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PROFILE UPDATES


•   Modesto "Eddie" Abellera  9/29
•   Elenita Sadang (Estaris)  3/13
•   Karen Valtoribio (Garcia)  2/24
•   Ferdinand Boy  10/30
•   Julie Zarate (Ines)  8/20
•   Carol Jean Viernes (Abesamis)  5/2
•   Sylvia Hernaez (Castillo)  3/6
•   Cleopatra Vallebo (Oropesa)  1/29
•   Marilyn Rupido (Lopez)  1/23
•   Sonia Vinluan (Darnayla)  1/15
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WHERE ARE THEY NOW


WHERE WE LIVE


Who lives where - click links below to find out.

1 lives in Alabama (USA)
1 lives in Arizona (USA)
67 live in California (USA)
5 live in Florida (USA)
1 lives in Georgia (USA)
5 live in Hawaii (USA)
7 live in Illinois (USA)
1 lives in Iowa (USA)
3 live in Louisiana (USA)
2 live in Maryland (USA)
1 lives in Massachusetts (USA)
5 live in Michigan (USA)
3 live in Minnesota (USA)
1 lives in Mississippi (USA)
1 lives in Missouri (USA)
2 live in Nebraska (USA)
4 live in Nevada (USA)
10 live in New Jersey (USA)
5 live in New York (USA)
4 live in North Carolina (USA)
2 live in Pennsylvania (USA)
8 live in Texas (USA)
1 lives in Virgin Islands (USA)
5 live in Virginia (USA)
5 live in Washington (USA)
6 live in Alberta (Canada)
9 live in British Columbia (Canada)
55 live in Ontario (Canada)
5 live in Quebec (Canada)
1 lives in Saskatchewan (Canada)
1 lives in Abra
2 live in Metro Manila
3 live in Nueva Vizcaya
142 live in USA
82 live in Canada
1 lives in Albania
2 live in Australia
1 lives in Bermuda
1 lives in Germany
2 live in Italy
36 live in Philippines
2 live in United Kingdom
287 location unknown
15 are deceased

JOINED CLASSMATES


Percentage of Joined Classmates: 46.0%


A:   263   Joined
B:   309   Not Joined
(totals do not include deceased)

MISSING CLASSMATES


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UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS



•   Eleonor Jacinto (Maines)  3/29
•   Antonio Abellera  4/1
•   Esther F. Catap  4/4
•   Prescilla Ong (Marcos)  4/6
•   Elnora Alindayu (Held)  4/9
•   Purificacion Benjamino (Rupido)  4/10
•   Wilfred P. Fabroa  4/11
•   Angelina Meniado (Burgos)  4/12
•   Peter Antonio  4/14
•   Antonio Guiab  4/14
•   Aurora Valido (Saquing)  4/14
•   Belinda Afalla  4/15
•   Adelina Marzan-Yema (Sikat)  4/17
•   Clarita Valtoribio (Herrera)  4/19
•   Noemi Cayaban (Flores)  4/24
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2017 SMU Alumni Association of Toronto Annual Potluck Picnic at Earl Bales Park (Aug. 13th, 2017)


To all SMU Toronto alumni & friends,

Pls. save this date for our Annual Potluck Picnic at Earl Bales Park (on Bathurst St.)

SUNDAY, AUGUST 13th, 2017
(10a.m. 'til dusk)

• Bring your kids/grand kids for the Children's Parlour Games
(cash prizes for game winners)
• Lechon (on the house-SMUAAT) 

• Adult Parlour Games 
• Mingle with fellow alumni
• Update on 2018 SMU Grand Reunion in LA on June 29, 30th & July 1st
 

REUNION UPDATE (Posted May 1st, 2017)

To our fellow Alumni and Novo Vizcayanos:

It is with great pride that we now open our doors to celebrate our life, success and camaraderie since we finished our schooling in the Province of Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines. We have been so divided and separately celebrated our reunions and meeting our kababayans.

This time through the initiative of St. Mary's High School Class of 1966 and SMU Alumni Association of Los Angeles, we would like to officially invite you to join us for the beginning of many other reunions among all of us for the coming years.

The first reunion will be held in Los Angeles, California on June 29 to July 1, 2018. We are celebrating for three days. The first night, June 29, 2018 - Welcome Night, will be a getting to know each other again. The second night, June 30, 2018 is the Gala Night that will include our beloved Governor Carlos Padilla as our guest speaker. The third day, July 1, 2018 will be a picnic that will give us time to relax and have a chance to get to know our Honorable Governor by allowing us to have an open question and answer session.

Please join us and meet other Vizcayanos.

PLEASE TAKE NOTE:

This reunion will be for all Vizcayanos. This is an independent gathering different from the SMU reunion headed by Marlene Cordero, Emma Geronsin and Lee Tengco of SMU Nueva Vizcaya Alumni of San Francisco, a registered non-profit charitable foundation since 2015. The June 8-10, 2018 SMU reunion hosted by their LA CHAPTER, SMU Alumni Association of Southern California headed by Gloria Cajanap is a CHARITY EVENT.

This announcement is to clarify and not to be confused with the charitable foundation. Our planning committee is doing this event as pure reunion and that your registration fees would be solely earmarked for your entertainment.

Please kindly pass this invitation to our fellow Vizcayanos. Visit and join our website www.smualumlosangeles.org

Mabbalat, Dios ti agngina, Salamat, Thank you

From SMU Alumni Class 66 and SMUAALA planning committee

Prepared by: Eletta Tiam-Quiboloy - SMHS Class '66

http://www.smualumlosangeles.org/

JUNE 29 TO JULY 1, 2018 SMU GRAND REUNION IS BACK ON!!!

SMU Alumni Association of Los Angeles is now an independent organization created to host, in collaboration with CLASS 66, the 2018 reunion of SMU Alumni in Los Angeles.
Join their website: 
www.smualumlosangeles.org

Hello my fellow alumni, friends and family,

SMU Alumni Association of Los Angeles is proud to announce that 2018 SMU GRAND REUNION will continue as scheduled on June 29 to July 1, 2018 in collaboration with Class 66, who created and hosted the very first SMU grand reunion.  We are back where we started and what reunion is all about.

This committee is formed to continue to serve SMU alumni, family and friends to have a successful reunion of friendship and unity.  A bonding of all Vizcayanos.  

This committee will offer the same venues and hotel rate as it was originally offered.

REGISTRATION ONLINE will be launch soon. The registration fee is $195.00 per attendee and includes T-shirt, souvenir programs, raffle tickets, giveaways and tote bag.  Please visit our website: smualumlosangeles.org.  Join and register.

HOTEL ROOM ACCOMMODATIONS:  Hilton Hotel Woodland Hills, the room rate is $139.00/nt plus tax. Room with double king beds . This is a perfect hotel for groups as it is located in one of the safest areas in Los Angeles and walking distance to premier restaurants(my fellow Torontonians if you know JOEY restaurant by Don Mills, they just open a branch at The Village) first class shopping mall, movie theaters and parks.  Group Code for booking will be available by August 2017.  You can avail of the same rate of a shoulder 1 day prior June 29 and 2 days after July 1, 2018 depending upon your early registration and availability.  It's the week of Canada Day and July 4 holidays, so take advantage.  If you plan of doing this please kindly contact Zen Melo at 818-429-8059 or email: zennie.melo5@gmail.com and she will do the reservation for you.  

WELCOME NIGHT VENUE on June 29, 2018:  We will have our welcome night in a different venue, different atmosphere, that you feel like Cinderella waiting for your prince to swept you away to your crystal castle.  This enchanted place is called "THE SIGNATURE".  It will be a seated dinner, family style - a fusion of different food- 11 appetizers, 10 hot entrees, fruit trays, unlimited drinks which will include but not limited to sodas, coffee and tea. Sorry but we are not serving alcohol. EVENT HIGHLIGHT   SINGING CONTEST,  Dress code: Semi-formal

 

GALA NIGHT VENUE on June 30, 2018:  We will hold our gala night at the Hilton hotel.  A seated dinner and there will be 5 choices of hot entrees to choose from; the menu will be send to attendees 14 days prior to event for selection. salads, dessert, coffee and tea.  There will be a cash bar. EVENT HIGHLIGHT:  BEST IN GOWN COMPETITION, Dress Code:  Formal.

