1. FB page: www.facebook.com/CHSAlumniFoundation
FB group: www.facebook.com/groups/chsaf
Table of Contents
1 l Cover Story: HS-65 Rocks!
2 l From your Alumnae Board
3 l Know your CHSAF Board
4 l Adopt-a-ScholarGraduates
5 l CHSAF 2015 Distinguished
AchievementAwardees
6 l All’s Well that Ends…
7 l A Balikbayan Remembers
8 l Musings of a Senior Citizen as a
Sapphire Jubilarian
9 l College DepartmentParticipates
in 2015 Homecoming
10 l 2015 HomecomingPresentation
15 l Dinner Dance
16 l Gallery
17 l Our E-mail Connection
18 l Into Eternal Life, Prayer
Corner, Congratulations
APRIL 2015
HS-65 Rocks!
By: Antonieta Villaraza-Palenzuela (HS-65)
Under the able leadership of class
rep Rosalou Lamson, the 2015
Golden Jubilee celebration can now
be recorded as the defining
standard of cooperation, hard work,
and fellowship-building.
Prior to the Big Day, the contingents
from the US and other territories
started experiencing the real
meaning of the jubilee theme.
There was laughter, renewed love
for each other, and lessons in living
a long and healthy life!
Keeping the Spirit Alive! Golden Girls of HS-65.
The 2015 Live Laugh Love Jubilarian Family. Coral (HS-80), College Jubilarians, Sapphire (HS-70), Platinum(HS-50), Golden (HS-65),
Ruby (HS-75), Emerald (HS-60) and Diamond (HS-55).
The challenges were overwhelming,
but we surmounted them with the
cooperation of the Ruby
JUBILARIANS headed by Gina
Legaspi who brought in the skilled
expertise of Margot Esplana, the ad
solicitations which successfully
generated revenues . . . the list goes
on.
The photos shown here immortalize
the spirit which will be forever
etched in our memory!
2. FROM YOUR ALUMNAE BOARD
2
Message from the CHSAF President
MARIA THERESA ABELEDA-LLAVE (HS-73)
Note: Instead of the usual
"President's Message," Ms.
Llave submitted the gist of her
extemporaneous speech during
the Homecoming Program on
Feb. 1, 2015.
Good afternoon to our distinguished guests, our dear Sisters,
the CHSAF Board of Trustees, the alumnae specially the
jubilarian classes of 2015 and, of course, our families and
friends.
To those who may not know it, the Homecoming is not only
an opportunity to reconnect with classmates but also the
General Assembly of the CHS Alumnae Foundation to which
all CHSM graduates belong.
For the past year, I have had the good fortune as CHSAF
president to work closely with a group of dynamic women
who have consistently shown their commitment and
dedication to the CHSAF Board and to our beloved alma
mater. Allow me a few minutes to introduce the members of
the CHSAF Board – our first vice president, Kate de Jesus-
Bellosillo, our second vice president, Lorraine Young
Sylianteng, Maribel Cabrera, the board secretary, Teresa
Soliman, the assistant secretary, Angie Madrid, Board
treasurer, Jean Fadul Arce, the assistant treasurer, and our
Board members Ging Ong, Viqui Torres-del Rosario, Belle
Tiongco, Tonette Articona-Brion, Daisy Villasis-Montesa, Yola
Manding Albano, Bernie Lazaro, and Baby Miranda Lim.
Joining us today are Sabsy Sy-Palanca, the past CHSAF Board
president, and Grace Songcuya Mascenon, the past CHSAF
vice president. Their counsel and encouragement have been
crucial in all our activities. I would be remiss if I did not
mention the members of our CHSAF Secretariat – Cora Parco,
Rei Icaro, and Benjo Macaso – for their invaluable assistance
to the Board. And lastly, our moderator Sr. Victricia, who, I
have often said, is truly the wind beneath our wings. Her
guidance and advice we will treasure forever.
In previous homecomings, this is the part of the program
where the CHSAF president gives a 30-page annual report –
just kidding ladies. I will not burden you with that. To those
who are interested in the financials and activities of the
Board, please feel free to visit the CHSAF Office to get a
detailed account. You may also approach any of the Board
members if you have concerns.
Today allow me to digress and turn to a more pressing
matter – the status of our beloved alma mater.
Most of you are aware that on Jan. 20, 2015, the SSpS
congregation issued a formal statement on the College of the
Holy Spirit-Manila and it reads: “The College of the Holy Spirit –
Manila has not been sold. However, the SSpS have decided to
move out of CHSM and are in the process of finding the best
option for CHSM and the rest of SSpS mission. There are
negotiations going on with some interested parties, among
which is CHSAF.”
The decision of the SSpS leadership to disengage from CHSM
was first relayed to the CHSAF Board in March of 2014. The
dwindling number of vocations to the religious life has left the
congregation with not enough nuns to run the school. The SSpS
community has also chosen to realign its own vision and
mission. I have been asked why the CHSAF Board did not inform
the alumnae sooner. The answer is simple – we did not have the
authority or the responsibility to do so. We had to wait for the
SSpS leadership to decide when it is best to make the
announcement.
The CHSAF Board is firm in its belief that the continued
existence of CHSM is an opportunity to share the education
mission of the SSpS congregation. Confident that the alumnae
would fully support our decision and acting on good faith, the
CHSAF Board looked into viable options to take over the
administration and management of CHSM. We felt that the
alumnae will support our move to save the school – are we
correct in that assumption? Do you want us to save the school?
Since April 2014, the CHSAF Board has had numerous meetings,
dialogues, and consultations with the CHSM management and
other resource persons. We have had several meetings with a
Technical Panel created by the congregation to review all offers
for the school including the property and infrastructure. A initial
concept proposal was submitted in August, 2014. A detailed
operational plan and financial projections were submitted in
November. At present, we are working tirelessly to formulate an
arrangement that would be acceptable to both the congregation
and the alumnae. We expect the final proposal to be submitted
in its entirety by March at which time, the congregation will
deliberate and make its decision on the fate of CHSM.
