Tel. No. (632) 735-5986

FB page: www.facebook.com/CHSAlumniFoundation

FB group: www.facebook.com/groups/chsaf

OCTOBER 2015

S.Sp.S. and Alumnae, New Mission Partners!

Jesusa M. Marco (HS-71) is the new President of CHSM!

Dr. Marco joins CHSM from the De La Salle University where she held teaching and executive positions, the latest of which was Executive Director of the Human Resources Development and Management Office. Over her two decades with DLSU, she was, among others, Lecturer, Professor, and Associate Vice Chancellor for Research and Learning.

She has an M.A. in Social Science major in Sociology from the De La Salle University, Manila and earned her Ph.D. in Sociology from the Loyola University in Chicago, USA.

With her experience and expertise, Dr. Marco is well-prepared to provide overall leadership in achieving the vision-mission goals of CHSM.

By: Virginia P. Macaso (BSChem-63)

It is official. The S.Sp.S. sisters through Sister Eden Panganiban, Provincial Leader for the Rosary Province, Philippines North, has informed Ms. Maria Theresa Abeleda-Llave, CHSAF President, that the congregation has agreed to partner with the alumnae in the management of the College of the Holy Spirit Manila.

Ms. Llave will share the highlights of this partnership in a meeting with Class Representatives on October 17, 2015 (postponed to October 24, 2015).

CHSM continues to carry on its mission of committing “to help build, through Christian and holistic formation, new generations of responsible citizens who are agents of transformation.” Share in the mission of our Alma Mater. Encourage your relatives and friends to enroll at CHSM.

Our school is now accepting female and male transferees and enrollees in the School of Health Sciences (Nursing,

Medical Technology, Physical Therapy, Respiratory Therapy, and Psychology), School of Business (Hotel and Restaurant Management, Tourism Management, Business Administration major in Business Management with Entrepreneurship, Accountancy), School of Arts and Education (Communication Arts, International Studies, Religious and Values Education/English), School of Fine Arts (Advertising Design, Interior Design, Certificate Course in Digital Arts), and Graduate School (Master of Arts in Business Administration, Master of Arts in Special Education, Master of Arts in Guidance & Counseling, Master of Arts in Tourism and Hospitality Management).

CHSM accepts Nursery and Kindergarten pupils, applications for Grades I, II, III, and Junior High School (Grades 7 to 10). CHSM is ready for Senior High School and is now accepting applications for Grade 11.

CHSM Welcomes

New President

The CHSM Family acknowledges the significant role and contribution of Dr. Felina Co-Young as the school's first lay president. Because of her love for her Alma Mater and her covenant with the Holy Spirit, she accepted the challenge of leadership at a very crucial time in CHSM’s history.

With unwavering commitment and full trust in the Holy Spirit, she worked hard to turn around the school which she successfully did in her four years as president. Maraming, maraming salamat, Felina!

Word of Thanks to Dr. Felina Co-Young

simple woman and in fact, never wore makeup in her entire life… she didn’t really need it because she had always been beautiful. She had impeccable manners and decorum that she had tried endlessly to inculcate in all her children… alas not always successfully. She was a tiny woman, not even 5 feet in height, but what she lacked in physical stature she more than made up for in inner strength. She was very soft spoken, sometimes one had to strain to hear her words. But when she spoke, it became law… no one could mess with her. She was a very private person and, typical of the women of her generation, she seldom spoke of her feelings. She carried herself with grace even through adversities. We didn’t really speak of problems, but she knew when things were troubling me. She would embrace me as I lay beside her on her bed, and that would be enough to strengthen me. No matter how old I get, I still sometimes yearn for her embrace. She passed away when she was 73 years old in 1986. It has been nearly 30 years since her passing, but I still miss her. She is gone, but is still remembered and loved.

I often hear people saying that before the good Lord takes them, they want to leave behind a legacy. They talk of establishing foundations and scholarships or building monuments and schools. While these are admirable, most people do not have the means to accomplish these. For most people like my mother, the legacy they leave behind is imprinted in the hearts of those they touched. This LOVE, to me is the most important legacy of all.

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“I slept and dreamt that life was joy.

