FB page: www.facebook.com/CHSAlumniFoundation

FB group: www.facebook.com/groups/chsaf

Table of Contents

1 l Cover Story: HS-65 Rocks! 2 l From your Alumnae Board 3 l Know your CHSAF Board 4 l Adopt-a-Scholar Graduates 5 l CHSAF 2015 Distinguished Achievement Awardees 6 l All’s Well that Ends… 7 l A Balikbayan Remembers 8 l Musings of a Senior Citizen as a Sapphire Jubilarian 9 l College Department Participates in 2015 Homecoming 10 l 2015 Homecoming Presentation 15 l Dinner Dance 16 l Gallery 17 l Our E-mail Connection 18 l Into Eternal Life, Prayer Corner, Congratulations

APRIL 2015

HS-65 Rocks! By: Antonieta Villaraza-Palenzuela (HS-65)

Under the able leadership of class rep Rosalou Lamson, the 2015 Golden Jubilee celebration can now be recorded as the defining standard of cooperation, hard work, and fellowship-building. Prior to the Big Day, the contingents from the US and other territories started experiencing the real meaning of the jubilee theme. There was laughter, renewed love for each other, and lessons in living a long and healthy life!

Keeping the Spirit Alive! Golden Girls of HS-65.

The 2015 Live Laugh Love Jubilarian Family. Coral (HS-80), College Jubilarians, Sapphire (HS-70), Platinum (HS-50), Golden (HS-65), Ruby (HS-75), Emerald (HS-60) and Diamond (HS-55).

The challenges were overwhelming, but we surmounted them with the cooperation of the Ruby JUBILARIANS headed by Gina Legaspi who brought in the skilled expertise of Margot Esplana, the ad solicitations which successfully generated revenues . . . the list goes on. The photos shown here immortalize the spirit which will be forever etched in our memory!

FROM YOUR ALUMNAE BOARD

2

Message from the CHSAF President MARIA THERESA ABELEDA-LLAVE (HS-73)

Note: Instead of the usual "President's Message," Ms. Llave submitted the gist of her extemporaneous speech during the Homecoming Program on Feb. 1, 2015.

Good afternoon to our distinguished guests, our dear Sisters, the CHSAF Board of Trustees, the alumnae specially the jubilarian classes of 2015 and, of course, our families and friends.

To those who may not know it, the Homecoming is not only an opportunity to reconnect with classmates but also the General Assembly of the CHS Alumnae Foundation to which all CHSM graduates belong.

For the past year, I have had the good fortune as CHSAF president to work closely with a group of dynamic women who have consistently shown their commitment and dedication to the CHSAF Board and to our beloved alma mater. Allow me a few minutes to introduce the members of the CHSAF Board – our first vice president, Kate de Jesus-Bellosillo, our second vice president, Lorraine Young Sylianteng, Maribel Cabrera, the board secretary, Teresa Soliman, the assistant secretary, Angie Madrid, Board treasurer, Jean Fadul Arce, the assistant treasurer, and our Board members Ging Ong, Viqui Torres-del Rosario, Belle Tiongco, Tonette Articona-Brion, Daisy Villasis-Montesa, Yola Manding Albano, Bernie Lazaro, and Baby Miranda Lim. Joining us today are Sabsy Sy-Palanca, the past CHSAF Board president, and Grace Songcuya Mascenon, the past CHSAF vice president. Their counsel and encouragement have been crucial in all our activities. I would be remiss if I did not mention the members of our CHSAF Secretariat – Cora Parco, Rei Icaro, and Benjo Macaso – for their invaluable assistance to the Board. And lastly, our moderator Sr. Victricia, who, I have often said, is truly the wind beneath our wings. Her guidance and advice we will treasure forever.

In previous homecomings, this is the part of the program where the CHSAF president gives a 30-page annual report – just kidding ladies. I will not burden you with that. To those who are interested in the financials and activities of the Board, please feel free to visit the CHSAF Office to get a detailed account. You may also approach any of the Board members if you have concerns.

Today allow me to digress and turn to a more pressing matter – the status of our beloved alma mater.

Most of you are aware that on Jan. 20, 2015, the SSpS congregation issued a formal statement on the College of the

Holy Spirit-Manila and it reads: “The College of the Holy Spirit – Manila has not been sold. However, the SSpS have decided to move out of CHSM and are in the process of finding the best option for CHSM and the rest of SSpS mission. There are negotiations going on with some interested parties, among which is CHSAF.”

The decision of the SSpS leadership to disengage from CHSM was first relayed to the CHSAF Board in March of 2014. The dwindling number of vocations to the religious life has left the congregation with not enough nuns to run the school. The SSpS community has also chosen to realign its own vision and mission. I have been asked why the CHSAF Board did not inform the alumnae sooner. The answer is simple – we did not have the authority or the responsibility to do so. We had to wait for the SSpS leadership to decide when it is best to make the announcement.

The CHSAF Board is firm in its belief that the continued existence of CHSM is an opportunity to share the education mission of the SSpS congregation. Confident that the alumnae would fully support our decision and acting on good faith, the CHSAF Board looked into viable options to take over the administration and management of CHSM. We felt that the alumnae will support our move to save the school – are we correct in that assumption? Do you want us to save the school?

Since April 2014, the CHSAF Board has had numerous meetings, dialogues, and consultations with the CHSM management and other resource persons. We have had several meetings with a Technical Panel created by the congregation to review all offers for the school including the property and infrastructure. A initial concept proposal was submitted in August, 2014. A detailed operational plan and financial projections were submitted in November. At present, we are working tirelessly to formulate an arrangement that would be acceptable to both the congregation and the alumnae. We expect the final proposal to be submitted in its entirety by March at which time, the congregation will deliberate and make its decision on the fate of CHSM.