Change is coming! As to what that change will be… we don’t
know as yet. That is not in our hands. But we in the Board
remain hopeful. After all, the congregation has expressed their
gratitude for the love and dedication shown by the alumnae for
CHSM. They likewise recognize that the group that can best
carry out the mission of the SSpS congregation is the alumnae.
Let me reassure you that your CHSAF Board has tried its best to
preserve the CHSM education mission – to keep the Spirit alive.
Know that we always, always, have your best interest at heart.
We ask you, dearest alumnae, to continue to pray with us and
for us. Let us all lift our hearts in prayer to the Holy Spirit to
guide and strengthen us.
Thank you.
3. GLADYS HUANG-SO
(HS-67)
Early in life, I learned that
true freedom is following
natural and man-made
laws. The German sisters
were very strict! How did
my CHS education help
me in life? It taught me to
be disciplined and to be excellent in academics.
CHS also taught me “what it means to be a
Catholic.” At UP in college, my years with the
sisters kept me from being swayed to
communism.
Food business was my source of income. Being
a single mom, I put my children’s welfare at the
center of all my activities. I am proud that my
children learned the discipline I know. Both are
successful and have happy families. I believe
that if you love your children, you have to
discipline them and not spoil them. After all,
discipline is a way of life. It’s the morally right
way of life.
In order to succeed in both business and raising
a family, one has to know time management,
be organized, and have the determination to
succeed. For success, one has to have a good
education like what I had in CHS. That is what I
learned, and that is what I showed them.
CARMELITA
NUGUID-ERICTA
(HS-66)
Carmelita obtained her
Bachelor’s and Master’s
degrees in Statistics from
the University of the
Philippines. She served as
CHS Alumnae Foundation
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
2015-2016
PRESIDENT
Maria Theresa
Abeleda-Llave
HS-73
1st VICE PRESIDENT
Kathryn De Jesus-Bellosillo
HS-74
2nd VICE PRESIDENT
Lorraine Young-Sylianteng
HS-73
SECRETARY
Teresa G. Soliman
BSC-72
ASST. SECRETARY
Daisy Villasis-Montesa
HS-68/BSChem-73
TREASURER
Carmelita Nuguid-Ericta
HS-66
ASST. TREASURER
Clara Jean Fadul-Arce
HS-74
BOARD MEMBERS
AntoniettaArticona-Brion
BSChem-67
Gladys Huang-So
HS-67
Yolanda Manding-Albano
HS-68
Ma. Corazon Mendoza-Akol
BSPhys-69
Rosemarie Miranda-Lim
HS-74
Guillermina M. Ong
HS-68/BSC-72
Ma. Almira
Tolosa-Duremdes
HS-71/AB-75
EX-OFFICIO OFFICER
Isabelita Sy-Palanca
HS-68
MODERATOR
Sr. Victricia Pascasio, S.Sp.S.
HS-53/AB-57/BSE-64
Know Your CHSAF Board Members
MA. CORAZON
MENDOZA-AKOL
(BSPhys-69)
My CHS education in the
sciences has made me
think things out logically
and has prepared me to
look for solutions to
problems that I face daily. Looking back at my
training, my CHS education has given me a
holistic approach to life – the physical,
emotional, intellectual, and spiritual
approach, always mindful of the temporary
and mortal aspects of life as well as my soul's
immortality. I always search for Perfection in
this imperfect world. Although it is
unattainable in this world, having this as an
objective results in excellence. As the saying
goes, "If anything is worth doing, then it is
worth doing well."
My children are my crowning glory. I thank
God that they are all God-fearing and
productive citizens of the world.
My strengths, which I hope to contribute to
the success of CHSAF, are my technical
background and management skills – which
really boil down to common sense.
MA. ALMIRA TOLOSA-
DUREMDES
(HS-71/AB-75)
I consider CHS as second
home and, much like home,
my Alma Mater has deeply
influenced who I am in a
quiet, hidden, and humble
way. My 16 years in College of the Holy Spirit –
alongside my happy family life – were the
"Nazareth years" of my spirituality. The daily
morning prayers – offering our lives to Jesus
through Mary, the calling on the Holy Spirit to
lead all that we do and are – have proven to be
cornerstones of my now deeper and purposeful
spiritual life and mission.
The one big motivation in my life is to do God's
will and thus serve my life purpose.
The following are not so much accomplishments,
but are what I consider my deepest gifts and
blessings: First and foremost gift is my family life.
Mission-wise, my 30 years as theology teacher in
Ateneo de Manila University, Assumption College,
Miriam College, and College of the Holy Spirit were
privileged years of accompanying young adults
in their faith journeys. Likewise blessed have
been my 20 years as spiritual director and
retreat facilitator – accompanying people
from all walks of life to deeper healing,
discernment, and spiritual conversion.
I humbly offer to CHSAF whatever wisdom I
have received through my 60 years of life, 38
years of marriage, 30 years as educator, and
20 years as psycho-spiritual formator.
Administrator of the National Statistics Office
and Civil Registrar General. Under her
stewardship, the NSO has developed into a
customer-oriented, relevant, and efficient
government agency. The biggest reward for
Carmelita, first and foremost, “…is the
satisfaction of having served God and the
people well.”
3
4. Maria Katrina H. Lagrosa
ABCA
Magna cum Laude
Benefactor:
HS-75, 76, 77 c/o Swatch
Project w/ HS-68, 72,
73,74,78,79,81
Natasha Kate A. Cadiz
ABCA
Magna cum Laude
Benefactor:
HS-64 shared w/ HS-66
Maria Kristine A. Arevalo
BSE RVE
Benefactor:
Lorraine Sylianteng (HS-73)
Alexandra Regilyne M.
