Souvenir Program/Update from Tammy

A recent email from Tammy...shareable and postable on blog 

I have sent my "thank you" to Vickie immediately after receipt of the souvenir book. Also asked Winnie to express my gratitude.

I am still quite involved in the Bataan projects. Hopefully, I will be able to free myself from their umbilical cords in the next month or so. I am being poked constantly by my conscience (& my pockets) for leaving my bitter half all alone in the house whenever I leave for the jobsite. More so if typhoons come, the rains are incessant and flood waters rise. Ah, the memories of Ondoy.

Surely, I relish the memory of the recent reunion. It was a very refreshing change of ambiance, a wonderful wisp of fresh air, a wholesome break from the stressful daily grind. And, there were you and Mellicent! After all these years, you really have not changed. Luv ya, pren! Kaya lang, parang bitin. May kulang. May hinahanap pa ako.

I certainly would love being with you again. I would like to be able to secure our visas to visit the Land of Promise(?). It would be appreciated very much if the American consul would take me out from their roster of "undesirables".

However, in hindsight, I would like to believe that the consul was after my well-being when he denied my visa application. He perhaps wanted to protect my sanity. After watching videos from " top 20", "you tube" and other sites on how Americans have fun and live (ruin?) their daily lives, I come to realize how great it is to be here at home, far from the maddening American crowd. But upon the prodding of my brothers and sister, we'll file our applications again.

Xerxes? I have not heard a thing. I have poked a few friends who are able to probe around San Fernando but so far are unsuccessful. He has made himself quite rare as a lotto jackpot.

Yes, I follow the blog. Religiously. Quietly. I appreciate what you are doing. Maybe, perhaps, one day, I'll send you something to blog about.
I have been the focus of your attention for quite sometime na.  It is time to say Ciao, Armingol

BCHSIAA, Toronto Chapter Picnic

@ Jack Darling Park, Mississauga, Ontario 25 August 2012



Amelia @ the back in Yellow Hat...
Aurora is just in-front of Amelia, but too short

As the dust settled, the slow ones are resting.
(L-R): Aurora in blue, Sonia Rosalin, Amelia in yellow

Normally, Amelia and Aurora's face are plastered right in front of any photo-op in this part of the world. Not this time !  We have become slower @ age 65 in coveting the prized spots in group picture taking.  Narigat iti tumaray with the knee joints just aching on my part and in Amelia's case, she had too much responsibilities within the local organization, that she can not leave her duty as soon as they shout out "picture taking!!!"

NB.  Complimentary pictures - Aurora Rosalin Alcampo
President, BCHS Alumni International, Toronto Chapter (Thanks Ms. Prexy for the Pics swiped from FaceBook)

Gali's TY E-mail

FROM:  Gali
Wednesday, August 22, 2012 12:35:28 PM

Ag yamanak kada kayo amin nangrung-runa kanyam Auring, gapo ti anos yo ditoy classmate yo nga sadot – sadot idi high school, sadot pay laeng angana itata.

I have been remiss in getting out my words of appreciation and gratitude to all who have lifted more than a finger and for all the time and money they all jointly and severally put into the preparation and carrying out of all reunion activities. I have no excuse for my big delay in getting out a THANK YOU note except perhaps to admit that I am still suffering from a chronic post-reunion syndrome - iliw. Our Golden gathering was beyond doubt overwhelming and an event I shall not at all stop thinking about. I’m almost certain those in attendance have enjoyed the fellowship and the activities as much as I did.

Auring, I admire your persistence and determination. I realize how difficult it was or is for you - spending countless hours using your pc and Magic Jack – in making good efforts to find the whereabouts of many of our classmates; and you never stopped or got discouraged. I am so sorry that I was not much of a big help but, I’m hoping for another opportunity to be able to make it up. Your postings remind me to be more patriotic and conscious of my country of birth, uray Amercano ak by fiction of law. I’ve visited many, many places before but, I’m so embarrassed to admit that I have not seen my own backyard. Thanks for sharing the nice pics.

Ahmee, you are the motivator and you’re probably not even aware of it. I really mean that as a complement. You made sure – sometimes in very subtle ways – that all important aspects of the jubilee celebration were followed through and made firm with definite certainty. Uray s’yak, magik-kigtud no ada bilin mo. But, I know that everything was meant well and only for the sole purpose of assuring the interest and participation of all.