Change is coming! As to what that change will be… we don’t know as yet. That is not in our hands. But we in the Board remain hopeful. After all, the congregation has expressed their gratitude for the love and dedication shown by the alumnae for CHSM. They likewise recognize that the group that can best carry out the mission of the SSpS congregation is the alumnae. Let me reassure you that your CHSAF Board has tried its best to preserve the CHSM education mission – to keep the Spirit alive. Know that we always, always, have your best interest at heart.

We ask you, dearest alumnae, to continue to pray with us and for us. Let us all lift our hearts in prayer to the Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen us.

Thank you.

GLADYS HUANG-SO (HS-67)

Early in life, I learned that true freedom is following natural and man-made laws. The German sisters were very strict! How did my CHS education help me in life? It taught me to be disciplined and to be excellent in academics.

CHS also taught me “what it means to be a Catholic.” At UP in college, my years with the sisters kept me from being swayed to communism.

Food business was my source of income. Being a single mom, I put my children’s welfare at the center of all my activities. I am proud that my children learned the discipline I know. Both are successful and have happy families. I believe that if you love your children, you have to discipline them and not spoil them. After all, discipline is a way of life. It’s the morally right way of life.

In order to succeed in both business and raising a family, one has to know time management, be organized, and have the determination to succeed. For success, one has to have a good education like what I had in CHS. That is what I learned, and that is what I showed them.

CARMELITA NUGUID-ERICTA

(HS-66)

Carmelita obtained her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Statistics from the University of the Philippines. She served as

CHS Alumnae Foundation BOARD OF TRUSTEES

2015-2016

PRESIDENT

Maria Theresa

Abeleda-Llave HS-73

1st VICE PRESIDENT

Kathryn De Jesus-Bellosillo HS-74

2nd VICE PRESIDENT

Lorraine Young-Sylianteng HS-73

SECRETARY

Teresa G. Soliman BSC-72

ASST. SECRETARY

Daisy Villasis-Montesa HS-68/BSChem-73

TREASURER

Carmelita Nuguid-Ericta HS-66

ASST. TREASURER

Clara Jean Fadul-Arce HS-74

BOARD MEMBERS

Antonietta Articona-Brion BSChem-67

Gladys Huang-So HS-67

Yolanda Manding-Albano HS-68

Ma. Corazon Mendoza-Akol BSPhys-69

Rosemarie Miranda-Lim HS-74

Guillermina M. Ong HS-68/BSC-72

Ma. Almira

Tolosa-Duremdes HS-71/AB-75

EX-OFFICIO OFFICER

Isabelita Sy-Palanca HS-68

MODERATOR

Sr. Victricia Pascasio, S.Sp.S. HS-53/AB-57/BSE-64

Know Your CHSAF Board Members

MA. CORAZON MENDOZA-AKOL

(BSPhys-69)

My CHS education in the sciences has made me think things out logically and has prepared me to look for solutions to

problems that I face daily. Looking back at my training, my CHS education has given me a holistic approach to life – the physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual approach, always mindful of the temporary and mortal aspects of life as well as my soul's immortality. I always search for Perfection in this imperfect world. Although it is unattainable in this world, having this as an objective results in excellence. As the saying goes, "If anything is worth doing, then it is worth doing well."

My children are my crowning glory. I thank God that they are all God-fearing and productive citizens of the world.

My strengths, which I hope to contribute to the success of CHSAF, are my technical background and management skills – which really boil down to common sense.

MA. ALMIRA TOLOSA-DUREMDES (HS-71/AB-75)

I consider CHS as second home and, much like home, my Alma Mater has deeply influenced who I am in a quiet, hidden, and humble

way. My 16 years in College of the Holy Spirit – alongside my happy family life – were the "Nazareth years" of my spirituality. The daily morning prayers – offering our lives to Jesus through Mary, the calling on the Holy Spirit to lead all that we do and are – have proven to be cornerstones of my now deeper and purposeful spiritual life and mission.

The one big motivation in my life is to do God's will and thus serve my life purpose.

The following are not so much accomplishments, but are what I consider my deepest gifts and blessings: First and foremost gift is my family life. Mission-wise, my 30 years as theology teacher in Ateneo de Manila University, Assumption College, Miriam College, and College of the Holy Spirit were

privileged years of accompanying young adults in their faith journeys. Likewise blessed have been my 20 years as spiritual director and retreat facilitator – accompanying people from all walks of life to deeper healing, discernment, and spiritual conversion.

I humbly offer to CHSAF whatever wisdom I have received through my 60 years of life, 38 years of marriage, 30 years as educator, and 20 years as psycho-spiritual formator.

Administrator of the National Statistics Office and Civil Registrar General. Under her stewardship, the NSO has developed into a customer-oriented, relevant, and efficient government agency. The biggest reward for Carmelita, first and foremost, “…is the satisfaction of having served God and the people well.”

3

Maria Katrina H. Lagrosa ABCA

Magna cum Laude Benefactor:

HS-75, 76, 77 c/o Swatch Project w/ HS-68, 72,

73,74,78,79,81

Natasha Kate A. Cadiz ABCA

Magna cum Laude Benefactor:

HS-64 shared w/ HS-66

Maria Kristine A. Arevalo BSE RVE

Benefactor: Lorraine Sylianteng (HS-73)

Alexandra Regilyne M. Romero

BSMT Benefactor:

Yola Albano/Ging Ong (HS-68)

Abigail Semein J. Arboleda BSID

Cum Laude Benefactor:

HS-75, 76, 77 c/o Swatch Project w/ HS-68, 72, 73,74,78,79,81

Julielle Alyka J. Jarin BSHRM

With Distinction Benefactor:

HS-49 shared w/ HS-69

Eleazar D. Ang BSPT

Benefactor: Backy Bacaresa/ Berna Lomotan

(HS-68)

