Thirty years after high school, jubilee meeting are like precious rites of passage, revised editions of the wonderful get-togethers just five years ago, when the lives of many were so completely different from what they are today. After all the laughing, eating, teasing (sometimes crying), and catching up, we realize there is a profound purpose to these jubilee rituals. Unwittingly, as each member of the class shares a part of her life (essentially, a part of herself), she sends a message that may affect the eager listeners at that very moment or may have an impact on their lives five years later! Moreover, these gatherings have revealed that 30 years after, most of us have reached that time in our lives when we are less focused on ourselves and more concerned about how to best serve God and fellowmen. Trite but true.

During our meeting in June this year, Marie Nicandro-Villalon, our banker-at-large who takes to the dancefloor to maintain her sanity, had just come from her regular Monday volunteer work tutoring street children at Don Bosco School. She had a poem in Pilipino, written by one of the boys, expressing the children’s genuine appreciation of the time shared with them every week. Needless to say, we were all touched.

Dolly Tanseco-del Rosario now has an MA in Psychology and a Professional Diploma in Family Ministries from Ateneo, while also being a supportive wife, raising her children and making delicious pastillas in the kitchen. She lectures and counsels children, adolescents, and families. In her own little way, she is part of a moving force towards strengthening the nation’s basic unit.

Cory Posadas-Mirabueno has an MA in Pastoral Ministry, Family Ministry and Counseling. She has also found time to counsel individuals and families while keeping her own family together.

Bak Ramos-Licauco not only looks after the largest bookstore chain and the most popular Hallmark cards. She also has children who are now involved in the family business. Daughter Trina is behind Powerbooks, a place for book lovers – many of whom are our children – who enjoy literature with a good cup of coffee. Indeed, this endeavor contributes to the continued education of our progeny.

Garnet David is alone, but not lonely. She does not have time to be; she spends some of her time at the family’s Great Wall Advertising, but is better known for being the project manager, so to speak, of people who need her architectural/design skills for building townhouses or furnishing condo units. She has a knack for playing with colors and making an apartment look cheery, welcoming, and efficient. (Check out her mix of cinnabar, yellow, and hunter green!) Let’s not forget – she is best known as the class bully: she tells you like it is, but you will not love her any less for that.

Missy Ungson has retired from the travel industry. She is not selling airline tickets nor tours, but industrial bacteria that eat up not only all the germs but odors as well. We are hoping she finally finds her mate; he will most probably be an ardent protector of the environment!

Mad da Silva-Vargas wants to retire from the travel industry (which has made her a Dear Abby sorts) but cannot just yet. She tried teaching 5th to 7th graders at Assumption every Friday. She could not continue, however, because it seemed Fridays were also the days her passengers would choose to change their entire itineraries and drive her … well … MAD!

Patis Pamintuan-Tesoro has made a name for herself in the world of bridal finery and has also become renowned as the country’s relentless exponent of indigenous Filipino material. She is responsible for the current appreciation (so long in coming) of the baro’t saya and has revived many Filipino values and traditions in the process. A truly hard-working member of Class ’68, she has not lost her knack for coming up with a funny line every now and then, just like in high school. She has also managed to maintain the spontaneity she was known for in school. In fact once, while trying to frantically call the attention of former First Lady Amelita Ramos (a client and partner in espousing what is katutubong atin), Patis was seen waving and calling from across the room: "Mrs. First Lady, Mrs. First Lady!"

Dr. Elena Samonte, our class valedictorian, was given several grants which brought her to Japan, Israel, and Germany. She is currently the Registrar at UP and Head of Instruction. She is tasked with reviewing the school’s curriculum and evaluating teachers and their teaching methods.

Cecilia Fugoso-Chan was widowed at a young age. She has courageously raised two fine boys, both in college now. She is enjoying her "blessed singleness" and teaches foreign language at UP. She is also busy with her latest "baby": opening a tutorial center.

Olive Sanvictores is back at our alma mater, as administrator of the Child Study Center of Mirriam College.

Jopie Santos-Carballo, she of many talents (candle-making, ceramics, and embroidery) has chosen to concentrate on garments, specializing in bridal ensembles. She is a successful entrepreneur and one of her more famous clients is former President Cory Aquino. Her intricate embroidery is showcased in several department stores, aside from her home atelier.

Zelie Santos-Tan founded the first therapeutic center for high-functioning autistic children in 1992. Advocacy Nest Therapy for Autistics (ANTA) Foundation, Inc. runs a therapy center for paying special children as well those who cannot afford the steep professional fees of a therapist. Unwilling to believe the common notion that autism could not be treated, Zelie underwent training to help her youngest son overcome his autism. Today, JA is an extremely gifted 12-year-old studying in a regular school where he is a sixth grader. He could read notes even before he began his piano lessons, is a whiz at the computer, and has just recently surprised everyone with his artistic abilities. Zelie has also found the time to balance her Management Consulting and Human Resources Training work with ballroom dancing (which explains her whistle-bait figure and good looks).

