Tuesday, August 5, 2008

IV- St. Dominic Class 1997-1998 :Sa Likod ng mga Pangarap

Contributed by Ronald B. Santos

Here's what you want to be someday way back 1998: (taken from our Annual)

BOYS:
  1. Roberto R. Aguinaldo - to be a Computer Engineer
  2. Nilo V. Batingana Jr. - to be a Professional Basketball Player
  3. Cherwin R. Bernardo - to be an Engineer
  4. John Lenon B. Caluag - to be a successful Engineer
  5. Alberto N. Cruz Jr. - to be a Computer Engineer
  6. Burt M. Cruz - to be an Engineer
  7. Alvin B. Cuevo - to be a successful Engineer
  8. Joseph R. de Castro - to excel in Motorsports and Music
  9. Brenevic H. Espiritu - to be a successful Engineer
  10. Elmer O. Francia - to be an Accountant
  11. Edmond H. Javier - to be a Pilot
  12. Jonar I. Javillonar - to be a Navigator
  13. Ravenal C. Joson - to be an Engineer
  14. Ricardo B. Marasigan - to be a successsful Engineer
  15. Reynaldo T. Samson - to be an Architect
  16. Ramon G. Santiago - to be a Computer Engineer
  17. Ronald B. Santos - to be a successful Engineer
  18. El Nino B. Serna - to be a successful Engineer
GIRLS:
  1. Cristina T. Arceo - to be a Newscaster
  2. Melannie A. Cabarrubias - to be a Journalist
  3. Angely C. Canafranca - to be a successful Accountant
  4. Jonnavy C. Comia - to be an Accountant
  5. Rochelle R. Cruz - to be a successful Businesswoman
  6. Jell C. Espinosa - to be a Journalist and Public Servant
  7. Daisy G. Espiritu - to be a successful Businesswoman
  8. Marivic M. Espiritu - to be an Accountant
  9. Paula Mer A. Espiritu - to be a successful Public Accountant
  10. Nina Jasmin P. Eusebio - to be a Computer Engineer
  11. Madelin M. Galvez - to be a Computer Engineer
  12. Jesusa E. Garcia - to be a successful Architect
  13. Melanie P. Gatdula - to be a successful Teacher
  14. Jasmin C. Guevarra - to be a successful Accountant
  15. Elsie D.J. Luna - to be a Psychologist
  16. Hersan Christ C. Mag-isa - to be a Broadcaster
  17. Julie A. Mag-isa - to be an Accountant
  18. Arlene B. Mendiola - to be a Newscaster
  19. Cathleen R. Montallana - to be an Ambassador
  20. Fritzie S. Pascual - to be a Psychologist
  21. Jennifer S. Rodriguez - to be an Engineer
  22. Ofelia E. Santos - to be an Engineer
  23. Olivia G. Santos - to be an educator/teacher
  24. Raquel Z. Santos - to become a Computer Scientist/Engr
  25. Rochelle Ann B. Santos - to be a Certified Lawyer
  26. Carmina F. Tayao - to be a successful Engineer
  27. Mitzi O. Tolentino - to be a Computer Engineer

Who's dream came into reality, let me hear from you..Name not in the list? Maybe nothing is written in the annual..hehe!

Sunday, July 27, 2008

Codenames: IV-St. Dominic Boys Class 97-98

By Ronald B. Santos

Eto ang mga bansag sa mga boys ng IV-St. Dominic Boys Class 97-98. Naalala nyo pa ba?
  1. Roberto Aguinaldo - aka "Ruben or Irto"
  2. Nilo Batingana - aka "Benjo or Bostick"
  3. Cherwin Bernardo - aka "Papa"
  4. John Lenon Caluag- aka "Papsy"
  5. Alberto Cruz - aka "Timus"
  6. Burt Cruz - aka "Butch"
  7. Alvin Cuevo - aka "Jamal or Diether"
  8. Joseph de Castro - aka "Josh"
  9. Elmer Francia - aka "Bolong"
  10. Brenevic Espiritu - aka "Bunot"
  11. Edmond Javier - aka "Bakal"
  12. Jonar Javillonar - aka "Botch"
  13. Ravenal Joson - aka "Tengteng or Suka"
  14. Ricardo Marasigan -aka "Untoy" (and his unique "Polo Barong")
  15. Ronald Rennison - aka "Ohwat or Balawis"
  16. Reynaldo Samson - aka "Ondong"
  17. Ramon Santiago -aka "Buwan"
  18. Ronald Santos - aka "Buko"
  19. El Nino Serna - aka "Ewoks"

