Vale Arnel Grande

 

40th Grand Reunion - 20 September, San Diego CA

Dear Fellow Alumni,

The OCNHS Class of 1974 Organizing Committee invites you to it's 40th Grand Reunion Celebration.

Come and join us as we once again reminisce about days gone by, renew friendship and share in life experiences both old and new.

Please RSVP ASAP to Ver Pena, Ben Dimalanta or Regino 'Bong' Valdez; or see our OCNHS Batch 74 FB page for more details.

Bong Valdez [via Batch 74 FB]

Batch 74 East Coast Get Together - May 2014

Thank you everyone who came and joined the Batch 74 East Coast Get Together. You know who you are.

We had so much fun , laughter, dancing, singing and playing;  specially touring around Washington DC.

We want to thank you Bro. Louie Brill for being our driver and tour guide, Myrna & John Rauckhorst for the special accommodation & hospitality in your beautiful house, Tessie Krintz and Grace Miriam Ruth Telan-Clemente , thank you for all the things you have done in our group.

To add to that, also a big thank you to Dominga Villanueva Tork for her memorable gifts and giving me a ride to Reagan Airport.  It is really a memorable time spending it with you ALL, [added Juliet Guanga].

This is to inform everyone, Batch 74 East Coast Get Together will be in Toronto, Canada in the first week of June 2016. For those who want to join you can save the date.

Cora P Maningding [via Batch 74 FB]

Do you remember at all?

D' Wave would be a memorable night club of my high school. The first club I've been to; since my brother-in-law knew the Manager and he is also related to one of the D' Electro band members. This is also so close to our residence in East Tapinac.
Background is the iconic Sierra Club building.
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With our 40^th anniversary  class reunion coming up in a couple of days… [and me still working and can’t go because of work commitments]; the least I could do was really to wish I could be there and attend. While there’s a couple more days to go, I don’t think a miracle would be coming soon.

Last year’s reunion was a great event.  Reunions are, for the most part a happy occasion to reconnect with friends and classmates [and a few surviving teachers!]. To  get to know the odd classmate you didn’t know and by and large to know more the ones you already know. Being adults, there is another side or sides that you can reconnect; a common interest, hobby, or even parenting or grand parenting tips!

To to paraphrase Letty Jacinto-Lopez’ “Do you remember when?” article more than a few years back: What did I get for attending the last reunion?

For one, I was happy to see and speak to [personally, this time; as most of us are in contact via emails & FB], my high school friends and to get to know some that I didn’t ‘hang out’ with. For a big high school, which has more than 400 students in each batch; [and that’s just in the day classes and not counting those who attended the night classes], it is feat to know and remember everyone, especially for me who is not well known for remembering names.

Obviously, 39 years is a long time, people change not only their physical appearance but also their demeanour, character, etc. Some lucky ones aged great retaining their youthful looks. But for the rest of us, you get lied to! “Oh you didn’t change a bit?” Liar! But that’s great about having long-time friends, they make you feel good even to the point of lying about how great you look after 39 years.

Yes, we have grown bigger [and fatter], with the addition of a wrinkle here and there. The boys, losing some hair [and in my case, a lot!].  I am sure that a lot hasn’t recognised me, I don’t aged well. Plus I was shy and quiet in high school… the low profile type, and that’s my excuse!

In our mentally challenged minds we reminiscence the “good old days”, and the most ‘cool’ events of our young lives. Comparing crushes and boyfriends and girlfriends.

So, do you remember when….  [again to copy Juris Telmo’s Manila/Makati centric reminiscing]:

How lucky and happy you were when and if your classroom is near the Miclat corner sari-sari store? Because you can hear the great songs from THAT jukebox [that contraption which houses vinyl records, the precursor to CD’s and mp3s]; blasting away the school anthem of Joe Coker’s take of the Beatle’s ‘A Little Help from My Friends’[1]. Boy, we know we could use some help especially during exam days!

I am sure everyone remember the day or days you cut classes and skip school… ‘escape’ is our term for it because we want to escape from that dreaded class and just enjoy the rest of the afternoon out in the real world. For most of the boys, it was either drinking cherry brandy, mojo’s, beer, gin or anything with alcohol, or a game of basketball at Fil-Am, Triangle or Matadero; with ice or Pepsi or Coke as bet and prize for the winning team.