PICNIC VENUE ON JULY 1, 2018 - CELEBRATING CANADA DAY: Our picnic will be held at Lake Balboa, a very exclusive park that is overlooking the lake and there is a waterfall.  The food will be catered.  

SOUVENIR PROGRAM: We encourage everyone to advertise in the souvenir program, a souvenir you will cherish and keep forever. It's a great way to advertise your business to your fellow Vizcayanos. Full page is $100 and half page is $50. Please email your photos to Wilfred Fabroa, our webmaster.

Email: wilfredsr@fabroa.com

TRANSPORTATION: Complimentary transportation from the hotel to the venues will be provided.

The list of contact should you have any questions or concerns:

Los Angeles - Zen Melo  818-429=8059 Email: zennie melo5@gmail.com                                                            

Los Angeles - Brenda Martin  562-899-1816 
Email:  omni4brenda@gmail.com 

Seattle - Eletta Tiam Quiboloy - 541-281-7225 
Email: guabo16@msn.com

Vancouver - Cely Baladad Gutierrez
Email:  balgut@yahoo.com

WE WILL DO OUR VERY BEST TO MAKE YOUR STAY IN LOS ANGELES MEMORABLE, ENJOYABLE AND REUNION YOU WILL TALK ABOUT IN YEARS. 

LET'S HAVE MORE FUN IN LA!



http://www.smualumlosangeles.org/ 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IS NOW CANCELLED


AN OPEN LETTER TO ALL SMU ALUMNI

My fellow SMU Alumni, families and friends:

It is very heart wrenching to break the news to all of you, the June 29 – July 1, 2018 SMU Grand Reunion has been cancelled. It is with regret and profound sadness that I have to impart with you the unfortunate events that led to this cancellation.

We worked very hard to make this work. We have spent so many hours, sacrifices and lost of income to volunteer to give you the best reunion you will ever experience. We labored selflessly, we volunteered our time and dedication the best that we could but our best was not enough. We are almost there. We gave a very nice newly renovated hotel, The Hilton, with 2 king beds for only $139.00/night with window to reserve room a night before the event and 2 nights after for the same rate. I negotiated for this rate until 4AM. A catering menu for $53.00/pp with 5 choices seated in a nice huge ballroom. Signature Banquet Hall, a Cinderella venue, offered dozens of items and imagine seated, food after food serve until 10pm for only $50.00/pp. Dancing your night away until 1:30pm. Picnic venue with waterfalls and overlooking the lake. Now it is just a dream.

The registration was ready to launch, with different method of payment like pay by check or PayPal. Programs were already drafted; Half of our 72-page Souvenir Program advertisers have been solicited and layout draft of their ads have been forwarded for their approval. A special guest speaker has accepted our invitation since September 7, 2017, the one and only Governor of Nueva Vizcaya, Carlos Padilla, who has offered to come as my longtime friend, not a politician. It is now difficult and very embarrassing to disinvite him. Asian Journal accepted to do coverage, the photographer of Glamour gave us a very low service fees. The buses and drivers that will service our transport from the hotel to the venues already accepted our proposal. Our entertainment portion is already in the works. My actor friends accepted our invitation to dance with the performers. Dancing Instructors have accepted our proposals to be available for all of you as dance partners for free to dance the night away. Our own DJ, a volunteer/officer, has lined up his new equipment and best music for your dancing pleasure. Pledges from NON-SMU sponsors and donors have been pouring in (all my friends from the entertainment industry and relatives even one of the higher government official). I have collected more than enough to give to the charity foundation of Marlene Cordero. I returned all the checks. These are all gone now because of personal vendetta and injustice against me.

I owe an explanation (or my side of the story) to each and everyone of you because this is your reunion and you suffered the brunt. It is your loss as well as mine.

On February 20, 2017, Marlene Cordero, sent me an email addressed to all Board of Directors, members of this Chapter and also non-officers (Gloria Cajanap and Aurora Birco, the CANCELLATION OF OUR CHAPTER (patterned and based on the bylaws of the existing parent organization, SMU Nueva Vizcaya, a Charity Foundation). According to Marlene Cordero and Lee Tengco, they both do not accept and recognized our Chapter that they accepted and approved on September 26, 2016 (letter of approval signed by Lee Tengco and acknowledged by Marlene Cordero were published on our website as well as SMUVA). After 5 months they claimed not to accept nor recognized our Chapter. The reason of cancellation and the basis of her decision was not clear to us (even the lawyer I hired does not know the meaning) “because of the manner in which it was formed”? Our bylaw does not conflict with their bylaws. We had the very best of intentions when we submitted our application as well when we elected our officers.

Marlene’s Letter of Disapproval:

As the President of the SMU Nueva Vizcaya Alumni, the duly recognized non-profit organization representing SMU Alumni internationally, I hereby declare the following:

  1. Your newly formed LA Chapter was not accepted nor recognized by myself or Lee Tengco, the SMU NV Western USA Vice President because of the manner it was formed;

  2. You are hereby advised to not advertise any reunion details for 2018;

  3. The SMU NV Alumni website will remove all postings from your previously & more recently formed LA Chapters.

  4. Gloria Cajanap, the alumna who requested the SMU Alumni reunion to be held in Los Angeles in 2018 & whose request was granted by the great majority of members at the general meeting held on July 17, 2016, is hereby appointed as the LA Reunion Chairperson.”

I asked Gloria Cajanap to lead the organization numerous times, she refused. I offered her again the position on July 31, 2016 on our first meeting before we elect the officers (this is the only meeting she attended). I don’t want to lead this prepping of organization when I found out that Marlene wants us to be under their Board of Directors to manage and do the budget of this operation. Gloria Cajanap assured everybody that we will vote to be independent as a Chapter. The officers were elected and second the motion by Gloria and Aurora (that they later denied). Committees were formed (subject to changes). Minutes was published on our website.

After 5 months of operation, Gloria Cajanap and Aurora Birco disputed and recant their votes for the interim officers. Gloria called for meetings to review the bylaws and re-election of new officers. I advised everyone that this meeting was not authorized by the President and agenda must be beneficial to the SMU Alumni. Basing on the poor or no performance of Gloria, re-election of officers and review of bylaws will not benefit the reunion.

Gloria was asked numerous times to help draft the bylaws to use to open a bank account and for the application for a new Chapter but she told me she does not have time. Wilfred LLanes, a non-SMU, volunteered to help me draft the bylaws, patterned with SMUVA bylaws, that will not conflict with their objectives. Our bylaws stated that it would be open to all SMU and non-SMU on all counties of California. On August 5, 2016, the drafted bylaws were emailed to all officers together with the letter of notification to review. I texted Gloria to open or read her emails. No response from either Gloria or Aurora, majority gave their endorsement for formality. On August 12, 2016, Wilfred Llanes sent our applications with all the necessary documentations to Lee Tengco for his review and approval. We called for a teleconference with San Francisco to present our intentions of becoming a chapter on August 23, 2016, because of low attendance, Gloria declined this meeting as well because she is busy with her other organization, this was postponed.

On September 26, 2016, after more than month of submission, without any objection from Marlene and Lee Tengco, we received the approval of our Chapter.

The approval of our Chapter was announced to all officers and members on September 26, 2016 via email. All moves that I made were communicated by emails to all officers because they are too busy to attend meetings. Gloria started to complain to Lee Tengco asking a copy of our bylaws for review as Vice President as she did not approve the bylaws. She claimed that she never received it. Copies were sent to everybody.

We mobilized the preparation of this organization basing on this approval. The committees chair and lead were notified of their duties and responsibilities.

