Feb. 28, 2010 - One thousand attendees. Over one million pesos as batch donation to the scholarship fund. One fun-filled night. All in honor of one Alma Mater.

These and more can be said about the just-concluded UST High School Grand Alumni Homecoming (USTHS GAH) held on February 20, 2010, at Plaza Mayor of the University of Santo Tomas.

Not only was this the first USTHS GAH of the new decade or the first full-fledged USTHS GAH to be held at the Plaza Mayor—the panoramic, wide-open space in front of the iconic Main Building. It was also one of many celebratory events coinciding with the ongoing, yearlong countdown to UST’s grand Quadricentennial celebration.

Over a thousand UST High alumni were in attendance that moonlit night, the biggest USTHS GAH attendance yet. Those present spanned over 60 years’ worth of UST High alumni, from way back 1948 all the way to 2009. Plus, this Homecoming reaffirmed the USTHS’ and USTHSAAI’s reputation as having one of the biggest—if not the biggest—homecoming attendance in UST every year.

Attendees began flocking to Plaza Mayor as early as one hour before the 4 p.m. registration—many bearing pre-bought tickets, a few others buying on the spot after having learned of the event from the press releases published in national media. While most hailed from Metro Manila, a good number of those present trekked from out of town or flew in from abroad.

The nightlong affair actually began in the afternoon with the 5 p.m. Thanksgiving Mass near another UST icon across Plaza Mayor, the Benavides monument (made in honor of UST founder, Fray Miguel de Benavides, O.P.) Celebrating the Mass—which doubled as an anticipated Sunday Mass—was no less than the UST Rector, Rev. Fr. Rolando V. De La Rosa, O.P.; the USTHS Regent, Rev. Fr. Rodel E. Aligan, O.P., and Rev. Fr. Alex Bautista, O.P of Batch ’85 were the concelebrants.

One year in the making before its eventful unfolding, the USTHS GAH 2010 was a production of the UST High School Alumni Association Inc. and the 2010 Organizing Committee (OrgCom)—the latter featuring USTHS alumni across batches but primarily the 2010 jubilarians, namely Batches 1950 (the Diamond Jubilarians), 1955 (Emerald), 1960 (Gold), 1965 (Sapphire), 1970 (Ruby), 1975 (Coral), 1980 (Pearl) and 1985 (Silver).

Batch 1960’s Girme Gutierrez dutifully served as the Chairman of the GAH 2010 OrgCom—Girme’s generosity extending to hosting the committee’s monthly meetings (venue, meals and all). Girme also donated the 32” plasma TV that was the night’s grand raffle prize. A specially made alumni ring from Suarez & Sons was the 2nd prize. A high-end cell phone, courtesy of Noel Dinio of Batch ’60, was the 3rd raffle prize. Overnight accommodations for two at Astoria Plaza Hotel and Tagaytay Highlands , respectively, rounded up the raffle as the 4th and 5th prizes.

On an even bigger scale, the entire Batch ’60, whose President is US-based balikbayan Brad Victoriano, made the unprecedented donation of P1,100,000 to the USTHS-USTHSAAI joint scholarship program, thus upping the current fund to P4.5 million, or roughly just P500,000 short of its targeted P5.0M total consolidated endowment fund. Initially established in 2000 and institutionalized in 2008 to cover at least one scholar per year level in the high school, the scholarship fund is generally derived from the accumulated donations of the jubilarian batches of the yearly GAHs, as well as from each GAH’s general revenue.

Part of the GAH 2010 show was devoted to the ceremonial turnover of a check for P1.1 million by Chairman Girme to USTHS Alumni Association Inc. President Leebai Esquivias-Gamboa of Batch ’78. The 2010 homecoming itself earned a total of P500,000 which, as with all revenues from previous USTHS GAHs, will go to the USTHS-USTHSAAI joint scholarship program.

The jubilarian batches of 2010 were likewise responsible for most of the production numbers or presentations that evening, which ranged from the dancing to medleys of their era’s hits by Batches ’60, ’70 and ’80, to the montage of nostalgic photos by Batch ’75 and the “Bagets Forever” music video by members of Batch ’85.

Batch ’85 had two celebrity-reps that night as well: foxy actress Eula Valdez, who co-hosted the program with Rene Molano (himself a Pearl Jubilarian as a Batch ’80 graduate); and sultry chanteuse Jenine Desiderio, an alumna of the global musical Miss Saigon, who rendered two numbers, including her leading the singing of the UST High School Graduation Song.