Vicky, thank you. I wanted you to know that I received the souvenir album, but as Cynthia and I were leaving again for another trip, I didn’t get the chance to thoroughly check who’s who. Immediately upon our return I had more time to leisurely look at the album page by page and put familiar names to the pictures. The souvenir photo album is definitely astounding - something that I will certainly cherish for the rest of my life. Salamat for the work well done.

Maraming salamat din sa iyo, Leda. I can’t thank you enough for letting us ride in your brand new Honda and for chauffeuring us around. How thoughtful of you to prepare a basketful of food for lunch and merienda that we all consumed immediately prior to the start of our tour. The tour of the Bataan Memorial was both enjoyable and informative. Thank you so much for inviting us - Auring, Ahmee, Atong and myself – to share and experience the beauty and serenity of Las Casas. Yes, ma’il-iliwa’k kada kayo amin. I hope I am saying that correctly.

The team of Abit in Baguio and Manila definitely deserves the credit for the successful planning and carrying out of all re-union activities. I am personally pleased that Abit’s ad hoc in cooperation with the ’87 Kakabsat was able to pull through a very successful, meaningful and an absolutely memorable reunion. Thanks, Abit and please extend my appreciation and gratitude to all. Salamat din for all the give-away souvenir items. I am not using them but, definitely keep them as mementos of good memories of days gone by.

To Danny and his new set of Class ’62 officers, I am expressing my heartfelt congratulations and appreciation to them for accepting the undertaking to direct our group into more years of camaraderie and friendship. I look forward to seeing and working with them again soon.

No ada pay nalipatak pagyamane’k no ag anos kayo apo ta datoy kabsat yo ket lakayen.

Gali

Happy 65th Amelia !

I had great plans of making this a "bongga" post, but, I am running late...

It dawned on me, that everyone already knows Amy.  Armed with 3 photos, I decided to forego the introductory profile (LOL), only that she turns 65 years old today.

Her gift - a picture album compiled for her PI 2012 Visit

A page in the Album to Commemorate her 65th



Her demeanor at the BCHS Alumni-Toronto Chapter Picnic,
celebrating her Birthday with 2 other August Alumni

Editor's Notes:  "Her demeanor" is not used in a negative way.  I just can not find the right word to describe this picture which I swiped from someone else's posting.

H A P P Y   65th   B I R T H D A Y   baket !

Comment - " Last of a Series" Post

Filipina Estepa
Sunday, August 26, 2012 4:00:53 AM

My, my, you brought tears as i was going over the vast experiences we had. It so happens that Louee is in an internet cafe and i thought of using one of the booths. kanina pa ako nagkakamali. kaya it takes me an hour writing. Ay apo, nagrigat ketdin ti hindi hi-tech.

We had a great time, so short a time, but we have shared tremendous and gigantic bondings, laughters and experiences in the Ilocos, La Union and our own Baguio City.


Click to Enlarge
(Pic from ATL collection)

I hope you come back next year and we fly to the south and see the Philippines at its best.

Thank you , thank you for your centered feature about me during my bday. I thank you for your thoughtfulness.

May 23 in Baguio - Last of a Series

My last week in Baguio has shocked my system.  I thought I will be there forever to hang out with friends I have not seen for a while.  However, after my six weeks stint, I needed to go back to my adoptive country.  Pleasant thoughts of additional charming destinations will stay with me for a little while, as I ponder when my next visit will be. 

I could not leave Baguio without checking out the famous Philippine Military Academy.  I called Ping and Louee to arrange for a morning tour just before my trip that night to Manila.  Louee, as usual, with her gentle smile, obliged and off we went.  An innocent (more like ignorant!) 65 year old brain in me, decides to venture out in flip flops. The PMA sentry checked Louee's car, notified us and pointing to a sign, that one can not enter PMA grounds without proper "foot attire".  I was dismayed that my last opportunity was once again wasted.  Louee, a quick thinker, managed a smile and said "Manang, I have a pair of broken boots in the trunk".  I stared at her in amazement, as one shoe was literally, broken in mid sole. She assured me however, that she was going to wear the broken boots and give me her sandals to wear ( Whew !!! ).  It just so happened that we have the same shoe size (5) as well.  Now, we can get off the car and view the cadets on a dress rehearsal parade.  What a timely experience !