The personal vendetta of Gloria and Aurora had caused a discord in our operation. Gloria was assigned the Venue Committee. Even before the approval of the Chapter, we already started preparation. I asked Gloria list of prospective hotels so it will be ready by the time our Chapter will be approved. She never submitted any proposal after 2 months I asked her again of the status. She yelled at me (via text in bold letters) “ Give me a break, I am very busy organizing another event “ and told me to text her if I want to talk to her. I informed her and the other officers that I am hiring a consultant to work on hotel proposals. I informed Gloria and she consented. I worked with the consultant but she could not give me a rate that will be reasonable for the Alumni. I submitted my own biddings to hotels until the wee hours of the morning until I won Hilton in Woodland Hills for $139.00 per night and $10,000 Food and beverage seated. I was so excited to share this good news and called a meeting on October 30, 2016 to present this proposal. Gloria and Aurora did not attend. Webinar was even offered and Facetime but she did not avail or call. I asked everyone to submit also their proposals. Gloria accused me of not being truthful to her about hiring a consultant and it was me who wants the job. She accused me of being a dictator for giving them assignments to work on. I asked them to review the committees and let them decide where they are comfortable of doing. She complained why we have to plan the event so early and it still far from 2018. My 20 years of hosting parties, this event or any event is just like a wedding. We have to lock in the best hotel as early as possible to be able to avail the current low rate because the dates we chose were a holiday (July 4th) weekend. Rates will go up drastically for 2018. If the venue is in placed long before the event – one year will not be enough to put the major work together so we will have enough time to correct mistakes. Aurora wants hotel near the airport, even the consultant, discouraged this because it was not safe and no entertainment accessible to the alumni who will be attending the reunion.

The proposal for Hilton will expire on December 8, 2016. I keep on emailing all the officers to submit their counter proposal. If anyone who can give a lower rate than $139.00 to submit it and I am willing to step down and resign. Nobody submitted. So on December 6, 2016, I asked Aurora and Fely to go with me to Hilton and sign the contract but Aurora refused because she was going to Las Vegas and if there was any officer who can sign. I emailed everybody that we are ready to sign the contract and vote for their approval for all the venues I submitted with my proposal. Majority voted except Gloria and Aurora. On December 8, 2016, we signed the contract with Hilton rooms and catering. I paid the down payment with my own money. I emailed everybody that we now have a reunion to attend to.

On December 11, 2016, Gloria emailed everybody to STOP the planning and preparation of the reunion because she needs a break from not doing anything. We need to stop what we are doing until she is ready on January 2017. I told her why did she wait this long after so many notifications to her and the contract was already signed. She told me that she was working with Embassy Suites in Glendale and Aurora wants Holiday Inn in Torrance. I called Embassy Suites and they gave me their proposal for July 9 (that was the date given by Gloria). I bid on this hotel and it was very expensive. The manager sent me the proposal given to Gloria and the rate was $199.00 per night and $29,000 (catering) buffet. I called Holiday Inn – the rate for 2018 will not be available until June 2017 and food and beverage was $75.00 per head and it was in an industrial area not safe for our alumni for a 3 day event. According to Aurora “it does not matter if the hotel is not nice as long as there is music and when alumni see each other they forget where they are and money will not be an issue”. Personally, I’m paying a lot of money for 3 days event and hotel, for a change I want a grand hotel, and food will be seated and served not a buffet that I feel like I am begging for food nonetheless with my nice dress”.

On January 5, 2017 Gloria demanded a reelection of officers and Aurora nominated her as President and to review our bylaws. I told her that we already almost done with the event, dates and venues are already published in the website. Why don’t we just go ahead and work on the major issues. Major committees headed by Gloria and Aurora. Gloria did not work on the Fundraising committee she headed. I did the fundraising for her. She insisted that she was assigned to chair the venue. I told her I took the job from her because she did not do her job for 4 months and she was replaced because of that and she was advised accordingly. All SMU Alumni officers in our association did not participate on any preparation of the reunion except some who sold tickets for fundraising because of their busy schedules. My friends volunteered to help as guest officers of the association. My friends who volunteered to help the SMU officers are professionals and expert on their line of work: I (my company Angels Entertainment) had been hosting parties for families of people from the entertainment industry for 20 years. Brenda my sister is a fashion designer and party planner and a tax preparer, Vicky (temporary secretary) is President of her own travel agency, worldwide traveler and an expert of booking hotels, Wilfred is a DJ, DI and hosting parties for more than 15 years. 

She complained to Marlene Cordero and Lee Tengco that the bylaws were not approved by her and the other officers, that we did not have an election and I assigned or forced myself to be the President. She badmouthed me to other SMU Alumni and threatens to impeach me as President without due process and cause and because I did my job. I reported her conduct to Lee Tengco but my notification was overshadowed by the complaints of Gloria. They sided with her. Marlene called a combined meeting with my group and Gloria’s group (they already divided us) to review our bylaws and to discuss fundraising for their charities and funds to meet a deadline. The other officers and I decline to abide by the agenda because as a Chapter we are independent and our bylaws were already reviewed and approved by them. I proposed that we will discuss what is beneficial to the reunion and I challenged how to meet the funds for their charities. I told them I cannot use the money for the registration fees because it is not tax deductible. We can use monies from sponsors and donors. I already have the money to augment the funds needed by July 1, 2017 that I worked very hard to solicit because I promised them that I will support their charities. I collected donations and pledges for more than $10,000.00 but after taking out our chapter without any conscience, all checks were returned. It was embarrassing for me to explain and decline their donations. It was an emotional distress to disinvite all our guests.

We did our best and good intentions to be able to serve and give all of you the reunion you deserve, a classy and glamorous reunion (for a change) as you have seen in our website. We gathered all the suggestions and mistakes of past reunions and we put in to place for all of you. It is with utmost pain and regrets that this happened and I apologize to all of you. Because of the selfishness, cruelty and injustice of these people, all of us were robbed of the opportunity to have a better reunion. It could have been fair and just to give Gloria the job if she had proven anything or did anything for the reunion. If our role was reverse, maybe it will not be too painful.

I am very proud of my loyal officers, SMU and non SMU alumni who volunteered unconditionally their time, effort, knowledge and sacrificed their families in prepping this failed reunion. Financial loss and emotional distress all of us endured was insurmountable.

I am so grateful for all the Alumni who rallied behind me and supported me during these trying times. Your thoughts and prayers will always be the guiding light for me that this kind of injustice will never happen again.

It is with deep sorrow that my family and friends will no longer support the non-profit organization and no longer be a fixture of any SMU grand reunion.

It will never be a goodbye to the tradition that CLASS’66 have started but a new and different vision will again be plan in the near future. Class 66 forever.

Goodbye to all SMU Alumni

 

Zen Fabroa Melo
Executive Director/President, SMU Alumni Association of Los Angeles
Root Administrator: www.smualumlosangeles.org

 


 

For reunion update, click on this link: http://www.smualumlosangeles.org/

NEWSFLASH!!!......SMUalumLA announces DATES & VENUES OF 2018 LOS ANGELES REUNION 

Hello My fellow Alumni,

After five months of sleepless nights, hotel hopping, haggling from one hotel sales managers to another, research and consultation from previous reunion hosts, seeking advice from chamber of commerce personnel and travel agency managers, the steering committee of the SMU Alumni Association of Los Angeles Chapter finally finalized the search for the best hotel and venue that will be affordable, safe location, accessible to restaurants, shops and malls, parks, beaches and entertainment as well as the airport.

Considering the incoming new administration, we locked in the lowest rates for 2018. 2017 rates will increase considerably, taxes cannot be controlled. I, as President of this Chapter, attended meetings of Hilton and Marriott and they projected their rates to increase by 2018 for at least 6%. The cost of living in Los Angeles is very high compared to other California counties so we looked for a hotel that will be financially comfortable and affordable for all alumni. The dates that was chosen – June 29, June 30, July 1, 2018 will be very hectic because it is the July 4th weekend. Los Angeles tourism will increase and also hotel rates will sky rocket.

We tried our best to work in both worlds. We based our choices on the 3 day event that our guests will have to enjoy that will not break their wallets. It is Los Angeles after all. We did our best to encompass all the activities, entertainment and safety into one location. We will make this reunion an event that everybody will remember for a very long time.