Mary Faith G. Santos BSID

Benefactor: HS-64 – In memory of

Blesilda O. Buencamino

Lynz Zyryll Germono BSHRM

Benefactor: HS-67, Phil. based

Armina Mae S. Boral BS PSYCH

Benefactor: HS-72

Madeliene O. Quintos BSID

Benefactor: Cecilia Lorenzana-Ozaeta

(HS-58) shared w/ Rebecca Sacdalan (HS-63)

Trisha Andrea S. Dizon High School

8th Place Benefactor:

CHSAF

Crisamei Masigla High School

6th Place Benefactor:

HS-55

CHSAF Adopt-a-Scholar Graduates

CHSAF SCHOLARS ON THE DEAN’S LIST FOR THE FIRST SEMESTER SY 2014-2015

Name Benefactor/Honoree

THREE STAR HONORS: 1. Vergara, Aloha L. BS Chem-63 2. Gagaoin, Ma. Leah CHSNAF Southwest Agnes C. Chapter

TWO STAR HONORS: 3. Antonio, Avigale S. Sheila Coronel (HS-75)

4. Gonzales, Camille SGV shared w/ Landbank and various donors 5. Bautista, Janelle HS-75, 76, 77 c/o

Kristin Swatch Project w/ HS-68, 72, 73, 74, 78,79,81

6.Balbuena, Kimberly Elizabeth King (HS-70)

May P. 7. Cristobal, Renzo Gloria Ocampo-Reyes (HS-64)

8.Villadiego, Claudine Darlene Exconde (HS-68) -in memory of Alicia Exconde

9.Polistico, Jessie Ann HS-67 c/o CHSNAF 10. Jarin, Julielle HS-49 shared w/ Alyka J. HS-69 11. Lamigo, Candice HS-57 Eula T. 12. Cadiz, Natasha HS-64 shared w/ Kate A. HS-66 13.Garchitorena, Elvira Ablaza Haley Nicole P. (BSBio-72) 14. Lagrosa, Maria HS-75, 76, 77 c/o Katrina H. Swatch Project w/ HS-68, 72, 73, 74, 78,79, 81 ONE STAR HONORS: 15.Quintos, Cecilia Lorenzana- Madeliene O. Ozaeta (HS-58) shared w/Rebecca Sacdalan (HS-63) 16.Bernal, Ma. Anna HS-65 Phil-based Kryzelle L. 17.Tan, Mari Leonarda Camacho Margarette C. (HS-48) 18. Arboleda, Abigail HS-75, 76, 77 c/o

Semein J. Swatch Project w/ HS-68, 72, 73 ,74, 78, 79, 81

19.Santiago, Rochelle Ellen Young-Gomez Bernardine (HS-68) 20. Estrecho, Rafa CHSNAF Pacific Nicole V. Northwest Chapter 21. Alapide, Khristyne CHSAF 22. Lontoc, Angela HS-75, 76, 77 c/o Lorraine D. Swatch Project w/ HS-68, 72, 73, 74, 78,79,81 23.Marcelo, Gerrimi Teresita Herbosa Nichelle N. (HS-68)

4

5

CHSAF 2015 Distinguished Achievement Awardees

Fe Enrile-Bacsal, M.D. HS-64, Valedictorian

Fe finished her B.S. Pre-Med, magna cum laude, from the University of the East and completed her medical course at the University of the Philippines in 1972 with postdoctoral training at the UP-PGH and Fellowship in EEG/Epilepsy at the University of California, LA. Aside from lecturing in conferences and fora, she has held various academic and executive positions in professional organizations including President of the Philippine Neurological Association (PNA) in 1992 and Chair, Epilepsy Council of the PNA in 1996. Fe is currently Chief of the Neurology Section and Head, Electroencephalography Laboratory of the Chinese General Hospital.

Fe continues to be active in the advocacy of raising awareness and understanding of epilepsy with the end of removing the stigma on people with this disorder.

Ditas Christina D. Decena, M.D. HS-72

A cum laude graduate in Psychology in UST in 1976, Ditas completed Medicine in 1980 and began her practice of Obstetrics at the UST Hospital. She became known as the “doctora of young Catholic families.”

She has authored and co-authored numerous books, teaching aids, and scientific papers on Obstetrics. She has also delivered lectures in national and international conferences and postgraduate courses.

Ditas is a Fellow of the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society since 1990 and was recently elected President of the society.

Luz Sison-Fonacier, M.D. HS-69

From CHSM High School, Luz enrolled at the University of the Philippines College of Medicine and graduated cum laude. Her specialization is in allergy and immunology. She is a professor of Clinical Medicine, State University of New York at Stony Brook, and Head of the Allergy

& Training Program of the Winthrop University Hospital.

Luz did research and wrote original articles on allergy and immunology. Her many honors include the Most Outstanding Educator Overseas award given by the UP Medical Alumni Society in 2003. As a tribute to her dedication in advancing her specialty, Luz received in 2009 the Women in Allergy Award from the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). At present she is Chair of the Asia Pacific Region of the International Committee of the ACAAI.

Ma. Imelda Ramirez-Ostrea HS-55, Honorable Mention / BSChem-59, Magna cum Laude

Imelda earned her M.S. Chemistry from Fordham University, U.S.A. As a registered Chemist, she practiced her profession in various institutions and in different capacities. She set up the Quality Management System in

the family-owned Ostrea Mineral Laboratories Inc. that enabled

the testing laboratory to meet the requirements of ISO/IEC Laboratory Guide 25 on Dec. 22, 1997 and get accreditation renewal. She was recognized by the Bureau of Product Standards and the Dept. of Trade and Industry for her contribution to the development of Philippine National Standards that upgraded the quality of locally manufactured products and protected consumers.