Romero
BSMT
Benefactor:
Yola Albano/Ging Ong
(HS-68)
Abigail Semein J. Arboleda
BSID
Cum Laude
Benefactor:
HS-75, 76, 77 c/o Swatch Project
w/ HS-68, 72, 73,74,78,79,81
Julielle Alyka J. Jarin
BSHRM
With Distinction
Benefactor:
HS-49 shared w/ HS-69
Eleazar D. Ang
BSPT
Benefactor:
Backy Bacaresa/
Berna Lomotan
(HS-68)
Mary Faith G. Santos
BSID
Benefactor:
HS-64 – In memory of
Blesilda O. Buencamino
Lynz Zyryll Germono
BSHRM
Benefactor:
HS-67, Phil. based
Armina Mae S. Boral
BS PSYCH
Benefactor:
HS-72
Madeliene O. Quintos
BSID
Benefactor:
Cecilia Lorenzana-Ozaeta
(HS-58) shared w/
Rebecca Sacdalan (HS-63)
Trisha Andrea S. Dizon
High School
8th Place
Benefactor:
CHSAF
Crisamei Masigla
High School
6th Place
Benefactor:
HS-55
CHSAF Adopt-a-Scholar
Graduates
CHSAF SCHOLARS ON THE DEAN’S LIST
FOR THE FIRST SEMESTERSY 2014-2015
Name Benefactor/Honoree
THREE STAR HONORS:
1. Vergara, Aloha L. BS Chem-63
2. Gagaoin, Ma. Leah CHSNAF Southwest
Agnes C. Chapter
TWO STAR HONORS:
3. Antonio, Avigale S. Sheila Coronel (HS-75)
4. Gonzales, Camille SGV shared w/
Landbank and various
donors
5. Bautista, Janelle HS-75,76, 77 c/o
Kristin Swatch Project
w/ HS-68, 72, 73, 74,
78,79,81
6.Balbuena, Kimberly ElizabethKing (HS-70)
May P.
7. Cristobal, Renzo GloriaOcampo-Reyes
(HS-64)
8.Villadiego,Claudine Darlene Exconde
(HS-68)-in memory of
Alicia Exconde
9.Polistico,Jessie Ann HS-67 c/o CHSNAF
10. Jarin, Julielle HS-49 shared w/
Alyka J. HS-69
11. Lamigo, Candice HS-57
Eula T.
12. Cadiz, Natasha HS-64 shared w/
Kate A. HS-66
13.Garchitorena, ElviraAblaza
Haley Nicole P. (BSBio-72)
14. Lagrosa, Maria HS-75, 76, 77 c/o
Katrina H. Swatch Project w/
HS-68, 72, 73, 74,
78,79, 81
ONE STAR HONORS:
15.Quintos, Cecilia Lorenzana-
Madeliene O. Ozaeta (HS-58)
shared w/Rebecca
Sacdalan (HS-63)
16.Bernal, Ma. Anna HS-65 Phil-based
Kryzelle L.
17.Tan, Mari Leonarda Camacho
Margarette C. (HS-48)
18. Arboleda, Abigail HS-75,76, 77 c/o
Semein J. Swatch Project w/
HS-68,72, 73 ,74,
78, 79, 81
19.Santiago, Rochelle EllenYoung-Gomez
Bernardine (HS-68)
20. Estrecho, Rafa CHSNAF Pacific
Nicole V. Northwest Chapter
21. Alapide, Khristyne CHSAF
22. Lontoc, Angela HS-75, 76, 77 c/o
Lorraine D. Swatch Project w/
HS-68, 72, 73, 74,
78,79,81
23.Marcelo, Gerrimi Teresita Herbosa
Nichelle N. (HS-68)
4
5. 5
CHSAF 2015 Distinguished Achievement Awardees
Fe Enrile-Bacsal, M.D. HS-64, Valedictorian
Fe finished her B.S. Pre-Med, magna cum
laude, from the University of the East and
completed her medical course at the
University of the Philippines in 1972 with
postdoctoral training at the UP-PGH and
Fellowship in EEG/Epilepsy at the University of California, LA.
Aside from lecturing in conferences and fora, she has held
various academic and executive positions in professional
organizations including President of the Philippine Neurological
Association (PNA) in 1992 and Chair, Epilepsy Council of the
PNA in 1996. Fe is currently Chief of the Neurology Section and
Head, Electroencephalography Laboratory of the Chinese
General Hospital.
Fe continues to be active in the advocacy of raising awareness
and understanding of epilepsy with the end of removing the
stigma on people with this disorder.
Ditas Christina D. Decena, M.D. HS-72
A cum laude graduate in Psychology in UST
in 1976, Ditas completed Medicine in 1980
and began her practice of Obstetrics at the
UST Hospital. She became known as the
“doctora of young Catholic families.”
She has authored and co-authored numerous books, teaching
aids, and scientific papers on Obstetrics. She has also delivered
lectures in national and international conferences and
postgraduate courses.
Ditas is a Fellow of the Philippine Obstetrical and
Gynecological Society since 1990 and was recently elected
President of the society.
Luz Sison-Fonacier, M.D. HS-69
From CHSM High School, Luz enrolled at the
University of the Philippines College of
Medicine and graduated cum laude. Her
specialization is in allergy and immunology.
She is a professor of Clinical Medicine, State
University of New York at Stony Brook, and Head of the Allergy
& Training Program of the Winthrop University Hospital.
Luz did research and wrote original articles on allergy and
immunology. Her many honors include the Most Outstanding
Educator Overseas award given by the UP Medical Alumni
Society in 2003. As a tribute to her dedication in advancing her
specialty, Luz received in 2009 the Women in Allergy Award
from the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
(ACAAI). At present she is Chair of the Asia Pacific Region of
the International Committee of the ACAAI.
Ma. Imelda Ramirez-Ostrea
HS-55, Honorable Mention / BSChem-59,Magna cumLaude
Imelda earned her M.S. Chemistry from
Fordham University, U.S.A. As a registered
Chemist, she practiced her profession in
various institutions and in different capacities.
