MANILA, Philippines - Where do we begin to share the story of our “September to Remember” reunion held Sept. 17 to 20 at Bally’s Hotel Las Vegas, and continued on Sept. 20 to 23 in Louisville, Kentucky?
Once upon a time, we were innocent, cherubic girls in pigtails and crisp red plaid uniforms, gently bred by the Assumption sisters on the idea of simplicity, graciousness, social responsibility and paying it forward. Today, we are women challenged by life’s hard choices and realities, but with an appreciation for the fragility of life, the tests of our values, and the value of love and support of true friendships.
From Aparri to Jolo (okay, mainly Metro Manila), New Zealand to England, Canada and America (California, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Texas, Seattle, Washington and Washington DC) about 60 “old girls” reunited to celebrate our Diamond (60th) birthday and class reunion, 43 years since our high school graduation in 1972 from Assumption Convent Manila.
The idea of this reunion was conceived by a core group of seven Los Angeles-based classmates: Faye Sison-Strong, Chonette Zagala, Tess de Jesus Geraldez, Arbet Gomez-Cloribel, Terry Recto-Tumang, Juanita Roxas, and Josephine Majul. And the genius of its organization lay on the strategy of getting everyone secretly involved.
Celebrating Our Diverse Lives With One-Ness
Two years of preparation and everyone’s adherence to a few basic rules made the weekend full of laughter, solidarity, prizes and surprises.
Surprise #1: A video-taped message from our Class ’72 Mistress of Class Mother Eloisa (now Sister Cecilia, based in Pennsylvania).
Surprise #2: Nostalgic, wisdom-filled speeches from classmates who received the highest honors in 1972 — Mother Marie Eugenie awardee Tina Mirasol Bonifacio; honor student Lourdes Yenko Prodigalidad (reading a speech prepared by Valedictorian Ces Angeles Fornier); and class president Anna Jose who spoke from the heart and a prayer by Tessie Moran that brought heaven to our night.
Surprise #3: England-resident Wendy Marella Daw presented an authentic Spanish flamenco dance. New Zealand resident Bessie Lapid lip-synched the Pointer Sisters’ hit song Jump! (and got everyone jumping out of their seats and dancing!).
Surprise # 4: The US-based classmates prepared a Miss USA show, each saying something remarkable about her state, and/or dancing to show what her state is known for (Broadway shows for New Yorkers; Elvis Presley for Vegas; etc.).
Surprise #5: Manila-based classmates presented a series of taped videos, both comedic and poignant, coordinated and directed by Praxy Vasquez Araullo, culminated by a dance choreographed by Artist Extraordinaire Deana Aquino.
Each one’s surprise gift was reciprocated by the others. Indeed, it was a memorable weekend of catching up, rekindling memories, rediscovered esteem for everyone and tight, memorable embraces.
Lucky in Kentucky
Regina Busuego and hubby Dr. Randy Puno provided an extended reunion when they opened their Louisville home to 24 of us. We got to see, hear, feel,taste and experience the essence of Kentucky in two days.
We were classmates when we graduated from Assumption in 1972. But, we have become beloved sisters in our wiser 60s.