A dinner was held to honor Batch salutatorian Lani Soriano (top inset, 4th from left) and her family’s homecoming in December 2012 in Quezon City. Dinner was followed by cool dessert of ice cream at the famed Magnolia Ice Cream House in its new venue at the Robinson’s Magnolia (photo above) with batch members and extended family.

~ February 2013 ~

In February 2, 2013, a quick lunch get-together in Wilson Street, San Juan City was organized for Ellen Ebbesen (3rd from left, top photo). Ellen, whose younger sister, SJA alumna Jean, passed on a few days before in late January, arrived from Canada where she and her family is based.

A few members from Batch ’82 whom we missed in the previous December 2012 reunion (and many reunions before that) joined the lunch gathering notably Nenette, Florenda and Adelaida. We hope to gather everyone from the two events again soon joined by our other batch mates we haven’t the chance to see in a while.

Annie, Evelyn (right), and a surprise visit from Gilbert Salinas, had a hearty lunch at Greens Restaurant on Sct. Castor in Morato on October 13, 2009. They were joined later by the fourth maria, Rachel.

Gilbert — who is known professionally as Toji Gastrock — is now into couture and runs a shop in Guadalupe, Makati City.

Gilbert was the afternoon’s livewire, telling us stories about hilarious events in high school, especially the boys’ antics and particularly during Mrs. Victoria Gil’s Spanish classes, the “dangling chalk box” incident, or their run-ins with Mr. Javier. Evelyn had her share of class stories, too, many of which Annie missed when she briefly stayed in Baguio City and studied at St. Louis University in our junior year.

We were mostly in tears laughing at how each reenacted the events that we caught the other diners’ attention several times. Our table was the noisiest in the usually sedate and proper Greens dining that we broke the calm and soothing ambience many times.

Gilbert, you know that the meet-up on the 24th won’t be complete without your presence. Else, you suffer the consequence of being the topic of discussion if you don’t make it then.

>> October 24 Update <<

It is likely that the forthcoming get-together will be graced by some members of Batch ’81, led by Luisa Chan, Christina Zafra and Mary Rose Tajanlangit. Regis has requested for the presence of beloved grade school adviser Ms. Evelyn Bulan, too, and has called out to those with her contact to invite her.

We have, so far, set the potluck menu to the following:

Annie is calling out for the following to be considered in our menu:

A videocam is provided at the venue. The directional map and contact details have been emailed by Dante privately.

Please note: Because we look forward to the arrival of members of ’81, it is advised that each one bring a food token allotted for 8 heads per dish instead of the previous 6 heads/dish.

>> HAPPY BIRTHDAYS in October <<

15th – Leo and Baday

17th – Chili

23 – Gilbert

Happy Birthday!

Images courtesy of Annie

An update regarding Mrs. Arin comes from SJAAA-NA President Marcia Budalian-Stephen via the SJA Alumini YahooGroup:

Dear St. Johnites,

I just got off the phone with Mrs. Luz Palis-Arindaeng and she had asked me to relay to all of you her deepest gratitude and thanks for all your prayers and your phone calls to her which lifted her spirit and took away some of her fears and worries over her eye surgery.

Her two hour eye cornea transplant went well and she said her eyesight is much better now even though it is only a week. She has a six months restriction on travelling by plane and while she is worried about the flooding over their property in the Philippines, she has accepted the fact that there is nothing she could do but pray.

Thanks to all of you who made those calls to her. It is amazing how a simple gesture like that have made a world of difference to her. I think that no matter where we are, our deep sentiments and memories of St. John’s will continue to keep us all as One Family!

May you be blessed for the blessings you give to others,
Marcia Bundalian-Stephen
Class 1962

While personal and external calamities form part of our life cycles to test us or challenge our resolve, it is always a step into the light, so to speak, when these are overcome through private prayers, internal strength or the imbibed energy and good will from a support group.

Such has been the case with the recent personal calamities as Lanie’s loss, Evelyn’s recovery, Annie’s recent surgery, Mrs. Latayan’s coping with property damage and Mrs. Arin’s regained sight.

And it does make a world of difference when we know that the bigger membership of the St. John’s Academy family can be depended upon for more than just a helping hand. It makes healing faster and easier and, hopefully, more permanent, and makes the rest of our journeys more meaningful.

Credit for the image above: photomontage by krvilla from images by mikekorn and sundstrom of sxc.hu.