She set up the Quality Management System in
the family-owned Ostrea Mineral Laboratories Inc. that enabled
the testing laboratory to meet the requirements of ISO/IEC
Laboratory Guide 25 on Dec. 22, 1997 and get accreditation
renewal. She was recognized by the Bureau of Product
Standards and the Dept. of Trade and Industry for her
contribution to the development of Philippine National
Standards that upgraded the quality of locally manufactured
products and protected consumers.
Ma. Elena Medina-Ruiz AB/BSC-70
Marilen worked in the banking industry for
36 years, starting in 1971 and ending in
2007. Her last position was Vice President,
Wealth Management Group of HSBC. She
is currently a trustee of the Center for
Agriculture and Rural Development, a microfinance institution
that aims to help the poor without access to bank services.
She is an active member of the Bankers Institute of the
Philippines (BAIPHIL). BAIPHIL conferred the Associate Life
Membership on Marilen in recognition of her exemplary
leadership and distinguished career in banking characterized
by sound direction, integrity, strength of character, and
mature judgment.
Marilen designed and implemented the Proper Solid Waste
Management System in her own barangay, showing her sense
of community service. This system is being replicated in other
barangays and offices.
Her list of achievements is capped by the 2014 Gawad Ulirang
Ina award given to her by Quezon City.
Maria Gildegarda Alandy
Dadia-Torres HS-78/BSFN-82
Professionally, Arlene wore two hats. As a
Board-certified Dietician, she served at a
sub-acute rehabilitation center and a
hospital and later as a clinical assistant
doing diet assessment for patients. She
distinguished herself in taking care of the health and food
requirements of the patients in these facilities. However, she
recognized a growing need in the USA for more locally
educated nurses in the health industry and nurses for the aging
population. She took and passed the licensing exam and
became a Board-certified Medical-Surgical Nurse and Nurse in
Gerontology. As a Medical-Surgical Nurse, Arlene specializes in
Women’s Health. As a Gerontology Nurse, she has become
“more knowledgeable and sensitive to better care of our
Geriatric population.”
6. FEATURE
6
All’s Well that Ends…
(An Open Letter to Our Diamond Jubilarians)
Dear HS-55 Classmates,
As with all good things, this wonderful event too had to end …
too soon, many of us thought … because the events just flew
by. The wonder of it is that it was such a success, despite
misgivings, unforeseen problems, doubts, non-appearances,
accidents, and the one hundred and one unexpected glitches
that will afflict women over seventy to upset their plans.
Pilar Guerrero’s Assessment: “…In my last letter to you I was
voicing out my misgivings. The dancers, of all people, were not
dancers at all but like true troupers, we had to make do.…
Would you believe that we were only eight dancers?
Sometimes six. Sometimes four. In the end even the
choreographer had to dance with us...kasi kulang. Kakaiyak! ...
Then our lead dancer met an accident and she had to beg off;
oftentimes one or two dancers would be absent, but we went
doggedly on. Nagkakasakit na kami, isa isa … but we kept on
dancing...all for Class ‘55. They asked for pictures, we had
pictures. They asked for video, we had video. They asked us to
dance, we danced. When you said in your last message ‘Happy
Diamond Jubilee to us,’ I felt it was an appeal to God not to
abandon us. And we survived, didn’t we? … A crisis usually
brings out the best in people, and I saw that. As I always say:
All’s well that ends well. Thanks be to God!”
On such a note, I feel that the broadcast that I send out today
must be a broadcast of thanks. Thank you to each and every
one who was there … your presence made this event a
success; but, even more, to those whose loving extra efforts
made it a truly beautiful event that I am sure we will
remember for the rest of our lives:
Thank you for those who contributed generously to our
finances (and our morale) … by reaching deep into their
pockets and sponsoring pages in the souvenir program for our
class, soliciting ads that supplemented our class fund (so we
could help yet another scholar), for the lunches, the out-of-
town trips made possible, the cookies and yummy chocolates
to munch on, the printed prayers and, specially, the precious
warmth of your company. We have been friends for a long
time … sixty years has been a long journey; now we know …
we will be
friends
forever.
But we
missed all
those who
could not/
would not
come. We
wish all of
you were
there.
Thank you to Eleanore for the extravagant lunch at the Escolta
Room of the Manila Peninsula … where we gathered as a big
group for the first time. We had not seen Zeny Gomez since
graduation … and Ut had not been around for too many years.
But not much had changed … Zeny was as quiet as she was in
Miss Malacaman’s classes and Ut …what can we say … she
greeted us all with her favorite Spanish expletive and
begged…”Tell me already who you are!!!” It did not matter
that we were not all recognized and eventually had to identify
ourselves … one thing was clear … once upon a time we were
in one another’s lives …what a joy to see you again and to
have you in my life once more! But of course the noise from
all that joy reached all the way to the lobby of that staid hotel,
making people, with their noses in the air wonder …??? It was
not something we should have been proud of …but we just
could not wipe off the smiles from our faces
Thank you to the balikbayans who came, who re-arranged
schedules, left loved ones, stayed in hotels, took those very
tiring trips that felt like forever … just to be with us – Charito
Macapinlac, Guading Bengzon, Nelly Ribargoso, Cheri Zita,
Mayenne Alonzo, Zeny Gomez, Lily Noche, Patsy Alvir,
Lourdes Papa (who is really only half a balikbayan), Eleanore
Carrillo, and Ut Vazquez.
And then,
Homecoming
Day! Thank
you to Olive
Tang who
sponsored
the lunch for
the whole
class … not
the pack
lunch affair
that we expected, but a real classy catered affair (formal
tables, fabric napkins, the works!)… prepared specially for the
Diamond ladies!
Continued to page 7
7. 7
Thank you too to Eppie Mallari and Sylvia Fernandez … the
out-of-town trips to Eppie’s farm in Alfonso, Cavite and
Sylvia’s lovely home in Liliw, Laguna were special treats. The
food was too good and the company was exceptional. The
candid sharing of life stories during lunch made sure that we
were all safely and happily in one another’s lives once again.
The memories made on those days will always be as precious
as diamonds!