For the girls, maybe a trip to the local PX store to buy that Levis, Wrangler, Hang Ten or Munsingwear, after which  a snack with the girlfriends at Tableland or Admiral Mid Town or Kongs, depending which end of town, Pag-Asa or Bajac Bajac Market you were visiting for the day.  Obviously you would have bought your stash of MMs, Kisses, potato chips, etc. on the way home.

For those ‘lucky’ enough to have a girlfriend or boyfriend, maybe a movie date at the Grand, Serg’s, Admiral,  Kimara, Choice, Del Ros or Prime theatre. During summer, most likely a trip to Kale /Half Moon Beach or as far as Baloy Beach. A few would favour the swimming pool across Half Moon [the name of which escapes me now] or the  pools of Marmont’s at Barrio Barretto, the Gordon’s White Rock [beach AND swimming pool, with that iconic siren atop the white rock] or the Anne Raquel’s Resort Pool on the other side of the zig-zag. Maybe a stroll at Marikit Park [and for the really old ones: Jaycee Park with that rocket-styled slide; which someone mentioned to me!]. If one is really lucky, ‘someone’ from The Base would escort you inside and you can go to Dungaree Beach or go bowling.

While most cannot afford ‘stateside’ goodies, the ‘comfort food’ and snacks of Skyflakes [“I’ll  treat you to snacks, skyflakes the limit!”] choc-nut, chippies with a shared bottle of ‘softdrinks’  like RC Cola, Cosmos, Sarsi if one couldn’t afford Coke or Pepsi Cola with the day’s school allowance.

Most would walk to school, if they live close by and forego the comfort of riding the trycicle or jeepney [no colour coding then!]; so as to have extra money for snacks or the odd packet of Marlboro or Kool cigarettes. Some would be ‘cool’ enough to waste money on ciggies or alcohol but the norm is good clean fun and plenty of snacks.

Weekends and Fridays; and on rare occasions such as birthdays and graduation, one would go dancing at Rocket Room[2], Paulines [with the famous crocodile pond], D Wave, Sierra, Brown Fox, QuaterDeck and other dozens of clubs. Otherwise would go out to eat at Kong’s, Dainty’s, Silver Star Mami, Cindy’s or Midtown Admiral.

One could also bowl at Del Rosario’s Bowling alley or at the newly built RC Building across the new Bajac-Bajac Market. There’s always plenty to go to, for a small city like Olongapo; and that is just during the day time and within city limits!
But the most important part is really hanging out with friends, making the most of the shared time. Most would be looking forward to summer vacation; and that special trip to Manila or Baguio via Victory Liner, Philippine Rabbit or Saulog/St Raphael Transit or just the mini-bus. Some would go to their parents’ or grandparents home province in Cavite, Pampanga, Bataan or Zambales.

Always after summer, there is that longing for school – not to pursue studies but to reconnect with classmates and friends. In the end it is that bond of friendship that binds us… and these are the things we are trying to recapture with our reunions.

I am hoping that we will continue to be good to each other, respecting each other’s flaws and shortcomings, understand that we are not all lucky in life and would respect our less fortunate friends;  and enjoy that couple of days a year to reconnect. I am sure all would have a grand time irrespective of what’s planned for these two great days. Enjoy! And be happy by making others happy too!

 1.       http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/With_a_Little_Help_from_My_Friends

 2.       http://www.subicbaypi.com/subic_barlist_olongapo.htm

Have a great 40th Reunion Classmates

21-22 Feb 2014 Batch '74 40th Grand Reunion Update

Olongapo City, Philippines 40th Year Grand Reunion - 21 to 22 Feb 2014

"Na sweet 16 na nuon - Well, get ready batch mates. This can be our greatest reunion ever! Hwag nang magdalawang isip kung kaya rin lang makauwi sa Pinas, tara na!

The date is firmly set - February 21-22 2014. The venue is confirmed and paid for - Terrace Hotel in Subic Freeport Zone and K of C.

Taga Pinas ka man o taga ibang bansa, kung graduate ka sa OCNHS ng 1974 - kasali ka sa 40th Year Grand Reunion ng BATCH 74."