Ma. Elena Medina-Ruiz AB/BSC-70

Marilen worked in the banking industry for 36 years, starting in 1971 and ending in 2007. Her last position was Vice President, Wealth Management Group of HSBC. She is currently a trustee of the Center for

Agriculture and Rural Development, a microfinance institution that aims to help the poor without access to bank services. She is an active member of the Bankers Institute of the Philippines (BAIPHIL). BAIPHIL conferred the Associate Life Membership on Marilen in recognition of her exemplary leadership and distinguished career in banking characterized by sound direction, integrity, strength of character, and mature judgment.

Marilen designed and implemented the Proper Solid Waste Management System in her own barangay, showing her sense of community service. This system is being replicated in other barangays and offices.

Her list of achievements is capped by the 2014 Gawad Ulirang Ina award given to her by Quezon City.

Maria Gildegarda Alandy

Dadia-Torres HS-78/BSFN-82

Professionally, Arlene wore two hats. As a Board-certified Dietician, she served at a sub-acute rehabilitation center and a hospital and later as a clinical assistant doing diet assessment for patients. She distinguished herself in taking care of the health and food requirements of the patients in these facilities. However, she recognized a growing need in the USA for more locally educated nurses in the health industry and nurses for the aging population. She took and passed the licensing exam and became a Board-certified Medical-Surgical Nurse and Nurse in Gerontology. As a Medical-Surgical Nurse, Arlene specializes in Women’s Health. As a Gerontology Nurse, she has become “more knowledgeable and sensitive to better care of our Geriatric population.”

FEATURE

6

All’s Well that Ends… (An Open Letter to Our Diamond Jubilarians)

Dear HS-55 Classmates,

As with all good things, this wonderful event too had to end … too soon, many of us thought … because the events just flew by. The wonder of it is that it was such a success, despite misgivings, unforeseen problems, doubts, non-appearances, accidents, and the one hundred and one unexpected glitches that will afflict women over seventy to upset their plans.

Pilar Guerrero’s Assessment: “…In my last letter to you I was voicing out my misgivings. The dancers, of all people, were not dancers at all but like true troupers, we had to make do.… Would you believe that we were only eight dancers? Sometimes six. Sometimes four. In the end even the choreographer had to dance with us...kasi kulang. Kakaiyak! ... Then our lead dancer met an accident and she had to beg off; oftentimes one or two dancers would be absent, but we went doggedly on. Nagkakasakit na kami, isa isa … but we kept on dancing...all for Class ‘55. They asked for pictures, we had pictures. They asked for video, we had video. They asked us to dance, we danced. When you said in your last message ‘Happy Diamond Jubilee to us,’ I felt it was an appeal to God not to abandon us. And we survived, didn’t we? … A crisis usually brings out the best in people, and I saw that. As I always say: All’s well that ends well. Thanks be to God!”

On such a note, I feel that the broadcast that I send out today must be a broadcast of thanks. Thank you to each and every one who was there … your presence made this event a success; but, even more, to those whose loving extra efforts made it a truly beautiful event that I am sure we will remember for the rest of our lives:

Thank you for those who contributed generously to our finances (and our morale) … by reaching deep into their pockets and sponsoring pages in the souvenir program for our class, soliciting ads that supplemented our class fund (so we could help yet another scholar), for the lunches, the out-of-town trips made possible, the cookies and yummy chocolates to munch on, the printed prayers and, specially, the precious warmth of your company. We have been friends for a long time … sixty years has been a long journey; now we know … we will be friends forever. But we missed all those who could not/ would not come. We wish all of you were there.

Thank you to Eleanore for the extravagant lunch at the Escolta Room of the Manila Peninsula … where we gathered as a big group for the first time. We had not seen Zeny Gomez since graduation … and Ut had not been around for too many years. But not much had changed … Zeny was as quiet as she was in Miss Malacaman’s classes and Ut …what can we say … she greeted us all with her favorite Spanish expletive and begged…”Tell me already who you are!!!” It did not matter that we were not all recognized and eventually had to identify ourselves … one thing was clear … once upon a time we were in one another’s lives …what a joy to see you again and to have you in my life once more! But of course the noise from all that joy reached all the way to the lobby of that staid hotel, making people, with their noses in the air wonder …??? It was not something we should have been proud of …but we just could not wipe off the smiles from our faces

Thank you to the balikbayans who came, who re-arranged schedules, left loved ones, stayed in hotels, took those very tiring trips that felt like forever … just to be with us – Charito Macapinlac, Guading Bengzon, Nelly Ribargoso, Cheri Zita, Mayenne Alonzo, Zeny Gomez, Lily Noche, Patsy Alvir, Lourdes Papa (who is really only half a balikbayan), Eleanore Carrillo, and Ut Vazquez.

And then, Homecoming Day! Thank you to Olive Tang who sponsored the lunch for the whole class … not the pack lunch affair that we expected, but a real classy catered affair (formal tables, fabric napkins, the works!)… prepared specially for the Diamond ladies! Continued to page 7

7

Thank you too to Eppie Mallari and Sylvia Fernandez … the out-of-town trips to Eppie’s farm in Alfonso, Cavite and Sylvia’s lovely home in Liliw, Laguna were special treats. The food was too good and the company was exceptional. The candid sharing of life stories during lunch made sure that we were all safely and happily in one another’s lives once again. The memories made on those days will always be as precious as diamonds!

I must make special mention and express our special gratitude to the little group that dared to be our class dancers, our program participants – Sylvia Fernandez, Remy Ticzon, Pilar Guerrero, Beth Lorenzana, Chuchi Ramirez, Marissa Valeriano, Lourdes Zagala, and Tesi Ollada. Pilar was right … they were troupers! They braved countless rehearsal days, ruined personal schedules, made back-and- forth trips to Mendiola in traffic, in rain, with rising blood pressures, etc. In the end, their spirit pulled through, and they really saved the day for us. And all “for Class ‘55”! Please know that Class ‘55 is deeply grateful.