I awoke and saw that life was service.

I acted and behold, service was joy.” - Renaissance Indian Rabindranath Tagore

English Oxford Dictionary.com defines a mother as “The female parent of a human being; a woman in relation to a child or children to whom she has given birth; (also, in extended use) a woman who undertakes the responsibilities of a parent towards a child, esp. a stepmother.

The definition of “mother” by no means captures the essence of motherhood. A mother is one who loves unconditionally and places her child’s well-being above her own. The mother is a multi-tasker, possibly taking on roles as nanny, nurse, cook, laundrywoman, janitress, driver, teacher and, in this day and age, provider. Not to mention, she must serve as her children’s number one fan and adviser at the same time. She must also be friend, confidante, peacemaker, and negotiator. A mother’s duty is 24/7, and there are no vacation leaves or sick leaves. There is no expiration date on motherhood. Her children may be old and gray, but she remains their “mama” or “mommy.”

My mother had 12 children, two of whom died in infancy. I was the 11th child so I was born when my mother was already in her late 40s, an age when women would normally be done with childbearing. Most mothers of that time were relegated to the home to care for their spouse and children. My mother was no exception. With 12 children, a menagerie of pets, household helpers, and staff plus the continuous influx of my father’s guests, she had to manage the household with precision. She was a

Message from the CHSAF President Maria Theresa Abeleda-Llave (HS-73)

FROM YOUR ALUMNAE BOARD

CHSAF SCHOLARS Recent Board Passers

ARMINA MAE S. BORAL Registered Psychometrician

Scholar of HS-72

ELEAZAR D. ANG Registered Physical

Therapist Scholar of Backy Bacaresa/

Berna Lomotan (HS-68)

ALEXANDRA REGILYNE M. ROMERO

Registered Medical Technologist

Scholar of Yola Albano/ Ging Ong (HS-68)

Appeal to Sponsors ADOPT-A-SCHOLAR PROJECT

It will be greatly appreciated

if payments of your pledges

are updated.

For inquiries, please call:

Ms. Cora Parco at 735-5986

Let me thank you as a student.

You saw me as someone with great potential. You believed that with right mentoring and character formation, I will develop an appreciation for values such as a good heart, tenacity of spirit, discipline in character, and desire for excellence, and that I will embrace these values and live by them.

Let me thank you as a teacher.

You saw me as someone with great talent to be an educator. You created an atmosphere where I could flourish and take pride in improving my teaching skills, nurturing young minds and fragile hearts, and assisting students in opening their wings of flight. You did not expect from me any sacrifice you were not willing to make and any evening or weekend you were not willing to give up in order to mentor a student and/or prepare for tasks ahead.

Let me thank you as a parent.

You saw me as someone who should be treasured by my children. You upheld the tenet that for students to learn and achieve their potential, they need supportive parents who provide the right home environment. You worked closely with the Spiritual Director, the S.Sp.S.

Dear Felina, Let Us Thank You By: Sabsy Palanca (HS-68)

Let me thank you as a businesswoman.

You saw me as someone who sees and appreciates success. You proved that CHSM’s downward slide can be arrested by getting our hands dirty, not counting the cost, being focused on effective tactics and course-changing strategies, and adopting a spirit of purposeful frugality. You convinced me that we can hope to move forward.

Let me thank you as a friend for CHSM.

You saw me as a friend because you believed we had a common cause – to work for CHSM's future. You consciously kept me on that path, making sure I was not discouraged by disturbing news, and fanning my passion for CHSM. Up close and personal, I drew strength from your bearing the pains quietly and rode on your angst, with full faith that the Holy Spirit will not abandon CHSM and will guide you to do what is right.

We will miss you, Felina. We are blessed to have had you as our President. We will hold dear in our hearts whatever love for CHSM you have imparted, wisdom you have shared, and, faith you have lived.

Thank you, dear Felina.

nuns, and, my children's mentors to foster lived spirituality in our home.

Let me thank you as an alumna.

You saw me as someone with great love for our alma mater. You inspired me through your unassuming ways, your leading by example, and your constant consistent encouragement and affirmations to recall fondly my days in CHSM, to be grateful, to be moved to pay back, and to be an active helping hand.

