Christmas Holiday Get-together: 12 Dec

New batch Chairperson, Lota announced a Chirstmas Holiday get-together on Saturday, 12 December 2009 lunchtime at Noi's Palmdale residence [vice Luth's Oxnard residence].

"In addition, the incoming committee members will not hold a meeting regarding our upcoming reunion with our holiday occasion. (Infos will be posted to all in January 2010).

I would like to thank you Noi for your great flexibility in the change of venue. We will all help and support you on this - everyone will surely have fun!"

Please RSVP (for head count): Noi Yanto Diwa, Enid Adamos De Jesus, Ghie Arabejo Vivar, Kim Abad Dimalanta and myself, Lota Cruz San Diego.

Thanks for your support,

Lota

A Toast to Batch '74: On the occassion of their 35th Class Reunion

Many of you consider this a High School Reunion, I feel like it is a Family Reunion.

Throughout the past 35 years there have been and we've seen many friendships made and lost, laughter and tears shared and hearts broken. But today we toast to our memories----- the students, athletes, and friends we once were---reunited for a time, relieving our shared past.

We also honor those who taught and encouraged us. May we always remember with gratitude their part in making us who we are today.

As we look through the strands of silver-gray and black, to the burnished locks of yesteryear - look beneath the wrinkles and lines to the dewy skin we left behind. Look beyond the lenses of glass to the sparkling eyes of our distant past. Look above at the golden throne to those of our classmates who are now gone. But look ahead and keep on keepin' for what we sowed we are now reapin'.

We remember old friends, those with us now, those who couldn't make it, and those who are no longer with us.

Dear friends, batch mates, classmates, and family, lift your glasses and toast with me the memories of yesteryear and the memories to come.

“God Bless us all” with prosperity and good health!

Heres to more reunions to come!!!!!

Cheers!!!!



Thank you,

Luth

Pictures... more pictures...

Thanks for batchmate Jean Elardo and for Ling2 for sharing and forwarding the following pictures:

35th Reunion: A Blast

Hello Batch Mates,

It's been two days since our dinner and dance and a day since our picnic.

I'm so happy to report that the 35th High School Reunion was very successful. Everyone had a blast!

Some of our teachers that attended at the picnic are: Ms Macaraeg, Ms De Guzman, Ms Manansala, and Mr. Arabe.

Everyone enjoyed the celebration and could not get away from each other but unfortunately, we have to be separated and go back home.

I uploaded some pictures in our yahoo groups photos, please upload your pictures at our yahoo groups, file name 35th High School Reunion.

As the outgoing chairperson, below is my closing remarks that I read at our dinner and dance. It has been an honor and great privilege to be your Chairperson and let's welcome our new leadership, Lota Cruz San Diego, Chairperson and Naomi Yanto Diwa, co-chair.

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35th High School Chairperson Closing Remarks:

Edna Napalan Padaon

"Good Evening classmates, spouses and friends of classmates. I would like to start my closing remarks with a question:

What is the purpose of a class reunion?

High school is often called the greatest time of your life. High school is full of fun activities like sports, dances, dating and learning to drive. But high school is over quickly, and you're out in the world full of responsibilities. Class reunions are a great way to relive the high points of your teenage years and reconnect with old friends.

Today, you met someone who seemed to be a total stranger until you made the conversation with that someone and realized that he or she was once special in your high school life.

A reunion is a perfect way to rekindle those old friendships and check how your friend’s lives have been progressing. Have they married, landed dream jobs, and had children?

Maybe they know people who aren't attending the reunion that you'd like to hear about. Attending your class reunion will help reunite you with people you'd like to see again.

As the chairperson for the class reunion committee I would like to thank everyone who came to celebrate our 35th High School Reunion.

As the chairperson I am the most visible Committee member, but there were many great classmates and spouses of classmates that helped in countless ways.

It’s been a year ago since we started planning this event. I enjoyed the company of this committee during our monthly meetings over the past year.

I want to thank a wonderful Committee of dedicated classmates. Without them this would not have been possible. Our success is a direct result of the time, energy and commitment of volunteers like you.

