by Edgar Gonzales
Honorary President/Class Adviser
After months of preparation, the time has finally come for M.I 65 July 2008 events.
July 7 – As FX classmates continue to arrive (Borjie Bordador from Australia, Sally Godoy Miranda from Canada, Rey Joaquin from Florida, Precy Ramirez Dela Cruz from Virginia, Carlos de Guzman from Chicago, Flora Mendoza Baetiong from New York, Delfin Zafra, Raffy Contreras, Eden Jen Kin, Efe Salvador Fajardo, and Edgar Gonzales from California), various local committees were making the final preparation. A group led by Zeny Alarcon Andres, Igmidio Dela Cuz, Baby Lunaria and Aida Lim were distributing our gold and green T-shirts to be used in our class reunion. Medical mission committees were led by Corazon Cataniag, Mike Alipio, Benny Mateo and Gemo Mateo and a few others.
July 11 – the traditional courtesy call to President Renato Ocampo was made in the M.C. meeting hall. A check for 121,000 pesos was presented by president Santy for six scholars who delivered speeches of thanks and gratitude and even awarded plaques of appreciation to Santy and Edgar. Diner followed at the nearby Max’s.
July 12 – Our second medical mission was held in the grounds of Marilao Central School from 7a.m. to 4p.m. Close to 100 batch mates attended and 1,239 barangay members were treated. The medical practitioners totalling 25 personal were led by our very own Dr. Jose Del Rosario. Teacher Pacita Fuentes Cruz and her son doctor were there as well. Other doctors and medical technicians were provided by Mike Alipio and d’ Mateo brothers. The event coincided with the birthday of our classmate Efe Salvador Fajardo and Marilao Mayor Peping Guillermo who was not able to come due an urgent commitment but sent some water and supplies to the school. The mission was a big success.
July 13 - our 43rd anniversary celebration was held in a fully air-conditioned, cozy meeting hall on the 2nd floor of the International Cafe in Banga Meycauyan. About 180 classmates attended the affair. After mass was celebrated, all attendees were introduced by the respective class presidents, and buffet dinner was served.
Following where the highlights of the reunion:
1. Greetings to birthday celebrants Edgar Gonzales, Efe Salvador Fajardo, Cora M. Tagarda, Levita Sarno, Lualhati Cervantes and other July celebrants.
2. Welcome and acceptance speech of incoming president Benny Mateo.
3. Games and surprise numbers of selected classmates.
4. Beautiful songs rendered by Lamberto Doma and Maximo Roxas.
5. Speeches of admiration and appreciation by teachers who attended the affair – Ma’am Chato Guzman, Elena Ipapo Parian, Zeny Sumulong, Sisters Paz and Teodora Belza.
6. Presentation of gifts to teachers and various raffles that seemed endless and performed by Chairwoman Efe Fajardo, Raffy Contreras and Baby Lunaria. In addition to the food essentials courtesy of California Fundraisers, FX classmates (Flora Baetiong, Precy Ramirez Dela Cruz, Rey Joaquin, Eden Jen Kin, and Raffy Contreras) brought raffle items. EVP Epitacio Mendoza gave 10,000 pesos which were raffled in the closing minutes of the affair.
7. Jun Dulalia brought some dance instructors and even presented a tango number with the band accompaniment to the delight of the crowd.
8. President Santy delivered a very inspiring message giving credit to the leadership of Edgar Gonzales and gave importance to the spark provided by the magic 12 who started a mini reunion in 2004 in New York and expressed sadness that the majority thereof were not able to come. He also explained to the class that we were having an early reunion as requested by past president Edgar Gonzales. Santy admitted that Class ‘65 has always been and will always be a big part of his life and passion.
9. An emotional address by past president Edgar Gonzales further explaining the events leading to our early reunion and thanking all foreign and RP leaders led by Santy Morante and Epitacio Mendoza and stressed the important role played by classmate Rolly Malinis in bringing all messages, pictures, and activities of class 65 to our website for viewing of visitors around the world. He also expressed support for incoming president Benny Mateo and reiterated the big financial support by FX classmates led by Flora Mendoza Baetiong.
10. Presentation of award and plaques of appreciation to local and foreign leaders chaired by Romeo Villanueva.
11. Special award was given to Ma’am Chato Guzman for being the sole moderator of the MC Alumnews, bringing events to the MC communities and attending almost all the class reunions. In accepting the award, she expressed admiration to the excellent leadership and noble projects of the class in bringing back something to the communities where we belong. Then she rendered a song and a duet with Edgar.
12. Special band was available for dancing and program accompaniment.
The program was emceed by Cora Cruz and Maximo Roxas. The reunion ended at 1A.M.
In a post reunion meeting attended by EVP Epitacio Mendosa, President Santy Morante, past President Edgar Gonzales and incoming president Benny Mateo, it was agreed that the next class reunion will be held in 2011 or 2012. The 3rd medical mission is unanimously decided to be held in the town of Bocaue. Golden anniversary celebration will be in 2015.
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