Marimil Enage-Villareal, the girl who used to hide in the locker room during PE, has become a tennis champion! She now provides beautiful wedding, debut, and any-occasion invitations for most of Manila’s crème de la crème. For a time, we thought she would also become a professional party organizer because her services were in demand for planning special occasions for friends. However, do not call on her on Monday evenings … those nights are sacred … they are for dancing! Watch out for her on Cable TV; she may yet become a competitor at an international ballroom dancing event!

Nieves Campa-Alvarez has become the compleat thespian. Thank God we had her at every inter-school oratorical contest, class singing event, and stage show! Many were green with envy when she performed with the boys from across the creek. To this day, she does us proud as she appears in various offerings of Repertory Philippines. Naturally, her husband is also an actor, both on stage and in the movies. Her talent has been passed on to her daughter who, we are sure she will not mind our saying this, is perhaps a better actress!

Evelyn Lopez-Carballo was the "silent worker" (if that can be believed) behind the scenes for the Malaybalay Boys Choir that performed to raise funds for the construction of a chapel at the Benedictine Monastery in Bukidnon. She was (and is) loved by the monks. She inspired many of us to go on retreat but we have yet to push through with this plan. Now that she is very much involved with the goings-on at Malacanang Palace, we are not sure she will be able to carry out the plan this year. We are very sure though that her infectious laughter will be heard (breaking protocol) at the Palace.

Jo-Ann Maglipon-Marcelo’s distinct laugh is always welcome at meetings. Because she is a columnist for a Manila daily and an author as well, do not be offended if you call her on the phone and even before you say "Hello," she says, "I can’t talk to you now; I have a deadline." However, lately, she still cannot be contacted by phone. We heard she is in the middle of remodeling their home for the nth time. And she has been constantly teased because she has been doing the rounds of shops where, she says, the objects talk to her. Their message? "Buy me, buy me!" Definitely, when her house finally stops talking to her, it will be a unique work of art (adjective provided –- or was it imposed --- by Jo-Ann).

If you happen to find yourself at the Hotel Inter-Continental Manila, don’t be surprised if you see a familiar bedimpled smile greeting you. That could only be Eppie Crisologo-Ignacio , the Hotel’s longtime indefatigable Controller. With three children to care for, she has also successfully managed to keep an eye on the hotel’s financial affairs.

There are those of class ’68 who have successfully helped us gain all those unwanted pounds! Tikki Dula-Laurel’s Goto King has truly been a success, with all the outlets mushrooming around Metro Manila. Her daughter Rosa has followed suit with her own "Mama Rosa’s" gourmet tuyo, bagoong, and the like. And her yemas are a good enough reason to go off your diet!

Of course, who doesn’t know about the sinfully delicious cakes of Sugarhouse where Olga de Asis is part-owner, As if that were not enough, Olga is also behind all the Tapa King outlets you see.

But wait…there is one more in the class who helps everyone over-indulge! Having a party? Make sure you call Ads Lagman-Misa who has a catering service, GEMARC, and can whip up dishes that will have all your guests going back to the table for more servings. We know for a fact that we go to our jubilee meetings not only for the company but also for the food that we know Ads will be bringing.

After being a housewife all these years to husband Francis and mother of five children ages 4 to 17, Ruby Natividad -Gutierrez is now a career woman! She is the Learning center Manager of Futurekids Alabang, where she meets a lot of children and their parents who keep her busy and excited. She and her husband are active members of couples for Christ and Ruby serves in the ministry of the Handmaids of the Lord. In her words, "Thirty years out of high school, I’ve never been happier."

Medy Santiago is still taking care of a six-year old while head of the IT Division of a big corporation. Thankfully, her two older children can look after themselves.

Monina Oliva-Valencia is also rediscovering the joys of caring for a toddler while overseeing the business interests she and her husband Mike developed through the years.

Linda Tinio, one of our Math wizards, has a grown son so she can concentrate on her work at STI. She must be one of the most computer literate in the batch.

Emily Huang-Ang, another Math genius, is good with computers as well. She is also adept at figuring out how things work (hi-the equipment and all) and we hear how she is getting very good at ballroom dancing.

Paz Gonzaga-Benares loved the dance floor in high school, but she has not taken to ballroom dancing. She is presently occupied with being the family driver for the children still at school and helping out her husband Boy with his various endeavors. Another model family driver is Chi Castaneda (whose apple pies are also the best!).

After years of loyal service to San Miguel corporation, Farah de la Cruz (ex-Prieto, ex-Unson) is on her own. She manages to find time to get together with Susan Romualdez-Locsin, who still runs a school and is kept busy by husband Henry’s activities as Grand Master of the Masons.

