NESHS '58 Worldwide Alumni Community |
(Excerpted from Mernilo Dionisio's 1/30/03 EMail)Ace,
FYI. Received from Rudy sometime last week a money order from Western Union in the amount of $310.00 representing excess money from the July 2002 reunion, calculated as follows:
Collected from Members: $1,910.00
Guests: 730.00
Total: $2,640.00
Less Expenses:
Conference Center rental: ($1,761.00)
Misc (DJ, Tickets, etc): ( $569.00)
Total Expenses: $2,330.00
Balance remitted: $ 310.00
I will deposit the above. Please advise if you or anybody has suggestions regarding this money.
Regards,
Nilo
September 1, 2002
Dear Colleagues,
As you will recall one decision made during our group’s business meeting last July in Chesapeake (Virginia), is to include honorary members in our NESHS ’58 alumni group.
Developing and researching for that task, a variety of questions came up; such as, (1) the criteria for a person to be an honorary member; (2) how is the person actually selected; (3) his\her privileges and limitation of privileges vis-à-vis an alumni; (4) how do we define who is an alumni; (5) what is the purpose of our group; (6) what validates or guides or actions; (7) etc., etc. etc.
It became obvious very quickly that the “simple” task of bringing in honorary members to our group is less than simple. To do that “simple” task, we first need to structure things (things that we have simply understood among ourselves or taken for granted). Structuring (i.e., defining) things is beneficial since we will come up with a coherent document that will essentially be the “guidebook” for the conduct of our affairs.
That initial structuring was done and the result is the attached BY-LAWS. The proposed By-Laws defines the following six (6) Articles: the Name & Nature of the association, its Purposes, Membership, Council of Alumni, Amendments to the By-Laws, and Ratification of the By-Laws. As you can see, the main topics (i.e., the Articles) are mainly what the by-laws aims to define. The definition under each article (i.e., the Sections) are plain and straightforward (they just took more words to describe). The Sections needs to be defined with specificity so that we (and other present and future members) will have a common understanding on how things are and should be done. That way, our association will exist with a constitutional foundation, with a defined basis for consistency and justice in our actions, and equipped to handle all foreseen situations with a framework of guidelines.
The proposed By-Laws recommends the formation of the Council of Alumni (SEE: Article IV, Sections 21-23). The concept of the Council is very significant. Imagine the Council members as the representatives of the general association membership, somewhat like the U.S. Congress, Senate and the White House rolled-up into one. The Council will be the heart-mind-and-soul (and, most of the times, the legs also) of the association. The Council is essentially the embodiment of the existing core group of alumni that have nurtured, supported and made the decisions for our group thru the years. These alumni are named in the cc list below (plus the undersigned, who is not listed).
After we have arrived at the final version of the By-Laws, it will be ratified (that is, signed by its chartering creators). The proposed signatories of the by-laws will be the following nine (9) alumni: M. Dionisio, N. Grajo, H. Lotuaco, R. Mariano, C. dela Pena, E. Reyes, E. Tanghal, E. Siwa, and R. Siwa. After ratification, the By-Laws becomes enacted (springs to life) and automatically brings to life and empowers the Council of Alumni.
When it first come into being, the Council (as provided by the By-Laws’ Article IV, Section 23(a)), will be composed of the following seven (7) alumni: T. Pangilinan, N. Grajo, H. Lotuaco, R. Mariano, C. dela Pena, E. Reyes and E. Siwa).
At that point, it is recommended that the Council take the following actions: 1. The Council, pursuant to Article IV, Section 23(b) and 24, will have a meeting by mail\email where M. Dionisio, E. Tanghal and R. Siwa will be nominated-&-elected to be members of the Council; 2. After the election of M. Dionisio, E.M. Tanghal and R. Siwa to the Council, the Council will have a second meeting by mail\email where the Council Officers (i.e., the Council Chair, Vice Council Chair, Treasurer, Comptroller and Secretary) will be nominated-and-elected. After we have done Step 2 above, our association will then be fully staffed and fully ready to do its short- and long-term tasks. Then we can take on the subject of “honorary members” (remember?) again. At that future point in time, we will actually consider the names and qualities of member candidates.
What you are requested to do presently: (1) Please carefully review the attached By-Laws document, make comments\notations on it (if you need to), and/or call\mail\email me if you need clarification (or to point out errors\omissions\conflicts) on any Article or Section; (2) after you have done your comments\notations, mail\email me the pages with comments\notations by or before October 4, 2002; (3) I will incorporate the comments\notations made by everybody on the original By-Laws and send the updated copy to each of you; (4) we will repeat Steps 1-3 until we get a final By-Laws that is agreeable to all of us; (5) then we sign the By-laws (which will be done serially thru the mail); and (6) after all have signed and the fully signed (i.e., ratified) By-Laws gets back to me, I will make-&-send a copy to each signatory; (7) the Council votes-&-elects the elected Council members (i.e., M. Dionisio, R. Siwa & E. Tanghal); (8) the Council votes-&-elects the Council officers; (9) the Council officers assumes\starts their 4-year terms; (10) the Council Chair drafts a letter announcing the ratification of the By-Laws and the Association’s roster of officers; and (11) the Council Secretary mails\emails the Council Chair’s letter to the Association members.
