This narrative is an alphabetical list of people who made the reunion an affair to be remembered with fondness, together with the personal notes of my wonderful experience. These are from my own perspective only. There are numerous facets of our reunion that remain to be articulated and I invite all of you to write about them.  It is impossible to mention all but mentioning what I can remember is important.  Our class is like an orchestra, the composition of which make such beautiful music. Individually they shine and together they exude brilliance.

Juliet Aliga –Yap.  Juliet created the format of our Gala presentation, engaged the choreographers and was the leading force in organizing the practice, the props, costumes and final presentation . It was a success also in getting attendees happily involved . The numerous acclamations belongs to Juliet and her team. Juliet, with Hilda, Romy and Willie also arranged for reservations for our Testimonial dinner the Cebu/Bohol trip and ordered and tested the lanterns used in our Memorials to the departed ceremony. She provided oversight to Tina Pekson the facilitator hired by the Foundation to coordinate activities.

   At the team’s expense, they made exploratory trips to Bohol and Cebu and  helped organize the welcome dinner hosted by our Philippine based classmates. Her personal secretary, Edith Postrado provided every foreseeable help where needed. She provided the costume design and facilitated its production for the mambo dance in Maribago.  On a personal note, Juliet provided us with access to her personal  hairdresser and make-up artists who made  Connie and me  look  good during our gala night. Breezing through the airport on my arrival was made possible by connections  provided by Juliet who also provided good eats (guinatan and sandwiches) as she and Romy Diaz regally escorted me to my lodging. She and I motored to Manila Polo Club to look for Zinnia and Nabal. Many thanks Juliet.

Pete Atienza.  With Nabal Giron, Pete led the high scores in the karaoke singing sessions in the bus trip. We certainly recall his riotous Elvis Presley performance in Las Vegas.

Cesar Atienza.  My initial encounter with him was at the Newark Airport - the beginning of my wonderful Philippine visit. He went out of his way to chat as I waited in line at Eva Airways.

Drs. Aya-ay.  Members of class 66, part time residents of Bohol, related to our classmate Robbie Lim and friends of Gene and Trining Balbuena. They hosted us to a sumptuous  merienda at their gorgeous Mediterranean – style villa on the side of a hill overlooking the coastline of Bohol. It was quite an experience.

Zinnia Bacol-Giron/ Nabal.  Zinnia provided the anchor to our Memorial to the Departed Ceremony.  Her composition of “Follow the Light” touched every attendee’s memory of our departed friends.  Her 3 part composition of our class theme song took a lot of talent, time and dedication.  She organized the practice session in West Chester, attended even by those who were not  going to the Philippines.  She led the song and dance number – “Sugar,Sugar”, an impromptu response of the visitors to the hosts’ Mambo”.

Nabal provided the support in all things we did. His rendition of the Memorial song will linger in our memories. I would like to relate an incident  in Maribago.  Nabal and I were testing the quartet’s rendition of our song before everyone’s arrival to the islet.  As Nabal sang the line “… come be with us  (our departed friends)”, the wind and rain suddenly came. I cannot help but think that they, our departed friends really did come.

As far as singing, Nabal’s karaoke singing provided a pleasant item in a series of “trying-hard” singing by the rest of us.  Zinnia and Nabal’s participation in the presentation dance was great inspite of only two sessions of practice.

Dr. Sonia Bongala.  As current chairman of the CME, she gave us an update on our silver legacy during the testimonial dinner.

Father Regent Winston Cabading.  He participated in the testimonial dinner. His presence as USTFMS’ Regent and the Rector’s representative during the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement gave a prestigious level of importance to our testimonial dinner. We recall with fondness his informal attendance during our “salo-salo” in Las Vegas. We appreciate his part in the warm reception provided our class during our UST visits .

Mayor Calipusan of Loboc, Bohol.  He escorted the Loboc Choir in Panglao and made sure things were in order. The success of the Loboc River Cruises as a tourist destination have been facilitated by his governance of Loboc. Juliet and Romy were the point persons that connected us to him.  Our class presented him with a gift of a large box of Lindt chocolates.

Nenita Caligayahan-Belen.  She provided the singing with appropriate lyrics during the daily mass we had during the trip. Most of us just did not have the recollection of the lyrics. She was kind enough to defer that singing to Bess Mutuc’s “Ave Maria”.

