REMINISCENCE                                                          

This is a revision of the article originally published in the March 1989 Graduation edition of The Pencil.....written by John O. Lopez and Senen F. Salcedo.



It was then the first day of classes when we entered the portals of the Nabua National High School. We had the feeling of both weariness and excitement on how we would react to our new acquaintances and who are the new faces we would be dealing with.

We were rushed by the soft, rippling waves of High School life and now, here we are, tottered and almost reluctant to depart from the school we have been awared of.

Four years have not been a long time to notice the changes that have entangled us. Merely innocence and carelessness made us realize why we must set aside those "childish" acts that we did on our primary days. In the years of our stay inthis learning institution, we were challenged, molded and trained how to become someone in this growing society. The days we spent inside the classroom were jovial, spirited and likewise filled with humor and fancy trickery as we have been once in our lives. Yet we have cherished not only lots of experiences and happiness but also the toil of meeting hardships. We could hardly reminisce the trail of achievements our batch had gained and these all become visible like peebles collected in a jar.

We entered the school in the mid-80's. We were the first batch to be interviewed in which we have to prove to the screening personnel that we were qualified to enter the secondary course. This was done to accomplish a more elevated standard of education. Somehow, we pitied some who just mumbled reading a given story as a part of the test but took notice on those that they must sift for their acquisition of a gift for knowledge and talent. They were the ones expected to be more emphasized in the fields of achievement expected ahead.

A few months later came the student government's campaign. Another point of history in the campus polls came when a cute candidate, Leo Bolivar bunked a tall, young fellow, Senen Salcedo making a peculiar pair for being the only ones to win and lose from their respective parties.

Then the freshest sportsfest followed! Freshmen cheerers bested the sophomores in the midst of their "best cheering squad" competition during our Intramurals '85. And not to forget the breathtaking challenge of our spelling wizard, Acila Aleman with the former salutatorian of school year 1985-86. If not for silent "l" in almond, she could have won the spelling bee contest.

Our freshmen days were slowly flushing into the "battle of the brains" business. The race for excellence began to manifest in the honor roll of school year 1985-86.

We were still playful and carefree, clutched with the mark of childhood. The next year came and we were Sophies.We have spent much time for fun in the summer but that wasn't enough to satisfy the flock of students that began to pour in. We usually spent the days in normal routine and idyllic existence (rests included getting a perfect attendance from the II-Narra boys comics-reading spree at Nillum's store during the afternoon break or vacant periods - well, we didn't have a classroom to call our own at that time, that's why) or maybe, it was a year for rest from the strenuous excess of abilities from last year's activities. At least one thing notable was the twist of the honor students from their respective ranks in the scholastic roll.

Like a spring of water that spouts out, the Juniors frolicked with agile bodies. All were busy and cramming in various attempts to raise the Junior's banner. We could still remember the hard work of our very own Governor, Ana-Nelia Recepcion who willingly gave her whole-hearted service for the honor of our banner. We salute her for the aspirations and leadership she had though we only placed first runner-up during the intramurals.

It is interesting to note that it was our effort during our Junior days, with Ana Nelia Recepcion at the helm, which paved the way to an issue of the NNHS Pencil that almost went unpublished. We were the ones in the Journalism class who worked hand in hand in order to push through with the project and fulfill our tasks as campus writers. Fortunately our travails were rewarded when everyone received copies of the first issue for school year 1987-88.

We could still remember our Officer Training Course (OTC) and the hardship that every Junior went through to become future school officers. That was too much a training for students where sunburn became the time's "flavor of the month".

