The Reunion of USC-Boys High Class of ‘67

CEBU, Philippines - The graduates of the University of San Carlos, Boys High School in 1967 are a batch of baby boomers celebrating their golden jubilee last January 20 to 22. Many of them have been fortunate and blessed with good health, over 65 years young and retired from the work force. I am proud to belong to the batch; we were 146 graduates in all, 25 have already departed to meet their Creator.

There were many proposals on how to celebrate these 50 years of golden friendship. There were suggestions that we should also invite former classmates like Choy Torralba and Dodie Go, who transferred to other schools because their characters were ‘too colorful’ for USC. The Gang of Five, two from the United States – Dennis Bermejo, Boboy Quijano – and three locals – Earl Kokseng, Edmund Dejaresco and Jose Mari Cañizares – were the prime movers in making the reunion happen. We ended up holding three dinner events, because the weather was uncooperative and outdoor activities had to be cancelled.

On Day 1, dinner was held at the Salinas Restaurant and Golden Cowrie. Meeting high school classmates summoned mixed emotions – happy because it had been 25 years (Silver Anniversary) since we last met; and sad because many could not be physically present. My contribution was drinks like two bottles of Gold Johnnie Walker and Rex Goliath Cabernet Sauvignon. There must be a lot of physician-mandated alcohol restrictions because it took a long time before the bottles were emptied.

Salinas Restaurant served us Crispig’s Ears, Stir-fry Garlicky Shrimps, Beef Sliders, Chicken Pandan, Cab-Cab & Bangus Pate and Special Pork BBQ. The pork barbecue was extra delicious that night. Thanks to Earl Kokseng, my classmate since grade school at STC.

The venue for Day 2 dinner was the Casino Español where a Holy Mass was celebrated. The buffet table groaned with food like Roasted Pork wrapped in Bacon, Vegetable Lasagne, Callos, Tanguige Rebosado, Pollo en Crema and Lechon.  Nothing could really beat a whole Lechon as centrepiece specially if consumed with Don Papa Rum and Hennessey XO Cognac.

The combo scene of the 60s was recreated – complete with the Beatles music by Reuben Briones and Boy Yrastorza at the guitars with Dennis Bermejo at the keyboard. The music, reminiscent of yesteryears, did accelerate whiskey consumption (+7 bottles, Black) aided by drinks gunner Dr. Jojo Aquino. Inhibitions were lowered and arthritic feet (possibly) started dancing. My friends really let their hair down, excuse me, those with hair anyway! We had great fun together and the days of fist fights and school bullies were truly over.

Curtain fall to the 50th anniversary was Day 3 dinner held at the 17th Floor Roof Deck, Base Line Residences. I brought Viña Maria 2014, Calvet Reserve 2010 and Hennessey VSOP Cognac to be paired with dishes like the Sweet & Sour Fish, Chicken Lollipop, Pork Steak, Spicy Wings, Beef in Oyster Sauce and Fruit Cocktail.

A roll call was made of those that were present. A prayer for departed colleagues was made. And we gave thanks to the Almighty for the Golden Jubilee Celebration of USC-BHS Class 1967. (FREEMAN)