Salvador Cecilio.  Badong was not in the Philippines but with us in spirit. Upon my return I received his check for $ 25,000.00 with a note stating his desire to make his donation “on time”. 

Carlos Chan.  One of the Philippine’s Taipans and a friend of Romy Diaz, Carlos donated the performance to us by the Loboc children’s Choir. He had been a sponsor to the choir, underwrote the China visit by the choir and constructing an auditorium for them in Loboc. I wrote him a personal note of thanks, on behalf of the class.

Pete Clemente.  Pete provided the charm wherever he was - at the airport, at the golf course, at the dance floor and specially at the Shangri-la lobby, treating  friends around him, including me, to a gourmet merienda. I can’t forget the Filipino afternoon tea at Shang.

Inday Culanculan-Mapa.  One of the most memorable vision of our trip was on Panglao beach. At sunrise, a group of classmates were leisurely walking. The energetic Inday was ahead of everybody and was distant when Rosie came to the scene. They were at the opposite ends of the beach, wearing similar black outfits. Just like meetings romanticized in movies, they ran towards each other in slow motion. It was a sight to behold. Those who were there were so enchanted with the place- they wanted to sing. Someone suggested “Bali Hai” but no one can remember the lyrics so we settled for the first few lines of “Tiny Bubbles”. Ah- to be young again!

Danny Deaño.  Can’t think of anyone who have interfaced everyone together better than Dan. He not only provided the medium, our website, but provided the nudge most of us needed to get going with our activities. His diplomacy, charm, brains, talent expressed on the internet, the podium during CME’s, the dance floor, the golf fairways and many more scenarios are exemplary facets of this renaissance man. We thank him for sharing himself with us. On a personal  side, many thanks to Dan for sharing the chauffeured rides Connie and I got.  Going around Manila is a major challenge.

Rector Magnificus Rolando de la Rosa.  He was receptive to our propositions in the Memorandum of Agreement and intended to be with us during our testimonial  but was detained by a meeting with bishops.  He blessed the site of the Clinical Skills Facility and  cut the ribbons to symbolize the beginning of the constructions.  His message to the alumni during his sermon provided enlightenment to the status of the USTFMS/ USTH relationship.  It was heartwarming to hear him sing to us just to emphasize the sincerity of is message.

Isa del Castillo-Berlin.  It was a joy to watch Isa spontaneously dance the sway balance to the tune of a Philippine tune during our welcome dinner at the Ritz.  Isa’s participation in the CME discussion made the forum interesting.  Orjan’s presence in our activities including the golf outings and having traveled from far away Sweden made our class feel so important to them.

Imelda Dakis, MD.  As Secretary of the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, she graced our testimonial dinner with her attendance and warmly received our class with a tour of the  medicine building on Dec. 7th.

Romy Diaz.  There is no word to appropriately describe Romy. He is the Father of the Ruby Celebrations, Benefactor to Class 67, the Ultimate Friend and  Host, Saviour to his cancer patients.  I will endeavor to itemize some of his contributions and I am sure the list is incomplete. With Rosemarie, he did the following for us - facilitated the procurement of Maribago and Panglao resorts as venues for us via his connections; provided the availability of his office at the Ritz Tower as sites of many of our activities and with its use, the provision of goods, foods, after affair cleaning etc; connected us with Carlos Chan to get the Loboc Choir to perform for us; provided use of brand new designer golf clubs to those of us who needed them to play; provided the use of a bedroom in his office to provide relief to many who needed to rest; paid for the Loboc Choir dinner after their performance. Romy’s dissertation on breast cancer during our CME provided significant information and triggered interesting open forum dialogue.  On a personal note I will always remember his treating us to airport transport including all night waits to most of us; engaging his friends to provide lodging to some of us, providing yummy meals whenever they can; introducing us to the generosity of his friends Dr. Nellie Yu, cosmetic dermatologist, Dr. Paulino Tan, Dean of Asia-Pacific College, Sony-Philippines Manager Rudy Tee. The Madrigal performance at the cultural center was a highlight.  It was an eye opener to watch his set-up in his Surgical Oncology practice. Romy’s patients include the wealthy and the needy. His Foundation‘s money finance those who cannot afford treatment. He provides support beyond medical-surgical care to his patients, they congregate socially weekly.  I can only think of one word to describe him appropriately - God-sent - ” Padala Ng Dios”.

