). But we were like kids again, and the boys won't take a no for an answer. Even though I said "NO" their guts said yes, I was thrown into the water like everbody else who did not want to get wet.

Before we all parted (some stayed overnight and enjoyed what is remaining of the wonderful day), we exchanged numbers, email addresses, hugs, kisses and warm thoughts.
We may never pass this way again. It will take years before we all can be together again, and when that happens, we wouln't know if we still can make it, if we are still around. Just like what Fr. Louie Castaneda said and the teachers who gave their own speeches - we have to live life to the fullest.

We may never cross each others paths again, let this day be a beginning of tomorrow. Let us "create a support team" for each other. Assist one other in our journey towards life...out there with God.