I must make special mention and express our special gratitude
to the little group that dared to be our class dancers, our
program participants – Sylvia Fernandez, Remy Ticzon, Pilar
Guerrero, Beth Lorenzana, Chuchi Ramirez, Marissa Valeriano,
Lourdes Zagala, and Tesi Ollada. Pilar was right … they were
troupers! They braved countless rehearsal days, ruined
personal schedules, made back-and- forth trips to Mendiola in
traffic, in rain, with rising blood pressures, etc. In the end,
their spirit pulled through, and they really saved the day for
us. And all “for Class ‘55”! Please know that Class ‘55 is deeply
grateful.
…continued from page 6
ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS… A Balikbayan Remembers
By: Melissa Fajardo-Unidad (HS-75/ BSChem-79)
Homecomings are the most
awaited moments for me.
I look forward to meeting
friends and BFF’s. Although I
constantly see their posts on
Facebook and get messages
thru Viber, it is a totally different
experience to see friends in
person. I treasure the warm welcome,
the big hugs, the dance nights, and
the endless food and laughter.
All homecomings are special, though this one was particularly
special. The theme of the program made me reminisce about
the past. Or maybe it was just being in the auditorium that
made me nostalgic. Our batch presentation was fantastic. Our
costume was great, it really reflected who were in high
school. It never really felt that we have aged, we felt forever
young.
I have been 15 years out of the country and never missed any
homecoming event. To be in the midst of mischievous friends
who have now become confidently accomplished and still
funny is happiness that rejuvenates the body and soul. More
power to all of us! Let us keep the Spirit alive – forever!!!
WE, the Alumnae Editorial Board
Ma. Victoria B. Anastacio (HS-63/AB-67)
VictoriaTorres-delRosario (HS-77)
Remedios “Tita” Dizon (HS-63)
Riziel Fajutag-Icaro (AB-11)
Virginia P. Macaso (BSChem-63)
MariaCorazon B. Parco (AB-63/BSE-64)
Sr. Victricia Pascasio,S.Sp.S. (HS-53/AB-57/BSE-64)
Ma. Belen Elvira S. Tiongco (HS-77)
LorraineYoung-Sylianteng (HS-73)
Email address:
we.thealumnae@gmail.com
So, did we
have a
wonderfully
successful
event? Ut
wrote: “…I
can't thank
you enough
for
encouraging
me to join
our
Diamond Jubilee celebrations! … I was so happy to see
everybody again…!” I guess that’s the answer right there.
Best regards,
Roxane
Mendoza-Belardo (HS-55/AB-58/BSE-59)
8. 8
Musings of a Senior Citizen as a
Sapphire Jubilarian
By: Myra May Saba-Lapus (HS-70)
Victor Hugo said, “Forty is the old age of youth; fifty the
youth of old age.” Sweet Sixties for me is seasoned
youthfulness, a reason perhaps why reunions are savored
more, why interactions with people are more enjoyable.
Such was the experience of my 2015 Sapphire Jubilee
Homecoming.
In CHSM’s 2015 Jubilee Homecoming held in February, the
theme “Live, Laugh and Love” would likely resonate as a
dictum of the wise often associated with reaching the
senior citizenship years upon the younger generations.
George Bernard Shaw said, “You don’t stop laughing when
you grow old, you grow old when you stop laughing.” With
six of the eight Jubilarian groups comprised of senior
citizens, our meetings in the Steering Committee were
relaxed but productive. In spite of slow recall, short
attention span, and protests of inability to commit more,
love clearly moved us to harness our resources as a team.
Ads solicited for the Souvenir Program to cover
homecoming expenses produced a surplus that will serve as
seed money for the next Golden Jubilarian Homecoming
which our HS-70 will host. Our relationships nourished with
laughter and love ensured a happy celebration for all. This
is what life should be about.
Our Sapphire Jubilarian Board of Officers wasted no time in
appealing to our class members to rise to the challenge of
performing in the program while our knees are still strong
and we can still sway our hips. After all, during our Ruby
Jubilee Homecoming, our performers ”rocked “ in their
energy-packed gyrations of the samba and Latino dances.
The folder I opened “CHSM 2015 Jubilee Homecoming,“ not
just on Facebook (FB) but in my mind and heart has been
filled with a variety of experiences, some captured digitally,
of all the loving, living, and laughing with classmates and
friends from my class and other Jubilarian groups. With our
mind on our Alma Mater’s interests, survival, and success,
we wanted to hand over a legacy to society through our
Scholarship program. Planning a milestone event in the
history of our beloved Alma Mater is a meaningful journey,
not so much to growing old, but to growing up. With much
sentimentality,I can re-label that folder as “Coming Home.”
Movies about homecomings show characters dreading what
to expect from reconnecting with high school classmates.
We had our share of challenges in dealing with classmates
who caused us to stretch ourselves to accept and love them.
We have had to crawl and take baby steps to make some
classmates transcend trivialities and pettiness, to pursue
dialogue instead of gossip, and to give forgiveness a chance. I
smile, recalling our success in connecting with long-missed
classmates stirred to nostalgia with our FB posts and
FEATURE
Throwback Thursday pictures. I smile when I see how
promptly we responded to those in need with prayers
and the appropriate action. I laughed when I was called
by my entire name – I was last called "Myra May” in
high school. I will fondly hold in my memory the faces
of my classmates, particularly my team mates in the
Sapphire Board.
“Cherished is the word to describe all the feelings I
have inside” as the song goes. Homecomings should be
about coming home because one is at home with
oneself. It is for us to help others feel at home with us
when we help them to be at home with themselves.
Reviewing the steps to make Margot and ourselves proud of ourselves. In the photo
are: Myra Saba-Lapus, Josefina Plaza, Ma. Luisa Dadia, Dolores Miraflor-Gonzalez
and Carina Cabrera-Vasquez
Sapphire Board connects with and welcomes long lost classmate in a chance encounter.