…continued from page 6

ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS…

A Balikbayan Remembers By: Melissa Fajardo-Unidad (HS-75/ BSChem-79)

Homecomings are the most awaited moments for me. I look forward to meeting friends and BFF’s. Although I constantly see their posts on Facebook and get messages thru Viber, it is a totally different experience to see friends in person. I treasure the warm welcome, the big hugs, the dance nights, and the endless food and laughter.

All homecomings are special, though this one was particularly special. The theme of the program made me reminisce about the past. Or maybe it was just being in the auditorium that made me nostalgic. Our batch presentation was fantastic. Our costume was great, it really reflected who were in high school. It never really felt that we have aged, we felt forever young.

I have been 15 years out of the country and never missed any homecoming event. To be in the midst of mischievous friends who have now become confidently accomplished and still funny is happiness that rejuvenates the body and soul. More power to all of us! Let us keep the Spirit alive – forever!!!

WE, the Alumnae Editorial Board

Ma. Victoria B. Anastacio (HS-63/AB-67) Victoria Torres-del Rosario (HS-77)

Remedios “Tita” Dizon (HS-63) Riziel Fajutag-Icaro (AB-11)

Virginia P. Macaso (BSChem-63) Maria Corazon B. Parco (AB-63/BSE-64)

Sr. Victricia Pascasio, S.Sp.S. (HS-53/AB-57/BSE-64) Ma. Belen Elvira S. Tiongco (HS-77) Lorraine Young-Sylianteng (HS-73)

Email address: we.thealumnae@gmail.com

So, did we have a wonderfully successful event? Ut wrote: “…I can't thank you enough for encouraging me to join our

Diamond Jubilee celebrations! … I was so happy to see everybody again…!” I guess that’s the answer right there.

Best regards,

Roxane Mendoza-Belardo (HS-55/AB-58/BSE-59)

8

Musings of a Senior Citizen as a

Sapphire Jubilarian

By: Myra May Saba-Lapus (HS-70)

Victor Hugo said, “Forty is the old age of youth; fifty the youth of old age.” Sweet Sixties for me is seasoned youthfulness, a reason perhaps why reunions are savored more, why interactions with people are more enjoyable. Such was the experience of my 2015 Sapphire Jubilee Homecoming. In CHSM’s 2015 Jubilee Homecoming held in February, the theme “Live, Laugh and Love” would likely resonate as a dictum of the wise often associated with reaching the senior citizenship years upon the younger generations. George Bernard Shaw said, “You don’t stop laughing when you grow old, you grow old when you stop laughing.” With six of the eight Jubilarian groups comprised of senior citizens, our meetings in the Steering Committee were relaxed but productive. In spite of slow recall, short attention span, and protests of inability to commit more, love clearly moved us to harness our resources as a team. Ads solicited for the Souvenir Program to cover homecoming expenses produced a surplus that will serve as seed money for the next Golden Jubilarian Homecoming which our HS-70 will host. Our relationships nourished with laughter and love ensured a happy celebration for all. This is what life should be about. Our Sapphire Jubilarian Board of Officers wasted no time in appealing to our class members to rise to the challenge of performing in the program while our knees are still strong and we can still sway our hips. After all, during our Ruby Jubilee Homecoming, our performers ”rocked “ in their energy-packed gyrations of the samba and Latino dances. The folder I opened “CHSM 2015 Jubilee Homecoming,“ not just on Facebook (FB) but in my mind and heart has been filled with a variety of experiences, some captured digitally,

of all the loving, living, and laughing with classmates and friends from my class and other Jubilarian groups. With our mind on our Alma Mater’s interests, survival, and success, we wanted to hand over a legacy to society through our Scholarship program. Planning a milestone event in the history of our beloved Alma Mater is a meaningful journey, not so much to growing old, but to growing up. With much sentimentality, I can re-label that folder as “Coming Home.” Movies about homecomings show characters dreading what to expect from reconnecting with high school classmates. We had our share of challenges in dealing with classmates who caused us to stretch ourselves to accept and love them. We have had to crawl and take baby steps to make some classmates transcend trivialities and pettiness, to pursue dialogue instead of gossip, and to give forgiveness a chance. I smile, recalling our success in connecting with long-missed classmates stirred to nostalgia with our FB posts and

FEATURE

Throwback Thursday pictures. I smile when I see how promptly we responded to those in need with prayers and the appropriate action. I laughed when I was called by my entire name – I was last called "Myra May” in high school. I will fondly hold in my memory the faces of my classmates, particularly my team mates in the Sapphire Board. “Cherished is the word to describe all the feelings I have inside” as the song goes. Homecomings should be about coming home because one is at home with oneself. It is for us to help others feel at home with us when we help them to be at home with themselves.

Reviewing the steps to make Margot and ourselves proud of ourselves. In the photo

are: Myra Saba-Lapus, Josefina Plaza, Ma. Luisa Dadia, Dolores Miraflor-Gonzalez

and Carina Cabrera-Vasquez

Sapphire Board connects with and welcomes long lost classmate in a chance encounter.

In the photo are: Myra Saba-Lapus, Josefina Plaza, Carina Cabrera-Vasquez, Dolores Miraflor-

Gonzalez, Beth Leyba-Legarda, and Stella Lantin-Diaz

College Department Participates in Homecoming!

I got connected to some classmates who introduced me to our e-group, the Commerce Workshop, and that started my journey back to my dear Alma Mater 41 years after I graduated from College.

This year, 2015, at the February 1 Alumni Homecoming, we College graduates reached a milestone. We were invited by the High School Jubilarians to join the Homecoming program.