REUNION VENUE - GALA NIGHT(June 30th, 2018)
The 2018 Reunion highlights:

Hotel:  The Hilton Woodland Hills/Los Angeles
6360 Canoga Avenue, Woodland Hills, CA 91367
$139.00 per night (plus tax)

Hotel rates are based on double king-size beds. Rooms are all brand new. The hotel just had a complete $40 million renovation this summer of 2016. This is the perfect hotel for groups as we are located in one of the safest areas in Los Angeles and guest may walk or take a complimentary shuttle to premier restaurants, first class shopping, movie theaters and beautiful parks. The Village has just been built right next to our hotel and it includes gyms, shops, bars and more. Hotel is also located near major freeways, LA Metro and attractions such as Malibu beaches, The Getty Villa, Universal Studios, Hollywood and the Getty Center”. It is only 8 minutes to the south of the border (Encino – Michael Jacksons mansion and other celebrities as well as Calabasas and Mulholland Drive)

Please visit their website at www.hiltonwoodlandhills.com

Hilton Woodland Hills/Los Angeles are 35 to 45 minutes from LAX and 15 minutes from Burbank Airport. Transportation are at minimal cost: Super Shuttle ($20 to $23), Flyaway bus (from LAX to Van Nuys - $9.00- you have to let us know if you take this method of transportation so someone can pick you up to take you to the hotel), Uber ($25.00), private towncar ($25.00 – we will provide the phone number to call so the driver can pick you up and your ETA).  

We will hold our gala night with seated dinner on the second night of our event at the Hilton. There will be 5 choices of hot entrées, 5 choices of salads, dessert, coffee and tea. The ballroom can accommodate 300 people, laser lights, disco lights, music and the works for 6 ½ hours. Hostesses and ushers will be directing where the guests will be seated at their assigned tables (by class batch). No one will be admitted inside the ballroom prior to the opening. Security (officers) will be on hand to ensure the smooth entry of guests.

REUNION WELCOME NIGHT. (Friday, June 29th, 2018)...This will be the first time that the entire guests will experience how Los Angeles and Hollywood do parties.  Let’s party like how we do it here in Los Angeles.  We will have our Welcome night in a different venue. It is a very high end banquet hall called “The Signature”.  We will save a lot of money and will not burden our guests on their registration fee which will include a lot of freebies (t-shirts, Souvenir Program, giveaways, raffle tickets, free bag, and name tags - pinned). It is located at 11130 Balboa Blvd. #A, Granada Hills, CA 91344 (15 minutes from Hilton) at www.signaturebanquet.com.  Guests who registered with Hilton will be transported to and from the venue (complimentary). Guests who will not be staying in the hotel will be provided direction or if they want they can have their relatives take them to the Hotel so we can transport them to the venue (we must be notified so we can add to the list).  It will be seated dinner (no service charge, no administrative charge – flat rate-). It will serve – family style (fusion of different food) – 11 appetizers, 10 hot entrees, unlimited drinks which will include but not limited to sodas, coffee, tea and fruit trays for 200 guests. This will be a change but very enjoyable not boring  – same hotel, same food for two nights is too much to handle. Music, disco lights, laser and dance – the venue will be opened for all of us from 6pm to 1:30 am. This venue has a big lighted parking lot and 24 hour security. It is a very safe location. We expect everyone to be at the venue by 5:00 pm to register.  Organizers will be at the lobby to direct people to their assigned table. Hostesses will be in the ballroom to assist all the guests.  Organization is a must and we need everybody’s cooperation. Guests will enter the ballroom as directed by the security (officers).

SUNDAY REUNION PICNIC (July 1st, 2018). Our picnic will be held at Lake Balboa (15 minutes from the hotel). This is a very exclusive park.  We will reserve by November 2017 – first come first served basis.  Since it will be the July 4th weekend and summer (kids are out of school) it will be a long waiting lists.  I already talked to the Los Angeles Parks and Recreation and they will reserve a spot for us by the lake and waterfall.  This will be catered.  Complimentary transportation will be provided to all our guests to the picnic site and back to the hotel.

HOTEL ROOM ACCOMMODATION. Please register early. I blocked 25 rooms (two king beds).  If all rooms are consumed prior to due date, I can add more rooms. You can avail of the low rate 1 day prior to June 29 and 48 hours after July 1, 2016, depending upon your early registration and availability.  Booking will be available August of 2017 (you will be provided with the group code at that time). We recommend that you book your flight on Thursday or early Friday (freeways of Los Angeles are something to reckon with) morning until 11 am so you can have ample time to rest and go to the party.

Ladies and men who wants to have their hair and makeup done in their rooms – we will provide a hairstylists (phone number will be provided and you can make an appointment) at a minimal costs.

DRESS CODES.  Welcome night : Ladies – cocktail : men (barong) – 

                        (Dress code is mandatory and strictly enforced)

                        GALA NIGHT (definition of gala strictly enforced)

                        Ladies:  LONG EVENING GOWN

                        Men :  COAT AND TIE ONLY (NO BARONG)

                        (DRESS CODE IS MANDATORY AND STRICTLY ENFORCED)

We will do our best to make your stay in Los Angeles a very memorable one and a reunion you will talk about in years.

WELCOME TO HOLLYWOOD EVERYONE.

In behalf of the members of the steering committee, we look forward in serving all of you.

 

Humbly,
Zen Fabroa Melo
President, SMU Alumni Association of Los Angeles Chapter

 


coolcoolcoolcoolcoolcoolcoolcoolcoolcoolcoolcoolcoolcoolcoolcoolcoolcoolcoolcool

Photo Credit: Bhongz Ky (Nov Vizcayanos of Toronto)


Meet the Organizers of the
2016 SAN FRANCISCO REUNION

Site for Updates on the
2016 San Francisco SMU Alumni Grand Reuion: 

http://www.smunuevavizcayaalumni.org

 

 


 

SMUHS 80th Jubilee & SMU Alumni Abroad 10th Biennial Grand Alumni Homecoming
August 1 - 3, 2014 • Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya     

As decided upon during the 9th Biennial Reunion held in San Diego, California in 2012, the venue for the SMU Alumni Abroad 10th Biennial Reunion will be held in the Philippines for the year 2014.

The SMU High School Grade School Alumni Association, Inc. (SMUHSGSAAI), which took on the task of coordinating the 10th Biennial Reunion, has set the Reunion on August 1-3, 2014. This is to be held jointly with the celebration of the 80th Jubilee of the SMU High School Department.

SMUHSGSAAI invites and reminds all SMU alumni abroad to attend the joint SMUHS 80th Jubilee and SMU Alumni Abroad 10th Biennial Grand Alumni Homecoming. Please join and check out our website,smuhsgsaai.ning.com or our Facebook Group, SMU High School Grade School Alumni Association for more announcements and updates. 

We hope to see you at the SMU grounds in August. Come visit your alma mater and reconnect with classmates, schoolmates, former teachers and friends.


 

Speech delivered by Dr. Jaime L. Venturina to 2014 HS Grads

 

Dear high school graduates,

I stand here before you as the founding President of the SMU High School Grade School Alumni Association, Inc. (SMUHSGSAAI), an organization of SMU grade school and high school alumni that you will shortly belong to as new graduates of the SMU High School. I shall be institutionalizing today the tradition of charging and thereafter inducting graduates as members of SMUHSGSAAI on your graduation day. Every graduation day hereafter, the President of SMUHSGSAAI shall charge and induct SMU’s new high school graduates on their graduation day. Before I induct you, allow me to give you a few words.

During the past 4 years, you were trained by your able and competent teachers to be students equipped to face the challenges of college life. You have likewise learned a lot of things about becoming a true Marian– competent and caring, manifesting the qualities of a worthy Christian disciple.

Tonight, as your names are entered into the roster of SMU High school graduates, your names shall likewise be entered into the rolls of SMUHSGSAAI. You shall soon be joining an organization of graduates who are proud to be called Marians and you shall be carrying that badge whatever you may become and wherever you may be.

