RECUERDO OF CLASS 66 in the Milestones of Life

 

RECUERDO OF   Class 66 in the Milestones of Life as time marches on

 

A Psalm of Life Tell me not, in mournful numbers,   Life is but an empty dream! ? For the soul is dead that slumbers,   And things are not what they seem. Life is real!  Life is earnest!   And the grave is not its goal; Dust thou art, to dust returnest,   Was not spoken of the soul. Not enjoyment, and not sorrow,   Is our destined end or way; But to act, that each to-morrow   Find us farther than to-day. Art is long, and Time is fleeting,   And our hearts, though stout and brave, Still, like muffled drums, are beating   Funeral marches to the grave. In the world's broad field of battle,   In the bivouac of Life, Be not like dumb, driven cattle!   Be a hero in the strife! Trust no Future, howe'er pleasant!   Let the dead Past bury its dead! Act,--act in the living Present!   Heart within, and God o'erhead! Lives of great men all remind us   We can make our lives sublime, And, departing, leave behind us   Footprints on the sands of time; Footprints, that perhaps another,   Sailing o'er life's solemn main, A forlorn and shipwrecked brother,   Seeing, shall take heart again. Let us, then, be up and doing,   With a heart for any fate; Still achieving, still pursuing,   Learn to labor and to wait.....HWL

1964 Recuerdo of old Manila, the path to Doroteo Jose campus & Intramuros

  

I have collected tidbits and stats from  our college years from colleagues, mostly  pictures  depicting our field trips from Balara to Bagiuo, to our oath taking as newly registered chemical engineers, and finally to our latest pictures of today in our 60's. It did not seem much before, as I mused over the letters and e-mails, but collectively the combination of the pictures and the words became alive. Now, in my mature years, I  look back to the days gone by. I relish the memories, and then marvel at how far we have gone forward the milestones and challenges. These we should be proud off to share with every classmate .......... The year 2008 makes the 42nd anniversary of our class. From this inauspicious beginnings we rose as one group of individuals  in our chosen profession within the mother country and our beloved USA. We became a part of a huge extended family, no matter the miles that separate us, yet find unity in a common experience and purpose.. Forever classmates....ASC

 

It is autumn; not without, but within me is the cold. Youth and spring are all about; It is I that have grown old. Birds are darting through the air, singing, building without rest; Life is stirring everywhere, save within my lonely breast...HWL   Here's another photo I found from our Baguio field trip - circa 1966. My guess is from L to R, top to bottom: Ben Asis, Lando Castillo, Nato Dimayuga, Merle Briones, Sheila Tempongko, Meny Reyes Banares, Lilia Antonio, Tony Alialy, Me, Pedro Palermo, Rosalina Dirige Corbett, Leonila Coronel, Fe Gana & Rhodora Sarmiento..OscarHThanks for then picture. This was taken in 1966. The reason I remember is because, in the picture I was in black because my grandmother died in 1966. Thanks for identifying ulit. The lady next to Fe Gana is Clarita Sarmiento. Regards, Sheila First we were young; then we were middle age; then we are old; then we will be wonderfullSeated: 1-Alex Custodio, 2- Tony Diza, 3(back) Oliver Masil, 4-Alwayne Carino, 5-Jess Bustria, 7(back) Rudy Jose, 8-Oscar Santos, 9(back) Romy Reyes ;Standing: 1-Rick, 2-Beda Bera, 3(back) Rene Rivera, 4-Greg Alcaraz, 5-Leon Delos Santos, 7-Ismael, 8-Rudy Banares, 9-Eddie Antonio,10-Mike Bernardino. This was taken at the Balara Water Treatment works. This photo is also linked with http://picasaweb.­google.com/ismael.­ifurung/MITGroup Most have been posted before in MyFamily.com ; some are from Jerry Ada and from Rene Rivera............   This photo was given to me by Rosalina D. Corbett many years ago, showing the oath taking of newly registered Chemical Engineers. This was taken sometime June 24, 1967 in Makati, Sarmiento bldg. From far left is Jose Catibog, me, Reynaldo Santos, Maximillan Ui, Audie Vergara, Florencio Roxas, Lorna M. Jereza, Rosalina Derige Corbett, Oscar Santos, Rey Sequerra, Celso Chua, Romeo Olalia..............­..........Alexander The Brothers Alpha Phi Omega (APO) Fraternity of the Delta Chapter Philippines circa 1966, from L # 3 - kneeling, me, my back Cesar Frias ChE68, 4-kneeling, Warlito Boquiren ChE66, his back, Jose Catibog ChE66, Advisor Prof. Sevilla and daughter. Standing on the far left the brother of Rosalina Corbett. More than 350,000 members have joined Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity since it's founding, at 366 college campuses here in the US alone, not counting other countries. Our mission is to prepare campus and community leaders through service. Our purpose is to develop leadership, to promote friendship and to provide service to humanity............­....Alexander

Boy Dakita's picture was taken 15 years ago during our reunion in NJ. This is the last photo I have of him. I tried to do the best I can for Boy. I know he will be happy up there to know that he is thought of dearly....Tony A

 

This was taken in 1963 on top of the FEU bldg. to commemorate the new Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineering Students (PICHES) then, I was a junior and the seniors like Mely Calueng and Bobby Casrto are sitted at the middle. Alwayne Carino is far left, then me, the rest like Alcaraz, Mitz are the only ones I recognized from this badly focused monochrome..........­....Alexander

1966 Graduation from College  and time to reflect the next path of life Top Hits of 1966 The Hippie Generation Vietnam War Protest Quest for Advanced Studies in the US

THE YEAR WAS 1966

Seated: 1-Bing Eugenio, 2-Eddie Antonio, 3-?, 4-?, 5-Rene Rivera, 6-Maurit Pugeda, 7-?, 8-Ismael Ifurung Kneeling: 1-Manny Francisco, 2-?, 3-Alvin Carino, 4-Pol Calimbas, 5-Oliver Masil ; Standing: 1-Ben Chan,2-?, 3-?, 4-Romy Reyes,Leon DelosSantos, 6-Joe Lladones, 7-Rick Dimalanta, 8-Walter Cajipe, 9-Quintan Tan, 10-Mike Bernardino, 11-Greg Alcaraz, 12-Greg Nidoy Our  love for the outdoors always reflect in the venues for our mini reunions. Above was in San Pablo Reservoir located in El Sobrante California in May of 1993.  Maurera left most above, Pi de Leon, Leony Matulac and Gravador, were present at this reunion, and the first time we saw the latter two in 28 years. Maurera lived in Vallejo and Gravador in San Francisco, where he owned an auto shop.                                                     Here is another album for us to store in our happy memories about our escapades when we were younger then on our way to El Dorado Hills. Some pictures of Rosalina's devoted husband were included entertaining our group Circa 1992. Some taken in Vallejo at Lilia Antonio's residence around 1993, and the earliest were taken during our 1991 Reunion. Most of these pictures were given to me by various classmates over the years. In recompense here they are for you to enjoy 1992-New Jersey: Meny & Rudy, Boy Nidoy, Lulu delos Reyes, Dida Mago, Rene Rivera, ?, Rey Gaspar, Rick Dimalanta, ?, ? below Manuel Francisco, Francisco de la Cruz, Rebecca Monroy Cruz    AUGUST 1969 Woodstock Remembered It’s hard to believe that 40 years ago, our generation made a profound statement against the establishment. I was able to grasp the significance of that exciting time with my recent  association with the young students in my classes. The political upheavel and dramatic changes in the country was so well documented in the music of that period. The youth knew so well, that our country was going in the wrong path...against the grains of their elders, and then produced the most iconic countercultural event of the mid-20th century.   ......Rolando Balatbat below...whereabouts unknown. Right photo Warlito Boquiren APO brother (deceased).......... Thanks for the sympathies that ye have shown!   Thanks for each kindly word, each silent token, That teaches me, when seeming most alone,   Friends are around us, though no word be spoken. I shall not return. And night, mildly warm, serene and silent, will lull the world, under beams of its solitary moon. My body will not be there, and through the wide-open window, a refreshing breeze will come inquiring for my soul. I don't know if any await the end of my double absence, or who will kiss my memory amidst caresses and weeping. But, there will be stars and flowers, there will be sighs and hopes, and love in the avenues in the shadows of the trees. And that piano will be playing as in this untroubled night, and no one there to listen, pensive, by my window frame. Warlito "Warlock" Boquiren, Anaheim Reunion in 1991 above.....San Pablo Reservoir Mini Reunion below 1993 .....Florencio Guinhawa standing far right..... To the Alumni: In response to the question of Regina regarding the squatters and the gangsters,.....let me assure her that there is still a lot of squatters hovering around Metro Manila,...... under the bridges, along the highways and whereever there is free space to build their shacks.  Didn't notice much though along Roxas Blvd, but there are some before you reach the Mall of Asia last January, 2006 when I was there.  From 1996 - 2000, I was in Manila every 2 months. I had been a die hard "balikbayan" every year for the last 10 years.  Some things have changed in the Philippines for the better, but not everything can be changed or can maintain / sustain the change.  So far, I have not been  a victim of any crimes (knock on wood).  I think one of the reasons is my ability to blend well with the local scenery or I am just plain very lucky.  December 2006, I am again on my way for a 4-week vacation to Manila. Rest assure also that the squatters and the gangsters are not the sole "trademark" of the poverty of the Philippines.  Lest you travelled a very sheltered life in your later years, the homeless and the gangsters are a common denominator where poverty still exists around the world.  I had seen homeless people by the Bridge of Sigh in Venice, along the rue of  Paris, and along the canals of Amsterdam. India, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and even in the thriving metropolis of the America, you can find the homeless living in squalor and there is always the perpetuity of criminal acts.  Even in cosmopolitan cities, pickpocketing is a way of life by some ethnic groups in Paris, or Rome and maybe from some Parisiennes or Italians.  Poverty forces people to commit petty crimes. To make known the fear of being held up while you are in Manila during the reunion makes you a victim of paranoia.  Every evening,  in the cities of the USA, crimes are the newsworthy broadcasts on television.  And if you haven't heard, pickpockets also exists inside the more prosperous malls of the US.  I hope that by the time you embark on the reunion, you will have the feeling of security with your surroundings in Manila. Based on your recollection of 1960 and 1970 impressions, I beg you not to sterotype those who commit mindless crimes today in Manila because they form the smallest minority of the 80 million hardworking Filipinos.  Come to Manila and enjoy the company of your classmates and rest assure that you will be very, very safe.  Just remember.... don't venture into a place where you are not supposed to be. ...Florencio Guinhawa  Oscar, thank you for the wake up call. All along I thought I am the only sole whistler among classmates. I will republish it to my global community....ASC

Lilia Antonio..... right at Rancho Cordova Park in a mini reunion in 1992... Maurera     University of the Philippines Preparatory High School Class of 1961 (100 photos) Golden Gate Bridge from Marshall Beach

 

"There is a crisis approaching the United States. This crisis is looming on the horizon and much like a train in the distance, soon it will be upon us. The video link below is a "60 Minutes" interview with David M. Walker, the former U.S. Comptroller General with the Government Accounting Office (GAO). The piece is about twelve minutes in length. I hope that you'll take the time to view it, then pass this on to others. Next take a little more time to write your Congressman and Senators and in your own words express your concern about our nation's deficit spending and the dire need to return to a balanced budget. If something isn't done about this problem then by 2040 the country that you love, the country that you have served will be financially bankrupt. The United States of America will be in deep trouble in the next five to ten years unless something is done now. Most U.S. citizens either don't realize or don't care about the financial health of our nation. The  Roman Empire made the same mistakes that our government is making right now. The Roman Empire failed because of her decadence, fiscal irresponsibility and overstretched sphere of military conquest. They say that those who are ignorant of history are doomed to repeat it. I hope that our democracy doesn't fail. Thank you.  ....Oscar  Holgado"1

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Kind messages, that pass from land to land;   Kind letters, that betray the heart's deep history, In which we feel the pressure of a hand,--   One touch of fire,--and all the rest is mystery! ...Malaya your letters are welcomed!!