We eleven alumnae had a blast! Gliding in our long fancy gowns, we danced with gusto as we swayed and cha-cha'd to the tune of "Lassa Perfume." We were instructed by our director/choreographer to wear our very best smiles on stage, and to project graceful confidence. We obediently did, but little did the audience know that beneath the sweet smiles and aplomb were pounding hearts. With clammy hands combined with senior moments and panic attacks, we danced on, but still with beautiful smiles pasted on our faces. And it worked! After the show, friends came to us, congratulating us for a great, stunning (their words) and very entertaining performance! Shocked as we were at the wonderful feedback, it warmed our hearts no end.

But equally important to mention in regards to this homecoming participation by the College Department are two things:

1. Our participation in the program resulted in camaraderie that we now treasure. In the short time that we met, attended our solo practices, and later on practiced with the whole Jubilarian group, we created a natural sisterhood bonding though we came from different departments and years. We have since met after the homecoming and promised to keep in touch often. We hope that more College alumnae will attend next year's homecoming and gamely participate too in the entertainment program.

The "icy" relationship between the High School alumnae and the College alumnae has slowly begun to thaw. It’s no secret that in the past the High School alumnae have always had the upper hand in Homecomings. In fact, it had always been totally their show. It had come to the point that College alums felt they were just being relegated to staying under the mango trees of the campus. There were moves in the past to include the College Dept. but these efforts failed. Now, thanks to the persistent efforts of the 2015 Homecoming's leadership who

All my College days were spent as an intern in CHSM. As such, I spent almost all my waking and sleeping hours within the walls of the school. I felt safe under its watchful, loving eyes. In short, my school and I were the bestest of friends.

But alas, after finishing college as a BS Commerce graduate in 1972, and having tasted freedom, I soon relegated my "bestest friend" to the background until our ties were eventually severed.

Fast forward to 2013 – the CHSM Centennial. Spirit ablaze! Everyone was afire, searching, contacting, and connecting with past College classmates.

College Participants are Amparo Garlit-David (HS-62/ASS64), Corazon Ylagan-Evangelista (AB-63), Cynthia Villarosa-

Subijano (BSC-66) , Roselle del Rosario-Rebano (BSC-67), Ma. Elena Medina-Ruiz (AB/BSC-70), Esther Go Bio-Ang

(AB/BSC-70), Dulce Corazon Varela-Guevarra (BSHE-63), Deanna Go Bio (AB-58/BSC-59), Ma. Carmen Cosgayon-de

Arellano (HS-62/ASS-64), Milagros Chipeco-Ladrido (HS-63/BSC-67) and Teresa G. Soliman (BSC-72)v

9

emphasized that we are one big family, the College Dept. has formally participated in and hopefully will continue to in an annual capacity.

2. We wish to thank the Commerce Workshop leadership for initiating a sponsorship project among select College alumnae to finance the expenses corollary to the participation of the College Department in the Homecoming entertainment program. And we wish to thank all the College alumnae who generously contributed. May you be blessed more.

With the blessing of the Holy Spirit, may 2015 be the beautiful start of a new alliance for our yearly Alumni Homecomings at CHS Manila.

Roselle del Rosario-Rebano (BSC-67), Teresa G. Soliman (BSC-72), Deanna Go Bio

(AB-58/BSC-59) and Cynthia Villarosa-Subijano (BSC-66) owned the stage.

10

Presentation of the HS-65 Golden Girls was a

fashion evolution of the 60's era

What spiced up each jubilarian presentation

was the comic spiels of Nanette Inventor

Opening Remarks by Co-

Chairperson Toni Villaraza-

Palenzuela

Mike Aguila serenades the 2015

CHSAF Awardees and Board Members

Rosalou Soriano-Lamson, as over all

chairperson and coordinator, receives a

bouquet of flowers, as a token of

appreciation from the jubilarian family!

All smiles after the program presentation -- all those will be wonderful memories forever etched in our hearts....

L-R Purisima Concepcion-Canlas, Ging Coruna-Pascual, Deenette Villareal- Aguila, Pilar Araneta Cabildo,

Marlene Tigno-Magsaysay, Lulu Maceda-de los Santos, Eloisa Siongco-Vila, Rita Alonzo-Conquilla, Becky Zeta-

Domingo, Rosalou Soriano-Lamson,Teresita Centeno-Mejillano, and Corit Fernandez-Noble.

2015

Homecoming

Presentation

11

2015 Homecoming Presentation

Platinum Jubilarians

(HS-50)

Diamond Jubilarians

(HS-55)

Emerald Jubilarians

(HS-60)

Sapphire Jubilarians

(HS-70)

12

2015 Homecoming Presentation

Ruby Jubilarians

(HS-75)

Coral Jubilarians

(HS-80)

GOLDEN

JUBILARIANS

HS-65

EMERALD

JUBILARIANS

HS-60

JUBILARIANS

DIAMOND

JUBILARIANS

HS-55

13

JUBILARIANS

SAPPHIRE

JUBILARIANS

HS-70

PLATINUM

JUBILARIANS

HS-50

CORAL

JUBILARIANS

HS-80

14

15

Dinner Dance

As a show of support, even husbands gave

time to watch their wives’ Golden Jubilee

celebration. With Vicky Jose Cuisia, Naty de

la Fuente King, Ambassador Joey Cuisia and

Rosalou Soriano-Lamson.

The Rebirth Band

Sister Bernadette, the dancing nun, with a

dance instructor. Last of the Mohicans Sapphire group celebrates in dinner dance

in support of CHSAF scholarship program.

Taking a breather... Marylou Fernandez De La Cruz,

Josen Bacareza-Fernandez, Rosalou Soriano-Lamson, Corit Fernandez-

Noble,Esther Jose-Capistrano, and Elena Palenzuela-Mier.

HS-75 at the Homecoming Dinner Dance.

Sitting L-R: Bong Cabrera, Menchu Martinez Que, Connie Fernando-

Jayme. Standing L-R: Chili Zavala-Pefianco and Melissa Fajardo-

Unidad

The night was young.... and everybody gyrated to

the music of the 60’s. The Dinner dance was

hosted by the CHS Alumnae Foundation.