Brando Geniza, via Facebook

San Diego, CA 40th Reunion Anniversary - 22 Feb 2014

 "Some of our batch mates may be wondering why we are having a SAN DIEGO reunion that will coincide with our reunion in OLONGAPO. It is never our intent to compete with our Grand Batch 74 Reunion but for many of us who may not be able to be in Olongapo during that time, the San Diego mini-reunion, albeit not so grand, will serve as an extension and a suitable alternative to our Olongapo reunion festivities. Thus our stateside gathering will enable the attendees to mingle with other batch mates and reminisce the fun times we all have had during our OCNHS days of forty years past. We may all be in different parts of the world now but our high school spirit and ALMA MATER loyalty will continue to remain strong.

To our fellow batch mates, HAPPY GRAND REUNION TO ALL!!"

Matet Dalindin via Facebook

CANCELLED! 4-6 July 2014 San Diego CA 40th After Reunion

Life begins at 40, and let us celebrate. We could look forward to many years of fulfilling and happy existence 40 years after our graduation from our Alma Mater OCNHS. Let us welcome this event with a blast!

The event will be:

July 4, 2014 – Meet and Greet - Escondido, CA

July 5, 2014 - Dinner and Dance, Admiral Kidd Club

July 6, 2014 – Beach Bash, Del Mar Beach, Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, CA

Cost: $70.00 per person.

To those batch mates, that are out of towner’s who are planning to celebrate with us 40 years later...... San Diego is a vacationer's paradise, complete with idyllic year-round temperatures and 70 miles of pristine coastline. Recognized as one of the nation's leading family destinations, with Sea World, LEGOLAND, and the San Diego Zoo, San Diego is equally attractive to those in search of art, culture, world-class shopping, and culinary exploration.

San Diego's many neighborhoods offer diverse adventures: from the tony boutiques in La Jolla to the culinary delights in the northern suburb of Del Mar; from the authentic European charm of Little Italy to the nouveau-chic of the downtown Gaslamp Quarter, each community adds flavor and flair to San Diego's personality.

Edna Napalan Padaon

CANCELLED! Ruby Reunion - 40th: 4 - 6 July 2014 California

Time flies when we are having fun! It’s been almost 40 years since we graduated from our Alma Mater OCNHS. I received inquiries from our U.S. batchmates regarding the 40th High School Reunion Celebration. For those batchmates that will not be able to attend the Philippine reunion, we are planning to hold our OCNHS Batch 1974 Ruby Reunion in San Diego, California. So please save the following dates.


Our most recently discussed USA OCNHS Ruby 40th reunion dates are very close to the planned OCNHS Batch of ’74 40th Grand Reunion in the Philippines. To afford our batch mates worldwide an opportunity to attend both events and plan accordingly, the USA OCNHS Ruby 40th reunion celebration will move to the weekend of July 4, 2014.

The theme of our celebration will be OCNHS Batch of ’74 Beach Bash 2014.

The event will be a three day celebration.

Day One: July 4, 2014 – Dinner and Dance, Admiral Kidd Club. It will also be the best location to watch the Independence Day fireworks display.

Day Two: July 5, 2014 – OCNHS Batch of ’74 Beach Bash 2014 – Del Mar Beach, Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, CA.

Day Three: July 6, 2014 – Unwind Day at my place.

Please save the date and RSVP as soon as possible to Edna Padaon. Final cost will be provided when numbers are known.

40th Reunion 21-22 2014 Olongapo City

It is now official - Our 40th Year Grand Reunion celebrations will be held on February 21-22 2014 [Olongapo City]. Please start planning and mark you calendars class 74 batch mates.

The first day will be the medical mission and the second will be our dinner and dance. Other details will be posted accordingly.

Thank you all for the feedback and suggestions. God bless us all!

Brando Geniza
President/Chairman
Olongapo City

See our OCNHS BATCH 74 Facebook page for more details.