Regional delegates were then chosen but no one seemed to gain a place from the Juniors except the first attempts of the Science Fair team composed of Senen Salcedo, John Lopez, Jonathan Junio, Glenn Tosoc and Ligaya Abonal winning the 4th place out of the 27 participants in the 1987 Regional Science Fair and Quiz (RSFQ) held at Camarines Sur National High School in Naga City. For sure the group will never forget the experience of being "trapped" in Naga City when super typhoon Sisang hit the Bicol Region and then the group ended up seeking refuge in a Baptist church located across the school / venue. The group owes its deepest gratitude to our Science adviser, Mrs. Mary Ann Serrano (Mrs. Serrano was one of the Ten Outstanding Science Teachers of the Philippines about two years after we graduated. In a way, we feel we are part of her triumph and achievements)who helped us get through with the problems we have undertaken for two consecutive years, concerning the sudden upheaval of places from the Regional Science Fair for two consecutive years. It was not far later when the school administration cancelled the Junior and Senior (JS) promenade because of security problem and the batch's experience after Sisang, one of the strongest typhoons in history. What it had done to our High school life was indeed depressing, the result was a half-month flood draining season and roofless smashed buildings. The students' brains were fresh of talent, yet it was pretty obvious that the sun was not in the mood for lifetime services. That was the time when the sun had a short nap after a solar eclipse. It was the first time we experienced that phenomenon, which for us, was a memorable one particularly because it comes only once in a blue moon.

During the four years of our stay, our interchanging honor roll was noted. Every year there is a change in the honor roll that made many think that not only some are bright but most. Our High School life was an experience of intellectual and curricular battles that made us aware of being Seniors in Nabua National High School.

We entered the doors of the fourth year with much anticipation. It was because we considered it as the best and the most memorable part of our secondary course. We were welcomed as scholars, being the first graduating class to be benefited by the free secondary education. However there were screenings before students were allowed to be part of the DECS program.

At first we were conscious, aware and curious about the changes within our surroundings and ourselves. This was the time when we gained more experiences. The love that blooms in every senior's heart was part of our educational endeavors. Likewise, it was a factor that inspired us to be on our own as well. Our senior year was also the time for us to worry about our grades, about hurdling the NCEE and the entrance examinations to various colleges and universities where we wished to have a tertiary education. Indeed, the days we spent are memorable for us and will stay fresh as long as our minds never dare to escape.

Our groups consisted of different kinds of students. Everyone seems to have their tastes and choices - music, art, recreation, literature, sports and other fields worthy for the development of the individual. The balagtasan group composed of senior students won different places until they reached second place in the Rinconada level. Same with our Sabayang Bigkas that reaped the second place in the Provincial Literary and Dance contests held at the Camarines Sur National High School in Naga City. The Dulaang Pasalaysay was in line with them too. We were thankful to our trainors for improving our speech with the Filipino language.

Our victory in the Science Fair was repeated when the defender, John Lopez impressed the judges until we fortunately gained the third place. The other members of the group include Senen Salcedo, Glenn Tosoc and two Juniors. Moreso, we were lucky to have a member in the same project, Jonathan Junio who got the first place in the "on the spot" essay writing contest in Filipino. We were very happy to be back bringing laurels to our school after the 1988 RSFQ in Bacacay, Albay.

We held our UNO pageant after being postponed on the 24th of October because of a typhoon. Luckily, five Oriolians gained the major awards as title holders of the contest. We were so eager watching them as they walked gracefully on the ramp.

January came and our excitement for the nearing graduation was more on ourselves. The news about the 1989 Regional Secondary Schools Press Conference held at Mercedes, Camarines Norte was the topic of many students. Much to our delight after sending six delegates, three emerged as winners in the individual writing tilts. The winners, two of them seniors, Ana Nelia Recepcion and Jonathan Junio together with our pencil adviser, Mr. Santi Placides, went on to join in the National SSPC held at Urdaneta, Pangasinan.

Through the hard work and efforts of the NAHISGO officers headed by Isagani Bregala and the senior students headed by Celestino Occiano, we collected funds after our caroling during the Christmas season. We were indeed lucky to construct a real stage on the school quadrangle. Not to forget the first successful fund raising program entitled "Sayawitan '88", a cultural presentation implemented by our very own NAHISGO president and those hexagonal cemented plant boxes to nurture the plants to grow. During our senior days, it was quoted that "the school this time became a real high school", the buildings were painted and properly cleaned of vandalisms.