Special awards, in the form of certificates of recognition, were handed out as well at the Homecoming. The Oldest Alumnus in attendance was awarded to two Batch ’48 alumni, Johnny Rodriguez and Jess Tanchanco Sr., while the Youngest Alumnus present was Keisha Mae Manalad of Batch ’09. In terms of presence, Batch ’85, this year’s Silver Jubilarians, was recognized with the Biggest Jubilarian Batch Attendance, while the Biggest Non-Jubilarian Batch Attendance was awarded to Batch ’81, a.k.a. the Pearl Jubilarians of 2011.

Not to be forgotten is the Batch Roll Call, led by the USTHS Pep Squad on vocals and drums—an attendance-checking call-out of the batches represented, and a chance for every batch’s reps to noisily make their presence felt. To underscore their jubilarian status, the 2010 jubilarian batches got the privilege of a longer “shout time,” replete with further sonic accompaniment from a children’s lyre-and-drum band. Visually punctuating the batch roll call were the popping of confetti cannons and the releasing of white balloons, among other eye-catching batch gimmicks.

The program proper concluded with the symbolic candle rite, whereby USTHSAAI President Leebai and the rest of the attendees, with lit candles in hand, renewed their Thomasian pledge.

Teeming with fun, festivity, fireworks (emanating from the nearby football field), drinks and merriment, the USTHS GAH 2010 was consequently one for the books and, moreover, a memorable evening for everyone present. And as a postscript, as seen on the back of the souvenir program distributed that night, the next USTHS GAH is already in the pipeline, with “JUST can’t get enough of HIGH SCHOOL” as theme.

The band Men in Gold, whose members include USTHS Batch ’67 alumni, capped the entire evening with an hour of great live music of yesteryears to the present as many alumni, still high from the euphoria of the preceding program and getting together, kept the party going by shaking their booty on the lengthy dance floor right across the stage. Others continued catching up with each other, seeking juicy bits about each others’ personal and professional lives. In between the various highlights, innumerable hugs, kisses and handshakes were exchanged, and snapshots or videos of old friends, old teachers and the old school alike were taken ’til batteries ran out.

All told, smiles were all around that glorious, resoundingly successful homecoming. After all, even if for just one night a year, USTHS alumni get to ride the time machine that is the Grand Alumni Homecoming and bask in that distinct, youthful high school glow all over again.  - Leebai Esquivias-Gamboa, President ,UST HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION, INC.

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Feb. 17, 2010 - Manny Aquino had the chance last Valentine weekend to reconnect with long lost good friend and batchmate Sylvia Javier-Guanlao.  For details and pictures, please visit our Activities Abroad webpage.

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Dec. 17, 2009 -  Our condolence to our batchmate Elizabeth "Beth" Magpayo Llana and her family on the death of her father, Mr. Jose D. Magpayo, last Dec. 15.  Mr. Magpayo was  88 yrs. old.  His remains lie in state at their residence in F. Roxas St., Grace Park, Caloocan City.  Interment is scheduled on December 19, Saturday 1:00 p.m. at Eternal Gardens in Baesa, Quezon City.   Let us pray for the eternal repose of the soul of Beth's father.

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Dec. 16, 2009 - SoCal group finally had its first Christmas Party on Saturday, December 12th. For the full details and pictures shared by Bing Macavinta, please visit our Activities Abroad webpage .

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Dec. 11, 2009 - In preparation for the 400th year anniversary of UST in 2011, a host of activities will take place starting December this year, leading to the Quadricentennial Celebration in 2011.   Visit our Plans and Programs webpage to view the chronology of events for the UST Quadricentennial Celebration.

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2009 Batch Christmas Party

Dec. 9, 2009 - Batch'68 celebrated its annual Christmas Party last Dec. 5 (Saturday) at the residence of Baby Balatbat De Guzman at  #7 Joya St., Corinthian Gardens, EDSA, Quezon City. There were about 40 batchmates who attended the party.  It was an evening of non-stop eating, chikahan, Kodakan,  games, and raffle of lots of prizes donated by batchmates.  Of course the party will not be complete without the dancing - with several D.I.s ready to dance the night away with batchmates.   Bebet and Baby were the very creative game masters that evening, presiding over fun games like pic, pac, boom, hep hep, hooray (from Wow Wow Wee) and botica, bituka, butiki.  A lot of batchmates were mentally challenged that night to remember what they were supposed to say and do during the games.  A unique way of exchanging gifts was done that evening - we all stood in a circle holding the gift that each one brought.  Bebet read a story, and every time the word RIGHT is read, everybody passes his gift to the right, and when the word LEFT is read, gifts are passed to the left.  The gift that each person is holding at the end of the story is the gift he/she keeps.  To those who have  been asking for a copy of the text read by Bebet, we have uploaded it here - Left-Right Christmas Exchange Gift Game.