There are times when God uses storms in our lives that He may draw us closer to Him. Our God does not sit still when the storm is too strong. Yes, our God lets us get frightened enough to need Him and then come close enough to see Him and experience His wonderful love. We are confident that your faith in Him will hasten your recovery. He is a Master Surgeon, a Great Physician and above all our Creator. He will surely touch and heal you according to His blessed will. Listen to what David said on Psalm 139: “ For Thou didst form my inward parts; Thou didst weave me in my mother’s womb, I will give thanks to Thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are Thy works, and my soul knows it very well. How precious are Thy thoughts to me, Oh God! How vast is the sum of them.” My husband had been there….went through a triple by-pass last May 10, 2002. The good Lord had restored his health and we are praying He will restore yours. “Casting all your cares upon Him, because He cares for you.” I Peter 5:7. Take care and sweet regards to you and your family….Lorna Folsom Lake Reservoir right, about a  mile as the crow flies from the house at Deerhorn Lane around September 1993 with Lorna Jereza and Marissa. Ladies never grow old, nor change, nor pass away!    Your gentle voices will flow on forever, when life grows bare and tarnished with decay,   As through a leafless landscape flows a tribulet.

Photo taken March 2005, amongst our MIT friends, from left to right - Fil Villena (stayed in the Phil, but comes to the US twice a year), 1966 Art (family in Phoenix, AZ and lives alone in Akron, Ohio, binata tayo dito), 1966, Efren Afuang (stayed in the Phil), 1965, Ernie Ganuelas (stayed in the Phil, but comes to the US twice a year), 1965 ,Jun Dijamco (back-and-forth Phil & US, lost count on how many times), 1966,Lucy Dijamco, our lovely classmate-in-law. 1966.........Art V A recent meeting at Vivere Suites in Filinvest, Philippines, Jan. 2007 from Far left, Fil Villena, Jun Dijamco, Luis Mendoza and Art Villasol

Jan 2011: Reunion at Subic Bay. The winter gathering of class '66 throws shadows around us, it is the late afternoon For some of us. There is still enough light to see all the way back, but our eyesight that light is wasting away. Soon we will be nothing but silhouettes in the dark as harsh as our fathers'. Soon the engineers will take off their shingles as trees take off their leaves for winter…ASC Distinguished himself by intrepid and determined leadership against greatly superior enemy forces. At the repeated risk of life above and beyond the call of duty in his position, he frequented the firing line of his troops where his presence provided the example and incentive that helped make the gallant efforts of these men possible. The final stand on beleagueredCorregidor, for which he was in an important measure personally responsible, commanded the admiration of the Nation's allies. It reflected the high morale of American arms in the face of overwhelming odds. His courage and resolution were a vitally needed inspiration to the then sorely pressed freedom-loving peoples of the world. "Corregidor Island, like Bataan, is a symbol of courage against overwhelming odds. The army of the USAFFE fought on. The messages recieved said there are miles and miles of ships coming with reinforcement.  When they found out no reinforcement is coming, they called themselves The Fighting Bastards of Bataan and Corregidor. No momma, no papa, no Uncle Sam. In the recollection of 19-year-old Pvt. Gaudencio Aronce, when food and ammunition became scarce, rations were down to a bowl of soupy rice each morning and five rounds of ammunition. My tour of Corregidor was a visit to the past. I felt I was with the soldiers in peace time before and during the dark days of WWII. I felt tears will roll down my cheeks." Corregidor Island, Philippines - Jan 22, 2011 by Rene Rivera View Album Play slideshow   http://picasaweb.google.com/117885510962336908702/MITCheChm66GloriaMaris?authkey=Gv1sRgCPqC39KQhJyrMQ&feat=directlink# Reunion Observations: Life in the Philippines 2011 On my way to the hotel around midnight on Jan. 19, along the way I can tell in the dark the buildings look dingy. I asked myself why they look that way. In America buildings do not look dingy over time. The presence of cars and trucks can not be the sole cause I said. In Manhattan more cars ran on the streets from the 1950's until today. The next morning I looked out the window from the 26th floor at what I thought is fog. As it got thicker I realized it is smog, so thick I can not see the streets below. Going around the next few days, buildings look dirty and run-down. Not a pleasant sight. I can see hardship all around. I wondered how people make ends meet. Monday afternoon came, that is when Mapuans literally took over the Astoria Plaza Hotel. The din in the lobby and restaurant was an indicator attending the reunion was a good decision. On Tuesday the following week, Ismael, Arceli, her brother Ray, and I went on a walking tour of the Manila familiar to us  when we were in school. The area starting from FEU, UE, PSBA, Recto Ave., MIT Doroteo Jose, Rizal Ave. theater district, Raon St. record shops, Quezon Blvd, Carriedo St., Ongpin St., Quiapo and Santa Cruz churches where female classmates prayed for divine interventions in their love life. All of these places look dirty, run-down, and congested with people who appear to constantly move around even if they do not want to. That is my impression. Street vendors selling food from carts in front of restaurants give a picture life must be difficult. Raon, Rizal Ave., Carriedo are also congested with sidewalk and street vendors. On Recto Ave. the second-hand bookstores are still there, with competition from street vendors. Here there are services for diplomas, ID's, medals, etc., if you understand what I mean. Perhaps, including transcripts of record. Ongpin looks orderly compared to the other places. Having lunch at President Restaurant was a welcome respite from the sight I consider a human tragedy. That evening I went to my cousin Nenette's home for dinner with Pol, Bing Eugenio, Rudy Jose, Ismael, Arceli, Ray, Andy and Thelma Goetz. Finally, after nearly 41 years I got to see Erleen, Nenette's sister. Intramuros, restored, looks much better than in our time when a shanty town was behind our school. Back then leaving the campus in the evening means walking fast and looking over your shoulder often. It was nice to see San Agustin church. Casa Manila is an example of how the affluent lived during the Spanish colonial time. Luneta Park for sure can use a lot more trees. How in the world the architects designed a park with more concrete than trees in a tropical country? Moonbay Marina Resort in Subic Bay is nice. Located next to the bay, ocean breeze makes the day pleasant. Here I saw what I consider exploitation of workers. Students from a hospitality school work at the resort for a semester without compensation. They are provided with meals during their shifts. They are responsible for other expenses like lodging. They get a certificate from the resort saying they worked at the place. So the business makes money from free labor. Then on to Zamboanga, a city I knew only from pages of books and newspapers. In our group were Pol, Rudy Jose, Ismael, Arceli, and I. We went to see the family of our late classmate and brother Jose Lladones. Here we stuck to seafood. Hai Sin restaurant, nothing fancy, is worth the trip. We bought about 10 lbs. of fish, prawns, and squids and had them cooked. The bill for a group of nine including beer was about $80. A bargain for us from the States. That evening, Pol, Rudy, and I went back for dinner in an air-conditioned tricycle found only in Zamboanga City. All the while I was aware of the poverty around us. Back in Manila, at my brother-in-law's home in Malabon we watched the congressional investigation on the corruption in the Philippine army. What else is new? It only got worse. Before dawn the next day on the way to the airport we passed through Navotas and Tondo. This time in the dark I saw poverty and squalor for miles. Then like flipping a coin we were on Roxas Blvd. in the tourist district. Rene   You are invited to view Rudy's photo album: 2011_01_25 Manila and MIT Tour 2011_01_25 Manila and MIT Tour   http://www.flickr.com/photos/iamagenious/sets/72157594578466165/show/

The morning after my arrival in Manila on Jan. 19, I looked out the window of Astoria Plaza from the 26th floor curious to see what the area looks like after 35 years. At 6AM I thought I was looking at fog, at 7AM it got thicker, then I realized it is smog, so thick I can not see the train on EDSA or the streets below. It was like that for the rest of the week. Saturday, I took the ferry to Corregidor. About a half-mile into the bay I took this picture around 8:30AM. Farther out, I looked to my left, Navotas and Malabon area, and turned to my right to Cavite, what I saw is the same as in this picture, metropolitan Manila in a blanket of smog......

above Taken May 2005 Portugal Cruise..................... ....Sweet the memory is to me........ Of a land beyond the sea, Where the waves and mountains meet, Where the merchants with their wares, And their gallant brigantines .......Sailing safely into port The Library of Celsus, whose façade has been carefully reconstructed from all original pieces, was built ca. 125 B.C.E. by Gaius Julius Aquila in memory of his father, and once held nearly 12,000 scrolls. Designed with an exaggerated entrance -- so as to enhance its perceived size, speculate many historians -- the building faces east so that the reading rooms could make best use of the morning light. An underground tunnel, marked by the simple figures of a woman, a heart, and a price, leads from the library to a nearby building believed to have been a drinking establishment or brothel........... Eques von Pilar, A gallant lad, In sunshine and in shadow, Had journeyed long, Singing a song, In search of Eldorado. But he grew old- That lad so bold- And o'er his heart a shadow Fell as he found No spot of ground That looked like Eldorado. And, as his strength Failed him at length, He met a pilgrim shadow- "Shadow," said he, "Where can it be- This land of Eldorado?" "Over the Mountains Of the Moon, Down the Valley of Sacramento, Ride, boldly ride," The shade replied- "If you seek for Eldorado!"............. With Regina and Elmer Cruz....... next picture above...The white marble Arch of Septimius Severus at the northeast end of the Roman Forum is a triumphal arch erected in AD 205 to commemorate the Parthian victories of Emperor Septimius Severus and his two sons, Caracalla and Geta, in the two campaigns against the Parthians of 195 and 203. After the death of Septimius Severus, his sons Caracalla and Geta were initially joint emperors. Caracalla had Geta assassinated in 212; Geta's memorials were destroyed and all images or mentions of him were removed from public buildings and monuments. Accordingly Geta's image and inscriptions referring to him were removed from the arch.........Photo  below We should rally against the president to abort the war and not condone the attack. Israel is looking for trouble. They should make friends with their neighboring countries, instead of making war/enemies to their neighbors and the world. Millions were killed, expelled, from Germany and Europe during world war two and this should not happen again. NO MORE WARS. Let there be PEACE on EARTH. The innocent people and the soldiers are the ones who suffer the most, not the crazy president or leaders who are just pursuing their evil agenda and egos. The truth is Israel has nuclear weapons according to ex-president Jimmy Carter when he was interviewed by the press last month, that's why Israel is very vulnerable to launch an attack to Iran. We should be producing more food to eat and not nuclear weapons to kill us all. We should produce more staple foods (rice, corn, beans, fruits,vegetables, etc.)to feed all the hungry people in the world and reduce the price of food everywhere. Here in Sacramento, California (CALROSE rice) the farmers are producing good volume of rice and that is great for us here in the US. According to your email below "global rice panic", the rice eating people in Asia and north/south America are experiencing rice problem or shortage and the prices went higher or doubled. We need some inputs to all or some of the crisis in the world. We must become the change to change the world like Gandhdi said below in his proverb. We need good leaders who can lead our nation USA and also the Philippines who can lead the 80+ million people and dedicated enough to stop corruption, abuse of power, equal justice for everyone, and promote peace and order. ......Regina