Although Melchor Hall seems more popular in name
 I chose to take a picture of the Florendo Hall
(Ping says it is named in honor of Gen. Florendo, Abit's oldest brother)

Ping, in a friendly banter with me, questions why I have never been to this place.  I can not find a proper answer to her question.  Although, I went to school with lots of friends and acquaintances (Ping included) who frequented this place, I can only remember, that no one has invited me to a "hop" (LOL).

I am only too happy to find a lot of gracious friends during my 2012 Philippine visit.  HURRAH to you !

Despedida - May, 2012

I feel funny posting despedida pictures of long ago, as I check the travel schedule for an upcoming trip, received in the mail today.

I was charmed by friends in Baguio to share a few more laughs before I leave.  GloV starts planning a gathering and cordially offered her place for the venue. [[TY a lot! ]] Sharing un-ending stories of high school escapades as we devour more food (inabraw, puto bumbong, pina-paitan, egado etc), I will miss my friends and the food they offer.

  Danny, Vicky, Patrocinio, Winnie, Estela, Cres Mary,
Louee, Ping, Aurora, GloV & Zuri (Glo's grand daughter)

To you friends in Baguio and to the many of my classmates of '62 who hosted many pre and post reunion activities, my un-ending thanks.  To Louee, a friend of Class62, for the many early mornings and late nights, to accommodate our class62 in many ways than I can remember,  I am grateful.

More Baguio Re-orientation

Our BenCab Museum trip must have been coupled with a short trip down Asin Road [[ must have - 'could not now remember the sequence of events]] and returning back via a nice highway, which Ping dubbed as the "Domogan Highway". It was a good ride back to Naguilian Road with the well paved roads and seemingly, a no travel zone. Louee's car had the privilege of traveling all on it's own, along that stretch of highway... Hmm... I wondered if we were trespassing on private lands. 

Our visit to Asin Hot Springs next day was of no consequence. Other than the hot springs tub experience, the swimming pool closed as soon as the rain came pouring.  We waited out the rain to stop @ the resort's restaurant. Instead of fading away, the rain kept at it's fury. We decided to take our chance and ran for the car.  Soaking wet, we headed home, passing by a  few people huddled together in a waiting shed, hoping for the rain to subside and a bus to come by.

Our next day's re-orientation was blessed with clear blue skies.  First stop: Dominican Hill

I also wanted to see the famous Bell Amphitheater @ John Hay Air Base, but it was closed to the Public when we got there @ 5:00PM. Psssttt... they are now charging a visitors fee to view the Amphitheater.  We opted for the "free" surroundings and took photos:

After JHAB, we rushed to PMA.  But, like any other important tourist "must see" in Baguio, everything closes @ 5:00PM.  An important notation for future visitors to these places to start their trekking early.  We pushed ourselves and took a glimpse of the Mansion House and the nearby Wright Park. Not bad, for a person born and bred in Baguio, I was happy, taking just a glimpse of the places I have never been to.

Meeting a Young Friend

Similar to blog posting, we had a two day reprieve from our travels.  Then again, my travel companions had other obligations/responsibilities to attend to.  I arranged to meet friends outside of the Class62 circle during this time.  I met a FaceBook friend for lunch at the famous "CHAYA" along Legarda Road.  Aya (Gloria), is a younger sister of my friend Elsie, who I met @ UP Baguio.  Last time I saw Aya in the early '60's, she was only 9 years old.   I connected with her via FB while looking for my friend Elsie, now residing in Florida.  Since then, I could not wait to see AYA and what she had become.

(L-R): Jennifer [niece], AYA, and moi @ CHAYA Restaurant

Some of you might also remember her sister Elsie (Elisa Blando-Kellawan), who, we used to hang around with during our initial schooling @ UP Baguio.  Amy, Elsie and I, as well as Angel, Leda, Manny Mayo, Manny Natividad, Benjie, RudyC, Danny, Archie, Bong, to name a few, pursued UP Diliman to see what Abit was up to when she decided to tackle Diliman right off the bat.  While some of us were still groping in the dark as to what needs to be done with our lives, I also grew up fast with the constant pounding of Angelica to understand my Algebra and Trigonometry, if I wanted to survive being in that place.  I survived, but, it did not make me any wiser.  I still cringe when it comes to algebra & trigonometry.  Go figure, I. Am. Still. Tab-bed. after all these years.