We wish to thank Baby for once more opening her house for our batch party and Bebet for her untiring efforts to unite the batch.  Of course, the party will not be successful without the presence of Batch'68, their spouses and friends.  So to everyone who took time from their busy schedule to celebrate with us, Maraming Salamat Po.

To view a photo slideshow of our Christmas Party, click here:  2009 Batch Christmas Party.
(Note:  To those who took pictures during our Christmas Party, kindly email them to albuen82@globelines.com.ph .  Thanks for your cooperation.)

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Oct. 22, 2009  -  Cherry, Helen, Fely, Cynthia and Enri met up with Lilli Sta. Ines Gonzales and Baby De Guzman in San Francisco where they were welcomed by Chito C. with a dinner in his house.  For details and pictures sent by Enri, see our Activities Abroad webpage .

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Aug. 28, 2009 -  Tisha Reyes-Nixon warmly and excitedly welcomed Joji (Pangilinan) and Romy Linan who were in Vancouver for a week. ... For details see our  Activities Abroad webpage .

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Aug. 23, 2009 -  We have recently posted additional old high school photos in our Reminiscing webpage, courtesy of Celia Ramos (sent thru Bebet).  Try to test your memory if you can still identify our batchmates in the said pictures.  For those who have photos of our high school days , kindly email them to albuen82@globelines.com.ph in jpeg format so we can publish them in our website.

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Aug. 13, 2009 - We just received word from SoCal batch mates that Chito Pangilinan's health is failing due to kidney problems.  He has to undergo dialysis 3x a week.  Let us all pray for his healing and full recovery.

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Bing's Visit With The Northeast Group

July 12, 2009 - "Manhattan, my favorite city, was where I spent the 4th of July holiday. I made sure I met with the Northeast group to poke about the next USA Reunion. ....." Bing Macavinta
Please visit our Activities Abroad webpage to view the text sent by Bing and the pictures from Andring.

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June 24, 2009 - Andring shared some details and pictures of Bebet's recent visit to Boston and New York.  Please visit our Activities Abroad webpage to view the text and pictures sent by Andring.

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May 30, 2009 - Odette shared some backdated photos of a trip made by them (Odette, Bebet, Liway, John, Ruby and John, Jr.) to Sorsogon and the scenic towns of Bulan, Donsol, Bacon (where Sirangan Hotel is located).  To view the photos and details of their trip, Click Here >>>>.

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May 16, 2009 - Our condolence to our batchmate Dr. Rosaline Sagles Bautista, on the death of her husband, Eddie last May 5, 2009.  His remains were laid to rest last May 10, 2009.  Rosaline was in  Section C in high school, together with Josie Larida Bacud.  We received the news about the death of Rosaline's husband thru Josie, but she has no details as to the cause of death.  She however shared that for the past years Rosaline had been taking care of her husband  who was suffering from some severe back problem.    She has also been taking care of her ailing Mom.  Let us all pray for the eternal repose of the soul of Eddie Bautista.  Let us also pray for Rosaline and their children, that God will give them the strength to cope during this trying moment in their lives.

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May 8, 2009 - "Just as Pacquiao knocked out Hatton on the same day, in the same town; similarly USTHS class of ’68 First USA Reunion was, by all accounts, a “knock-out!” ....... - Bing Macavinta

For more on the First USA Reunion, visit our latest webpage - 2009 USA-Las Vegas Reunion.

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April 8, 2009 - Last Saturday we found another batchmate, Victor Celis from Manassas , VA who was passing by New York for a day on his way to Atlantic City ....Rey Protacio arranged hurriedly for a luncheon at " Krystal Cafe" in Jackson Hts. NY. Present were Joey Bote & myself since we live in the area.  We had our usual chit-chat over sumptuous Filipino dishes......and San Miguel Beer meron pa bang kasunod !!!  - Andring Maranan 

(Note:  We have included the photo sent by Andring in the photoslideshow of their March Reunion.)