38th Reunion - 11-12 August 2012 San Diego

Day 1 Hornblower Dinner Dance Cruise (August 11, 2012)

Hornblower Boarding Location at Grape Street Pier

1800 North Harbor Drive San Diego, CA 92101

Assembly Time: 5:30 PM

Sailing Time: 7:00 - 10:00 PM

Attire: Semi Formal

(RSVP - Virginia Vivar no later than July 1, 2012)

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Day 2 "Salo-Salo" (August 12, 2012)

Time: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Place: MCRD Recreation Center Bldg. 590

3800 Chosin Ave., San Diego, CA 92110

38th Reunion - 11-12 Aug 2012

Last April 2011 Gapo Reunion

From left: Tess de Guzman, Evelyn Olano, Matet Dalindin [thanks for this picture from your FB!], Brando Geniza, Henry Ruiz, Dr.Arnel Rivera, Susan Corpuz, Loreto Cunanan & Rosalinda Talde

all of Opal Section.

Gapo Reunion: 10 Dec 2011

A Message from our Chair: Aureo Macaraeg

No, they are not updating FB nor playing online games. Our batchmates are researching for the best possible venue for our reunions. [Photo by Myrna Rauckhorst from OCNHS World Batch 74 FB]

‎Thank you everyone for your wonderful response!

Whether you were able to attend or not, we know that you were with us, at least in spirit!!!

Indeed, it is nice to see everyone get cranking up, excited, and most of all, cooperative in volunteering to help establish the working committee for the Mini-Reunion 2012 and The Grand Reunion for 2013.

This indicates commitment to make these activities worthwhile and help in establishing a model for all succeeding graduates.

Although, it is nice to see old classmates and best friends forever, I know in my heart that what these reunions generate is the idea of giving back to our alma mater. [And just] maybe help deserving students who are financially burdened to pursue their dreams through our donations; or giving back to our school (OCNHS).

So these are the few who will sacrifice their time and resources to help the working committees attain those & any other goals:

Chairperson - Aureo Macaraeg

Co-Chairperson - Luth Salonga Van Dyck

Secretaries - Carlota Cruz San Diego and Rebecca Barrera

Treasurer - Edna Napalan Padaon

Auditor - Kim Abad Dimalanta

P.R.O - Martha 'Matet' Dalindin

Go to Person and Sergeant-at-Arms (Chairman's assistant) -

- Raley 'Butch' Escota

Support Members -

- Arnel Grande

- Lamberto Vitug

- Marcelo Eusedio

- Ruben Dimalanta

- Carmelita Mendoza

- Marilou Ampunin Reyes

- Myrna Bagayan Rauckhorst

To the officers and support team members, I would like to thank you for your cooperation. With your commitment we will make these reunions unforgettable in the history of our alma mater.

Please keeps the communication flowing so we can address all possible concerns.

Thanks Again!! And thanks to my sister for preparing the delicious lunch.

Aureo Macaraeg, Chairman
– Mini Reunion 2012
– Grand Reunion 2013

Obviously we also need the full support of our batchmates; just because you are not on the list of the various committees you are the most important members of the reunion. This is why the reunion is being held at all, so we can see and have fellowship with you all.  MJB

We are on Facebook as well...

Gapo Reunion: 10 Dec 2011

Hi all,

Please mark your calendar and make the necessary adjustment and planning. The batch'74 mini reunion in Olongapo will be held on December 10, 2011. Details with regard to the venue and others will be posted accordingly.

Brando Geniza
Reunion Committees Coordinator

Batch 74 USA Meeting

Batch mates,

The Batch '74 USA group met yesterday [22 May 2011] at Luth's place. The following were present: Aureo Macaraeg, Luth Salonga-Van Dyck, Melita Besa Bartolome, Evelyn Dela Rosa-Atienza, Butch Escota and Edna Napalan-Padaon.

Aureo Macaraeg presided and the following events were decided by the group. Please provide any input you may have.

2012: TOGETHER AGAIN AFTER 38 YEARS:

Family Picnic at MCRD Recreation, San Diego, CA

Tentative Date (last week of July or 1st week of August). The Atienza's will reserve the place and will provide the actual date.

Cost: $50 per family will be the cost for the food and activities. Luth and Edna will be in charge of the food catering and activity for the kids and batch mates.

2013: Grand Reunion: Olongapo City, Philippines:

Date: January 25, 26, 27, 2013

Place: TBD by the PI Committee.

Fee: $$ TBD

Minutes taken by Edna Napalan-Padaon

Behind the scenes: Reunion 30 April 2011

Hello OCNHS BATCH 74!

The planning of this Mini Reunion started when we had a gathering at Marissa Alcantaras' place on April 7, 2011. We were only 17 who attended that time; fourteen ladies and three gentlemen.
The next three weeks, everybody was busy contacting one another thru Facebook and we even went house to house to locate our batchmates.