.....below Leonila, Clarita, Rosalina, our Cesar Jaranilla, me and Timothy in Vallejo (11/92) at Lilia Antonio's house. Dearest Friends, Please pardon my less than prompt response to your emails, but given the situation and circumstance at hand, I'm sure that you all understand. I am extremely thankful and grateful for all of your support and prayers during these trying times; all your love and compassion inspires everyone in the family to remain vigilant and strong when it is most necessary. As of the moment, Jun is steadily recovering from the aneurysm. Although he temporarily needs the aid of a trache and a gastro-intestinal tube for now, all the signs of his health hopefully is an indication that he will eventually recover from his condition. Soon, he will be transferred to Rancho Los Amigos rehab center, which is known to have a 95% success rate. When he is transferred there, it will be okay to finally visit him if you wish to do so. I will inform everyone when this time comes. On another note, I have learned of Mike Bernandino's health condition, and I offer my prayers and support for him. He will remain in my thoughts as a dear friend to my husband and myself . Once again, I want to express my love and gratitude to everyone who has offered their support and prayers to Jun, myself, and my family. They stir in the depths of my heart and are felt by Jun and the rest my family. Again,  thank you very much. Lucy Dijamco With Jun and Lucy Dijamco in Messina (06/07).....picture below.....The Temple of Saturn (Latin: Templum Saturni or Aedes Saturnus) is a monument to the agricultural deity Saturn, that stands at the western end of the Forum Romanum in Rome. It represents the oldest-surviving foundation in that area, having been established between 501 and 498 BC. Some sources attributes it to the King Tarquinius Superbus, others to Lucius Furius, although the latter dedication could belong to a reconstruction after the fire set by the Gauls (early 4th century BC). It was also called 'Aerarium', because the Roman national treasure was kept there. The temple marks the beginning of the Clivus Capitolinus, the old road that takes you up the hill of the Capitol.

I am Roger Chu. An Alumni MIT-CHE. I am based in Woburn, Massachusetts about 7 miles from Boston

 

hi, i am jimmy dimacali member mit che 66..hope you still remember me.i still rember as the guy with thick eye glasses and with crew cut. i am listed on the mit che 66 google group and i enjoy reading your e mail to rene and our other classmates.. i had a dinner with art villasanta and fil vilena last may 2009. iam looking forward to see you on our grand reunion on 2011.....mayap ala kong balita kang erlnda juat. i fil vilena ampo i francis acda ilang kakontact ko kareng kaklase tamo. di jun dijamco ampoy salvador ating kang contact. masanting ka pa mu rin regards   kareng kaklase tam

 