This letter (and the By-Laws attachment) is being sent (ONLY to the cc-list below) by email to those that have email and by U.S. mail to those that do not. To the emailed recipients: Please email advise immediately that the letter-&-attachment were received. Otherwise, I will conclude that you have not received same (which will require me then to make a trip to the post office to mail you a hard copy).
Thank you for your time.
(Signed)Horatio
Cc: M. Dionisio, N. Grajo, R. Mariano, C. dela Pena, E. Reyes, E.Tanghal, E. Siwa, & R. Siwa
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
We have a number of exciting developments to relay to you. Most important: We had a very good 44th Class Anniversary reunion in Virginia; weather was sunny and in the 80s most of the time; the atmosphere was festive; and the company was friendly, all happy to be there and all happy to see each other. We also have exciting things on the “drawing board” for the coming years.
A. Chesapeake, VA Reunion. The reunion was successfully held last July 12th -15th in Chesapeake, Virginia. There were about sixty (60) individuals who joined the festivities. The P.I. alumni delegation were composed of Romy Padiernos, Luming Mariano and Remy de San Jose Almondiel. The U.S. delegation were composed of: Norma Afable Grajo (and hubby Frank), Erlinda Baguisa Siwa (and hubby Roly), Nilo Dionisio (and wife Annie), Ace Lotuaco (and wife Violeta), Esper Magbitang Tanghal (and hubby Jess), Victoria Malgapo Mogan (and hubby Conrad), Rudy Mariano (and wife Lina), Chit Palomo dela Pena (and hubby Fort), Vicki Pascual (wife of Efren) and Teya Reyes. A former teacher, Ms. Gregoria Velayo Reyes, was also among the celebrants. “Miss Velayo” looks very healthy and young.
Guests from the “Samahang Gapan” association of New Jersey were Hector Magno (Pres.), Tony Rodriguez (former & 1st Pres.), Louie Alibutod and Tom Bagasan (and his daughter). Guests of the Siwas were Ding Alejos & wife; and two visiting brothers (with their respective wives) of Erlinda from the Philippines. Guests of Teya were sibling’s Romy and Dolly. Guests of the Marianos were Lita Townsend and Lina’s siblings Deli (and husband Fred Soriano), Aida (and hubby Ado), Josie and Joe (and wife Nannette).
The reunion was highlighted by the hospitality and sumptuous table offerings of the Marianos (reunion’s Hosts\Coordinators); sightseeing and boat tour of Norfolk’s downtown harbor and naval base; a luau; dinner-dance with an excellent dinner buffet and a DJ-provided music; and, most important, renewal of acquaintances and sharing the “latest” with friends and colleagues from California, Illinois, New Jersey, Virginia, West Virginia and the Philippines.
The Dinner-Dance affair started with the singing (led by Jess Tanghal, hubby of Esper) of the U.S. and P.I. national anthems. Entertainment numbers performed during breaks in the dinner-dance: fun games devised by Esper and Vicki Pascual. The “necktie game” was outrageously hilarious; a Hawaiian dance – in full grass skirt finery -- performed by Nannette Ibay (sister-in-law of Rudy Mariano). Transfixing; and the Siwas tango rendition. Classic. Guests Ding Alejos and Hector Magno also gave it their all singing Tagalog songs.
B. Year 2003 P.I. Reunion. This “grand reunion” will mark a milestone, the Class’ 45th graduation anniversary. The reunion’s main events will happen during the week ending on November 9th. A reunion in Gapan and a 4-day tour of the Ilocos region is on the schedule of main events. These are the main info presently. As more detailed info becomes available, our designated 45th Anniversary Reunion U.S. Liaison, Mernilo Dionisio, will let us know.
C. Year 2005 U.S. Reunion. (Yes! Our plans are up to 2005). This reunion will mark the Class’ 47th graduation anniversary. The reunion will be held in Lake Tahoe, Nevada (per Norma Afable Grajo, who recommended the site, Lake Tahoe is very nice). The designated reunion Coordinator is Erlinda Baguisa Siwa. The specific month-&-date and length of the reunion are not yet defined. As more detailed info becomes available, Erlinda will let us know.