In the photo are: Myra Saba-Lapus, Josefina Plaza, Carina Cabrera-Vasquez, Dolores Miraflor-
Gonzalez, Beth Leyba-Legarda, and Stella Lantin-Diaz
9. College Department Participates in Homecoming!
I got connected to some classmates who introduced me to our
e-group, the Commerce Workshop, and that started my
journey back to my dear Alma Mater 41 years after I
graduated from College.
This year, 2015, at the February 1 Alumni Homecoming, we
College graduates reached a milestone. We were invited by
the High School Jubilarians to join the Homecoming
program.
We eleven alumnae had a blast! Gliding in our long fancy
gowns, we danced with gusto as we swayed and cha-cha'd to
the tune of "Lassa Perfume." We were instructed by our
director/choreographer to wear our very best smiles on stage,
and to project graceful confidence. We obediently did, but
little did the audience know that beneath the sweet smiles
and aplomb were pounding hearts. With clammy hands
combined with senior moments and panic attacks, we danced
on, but still with beautiful smiles pasted on our faces. And it
worked! After the show, friends came to us, congratulating
us for a great, stunning (their words) and very entertaining
performance! Shocked as we were at the wonderful feedback,
it warmed our hearts no end.
But equally important to mention in regards to this
homecoming participation by the College Department are two
things:
1. Our participation in the program resulted in camaraderie
that we now treasure. In the short time that we met,
attended our solo practices, and later on practiced with the
whole Jubilarian group, we created a natural sisterhood
bonding though we came from different departments and
years. We have since met after the homecoming and
promised to keep in touch often. We hope that more College
alumnae will attend next year's homecoming and gamely
participate too in the entertainment program.
The "icy" relationship between the High School alumnae and
the College alumnae has slowly begun to thaw. It’s no secret
that in the past the High School alumnae have always had the
upper hand in Homecomings. In fact, it had always been
totally their show. It had come to the point that College alums
felt they were just being relegated to staying under the mango
trees of the campus. There were moves in the past to include
the College Dept. but these efforts failed. Now, thanks to the
persistent efforts of the 2015 Homecoming's leadership who
All my College days were spent as an
intern in CHSM. As such, I spent almost
all my waking and sleeping hours within
the walls of the school. I felt safe under
its watchful, loving eyes. In short, my
school and I were the bestest of friends.
But alas, after finishing college as a BS
Commerce graduate in 1972, and having
tasted freedom, I soon relegated my
"bestest friend" to the background until
our ties were eventually severed.
Fast forward to 2013 – the CHSM
Centennial. Spirit ablaze! Everyone was
afire, searching, contacting, and
connecting with past College classmates.
College Participants are Amparo Garlit-David (HS-62/ASS64), Corazon Ylagan-Evangelista (AB-63), Cynthia Villarosa-
Subijano (BSC-66) , Roselle del Rosario-Rebano (BSC-67), Ma. Elena Medina-Ruiz (AB/BSC-70), Esther Go Bio-Ang
(AB/BSC-70), Dulce Corazon Varela-Guevarra (BSHE-63), Deanna Go Bio (AB-58/BSC-59), Ma. Carmen Cosgayon-de
Arellano (HS-62/ASS-64), Milagros Chipeco-Ladrido (HS-63/BSC-67) and Teresa G. Soliman (BSC-72)v
9
emphasized that we are one big family, the College
Dept. has formally participated in and hopefully will
continue to in an annual capacity.
2. We wish to thank the Commerce Workshop
leadership for initiating a sponsorship project among
select College alumnae to finance the expenses
corollary to the participation of the College
Department in the Homecoming entertainment
program. And we wish to thank all the College
alumnae who generously contributed. May you be
blessed more.
With the blessing of the Holy Spirit, may 2015 be the
beautiful start of a new alliance for our yearly
Alumni Homecomings at CHS Manila.
Roselle del Rosario-Rebano (BSC-67), Teresa G. Soliman (BSC-72), Deanna Go Bio
(AB-58/BSC-59) and Cynthia Villarosa-Subijano(BSC-66) owned the stage.
10. 10
Presentation of the HS-65 Golden Girls was a
fashion evolution of the 60's era
What spiced up each jubilarian presentation
was the comic spiels of Nanette Inventor
Opening Remarks by Co-
Chairperson Toni Villaraza-
Palenzuela
Mike Aguila serenades the 2015
CHSAF Awardees and Board Members
Rosalou Soriano-Lamson,as over all
chairpersonand coordinator, receives a
bouquet of flowers, as a token of
appreciation from the jubilarian family!
All smiles after the program presentation -- all those will be wonderful memories forever etched in our hearts....
L-R Purisima Concepcion-Canlas, Ging Coruna-Pascual, Deenette Villareal-Aguila, Pilar Araneta Cabildo,
Marlene Tigno-Magsaysay, Lulu Maceda-de los Santos, Eloisa Siongco-Vila, Rita Alonzo-Conquilla, Becky Zeta-
Domingo, Rosalou Soriano-Lamson,Teresita Centeno-Mejillano, and Corit Fernandez-Noble.
2015
Homecoming
Presentation
15. 15
Dinner Dance
As a show of support, even husbands gave
time to watch their wives’ Golden Jubilee
celebration. With Vicky Jose Cuisia, Naty de
la Fuente King, Ambassador Joey Cuisia and
Rosalou Soriano-Lamson.
The Rebirth Band
Sister Bernadette, the dancing nun, with a
dance instructor. Last of the Mohicans Sapphire group celebrates in dinner dance
in support of CHSAF scholarship program.
Taking a breather... Marylou Fernandez De La Cruz,
Josen Bacareza-Fernandez, Rosalou Soriano-Lamson, Corit Fernandez-
Noble,Esther Jose-Capistrano, and Elena Palenzuela-Mier.
HS-75 at the Homecoming Dinner Dance.
Sitting L-R: Bong Cabrera, Menchu Martinez Que, Connie Fernando-
Jayme. Standing L-R: Chili Zavala-Pefianco and Melissa Fajardo-
Unidad
The night was young.... and everybody gyrated to
the music of the 60’s. The Dinner dance was
hosted by the CHS Alumnae Foundation.