Leaving Ilocos Region

We anticipated a long ride home.  We were tired but happy.  We made two quick stops, one at a famous bakery along the highway.  GloV, Estela and Vickie checked the place out and came back with buko pie and some other goodies for pasalubong.  Next stop, was at Vickie's nephew in Tagudin, Ilocos Sur.  Listening to their stories, my renewed awareness on how/why people move around and settle in places far away from home.

A long stretch and we reached San Fernando La Union.  Here, we decided to view the sunset at the famous "Thunderbird" resort. 

Thunderbird Resort Picture Postcard
source: Images from Internet









Leaving the resort without the much needed directions for Xerxes' house in Poro Point. The front desk was helpful enough to google the address but soon sent us to the nearest Police outpost just outside the resort gates. We were sent further out to the Police Headquarters by the highway, but no luck.  It was not meant for us to surprise Xerxes with an unannounced visit after 50 years.  Here we could have used the help from the first contingent to visit him in the early 2000's (Leda, Tammy, Abit and MannyN). Ping promises another day's visit.

The last leg of our trip was a "hit and run" dinner at Ping's cousin in Naguilian, La Union.  Ping requested her cousin to prepare binobudan (instead of baridibod for dinner).  But then again, as any Filipino will outdo themselves, we had dinuguan, lechon, dinengdeng and a lot more.  They had newly harvested siniguelas by the door and we took it home.  We also took the whole pot of binubodan as it was getting late, pushing ourselves and our tired but still smiling chauffer, on to Baguio.

Giggling with Ron McDonald

High school girls tickled pink and giggling with Ron, as we waited for our ice cream cones at McDonalds.

Ping decides to take in her vitamin "C" and create a web of stories with the owner and workers at the street eatery.

Surprise, surprise... we were like celebrities walking on the street by the eatery with all eyes watching us, as we walked back to our van.  Huh??, I wonder.  It must be our flip flops, I thought.  Or, did anyone freshen their make-up and smeared too much lipstick?   Back on the van and seated comfortably for our long trek home, Ping starts laughing out loud painting the story she had concocted while hanging out at the eatery.  She was feeding them "un-imaginable" stories as she was enjoying yet another serving of a local delicacy complete with ice cold water to down it all,  for "free".  The story?!?... Ping tells them that we were a group of doctors (specialists at that) from Notre Dame, who just came from a medical conference in Ilocos Norte.  She spells out that in the group were two Cardiologists, a Neurologist, etc. and when she ran out of specialties, she points to Dr. Vickie being the main Guest Speaker at the conference.  They asked what Ping's specialty was... she quipped.. "I am not a doctor, just the tour guide".

The story as it was told, complete with Ilocos Sur innocence of  "ni, kitaem man lakay, do-doctor daguidiay nañgan ditoy.  Na-imasan da pay didiay pinag-lutom itti sinanglao"  "wen ngarud baket, sapay kuma nga ibaga da iti sabali nga do-doctor iddiay Baguio, nu ayan na daytoy lugar tayo",  evokes a big laugh and tears in our eyes. What a sham !! but never a dull moment when Ping is around for company.

Comment - Post August 15, 2012

FROM:   Ben C. Abellera
Wednesday, August 15, 2012 8:44:12 PM

You are giving us a virtual tour through interesting photo-essays of the adventures of the six Ilocos trekkers (your version of our Palawan Magnificent Six), and lots of thanks for that! Regarding the sinanglao and the other delicious meals you've been enjoying thereabouts, I'm reminded very pleasantly of our Country Club dinner on May 6. What a sumptuous spread that was, with the best sashimi I've ever had! Thanks, Ping, for making the venue available....it does pay to have connections, because otherwise no dice.

Another very pleasant surprise was when I received in the mail several days ago the Class 62 photo album -- with me on the cover! A million thanks to Vicky Villarde Estepa and all those who made this possible. Of course, I'm on the cover of only my copy of the photo album, but at least I'm on the cover of something -- a first-in-my-lifetime circumstance, and most likely the last time I'll be on the cover of anything! So all the more reason to feel jubilant and really special!

Fly high, Citi Hi! Soaring through, Class 62!

Comment - Post August 14, 2012

From: romyl

Tuesday, August 14, 2012 10:21:21 PM

Your postings are very interesting. Para kang historian

For me who haven’t gone to Ilocos, was surprised to know that there’s a lot of good places to visit.

My family have always planned to go north but never happened, only my 2 boys have travelled as far as Pagugpud. We’ll try to make it before the year ends, possibly on December.