Any violent reactions, feel free to comment..heheh

Friday, July 25, 2008

Isang Pagbabalik Tanaw

Contributed by Ronald B. Santos

“Please bring water plant this afternoon”. Ito ang unang assignment ntin nung 4th year high school sa pinaka-lovable nting class adviser na si Mrs. Ma. Teresa E. Enriquez (MATAE nga sya kung tawagin..heheh.)..Sino bang makakalimot sa kanyang “Law of Inertia”, Bouyant Force , Motion and Trajectory”, at ang walang kamatayang formulang 9.8 m/second square(constant gravitational force).Halos nagamit ntin sa pag-solve ng mga physics problems. Medyo nahirapan ako sa subject na ito sa totoo lang.

Tuwing Monday naalala ko my Bible Service tayo sa classroom at in na in ang Jubilee Song..Part din ng activity ang sharing portion. At madalas sa tindi ng emosyon my crying moments pa..Bidang- bida nun sa iyakan si Tiny (Cristina Arceo) at Burt..Halos nga bumaha na ng luha sa room sa tindi ng emosyon..Pang-famas na nga ang pag-emote nila. (Bato-bato sa langit wag po sanang magagalit..hehe!)

Di ko rin makakalimutan ang mga subject teachers ntin gaya nina Ma’am Peralta sa kanyang El Filibusterismo na tragic ang ending dahil namatay si Simon - ang bida ng nobela, Mrs. Filomena Garcia sa O.A. na English accent, Mr. Emannuel Cruz sa kanyang SOCATOA code sa Geometry.. At syempre ang paborito ng lahat - ang Social Studies teacher ntin na si Ms. Elisa Marcelino (Bale or Jinky Oda kung tawagin..heheh). Halos marinig ko na ang kabog ng dibdib ko sa nerbyos pag tinawag ako sa recitation kasi di ka uupo hanggang di nakakasagot..Saka bawal ang maglabas ng libro sa klase nya di ba? At isa pa ang mga exams nya super sa hirap at right minus wrong pa.. Dinaig pa yata ang bar exam e..hehe!.Remember ko pa ang isang tanong don” “Who is the father of History?” E din man nya tinuro yun..ang sagot lang pala Herodutus..Sa Stone Age or sa tribe ng mga Aztecs at Mayas pa yata nya kinuha ang question na un..heheh! Naalala nyo pa ba ang mga terms na yun sa History?.. Pero nag-enjoy naman ako sa kanya kahit paano lalo na nung my activity tayong country hunting sa world map..Remember nyo pa rin ba un?..Pero Ma’am Marcelino's teaching strategy helped me a lot not only in History but with my self-improvement as well. Di ko sya makakalimutan bilang isa sa mga “controversial teachers”of our time dahil sa kakaibang image, ang pagiging terror..heheh!

Hanggang dito na lang muna mga klasmeyts at readers ng post na ito..Kwentuhan ko kayo ulit next time ng mga memorable events ng high school life..

To be continued..

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Last Will and Testament

As requested by Alvin B. Cuevo

We, the Senior Class '98 of Saint Dominic Academy on the eve of our departure from the embrace of our Alma Mater do hereby relinguish the following bequests:

  1. To our beloved directress, Sr. Ma. Cecilia P. Varon O.P. we extend our profound gratitude, for her undying support and guidance as we stay in the school.
  2. To all the members of the Board of Trustees we bequeth our everlasting gratitude for their guidance and concern for our welfare.
  3. To our dearly beloved sisters-Sr. Pinlin Dahili O.P., we extend our sincere appreciation for their simple but meaningful and affectionate guidance.
  4. To our principal, Mrs. Herminia B. Espinosa and to all the members of the faculty and office personnel we bequeth our undying love for their parental care, support and advice that enabled us to carry on our school activities successfully.
  5. To our disciplinarian, Mrs. Cecilia P. Clemente and Mrs. Marcela M. Bantog, our activities coordinator, we bestow our heartfelt gratitude for their concern, understanding, patience and guidance extended to us during our four-year stay in the school.
  6. To the undergraduates our beloved brothers and sisters we bequeth the following legacies:
    • The SDA with all the facilities.
    • The statue of Saint Dominic of Guzman our patron saint.
    • The shady acacia, mango and talisay trees that give us shelter on sunny days enabling us to enjoy our usual "chit-chat".
    • The Basketball court, we particularly bequeth to the next batch of SDA Basketball Players.
    • The well-kept library with its stock-piled books, magazines and references which many students read.
    • The flourishing SDA canteen that sells a variety of foods.
    • Our beloved teachers to whom we confide problems and from whom we learned treasures of life's vision.
  7. To the Juniors who our immediate heirs and heiresses, we heartily bequeth the following:
    • Our wet and dry laboratories where they are to encounter many puzzling and interesting problems
    • The favorite expressions of our beloved teachers: Adios Patria Adorada... Malapit na ang Marts, Hanggang unang baitang lang kayo ng stage... Very elementary... ano bayan... tumatag ka... class will you please take your seat.
    • The well-equipped and properly arranged CAT headquarters where we usually hear, "Tok, tok, tok, Permission to enter Sir", under the supervision of our commandant Mr. Melanio Natividad.
    • Our fellow students, the freshmen and the sophomores with their respective talents and abilities to conserve and develop.
    • The admirable traits and characteristics of the following:
      • The undisputable and efficient leadership of our SC President, Ravenal Joson to Ma. Theresa de Castro
      • The incomparable bearing of Reynaldo Samson our CAT-I Corps Commander to Ryan del Rosario
      • The practical talent of Melanie Cabarrubias to Jenny Rose Joson.
      • The mimeographic talent of Alvin Cuevo to Zarah Kristine Gatuz.
      • The specialty of Ronald Santos in grammar and sentence construction to Pablo Samson.
      • The artistic pen of Ricardo Tayao and Roberto Aguinaldo to Erick Poot.
      • The special talent of Joseph de Castro in strumming the guitar to Edmar Demiar.
      • The graceful and debonaire bearing of Maricel Mariano to Joan Calderon.
      • The dashing good looks of Burt Cruz to Marty David Santos.
      • The golden voice of Jell Espinosa to Sonny Obin.
      • The gentlemanly behavior of Ramon Santiago and Rolando Rivera II to Sandy Joson.
      • The comical talent of "scene stealers" Elmer Francia and Ricardo Marasigan to Eulogio Glorioso.
      • The talkativeness of Bryan Keith Leonardo to Sherwin Centeno.
      • The childlike manners of Santos Tayao to Rex Manalaysay.
      • The towering height of Renato Leonardo to Eduardo Grande.
      • The incredible mathematical talent of Madelin Galvez to Heidi Susmiran.
      • The special talent of Cristina Arceo to Catherine Tobias.
      • The perfect height and beauty of Evangeling Calderon and Lea Cruz to Cristine Evangelista and Dianna de Asis.
      • The graceful way fo dancing of Jay-ar Calderon to Manila Managuio.
      • The shooting abilities and tactics of Brenevic Espiritu and Nilo Batingana to Dan Michael Martinez and Tristan Lee Cruz.
      • And lastly, all the fun and hardships of the entire graduating class to the incoming Seniors.
  8. To our long-cherished mentors with their dedicated will to develop the budding talents and promising potentials of the following:
    • The singing talent of Vanessa BaƱaga.
    • The poetic talent of Minerva Ilag.
    • The comic talent and potentials of Herbert Reyes.
    • The looks of Marilyn Reyes.
    • The born talent of Jonas Tabucol in drawing.