On May 6,2007  Sunday, our anniversary, we were lucky to be docked in Venice for 2 days. My grandson, Jose,15, arranged through the internet with the monsignor at the Basilica di San Marco to have our mass there. The monsignor was very accommodating and we were reserved a special place in the church. I heard our names mentioned three times (the mass was in Italian) and after the mass people greeted Boy and me congratulating us. During the dinner that night, the Filipino chef prepared lechon for our table and the Filipino chefs and waiters came out to greet us (special treatment talaga from our kababayans). We had 2 delicious cakes!..Sonia Mendoza   Thank you very much for your concern for our country. We always emphasize forest denudation in all our seminar/workshops in ecological waste management and its adverse effects to our environment like global warming, desertification, floods, siltation of water bodies, water supply,etc.  We outline the denudation since 1900 (forest cover then was 70% but Rizal already had misgivings). According to Fr. Walpole of the Ateneo and the Manila Observatory, the Philippines will have only 8% of its forest cover in 2010. The present forest cover is 12%. The DENR suspended the logging permits in the Aurora/Quezon area when the devastating flood happened in December 2004. But these permits have been given back. The loggers are back to their merry making. Enrile has been given back his permit by senatoriable Mike Defensor when he was DENR secretary, to log in the protected area of Samar . Only the loud protests of the church and community is preventing Enrile to resume logging there. The economics of our government officials is very lopsided and twisted. The communities working in the logging areas should be given incentives to work in agriculture. We cannot even have a sufficient supply of rice but communities are lured to work for logging and mining companies! Mother Earth Foundation (MEF) and other NGOs like Haribon, Miriam Peace and many others have advocated a log ban for at least 25 years and at most 50 years to give time for our forests to recover. Logging whether legal and illegal has no place in our country which has been ravaged by greedy loggers (legal and illegal). When you cut a full grown tree in the forest, you cannot replace this by 100 trees because of the diversity lost and the water-holding capacity of the full grown tree. This tree will also release all the toxic elements it has absorbed in its system. The wood and furniture industry can wait until our country has recovered its forest cover. The furniture industry can use materials other than wood in their manufacturing process. We have to “bite the bullet” if we want to survive. We can still export furniture made of other materials. If the buyer wants wood, then they can buy from other countries that can still use wood in their furniture industry. Ciao and all the best, Sonia   Regarding SS, social security carries over to other countries, but medicare does not. The petition is for medicare, which is for healthcare   of those 65 and over, (also for some special situations.) Just a reminder, if you're not aware: Everyone should apply for medicare soon as age 65 is reached, even if you do not plan to get SS benefit at 65 because you're waiting until your full benefit age. (for most of us, full benefit age is 66 or 67). If you apply for medicare later than age 65, you are charged penalties. Same goes for the medicare drug plan. You have to choose a drug plan at 65, unless you never intend to apply for one for the rest of your life.  Thanks. .........Meny   We have here two speeches: one made available by Alex; the other forwarded by Marlo. Thanks to both of you. This is how I see them. The first see our poverty of spirit; the second, the Filipino spirit rising. One pictures the formidable challenges confronting us; the other depicts a future seen through rose colored glasses. One forces us to a deep and hard examination of our ills; the other makes us feel good. One seeks to get to the crux of the problem; the other offers a palliative, non-sustainable by itself. One claims thousand of youths can not get jobs because they dropped out in the 5th grade; the other states college graduates are the elite few. (Lots of college graduates are either unemployed or underemployed because there are too few jobs. They have to apply for employment overseas). One concedes that to a large extend our culture is damaged, that we have lost our ethical moorings, and that our people are lazy; the other says that our mendicant culture is man-made and that in the right setting (like here in America) Filipinos are law-abiding, hardworking and even makes more than the average in the master’s country. (I agree, there are things wrong with our culture like cronyism, our tolerating corruption and beng show-offs. But our redeeming virtues more than compensate: we have strong family ties and sense of loyalty (although sometime misdirected). We are hardworking. OFWs endure the hardships of being separated from their spouses and children. And America is NOT the master’s country; it is ours as much as anybody’). Both speeches agree: we do not need a revolution. Also, that the enemy is within us; that we are now our own enemy. That we need to change. (This is in line with tutubi’s musings (as Meny puts it) and with the observations of our own Rolando Licardo). I think there is now a growing feeling for reform. I feel that after some trepidations, and enjoying a vacation of 3 or 4 years, the baby boomers will start to come to the plate and take up the yolk. Mabuhay!Ben Let me thank you for having found me and putting me into your loop. I have been quite active with the Alumni group in ChE-Chem at Mapua after graduation, and subsequently with NAMA after a few years. Every year, I have this habit of joining the homecoming of MITChEChem and the NAMA.  I see a lot of successful alumni who inspire me and allow me to develop better technical knowledge even at the present age of 64. I am happy and overjoyed if you can allow me to join your group ( or rather, can I say my real group?), because I felt lost when I did not join our group during graduation in 1966. I am proud though to have been selected to work as the Editor-in-chief of the 1966 C&G. Everyone in our staff gave their best to come out with the blue colored Yearbook inspired by the theme of a poem by Robert Frost, and the man rowing with so many promises to keep. I actually graduated Octoberian in 1967. In every occasion, I always identify myself as a graduate of 1967, but in reality, I could not locate who are my co-graduates in 1967 except Sheila Tempongko as we see each other often in alumni affairs. I guess the courage to go to USA after graduation was not as strong for me, as it was to a lot of our fellow graduates who got applications at the US Embasssy in 1967. More so did the desire disappear in the horizon when I did not make it in my first board exam. I got the frustration of the profession, and devoted my time in marketing products related to chemistry and chemical engineering. But, I guess all of us has each own story to tell, sucess and not failures, or failure may it have begun with inspiration to succeed at the end of our walk thru life. I have retired as an employee way back in 1998 after 32 years marketing and selling products ranging from essential oils, compounds, perfumes, plating chemicals, metal preparation chemicals before painting and some equipment. Now, I am a minority partner in a corporation with 2 architects, whose main business is outsourcing production/ detailing drawings on architectural/engineering projects using licensed autocad 2000 softwares; our client for 3 years is coming from Hawaii because my partner ( an MIT Mechanical Engineer has his company in Hawaii). Aside from drawings, I sell thru indent, equipment specialized in Wastewwater and Water Treatment (USA) which my partner ( Freddie Leonor) represents under Promark Corp ( Hawaii ). I wish that I will have time to join you and the rest of our school mates in your future plans. Just fill me on some of your plans, and I will do may best to find time; if not, I will inform you my situation. I am restarting from ground zero, and hope that somehow I could still find my nitch in the Sun or rather in the industry within the  Philippines. I am following the advice which I gave to my 5 children who have finished their college degrees: "if you fall down, no matter how many times, stand up and try again because the challenge will always be there." Just a thought occurred to me. I counted the number of years after 1966 and came up with a total number of 40 years. Is this supposed to be a number described as a Ruby Anniversary for alumni? Am I to understand from you that there is an affair in the Alumni Homecoming to celebrate this Ruby Anniversary for graduates of 1966? I know the present president of MIT CHE CHEM ALUMNI by the name of Miss Precy Tagala, as well as the president of NAMA who is from ChE Chem. I have not been informed of the upcoming events, but if you and some of our classmates have the interest to make this as an affair to remember, please give me your plans so I can help. [ I have registered my name with goggle under our company's email box of aeirc...@info.com.ph as per your advice. Thank you.] My apologies for the long reply, but I wanted to make sure that you know about me. Please tell me how I can get into your/our loop, even if I am in the Philippines. [Last week, I just got news from my partner that there is a Hawaiian company looking for CAD applicants to be stationed in Philippines or South Korea for a project in a military installation. Maybe I can inform Mapuans who are CAD operators.] Regards to everyone, especially to my classmates. .........Eldy Yap     yes i used to teach in mapua after my graduation for two years and i came  to United States as a teaching assistant and stay at the same time with scholarship from the school glad to hear from my fellow classmate ....marshall......... Alfonso Luis Tiu..left most  Marshall Bonghiong Tan middle; Bernardo M. David right You have done our class a great service. The blogspot and this email group you put up together will foster greater unity, bonding, and friendship among the members of our class. I guess, when we were in college, we had our respective groups and did not become close to the others; like for example, Pol and Clarita, they were very familiar to me then; but we never became close until we met again in the past two class reunions. Many Genato is another example; I never had any memory of this guy; but like Pol, Clarita, and many others, they are like precious gems I failed to see and recognize during our college days. I must also confess, you are also one of the familiar face and name, I only knew then. However, this adage say, "late is better than never." I am very glad and thankful for all the occassions, events, and instruments (like this email group) that make the members of our class become closer and most especially to the members who spent a lot time and energy in causing those events, occassions, and instruments to happen. .......Jun Above .....Photo taken March 2005, amongst our MIT friends, from left to right - Fil Villena (stayed in the Phil, but comes to the US twice a year), 1966 Art (family in Phoenix, AZ and lives alone in Akron, Ohio, binata tayo dito), 1966, Efren Afuang (stayed in the Phil), 1965, Ernie Ganuelas (stayed in the Phil, but comes to the US twice a year), 1965 ,Jun Dijamco (back-and-forth Phil & US, lost count on how many times), 1966,Lucy Dijamco, our lovely classmate-in-law. 1966.......I must admit, that I have not been very active putting my little cent here and there, but I do enjoy reading the updates & responses that Carmina and Clarita untiringly email to us, pls keep 'em coming.  I am one of the remaining few, still pounding the pavement everyday for financial reasons.  However, that retirement "carrot" is getting so close that I could almost taste it - perhaps in 2 years or less. ..............Art V.............We are  on to the next chapter of our life. My retirement since last year is so wonderful, and I hope you are successful in getting yours also. I thank God for the bounty we have before us, and the training for our special profession. It is not so easy now to get to this station. As the time pass us by, on to the golden years, it is best to share our friendship that was put on hold because of our immediate priorities to our respective families. It is for this reason, that we need to communicate more, even with just letters and pictures. What you did, sending that photo, rekindles memories, it is a very nice gesture. Keep them coming. I will be on the cruise next May, hopefully, I will see you and your family, like old times again in the Intramuros Quadrangle. Take care and Best Regards,  Alexander Below......Here's a picture of Cesar, Perlynn, Me, Rudy & Meny at Infanta and Caesar's Palace. And correction, Ismael - it's not just maids - it's two french maids. ben........... Ben successfully pulled our balikbayan 08 together even with no detailed plan - making reservations as we went along. Well, with the help of the Lonely Planet travel guide. At one point, we thought we'd be sleeping in the Cebu airport because our hotel reservation had not been confirmed before our flight. Ben, his wife Josie, Meny and I, and Perlynn survived the trip . Ben himself was surprised we were able to do what we originally wanted. Note however that last minute means not the best deal,but amazingly good enough in this instance. I took Pol Calimbas's advice regarding use of theUS cell phone in the Philippines. Before leaving the US, I requested an unlock code from my cell phone service provider .Pol neglected tosay that this takes a couple of days before you get it.I took the instructions and the code to a cell phone provider in Manila, and the sales girl was able tofollow the instructions (even though she had never done that before), bought and installed a sim card ( all for the equivalent of $1.35), and a load card. The 3 girls shared a room; the 2 guys (the snorers) got another. The housekeeping staff wondered what 2 guys were doing in a room with 1 king-sized bed.When the 3 girls got off the elevator to go to their room which was on a different floor, Ben pointed to me and said to the staff that I was his boyfriend. While shopping for banana, Ben educated me on the difference between latundan and lakatan. I said mine must be tundan; he says, his is saba.You all have to visit Ceasar's Palace in Cabanatuan."Tabo" is obsolete; hose next to the toilet has finally arrived in Pinas. The first fime I encountered the hose was in Rio de Janeiro in 1996. Cesar no longer has to wash dishes nor clean. They have 2 hired help to do that. For their party,several girls in native attire did the serving; I thought they were going to perform too . He will be learning to play on the golf course of their gated community; so, all you golfers, watch out. Last minute reservation in the palace accepted. Puerto Princesa is surprisingly clean, and residents treat tourists well; not one to try squeeze every cent out of you.The mayor and governor want everyone to understand that tourism is their livelihood. The underground river/cave was incredible and the boat ride to it very scenic - worth the 3+ hour van ride on a bad road. Well, not entirely bad; good portions alternated with bad. Bad sections are where local officials pocketed the money meant for the road. We did get stuck at one point, and the van had to be pulled out of the mud. Since Perlynn and Josie refused to hike, the Tabon Caves were out of the question. So, off to Dos Palmas resort for the day. The resort's employees were great. 3 of us can't snorkel,can't even swim, but they made the visit enjoyable, helped us see beautiful corals and fish. All we had to do was lie face down and they pulled us around. The buffet lunch was good too. definitely worth the 1800 pesos per person day charge. Susie Morales's sister's 50th wedding anniversary celebrationwas a grand affair, but we had to leave before it ended to catch the flight to Cebu. We were impressed by the Sinulog; we watched part of the parade the greater part of the day. Perlynn got bored but stayed anyway. It was hot and humid. Fortunately, we were able to get seats in one of the viewing stands.While waiting for our flight back to Manila, we had a 1-hourmassage by the blind/handicapped for 100 pesos. It was so cheap, I gave a 50% tip. We slept soundly on the flight back; Ben did not need a massage to fall asleep. In Bohol, all 5 of us shared a room. Needless to say, Perlynn was not able to sleep because of Ben's snoring.Bohol's Chocolate Hills are worth a trip. We got a day tour that took us there, with stops to visit caves, and to see tarsiers (5-inch marsupial in the endangered species list). The drive to Infanta was very scenic. Ben ordered enough food for 2 to 3 babang-luksa. plus we had lots of buko.The Asis family is a celebrity in the town because of all the help they have given the school and the community. At the last minute, Ben, Josie, Perlynn, Susie and her company decided to go to Singapore. By that time there were no more $120 round trip fare, but they were able to get a package deal for $500+.They flew in the morning; our flight was in the afternoon. We were not able to meet up with them. They still have to tell us about theshopping they did. They also managed to go to Kuala Lumpur.Ben, tell us about this part. Also, how did you bring back all the stuff Josie bought ?We went to Cambodia for 8 days while they were in Singapore.The Chinese New Year celebration was in full swing. Lots of free shows, dragon parade, and a midnight event to ring in the year of the rat. In addition to Singapore's Chinatown (weird for a country that is 75% Chinese), we also went to Little India, the Arab district, and to the Asian Civilizations Museum. The museum is impresive. Unfortunately, the only thing about the Philippines is a picture of the rice terraces and 2 Moro kris, while there were details on the Malays, the Chinese, and other southeast Asian islands which I had never heard of previously. We got around on bus and subway, and when we got lost, a Pinoy always came to our rescue. One was a 2001 CE Mapua graduate. Pinoys fly to Singapore, and have 1 month to look for a job; then they can stay there permanently. We had a very hectic schedule, hardly had time to do laundry. But we managed to visit Sheila, as well as Renato. Renato's decision to return to Pinas and work as chief of a regional hospital that handles mainly charity cases is quite admirable, especially since the salary is peanuts compared to what he can make in the US . Now that Ben has experience, perhaps he can quit his day job and plan/manage the next reunion. ...Rudy   First of all, I would like to thank you both for the unselfish support that you have shared with me on the last day of our cruise. I will never forget Florence and Livorno and the unforgettable experience about catching the last train for Livorno and the breath taking marathon to catch the train and missing the last shuttle to the ship.  Alex, I hope you told Marissa the whole story of our nerve wreching trip to Florence. I thought we will be flying to Rome then to Civitavecchia to catch the ship. Thanks for answered prayers.  We made it even to the dinner. Alex,   you are such a kind, and patient friend. I wish I had more chance to be around you both during the cruise. Whateve time we spent together especially during Livorno breakfast  was already engrave in my mind as a beautiful memory of our friendship. I had a good time during the cruise and I thought I accomplished what I had planned for this trip. I go with your idea Alex...cruise, cruise cruise. As I was looking at your pictures in Buenos Aires, I could not stop saying Wow! This is the kind of vacation I really want to have. Affordable, relaxed and can do anything at your own pace and inexpensive. I love to travel and enjoy sight seeing like you. Hope someday we can join you again. My only problem is how can I convice my husband to take the cruise again.Please keep in touch. Warm regards and God Bless, Melba and Art 1991 Reunion the second day at Buena Park, a whole day affair, inside the Pavilon on the stage a vantage point, eyeing what's going on, below Timothy Villanueva resides in Sugarland, Texas works with Flour Engineers    Above standing Cesar Jaranilla, Tim Villanueva, Mike B., Resty Mandap, Pugeda, Guinhawa hidden, Nidoy, Narcy Encarnacion, Pol Calimbas, seated Pi de Leon, Jess Bustria and Unite rising Jess Bustria, Ted Unite and Mike Bernardino. Below Raymond Corbet husband of Fely Derige, ASC and Pi de Leon at Lilia's place in 1993 Dark is the morning with mist; in the narrow mouth of the harbor   Motionless lies the sea, under its curtain of cloud; Dreamily glimmer the sails of ships on the distant horizon,   Like to the towers of a town, built on the verge of the sea. Ah! what pleasant visions haunt me as I gaze upon the sea! All the old romantic legends, all my dreams, come back to me. Sails of silk and ropes of sandal, such as gleam in ancient lore; And the singing of the sailors, and the answer from the shore! On the dim and misty lakes gloriously the morning breaks,    And the eagle's on his cloud: -whilst the wind, with sighing, wooes To its arms the chaste cold ooze, and the rustling reeds pipe loud. Thank you Melba for those kind words. That day, was planned impromptu for both of us. The day started with just Livorno in mind and a trip to the downtown area for some look and see old buildings/forts, and not a train ride across Tuscany. We were not looking for out of the way adventure that last day of the cruise but we certainly got it indeed. On the shuttle, when I found out, that it was your first visit to Italy, we decided to visit Florence. Somehow, in retrospect, we have  missions to perform that particular day. At the end of the shuttle ride, nobody on that ride knew, where to take the trains, until I ask an older gentlemen, where to take  bus #1 across town and where to buy the tickets from the Tabac store across the street, whereupon, the whole shuttle people followed us into the store. They followed us, the pathfinders until their travel to Pisa, some thought that Florence was too far a ride to make the return trip to the ship on time. Did we not saved six people from our ship, from being marooned in the first Firenze train station, when they got out early, off the train, until I opened our window and exclaimed "wrong station". The next train is due 2:00PM, or walk across town. Oh, how we got some expressions of beatitudes from that group until we saw them back aboard ship later in the PM. We made,  quick friends, from that group and also the Italian teenagers, mostly students with their books, sitting beside us. After having our memorable fill of photos taken in Florence, missing our train schedule, and taking the last train to Livorno at 4:27 PM ( a train ride of almost 2 hours ). That is really cutting close to the ships' departure of 7:00. Plus the bus ride across town on heavy traffic, then we are counting seconds to catch the ship. We again, met those people, that we saved a couple of hours ago, on train stop in Pisa. We know, that we missed the shuttle, and had to share a taxi ride with them back to the port. To sum it all, we made an ordinary day extraordinary for the positive missions performed. These are the kind of experience, I look forward too, when I travel abroad independently, without the environment of fellow Americans. I like the local colors and mostly travel on public transport savoring the local culture, smell, sounds, language, etc. I am looking forward to traveling with you in the next reunion, wherever it may be. Godspeed and Best Regards Marissa & Alexander   Malaya Esperanza Matic           I am a part of all that I have met....Lord Alfred Tennyson