D. Honorary Members – NESHS ’58 U.S. Alumni. Our group, the NESHS ’58 U.S. Alumni association, will allow the inclusion of a limited number of individuals, who are non-Class ’58 alumni, as honorary members. This decision was partly actuated by the expression of a number of individuals, who are non-Class ’58 alumni, to be included in our group. You would be pleased to know: Unintentionally, our group has developed a reputation, a good one at that, with some people that have “seen” and/or have been with our activities. Some of these individuals have publicly expressed their desire to somehow be affiliated with our group. The discussion paper – covering the selection criteria, procedure and privileges of the honorary members -- will be prepared in the near future.
E. “NESHS” School Name Restoration Project. Our Class will initiate a project to determine what can be done to restore the name “Nueva Ecija South High School” for our high school (which is presently named “Juan R. Liwag Memorial High School” or ”JRLMHS” for short).
For your information (and based on our initial findings): The name change from NESHS to JRLMHS was initiated, we were told by a reliable source, by an individual who was running for a local office (in Gapan) and who was seeking the favor of the late then Senator Liwag. The motion for the name change was submitted to a Gapan municipal panel and was approved. The approved motion was then taken by the our district’s Congressman (at that time) to a House panel and was approved. Note that during all these “submittals and approvals”, there was no public discussion of the proposed change nor were the NESHS alumni consulted nor did the alumni who knew (if any) put up an opposition to the motion. Note too that the name change was politically motivated.
This is our frame of mind at this time: In the Gapan City government, there is a process to have a public school’s name changed. If that process was used to change our school’s “NESHS” name to something else, we can use that same process to rename the school’s current “JRLMHS” name back to “NESHS”. To achieve that objective, what we need is knowledge (of the process), resources (to sustain our effort) and the will to do it. Will keep you posted how this project progresses.
F. Sol Ligon’s “Thank You” Note. Thru Romy Padiernos, Sol sent us a message (SEE: Attached. The attached letter is a transcription of the tagalog-written original). The help that we sent was contributory to the recovery and rehabilitation of Sol from a life-threatening condition. Your help, more than we could envision then, went a “long way” towards the wellness of Sol.
G. After The Reunion, The P.I. Delegation. After visiting relatives in Canada and New York, Romy Padiernos will be flying back to Manila end of this month. Remy de San Jose Almodiel will be visiting her children and relatives in California, Virginia and Canada. She will be in the continent for about 3 months (after which she will be going back to Manila). Luming is an immigrant, is presently visiting relatives in Virginia, and will be residing in California eventually.
That’s all for now; thank you for your patience and have a good summer.
(Signed)Horatio
Dear Ace & Violy Lotuaco, Nilo & Annie Dionisio, Efren & Vicki Pascual, Rolly & Erlinda Siwa, Rudy & Tessie Alvarez, Fort & Chit dela Pena, Rudy & Lina Mariano, Roger & Lilia de Guzman and Teya Reyes,
Ako’y nagpapasalamat sa inyong lahat sa naibigay ninyong tulong sa aming pamilya lalong-lalo na sa akin.
Alam ninyo na ang aking naging sakit ay biglaan. Natulog lang ako ng Sabado ng gabi, kinabukasan hindi na ako nagising. Nagising man ako pero wala akong nakikilala kahit isa. 3 months and 2 weeks na ganoon ako.
Nagsidalaw sila sa akin sa hospital. Alam ninyo nagtanong sa akin si Matilde kung kilala ko siya. Nagisip daw ako ng matagal at ang sinagot kong pangalan ay “Myrna”. Lahat sila “Myrna” and ibinigay kong pangalan. Ni hinde ko nakita o nakilala ang doctor na nag-opera sa akin.
Muli ako’y nagpapasalamat ng maraming sa inyong lahat ng dahil sa inyo binigyan pa ako ng pangalawang buhay.
Sana maging masaya at memorable ang reunion party diyan.
GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU!!!
SOL LIGON INOCENCIO
Due to the heavy traffic and limited\parking problems at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront during the summer months, the Sunday Dinner-dance has been moved from the Barclay Towers to the Chesapeake Conference Center. The center is located in Greenbrier behind the Wellesley Inn.
Our itinerary is as follows;
A. Dates of Reunion: July 12, 13, 14 & 15
B. Planned Activities:
1. Friday, July 12, 2002
   a. Arrival of guests.
   b. Welcome dinner to be held at our place.
2. Saturday, July 13, 2002. 8:00 am – 4:00 pm.
   a. Sightseeing tour to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.
   b. MacArthur Memorial.
   c. Nauticus and Battleship Wisconsin ($8.50 entrance fee).
   d. Boat ride to Norfolk Naval Base ($12.00 admission fee).
   e. 7:00 pm – Luau at our place.