Bess Diaz-Mutuc.  Bess’ voice pervades wherever she goes.  The “Ave Maria” lifted our heart to God.  The operatic arias on the restaurant porch at Panglao made the wait for the airport transport a pleasure. Another gift from God - shared with us.

Nerie Dimatulac-Santos.  As president of the Philippine based class 67 group Nerie provided the calling of organization meetings and participated in most of the activities.  On a personal note, we thank Nerie for contributing her share of the payment of deficit in Panglao. She provided the wine offering assigned to our class during the mass at UST. She also provided us with the Philippine version of CME certificates. She was “M’am Nerie” in bus # 2 - who made sure all were accounted for during the tours.

Chris Dy, MD.  Based in Cebu, this friend of Willie hosted us at the Alta Vista golf Club. With Drs. Rene Rafols and Edwin Lim, we were treated with the use of their golf sets and lunch. Many thanks.

Rosie Elazegui.  Without Rosie’s diligent collection of registration fees and trip costs, we would not have had a reunion.  Her daughter Kate with her creative computer skills, produced the brochure for our Cebu-Bohol trip, which Rosie, with utmost patience, mailed, collated and followed up with phone calls.  Rosie is so full of life – it is infectious. She spreads her love of life, her generosity, her loyalty and dedication to all of us. Her  management of the Memorials for our class cannot be improved - she diligently deals with it with love, sincerity and empathy.  Thank you very much Rosie for being you. Rosie’s  spirit is hard to dampen. While all of us were watching our buffet in Maribago become soup due to the downpour, a tray of special food she ordered and paid for, for her kids who are allergic to seafood came. Well, they were gobbled up quickly by the hungry mass as they thought they were replacement food.  No complaints emanated from our dear Rosie who just took everything in stride.

Ed Estrada.  Ed was my patient partner in the Gala dance presentation and guided me through the short practice sessions.  He and Lina were such wonderful companions in the many activities we had.  I cannot forget the hospitality they extended to our class in Las Vegas. May we have more dances to perform.

Dulce Estrella-Gust.  It is enlightening to know about work related issues, a topic  very few know anything about. Dulce is the expert and her presentation at the CME was excellent. Specially interesting was her reminiscing about her post-graduation activities with Dan Deaño.

Soty Fabella Soty.  He gave the Philippine reunion a blast of a start by providing the prelude to the symphony - the successful Las Vegas reunion which he coordinated with his Vegas team - Pressy Almonte, Ed Estrada and Willie.   He was deeply and seriously involved with our dance presentation so much so that he had to take private lessons and even practiced in his dreams. Having Soty around, even without doing anything, provide a sense of tranquility to people around him.

Peter and Linda Fang.  They gave us the financial boost to our legacy campaign. Peter provided us counsel in handling our funds and joined the brainstorming sessions the legacy committee had during the committee’s formative  existence. His successful career in finance and the same for Linda’s skin care endeavor are proof of our class 67’s stars.  We thoroughly enjoyed the quite chat we had at the Shangri-la atrium after the affairs, with Fig and Willie.

Marina Guerrero-Feliciano.  Marina’s successes in previous reunions continue to be the gauge by which we judge all subsequent activities. With her tireless effort to connect people, she provided the core of class 67 members who continue to participate in  reunions. The current participation is an expanded list of what Marina started. We are indebted to her for providing that beginning.

Dean Graciela Garayblas-Gonzaga.  In Dean Gonzaga, we have a dedicated partner in our quest to set the Clinical Skills Facility in motion. We share the same goals. She honored our class with unique receptions at her conference room- a welcome  provided exclusively to our class - not once but twice. Her attendance at our affairs provide proof of her warm feelings towards class 67.

Menchie Gisbert-Guerrero.  Menchie was a leader from our pre-med days .  She still exhibits those sharing, leading and caring qualities.  The mini program she presented at the welcome dinner gave us an insight into her knowledge of members of the class. She donated the services of the female singer during the welcome dinner at the Ritz.  She was the person in charge of tour bus # 1. On a personal note she gifted us with a memento. Many thanks.  She provided food during rehearsals.  It was a pleasant surprise to be handed a huge bag of peanuts as we finished our dance practice - a typical Menchie gesture.

Pressy Holgado.   We owe the state of our Foundation to Pressy. She was instrumental in making the Foundation in sound legal and financial standing. She is the keeper, the guardian, the custodian of our purse. Everyone can rest assured that the money they have entrusted to us are in good hands. Without such standing we could not have won the trust of our big benefactors who provided the bulk of our legacy. Although participation to the legacy was only from a little over 50% of the class, the legacy is tagged as coming from the whole Class '67.