"The Young and the 'Careless' (Restless)." Taken somewhere in Upstate, NY more than 35 years ago. Standing L to R: Meny, Rudy, Ben, Nando & Cesar Sitting L to R: Tony, Romy Merhan (ChE'65), Hernando de Vera Cruz left photo (ChE'66) I still live in Southern California (Chino Hills). Worked for ARCO for about 18 years. Left in 2001 after the merger with BP and now working for my relative (sister-in-law).Regards,Nando Cruz ON EDUCATION OF  CHILDREN BY J. DIJAMCO.....I spent for all my kids who had their college education in the Philippines,. but for those who had theirs here, Uncle Sam  advanced the payments via educational loan with my promise to my children to pay their loan after they finish; but none of them, luckily, wanted me to pay their loan after they get employed.; they insist they pay the loan themselves. I always advise other parents to do the same, so they won't sacrifice a lot; and what if the child did not finish, the saving goes down the drain; but in this manner, Uncle Sam may be the loser, if the child didn't finish and the child can't pay back the loan. I provided all my children with functional second hand cars that were estimated to last till they finish their course.or for those who had their college in PI till they were able to estabblish themselves.here. Car is not a luxury in the LA area; it is a necessity. Our youngest son who is now graduating, is the only one who got a brand new car, not after high school, but after our old car he was using had gone beyond its economic use. Her mom insisted on a brand new car, a scion..As always, I say, "Amen." Jun ........BELOW PICTURES OF DANNY ODULIO with OSCAR AND JUN and respective wives in Davao BELOW PICTURE OF ISMAEL IFURUNG,   AUDIE, RENA VERGARA AND ...MAZO Lucy and I are very glad to learn that you are interested to visit the neigbouring countries aside from PI come January. Neither Lucy nor I have visited Thailand, China, nor Vietnam; it will be a lot of fun if we can plan a joint tour in Thailand, China, and Vietnam when Angie and you will visit PI. Perhaps we can ask some of our mutual friends/classmates based in PI, like Nanding Salvador, Ed Serra, Boy and Sonia, and Sheila and Fil Villena to join us. and also, some of our classmates, based here in US. Ismael Ifurong, I know, would love to travel to PI. Alex Custodio has never been home since he came to US. Probably we can drag him and wife, Melissa, along. Yes, Marulo, he is retired too. It will add a lot of fun, if he will join.   After the cruise in May, I can definitely say the exact date of our the class reunion; and if, it will push throughn or not come January. It will be worth your time and Angie's visiting PI come January, whether or not, the class reunion will push through. Make your vacation 8 weeks, then we can go on tour together, and perhaps with some classmates, most of PI, and visit Thailand, Hongkong, China and Vietnam. Lucy and I have been planning for decades, yes decades, to go around PI and see its beautiful palces and tour our neigbouring countries, but to this time has never materialized. I hope with you and Angie around, it will. I will keep uou posted. Jun P.S. For those who have the time and especially the retired ones, come and join the fun in PI. ........BELOW PICTURE EVELINA ADLAWAN (CHM67) AND ART ADLAWAN (CE66)............ ABOVE PICTURE OF MARLO, OSCAR AND JUN...NEXT ABOVE.. ARE  POL, ISMAEL, CIP, OSCAR AND MARLO ALL IN LAS VEGAS '03 REUNION,...NEXT BELOW ARE NARCI ENCARNARCION AND WIFE.....NEXT NEXT PICTURE BELOW CIP, POL, LOURDES, ISMAEL O'er the fair woods the sun looks down upon the many-twinkling leaves, And twilight's mellow shades are brown, where darkly the green turf upheaves. The river glides in silence there, and hardly waves the sapling tree: Sweet flowers are springing, and the air is full of balm, - but where is she!       In Venice, many of us went to Plaza San Marco by taking the water taxis as soon as our Ship docked.  Did a lot of sightseeing, was able to get inside St. Marks Cathedral and of course some shopping.  But then the rain came pouring down on us and we got wet and by the next day, I lost my voice.  I was hoarse but no pain or sore throat.  It stayed that way until we were back in Rome, then the coughing came, sore throat and all. The tour of Venice with Giorgio started smoothly with only a few late, but everybody showed up with even two extras (I only found out because Giorgio had to rush out and buy two extra tickets).  We had an extra side treat, Giorgio was able to arrange a gondola ride for 20 euros, and 36 pax bought into these, the others were free for shopping.  So after the tour of the magnificent Doge Palace, a W/C stop, we proceeded to the canal site for the gondola ride.  It was then that we found out we were missing Taili and Diana who had paid for the gondola ride.  Ria and I had to take their seats on the last boat and Giorgio went in search for them.  The place was so crowded and packed with people, there is no way one can find them if they are not in the meeting place (unfortunately not established at this point).  The gondola ride was fun, felt and saw all the sites shown in the movies but our gondolier did not serenade us, in fact he was not even Italian, he was Spanish, which was just as well because we were able to communicate a little bit in Spanish.  From there we proceeded to a Murano Glass Factory nearby, saw a demonstration of glass blowing / making and then we were set free in their store of all beautiful glass designs and of course jewelries.  You bet we all had fun shopping.  The girls were into all corners, all the good buys & tips were passed around and the guys just stood patiently watching us.  Some of my classmates were proud that their wives were not into the buying frenzy so I started teasing them, heckling some maybe, but of course it was not their call, since it was their wife’s choice not to buy as they handle the purse, he, he, he. We had to rush back to the boats (bus per Giorgio) as we were running out of time.  Shopping by 74 pax just takes some time.  There was no time to go to the Cathedral or be shown other sights.  I’m glad most of us were there the previous day. After waiting a bit for a missing couple, we finally boarded the water taxis to the Ship but still no Taili & Diana.  They thankfully made it back to the Ship in time as Taili is a seasoned traveler (pro) and knows exactly what to do.....Clarita............................................. ... White swan of cities, slumbering in thy nest, So wonderfully built among the reeds Of the lagoon, that fences thee and feeds, As sayeth thy old historian and thy guest! White water-lily, cradled and caressed By ocean streams, and from the silt and weeds Lifting thy golden filaments and seeds, Thy sun-illumined spires, thy crown and crest! White phantom city, whose untrodden street,Are rivers, and whose pavements are the shifting Shadows of palaces and strips of sky;I wait to see thee vanish like the fleets Seen in mirage, or towers of cloud uplifting, In air their unsubstantial masonry...HWL   With all the excitements, positive and negative feelings about the med. Cruise and land tours, it turned out to be a great experience seeing all these places and to some very remarkable/holy sites. With the exemption of the euros versus the US dollars it could have been much better with regards to shopping/buying material things for "pasalubong" for love ones. We have to save some money for the Philippine reunion and I agree with Jun Dijamco and the rest of the group to postpone the reunion until February 2009 maybe Valentines day. The balikbayan fare will be cheaper by that time. What about celebrating valentines day in the Phil.? Best regards to all....  Regina         Pompea Cumigad ChE 66       Ponte Vechio...Taddeo Gaddi built me.  I am old,   Five centuries old.  I plant my foot of stone   Upon the Arno, as St. Michael's own   Was planted on the dragon.  Fold by fold Beneath me as it struggles.  I behold   Its glistening scales.  Twice hath it overthrown   My kindred and companions.  Me alone   It moveth not, but is by me controlled. I can remember when the Medici   Were driven from Florence; longer still ago   The final wars of Ghibelline and Guelf. Florence adorns me with her jewelry;   And when I think that Michael Angelo   Hath leaned on me, I glory in myself