3. Sunday, July 14, 2002.
   a. 12:00 pm – Luncheon\meeting. Seafood festival.
   b. 7:00 pm – 12:00 am. Dinner\Dance will be held at the Chesapeake Conference Center in Greenbrier. Dinner will be $30 per head. We need at least 50 attendees.
4. Monday, July 15, 2002.
   a. Farewell breakfast – Location to be decided at the luncheon meeting.
C. Hotel accommodations are as follows:
Wellesley Inn, 721 Conference Center Dr., Chesapeake, VA 23320. Telephone: (757) 366-0100. Reservation code is: NESHS CLASS OF 1958. The hotel is located about three miles from our house. Room rate is $65.00 per day, excluding taxes, with continental breakfast.
Please confirm no later than March 31, 2002. I have blocked ten rooms and can have additional rooms added no later than April 15, 2002.
Please RSVP by May 31, 2002. Telephone (757) 479-0612. Email: NEHSGrad58@aol.com.
Please plan on joining us this summer.
Rudy Mariano
Reunion Coordinator
Excerpted from Efren Pascual's 3/3/2002 EMail to Rudy Mariano:
Subj: Attendees-2002 reunion
Date: 3/3/2002 8:59:32 AM Eastern Standard Time
From: espascual@pacific.net.ph (efren s. pascual)
To: NEHSGrad58@aol.com (Rudy Mariano)
Dear Rudy,
I just want to let you know that we had a NESHS '58 Metro Manila group get together today, Sunday. Among other things, I want to relay to you the confirmation of attendance to the 2002 reunion of the following alumni, from the Metro-Manila group.
Remy de San Jose Almodiel is attending the Virginia reunion. Luming Mariano Antonio will attend. She is migrating to the U.S. on May 12. Romy and Letty Manuel also confirmed. Oscar and Myrna Vallarta have been promised by a brother of Oscar free tickets. Oscar said if they do get the tickets, they will attend.
Also, Romy Padiernos will talk to Tameng and Norma Camaya and will ask them to join the Virginia reunion. I, on the other hand will talk to Manuelito and Tess Matias and convince them to see America again via the Virginia reunion.
I will keep on giving you updates and rest assured that we are trying our best to get additional 2002 reunion attendees.
My best regards to you and Lina and the family.
EFREN
January 11, 2002
Dear Friends & Colleagues:
This is to remind everybody about our 44th class reunion.
Our itinerary (in case you lost my first letter) is as follows:
A. Dates of Reunion: July 12,13,14 & 15.
B. Planned activities:
1. Friday, July 12, 2002
a. Arrival of guests.
b. Welcome dinner to be held at our place.
2. Saturday, July 13, 2002. 8:00 am – 4:00 pm.
a. Sightseeing tour to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge
b. MacArthur Memorial.
c. Nauticus and Battleship Wisconsin ($8.50 entrance fee).
d. Boat ride to Norfolk Naval Base ($12.00 admission fee).
e. 7:00 pm – Luau at our place.
3. Sunday, July 14, 2002
a. 12:00 pm – Luncheon meeting/Seafood Festival.
b. 7:00 pm – 12:00 am: Dinner Dance will be held at the Barclay Towers on the Virginia Beach oceanfront. Dinner will be $30.00 per head. We need at least 50 attendees.4. Monday, July 15, 2002
a. Farewell breakfast – Location to be decided at the luncheon meeting.
C. Hotel accommodations are as follows:
1. Wellesley Inn, 721 Conference Center Dr., Chesapeake, VA 23320. Telephone (757) 366-0100. Reservation code is: NESHS CLASS OF 1958. The hotel is located about three miles from our house. Room rate is $65.00 per day excluding taxes with continental breakfast. Please confirm no later than March 31, 2002. I have blocked ten rooms and can have additional rooms added no later than April 15, 2002.
2. As in the last reunion in California, we will provide hotel accommodations, Sunday dinner, and the sightseeing tour for our colleagues from the Philippines.
I need to make a deposit for the dinner dance so I would like to ask each U.S. alumni attending to please send $100.00 by March 31, 2002.
The following have confirmed: Esper and Jessie Magbitang-Tanghal, Rudy and Linda Siwa, Ace and Violy Lotuaco, Chit and Fort Dela Pena, Nilo and Annie Dionisio, Efren and Vicky Pascual.
For those who have not done so, please send your confirmation or call me at (757) 479-0612 or e-mail at: NEHSGrad58@aol.com. For those of you flying in, your final destination is Norfolk International Airport (ORF).
Ace has some good news from our colleagues from the Philippines. Romy and Letty Padiernos, Lumen Mariano, Remedios San Jose, Zenaida Linsangan and Herminigildo Camaya will all be attending.
I am counting on all of you to attend in order to make this reunion another successful one. Please make an effort to join us this summer. I’ll be looking forward to seeing all of you.