Willie Lagdameo.  Willie is Class 67 and Class 67 is Willie - that has been the known fact since we entered UST as a class in 1962.  He symbolizes our character as a class - leader in many significant facets of life.  Therefore it is impossible to itemize Willie’s contributions. Let me try some. For this reunion, he provided the idea of having a Memorandum of Agreement committing us, the Foundation and the University to obligations to fulfill our stipulations relative to our legacy. He diligently dealt with our lawyer and the University leadership in negotiating the final wording of the MOA. The sad waste of past donations such as the Hemophilia laboratory facilities may not have happened had there been such written obligations of the parties involved. His diplomatic approach to the political melee within the University and the Hospital directed us to a neutral position. His continued guidance of the CME operations, our silver legacy, made that donation operational, functional and revenue generating and maintaining its operations. Thus the memory of our class attained a longer life span.

   The wonderful reception our class received from the Faculty had been arranged by Willie.  The organization of the testimonial dinner to honor the benefactors and  beneficiary of our legacy including the invitation of the UST VIP’s had been his project.

   The expert audio visuals during the program was his making. When he starts to take care of things, he takes care of things!  How lucky can we be.

   Willie had been aided by Noel Antonio, his CME caretaker since the beginning of its operations. All the computer works, brochure, designing and printing, certificate designing, video presentations, CD/DVD editing and copying etc. from the Silver to the Ruby - he is “the man behind the scene”.

Our Legacy Benefactors.  To date 109 contributors donated $ 317,000.00. The list of their donations is available.  These 109 donors to the legacy have made sure that the remaining members of our class are also remembered in posterity with admiration and gratitude. Such is the selflessness that exist in this class.  Thank you for making possible the testimonial dinner last Dec. 15^th and the Memorial to the Departed on Dec. 12^th.

Loboc Children’s Choir.  It is hard to believe that in a little town in Bohol, such talents exist.  This group is world renowned and it was a pleasure to witness their performance. Thank you Mr. Carlos Chan. Thank you Romy.

Sister Eva Maamo, MD.  Dr. Maamo, a sister of St. Paul de Chartes and a surgeon whose work for the indigent has given her recognition in the world stage. We met at a breakfast meeting at 6:30 am the day I was to leave for the US. She interrupted her retreat (with permission from the mother superior) in order to give me an introduction to the work being done and work needed in the hospital dedicated to the indigent in the coastal road in Paranaque. We discussed common grounds as our class starts its exploratory phase of our medical mission project.  The introduction was provided by Ferdie and Celia Ona. We will be privileged if we are to find an alliance with such a personality. 

Nieva, Ven and Carmela Martelino.  My sister, brother in law and niece who are residents of Cebu provided the help I needed in preparations of the Memorials to the Departed. They came in the morning of our Maribago affair to prepare the table settings with hand fans on which are printed our song, “ Follow the Light”. Also on the table were  decorated candles which were to be used during the lantern ceremony and  personalized matches. It was a shame that they were  thrown away - soaked by the heavy rains. Very few noticed.  However the quartet that they arranged to perform and the firework show made the night memorable. The Martelino family donated the quartet.

Doris Nambayan-Abad.  Doris really went out of her way to give us the CME lecture in Cebu. She came directly  from the airport to the podium and left thereafter for affairs in Manila. Her topic- “Broken Heart, Fact or Myth” was such an  update for us who are not in the field.  On a personal note, it was such a pleasure to receive a small pouch - a handsome necklace as a memento from Doris. Many thanks, Doris.

Ferdie Ona.  With Celia and son Erik, Ferdie brought me to Santo Tomas, Batangas after our UST affairs to start the exploratory phase of our class’ next project - the medical mission project.  He then introduced  me to Dr. Maamo and we visited the coastal road hospital for the indigent that was founded with the leadership of Fr. James Reuter.

   On a personal note, when we were between ages 12-15 of years, Carmen Buenviaje-Sarrosa and I used to listen to Fr. Reuter’s regular mass and sermon at our high school in St. Paul College.  It is amazing how things connect.

Alice Pekson-Cuento.  To be near Alice is to be near religion, nearer to God.  Alice provided that reminder to all of us as we celebrated our friendship. She  brought Fr. Larry Tan with the hope of providing a mini retreat but it may have to wait for another date. We thoroughly enjoyed his presence and his sermons.