Let me add that it was wonderful to see classmates never seen since college – Alex, Pol, Ismael, Jun Dijamco, Irene, Minda, Clarita, Thelma, Regina, Alice, etc.  and  Marlo & Mayette since their wedding reception at Casino in the Park (across where I now live).  It was nice to finally meet Manny, Rolly, Mike, Resty, Jeff, Tony, Rose, Melba, etc.  It was even nicer to meet the better halves. I was surprised to see our classmates looking younger than the Alaska cruise pictures.  Most probably some worked out for this Med cruise, had a face lift, nose jobs, liposuction, breast augmentation, nip tuck, or all of the above. Allow me to thank among others Cip, Pol, Citas, Dida, Celia, Alice, etc. for all their contributions to make the cruise memorable. Let me mention that Mike Bernardino was the King of the Cruise (Elvis), that Alex’ wife Marissa had a wonderful piano performance, and that Regina hit a 90,000 pennies jackpot in the slot machine and she savored the ding, ding, ding of the counting.  (Regina I think also missed one land tour and was late on one occasion).There was some rough sailing, but then when life hands you a lemon you make le…whoopee. My only disappointment was we were supposed to go to Florence but we ended up in Firenze....Ben The staff of Meralco Call Center have been very helpful in my tracking you down; they acted on my email-inquiry very promptly. A big number of our class have been exchanging emails since the time they started organizing the 2003 grand reunion in Las Vegas; then, followed the 2006 reunion via an Alaskan cruise. Next year,the reunion will be a-16-day Mediterranean cruise. There are about 200 who attended the Las Vegas reunion; 51 joined the Alaska cruise; and 81 have already signed up for the Mediterranean cruise. Lucy, you talked to her over the phone in Manila, and I attended the Las Vegas and the Alsakan reunions and we have made our reservation for the Medditerrenean cruise. The Med cruise will be in the last week of May 2007. Clarita Aragones Parson is the organizer; she also organized the Las Vegas reunion 2003 and the 2006 Alaskan cruise. It is a must that you and your wife join the Mediterrenian cruise. I'm sure Clarita will send you an email as soon as she reads this email. Our class has now an email group and a blogsite; these were both created by Alex Custodio, just recently. There are now 66 in the email group; you will be probably be the 67th. Nini Juat is now residing  in Tarlac and is working for DTI; she has filed for retirement recently. Do you know where Ed Serra is? I met him in the Big Mall accross Central Bank more than 20 years ago; he was then working for a cement company in Norsagaray in Bulacan while his wife, then, was working at the Central Bank. As soon as we  get back to PI, I will give you a call and let us get together. Jun Dijamco .................... I'm happy to hear from you.  It's been so many years since we've been together.  Hoping to meet you one of these days.  By the way, Ed Serra and I have been neighbors more than ten years.  We're just six houses away.  You can contact him at..........  We are now both retired from our employment.  Now, we're both enjoying the company of our grandchildren.  I'm sure Ed will be happy to know your whereabouts.  By the way, this is my new e-mail address:..........Regards & God bless,.......Nanding

 

The Annunziata dei Catalani (late 12th-13th century). Dating from the late Norman period...above picture in..... Messina and Taormina – more beautiful places to see but what stands out is the visit to a jewelry factory of amber, corals and other stones.  We were first treated to wine and juices, coffee, tea, you name it, delicious native pastries and cheeses and nuts then on to jewelry shopping.  I was amazed, I thought that by now the ladies will be out of money with all the shopping in the past and also at the Ship’s stores.  But nobody can resist the fine workmanship and Giorgio’s claims that their prices are cheaper than the stores in town (??) and we still get 10% discount on top of that. Anyway, buying we did and I too spent for some jewelry I really don’t need but couldn’t resist (who knows when I’ll be there again-what an excuse) and as usual had to be last to board the bus.  Giorgio has this rule of me being the last on line, last in the stores and last in the WC (quite a problem in this trip, too few and have to pay at times), takes out all the fun of sharing experiences with the group, I feel left out with all the happenings.  We went to the museum and stadium (?), past several more souvenir shops, ate gelato and saw another town devastated by another volcano but this time, nobody died because we were told the lava did not have sulfides in it (H2S, SO2, SO3,...Clarita......... PICTURE LEFT WAS TAKEN 40 YEARS AGO IN OAKLAND ON MY FIRST DAY IN THE USA, NEXT LEFT IS  THE SINGLE MARISSA AT HOME IN QC BEFORE HER GRADUATION BALL STC 1967....BELOW WITH JUN, MARLO AND ROLLIE  AT A PLAZA IN MESSINA, NEXT PICTURES DEPICTS 38 YEARS INTERVAL AND THEN THE PORT OF DUBROVNICK........06/07.............ASC PI based CHE66 are all eager and will love to have the reunion in PI. Meny is right in noting that the PI reunion is being push to a later and a later date. If this will keep on happening, the PI reunion will just remain a WISH! Propposed solution: A strong Executive Committee has be organized to take charge of the PI reunion since this is not an easy task. Calling CHE66 leaders: VOLUNTEER.PI based members will give their 100% support and cooperation.The Mexican Riviera Cruise is the best time to put up the Executive Committee. ...Jun

 

From Marulo Mascarina Hello All, WAKE UP Everyone!! We're now back to the grind! For those who are working, drink real strong coffee. For the senior retirees, let's get the laundry in gear. And for all, check the damages ($$). Just want to let everyone knows that me and Marietta had such a wonderful time. Thanks to you all, especially to Clarita for the job well done in organizing the reunion, and to Citas & Cip of the NJ/Chicago group. And thanks for those who reminded us when to go when & where (toilettes). It was a priceless memories of a lifetime, seeing each other again and having the fun and laughter of our life. First I want to extend my deepest condolences for the passing of your beloved wife. I heard the news from Pano sometime last year and I've been trying my best of how I could convey my sympathy to you and your family. Since we've seen each other was when we drove you to Monreal with our first child Michael. I remembered we exchanged letters after that, then somehow we stopped communicating due probably of me being busy raising the family. So now it must have been 35 years since then. Throughout those years I have gone home for at least 5 times and I felt guilty for not contacting you for even once. I remembered you knocked on our door that day in early '70 and I was pleasantly surprised of you to see us.  Me and my wife will be coming home this Jan. 20 to Feb. 22 and I will try my best to surprise you this time.  Oscar e-mailed me telling-"just go to Bauan and Dr. Nato will be there for you." First week will be spent with Marietta's family in Cabanatuan City, then drive around possibly northern Luzon, spend time in Metro Manila, fly maybe to Cebu, Palawan, Bohol. We are doing all these now before the arthritis kicks in. Personally among other things, we have a lot to talk about. Please e-mail me if and when I can possibly drop by and see you. Hopefully I can grab you from your very busy schedule. Take care my friend and hope to see you soon. ....Marulo My only consolation was reminiscing the sexy Vegas-style chorus girls dancing around me at the stage (and behind the stage...heh..heh, I'm one ahead of you, Manny G.) But my jealous Minnie insisted that I looked like an Elvis midget surrounded by long-legged creatures. Oo na....    Later that night (or early morning) at Lido Deck snack time get together, Celia Cruz made a comment to me:  Hey Mike, your pants were too big! I thought, "If you only knew what I went through" Well now you know. There WAS stress, but it was all a lot of fun! When I get to be 92 years old, I will watch my free DVD disc of the show (my reward gift from the Carnival Legends performance) and cherish the thought of what I was able to do when I was 62.  I might still be able to do it at 92 on a cruise, if you guys promise not only to cheer up for me, but also help me up the stage.....Mike B

The Med cruise exceeded our expectations! So glad we came! We had an exceptionally wonderful time. Those much needed endorphins were released from laughter-filled moments with old (literally??) friends and colleagues. Of course, pagod and weary, but those precious memories will be treasured hanggang uugod ugod na kami!  Hopefully our minds will still be sharp to remember the events. Your cruise diary and all the nice photos from everyone will truly be a major help. Thanks, you all, for making this event a milestone in our lives. We enjoyed meeting new friends as well. Best of all, thanks again to you all for your team support and loud applause during Mike's Elvis' moments!  Regards, .....................Mike and Minnie   We live in Sugar Land, Texas with my wife Nicki. We have two boys, both are on their own but still singles. My oldest is working in Saipan. He like exotic places since he lived 2 years in Juneau, Alaska. He is lawyering and working in a non-for-profit company. The youngest is a sound engineer living in San Jose. I am working for Fluor Engineering. Its kind of close from where I live. Pol Calimbas

 

The mindset of the Filipino is to pray when faced with a problem. And so they pray when floods come instead of correcting the destruction to the rainforest. The church did an excellent job in brainwashing the Filipino from colonial time. Then again after generations of education the Filipino still has not improved. I do agree soon the Philippines will compare with Bangladesh   Hey Oldtimer..... Good to hear from you again.  Sorry am not in the tard or tired zone yet....perhaps next year.  We hope to see you in Rome next year.  I will probably be flying out of Chicago with Clarita and from the looks of it, we shall be spending a couple of days in Rome prior to the cruise. I was in Rome again a couple of years ago and visited with my cousin priest who was rector at one of the colegios (dorm for priests that go to school in Rome).  We stayed at the guest quarters and had our meals with all the priests in that residence.  What a great experience.....our tour guides were priests, took public transportation and so we blended quite well with the Romans.   Indeed, it was a vacation of a lifetime! Irene    Am still living in the Philippines, married to Romeo B. Obedoza but with no kids.  Am connected with Boysen Paints and teach at MIT part time.  My husband is with UPLB so he stays there most of the week and comes to Manila (in Kamuning) on weekends.   We do have grandchildren from our nephews who are now married.  Three nephews (those I share with Mely Matic) are now in the States.  But the others are also here. I have been retired and rehired by my company (they have to retire people who reach 60 - dual citizens na kasi - senior and Philippine citizenships).  So I am now a consultant for the firm but on a full time basis. Am not joining the cruise but according to Clarita, you are to come home by 2008.  So maybe we can all see each other here unless of course, some of you opt to retire here or come earlier.  By the way, Alex, Mommy has passed away last 2004, 10 years almost to the date that Daddy did.  How about your parents?  Are they still around? Regards to all,............. Sheila ..........BELOW PICTURE I am sorry to hear about your mom. I know it is our turn to be the seniors now. Papa is still alive at 86, remarried in 2003, which is good for him since he is very sickly now. Mom died in 1994, and the whole family that I transported from  PI is thriving very well in many ways. Take care and Best Regards,......... Alexander We just came back from Infanta (Cesar/Elvie, his brother Luther & wife Ligaya, Perlynn, Rudy & Meny Banares).  We wemt tp Palawan & caught the Sinulog in Cebu (thanks to Thelma), saw Bohol and leaving for Singapore with Susie & Joe Morales & Perlyn.  We did see Dr RenatoDimayuga (Chief of the Hospital) in Batangas & just had Merienda with Shiela (and Rudy & Meny) at her home.  I was waiting to hear from you before we left for Infanta, Take care.  See Cesar in Cabanatuan in his Palace....ben   Victor Lim Cue Kim Ton O. Lim Josie Gutierrez Sagrit The college books, that silently among   Our knowledge treasures take familiar places, And are to us as if a living tongue   Specs from the printed leaves or pictured faces! Soledad Payuran Stayed in the Philippines and was an instructor at MIT for a while. Last known residence was in Cavite province............ Antonio Cheng Co Right picture is Lourdes Averia and Husband Nestor.... below picture is Cipriano Buendia and wife Rose Ann....   Rey Sequerra right photo Lilia Antonio has retired to the Phil. At least that was the plan the last time I talked to her years ago.  I'll ask Meny to look her up when she goes to the Phil this month.  Art Villasol has responded to my email and he said that he can not join the Cruise but will attend the Reunion at Leonila's house on the 26th. Jun Dijamco also responded and he said he can not join the cruise and did not say if he will attend the party at Leony's house. Alex or Oscar or Timothy did not respond to my emails. Lorna will not be able to attend any of them as she is going to her hi-school reunion.  Thelma will be on another trip and so with Dida Mago Sanchez.  Fely Dirige, Tony Alialy and Ben Asis will join the reunion at Leony's house.  Regina will be at the Cruise but can not attend the mini-reunion party.  .Clarita Maurera   Felow Mapuans I had seen this idea before and was surprised that as stupid as it was, it was still going around the Internet. This Coke executive should stick with the business he knows, selling sugared water, because his idea is ludicrous and obviously from somebody who does not know the oil and energy business.  If the American driver follows this idea, it would only hurt your neighborhood gas station owner/operator and would probably cause a short term disruption that would result in all of us paying more for gas.  With this potential disruption, the companies your would like to hurt (majors like Exxon/Mobil and Shell) would probably end up as the beneficiaries from this misconceived idea. I spent all my working career in the energy business, half of which was in the oil and gas industry, including oil and gas marketing, refining, trading and logistics, so I can say with confidence, without sounding cocky, that I know better than this Coke executive. Oil is a commodity and if you have any knowledge of how commodity markets work, you should know that marginal pricing dictates how much the consumer pays for this commodity. In short, the price of oil is determined by how much the market values the last barrel sold in the market place. It is not the average price and definitely not cost related. It is priced on what the market could bear. Any market with marginal pricing can also be very volatile, particularly when there is a perception of supply tightness and risk of supply disruption (due to extraneous factors such as geopolitical) adds a price premium. .....Cip Buendia