Sincerely,
(Signed) Rudy Mariano
Janaury 9, 2001
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
We almost missed this development: Eyo's (Rogelio de Guzman) elder brother Ben de Guzman succumbed to a heart failure sometime during the Christmas holidays. The deceased brother was a retired dentist, resides in New Jersey, and an active member of Samahang Gapan. The deceased is survived by his wife Naty. Eyo's family loss has been quite severe: his other older brother, Temyong, died sometime last year.
Eyo has been an involved member of the NESHS '58 Alumni Assoc.: he and his wife attended the Class' P.I. reunion in 1998; and has always participated in the group's fund drives. In his quiet and simple ways, Eyo has "told" us that he is a part of NESHS '58.
Your word, note or thought of sympathy or caring would be most welcomed by Eyo and his family. Just in case you do not have the info, Eyo's address\Tel. No are: 1032 Burwell St., Apt. 2; Bremerton, WA 98337; Tel# 360.415-9953. Pls., if you have the time, relay the above info to NESHS '58 friends\colleagues (in your social circle) who are not among those in this EMail circulation. Whatever we can do in this regard would mean a lot to Eyo.
Thanks and have a good year.
(Signed) Horatio
October 17 2001
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
I am most sorry to relay to you a sad news that I received just a few minutes ago from Chit and Fort. Chit's mother, who was staying in Gapan, passed away early this morning (October 17th).
No date has been set yet for the interment of the deceased. Chit and Fort will be taking a flight to attend the funeral in Gapan. The date of interment will be set when the dela Penas arrives in the P.I. and we will be informed of that date then.
Chit was a charter member – with Esper, Erlinda, Norma, Danilo, Rolando, Ace and their respective spouses and children -- of the NESHS ’58 U.S.A. Alumni Association (which launched the first reunion of the group in Williamsburg, Virginia in July of 1989). Chit's and Fort's consistent support of our group's activities have proven indispensable in making our association the distinguished organization that it is today.
Your words/notes of sympathy, condolences and moral support would be most appreciated by Chit, Fort and the dela Pena family especially in this the family's moment of loss. The dela Pena’s residential address is at: 92 N. Edward St., Sayreville, NJ 08872. Their telephone no. is: 732.257-2598.
Please relay this news to your area's or circle of (high school) colleagues that are not among those included in this Email list.
Thank you very much and have a pleasant and safe week.
(Signed) Horatio
October 11, 2001
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
We recently received the sad news from Mernilo that Danilo Zabat's mother, Dominga A. Zabat, passed away early morning Wednesday (October 10th). Viewing of the deceased is scheduled 6:00-9:00 PM on October 13th at a funeral home near the Zabat's Pennsylvania residence.
The deceased will be taken to the Philippines on October 20th. Interment will be in Gapan, Nueva Ecija on October 24th. Danilo and his siblings (together with their respective spouses) will all be going home for the funeral.
Danilo was a charter member – with Chit, Esper, Erlinda, Norma, Rolando,Ace and their respective spouses and children -- of the NESHS ’58 U.S.A. Alumni Association (which launched the first reunion of the group in Williamsburg, Virginia in July of 1989). Danilo, with his sense of humor and class spirit, helped in making the association what it is today.
Your words/notes of sympathy, condolences and moral support would be most appreciated by Danilo, his wife Virginia and the Zabat family especially in this the family's moment of loss. The Zabat’s residential address is at: (Pls. refer to the '98 Reunion Alumni directory). Their telephone no. is: (Pls. refer to the '98 Reunion Alumni directory).
Please relay this news to your area's or circle of (high school) colleagues that are not among those included in this Email list.
Thank you very much and have a pleasant and safe weekend.
(Signed) Horatio
July 9, 2001
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
Thank you for your generous donation and willingness to help a colleague who recently underwent a serious operation and is presently in very trying circumstance.
We have eight donors (listed below in alpha last name order) whose generosity provided $500 for the family of Sol;
Donor - Donation (Check No.)
Rudy and Tessie Alvarez - $100.00 (Chk# WS 464)
AWELLSOL - $100.00 ( )
Nilo Dionisio - $50.00 ( )
Rogelio De Guzman - $25.00 (Chk# NFCU 753)
Rudy Mariano - $50.00 (Chk# BA 8482)
Chit dela Pena - $50.00 (Chk# ANB 2541)
Estrella V Reyes - $25.00 (Chk# WFB 3604)
Rudy and Erlinda Siwa - $100.00 (Chk# PBT 9579)
To maximize the funds given to Sol’s family (without the bank’s $100 wire charges), per Nilo and Efren’s initiative, Efren will get $500.00 from his daughter’s (Bong) dollar account in the Philippines and give the amount to Sol’s daughter (Jay). In the U.S., Nilo will send $500 to Vicki Pascual in New Jersey (who will deposit the same amount to her daughter’s account). Our appreciation to Nilo & Efren (and the latter’s family) for “going the extra mile” to get the funds to Sol.
