“20 AÑOS PA SANA KAMI”

It was a rainy Saturday morning, March 26, 2005, but the weather did not dampen the spirits of Tabaco National High School Batch 1985 to gather infront of the St. John the Baptist Church of Tabaco City, Albay, for their much awaited reunion after 20 years. Doting T-shirts that says, “20 Años Pa Sana Kami”, meaning, “we are only 20 years”, Class ’85 must have felt that they were only in their “twenties” and still have a lot to give. The atmosphere was warm, as former classmates, now having flourishing careers and coming from as far as the United States and Canada, exchanged pleasantries and hugged each other.

At 8:30 A.M., the excited batchmates numbering about 115 paraded together with their wives and kids, passing the main streets of Panal, until they reached TNHS. Stepping once again in a school where one studied for four years brings back memories of colorful events, academic and extra curricular competitions, nice and not so nice teachers, a lot of friends and crushes or first loves.

The program, which was originally planned to be held at the Quadrangle, was moved to the Lagman Building because of the continuous downpour. The ever reliable and able teachers of TNHS, Ms. Gene Calingacion, Ms. Regina Brofas and Mr. Ruben Boncocan acted as masters of ceremonies. Batch ’85 is indeed blessed for having a priest in the person of Rev. Fr. Jun Cerjuales, now a parish priest of St. Raphael Church Legazpi City, who gave the Invocation. It was a delight to see the “fruits” of Class ’85, the kids of Ms. Mitz Bocaoto - Arnido, who performed a modern dance. A highlight of the program was the message given by Messrs. Ric Gascon and Rey Bragais, Batch85 President and City Councilor respectively. They should be credited by spearheading this event. Ric expressed his gratitude to his batchmates and thought that he would always be a follower, but with what he has so far accomplished, he realized that he can be a leader. The program would not be complete without the reaction of two former teachers, Mss. Soccoro Triumfante - Mejares, and Arlene Obiasca, Biology and Practical Arts teachers, respectively. They expressed their happiness that Batch 85 went back to their alma mater to reminisce their high school years and reunite with their classmates. Our former math teacher and present school head, Ms. Elena Balcueva, encouraged the Class to leave a legacy to the school by donating something that will be useful to the present students.

Not to be missed were the delectable snacks and lunch with “lechon” as the main dish. In the afternoon, parlor games and raffle draw were held. Since almost all of Class ’85 participated, including their families, one could see that everybody was full of energy and could haggle in every game. Of course, prizes were given to winners and even non winners. To cap the affair, a business meeting was presided by the President. The income and expenses involved in the various activities were presented. Initial planning for the Silver Jubilee in 2010 were discussed and it was suggested that the TNHS Batch ’85 website be created for the purpose of having a directory of its members and for the general information of its activities.

This day will indeed be cherished by the Batch of 1985 and their families. Acknowledgement and gratitude is given to all those who attended and gave their financial contributions, those who were not able to come but likewise extended financial support, and the members of the Class who are residents of Tabaco City. They composed the committees and organized this unforgettable event. We hope to see you all in 2010! ( By Joseph Benosa)

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