16. Alumnae who attended the Recollection on January 24, 2015 led by Fr. Peter
Coching, SVD as speaker.
New CHSAF Board Members being inducted into office.
(L-R): Amy Tolosa-Duremdes, Maricor Mendoza-Akol, Bobby
Nuguid-Ericta, Gladys Huang-So and Tess Abeleda-Llave.
HS-75 Steering Committee in one of the meetings for the
preparations for Feb.1, 2015 Homecoming. L-R: Mitos Formoso-
Camahort, Beth Nasol, Menchu Martinez-Que, Connie Fernando-
Jayme and Bong CabreraHS-50 at Emerald Garden. In the photo are: Inday Escolin-Disini, Winnie
Powell-Mueller, Maribel Guevarra (from Spain), Leticia Tubangi-Sala and
standing, Mita Chioco-Ampil, Teresita Kaluag-Mathay, Henrietta Bautista-
Lucena (USA), Luningning Abad-Francisco, Norma Mallari-Feria, Josephine
Idelfonso-Matramba, Lydia Tansinsin, and Amelia Capistrano-Barrios.
Fred Victor – Helping People Find
Place & Purpose
Written by: Dagmar Schroeder, Director of Fundraising
On Thursday Dec. 4, three charming and kind-hearted
women arrived at Fred Victor’s Administration Offices.
They were carrying bags of hygiene products for our men
and women, and a cheque for $500. (Here’s our Dagmar
Schroeder (left) accepting the cheque from the three
lovelywomen.)
As alumni of a school half a world away in the Philippines
– the College of the Holy Spirit – they have formed a
Canadian Chapter for their Foundation. They join
together to fundraise for great causes here and in the
Philippines. This year marks their 10th anniversary in
Canada.
Congratulations and thank you so much for including Fred
Victor in your wide embrace.
Landbank President
and CEO Gilda Pico
joins the roster of
the country’s finest
business leaders as
conferred by the
Asia Pacific
Entrepreneurship
Awards (APEA)
held in Dusit Thani
Hotel, Manila last
November 3, 2014
for outstanding
leaders who have
greatly contributed
to the growth of
their respective
businesses and
organizations.
Bonding
with college
friends:
(L-R): Eden
Orosa-
Kelemen,
Edna
Zapanta-
Manlapaz,
Myrna
Santiago-
Urquico and
Cora Parco
GALLERY
16
17. (Ed.’s Note — This section contains messages/information
receivedthrough our e-mail address: chsaf.mla@gmail.com)
From: Sister Maria Lourdes Mendiola, S.Sp.S. (HS-55), School
of the Holy Spirit, Quezon City, March 11/15
I had a chance to visit Miss Honorata Muyot in the Carmelite
Convent in Sta. Cruz, Laguna, where she now lives. She turned
92 last January 9, is looking good and is still strong. She was
our teacher in the elementary, remember? … and, of course,
later, our Registrar for many years.
From: Ma. Luisa Echevarria-Wallenstein (HS-65/BSC-69),
New York, New York, Dec. 17/14
Prayer from a Golden Jubilarian:
O Holy Spirit, we claim our inheritance as Your Favored
Students. Thank You for guiding our parents, guardians,
decision-makers to bring us to the School that bears Your
Name. Indeed, it is part of Abba's Perfect Plan in our
lives. Although we started there many many years ago,
some of us have been late in blooming in the Spirit; however,
there are also those of us who have been born again, live
Spirit-led lives, and live this life to love, to laugh at our
calamities because we know that greater is He who is in us
than he who is out there in the world, and no weapon
formed against us shall prosper!
As we draw near to celebrating with jubilation what we know
as our time to turn gold, we now thank you in advance for
grace to live life in love, to enjoy Provisions and Mercy,
Peace, and Joy according to Your riches in glory.
Give us the discernment through Your Wisdom imbued in us,
to be sensitive to each other, to be ever ready to buddy each
other in the spirit, to do and receive fraternal correction, to
never be caught in the gripping hold of condemnation, to
always focus on You, Your Grace, Your Mercy that endures
forever.
One day, Lord, let us all look at each other and say: “Anak ka
ng Diyos, ano?” And our confident answer shall be: “Oo.
Obvious ba?” And the reply we want to hear is: “Siempre!
Kamukhang-kamukha ka ng Ama mo!”
In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.
******
Be part of our E-Mail Connection… send your comments,
news, messages from/to classmates and teachers to
chsaf.mla@gmail.com
I am sending you these pictures so
that those who still remember can
pray for her and might even want to
visit her. She will be so glad to see
them all.
With me during the
very pleasant visit were:
from left to
right: Gloria Garcia,
former secretary to the CHSM President, Ms. Muyot, Sr. Ma.
Lourdes Hoquis, S.Sp.S., a young S.Sp.S. sister, presently
assigned to our Retreat House here in QC, and Corazon Geroy,
former staff member at the Guidance Office.
******
From: Mary Gonzalez-Goolsby (HS-55), Makati City, March
19/15:
It is the feast of St. Joseph, March 19, 2015 and, since St.
Joseph took care of Jesus and Mary, he will also take care of us,
since he is our protector and guide and Patron of the Universal
Church. … We are moving towards holy Week then
Resurrection / Easter Sunday – the Greatest Love Story! It is
said that it is enough to remember, respond, and live out only
eleven words of Holy Scripture: “For God so loved the world,
He gave His only Son…”
We journey with Jesus and Mary, and we keep quiet, to listen
and to ponder this Lent. We burst and rejoice, renewed
Christians on Eastern Sunday – new life for all of us classmates
with the gift of bonus years to serve the Lord in our families
and communities. A blessed Easter, Alleluia! Dear classmates
praise and thank God!