Tony and Roseanne Penilla.  Besides bringing our legacy funds beyond our stated goal, Tony provided the organization, presentation, and certification of the CME part of our reunion.  Voted by USTMAAA as the most Outstanding Graduate for 2007 last July in Las Vegas, Tony brought Class ‘67 to everyone’s attention.

Our Philippine-based classmates.  Our classmates in the Philippines who were outnumbered by the visiting ones truly spent a lot of time and effort to make our visit so memorable.  They lavishly treated us to a welcome dinner and program at the Ritz. Inspite of the rain there was a lot of camaraderie. The food was great, the program, memorable. They spent hours in practice for the presentations - one for the Gala night and the other for the Maribago Mardi Gras. Besides those already mentioned in other parts of this dissertation who “sweated it out”,  the supporting roles were provided by Boy Doble, Augie Balagtas, Ramon Vertido,Tonete Romero-San Buenaventura, Henry Fernandez, Rudy and Magnolia Punzalan, Macwain Guerrero, Mira Oca-Bunye.  Mira who sustained a fracture while practicing the dance steps persisted with her participation. Boy Doble gave us an update on his Breast Cancer Project.

Ging Salanga.  Our featured speaker for the Luis Maria Guerrero Lecture, Ging gave us  the most thorough, up-to-date and interesting presentation on Stroke.  He exuded gaiety in all our activities. In one of the golf trips I overheard him say, “ I have not been this happy for quite a while”.  It may not be the exact words but we felt so happy having him around. His participation in the CME open forum provided interesting dialogue.

Jimmy Santos.  No amount of monetary payment can compensate Jimmy enough for the labor and grief that he and his team went through. Jimmy was the Choreographer/Music director of our Class presentation during the USTMAA Grand Ball. There is a saying that getting doctors together - especially for dance practice - is like herding cats. With pleas and threats he did it. Aiding him were the other charming and patient dance instructors, Marsha, Jo, Dearna, Roy and Frederick. Deep inside, however, we all had fun doing it. It was pure and simple joy at doing something together.

Vladi Santos.  Vladi’s Tagalog traslation of Zinnia’s song for our Memorial-“Follow the Light” was so touching, it provides proof of  the beauty of Tagalog verse over English lyrics. Of course it is Vladi’s poetry that made it that way.  Many thanks to our Balagtas.

Fr. Larry Tan.  Through Alice Cuento we were able to invite Fr. Tan to be a sort of priest-in-residence. His daily mass was a good start in all of our activities.

Paulino Tan, MD.  Dr. Tan provided luxurious lodging and transportation as we brainstormed  the preparations for the reunion the week before. He was there at our dance practices, always offering aid if needed. He is a great friend of Romy and Rosemarie Diaz.

Hilda Teodoro-Rabago.  The featured lead in our presentation is the Treasurer of the Philippine group.  She was strict in her handling of the purse.  She provided the grace in dancing that many of us lacked. Her  mambo dance at Maribago was just great. Hilda was a great part of Juliet’s team. They made our reunion gracefully memorable.

Nong Testa-Feliciano.  Our Chair of the Legacy Committee is responsible for bringing our fund-raising campaign to  unexpected heights. The charm, the humor, the love of life, the generosity  that comes from Nong inspires everyone. Nong is a reminder of God’s wonderful creation - someone we all hope we can be.

Trining Tinio-Balbuena.  With Gene, Trining introduced us to friends in Bohol. It provided a respite from the hectic activities and a wonderful visit to a luxurious villa. Many thanks.

Connie Torres-Castro.  I am very indebted  to Connie’s patient companionship. To share rooms with me is not exactly a joy . We were the odd couple - I was the absent-minded one.  In essence, Connie took care of me.  Many thanks!

Ted Yap.  Atty. Ted Yap is the husband of Edith Uy.  He was a very effervescent and energetic cheerleader for the class specially at Maribago where he took care of everyone who got caught in the middle of the odyssey to the islet and were drenched by the rain though he was thoroughly wet himself. He led the whole group in singing especially when the lights went out. He kept everyone's spirits up.

Apologetics: To those whose names and contributions I surely missed for now, my apologies. Being “of age” has some set-backs but allow me the luxury of juggling my memory banks and I will come up with a follow-up note in the near future. (Part 2 of "MARAMING SALAMAT PO" coming soon).