Per Efren’s 6/23 Email: “My latest communication with the daughter of Sol (Jay Inocencio Gandia) was about two days ago. She said that Sol has not completely recovered her memory as yet. Sol is undergoing therapy at the Philippine General Hospital once a week. She said that Sol as of last session , still could not remember how many children she has , and could not enumerate all the names of her children.” This letter is only being sent to the donors named above. Summary of this letter will be included in a future letter to be sent to all NESHS ’58 members.
Again, thank you for kindness and generosity.
(Signed) Horatio
Date: Sun, 08 Jul 2001 21:16:42 PDT
From: "Jay Gandia"
To: NESHS-58@excite.com , DIMER29@aol.com
Subject: SOL L. INOCENCIO
On behalf of my mother, SOL L. INOCENCIO, my brother and sisters, I would like to thank you for the financial support you have sent thru Tito Efren Pascual amounting to USD500.00.
As of today, Mama is doing fine. She's now at home and having a fast recovery. She has done numbers of physical and occupational therapy. It is only now she realize that she has been in critical condition and undergone an operation in veins caused by aneurysm. Doctors say she will be back to normal in due time.
Again, thank you very much to everybody most especially to MR. HORATIO LOTUACO, MR. MERNILO DIONISIO, MR. RODOLFO/ERLINDA SIWA, MR. RODOLFO/TESSIE ALVAREZ, MS.CHIT PALOMO DELA PENA, MR. RODOLFO MARIANO, MR. ROGELIO DE GUZMAN AND MS. ESTRELLA REYES. We'll let Mama know how good/kind her classmates/friends are in time of need.May the GOOD LORD be always with you and your family. GOD BLESS! INGAT PO KAYO!
Regards,
Jay Inocencio-Gandia
Excerpted from Norma Afable Grajo's 6/6/01 EMail:
Date: 6/6/01 11:54:50 PM Eastern Daylight Time
From: Fgrajo
To: Acelot88
Hi Ace,
W are really sorry to hear about Sol's ailment. We do hope she will get better from it. I will send something to Mernilo, to help her out.
I would like to report on a sad news from California. Cecilia Yamsuan's husband, Robert died of a heart attack last night. Nydia just called me this evening. From what I understand the couple's original plan was to go back and retire in the Philipines.
I will let you know what the latest arrangement as soon as I find out from Cely.
Best regards to your family.
Norma
HML's 6/01/01 Letter RE Sol Fund Drive
June 1, 2001
Dear Friends & Colleagues,
We recently received an Email from Efren (Copy attached) advising on the emergency medical situation of a NESHS colleague, Soledad Ligon Inocencio. Sol was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm and is presently confined at the Phil. General Hospital. She underwent operation (last Sunday May 27th) and is now slowly recovering.
Efren also included a request for financial assistance made by Sol’s children (Copy attached) to meet some of their mother’s high hospitalization and medical expenses. For your information, Sol has been widowed for a number of years now.
Thru this message, we are launching a fund drive for Sol in the U.S. (Our colleagues overseas are doing a similar drive in the Philippines).
At your discretion, donations of any amount could be sent to the U.S. drive’s Safekeeper;
Mernilo Dionisio
(home address)
Please make your check payable to "Mernilo Dionisio" and encircle your check's Check No. (which will be used, in the financial statement to be sent to you, as donor's ID. Otherwise, donor's name will used as ID). Any amount would be welcomed and be of enormous help (to such an extent that our help could be life sustaining) to Sol and her children. Only for the donors, please mail your donations so that they could be received by Nilo by or before June 20, 2001.
Other News During The Last 4 Months Or So
1. Year 2002 Reunion. Rudy Mariano, Reunion Coordinator, announced in a May 5, 2001 letter (sent to everybody) the planned reunion activities and the schedule of those activities. The reunion will be a 4-day event to be held in the greater Chesapeake-Norfolk, Virginia area, home city of the Marianos.
The activities defined to date are the following: (a) A Welcome dinner for participants; (b) Sightseeing (Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel - an engineering wonder of the world, MacArthur Memorial - where the remains of Gen. Douglas MacArthur rests, Nauticus - the National Maritime Center, battleship Wisconsin - a historic warship that saw action during the 2nd World War and the Gulf War, and the Norfolk Naval Base - headquarters for the U.S. Atlantic Naval Fleet); (c) luau dinner; (d) luncheon\meeting; (e) dinner\dance; and (f) farewell breakfast.