Alumnae who attended the Recollection on January 24, 2015 led by Fr. Peter

Coching, SVD as speaker.

New CHSAF Board Members being inducted into office.

(L-R): Amy Tolosa-Duremdes, Maricor Mendoza-Akol, Bobby

Nuguid-Ericta, Gladys Huang-So and Tess Abeleda-Llave.

HS-75 Steering Committee in one of the meetings for the

preparations for Feb.1, 2015 Homecoming. L-R: Mitos Formoso-

Camahort, Beth Nasol, Menchu Martinez-Que, Connie Fernando-

Jayme and Bong Cabrera HS-50 at Emerald Garden. In the photo are: Inday Escolin-Disini, Winnie

Powell-Mueller, Maribel Guevarra (from Spain), Leticia Tubangi-Sala and

standing, Mita Chioco-Ampil, Teresita Kaluag-Mathay, Henrietta Bautista-

Lucena (USA), Luningning Abad-Francisco, Norma Mallari-Feria, Josephine

Idelfonso-Matramba, Lydia Tansinsin, and Amelia Capistrano-Barrios.

Fred Victor – Helping People Find

Place & Purpose

Written by: Dagmar Schroeder, Director of Fundraising

On Thursday Dec. 4, three charming and kind-hearted women arrived at Fred Victor’s Administration Offices. They were carrying bags of hygiene products for our men and women, and a cheque for $500. (Here’s our Dagmar Schroeder (left) accepting the cheque from the three lovely women.) As alumni of a school half a world away in the Philippines – the College of the Holy Spirit – they have formed a Canadian Chapter for their Foundation. They join together to fundraise for great causes here and in the Philippines. This year marks their 10th anniversary in Canada.

Congratulations and thank you so much for including Fred Victor in your wide embrace.

Landbank President

and CEO Gilda Pico

joins the roster of

the country’s finest

business leaders as

conferred by the

Asia Pacific

Entrepreneurship

Awards (APEA)

held in Dusit Thani

Hotel, Manila last

November 3, 2014

for outstanding

leaders who have

greatly contributed

to the growth of

their respective

businesses and

organizations.

Bonding

with college

friends:

(L-R): Eden

Orosa-

Kelemen,

Edna

Zapanta-

Manlapaz,

Myrna

Santiago-

Urquico and

Cora Parco

GALLERY

16

(Ed.’s Note — This section contains messages/information

received through our e-mail address: chsaf.mla@gmail.com)

From: Sister Maria Lourdes Mendiola, S.Sp.S. (HS-55), School of the Holy Spirit, Quezon City, March 11/15 I had a chance to visit Miss Honorata Muyot in the Carmelite Convent in Sta. Cruz, Laguna, where she now lives. She turned 92 last January 9, is looking good and is still strong. She was our teacher in the elementary, remember? … and, of course, later, our Registrar for many years.

From: Ma. Luisa Echevarria-Wallenstein (HS-65/BSC-69), New York, New York, Dec. 17/14 Prayer from a Golden Jubilarian:

O Holy Spirit, we claim our inheritance as Your Favored Students. Thank You for guiding our parents, guardians, decision-makers to bring us to the School that bears Your Name. Indeed, it is part of Abba's Perfect Plan in our lives. Although we started there many many years ago, some of us have been late in blooming in the Spirit; however, there are also those of us who have been born again, live Spirit-led lives, and live this life to love, to laugh at our calamities because we know that greater is He who is in us than he who is out there in the world, and no weapon formed against us shall prosper!

As we draw near to celebrating with jubilation what we know as our time to turn gold, we now thank you in advance for grace to live life in love, to enjoy Provisions and Mercy, Peace, and Joy according to Your riches in glory.

Give us the discernment through Your Wisdom imbued in us, to be sensitive to each other, to be ever ready to buddy each other in the spirit, to do and receive fraternal correction, to never be caught in the gripping hold of condemnation, to always focus on You, Your Grace, Your Mercy that endures forever.

One day, Lord, let us all look at each other and say: “Anak ka ng Diyos, ano?” And our confident answer shall be: “Oo. Obvious ba?” And the reply we want to hear is: “Siempre! Kamukhang-kamukha ka ng Ama mo!”

In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen. ******

Be part of our E-Mail Connection… send your comments,

news, messages from/to classmates and teachers to

chsaf.mla@gmail.com

I am sending you these pictures so that those who still remember can pray for her and might even want to visit her. She will be so glad to see them all.

With me during the very pleasant visit were: from left to right: Gloria Garcia,

former secretary to the CHSM President, Ms. Muyot, Sr. Ma. Lourdes Hoquis, S.Sp.S., a young S.Sp.S. sister, presently assigned to our Retreat House here in QC, and Corazon Geroy, former staff member at the Guidance Office.

****** From: Mary Gonzalez-Goolsby (HS-55), Makati City, March 19/15: It is the feast of St. Joseph, March 19, 2015 and, since St. Joseph took care of Jesus and Mary, he will also take care of us, since he is our protector and guide and Patron of the Universal Church. … We are moving towards holy Week then Resurrection / Easter Sunday – the Greatest Love Story! It is said that it is enough to remember, respond, and live out only eleven words of Holy Scripture: “For God so loved the world, He gave His only Son…” We journey with Jesus and Mary, and we keep quiet, to listen and to ponder this Lent. We burst and rejoice, renewed Christians on Eastern Sunday – new life for all of us classmates with the gift of bonus years to serve the Lord in our families and communities. A blessed Easter, Alleluia! Dear classmates praise and thank God!