For years, I had been trying to persuade Andy to go on a cruise but he wouldn't do it.  His reasoning was, "There are no tennis courts on the ship".  He now looks at cruises differently and now agrees with me that  "we don't need no stinking tennis courts" to have fun on a cruise.  I had to remind him that the reason why this cruise was so much fun was because of my wonderful MIT friends and their spouses.  He agrees with me on this one too (he agrees with me most of the time, doesn't he?).  Anyway, it was a thrill to see everybody again.   Unlike the two other MIT reunions I attended in the past, I felt a difference in the bonding that went on in this cruise.  In this cruise, the ribbing and kidding and teasing that went on felt more like family; did we not act like proud family members when we rooted for Mike Bernardino at the talent competition?  This to me was truly a  HOMEcoming.  And all these happened because of your hard work and patience,   I cannot thank you enough. Regards and till we meet again,......Thelma Dear Everyone, It is so hard to go back to work after a grand vacation.  It was such a great experience for a first timer like me.  It was so nice to see all of you and your spouses.  Especial thanks to Clarita who did such a fantastic job organizing the trip.  Of course the leaders for both the NJ/CHI and LA groups are to be thanked also for diligently waiting, counting, grouping and doing the painful collection for the groups. Thanks again everybody and hope to see you all soon. Rose (far right)Rose Silang Clinical Pharmacology Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals .........Below Dida Mago Sanchez, next Manny Genato Where, twisted round the barren oak, the summer vine in beauty clung, And summer winds the stillness broke, the crystal icicle is hung. Where, from their frozen urns, mute springs pour out the river's gradual tide, Shrilly the skater's iron rings, and voices fill the woodland side. Alas! how changed from the fair scene, when birds sang out their mellow lay, And winds were soft, and woods were green, and the song ceased not with the day! But still wild music is abroad, pale, desert woods! within your crowd; And gathering winds, in hoarse accord, amid the vocal reeds pipe loud. Chill airs and wintry winds! my ear has grown familiar with your song; I hear it in the opening year, I listen, and it cheers me long. When winter winds are piercing chill, and through the hawthorn blows the gale, With solemn feet I tread the hill, that overbrows the lonely vale. ...HWL

 

 Deceased ChE Class'66 Mapuans

Rest, comrades, rest and sleep! the thoughts of men shall be
As sentinels to keep, your rest from danger free......

So walking here in twilight, O my friends! I hear your voices, softened by the distance,
And pause, and turn to listen, as each sends his words of friendship, comfort, and assistance.

Goodbye, my friends, goodbye. The appointed parting Promises a meeting ahead. Goodbye, my friends, without hand, without word, Don't be sad and don't upset your brows, - In this life to die is not new, But to live, of course, is not newer. Goodbye, my friends, goodbye It was preordained we should part And be reunited by and by. Goodbye: no handshake to endure. Let's have no sadness - furrowed brow. There's nothing new in dying. Though living is no newer.

These are some list of our Classmates who are deceased 1. Josefino  Dakita Josefino Sayas Dakita 2. Rodrigo Cajulis 3. Rolando Yulo Rolando Munzon Yulo 4. Fred Toreja Alfredo Catapia Toreja 5. Emanuel Celis 6. Oliver Masil................ Please be informed that Oscar Janeo has passed away about nine or so years ago.  He was with Pacific Products and transferred to Cord Chemicals, both members of the Philippine Association of Paint Manufacturers.  If I am not mistaken, he even served as one of its directors sometime in the '90"s. Regards to all, Sheila Tempongko-Obedoza

 

When I compare What I have lost with what I have gained, What I have missed with what attained,   Little room do I find for pride.      I am aware How many days have been idly spent; How like an arrow the good intent   Has fallen short or been turned aside.      But who shall dare To measure loss and gain in this wise? Defeat may be victory in disguise;   The lowest ebb is the turn of the tide. Art V. right photo Please include Letty Carriedo to the list of our beloved classmates who passed away. Let's include them in our prayers. Considering our hazardous chemical exposures (like sucking benzene in a pipet for use as a reagent) when we were students, we should consider ourselves lucky to be exchanging email today. God bless and take care.                                     Reggie Timonera On the road of life one mile-stone more! In the book of life one leaf turned o'er! Like a red seal is the setting sun On the good and the evil men have done,--       Naught can to-day restore!....HWL Never grow old, nor change, nor pass away!    Your gentle voices will flow on forever, When life grows bare and tarnished with decay, As through a leafless landscape flows a river. Celso Chua on the far left. Resides somewhere south of Fresno California and was working in a cement factory as the chief Engineer. Below is Lorna Jereza works with US EPA as a Region Chief.   The brooklet came from the mountain, as sang the bard of old, Running with feet of silver over the sands of gold! Far away in the briny ocean there rolled a turbulent wave, Now singing along the sea-beach, now howling along the cave. And the brooklet has found the billow, though they flowed so far apart, And has filled with its freshness and sweetness that turbulent, bitter heart! And when the eve is born, in the blue lake the sky, o'er-reaching far, Is hollowed out, and the moon dips her horn, and twinkles many a star. Inverted in the tide stand the gray rocks, and trembling shadows throw, And the fair trees look over, side by side, and see themselves below. Sweet April! many a thought is wedded unto thee, as hearts are wed; Nor shall they fail, till, to its autumn brought, life's golden fruit is shed. ...HWL

Renato Dimayuga's decision to return to Pinas and work as chief of a regional hospital that handles mainly charity cases is quite admirable, especially since the salary is peanuts compared to what he can make in the US . Now that Ben has experience, perhaps he can quit his day job and plan/manage the next reunion. ...Rudy   Juliana Ching Tan Siu Eng                              Cesar Jaranilla ChE 55 our Beloved Professor ALBUMS LIST 1966 C&G Classmates Special Mention Ismael's 2003 Reunion Pictures Ismael's 2003 Reunion Pictures Ismael's Old Classmates Pictures Classmates 1991 to 1993 Western Med Tour Reunion MIT Classmates 2007

 

Ah me! the forty years since last we met Seem to me forty folios bound and set By Time, the great transcriber, on his shelves, Wherein are written the histories of ourselves. What tragedies, what comedies, are there; What joy and grief, what rapture and despair! What chronicles of triumph and defeat, Of struggle, and temptation, and retreat! What records of regrets, and doubts, and fears What pages blotted, blistered by our tears! What lovely landscapes on the margin shine, What sweet, angelic faces, what divine And holy images of love and trust, Undimmed by age, unsoiled by damp or dust!

 

To The Class of '66, We are  on to the next or maybe the last chapter of our life. As we age and the time passes us by, on to the golden years, it is best to embolden our friendship that was put on hold because of our immediate priorities to our  families. It is for this reason, that we need to reminisce the old days  even more,  first with  letters and pictures then join together like the classmates of old, with a common goal. My retirement since 2005 has been wonderful, and hopefully, you are successful in getting yours. I thank God for this gift, that we were given the chance, for the education and training for our special profession; The chance to prosper in a land of peace and plenty. While maybe, the forty two years since graduation,  was challenging  in a new strange land,  we prevailed  the struggles,  temptations,  and retreats. As the poem said above, it was not so easy. Now with the economy on the rocks,  it is far arduous and difficult to get to where we are. In retrospect, I find it compelling or my duty to give, contribute for the next generation and the global community that made my life worthwhile. To whom much is given, much is expected. - Luke 12:48. It is therefore fitting for us blessed, to organize, protect, nurture, keep faith with our beloved country,  appreciate  nature and the environment in whatever we can. Bringing in the enviroment into light, we also can only hope that the alarming climate change and the ecological responses are 50 to 100 years away. But it's not 50 to 100 years away -- it's happening now in forest ecosystems through fire. The facts are unequivocal, and point to a troubling future ahead. Over 2100 fires, scorching some 900,000 acres, have set a new 2008 record for early-season wildfires in California.We are certainly in the midst of Global Warming;crisis of floods and droughts through out the planet. Skeptics, the debate is over, join our goal to STOP using fossil fuels as quickly as possible, to PLANT trees and end all destruction of natural habitat and PREPARE for what cannot now be stopped. Even small things make a difference spread over a large population. There are three levels of action: Personal, Political and to Prepare. They all require enormous personal and governmental commitment. The third, to Prepare for the impact of what cannot be stopped........ It is a premiere topic of our generation, about saving our wonderful planet earth, and also ourselves too. In my efforts to emphasize my solutions and prevention of the catastrophe ahead, I recall the quotation. "Tell people something they know already and they will thank you for it. Tell them something new and they will hate you for it." With that, I hope not to fall in the latter category. My goal is to keep everybody abreast and involved to prevent the future dim scenario in the mother country. If we do not implement the gentle methods to placate our environment, the Philippines and all areas in "the tropics with its few resources and growing population will resort to war and violence to satisfy the hunger of the populace in this climate catastrophe." What we have sown in this planet will bring forth a harsh aftermath and gone will be the pleasant existence of our past. This topic has become a moral issue. The havoc and destruction will be more than the combined effects of WWI, WWII and the 1929 depression. It is about, how the recent generations could destroy all what man has created in the past 10,000 years............Alexander

 

Illusion!  Underneath there lies
  The common life of every day; Only the spirit glorifies
  With its own tints the sober gray. In vain we look, in vain uplift
  Our eyes to heaven, if we are blind, we see but what we have the gift
  Of seeing; what we bring we find. Illusion!  Underneath there lies.