It is my pleasure to introduce the committee members. Please come up as I call on your name and join me here to be recognized.

Butch is my assistant chairperson. Thank you Butch and Geri for holding one of our meetings at your home. Butch is also overall in charge of the family picnic tomorrow.

Beth and Janet, our Secretary and Alternate Secretary who took care of the minutes.

Melita handled the funds and created all of the centerpieces that will be raffled at the end of the event.

Becca and Lota are our Auditors who kept us honest. Their duties are to examine the treasurer’s book and confirmed that charges are legitimate and that there are adequate funds to cover the payments.

Lota and Romy, Thank you also for holding one of our meetings at your home. Lota is in charge of the sitting arrangement and over all in charge of the registration assisted by Becca. Thank you.

My PRO’s are Naomi, Ghie, Jean, Ruby, Aureo and Luth. Not only they are my advisors; they provided valuable input, helped to contact classmates and persuaded some of you to come.

Luth is in charge of the catering for tomorrow’s picnic assisted by Aureo. Luth is also responsible for the souvenir T-shirts and the banner. She made sure that we were covering all of the minor details. Thank you Luth and Ron for holding one of our meetings and your continued support that made this reunion a successful one.

· Mar Baylon is the batch web administrator. The OCNHS Batch ’74 website is our electronic community which will allow us to keep in touch with each other thru networking for years to come. Pictures from the reunion, stories of our classmates as well as a current database allowed us to stay in contact with each other. If you move or change email addresses, please let Mar know. All of us need to do our part to keep it current for it to remain relevant.

· Kim and Rodante who are our past chairperson and serve as the Board of Directors. Thank you Kim for your continued support to the group that kept our existence. Your tireless efforts made each event special. Kim is in charge of today’s program souvenir.

CLASSMATES I PRESENT TO YOU THE COMMITTEE OF CLASS OF ’74 THAT MADE THIS EVENT POSSIBLE. PLEASE GIVE THEM A ROUND OF APPLAUSE.

In closing, IT HAS BEEN AN HONOR TO SERVE AS YOUR CHAIRPERSON and looking forward to our 38th reunion in 2012.

THANK YOU AND ENJOY THE REST OF THE NIGHT AND OUR CELEBRATION WILL CONTINUE TOMORROW AT OUR FAMILY PICNIC."

Mrs Grace Garcia Passed Away

OCNHS Batch '74,

I was recently brought aware of some less than pleasant news from Emily Mallari Frejoles in Ontario, Canada.

Annie Ver Garcia Abujen's mom, Mrs Grace Garcia; had recently passed away. Annie left 2 days ago. Her mom passed away in the Philippines and will be burried in Olongapo.

Annie Ver and her family were just here in the Bay Area last month for a vacation. I was glad to have been able to visit with her during her stay.


To Annie and Family,

No matter how old we are, losing a mother is one of the deepest sorrows a heart can know. But her goodness, her caring and her wisdom live on,like a legacy of love that will always be with you. And just as she comforted you, may the memory of her love surround you and bring you peace.

The love of your wonderful mother is something that always lives on, filling the days with sweet memories long after her presence is gone... you still feel the warmth of her caring, her wisdom will never depart,For the love of a wonderful mother forever lives on in your heart.

Condolence and with deepest sympathy.

With love and prayers,


Raquel and family

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Olongapo City National High School Batch 74 offer their condolences to our classmate, Annie Ver Garcia-Abujen; our former teacher, Ms Jane Garcia; Ms Nina Garcia-Dixon and to all the family and friends of Mrs Grace Garcia on her passing. Our prayers are with you.

Reunion of the past: 20th Reunion 1994

Do you remember who are these guys?

From the Photobucket site of Menchu, click here to see more.

Slide show: Reunion '94 San Diego by Menchu

Courtesy of my new Facebook buddy and new Yahoo group member, classmate Menchu. Click here to go to her original slide presentation [much better!].

July 25 Meeting

Lota will be hosting this meeting and she is expecting 100% attendance and commitment from everyone.