FROM YOUR ALUMNAE BOARD

PWU Welcomes

New SVPAA Dr. Felina C. Young is the Philippine Women’s University’s new Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs. The appointment, recently announced by PWU President Dr. Francisco

graduated cum laude with an AB Mathematics degree). She completed her Master’s degree in Mathematics from De La Salle University (Silver Medal) and her Doctor of Business Administration also from DLSU (Silver Medal). Previously, Dr. Young served as 1st Vice President for Higher Education of Jose Rizal University (where she was Dean of the Graduate School) and the 1st Vice President of San Beda College (where she founded the Graduate School of Business). She is currently Commissioner/Accreditor for PAASCU and CHED’s NCR-QAT.

PWU President Dr. Francisco Benitez welcomed Dr. Young to PWU, enjoining the entire community to extend their utmost support and cooperation to the new SVPAA. On her part, Dr. Young welcomed the opportunity to join PWU saying, “I will do my best” for the university - now approaching its 100th year celebrations in 2019. The ceremonial hand-over to the new VPAA will be presided over by Dr. Kristina A.S. Benitez, PWU’s previous VPAA, and is scheduled for September 2015.

Benitez, took effect on August 1, 2015.

Dr. Young was the 1st lay President of the College of the Holy Spirit (where she

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Alumnae at the Helm of Educational Institutions

Dr. Patricia Bustos-Lagunda Dr. Carmencita David-

Padilla Dr. Patricia “Pat” Bustos- Lagunda (HS-77), was installed as the 2nd President of Baliuag University (BU) on August 5, 2015, at the 90th Anniversary celebration of the esteemed institution. Pat is a product of the Mendiola campus from elementary to high school.

The academic community – with representatives of the Commission on Higher Education, members of the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities (PACU), and educators – and BU administrators, faculty and students, friends and guests witnessed Pat’s installation.

The ceremony’s highlights included a Tribute to Dr. Alicia Santiago-Bustos (HS-47) by Far Eastern University-NRMF President Atty. Antonio H. Abad; and greetings from De La Salle University President Bro.Narciso Erguiza, Jr., FSC, PACU and Misamis University President Dr. Karen Belina de Leon, and Jose Rizal University President Dr. Vincent Fabella.

Dr. Carmencita “Menchit” David-Padilla (HS-73) was installed as the 9th Chancellor of the University of the Philippines-Manila during the Investiture Ceremony on the occasion of the 106th Commencement Exercises of UP-Manila on June 26, 2015.

Presiding over the investiture ceremony were Dr. Patricia B. Licuanan, Chair of the Commission on Higher Education and Hon. Alfredo E. Pascual, President, University of the Philippines System.

Pat received the University’s Mace from BU Registrar Elvin Ventucillo (representing Dr. Alicia Bustos), and was officially sworn into office by CHED Chairperson Dr. Patricia B. Licuanan. Pat was likewise presented with the University’s Medallion by Atty. Astea Santiago and Dr. Norman Bustos.

In her investiture address, Pat recognized the University’s glorious past and declared her commitment to steer the institution to recognition both nationally and globally.

Assured of the entire BU community’s support, Pat is confident that the world-class institution will endure to the next 90 years.

By: Victoria (Viqui) Torres-del Rosario (HS-77)

By: Sister Victricia Pascasio, S.Sp.S. (HS-53/ AB-57/BSE-64)

Dr. Patricia Bustos-Lagunda taking her oath before Chairperson Commission on Higher Education Dr. Patricia Licuanan while her family looks on.

EVENTS

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EVENTS

MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL FORM I would like to renew my active membership in the CHS Alumnae Foundation. Enclosed is my payment (cash/check) as follows:

_______ Php500.00/US$12.00 (One-year membership) _______ Php1,000.00/US$24.00 (Two-year membership)

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 office operations and projects. Thank you.

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Snapshots Requiem Mass - July 11, 2015

CHSAF offers a Requiem Mass for our departed alumnae and their immediate family members. Relatives and classmates are invited to attend the Requiem Mass in remembrance and celebration of the lives of their loved ones.