Efren and Romy (with respective spouses) have already expressed intentions to join the reunion. P.I. colleagues-who-could would also be invited to attend. The reunion will be days-and-nights full of fun-filled activities. Plan to join and be maker of the fun-and-merriment.
2. An Engagement. Proud parents, Chit and Fort dela Pena, formally announced last May 19, 2001 the engagement of their daughter Michele to Michael Peacock. The “big event” happens in the summer of 2002.
3. Samahang Gapan’s May 1st Festival. NESHS ’58 reps (Chit & Fort dela Pena, Lina & Rudy Mariano, and Ace Lotuaco) attended Samahang Gapan’s (an association of Gapan NovoEcijanos in the East Coast) traditional May 1st Festival last May 5, 2001 in West Long Branch, New Jersey. Festival activities: introduction of new attendees, mass celebration, luncheon, entertainment provided by a number of singers and line dancing. Chit and Nilo are association officers.
4. New Lola & Lolo. Vicki & Efren Pascual are now first time Lola and Lolo. Gel, wife of their son (Richie), gave birth to first apo Jonah, last April 30th. Efren was in NJ to visit his family and welcome the arrival of his first apo. Efren is now back in Manila.
5. Family Matriarchs. The Ibay family matriarch (mother of Lina Ibay Mariano) passed away last March 28, 2001 in Chesapeake, VA. Our condolences to Lina, Rudy and their families. Chit Palomo dela Pena accompanied her mom (Inang) home to Gapan last March 1. Inang plans to stay indefinitely in the Philippines.
These are all for now and have a fine summer.
(Signed) Horatio
===
Efren's 5/24/01 EMail RE Sol Ligon Inocencio
Date: Thu, 24 May 2001 07:33:32 PDT
From: "Efren S. Pascual"
To: "Ace M. Lotuaco"
Cc: "Nilo Dionisio"
Subject: Soledad Ligon
Dear Ace,
We got the sad news just now that our classmate Soleded Ligon Inocencio has been hospitalized and diagnosed to be suffering a case of aneurysm (the weakening of the wall of the vein in the brain) and causing a clot affecting the left side of her brain. An operation is necessary to stop the clotting. I personally did not know this thing until this evening when Vicki forwarded to me an e-mail sent by the daughter of Sol. I inadvertently erased the attachment letter sent by Vicki, so I am asking her to send you a copy of the said letter.
We here in Manila, are raising some funds from our classmates on a voluntary basis in order to somehow reduce the financial burden of the family of Sol. If it is not too much to ask for, will it be possible for us to request for voluntary financial contributions from the US group? I just wish to repeat that this will be purely voluntary.
Many, many thanks in advance.
FOR THE NESHS ’58 PI GROUP
EFREN
Rear 2002 Reunion: Coordinator's Update Report
May 5, 2001
Dear Friends and Colleagues
This is an update regarding our 44th Class reunion.
Our itinerary is as follows:
A. Date of Reunion: July 12, 13, 14 & 15
B. Planned Activities:
1. Friday, July 12, 2002
a. Arrival of guests
b. Welcome dinner to be held at our place
2. Saturday, July 13, 2002 (8:00 am – 4:00 pm)
a. Sightseeing tour to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge
b. MacArthur Memorial
c. Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin ($8.50 entrance fee)
d. Boat ride to the Norfolk Naval Base
e. Luau dinner at our place
3. Sunday, July 14, 2002
a. Luncheon meeting\Seafood Festival (12:00pm)
b. Dinner\Dance (7:00pm – 12:00 am). Location – to be announced depending on number of attendees
4. Monday, July 15, 2002
a. Farewell breakfast. Location – to be announced.
Hotel accommodations are still pending.
For those of you flying into town, your final destination is Norfolk International Airport in Norfolk, VA. The airport’s code is “ORF”.
I would love to have everyone attend and participate in this upcoming reunion.
Sincerely,
(Signed) Rudy Mariano
HML's 2/2/2001 Year 2000 Recap Letter
Dear Friends and Colleagues
It is now the second month of 2001 and the new year have already given us two big events: We had the suspenseful vote recounts in Florida late last year that gave us our new U.S. president; and we had a "jueteng gate" in the Philippines that brought down a “popular” president. In our own corner of the universe, we had our own events that you might be interested to be filled in.
1. East Coast Trip of the Padiernos and Pascuals. After the July (L.A.) reunion, Romy and Lety went to New York (to visit Romy’s sister); and Efren and Vicki to New Jersey (for Efren to see their children). During their stay in the East Coast, the Padiernos also visited Chesapeake (VA), Silver Spring (MD), Jamesburg (NJ) and Sayreville (NJ). The Pascuals and Padiernos also were special guests during the July wedding of the dela Penas daughter Lorraine. Efren and Romy are now back in the Metro Manila.