I wish to remind you that you are not only here by virtue of you being graduates of this prestigious school but you are here because the people of St Mary’s believe in you, in your capabilities, in your integrity and in your potential to perform well in future endeavors.

As Marians, you will be carrying the mark of a distinguished university - distinguished, neither by the modern edifice nor the state of the art equipment it has, but by its sterling track record of molding the youth academically, socially and spiritually. Now being well-rounded graduates, you are expected to fulfill some obligations and may I lay them down for you.

First, as alumni members of SMUHSGSAAI, you are enjoined to and are expected to support the plans and programs of the alumni association that promote camaraderie and fellowship among alumni, and enhance a sense of gratitude to our alma mater and former mentors. To be able to do these, please be in touch with SMUHSGSAAI. We have institutionalized holding alumni homecomings to gather jubilarians and other participating batches each year. In preparation for such event, we conduct monthly coordination meetings among representatives of participating batches. These meetings and homecomings are usually published in the social media. You are advised to actively participate in homecomings or coordination meetings since it is through these affairs that you will be able to reconnect with your batch mates, the rest of your schoolmates and your former teachers. Start with your batch. Be a unified group. Organize. Then, come and share your ideas and participate in the different events organized by your alumni association or your alma mater. Never be selfish. Involve yourselves in as much activities that you can with all the enthusiasm that you can muster. It is in these meetings that fellowship is enhanced and projects are planned, deliberated upon and finally launched. Please note that for this year, we will be holding the SMUHS 80th Jubilee and the SMU Alumni Abroad 10th Biennial Grand Alumni Homecoming. We have the tarps mounted at our walls here to announce this. Mark the dates: August 1 – 3, 2014. As alumni members, you are welcome, if not expected, to participate in it.Check out our Facebook Group at SMU High School Grade School Alumni Association or our website at smuhsgsaai.ning.org.

Second, in being grateful towards our alma mater and former mentors, let us have the attitude of paying back. This comes by way of sharing through SMUHSGSAAI our resources – time, talent, effort and even financial contributions within your capacity. Much of what you give will find their way towards helping run the alumni association and its different projects and programs. We have lined-up projects and activities yearly which address our lofty objective of paying back. Give cheerfully and readily since the graces we receive and the resources we can share come from the Lord.

Third, in promoting camaraderie and fellowship among fellow alumni, you are enjoined not only to participate in our activities to keep in touch with one another but also to give due regard to each other. Rejoice in the accomplishment of the successful fellow alumni and be happy for whatever each one of you has attained in life. Each one of you carries the Marian badge and you reflect what a Marian is by what you have become. Each one of you is a graduate of this institution whatever the status each of you has attained in life.

Fourth, be counted on within your sphere of influence, whether it be your family or clan, your neighborhood or community, your office or your profession, your organization or your social network. Be honorable persons in all of your undertakings, worthy of the respect and emulation of others.

Finally, include in your prayers and thanksgiving your parents and those who influenced your life. Let us pray for them, your teachers and our alma mater to continually be blessed. Let us give thanks and praise to our Lord for this wondrous day of achievement and let us ask for guidance and protection as you pursue your individual dreams in life.

Fellow Alumni, go forth, pursue higher studies or hone your skills, develop a career and make things happen so that you may reap good things in life. Duly equipped and with the blessings of the Lord, you can fulfill whatever your purpose in life is.

We now warmly and affectionately welcome you into the SMUHSGSAAI. May you be successful in life and may your life be enriched by the Lord Almighty

CONGRATULATIONS!

Jaime L. Venturina 

Visit Saint Mary's University High School Grade School Alumni Assoc. at: http://smuhsgsaai.ning.com

 

 

2014 SMU ALUMNI REUNION-HOMECOMING

Note: Posted herewith, for your information, is an email message to me by
ROMEO BALITON

08/03/13 06:27 AM

Hi Manong Wilfred,

Have you received the latest schedule of the 2014 SMU Alumni Reunion-Homecoming? Of late, the local SMU Alumni Association (SMUHSGSAA,Inc.) has changed the schedule FROM December 12-13-14, 2014 TO August 1-2-3, 2014 (Friday-Saturday-Sunday). The new schedule of the proposed homecoming will coincide and will be jointly celebrated as: (1) The 80th Founding Anniversary of SMU High School (2) The SMU Alumni Abroad 10th Biennial Reunion as was openly proposed in an open invitation by the local alumni President and me in San Diego during the gala night (3) Local alumni (SMUHSGSAA,Inc.)homecoming (4) Diamond Jubilee of Class '54, Golden Jubilee of Class '64 Ruby Jubilee of Class '74 Silver Jubilee of Class'89 (5)Bayombong Patron Fiesta. It is seen as a Grand Alumni Homecoming for both the SMU foreign and local alumni associations. 

I am giving this info in my personal capacity although I will suggest to the officers of the local alumni association to officially inform you and other officers and personalities concerned in the Alumni Abroad Association, if they have not done it as yet.

Meantime we are concentrating on the dissemination of the official dates of the proposed 2014 General Alumni Homecoming and it is in this regard that we seek your help as we believe you are in the best position to help the local association in the process of disseminating the information.

Should you have any queries on the foregoing, please let us know.

My e-mail address is rqbaliton@yahoo.com just in case you might opt to send me an e-mail.

We would surely appreciate hearing from you soonest. 

Very truly yours,

Romy Baliton
SMU HI Class of '64


 

SALVADOR "BADONG" VALLEBO - 
SMHS CLASS '63
PASSED AWAY TODAY DECEMBER 13, 2012

From: Romy Baliton
Wed, Dec 13, 2012 at 9:44 PM
Wed, 9:44 PM

Dear All:
I just received this very sad info from Del Vallebo (bereaved wife):
"SALVADOR "BADONG" VALLEBO, passed away today at 12:02 PM at the
MMG Hospital in Solano, Nueva Vizcaya, due to a heart attack." His remains
will be brought back to the USA on a date to be announced later.

My heartfelt sympathies and deepest condolences to the bereaved wife Del and
children.

May I request all classmates and SMU Alumni friends to pray for the
eternal repose of his soul.

Sincerely,

Romy Baliton


2012: Congratulations SMU SAN DIEGO for a
successful grand reunion..til we meet again in

(click link below for reunion pics)

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151358767708712&set=
a.10151358767628712.557220.668218711&type=1&theater

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151358794908712&set=
a.10151358794883712.557224.668218711&type=1&theater

2014 PHILIPPINES: Venue of the next
SMU ALUMNI ABROAD GRAND REUNION...
start your travel plans NOW!


2012 SMU ALUMNI ABROAD GRAND REUNION (July 6-9, 2012)

The Nitty Gritty/A Job Well Done Smu San Diego
     Reunions always give you a grandiose feeling – a sense of fulfillment to again meet and associate with your co-alumni and peers, after so many years, reminiscing and pondering the future. Friends, special friends, schoolmates and teachers exchange pleasantries and engage in hilarious banter and recall vivid remembrances; to share in the fun and fanfare is to sense a growing strength of belonging and affection at their highest intensity. The reunion ambience seems to unleash unrestrained and unmitigated nostalgic feelings. Every participant ceases to be a mere obscure footnote in SMU history but become leading men and women in a galaxy of SMU alumni stars.
     Many of our SMU brothers and sisters have moved on: memories of past lives and loves, past occupations appear only as faint glimmers in the deep recesses of one?s mind. But once reunited in the hullabalo of the Town and Country affair, moribund and dormant memories are summoned once more by a fiat of gut feelings and instincts, and pushed to the top. These memories seemingly are called to “active duty” upon beholding the once lasting friendships and relationships unbattered by distance and time . The “apples” of one?s fantasies and imaginations again resurface, a rebirth of sorts surges, while the reunion lasted and “a thousand deaths” occuring after it came to an end.
     Dreams that are unsalvageable, anachronistic and anathema to moralistic attitudes in this time and age, are passe and no longer have any place. Safe territorial zones have been erected and zealously maintained. Dream on, anyway. It does no cost you anything.
Illustrative examples:

1. Alum A (asking Alum B) “Why didn?t you invite X to come along? Is, he/she here? (speaking in a language unknown to her/his/ partner who was dancing with her/him as she/he was involved in deep inquisition).. Note: If silence is golden, then I must say it makes for eternal admiration. X was too bashful to even say hello Much less to say the tres palabras…But x’s eyes were not silent at all and were most eloquent: it did not lie and gave x away. To Alum A the feeling was mutual but they communicated through the ineffective angels of ligaw tingin ( laser like) and a network of whispering and conniving mutual friends.
Alum B: Smiles simply (and thinking aloud): can?t answer the question. Lest I be accused as being in cahoots with her/his partner. I will be damned If I answer either way (who knows partner may be carrying a tape recorder and will get the help of any interpreter. where there are plentiful in the audience.