Photos above show some of the alumnae who attended the mass on July 11, 2015. They are the Delgado Family – Mila Enage (HS-38), Nenita Banzon (HS-41), Teresita Villonco (HS-48) and Raquel Garcia, daughter of Pilar Delgado-Garcia, Gladys Huang-So (HS-67), Cora Ylagan-Evangelista (AB-63), Maribel Cabrera (HS-64/BSChem-69), and Jesusa Achacoso-Cruz (HS-77).

HS-66: Proudly Filipina By: Carmelita (Bobby) Nuguid-Ericta (HS-66)

It seems like only yesterday that 160 ladies graduated from high school as Class ’66, full of hope and determination as they sang “climb every mountain, ford every stream, follow every rainbow, till you find your dream.” They have since pursued their ambitions, and lived with the choices that they made. Now, as they prepare to host the 2016 Alumnae Homecoming as the Golden Jubilarians, they have decided to

pool their talents and resources to celebrate their chosen theme, “Proudly Filipina”.

The core group has been working together for about two years now. Other classmates who are based in Metro Manila join in the preparatory activities as members of the various working committees, with help of area coordinators Nori Maceda-Leynes and Mitch Martin-Pestano. Batchmates spread all over the world also keep informed and contribute their ideas and opinions through the e-group. In places where there are large concentrations of Filipinos, including CHS alumnae, there are designated area coordinators, who serve as links between the batchmates and the rest of the Class ’66 body. Other jubilarians (HS Classes ’61 and earlier, ’71, ’76, ’81, ’86, and College) have joined as co-celebrants.

Micky Fenix-Makabenta, columnist and author of several books on food, leads as the elected Class President. Other officers are Evelyn Santayana-Ledesma, assisted by Nori Maceda-Leynes, both real estate brokers, as Secretary; and Espie Elijir-Joven, accountant, as Treasurer.

Evelyn Perez-Dumdum, real estate broker, heads the homecoming committee, while Tess Del Rosario-Cruz shares her talents and resources as head of the program committee. Joji Aquino-Jacobe, accountant, and Popsie Corpus-Claudio, interior designer, are in charge of the costumes and set designs to be used for the program. Ditas Ramirez-Herrera, Melanie Dacudao-Chan, and Marilou Ignacio-Bautista, all successful entrepreneurs, are hard at work as the hospitality committee to take care of balikbayan classmates. Multi-awarded visual artist Imelda Cajipe-Endaya is editor of the Golden Book, the HS Class ’66 coffee table book. Tonette De Guzman uses her financial expertise as head of the Fund-raising Committee. Carol de los Santos-Guina, international consultant, handles the legacy committee together with Annie Quimbo-Villaruz, NGO executive and motivational speaker. Bobby Nuguid-Ericta is assigned to liaise with the other jubilarians through the CHSAF. Dida Castro-Roque is in charge of spiritual activities, including the recent memorial Mass and program

in honor of the seventeen classmates who have passed away.

Marilou Barnes-Cortes, retired administrator of a multi-national company whose hobbies include photography, administers the e-group. Mitas Shotwell-Aguila, food entrepreneur, claims not to be part of any committee but generously hosts committee meetings and general assemblies alternately with Popsie Corpus-Claudio.

Diame Alba-Dumaup, creative genius, must be happy with the outcome of the discussions that she started two years ago, as she continues to recover from her illness. The committees are now attending to the thousand and one details that need to be identified, decided on, and done, as the Alumnae Homecoming fast approaches. Jubilarians have started rehearsing their production numbers, mostly inspired by Original Pilipino Music (OPM) of the ‘70s and ‘80s, with coaches from Viva Entertainment Company.

JUBILARIANS

Jubilant HS-66! Seated (L-R): Bobby Nuguid, Tonette de Guzman, Dida Castro, Laurie Dehesa,

Micky Fenix, Med Abaya, Marilou Barnes. Standing (L-R): Evelyn Ledesma, Ditas Ramirez, Christine

Olmedo, Espie Elijir, Charito Simon, Meps Cajipe, Diame Alba, Tess del Rosario, Mitch Martin, Nori

Maceda and Mitas Shotwell.