This batch after all, is undoubtedly one of the best groups the school produced. We are about to leave the school with plenty of memories, challenges, and knowledge that we acquired during our stay. As the last graduating class of the '80's, we are happy to be part of this institution, known for its standard as a National High School in the region. We don't have to say goodbye for it is hard to do so. We hope to see each other again - sometime, somewhere, somehow....

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                                      CLASS PROPHECY                        

               BY: MARILYN T. SANO

The proposal of the class was still uncertain for their adviser did not approve such. It was only last March 17 when it was fully sanctioned and authorized by the principal and their beloved teacher-adviser. The Oriole class was very grateful that for their last stay in their alma mater, their wish was granted. Likewise I, being an Oriolian was also delighted by the propitious news.

March 28…we were all aboard the Fortune Liner bus. We were to spend the rest of the day with fun at the Rizal Beach of Sorsogon. Excursion time on a summer time! We were to start fun time in the warm rays of the sun, cool breeze of the wind and fresh touch of the salty sea. On our way to Sorsogon province, Juanita and company sang lively songs. We were indeed very alacritous inside the bus owned by the family of brother Nietz (our facilitator last holy retreat). The trip took three hours to such an extent that everyone felt void and debilitate. Nevertheless, such exhaustible atmosphere invigorated us as we began to eat our packaged food, some went on swimming, walked along the shore, picked sea shells, enjoyed lying on the white sand and other sorts of fun. Despite the blissful presence of my classmates I preferred not to join them for my very purpose in going to the said province is to conduct interviews about farming. I wandered over the sandy field to the grassy land beyond the shore without my knowing I was already separated from the sight and protection of the group.

All of a sudden, I felt slack when a flashing red light traveled along the skyline like a beam from an x-ray machine or a vehicle’s headlight that strikes sight. With a dashing speed, it landed, I know somewhere near the spot where I stood and I tried to find it immediately. I bravely searched to find a cave, a large one and dared to enter but was terrified upon the veracity that stood before me – a big, big UFO (unidentified flying object). UFO? I can’t believe it! Maybe, I was just dreaming or rather fatigued and full of worries for the approaching submission of the term paper in English IV. But no, how can I explain the truth that occupied my vision? How can I deny the plate-like structure in front of me? Did my sense escape from my body? Suddenly, my thoughts escaped for a moment when a short, bulky eyed, large eared, and oblong-faced man came out of the capsule followed by the rest…ominous indeed to the human eye. Their eyes roamed in all nooks of the cavern and alas, they shot a boa with their explosive weapon. Unpredictable was their nature so I tried to escape before it’s too late but their ears seem to be more sensitive to every sound that broke the silence. I decided not to go for they might catch me so I hid in a covered place where I can see them. Suddenly they went out of the cavern and were lost from my sight. I thought that was the right time to run away but I made up my mind to go inside and just conceal myself in whatever place of cover that I can find. The scene that awaited me inside was a picture of tomorrow, a huge monitor and apparatuses hooked to one another by cables and electronic gadgets. As I looked around the computerized stations, my eyes were enthralled by the big bold letters that spelled: T-I-M-E D-E-T-E-C-T-O-R. My hands suddenly enslaved me when, in a jerk, I typed an input message that stated: "What shall befall after a decade or more? The machine started to function and abruptly, the device at my back rang, forcing me to turn around and there I saw on the screen the televised events of the days to follow.