2. Alum C : I wanted to dance with “y” but can?t. He/she is with her/his partner; his/her “labrador golden retriever (apparently not a lover of dogs. this, but the one holding the leash. He/she (alum C) describes her/his partner in terms of one guarding his/her most precious treasure. Hence, this metaphor.

3. Alum D: Why, haven?t you heard the announcement by the head organizer, Salvador Vallebo, that no pets are allowed in this hotel? So you certainly can.

     PAYONG GAYONG(morsels)….conversed with Barrister Jordan Bello, a USA employment lawyer, son of alumna Ofelia Domingo-Bello, my sister Cynthia’s classmate: proud to know SMU progeny are high achievers as well ...Joji Villoria and daughter (Erning Viloria?s(HS ‘61) niece). Joji as I recall was Mng. Cesar and Rose Viloria?s (our former neighbor in bayombong just in front of the smu elementary school) apple in their eyes..to Bella Bueno and sister who both have made good in real estate in the U.S. Bella Bueno was the belle of the ball during her time in Bayombong...Philip Birco, Auring and Fe (Cachola sisters) who have found their place in the sun....Cleto and Leticia Domingo – children of our former Biology instructor Mr. Vicente Domingo “Ingging”. Cleto is assiduously and incessantly (a forever obssession) preparing for anotherr class „56 reunion. to Mrs. Lily Malhabour (Paluero) class ’52.. one of the daughters (Leto ’59 is another one) of Bayombong public elementary schoolteacher Mrs. Laureana (Loring) Paluero.. She (Lily) told me that her mother is 101 years old and still mentally sharp but unfortunately totally blind…goes with age…Judith Tiam-Klegg ‘59 (class validictorian) and Catherine Addauan-Genato ‘62 (princess of the 1969 Bayombong Fair and retired nurse...Carmen Bariuan and Sally Makil (my sister Sylvia's good friend and classmate) introduced Sylvia Hernaez Corpuz (Priscilla Ong- Marcos’s batchmate) to my classmates as the daughter of our late teacher Mr. Secondino Hernaez (class ‘61) was just a baby when we had lunch at their home in Bagabag years ago, with my future brother in-law Elito Gurat. We had biked all the way from Bayombong to Bagabag to earn our merit badge as boy scouts in cycling.. ..Melchor Ambatali, Jr. president of SMU Toronto (Class „61) and wife Vee always led the dancing with the heavens (all kinds, you name it)…saw and talked with Emily and Evangeline Tugab..cousins of Fred Fabroa and daughters of Mariano Tugab…. Proud and happy to meet my cousins Vicky Mendoza-Briones, Marlene Mendoza-Cordero(on the father side) . They are well placed in the USA. Marlene is married to my cousin on the mother side , Dr. Rey Cordero from San Juan, Ilocos Sur. They have done exceptionally well as doctors of medicine and in their medical missions in the Philippines. They have gone to Nueva Vizcaya and other RP provinces along with other humanitarian service oriented selfless Filipino doctors to medically serve and minister to our people distributing drugs as well, especially the impoverished ones. Kudos and may your tribe increase “insans”...talked to Guerrero Calamug (Class '58) (brod of Elvie Calamug-Nguyen, Class '61) who remembered his classmate, my sister Gloria, and was unaware she passed away in 1998…. Glad to see Eddie Guzman (Class „61) doing well. He was gravely ill at one time with colon cancer. My gratitude to my wife Lettie Gurat-Europa for efficiently keeping house for us at the San Diego Country Estates (time-share)...ditto to my sister Marilyn Europa-Villacorta and her husband Ed Villacorta...also to Daisy (Fred Fabroa's wife), Carmen Bisquera-Gamboa,’61 Vee de Leon (Melchor Ambatali’s better half), ….Roly Manggacat,’61 is still the joker that he is…Dante ’61, George and Helen Magat – also a family worth mentioning alongside the Aguilars (Virgilio Aguilar, SMU summa cum laude...the Medranos (Alice and Pepe). Costeses, Primo and son Ryan....Manalos (Agapito, Chita & Alice)....Alunings, (Bernard and Lilian with kids ..the Vallebos, the Borromeos(Thelma Uhuad and Bert) Lopezes (Tita & Sipin)...The Figuerases...The Escaras (Melvin and Fely).We admire your cooperation and presence...The Abelardos Ben, and wife Tentay , Zenaida...The Guiabs (Josefa, wife of the late Dupax mayor William Giron) and Nerisa. (wife of Jose Boy Babaran jr. and Ester (wife of Judge Hermoso)..The Bunanigs, Agnes and Dolly...The Guntalilibs (Basilio and family)...Honourable mention to the Bagasaos (Dita, Tony & Ellen)...The Fabroas (Wilfred,’61 SMU Toronto past president, sister Zenaida and niece Pinky, daughter of Willy Fabroa class '63…Armin Joop & millie Tallungan...Dr. William Panganiban ‘61, was cited for his work in Cameroon, South Africa and Iran, husband of Elena Moscoso ’61..As of this writing word reached us that SMU alumnus Virgilio Moscoso passed away..

SAD NEWS MARRED OUR ARRIVAL
     Upon arrival at San Diego on July 6, Lettie Gurat-Europa, my wife, Marilyn Europa-Villacorta, my sister and husband Ed and myself, we learned through the grapevine that a certain Sadang (no gender mentioned) had collapsed and died at the registration desk of the Town and Country Hotel (reunion venue). (this information is inaccurate..according to Emma Ligot ’64, they had dinner and after which they were walking back to their hotel rooms when she collapsed and that efforts to revive her failed.
     I knew only two Sadangs that were supposed to attend the reunion; Melchor, who was a former RTC judge, now Undersecretary of Justice (an SMU alumnus and the son of the late Atty. Quirino Sadang of Bayombong and who was expected to grace the occasion, I heard) and Virginia Sadang-Piano, an SMU alumna class '64.
So with trepidition I endeavoured to ascertain who of them was it, and if it is either one or the other I simply dreaded to have a confirmation……at the venue before the July 6th program started, I was met by the President, Salvador Vallebo, of the San Diego Chapter who told me that it was Virginia. He requested me to say a few words about her but was pre-empted by the master of ceremonies who did the honors for her (unknowing that I had been asked to do it; not his fault). So I will have a word or two about her...she who proudly carried the badge of honor of being an SMU alumna to the end. By dying with her boots on and doing what she wanted to do with the people she loved...she had metamorphosed from a little girl in the prairie (of caramay trees, that is) to one attractive and successful in her field. She was one of the foster daughters (the other one is Arsenia) of Dr. Esteban Sadang of Bayombong but who worked in Manila (a doctor of philosophy)..He was a one time congressional candidate in Nueva Vizcaya sometime in 1953 and one time owner of the movie production company “Estener”. My information at that time was that because he was too busy, he left them in the care of his two unmarried sisters who resided in Bayombong. I must say they grew up to be good and useful citizens. Right decision, Dr. …I was so proud and happy to see Jean and Arsenia Saddang succeed in life.
     We remember that as elementary pupils of Saint Mary?s their house was just across the campus and some boys and girls spent time during recess, (until this was leaked out to the franciscan SMU sisters like Sister Columba, Jacinta, Immaculada and Lourdes, in a one-time streak of authoritarianism ordered a clamped down of the caramay legacy to protect their canteen business, so I thought) going over to buy caramay to retain or beef up (a perfect alibi indeed) their attention span during class lessons. But now I realize that they had good intentions at heart..That is to prevent any untoward incident happening to pupils leaving the school campus during class hours…By eating the greenberries(caramay)behind the backs of the teacher under cover of darkness of their (the teachers) line of vision, they “enjoyed ‘the lessons to the hilt. The golden rule: please do not pass gas lest you be detected. And you will be sure as hell that it reeks of “bagoong”.
     The Sadangs were identified with the caramays In the same way that Alip a chinese national who owned the erstwhile European bakery in Bayombong (no relation) was noted for his pandesal, Kulot, an ice cream vendor, noted for his ice cream with pandelemon, Roberto’s, for pancit mami, and Rualo with her small store adjacent to the elementary school, for her inartem nga littoco and binurong santol.
    Jean; we remembered the caramay we carried to class (tapno ilimed me iti agsaram-sam ta makato-oc iti agdingeg ti lectures (to surreptitiously munch on caramays as we feel we are in agony listening to lectures) through your indispensable cooperation (you were then not even a kindergarten pupil) as a child helping your aunts sell them,...we remember you as a very active marian, ever present in every reunion and your kindnesses; in trying to act as an escort and guide to our revered Madam Esther Garlitos; during the Las Vegas Reunion. We remember you as a selfless donor to some of the SMU projects and as an unflinching advocate of oneness and camaraderie. A champion of the alumni of SMU. Thank you so much. Dios Iti Agaluad.

