HIGHLIGHTS OF THE FIRST DEKADA ‘80 GET TOGETHER

(As reported by Ma. Vilma Cruz - Belmonte)

 

After more than twenty-two years, HAU HS Batch 1980 now popularly known as “DEKADA OTSENTA” had its first Get-Together Party on December 28, 2002 (Saturday). It was held at Patio Angeleno, Sunset Subd., Angeles City. The registration started at about ten o'clock in the morning. Due to so much excitement, the program started late at almost noontime. Bro Gerardo 'Gerry' Garcia led the Invocation while the Blessing of the Meal was led by Bro. Ernesto 'Estoy' David (now a Reverend). The Welcome Remarks was rendered by yours truly. The Emcees were Angelito Tuazon and Anita Catacutan-Pine. Meanwhile Fernando 'Deng' Huypungco, Jr. and Maritess Silvestre-Gonzales also assisted in the emceeing.

 

We were fortunate to have three of our former teachers grace the occasion, namely: Mrs. Nelia Catacutan-Ocampo, Mrs. Elvira Calma, and Miss Cecil Yumul.  They joined us in reminiscing our good old high school days while giving inspirational talks at the same time. Israel Nunag and Herminia Talabucon-Orias were called on the spot to share with the batch their memorable high school experiences. There were also old photographs, sports uniforms and other memorabilia which were brought on display.

 

Over lunch, while eating and chatting, we were amused with unforgettable songs from the late 70s to the early 80s. Edgar Vicente D. Ocampo (now a practicing lawyer) presented the Officers and the Board of Directors. Later, one of the best singers of Dekada Otsenta, Marilyn Laquindanum-Nishigaki, serenaded our batchmates with beautiful songs. According to her, wala pa siyang practice noon, pero ang ganda pa rin ng boses niya! Likewise, Lito Tuazon and Anita Catacutan-Pine rendered their respective songs.  Hindi naman nagpahuli ang mga dancers ng Dekada Otsenta, led by Anita Catacutan-Pine, Angelito Tuazon, Divina David-Balingit, Alex Argao, Daisy Arceo, Maritess Silvestre-Gonzales, Edgar Sanchez, Ferdinand 'Deng' Huypungco, Marilou Lobo-Tanhueco, Bro. Gerry Garcia, Jescora-Dayrit, Aurora Banaga-Canda, Nelson (forgot his family name; a member of the Angeles City Fire Department), Joy Gabriel-Soriano and Lorna Narciso-Zabala. I do hope na ala kung akalingwan! I must say that even after twenty two years may ibubuga pa pala ang ating mga dancers! They can still compete with the younger ones. A little later, Philip Torres presented a solo dance number too.

 

There were raffles, parlor games and prizes that were given away (courtesy of Donna Mae Ayson, Angelito Tuazon, Israel Nunag, Arnold Mercado, Rudy Simeon, Alyptus Zingalaoa, and Marilou Lobo). Sylvia Simeon-Campanilla brought two or three big jars of iced-tea. Conrado Santiago, Jr., brought lechon manoks while spouses Angelo Limiac and Delia Lugay brought bananas. There were others who brought in assorted snacks too.

 

Before the party ended, we passed on a box. Pinaikot namin iyon at nakalikom kami ng pandagdag sa pondo ng Dekada Otsenta. The said funds were deposited to our Dekada Otsenta account at PNB, Angeles Branch. It might interest you to know that we do NOT use any of our funds to finance parties, outings or meetings by the officers and organizers.

 

I can say that the very first Dekada Otsenta “Mini-Reunion” was a successful event despite the very short period of preparation. The idea all started in September 2002 through the initiative of Anita Catacutan-Pine, Angelito Tuazon and Maritess Silvestre-Gonzales. Thanks to the convenience of text messaging, we were able to gather about 170 batchmates. Of course, during and after the occasion, there were picture-taking all along. It was quite a feeling to get reacquainted with former high school buddies, boyfriends, girlfriends, and even to be reconciled with former enemies back then. The feeling of nostalgia was great!!!

 

In closing, I would like to take this opportunity to thank my fellow officers, the board members, and all our other batchmates for their continuous support to the cause of Dekada Otsenta. I wish to remind them once again that we cannot do all the work without everyone’s support. I am pleading to every member of Dekada Otsenta that we work as one and as a team. Let us unite together, ilako tamu sana ing inggit at eta mu maging makuwenta king obra. We are very open for suggestions from all our batchmates. Let us hear your feedbacks.

 

BACK TO NEWS & UPDATES