She is so committed she will be providing LUNCH and DINNER if she have to!

If I was there...

the dialogues would be:*

One day [isang araw], Luth invited the gang at her place in Oxnard for our batch's 35th Reunion monthly meeting. This coincided with a holiday visit from Vienna, Austria; of "long lost " batchmate Maley.

To say the least, it was one of those "to die for" mini-reunion, as you can see from the pictures and other subsequent photos I will be publishing here.

Being on the other side of the globe, I was contented to view the pictures and read the emails; and with way too much time on my hands...

Bot: "Luth, umuulan ba?"

Luth: "Inde, laway ni kwan yan..."

Bot: "Ayan, nawala na?"

Luth: "Ano ka ba, basta strike a pose na!"


Bot: "Luth mamaya, solo ako ha?"


Luth: "Oo naman... ikaw pa."

Tadah.... Si Cleopatra...

[Sabi ni Luth] "Nawawala si Anthony... pati grapes nawala na rin... kinain ni Luth !!! ... grapes lang... hindi si Anthony!!!"

Iniwan si Anthony at ipinagpalit sa mga high school BFFs... di bah!

*Kathang isep isep lang... walang mapipikon ha?

May Meeting & Fellowship

Above photo shows [from left], attendees of the May meeting: Rebecca Barrera, Edna Napalan-Padaon, Maley Ela-Sicay, Luth Salonga-VanDyck, Naomi Yanto-Diwa and Bot Alcantara-Cruz.

Not in photo but on phone-conference are: Enid Adamos-De Jesus, Butch Escota, Aureo Macaraeg and Lota Cruz-San Diego.


Highlights of the meeting are as folows:

1. The sit down dinner and dance is still at North Island [Neptune Room] NAS on 19 Sept from 6 PM to 12 MN.

2. The motif is semi-formal, and DJ Celso has already been booked from 7 PM till 12 MN.

3. Confirmed number of attendees is 54.

4. Teachers are invited to attend the Sunday Family Picnic [20 Sept, from 11 AM till 6 PM].

5. Butch to reserve the park picnic venue, while the suggested motif is Carribean.

6. Lota volunteered to host the next meeting. Date and time will be announced separately.

Batch 74 thanked Luth and Ron for generously hosting the May meeting at their lovely home in Oxnard. Also special thanks to Maley for taking the time to visit and attend the meeting all the way from Vienna, Austria.

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According to my brother-in-law, Jun Mendoza; our batchmate, Maj Cesar "Johnny" Cabling is busy organising the Batch '74 October 2009 Olongapo Reunion. No details as yet.

[Photo credits: Edna Padaon].

Where is Leslie Hill?

"Do you still remember Leslie Hill our former exchange student from Australia? I posted pictures taken in Jackson in front of our class room she was with Helen Dupa, Olivia Galano, Bot, Marissa & Noi; check it out in photos section...see more !!" Maley


One of our new batchmate-members in our Yahoo Groups, Amalia "Maley" Ela-Sicay brought up the whereabouts of Ms Leslie Hill; an Australian Rotary [or was it Lions?] exchange student who attended OCNHS on our last year.

Photo above shows her with batchmates [from left to right]: Gloria Escalona, Rosalinda "Baby" Ignisaban, Leslie Hill, Jovita "Bot" Alcantara, Marissa Alcantara and Maley. This was taken around February 1974.

Photo above shows, from left: Helen Dupa, Olivia Galano, Bot Alcantara, Leslie, Marissa Alcantara and Noi Yanto.

I am sure that Leslie time in the Philippines and in our school are full of good memories. for sure she won't forget the debut party she had at Lindayag Building courtesy of her Rotarian spnsors, and in which we attended and participated in that traditional Rigodon dance for the debutant.

Hope Leslie will Google her name and find us, her long lost batchmates!

Thanks Maley for the pictures and the memories.

More attendees

Hello Batch Mates,

Here's the updated list of attendees [new additions] for our upcoming Batch 74 Class Reunion in September:

Evelyn Dela Rosa Atienza, Linda Banquerico Borja, Yazmine (Jovita "Bot") Alcantara Cruz, Nora Ignacio Macahilas, Carmelita Montemayor, Ligaya Rivera Munez, Edna Ong Robinson and Amalia (Maley) Ela Sicay.