ELOISA TENGCO
     As of this writing, I have received word from Lourdes Tengco, another SMU alumna that her youngest sister Eloisa had passed away...My wife Lettie and I were just wondering about the conspicuous absence of the Tengco sisters at the reunion and so we asked Lee Tengco about it .(Lourdes was our elementary grade classmate.) He told us that they were attending to and giving moral support to Eloisa who was in a hospital sick and needing a blood transfusion.
     Like the Aguilars and the Alunings, the Dasallas, Macabadbads, Domingos, the Dela Cruzes (Isabelo & Tita), the Lopezes (Tita and Sipin), the Tengco family (Lee, Perlita, Edwina, Fe, Lourdes and Eloisa are and were always loyal to the SMU colors, present in every homecoming.
     We will deeply miss you Eloisa. Thank you for your devotion to the cause of St. Mary's even though unhappy circumstances have intervened to abruptly cut your SMU apron strings by transferring to Manila immediately after your dad's passing .
     We remember you as a precocious child in the elementary school aways landing on the honor roll, the youngest daughter of an illustrious father, Atty. Gregorio V. Tengco, and an equally dignified mother, Pilar F. Tengco. Atty. Tengco perished in an ambuscade at Carranglan, Nueva Ecija in the early fifties. You lost your dad at a very young age (7) and you , your mom and siblings hung on despite your being bereft, and pulled through.

THE REUNION GUEST SPEAKER – ATTY. ROMEO Q. BALITON
     I had a chat with Atty. Romy Baliton ‘64, a UP Law graduate and who made a name as a lawyer in Baguio City. I congratulated him on his speech technique..to get the attention of the listeners (or non-listeners) he had simply struck sentimental chords by presenting the class '64's favorite teachers, Ms. Lillian Soberano-Aluning; Ms Transfiguracion Liganor; and Mr. Peter Antonio...(I must say they have not aged, again perhaps a triumph of opinion over reason). This was really a very emotional moment evoking pleasant memories now that these much respected teachers had found their niches holding responsible positions abroad. They were awarded plaques. It was a very edifying moment, marked by elation and cheers and warm responses from the audience...also chatted with Dr. Jaime Venturina, a noted surgeon, SMU alumnus who outlined his plans as President of the SMU alumni in the Philippines...as a young boy of 6 or 8 he had always been a presence at the Luzon Bus Line (LBL) station in Bayombong stamping tickets helping his father Generoso and mother, Lucing run their business. He is married to another physician, an SMU alumna, and pediatrician, Isabel (Bebel) Nuestro, a sister of class valedictorian Teresa Nuestro Domingo ’72.

THE AFTERMATH...over things more real than imagined
     Mr. Vallebo bewailed the fact that one of the feedbacks he received was that the speeches were too long. But I venture to say that for those who listened the speeches were substantial and meaty, and worth the time expended… that the food sucked on gala night..that there was chaos..Keep in mind however that the pre-gala night was superb and the food was tops..and there was order naturally because everybody was seated…(I give you a B grade for this (Baliktad..The gala night should not be the gala night but the first one…We put the cart before the horse and the cart ran away before the horse did. Nothing new Mr. Salvador. In every function there inevitably is always a chorus of complaints.These may serve as constructive criticism so that next time you will do better. There are always minuses and pluses and I believe that the totality of the evidence (I just be aware that this is court speak so I will practise restraint along this line) would show that it was a success; …On other hand, nothing can substitute for the .once in so many years exhilarating experiencee of meeting classmates and schoolmates like Ofelia Tallungan, Ofelia Logan, Marilyn Rupido, Leo Dumo, Flor & Bernadette Salvador, Bing Jumacquio (all look young –(I am sure this time) : a triumph of imagination over reality, and a triumph of dreams over more dreams) Wilfred Fabroa, Melchor Ambatali, Jr., Dante Magat, Ernesto Viloria, , Arsenia Parong, Agapito “Pete” Manalo, Thelma Uhuad, Carmen Bisquera, and co-alumni Dolly and Agnes Bunanig, Precy Ong-Marcos, Philip and Auring Birco, Tomas Birco, Deng Miyamoto who rendered a unique gadddang -ilocano tagalog, english all in one song , Fely Fabian-Keech who so generously invited us to visit them in the future; Emma Ligot who played good music on the piano, Teresita Santos who danced with hubby very well, Tony Cruz, Del Divina, Flor Salvador, Henry Vallebo, Ernesto Viloria, Tony Bagasao and Dita, Ellen Bagasao, Lorie Benitez-Fabian, Flor Liganor dela Cruz, and Trans Liganor .. chatted with Mariquita Tottoc.. a former co-teacher of my late mother, Marcelina…..with Edward Gacerez..with Auring Perez..

THE GALA NIGHT...
     So much can be said about the food and the state of the gala's preparedness or unpreparedness (take your pick) but it would interest you to know that the Friday affair was good and the picnic grounds after the gala were filled to the rafters with SMU alumni and their relatives..and the quality of  the food stood out, as nothing but sterling , as well as the thrill of participating in the songs and games, so you know that it was worth it for all to return for the picnic. This serves as a barometer, in my mind, otherwise if the affair was a total flop, there would have been no show at the picnic tables.
     But this sort of complaints is also true in all reunions. I said not to disregard such comments. but to evaluate them and take action in the future to better one’s system and methods. It is a truism, in my perception that in every community occasion in Toronto where there is a guest of honor that most of the attendees talk with long lost friends at the same time with the speaker, drowning him out, with some exceptions, (perhaps to make up for lost time) of course, and this is a very lamentable. but understandable because then we were there on borrowed time and then no more.
     Reminds me of a story about a guest speaker, who just said a few words?as a matter of fact, one sentence...”I never made a money talking...thank you”. But that?s not true always..nowadays..I make my salary talking in court..tv commentators make their money talking...we make love talking. For those senior alumni who are not able to make it anymore, we make talk loving.

SMU ALUMNI WHO ARE STILL YOUNG AND THOSE (like myself) WHO THINK THEY ARE STILL YOUNG…MY OBSERVATIONS
     I refer to those who still do the baby formula. (If you know what I mean), whereas before we cater to Bear Brand and Enfamil to feed our babies, this time for some senior SMUs we use a brand name that is universal and as old as Adam and Eve….after the child bearing years; the brand name identified with Singer sewing machine sticks in my mind when we were in the elementary grades in early fifties; the “atras abante” (the foot presses the pedal back and forth...so the sewing machin can do its thing..sew..sew.(no pun intended). (you do not know what I mean, do you.). It's the AAA grade kind (atras abante ad infinitum).
Now it is still AAA for some of the smu seniors (atras ng atras ng atras…. no more abante and more of the same tomorrow. Well, you just love to talk. or simply just talk to love ..Presidents Clinton and George Bush command size able sums when asked to speak...Anyway it?s free (sometimes as action is better than words)..talk is cheap..the torrent of words do not cost us a cent..but for some little inconvenience won?t hurt.