Best Regards,

Romy N. Lamsen
Sr. Manager, QA/QC
Eurotech Engineering International Co.,Ltd.
59/8 Moo 6 EGAT RD. KM.3 Thakham
Bangpakong, Chachoengsao Thailand 24130
www.eurotech.co.th

Sinanglao (Sinanglaw) in Vigan

Ping/Louee back from their errand, distributed the bagnet/langonisa shares to the delight of the Baguio-ites' oohs and ahhs.. (sarap!!).  This awakened our stomachs' growl for lunch. Sinanglao came to mind as Ping jokingly looked for sinanglao amongst the entrees @ The Baguio Country Club during the class62 dinner.  Louee suggested a place by McDonalds, just to be safe.  She asked us to check it out before we sat down at the most coveted place for lunch (a roadside eatery LOL).

Sinanglao means steamed in the local dialect.  Sinanglao is usually served at streetside eateries in Vigan  in the mornings for breakfast.  This place serves it non stop till closing in the afternoon.  We checked it out, it looks familiar.  It looks like pina-paitan, only less of the yellow greenish thing and smells like sinigang (sour smelling with kamias).

Nagbayag met ten tay Sinanglao. Parparte-en dan sapay diay baka

Mabisin kamin ngem kino-dak ko pay diay Sinanglao

Louee also scours the nearby eateries for something unique and slips in fried Ukoy (shrimps in batter with achuete). Hmmm hmmm pinoysarap!

Nice and Busy Day in Vigan - Part 4

Our final stop in Vigan - Heritage Lane @ Calle Crisologo.  This section is off limits to any motorized vehicle.  Alex, our driver parked at the plaza, while we ladies haggled for a caleza ride. Ping & Louee must have seen this place a million times. They left us @ Calle Crisologo and travelled to the city market to get our orders of bagnet and langonisa.

Heritage Lane @ Calle Crisologo

One young caballero took us in his horse driven caleza.

The horse hobbled along the cobblestone lane

I have always thought that this particular part of the city

 was built during the Spanish regime, thus a carving of

St Therese de Lisieux

However, my readings indicate, as I was researching this carving a few days ago, that the four blocks of cobblestone streets, lined with heritage homes belonged to Filipino Chinese traders, during a time of constant trading of goods into Vigan from all over the North. This was well before the Spaniards came.  At various times in history, the Spanish/European influence must have been introduced into these row of houses. A carving of Saint Therese de Lisieux is embedded in one of the pillars of an old house. I do not now remember whether the carving was of wood or plaster, but it was beckoning to me.  It was located in a nondescript place and I took a picture at a moment's notice, as we passed it.  I could not find a write up on this particular carving.  Even with the knowledge I now have, I could not have asked anyone at the Heritage Lane site, as it was in total abandon during our "noon" visit of  May 16, 2012.  

Nice and Busy Day in Vigan - Part 3

We seem to be taking in so many tourist spots in Vigan.  It helps to have a van provided by Louee/ Ping and a knowledgeable driver Alex, who maneuvers around town with the skill of a local Vigan-nette. Our next stop was at the Pagburnayan iti Vigan.

I was impressed by the clutter of this pagburnayan which is just off Calle Crisologo (Heritage Site).  I also failed to ask whether we were in the midst of a whole barrio of pagburnayan.  The Burnay industry was introduced by early chinese settlers long before the Spaniards came.  Burnays were used (and still used today) as a vessel to contain fermented fish and other food products transported from one place to the other (as far as China). There are a lot of present day pagburnayans which are owned by the Chinese, but this particular place we visited was owned by 2 spinster sisters of Spanish lineage.  I did not take a video of the whole pottery making process, but a few pictures to show that workers still use old school pottery methods.

The burnay demo

With our imitated Ilocos Sur "ilocano" twang, the ag-bu-burnay gladly gave us an unscheduled demo in pottery making.  To you our ag-bu-burnay friend, may you have a better clientele for your wares.

Nice and Busy Day in Vigan - Part 2

Next stop, same day, we got lost looking for the Hidden Garden of Vigan.  Once we found it, it was paradise.  I suspect the owners and workers travelled all the way from Baguio.  Here we saw:

 

 

(L-R): Vickie, Estela, Ping, Aurora, GloV

There is a restaurant @ the end of the garden tour, but our trip planners, who are the experienced test tasters confided to us that the food and service are not at all worth the "mullah".  So, on to the next stop.