The confirmed attendees are as follows: Neng Delos Reyes Apiado, Rebecca Carpio Barrera, Evelyn Navalta Bartolome, Melita Besa Bartolome, Jessica Bulquerin, Janet Mora Cisnero, Ben Dimalanta, Kim-Abad Dimalanta, Enid Adamos De Jesus, Gerry Domingo, Jean Deleon Elardo, Butch Escota, Elizabeth Gonzalez Isyasa, Teresita Castillo Krintz, Aureo Macaraeg, Willie Muncal, Johnny Napalan, Edna Napalan Padaon, Myrna Bangayan Rauckhorst, Ruby Medina Ruiz, Lota Cruz San Diego, Naomi Yanto Sharp, Luth Salonga VanDyck and Virginia Arabejo Vivar.

The following were contacted and responded "Maybe?": Danny Garcia, Henry Ruiz, Marilou Dula Torigian, Norma Cabling, Jose Lopez, Oscar Maggay, and Virginia Staten.

The following list have not confirmed or submit their intention to attend: Marcelina Amos Pamintuan, Carlito Carles, Miguel Delemios, Jr., Emma Jose Dorotea, Angeli Fajardo, Juliet Lipumano Guanga, Lolita Domondon Kubizna, Oscar Maggay, Ruth Samson Pamintuan, Jane Adamos Saldo, Susan Ting, Sammy Ting, and Melba Tiong Witherspoon.

Thanks,

Edna

Happy Easter!

30 May 2009 Meeting: Oxnard

Just to remind everyone and calendar the next meeting.

Luth graciously volunteered to host next organizing committee meeting on Saturday, 30 May at her house in Oxnard. She suggested that if people from San Diego leave at about 9:00 AM, they will arive at about lunch time. She even said that: "I will have lunch ready for you when you get here."

Luth further said: "It will be a fun drive. You can carpool or drive as you wish... Change of scenery for once!"

For more details [car pooling, address, etc.] contact either Luth or Edna, or any of the committee officers.

March Meeting Updates by Edna

Photo above is the view of the reunion venue at San Diego.

Hello Batch Mates,

We had our second meeting at my place yesterday.

The following are in attendance: Butch and wife (Geri) Escota, Gerry and wife (Marlene) Domingo, Luth VanDyck, Ruby Ruiz, Naomi and husband (Caesar) Diwa.

1. To date, we have a total of 40 people attending the Dance and Dinner event. We tried to call some of our batch mates that are in our list but most of the numbers are out dated.

2. Luth will reserve a block of rooms at North Island BOQ 30 days before the event.

3. Confirmed: DJ Celso to perform at our event. The same DJ we use from our last reunion.

4. Butch Escota and Ruby Ruiz are in charge of the picnic event on Sep 20, 2009. Ruby will reserve Breakers Beach North Island. Motif for the picnic is Caribbean.

5. The next meeting is at Luth's place [Oxnard] on Saturday, May 30 2009.

Confirmed attendees (most with their partners) are as follows:

Cesar and Minda Riodique, Neng Delos Reyes Apiado, Rebecca Carpio Barrera, Evelyn Navalta Bartolome, Melita Besa Bartolome, Jessica Bulquerin, Janet Mora Cisnero, Kim & Ben Abad Dimalanta, Enid Adamos DeJesus, Gerry Domingo, Jean De Leon Elardo, Butch Escota, Elizabeth Gonzalez Isyasa, Teresita Castillo Krintz, Aureo Macaraeg, Willie Muncal, Johnny Napalan, Edna Napalan Padaon, Myrna Bangayan Rauckhorst, Ruby Medina Ruiz, Lota Cruz San Diego, Naomi Yanto Sharp, Luth Salonga VanDyck and Virginia Arabejo Vivar.

Apologies: Mario Baylon Jr. and Ric Altares.