"My friends, another terrifying news shall be broadcast by your favorite radio announcer Miss Sheila Girly Hugo. Come in Sheila…

"Yesterday night a lady at the age of 28 was raped and murdered by four men in San Roque Boulevard. She is identified as Miss Stefanie Yakk of San Esteban highway. According to the witness, Mr. Rodrigo Presnillo, a geodetic engineer who is assigned in Paris, during his second day of vacation here he saw a lady walking along the sidewalk, when four men grabbed her. Mr. Presnillo immediately triggered an alarm in the neighborhood but unfortunately not a single was around so he proceeded to the officer in charge of the country, Brig. Gen. Joselito M. Mota. They were sorry to find out that the murderers were not around anymore, only the dead body of the poor lady lying on the ground. Luckily, a passerby identified them and reported what he saw to the authorities. The captured suspects were immediately put under the observation of the AFN (Armed Forces of Nabua). The victim’s parents immediately filed a case against them…this is mobile patrol number one reporting".

That was a week ago and the four suspects are now in the Supreme Court for the final hearing. There I saw on the video machine the victim’s family seated in rows together with the rest of the audience. Suddenly, a tall handsome looking and white complexioned man accompanied by a stout and bespectacled man entered the hall. The people inside the court stand up in recognition for the arrival of Judge Senen F. Salcedo and Judge Julito M. Sernal II, respectively. They beckoned and in a short while, the investigation commenced. A lady stood up and asked several inquiries to the suspects. If I was not mistaken, she was my classmate who portrayed the role of a pick up girl in the play "Ito baga ang Maynila". And yes, I remember that she was the fanatic singer of the Kikorin Soy sauce who is Muriel Korina B. Fernandez. The defendant’s lawyer came and made his counter accusation. He is short man but I can figure out in his words many ingenious talents. I can see in his face the familiar profile of my affable classmate Leo Bolivar who was likewise a dignified lawyer. At last, the trial ended when the four culprits were sentenced to die in the electric chair.

The crowd came out of the courtroom and three armed men were summoned. The men, Major Noel Aragon, Lieutenant Romer Morillo and Major General Celestino Occiano took the convicts to the execution room. There in waiting were the ten persons to witness the end of the lives of these notorious enemies of society. In a short while, the government priest came. He is a tall man with fair complexion, Rev. Father Manuel Zagada. He heard their repentance prior to their execution. After a moment the operator stood near the switch and before he turned it on, the message receiver suddenly alarmed.

"I am canceling this electrocution! I propose a transfer of these men to any correctional institution to correct their wrong doings" Madam Acila Aleman, the current President of the country of Nabua, spoke on the line. As soon as this lady became President, Nabua became a well – developed and industrialized country. Skillful and respected citizens of the country built its strong walled buildings, its infrastructure and plazas. They are the praiseworthy sons who had explored the world over. They are Engr. Edilberto Lanuzo, a math wizard classmate of mine in the Nabua National High School, Industrial Engr. Ester de Vera, whom I fondly I called Nene, Engr. Delmar Sabas and Iñigo Hesita, the lucky guy of IV – Oriole and Jonathan Junio, a professional architect. Computer programmer Miss Arlene Belgado who was scheduled to be married sometime in June to the Ambassador of Goodwill Kim Israel, encouraged the lady governor of San Esteban, Miss Aileen Aballa and other governors of the country to use computerized machines. Devoted teachers likewise, used such machines in educating their young. The President and the other cabinet officials awarded such dignified mentors of the International University of Nabua in Malacanang palace. The awarding of the FOEY (Five Outstanding Educators of the Year) was administered by DECS Secretary Anita Caroche, PhD; DSSD secretary Ma. Preciosa Velasco; DLG Secretary Santiago Beloro; Presidential Spokeswoman Ma. Trinidad Orante and Dilpomat Hilda Ebron. The teachers who were awarded were Marijean Nierva, Charito Pacardo, Ruth Olaso, Elizabeth Sta. Cruz and Fe Penaverde. Aside from the plaque and cash awards, the prize included a trip around the world for the winners.