Our E-mail Connection
MEMBERSHIPRENEWALFORM
I would like to renew my active membership to the CHS Alumnae
Foundation.Enclosed is my payment (cash/check)as follows:
_______P500.00/US$12.00(One-yearmembership)
_______P1,000.00/US$24.00(Two-yearmembership)
Name: _________________________________________
Address: _______________________________________
Tel. No. ________________________________________
E-Mail Address: __________________________________
Note:Pls. make your checks payable to: CHS ALUMNAE FOUNDATION,INC.
and mail c/o The Alumnae Office, 163 E. Mendiola, Manila.
Please be reminded that Lifetime or Perpetual Membership has been
cancelled since the mid-2000s. Our membership dues help sustain the CHSAF
officeoperationsandprojects. Thankyou.
17
18. Into Eternal Life
Through our "Alumnae Prayer Community," let all of us,
alumnae-sisters, pause for a minute and storm heaven with our
prayers for:
- George Kawachi III, who was operated on at the Medical
City last month; he is the son of Alice Lorenzo-Kawachi (HS-
55);
- the full recovery of Ma. Corazon R. Dangalio (HS-56/BSE-
60) who recently suffered a fracture of the knee;
- the return to health of Ramon F. Atienza, husband of
Carmen Costa-Atienza (HS-55);
- Fe Mendiola-Gutierrez(HS-48), a cancer survivor whose
cancer has recurred; she is based in Virginia where she lives
with her children.
Send us your prayer requests and let our "Alumnae Prayer
Community" gather through this section in His name for you.
Call Cora at Tel. No. 735-5986 or e-mail us at
chsaf.mla@gmail.com
Congratulations to…
18
• Gilda Elepano-Pico (BSC-66) who received at the Dusit Thani
Hotel, Manila last November 2014, the APEA (Asia Pacific
Entrepreneuship Awards) Outstanding Category Award, Asia’s
most coveted award for entrepreneurs, conferred on
outstanding leaders “who have greatly contributed to the
growth of their respective businesses and organizations.” Gilda,
currently the president of Landbank, Inc., was cited for steering
Landbank’s continual growth in the areas of developmental
banking, branch/ATM network expansion, and the adoption of
technological solutions for operations support, effectively
aligning them with global standards.
Our alumnae who successfully passed the recent board exams:
• the Licensure Examination for Nurses, held last November
2014 – BSN-14 graduates, Ma. Kathryn B. Carera, Emyrein L.
Espina, Mary Joyce M. Lagamia, Grison E. Neri, and Willane
Ghee D.F. Perez; and Angeline D.R. Santos (BSN-11), Celine
Monica C. Tantoco (BSN-12), and Jenivieve A. Garzo (BSN-13);
• the Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers
(Secondary Education) of January 2014 – Gina Gloria Galicto-
Bernabe (BSBio-91), and BSE-13 graduates, Julianne Arielle S.
Jabinal, and Zharmaine E. Katipunan; and of August 2014 –
Camille Villasis-Amador (AB-02), Ma. Chezka Ciara Abando-
Aromin (AB-03), Dolores Concepcion-Bauto (BSHRM-97), Sandra
Buncan-Caballero (AB-00), Martha Silva-Castro, Arlen Moises-
Lagman (AB-99), Sister Medylyn C. Masajo, S.Sp.S. (BSE-14),
Elena Peregrino-Miranda (AB-93), Maribel H. Nacion (BSE-05),
and Estrella Louie A. Parulan (BSC-96);
• the Licensure Examination for Psychometricians – Ian Kevin
B. Tubelleja (BSPsy-14); and
• the Licensure Examination for Interior Designers – Wilson S.
Chua (BSID-14), Marivi L. Co (BSID-03), Pauline Nicole G. Cruz
(BSID-11), and BSID-13 graduates, Neil Vincent A. Escarez and
Victoria Alyana Yaokana.
• the Graduates of 2015, our new alumni.Prayer Corner
Jan. 11 - Leonardo de Jesus, husband of Florita Cayanan-de
Jesus (BSChem-59);
Feb. 02 - Florence Eng Chu Siy-Cu (HS-53);
Feb. 06 - Rosa Lai-Figueroa (HS-50);
Feb. 09 – Julia A. Iturralde (HS-48/AB-51/BSE-52), well-loved
member of the faculty of CHSM and, later, Dean of the
English department, whose teaching career spanned over
four decades from the fifties to the early nineties; sister of
Sister Encarnacion (Aurora), S.Sp.S. (d), HS-39/AB-42/
BSE-47) and Ma. Luz (d), HS-42/ETC-48/BSE-51. Julia was
the last of the Iturralde sisters who devoted their lives
completely to CHSM.
Feb. 18 - Leticia Pereras-Cabrera (AB-60/BSE-61), mother of
Patricia Barbara Ann Cabrera (AB/BSC-86);
Mar. - Ermelinda Goco-Rustia (HS-40);
Mar. - Eddie Chou, brother of Susan C. Allender (HS-
65/AB/BSE-70) and Denise (HS-68/BSE-72);
Mar. 01 - Manuel P. Regis, husband of Natividad Alcaraz-Regis
(HS-62);
Mar. 01 - Amelia Rius-LeMire (HS-59/AM-62/BM-64);
Mar. 06 - Rosario Flores-Talon (BSC-63);
Mar. 13 - Renato U. Lorenzana, brother of Deanna L. Gregorio
(d), HS-55, Elizabeth L. Diaz (HS-55), and Melinda L, Ortega
(HS-59);
Mar. 17 - Loreto Matias-Tantengco (HS-60);
Mar. 17 – Ma. Zenaida Fajardo-Borromeo (HS-51/AB-55), mother
of Ma. Teresa B. Taleon (HS-77) and Susana Maria B. Silbor
(HS-80); sister of Erlinda Fajardo-Alvano (HS-56/BM-61);
Mar. 21 - Elisa Sanares-Monzon, mother of Guia M. dela Cruz
(BFA-83);
Mar. 23 - Dorothy Young-Lim (HS-53), sister of Diana Y. Tan
Kiang (HS-46), Catherine Y. Lim (HS-47), Elsie Y. Ong
(HS-48), Ellen Y. Dy (d), HS-50, and Ingrid Y. Lim (d), HS-51;