Classmate Bill

Photo above shows our classmate, William "Bill" Claude [in the middle], flanked by his cousin on the left and niece on the right. This was taken a couple of years ago on a trip in the Philippines.

Unfortunately, Bill is not feeling well nowadays so please include him in your prayers.

"Trouble makers"

One of newest photos in our Yahoo groups photo album section. The album is entitled "trouble makers", don't exactly know why but if you want to know why then you'd better attend the coming 35th Batch "74 Reunion!

Picture shows the "trouble makers", from left: Maria, Noi [seated] and Malou. I believe taken at Noi's house on a recent holiday by Maria and Malou.

35th Reunion Flyer

Batchmates,

Thank you for those that already confirmed their reservations, and for those who confirmed that they will not be able to attend.

For those that are still thinking about attending, go ahead and but please email me either way.

Do I sound desperate? I just want to make sure that I reached everyone so they will not miss out on the fun.

We are accepting post dated checks of 30 June 2009 to firm up your reservations.

Regards,

Edna

[To contact Edna or the OCNHS Batch 74 organizing committee, please leave a comment on this post with your complete name and contact details.]

Mrs Simona Muncal: 21 Feb 2009

Hi everyone,

Classmate Willi Muncal's mother, Mrs Simona Muncal died this Saturday, 21 February 2009.

Viewing will be on 28 February from 5 to 9 pm at Chula Vista Glen Abbey, 3838 Bonita Road, Chula Vista, CA 91902.

You can sign guest book and leave a message to Willi by clicking here.

Our deepest condolences and prayers to Willi and family in this very sad and difficult time.

OCNHS Batch '74 Classmates

Happy Valentines - 7 March Meeting

Hello Batch mates,

Happy Valentines! Since no one volunteered to host the March meeting, I would like to host the March meeting at my [new - I've been there! Mod] residence at Escondido, on March 7 at 1PM. Please respond if everyone is agreeable on the date and time.

Please keep in mind that September is not that far and we need to finalize our reunion plans, mail invitations, etc. So far, we only have 38 confirmed to attend; we need a minimum of 60 people [we need 22 more - Mod]. Please start calling our classmates close to your area and spread the news of our upcoming reunion.

Thanks,

Edna

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In a previous email, Batch 74 President, Edna said:

"We're about 7 months before our 35th Reunion and we still have lots to do. I can host the meeting every month but I would like to extend it to other officers who also want to host the meeting. Please email the date and time if you want to host meeting at your place."

New Reunion Venue: Island Club, North Island NAS

Batchmates,

Here's the new information for our upcoming 35th High School Reunion.

I went ahead and reserved the Island Club at North Island Naval Air Station for our upcoming reunion. The Bahia Resort did not work out since we could not meet the minimum 100 participants. The Island Club is a much better venue and we can keep the price lower per person.

Here's the new details of our 35th School Reunion Celebration:

We will hold the event at Island Club, Naval Air Station North Island, CA and have made the following tentative arrangements for our function:

Date: 19 Sept 2009 (Saturday)

Start Time: 6:00 PM End Time: 12:00 Midnight

Function: Dinner Dance Room: Neptune Setup: 60-80

Includes: Full-Serve Seated DinnerServed with Fresh Garden Greens and choice of dressing. Rice, Vegetable, Rolls, Coffee and Tea, Flavorful Top Sirloin, Paired with Delicious Teriyaki Chicken.

We will hold the Family Picnic (Sunday) 20 Sept 2009 at 11:00 AM. Place at SD TBD (to be determined).

The cost of the ticket is $100.00 per person (will pay for the dinner and dance and family picnic).

Thank you,

Edna

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Batchmates,

This is great that Edna and our officers are making sure the reunion is not only affordable but in a great venue as well. This takes not only a lot of non-paid hard work and but also dedication and personal time. Please support us and I am sure you will have a wonderful time.

There is also a plan for a tentative 10 Oct 2009 reunion in the Philippines to mirror this reunion in San Diego. If you are interested, please email me at our batch74_OCNHS@yahoogroups.com
email so we can plan for it better.

Mario