OUR EXPERIENCE IN OUR CORNER OF THE WORLD
     You know when we have our seminars in Toronto everybody (almost) listens; you could hear a pin drop when somebody is talking at the podium... no talking or noises can be heard from the audience…..you are expected to listen from 9:00a.m. To 4:30p.m.(especially for Law Society of Canada seminars) For three days, of course interspersed with breaks..For lectures and speeches..but the difference is that we are paid to listen or we pay to listen (that;’s what we did in San diego and that's why we are motivated to listen and we have such a great respect for the speaker. Some assiduously cling to every word that the speaker utters. The others who belong to the minority just doze off (no snoring please)…....guess where I belong..
     During the gala night, I remember intending to go to the washroom which was only a few feet away but it took me almost an hour to reach it as old friends met me and wanted to converse with me and take pictures. Really, it is hard to navigate your way through the sea of faces. That’s the rationale of the reunion--a very meaningful interaction among your peers.

THANK YOU ALL
     Thank you Sam dela Cruz (class '61) and wife Cora, also Lorie Fabian and husband, for the attention you have given us. Especially when we arrived for the picnic and everybody had finished eating..and before I forget, thank you for giving us a rare chance to savour the pleasure (of eating free big lobsters) and the displeasure of losing) at the Valleyview Casino (the Barona Casino 8km from our time-share at San Diego Country Estates ate us up instead of being eaten).
     Thank you to all participants for your cooperation and kind attention to details. We enjoyed the reunion. Congratulations to the organizers for a very successful reunion. Hasta la vista!  Dios ti kumuyog…Till we meet again in 2014...the next SMU Alumni Grand Reunion in the Philippines.

Delano Europa, SMHS (Boys) Class ‘61

   

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NewsFlash from Toronto:

 

The 2010 SMU Alumni Abroad Grand Reunion A Resounding Success!

  Thank you SMU Alumni reunion attendees...til we meet again!

It's not all over till the fat lady sings, as the saying goes (time to scoot away free even when the program was still in progress.) But as it turned out, even if the fat lady sang to her heart's content, everybody stayed put to find joy and pleasure in her singing.

Thank you all for your kind and enthusiastic participation. As I look back at our having been together, I cannot but still feel mesmerized and awed at your wonderful, enlivening, electric presence. Your having been there lit the whole house, as if it were on fire. As a great poet sang (Michael Jackson) you were all born to amuse, inspire and delight. 

The embers are still burning as of press time..and we expect to enshrine these in one of the secure corners of our hearts because even when the heat finally dissipates, memory replicates every movement, word, fun that we had. That's what you and I all did and more during our reunion. You set the dynamics of the reunion train and saw to it that it was not derailed.

Whatever omissions you entertain in your minds, imagined or real, that we were guilty of we apologize. Be yours to put it back on track. Everyone was able to board the train, and we didn't miss it, did we? Our seeming herculean efforts in putting together a mosaic of fun, laughter, festivity, oneness, bonding, and for some, by chance or design, whatever, encountering past crushes and loves, (some say "do not resuscitate) dying friendships revived, recriminations fading as the interaction resurrected old positive  feelings, present in the prism of unity, seem to pale in comparison.

Dios ti agngina kadacayo amin. Dios iti kumuyog.

 

EXPRESSIONS OF GRATITUDE AND REMEMBRANCE

The Planning Committee of the 2010 SMU Alumni Abroad 8th Grand Reunion Toronto, together with all the Officer and Members of the SMU Alumni Association of Toronto, hereby heartily and sincerely express and extend to all the SMU Alumni who sacrificed their precious time, efforts, finances and risked their safety to have traveled from all over the world and attended the 3-funfilled days of the 2010 SMU Grand Reunion, held on July 30th, 31st & Aug. 1st here in Toronto, Canada.

We hope that the humble and simple program and entertainment we prepared and presented to you were done and performed to your complete satisfaction and enjoyment. But, most importantly, we hope that all of you have rejoiced to the utmost during the three happy days of reunion that we recently had.

However, much to our regret, as there’s a limit for everything, somehow our 3-days togetherness ended and we parted from one another with much heartache and seemingly never-ending goodbyes, and as a poet aptly described, parting is such a sweet sorrow; it’s like a little death that terminates the joy and happiness of loved ones and friends. But the happiness we all had together will forever linger in our hearts and minds.

 We, likewise, express our undying remembrance of all the SMU Alumni who were not able to attend, for one reason or another, and we wish and pray that somehow, somewhere, sometime in the near future, we all could get together and have a chance to re-acquaint with our former classmates, long unheard from nor personally seen, but surely not forgotten, and reminisce once again the happy days we experienced during those bygone years within the august portals of our dearly beloved Alma Mater, the St. Mary’s University of Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines.

To all our sponsors and advertisers, we also express our great gratitude to them for their kindness and financial support, without which this occasion would not have been successful and would have been all in vain. Kudos to all of you, our friends!

Last but not least, we all stand in deep silence and profound respect, to express our never-ending remembrance of all SMU Alumni who are now in the Great Beyond and may our ever-loving God grant to each of them everlasting rest and peace.

With all these expressions of thanks, gratitude, well-wishes, prayers, and heartfelt remembrances, may God bestow His blessings to all SMU Alumni wherever they are in the world, and open the way for another grand reunion of all SMU Alumni in the not too distant future.
 

Thank you!

The Planning Committee
2010 SMU Alumni Abroad 8th Grand Reunion, & The Officers and Members, SMUAAT

Toronto, Canada, Aug. 5, 2010


 

Click on the image to view photo coverage of the reunion. Enjoy!
Photos by: Wilfred P. Fabroa

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Planning Committee of the 2010 Toronto SMU Alumni Abroad Grand Reunion
Seated: (L-R): Wilfred P. Fabroa, Lettie Gurat-Europa, Delano Europa, Melchor Ambatali Jr., Standing (L-R), Daisy Araque Fabroa, Arceli Bautista, Wilmer Fabroa, Luz Butac-Rose, Lita Butac-Lachica, Ponce Lachica, Daisy Celestino Fabroa, Walter Fabroa & Vee de leon. Not in photo: Mayette Piscoso-Reyes, Luz Romero Sucilan, Lal Perez-Bautista, Janilyn Reginaldo.

 

 


 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

How to Join the Website

If this is your first time to visit the website, please do the following: 

1. Create your profile by clicking Alumni Profiles on the left panel of this site page.

2. Click on your name.

3. If not visible, scroll down.

4. If it is not on the list, click Contact Us on the last paragraph and proceed from there. Upon receipt of your email, you will be listed in the Alumni Profiles. Visit the website again.

5. Click here now to join and create your profile.

6. Complete all information fields from Step 1 to Step 5.

7. When done, click the button Take me to my profile. That's it. You have created your profile. Easy, isn't it?

You have several options as  a listed alumnus/alumnae under the MEMBER FUNCTIONS of the website. Feel free to navigate these options...update your profile and upload more photos if you want (school and family related pictures only pls.), change your password, etc.

8. If you want to leave the website, just click LOG OUT. 

To visit our website again, log on to www.smutoronto.com. Log in with your email address and password which you have provided when you first created your profile.

Please visit our website often for up-to-date development regarding the reunion.

I am counting on you to mark Toronto as your place of destination in the summer of 2010. Thank you.

Your Site Administrator, wpfabroa (class '61)

(Note: For an expanded and detailed info on how to use this site, please CLICK HERE.

This website is absolutely free all SMU alumni around the world. Your information from this website, including your email address, is not made available to anyone. SMUAAT owns the domain and creates the content. We don't carry any advertising.

 
  

 

 
 
 
 
 

 

 



agape