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April 4, 2009 - Another annual USTHS'68 Northeastern reunion was held last March 28, 2009, Saturday at Andring Maranan's elegant neo-classic home in Queens, NY. This year's reunion also served as a big welcome for our batch mates, Edmond Lim and his wife Sally, Eddie Villarin and Jerry Ongsiako.  For details and pictures of the reunion, visit our Activities Abroad webpage.

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April 4, 2009 - Odette has shared with us her throve of photos of various Batch'68 gatherings since Nov. 2008. Click the photo links below to view the photo slideshow.

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March 24, 2009 -  Batch'68 paid tribute to our beloved batchmate Ricky Yatco, by attending the 9th day novena prayer and mass held last March 23, 2009 at the Sta. Teresita Parish Church, in Mayon Quezon City.  Around 35 batchmates attended.  After the mass, a salu-salo was held at Ricky's residence, catered by Via Mare.  We would like to acknowledge the generosity of our batchmates led by Odette Wallace, John Tan and Caloy Corsiga, for shouldering most of the expense for the catering, in excess of the donations made by batchmates who were able to attend.

 A number of batchmates, who were all teary-eyed shared their heartwarming stories about Ricky.  Jun Tullao started the ball rolling by recounting how he was able to connect with Batch'68 thru Ricky's constant invitations.  Odette Wallace and Bebet Gillera reminisced the many evenings they spent at Ricky's place and how they complained of going up the flight of stairs to reach the top floor where they usually held their gatherings cum meetings.  Ricky promised that when Batch'68 members are too old to climb the stairs, he will install an elevator for them.  However, just to accommodate the needs of his batchmates, Ricky renovated his entire garage and made it the official meeting place of the batch.   The original Mayon boys - Jimmy Guieb, Manuel Manuel and Jimmy Tan shared with the group how they started as a small group of Batch'68 boys hanging out with Ricky almost every week, enjoying each other's company and at the same time having their drinking (juice lang daw according to Jimmy G.) sessions.  Eventually, to formally organize the Batch'68, they agreed to let the girls in (Odette, Bebet, Tessa, Baby, etc.), which led to the holding of the coral anniversary in 2003.  Ruby Espiritu also acknowledged that just like Benny Guidote, it was also thru the efforts of Ricky that she was found by Batch'68.  Danny R. shared how after a misunderstanding, he was blessed to be able to make peace with Ricky during his last days.  Boy Gabriel, a very close friend of Ricky since their elementary days, revealed that he was the one who introduced Ricky to Eppie.  Don Mejia also said that with Ricky's death, the batch has lost a pillar of strength and generosity.  He also thanked Eppie, who together with Ricky, opened their home for Batch'68, which was the venue for various gatherings including welcoming balikbayan batchmates.  Eppie assured the batch that Batch'68 will continue to be welcome in their home.  After the tributes to Ricky, a short photo slideshow showing Ricky with Batch'68 was shown.

It was a pleasant surprise to find Virginia "Ginny" Braganza, who is married to the elder brother of Ricky, Rey Yatco (USTHS Batch'64).  Ginny and her husband Rey were overwhelmed by the outpouring of love for Ricky by Batch'68 and thanked everyone for their support.  He recounted that whenever he and Ricky got the chance to talk, Ricky will always tell him about the many activities of our batch and how touched he was by the generosity and caring shown by our batchmates to Benny Guidote.

Before the evening ended, plans were made for a summer outing at the vacation house of Emma Ruivivar in Punta Fuego on April 18.  We will publish the details once they are finalized.

We are sharing with you the photo slideshow Tribute to Ricky and the pictures taken during the 9th day Novena Mass and Salu-salo.

                                          Tribute to Ricky                        9-day Novena Mass

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March 22, 2009 - On Monday, March 23,2009 at 5.30pm and onwards, we shall have the 9th day "Padasal" for Ricky Yatco at Santa Teresita Church,  right beside the residence of Ricky at 132 Mayon St., Quezon City  There will be a 6 p.m. Mass.  After the mass, we shall honor Ricky with a "salu-salo" catered by Via Mare, in Ricky's residence.