Our E-mail Connection

MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL FORM

I would like to renew my active membership to the CHS Alumnae Foundation. Enclosed is my payment (cash/check) as follows:

_______P500.00/US$12.00 (One-year membership) _______P1,000.00/US$24.00 (Two-year membership)

Name: _________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________ Tel. No. ________________________________________ E-Mail Address: __________________________________ Note: Pls. make your checks payable to: CHS ALUMNAE FOUNDATION, INC. and mail c/o The Alumnae Office, 163 E. Mendiola, Manila.

Please be reminded that Lifetime or Perpetual Membership has been cancelled since the mid-2000s. Our membership dues help sustain the CHSAF office operations and projects. Thank you.

17

Into Eternal Life

Through our "Alumnae Prayer Community," let all of us,

alumnae-sisters, pause for a minute and storm heaven with our

prayers for:

- George Kawachi III, who was operated on at the Medical City last month; he is the son of Alice Lorenzo-Kawachi (HS-55);

- the full recovery of Ma. Corazon R. Dangalio (HS-56/BSE-60) who recently suffered a fracture of the knee;

- the return to health of Ramon F. Atienza, husband of Carmen Costa-Atienza (HS-55);

- Fe Mendiola-Gutierrez (HS-48), a cancer survivor whose cancer has recurred; she is based in Virginia where she lives with her children.

Send us your prayer requests and let our "Alumnae Prayer

Community" gather through this section in His name for you.

Call Cora at Tel. No. 735-5986 or e-mail us at

chsaf.mla@gmail.com

Congratulations to…

18

• Gilda Elepano-Pico (BSC-66) who received at the Dusit Thani Hotel, Manila last November 2014, the APEA (Asia Pacific Entrepreneuship Awards) Outstanding Category Award, Asia’s most coveted award for entrepreneurs, conferred on outstanding leaders “who have greatly contributed to the growth of their respective businesses and organizations.” Gilda, currently the president of Landbank, Inc., was cited for steering Landbank’s continual growth in the areas of developmental banking, branch/ATM network expansion, and the adoption of technological solutions for operations support, effectively aligning them with global standards.

Our alumnae who successfully passed the recent board exams: • the Licensure Examination for Nurses, held last November 2014 – BSN-14 graduates, Ma. Kathryn B. Carera, Emyrein L. Espina, Mary Joyce M. Lagamia, Grison E. Neri, and Willane Ghee D.F. Perez; and Angeline D.R. Santos (BSN-11), Celine Monica C. Tantoco (BSN-12), and Jenivieve A. Garzo (BSN-13);

• the Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (Secondary Education) of January 2014 – Gina Gloria Galicto-Bernabe (BSBio-91), and BSE-13 graduates, Julianne Arielle S. Jabinal, and Zharmaine E. Katipunan; and of August 2014 – Camille Villasis-Amador (AB-02), Ma. Chezka Ciara Abando-Aromin (AB-03), Dolores Concepcion-Bauto (BSHRM-97), Sandra Buncan-Caballero (AB-00), Martha Silva-Castro, Arlen Moises-Lagman (AB-99), Sister Medylyn C. Masajo, S.Sp.S. (BSE-14), Elena Peregrino-Miranda (AB-93), Maribel H. Nacion (BSE-05), and Estrella Louie A. Parulan (BSC-96);

• the Licensure Examination for Psychometricians – Ian Kevin B. Tubelleja (BSPsy-14); and

• the Licensure Examination for Interior Designers – Wilson S. Chua (BSID-14), Marivi L. Co (BSID-03), Pauline Nicole G. Cruz (BSID-11), and BSID-13 graduates, Neil Vincent A. Escarez and Victoria Alyana Yaokana.

• the Graduates of 2015, our new alumni.

Prayer Corner

Jan. 11 - Leonardo de Jesus, husband of Florita Cayanan-de Jesus (BSChem-59); Feb. 02 - Florence Eng Chu Siy-Cu (HS-53); Feb. 06 - Rosa Lai-Figueroa (HS-50); Feb. 09 – Julia A. Iturralde (HS-48/AB-51/BSE-52), well-loved member of the faculty of CHSM and, later, Dean of the English department, whose teaching career spanned over four decades from the fifties to the early nineties; sister of Sister Encarnacion (Aurora), S.Sp.S. (d), HS-39/AB-42/ BSE-47) and Ma. Luz (d), HS-42/ETC-48/BSE-51. Julia was the last of the Iturralde sisters who devoted their lives completely to CHSM. Feb. 18 - Leticia Pereras-Cabrera (AB-60/BSE-61), mother of Patricia Barbara Ann Cabrera (AB/BSC-86); Mar. - Ermelinda Goco-Rustia (HS-40); Mar. - Eddie Chou, brother of Susan C. Allender (HS- 65/AB/BSE-70) and Denise (HS-68/BSE-72); Mar. 01 - Manuel P. Regis, husband of Natividad Alcaraz-Regis (HS-62); Mar. 01 - Amelia Rius-LeMire (HS-59/AM-62/BM-64); Mar. 06 - Rosario Flores-Talon (BSC-63); Mar. 13 - Renato U. Lorenzana, brother of Deanna L. Gregorio (d), HS-55, Elizabeth L. Diaz (HS-55), and Melinda L, Ortega (HS-59); Mar. 17 - Loreto Matias-Tantengco (HS-60); Mar. 17 – Ma. Zenaida Fajardo-Borromeo (HS-51/AB-55), mother of Ma. Teresa B. Taleon (HS-77) and Susana Maria B. Silbor (HS-80); sister of Erlinda Fajardo-Alvano (HS-56/BM-61); Mar. 21 - Elisa Sanares-Monzon, mother of Guia M. dela Cruz (BFA-83); Mar. 23 - Dorothy Young-Lim (HS-53), sister of Diana Y. Tan Kiang (HS-46), Catherine Y. Lim (HS-47), Elsie Y. Ong (HS-48), Ellen Y. Dy (d), HS-50, and Ingrid Y. Lim (d), HS-51;