Angelina Rivera is just now going to try to join the work force…any suggestions, girls?

Class ’68 has had its share of losses. A few years back, the ever-smiling, chinky-eyed, soft-spoken Carmencita Lim-Nuguid succumbed to cancer after putting up a valiant fight. Living an active life to the end, she was working as the Controller for Pathfinders, Inc.

We will never forget the very ladylike Carmencita Dinglasan-Larracas who suddenly and quietly passed on to the next life a year after.

Sometime last year, Class ’68 lost another member, Virginia Recio-Bondad. At work at the Hilton Hotel, she complained of a terrible headache. After making a call to her husband, she was rushed to the hospital where she fell into a coma and died due to a massive heart attack, her first and last.

All three members of the class are surely having their own kind of reunion with others who left before them: Susan Salinas and Hilaria Concepcion.

And what are those in the US doing? Last we heard….Malu Engalla has made Point Richmond, outside of San Francisco, home for her and lifetime partner Mark. After 20 years working in office automation/ information/graphics/computer systems, Malu has taken a sabbatical. But don’t be misled, she is not less busy. In fact, we heard that being an excellent chef, she is presently preparing to come out with a cookbook. And soon, she says, she will learn to go motorcycling! Class ’68 is thankful for Malu’s untiring efforts at keeping in touch with those who are on that side of the world and constantly sending news back here.

Celebrating their 19^th wedding anniversary – a feat indeed, considering the culturally different lifestyle in the US - Marilyn Vinluan-Tuyay and Jim have made beautiful San Diego their home. Marilyn and Jim are blessed with 17 year-old Pua and 16 year-old Kim who, at 6’1", is into surfing and p0laying volleyball (just like Marilyn did during our high school days). News from her? "Still very much in love and happily married.", she tells us in her last e-mail.

Another happily married (20 years) classmate is the very creative Grace Feliciano -Edmonds. Residing in Annandale, Virginia, Grace is married to Ron Edmonds, a photojournalist for the Associated Press. A prolific writer herself before becoming mother to now 14 year-old Ashley, Grace was an editor for a publishing firm in Manhattan, then a newspaper reporter for the Honolulu Star Bulletin in Hawaii.

The remodeling bug has also bitten another classmate, Chit Santos-Peterson a.k.a. Shauna Santos-Peterson. She tells us that she has spent the last two years remodeling her home in Fremont, California. (She however, did not indicate if her house talks to her just like Jo-Ann’s does.) Married ten years to Calvin, Chit is still with Fujitsu Computer Products of America as director for business planning. When not at work, Chit and Calvin enjoy their remodeled home and watch other while they work in the garden or create masterpieces in the kitchen. And, oh yes, lest we forget, she dotes on their cat Sara.

Patricia McClure-Douglas who is based in Oklahoma City still works - and has been doing so for the last 16 years - at Devon Energy Corporation. In late 1997, she became a mother-in-law when her son Miguel Casas got married. She continues to be mother-at-large (her words) to Jeremy Douglas, a recent high school graduate. She also tells us she had adopted watchdog status for 14 ½ year old Erica Douglas. When not at work, she spends time at the golf course. She is presently single and declares that "practice does not necessarily make perfect."

From Honolulu, the good news is Lisa Abreu has been cancer-free for about 3 ½ years. She is the proud owner of a cozy two-bedroom unit and tends a garden where herbs she grows are useful in her culinary experiments. She has been with E A Buck Company for 16 years where she is currently vice-president for accounting, but finds time to go to the spa and work out regularly.

Beth Viana-Russell is still in California with husband Wayne. Our glamour girl has raised three daughters, ages 10 - 16. When not at work as Assistant Demo Coordinator at Sam’s, Beth enjoys dancing the mambo, watching Gypsy King concerts, and picnicking at San Francisco’s beaches.

From Aurea Hernando who is also based in the East coast comes this message for her classmates: "I have not much to say except that I am still single and free and when one is single and free, there’s just so much that goes on…in my imagination and yours."

It sure has been 30 long years as we see from these vignettes of one day in the lives of members of Class ’68. And we could go on…and on….and on…

All these would not have been possible if we did not have the patience (she did all the calling up and the gentle reminding) and industry of Yvonne Sunio-Lago, who took chargew of this year’s jubilee preparations. A devoted wife and mother, surely she must have found us more diffiult to manage than her own family. And for that class ’68 is truly grateful.

Mad, Marie, and Zelie, when collating all these, tried their best to cover as many classmates as they realistically could. However, they would like to inform members of High School Class ’68 that, unfortunately, they are suffering from a very serious illness that explains why this is all that they were able to come up with. They ask for your understanding as they battle the onset of a very new (to them especially) ailment CRAFT (Can’t Remember A F--- Thing).