The venue was set at the Knights of Columbus HQ in Kalaklan and we agreed to have potluck.

I invited Mrs Lucila Gramonte, one of our teachers in Jackson; to be there and she said "YES"!

And the day came...everyone was excited and it was really fun. Each section was introduced and each member was given the opportunity to talk about themselves. Some were crying because it was 37 years after seeing each other again.

We also prepared parlor games; like calamansi relay, egg throwing and palambutan ng talong.

We also gave special awards for some of our batchmates....

Star of the Night ------- Major Johnny Cabling

Singers of the Night ---- Angelito Sulangi, Precy Dimalanta and Bien de Guzman

Most Behaved ------------ Susan Juaban

Best Female Dancer ---- Gloria Francisco

Best Male Dancer ------- Johnny Napalan

Best in Attendance ------ RUBY Section

We also elected our officers [Philippines*]:

President -------- Brando Geniza

Vice-President --------- Flor Sanchez Abad

Secretary -------- Criselda Santos

Treasurer -------- Felina Lugtu Poserio

PRO -------------- Aleli De Castro Santos

Business Managers - Curie Matawaran,  Flor Avillanes, Andrea Tiquena Rosario,  Loida Delfino, Bella Arca & Norma Bandong

Sgt. at Arms ---- Noel Famisan, Dan Marmeto, Francisco Dulay & Ambrocio Dumpit

Advisers ------- Henry Ruiz, Major Johnny Cabling, Dr. Arnel Rivera, Dr. Onie Toledo, Teresita de Guzman Payumo, Marissa Alcantara, Dorothy Balboa, Johnny Napalan, Max Gregorio & Ramir Mendoza

So... that happened in the span of  three-weeks. In the coming days we will have a series of  meetings for up-coming events and projects.

My special and heartwarming thanks to the members of the organizing committee who helped me to make this a successful reunion, special mention goes to batchmate: Criselda Santos, Felina L. Poserio, Norma Bandong, Bella Arca and Major Johnny Cabling.

MORE REUNIONS COMING UP... CHEERS AND GOD BLESS US ALL BATCH 74!

By classmate: Flor Sanchez-Abad [on Facebook]

OCNHS Batch 74 reunites…renews friendships

We could hardly hear one another. It was almost like a market place (parang palengke). Sudden shrieks of laughter from a group of girls (Ok, women) would burst in the room from time to time. But nobody cared about the earsplitting noise and the seeming chaos. A sense of “warmth and camaraderie” as Brando Geniza described the occasion, filled the air. Amidst cameras a-flashing, a lot of hand shaking, hands holding, kissing, beso-beso, buzzing, manly hugs, and a whole lot of chattering (talakan) transpired all at the same time among 71 [some count 72? Sana 74! Mario] souls that night in Knights of Columbus, in Kalaklan, Olongapo City. Parang fiesta talaga!

Tess de Guzman, of Section OPAL, sums up what was happening. “It has been 37 year since we graduated in high school. I really look forward to this reunion to see our batch mates.” Thirty seven years ago was 1974, the high school was Olongapo City National High School (OCNHS). The batch mates were the 71 “mature” men and women (53 and above, any objection?) who gathered together to reminisce the past once more and to re-capture and re-live the joys and pains of being in that most exciting state of existence – high school life.

It was a ceremony everyone in a reunion would want to happen:

• remembering the faces and associating the faces with the names;

• updating, who married who, how many children one has;

• rediscovering one another;

• where everybody is residing;

• what everybody is doing;

• who is single again for whatever reason or who chose to be single; and

• renewing friendships.

Nobody cared who came with what hot flashy car? Nobody cared who brought what food? Nobody cared what everybody else wore. Nobody cared who was more successful than who? It was plain genuine, mature and caring intention to reunite and to get to know and rediscover each other again.

The wacky group games added more amusement and hilarity to the reunion. Almost suddenly, everyone was a teen-ager again enjoying the egg game and eggplant game. Just wondering why all the games had sexual undertones and overtones. Smelling a sense of over-indulgence? Or deprivation, perhaps?