 If you will recall, way back in 2003 after we have celebrated our 35th anniversary, Ricky was elected as Chairman of the Batch'68 Alumni Association in recognition of his efforts in bringing the batch together.  His generosity in opening his home to our batch meetings and get-togethers cannot be equaled.  He inspired everyone to give 101% for our batch.  He was also instrumental in finding our late batchmate, Benny Guidote, and exerted all efforts to give the needed assistance for Benny. 

Let us therefore take this opportunity to pay tribute to our beloved batchmate Ricky Yatco, and give him the much-deserved recognition for all his efforts for our batch. 

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March 15, 2009 - Let us pray for the full recovery and healing of the mother of our batchmate, Gurmel Singh, who is presently confined at the Stanford University Hospital for heart surgery.

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Condolence to the Family of Ricky Yatco

March 15, 2009 - Our condolence to the family of our batchmate Ricky Yatco, who suffered a massive heart attack last Friday night, March 13 and passed away today.  Let us all pray for the eternal repose of his soul.  Let us also pray for Ricky's wife, Eppie and their children, that God will give them the strength to cope during this trying moment in their lives.

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Request For Prayers for the Full Recovery of Ricky Yatco

March 14, 2009 - Let us all pray for the healing and full recovery of batchmate Ricky Yatco who suffered a massive heart attack last night and is confined in the intensive care unit of UST Hospital. Based on the initial reports we gathered, Ricky is in comatose condition. Let us also pray for his wife, Eppie, that God will give her the strength to stand courageously by Ricky's side during this trying moment in their life.

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Feb. 25, 2009 - Our condolence to our batchmate  Rosalinda Ocampo Espejo and her family on the death of their mother, Mrs. Amparo Ocampo, last Saturday, Feb. 21.   Her remains lie in state at the Queen of Heaven Cemetery & Mortuary, 2161 S. Fullerton Rd, Rowland Heights, with viewing scheduled on Friday, Feb. 27, from 3-8:00 p.m.  Funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 28, 10:00 a.m. at St.  Elizabeth Ann Seton, 1835 Larkvane Rd, Rowland Heights, Ca 91748.  Let us all pray for the eternal repose of the soul of Linda's mom.

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Feb. 24, 2009 - The USTHS Grand Alumni Homecoming was held last Saturday, Feb. 21, 2009 at the UST High School Building.  Marina Valenzuela-Torres, HS Class' 80 and a USTHS AAI Trustee, wrote an article about the event -  "Forever Thomasian: The 2009 USTHS Grand Alumni Homecoming!", which we have posted. (Kindly click the link to view the entire article.)

Batch'68 representatives who attended the event will be coming out shortly with pictures and write-up about the homecoming. (Abangan.....)

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Feb. 13, 2009 -  Our condolence to Connie Romana Saavedra and her family on the death of her husband,  Elpidio Saavedra, who died last Monday, Feb. 9 due to a massive heart attack in Los Angeles, CA. Connie and her children, who are based in Toronto, Canada,  flew to LA last Tuesday, Feb. 10 and will be back in Toronto on Feb. 23.  Mr. Saavedra's remains lie in state at  Groman Mortuaries, 830 W. Washington Blvd., Los Angeles, California 90015.  The viewing schedules are as follows: Thursday, Feb. 12 from 12:00 to 4:00 P.M. and on Sunday, Feb. 15 from 12:00 to 8:00 P.M.

Let us pray for the eternal repose of Elpidio and also for Connie and her children, that God give them the strength during these trying times.

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Feb. 10, 2009 -  Soc Reyes Swinford, who is now based in the U.S., flew in last month for a short visit.  During our high school days, Soc together with Bebot Bautista, were the female vocalists of the popular singing group - The Rainmakers.  Some of our batch mates were on hand to welcome her with a dinner held at the residence of Emma Ruivivar Yeung in Corinthian Gardens, Q.C.  Here are some pictures shared by Soc (Please click the picture to view an enlarged version.):

       
Seated (L-R): Baby Balatbat De Guzman, Soc Reyes Swinford, Evelyn Del Rosario Laurel & Emma Ruivivar Yeung
2nd Row (L-R): Cherrie Mijares, ReneeDe Los Reyes Nolasco, Bebet Gillera Gozun, Jojo Panganiban, Juliet Casis,
Elena Chanyungco Reyes, Ruby Yulo, Jerry Yeung (husband of Emma), and John Tan
Back : Joey Crisostomo, Don & Bennie Mejia, Ed Alimagno, Boy Nolasco (husband of Renee) & Marisol Lim Ybanez

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