Lastly, we also bequeth our thrillion thanks to Ka Erning Tagalag, Ka Jun Manaois and Rogel Pabia for their untiring efforts to keep the facilities of our Alma Mater always clean and orderly.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Class Prophecy * Class 1998 by year 2012 *

By Melanie Cabarubias

I rose early, that I might behold the glory of morning among the mountains. The eastern sky was already overspread, as with a thin silvery veil, with at least trace amber, and gold among its threads; while one solitary star, like a great opal, hung suspended in the translucent atmosphere, its rich heart glowing with red and yellow flame. As dawn brightened in the east, and rose-tints deepened along the sky, and the atmosphere grow tremulous as the lance-like beams began to pierce it. I seemed to hear the voice which in the beginning said "Let there be light!" and at that instant memories begin to fill in my mind.

It was a relaxing Sunday afternoon in the year 2012. I just attended a victory party in Philippine Island Hotel owned by Jolaida Dumpit and managed by Narcisa Aguilar a day after the Philippine Basketball Team composed of Renato Leonardo, Nilo Batingana, Wilfredo Jallorina, Elmer Francia, Edmon Javier, Brenevic Espiritu as their team captain defeated the NBA veterans. Italian cuisine were catered by Venetian Restaurant owned by a famous talk-show host in Asia, Angely Canafranca and the music...terrific. In fact Jell Espinosa was invited to sing the victory song managed and composed by writer of most sought-after telenovelas of today. It was attended by Annaliza Bernardo recently crowned Ms. Asia Pacific and also their muse, Michael Sebastian the team's manager, Cerwin Bunoy the team's coach, other VIP's and of course their never-say die spirit fans! It was a wonderful party! At exactly 4 a.m. I left.

When I reached my place in an island in the Atlantic, I hurried to my room and turned on my automatic radio given to me by my bestfriend Alberto Cruz who is now the commissioner of the Bureau of Internal Revenue. I listened to the voice of Ruel Cruz, a famous pop singer, and was lulled to sleep. At 2:00 p.m. I read a book on human psychology written by Herdeliza Mirano. I turned on my Laser Disc Player and watched a movie that stars Ms. Cristina Arceo - a recently chosen Best Actress in Oscars, now the highest paid actress in the movie capital of the world - in Hollywood. Then, I turned on my cable TV and watched CNN and Josephine Fajardo just started reporting the latest news. She reported the latest issue on sexual relationship that struck the whole world, the said case handled by Private Prosecutor Gilbert de Guzman who strongly believes that truth shall prevail.

The Supreme Court in Washington D.C. headed by Chief Justice Maricel Mariano had expressed the same idea about the case and would handle the case carefully. Suddenly, the power supply was cut off, I called Madelin Galvez, President of Nuclear Energy Plant to inform her of the power failure. Then I turned to my bed and rested.

The next day, I went to my office riding in my teal-green Ferrari. I hurried in my office as my executive secretary Rosalee Reyes informed me of an invitation for a golf exhibition to be participated in by Ricardo Marasigan, Ryan Suarez, Rene Boy Cruz, taking away the championship crown from Conrad Aquino, world's youngest champion golfer. I left the tournament with an urgent call from the Ambassadress of the Philippines in England Ms. Marianne Mag-isa informing me of my meeting with Prince Burt Cruz, heir to the throne of England.

The afternoon a private jet plane took me to Buckingham Palace. As I ascended the rump, my attention was caught by the stewardess who is receiving the passengers. But after scrutinizing her face, I exclaimed, "Lea.. is that you?" Yes, and who could forget that tall pretty lady, Lea Cruz, now very beautiful and still blooming. Then, she requested Juliet Egonia to show me the first class seats and escorted me to my seat passing by other delegates for the said meeting with the heir. Aboard the plane were Dr. Jonar Javillonar, President of the World's Medical Society conversing with the other physicians Ramon Santiago, Joenel Adriano, Analee Salosagcol and Caroline dela Cruz. Then, I saw a gorgeous lady approaching. And yes, how could I be mistaken... its Evangeline Calderon, winner of the Elite Model of the Year aboard for a modeling stint in London, escorted by Three Star General Rolando Rivera II.