The court interpreter Miss Ligaya Abonal was catching for the last trip at the Nabua International Airlport because aside from being an interpreter, which is her part-time job, she also works together with Mary Jane Intia and Marian Jacob, a prominent singer, as contract nurses in London. At four o’ clock in the afternoon the passengers are already aboard. They met their high school classmate inside, the traveling nutritionist Lourdes Aquino, Dr. Joy Buena of St. Louis Hospital in Italy and the FOEY winners. Before they left the airport, flight stewardess Elma Toraldo announced several rescue and precautionary actions in case the aircraft crashes. The last to board the plane was commercial pilot Bernabe Almazan who was readily recognized by Amabella Bolivar, an International Public Accountant, who was seated near the door. A minute later, the passengers fastened their seatbelts and the plane took off.

In San Diego, California, Glady Moreno, a Hotel and restaurant manager meets Riza Daza, a nurse who is accompanied by her archeologist-husband. Mrs. Maribeth Galicia Lopez is with her husband, Major John Lopez, a military doctor of the US Air Force and two cute kids in New York.

As I turned the date changer, I saw on the monitor an old man holding his test tube and this scene reminded me of my chinky-eyed classmate, Glenn F. Tosoc who dreamed of becoming a real scientist. With that reverie, the scene changed and what flickered is an American submarine, owned by the US Navy headed by their Chief Captain Antonio Hermoso. All of these flashed across that screen but I felt there was something lacking still. By impulse, I turned the place changer to Australia. Then I saw in an establishment firm my dear classmate Juanita Parco who became a successful optometrist. At St. Virginia National Hospital, Dr. Ana Nelia Recepcion and Dr. Yul John Beriña are conducting an operation assisted by four nurses. These nurses, who came from Los Angeles last January for an important seminar, are Ruth Apan, Donna Coralde and Clarissa de Villa, charming classmates of mine and Vilma Francia, who never left her childhood height after all these years. They are accompanied by their Chief Nurse Mercy Palcon. As the projector roamed around the entire hospital, I saw a lady in a white dress inside one of the rooms. As she wiped her streaming perspiration, I recalled Lea Tañamor, my industrious classmate who dreamed of becoming a physical therapist. A minute later, she went out and somebody called her attention, "Hey, Lie, how’s the therapy?" So she’s really Lea! Turning my attention to the speaker, I recognized another familiar face. Those long straight hair, this be dimpled lady reminded me of Moana Marie Ramos, a successful psychiatrist. After a while, another lady, Miss Fe Longares, joined Annie on the way to the nursery to visit the newly born child of Ma. Fe Zagada, a professional pharmacist.

After those scenes, the machine stopped as if everything had been shown. I suddenly felt tears on my check..."Where am I? What shall be my future? But the answer was a mere silence. I tried to input a message into the receiver to no avail, not a single sound responded, a single word heard nor a single scene flickered. The only sensation I felt was the gentle throbbing of my heart. I readily went out of the UFO and then out of the cavern. Nonetheless, it was too late for me to know that a day had passed. It was already dark and flocks of birds started to make their way home. The darkness frightened me. "Where shall I go?" I realized I was in a strange place, known to us as a place of witchcraft! My teachers, classmates and friends are already back in Nabua. I know they are now looking for me. They were all worried especially my parents.

It was already late. I have nowhere to go so I finally decided to return to the cavern and wait until daybreak. I am known as a skittish person and I wondered how I could possibly survive such darkest of places alone.

Entering the cave, I was dumbfounded to see in front of me the strange creatures, who by that time, have already returned. I couldn’t remember how I left the cavern. The only thing I remember was the way they started shooting at me with those weapons while I fled…b-b-z-z-z-z-z-z-I-n-g-g-g…

R-I-N-N-G-G-G-G..The alarm clock in my room signaled in the early morning. I got up from my bed and offered my prayer:

"God, you’re the King of Kings, I thank you. Yes, I thank you for guiding me, that for all those years I’m still in this world kicking. I am contented with what I am now, with those three loving children and five cute grandchildren. Thank you very much for watching over me, I love you. I hope this day would be another day of fun. Amen."

Huh! Again and again, I really can’t forget my past years. When I’m awake, I never miss to look back at those happy days of yesteryears. That Class Prophecy which I wrote fifty years ago still remained fresh in my memory…