 

Meny Banares  Ildefonso Yap We believe we can make a difference in strengthening our friendships among us, not only in our reunions but also with a common goal and purpose. This "Gawad Kalinga" is worth investing our time, effort, and money for our country (Filipino people) for the common good. The" Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation" was indeed awarded to Mr. Antonio Meloto last Aug. 31 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines in Manila for his work in community development, working-with-the-poor ministry in Bagong Silang to start with, a squatter relocation site in Caloocan city, and Ms. Eugenia Duran Apostol for journalism, literature and creative communication. According to some sources, "Gawad Kalinga" envisions to build 7,000 new communities by 2010 as it implements strategies to transform slums to effective communities with dependable water system and electricity for homes. I was involved since 2004 with our Filipino Federation of the Rosary group in Orange county and for me it is a great feeling to get involved with the foundation, and I know our fellow Mapuans will do it also. Looking back, while we were in Manila in the early 1960's I remembered seeing several people (homeless) squatting along Dewey Boulevard (now Roxas Blvd.) as their regular place, living there day and night. Question? Are they still there? There are several more squatter areas around metro Manila and some gangsters. I hope that when we go to the Philippines for our reunion we will not be held up by a bandit or just plain pick pocketed. Regards to all, ....Regina Bermudez Cruz- Class CHE 1966   Abelardo Buan ChE66 Shutterfly | Shared Picture Detail ROSALINA DERIGE CORBETT

Thanks to Jun Dijamco, he has really gone out of his way to search for our classmates, gone visiting most of them in their homes in every State whenever he can (Thank God he & Lucy has the time and they do make time to visit us and get reacquainted) and once he made contact with you, you are in the loop and he keeps you updated. Reminds me of the Godfather, if you are in his family, he is there for you and supports you all the way.  Pol, Ismael & Marlo are getting to be the same like Jun.  They have been to all the MIT Reunions we had been having and encourage their friends 'Family' to join, etc, etc.  I had been cool to Jun's plan for a Philippine Reunion but because of his loyalty to our MIT Class, I promise to help him all the way I can and will encourage Meny and the Calif Core Group to help in his plans. Now we have Alex's website/blogsite for the Group. Keep updated with the group's news and happenings by joining this.  So stay in touch. Dear Friends, After 40 years with the company, it is inevitable that we have to move on to the next phase of life, which is retirement.  That official date for me is December 1, 2008, where I will be leaving Akron, Ohio enroute to the sunny valley of Phoenix, Arizona, our home state since 1985.  I will be dividing my time between family (wife, a daughter, 2 sons & 3 grand kids) in the US, and attending to our 20-acre farm in the Philippines we started 3 years ago – 225 Manila mango trees, 1,500 citrus trees, ¼ acre of tilapia fish farm, and a herd of goats. Let us maintain that good camaraderie by continuing to exchange emails and that little chat on the phone. Art Villasol To Uncle Teddy with all my appreciation, and the reason why I am here…..ASC And thought how, as the day had come, The belfries of all good men toll for thee How intricate the dust! I would go, to know! a debt of gratitude. Your compassion for the poor and helpless If these from oblivion awakes you. Observe them suffering, awake from deep slumber Observe them going down.The cold passion for truth Existed in your ideas. You are Uncle Teddy, the lion of the Senate, To lampoon these crude sketches of Congress. You are far From great Clan, but even farther in ideals and Political hatreds...So long and may the Dream live on.......ASC

We were deep in our ChE majors, others, took it easy in extra dose of extra curricular activities, ie. Boogie Through Life ~ JFK Assassinated Songs we Studied with The world was horror-struck on 22 November 1963 when John F Kennedy, the charismatic young president, became the third U.S. President to have been assassinated. At 12:30pm, Friday, the President was travelling with his wife, Mrs Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy and Texas governor John Connally in a black Lincoln convertible through the streets of Dallas. While Dallas resident Abraham Zapruder’s home-movie camera rolled, a hidden assassin shot President Kennedy in the head even as crowds of cheering, flag-waving people watched on. The limousine sped off to Parkland Memorial hospital with the President slumped across the backseat with a blood-spattered Mrs Kennedy cradling him in her arms. JFK was pronounced dead 30 minutes later. By 1:45pm, Dallas police had seized a suspect: Lee Harvey Oswald, a 24-year-old employee of the Texas School Book Depository, from whose sixth-floor window the shots were said to have been fired. Two days later, on Sunday, November 24, millions of Americans watched on television as Oswald              was being transferred from the Dallas city jail to a county jail. Suddenly, a local night-club owner with a riminal record named Jack Ruby stepped out of a small crowd and shot Oswald at point-blank range in the stomach with a .35-calibre revolver. Oswald died within minutes. The alleged assassin’s bizarre, mob-style "silencing" and other murky details of the assassination (including various interpretations of Zapruder’s film, the only film record of the event) gave rise, almost instantly, to a host of theories about who was responsible. (The official explanation, the Warren report of 1964, did little to assuage the nation’s bewilderment.) Indeed, JFK’s assassination grew into a kind of national obsession, spawning numerous conspiracy theories. "Where were you when Kennedy was shot?" became the question by which a generation of bereft                 Americans  identified itself.        Alpha Phi Omega Brothers ..Delta Chapter Philippines By the time Lyndon Johnson was sworn in as the 36th president aboard Air Force One in Dallas three hours after the shooting, the Kennedy legend had grown to epic proportions, hiding harsh realities including the nation’s violent division over civil rights and its increasing entanglement in Vietnam.   Recuerdo of old Manila, the path to Doroteo Jose campus & Intramuros Surgeon General warns against cigarette smoking This was the start of the diaspora  of our class to the USA 1965 Immigration Law Changed the Face of America Remember Sen. Edward Kennedy, The Reason why we are here enjoying the bounties of the USA President Lyndon B. Johnson (center) signs the sweeping immigration bill of 1965 into law at a ceremony on Liberty Island, Oct. 4, 1965. Sen. Edward Kennedy and his brother, Sen. Robert Kennedy, are seen at right.  The Long View on Immigration As a young politician, Sen. Edward Kennedy helped steer the 1965 immigration law through the Senate. He reflects on the politics that helped push the overhaul through then -- and on the current debate over immigration -- in an interview with NPR's Jennifer Ludden, exclusively on npr.org:May 9, 2006 Read the Q&A with Kennedy All Things Considered, May 9, 2006 · As Congress considers sweeping changes to immigration law, nearly all the debate has centered on the problem of illegal immigration. Little discussed are the many concerns of legal immigrants, the estimated 3 million to 4 million who are, as it's so often been put --"already standing in line." The current system of legal immigration dates to 1965. It marked a radical break with previous policy and has led to profound demographic changes in America. But that's not how the law was seen when it was passed -- at the height of the civil rights movement, at a time when ideals of freedom, democracy and equality had seized the nation. Against this backdrop, the manner in which the United States decided which foreigners could and could not enter the country had become an increasing embarrassment a racial preference for white Europeans.

In the twilight of age all things seem strange and phantasmal,   As between daylight and dark ghost-like the landscape appears. Oath taking of newly registered Chemical Engineers. Circa June 24, 1967 in Makati, Sarmiento bldg. From far left is Jose Catibog, AlexC, Reynaldo Santos, Maximillan Ui, Audie Vergara, Florencio Roxas, Lorna M. Jereza, Rosalina Derige Corbett, Oscar Santos, Rey Sequerra, Celso Chua, Romeo Olalia..............­..   Sept. 1966: The Brothers Alpha Phi Omega (APO) Fraternity of the Delta Chapter Philippines circa 1966, from L# 1 Renato Perez, L #2 Virgilio Macalinao, L#3 - kneeling, AlexC ,  4-kneeling, Warlito Boquiren ChE66,   L#5 Johnny Lee, ?,L#7 Roberto Sobrepena, L#8 hidden halfway Camilo Assuncion Standing on the far left Derige (the brother of Rosalina Corbet, Mario Templado, Rolly Calumpong, Joe Calvo, Cesar Frias, Jojie Catibog, ?, Advisor Prof. Sevilla and daughter, Bonni Tong, Alex Tiquia, Jonah Molina, Norie Cacabelos.   More than 350,000 members have joined Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity since it's founding, at 366 college campuses here in the US alone, not counting other countries. Our mission is to prepare campus and community leaders through service. Our purpose is to develop leadership, to promote friendship and to provide service to humanity....... 45 years later, Feb 19, 2011: After the years of absence from the Alpha Phi Omega fraternity, I rejoined the fold and found the warmth of friendship. Getting reacquainted with old friends and meeting new brothers. I am in my advance years, but my youth came back amongst the Brods, which is invigorating. I am very much in good company when I say ahh youth, as the older  Brods Tito Cerdan at age 84 can still hang around with us, Rey Cacabelos, and Cesar Frias, who are from earlier batches, can feel the same thing in their hearts, as emotions betray them. I intend to make a separate blog entirely for APO, ie. like my Sixties, and then place all the pictures of our Valentine excursion from Stockton, California. Rejoiced, as it was a sweet reunion too, of my long lost best buddy Brod Cesar who was also a neighbor  a classmate at MIT a twin brother in our escapades on dates and trips to Tanay. We have not seen each other for 45 years. We just have to makeup for the lost years, ie.  the same with Brods Rey Cacabelos, Fortune Cumigad, Jonah Molina. We give our sincere appreciation to the family of Brod Jonah and Rose for the warm, kind accommodations and specially to Marjoe and Jo Ann for the warm beds rendered. The food was excellent. You guys missed the "alimango" when Mel Gonzales of ETA chapter came in after lunch. I hope to see you again in the near future, as the warm and cordial  mood pervading the celebrants and guests was uplifting to the spirit. The only thing  I wish,  was to remember all the  names of the Brods present during the gathering like Jojo Lobusta, Jun Malan, Tony Santilan, Larry of Gamma, Oliver our youngest, Trigo from  Dist7, Betcha Dist4, (Caltrans designation for areas in California of which I was in HQ Sacramento and Dist. 4 San Francisco during the 60’s /my youth) Reigel my neighbor from the Bay Area, Ferdie who was an inspirational MC, Joel Pablo, who was kind enough to share his prize, Oca Atienza a long lost acquaintance from my MIT years. Forgive my senior mind in the advent of forgetfulness,  if I was not able to mention the rest of the Brods. To those who did not make it, it was a fine dignified affair at the Hilton, that continued on toward the wee hours of the AM at Brod Jonah’s place to the consternation of the neighbors. I think some of the Brods continued their celebration outside, and got shooed away by some friendly but sleepy neighbors. With all the talk, laughter, and joyous celebration, I can not wait for the next one. Till we meet again….ASC

The summer sun is sinking low;
Only the tree-tops redden and glow:
Only the weathercock on the spire
Of the neighboring church is a flame of fire;
     All is in shadow below.
O beautiful, awful summer day,
What hast thou given, what taken away?
Life and death, and love and hate,
Homes made happy or desolate,
     Hearts made sad or gay!
On the road of life one mile-stone more!
In the book of life one leaf turned o'er!
Like a red seal is the setting sun
On the good and the evil men have done,--
     Naught can to-day restore!..HWL

ASC...(08/08/08)