As soon as I descended from the plane, Ravenal Joson, England's Chief of Staff warmly welcomed us for the conference. We boarded the English Submarine and he showed us the beauty of English seas. Suddenly a pretty lady came up on stage, it was Marilyn Santos, escorted by Reynaldo Samson, President of the Water and Aquamarine Saftey Organization. Mary Grace Silvestre was the emcee of the show. The program begun and after some speeches from the people who are responsible for the construction of the English submarine, a song was rendered by a golden voice of Jeryll Agustin. This was followed by an undersea-computer dance presented by Aaron Cruz, Jay-ar Calderon, Santos Tayao. Later Gabriel Castillo, the mind behind the making of the submarine showed the audience the different rooms and hallways of the ship.

The next morning I heard the blooming voice of Ryan Ruiz, the control officer announcing the submarine's first stop at the famous Mediterranean Sea and we were welcomed in the Egyptian coast by the Republic's First Lady, Ida Aguilar. After that we cruised the River Nile and stopped for the long awaited meeting the Prince January Ocampo for his privileged speech in his luxury trip. After this conference we left the English Submarine and I returned to my room in England Diamond Hotel owned by Ma. Theresa Peralta. Being quite tired, I fell asleep.

The next day we were invited for another adventure aboard Super Titanic, the ship of all dreams, the most luxurious ship everyone would dream of riding in. We were welcomed by Andrea Guerrero, the ship's pubic relations officer and guided me to Erwin Calderon, the architect of the famous marine vessel. After a day of touring the whole ship, I rested in my private room.

Upon waking up, I was surprised to see Ronald Rennison, director of the famous pop artist jamming with Rowell Nicolas, Cherrylyn Arceo, Carlota Calderon otherwise known as Extra Terrific Trio. Then I went to the ship's gambling house. The moment I entered, a voice shouting with joy for winning in Lucky Zero. It seemed familiar, and as I expected it was Joseph de Castro, Head of the World Bank and seated beside her was Christine Santiago, her executive secretary.

After a short while, I bade them goodbye to my room. Then I received a billet doux from my Mom asking me to go home at once for she misses me already. So I requested Alvin Clemente to get me a private plane that will bring me to my island in the Atlantic. Irish Cruz newspaper where Ronald Santos was the editor-in-chief and was surprised to read that Rev. Fr. Cherwin Bernardo of Manila was now elected as the Most Outstanding Priest in the Philippines. That suddenly hit me and I remember my nun friends Sis. Elsie Luna, Mother Superior of the Dominican Sisters in the Philippines and Rochelle Santos, a pre-school directress of the contentment they had in their simple life with the simple people.

The light gave me hope as I get back in my sense on my way back to my memories. I can't help thinking how fast time flies-years-the graduates, the class '98 where we belong have had only a handful dreams, we parted ways to blaze our individual trails in the vast world we live in. Now those dreams are realities. My thoughts then and now kept coming back to our beloved ALMA MATER, St. Dominic Academy for she cradled our dreams, our hope and our youth.

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

It's Been 10 Years

What by our eyes we've seen...
What by our ears we've heard...... That we may be one, one in faith, hope and love in the victory of Christ...
Can you still remember that song? Well, just take a look at the back cover of our annual for you to reminisce that time when we sing that song :) If you still can't remember, ahm, can't blame you, It's Been 10 Years since we sang that song.

Have you ever wondered, where everyone have been? Who end up with whom? A lot of questions, and I am building this site for us to keep track of our batch. Hope this would help.

Just a couple of weeks ago. Irish told me that we would be this years host for the annual SDA Alumni Homecoming. Being the Seniors President, I would want to start by knowing who are the Presidents of each section, and call a meeting perhaps. I have here the list, I just don't have their contact info. Hope you guys help me find them by spreading this blog.

  • St. Dominic - Maricel E. Mariano
  • St. Albert - Irish M. Cruz
  • St. Thomas - Leah F. Cruz
  • St. Martin - Michael R. Sebastian
  • St. Vincent - ???

So long for now, will be posting stuffs for you to recall the memories of our highschool years. Please do email me at mmgalvezph[at]yahoo[dot]com of your whereabouts and I'll gladly post them as well here to let everyone know :)

So long, hope to see all of you soon.
God Bless!!!