2. Family Weddings. Lorraine, second daughter of Chit and Fort dela Pena, exchanged wedding vows with groom Herbert Williams last July 28, 2000 at the Our Lady of Victories church in Sayreville, New Jersey, home city of the dela Penas. Among the newlywed’s guests were the Dionisios, Lotuacos, Marianos; and -- from the P.I. -- the Padiernos and Pascuals.
Eileen, only child of Esper and Jess Tanghal, exchanged wedding vows with groom Luis Juan Lopez last September 2, 2000 at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph in San Jose, California. Among the newlywed’s guests were Rolando & Erlinda Siwa (principal sponsors), Norma & Frank Grajo, Estrella Reyes, Victoria Malgapo and Teresita Pangilinan (also a principal sponsor).
3. Other P.I. Alumni Visiting the U.S. Gloria Tuazon (now Atienza), a NESHS '58 alumna, and husband left New Jersey for the Philippines last August 25, 2000. The Atienzas were in the U.S. for several months visiting their son in New Jersey. Also, Rufino Herrera, is still in L.A. (per Rudy Mariano who had a phone chat with him last month).
4. Summer 2000 Get Together in Chesapeake (VA). Tendered by the Marianos last August 26-27, 2000. In attendance this year were the Dionisios, Lotuacos and dela Penas. Highlights: picnic and crab fest at Joe dela Cruz'(good friend of Rudy) backyard-by-the-bay; ladies doing “Star Search” renditions at Joe Ibay’s (bro-in-law of Rudy) karaoke system.
5. Condolences to Families of Colleagues. Nydia Mabalay Tinawin's mother passed away last August 30, 2000 in Gapan. Nydia attended the interment in the Philippines. Rolando and Benedicto Siwa's mother passed away last September 22, 2000 in Chicago, Illinois. Wake and interment were held in Chicago.
6. Year 2002 Reunion. Reunion Coordinator, Rudy Mariano, sent a message to everybody last December 15, 2000 to advise that (1) the reunion’s August date (because of weather considerations) have been moved to July 12-14, 2002; (2) that planning work for the reunion has started; and (3) that the Coordinator will inform us of future developments.
FYI. We have posted in our Web Site, https://neshs1958.tripod.com/home.html (when page shows, click the “Year 2002 Reunion” button), the following Greater Chesapeake, Virginia attractions:
- Chesapeake (Chesapeake Beach; Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel – one of the engineering wonders of the world)
- Norfolk (Douglas MacArthur Foundation where the remains of the illustrious general rests; Chrysler Art Museum; Norfolk Naval Base – headquarters U.S. Atlantic naval fleet; and Botanical Garden)
- Hampton (Virginia Air & Space Museum)
- Williamsburg (Colonial Williamsburg – historic; Busch Gardens – theme park; Jamestown & Yorktown – historic; Water Country, U.S.A – theme park)
As we move long, more attractions will be added to the site.
(2002 Reunion) Business meeting (proposed) agenda item. The writer will propose for discussion this item: Formation of a “Friends of the NESHS ’58 Alumni” wing for our group. The purpose of this wing is to formally recognize-and-include in our group a number of select (non-alumni) individuals (1) who have shown-and-expressed a sincere interest to join our group; and\or (2) who, by the individual’s demonstrated commendable actions beneficial to the group or its members, is recommended by an alumnus\alumna to be a “Friend of the NESHS ’58 Alumni”. Members of this wing, it will be proposed, will be non-voting members of the group. Please give this some thought.
7. Year 2000 Reunion. Enclosed are two color pics taken during the L.A. reunion. FYI. 58 reunion pictures have been posted in our Web site. Check them out and relive (or see) the reunion. Some more will be added in the near future. Also, in our site is Vicki’s (Pascual) well-written article “My NESHS ’58 Reunion 2000 Diary”. (NOTE: To get to the article from the home page, click the
button). Nice reading. These are all for now. Thank you for your time and have a pleasant year.
(Signed) Horatio
Leonora's Message for the L.A. Reunion
July 1, 2000
Dear Classmates,
I am really sorry that I would not be able to attend our Class reunion in L.A. because it coincides with my husband’s 35th Anniversary (coral Jubilee) and he will be one of the speakers on July 15, 2000 in Chicago.
He joined us in our Class reunion in the Philippines during our 40th Anniversary. This time I will attend their Coral Jubilee which is the same date as our reunion in L.A.
Please convey to our dear classmates my message and extend my best regards to all of you and love to our colleagues.
Wish you all a happy reunion and safe travel.
Thank you,
(Signed) Leonora
(Editor's NOTE: The above letter was thought to have been lost in Anaheim. Same was recently discovered in the Editor's camera bag)
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