What’s a Pinoy celebration without food glorious food? Despite an expected high level of cholesterol, triglycerides, gout, arthritis, diabetes, hypertension and all corporal complaints associated with aging, er, maturing in age, almost everybody devoured the litson, grilled pork and bopis. There were also the all time Filipino favorites: pinakbet, pansit, pansit luglog, pansit palabok, lumpiang Shanghai, adobo, grilled bangus, tilapia, etc. Puto, kuntsinta and a whole lot of Pinoy chichirya were superb! A variety of drinks complemented the food. Of course there was healthy food as well for the vegetarian trying- hards. Where did all those food and drinks come from? Grabe talaga!

I took the liberty of interviewing some of the batch mates while everyone else was having fun. Here’s what they said:

“Happy. Excited to see each other. We could not recognize the others anymore. Feeling happy! Feeling excited! Nakakaiyak sa saya! Nagkakitaan ng bestfriend! We hope this will not be the last.” From the table composed of Precy, Liza, Curie, Erlinda and Grace, all from RUBY.

“ Honestly speaking, sobrang masaya. Maganda ring marinig na maraming naging successful.” Rolando Duaso, GARNET.

“Maganda ang pagkaka-organisa. Kumpleto! Super daming pagkain.” Flordeliza Avilames, AMETHYST.

“Feeling ko natutuwa at nanghihinayang. Kasi ngayong mga over-50 na tayo, DI NA TAYO MAKAPAGYUGYOG!!! “ Elizabeth Abutin, TOPAZ.

Dati, galing tayo sa hiwa-hiwalay na section. Ngayon sama-sama na. We are happy to be seeing each other again after 37 years. Excellent food and drinks. Super dami!” Angelina Ordonez of DIAMOND, Susan Ebalo and Susan Juaban of RUBY.

Gloria dela Paz Vista and Lilibeth Caseja Prepose shared almost the same occurrence. Gloria said, ““My family is in Iba now because we have a family outing. But I chose to be here.” Meanwhile, Lilibeth enthused that, “My husband and children are in another reunion of batch 76, but I am here.” He he he! I must say, I am in the same boat as these ladies. Having arrived from Mozambique two days before, I should have been with my family where they were checked in. But family can come later. This reunion happens only once in many years.

Mabuhay ang organizers. You all deserve a warm and sincere appreciation: Criselda Santos, Felina L. Poserio, Norma Bandong, Bella Arca , Major Johnny Cabling and Florencia Sanchez-Abad of SAPPHIRE who shared some of their experiences in organizing the event, “Walang mahirap kausapin.Lahat nagbigay ng time para makarating dito. Ang difficulty ay yung hanapin ang mga tao…kaya nag-house to house kami. Ganun!”

The surprise of it all was the special appearance of Mrs. Lucila Gramonte, our adviser. At over 70 she was still bubbly, cheerful, and humble as ever. At nag swing (ballroom) pa kami for a few moments. We love you Madame. Mabuhay po kayo! Long live and we hope to see more of you in the next activities.

The Star of the night was Martha Dalindin of OPAL. Grabe. Some joked, “are you the daughter of one of our classmates? Or maybe you belong to 80’s batch?” Matet was indeed a stunning beauty that night.

Best friend Brando and I shared the same feeling, “It was like from nothing, something exciting came out. Hindi naman talaga tayo nag-uusap-usap nuon eh.” The section-identification was very much still there. We could not do away with that. One was either an Opal, Garnet, Jade, Pearl, Diamond, Ruby, Topaz, Sapphire, Amethyst, evening class or vocational. But that night, everyone transcended section-affiliation. We were all batch mates. We were the 1974 Graduates of OCNHS.

We also thought this was the kind of reunion that we wanted, i.e., informal but meaningful, personal and inclusive in many ways. Nobody, as far as we knew, felt left out.

Brando aptly closed the reunion with a meaningful prayer to officially close the ceremony (the karaoke continued on). To paraphrase the prayer:

“Lord, thank you for making this reunion a successful one. Thank you for the opportunity and the space to renew acquaintances and relive our beautiful past. Please don’t let this be the final one for any of us. Let this be the beginning of more “coming together” and more fellowships. Bless those who organized this event. Bless us all for your glory…in Jesus name, we pray.”

Amen!


by Henry Ruiz
2 May 2011

Facebook pictures here, and here.