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FEBRUARY 9 - 11, 2016

RETREAT in TAGAYTAY

Open To All Alumnae

Organized by the JeriCHS

Please Contact: Yola Albano Tel. no. 0918-905-0520 Tita Dizon Email: kitanaslolita@gmail.com

Dr. Carmencita M. David-Padilla: Safeguarding the Health of Filipino Children*

Dr. Carmencita M. David Padilla (HS-73) can truly be recognized as the “mother” of 186,000 Filipino children “saved” from mental retardation and diseases.

Her most significant accomplishment is the introduction and continued expansion of Newborn Screening in the Philippines. Newborn screening is a public health prevention program for screening, detection, and early diagnosis and treatment of newborns for inherited conditions that can lead to mental retardation and death, if not detected and treated on time.*

Despite lack of funding, Dr. Padilla enlisted the help of several colleagues to initiate the Philippine Newborn Screening Project at 24 Metro Manila Hospitals in 1996. Through her perseverance, she was able to convince the Department of Health to integrate newborn screening in their service delivery system. Since then, newborn screening has slowly but steadily expanded throughout the country.*

FEATURE

However, this was not enough for Dr. Padilla. She was determined to make newborn screening available to every newborn Filipino regardless of socio-economic status. In 2003, she drafted the

bill on newborn screening and within one year of intensive lobbying, the Newborn Screening Act of 2004 was signed into law. This paved the way for the creation of a national advisory committee, standardization of newborn screening fees, and the inclusion of newborn screening among the benefits under the Philippine Health Insurance (PHIC).*

Dr. Padilla’s passion for newborn screening has not only saved countless infant from certain death, it has also saved others from lives of inconvenience due to mental retardation.*

The inherent goodness of Dr. Padilla’s maternal nature extends beyond the limits of her own family to include the family of God.

What a blessing indeed for these thousands of children who will grow up into normal adults and live fruitful lives.

*Title and contents borrowed from the souvenir program of the 106th Commencement Exercises of the University of the Philippines - Manila.

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WE, the Alumnae

Editorial Board

Ma. Victoria B. Anastacio (HS-63/AB-67)

Victoria Torres-del Rosario (HS-77) Remedios “Tita” Dizon (HS-63)

Riziel Fajutag-Icaro (AB-11) Virginia P. Macaso (BSChem-63)

Maria Corazon 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) Lorraine Young-Sylianteng (HS-73)

Email address:

we.thealumnae@gmail.com

By: Sister Victricia Pascasio, S.Sp.S. (HS-53/AB-57/BSE-64)

Blessed by Our Lady of La Leche By: Remedios Ticzon-Gonzales (HS-55/AB-59)

FEATURE

Presentacion Reyes-Ticzon. It deeply inspired me to spearhead the propagation of the devotion and, consequently, I founded the Our Lady of La Leche Movement.

The breastfeeding Blessed Mother is now recognized as the patroness of women, especially breastfeeding mothers, pregnant women, and the childless. Since the devotion began in

Manila and in some nearby provinces where the statue of our Lady is installed. To name a few, these are the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Manila; Our of Lady of Fatima Parish, Mandaluyong; Parish of the Risen Christ, Bulihan, Silang, Cavite; and the Capuchin Retreat Center, Lipa, Batangas.

Advocates of breastfeeding have found Our Lady of La Leche to be the perfect icon for their advocacy. As a result, they have adopted her icon as their symbol. Breastfeeding organizations linked to the Our Lady of La Leche Movement are the Children for Breastfeeding Inc. and Latch. The late Sr. Pilar Verzosa, founder of Prolife Philippines, was an active supporter of the OLLL Movement.

Souvenir items such as statues and figurines in different forms, stampitas, prayer books, and key chains are available to serve as reminders of our Lady of La Leche’s nourishing love. To order, visit us on Facebook (Our Lady of La Leche Movement Ph) or call (02) 975-7415. The Chapel at Harrison Plaza Mallon M. Adriatico, Manila is the official “home” of Our Lady of La Leche where her feast day is celebrated yearly on October 11. Novena leaflets are available for free at the chapel office.

ur Lady of La Leche, or Our Lady of the Milk and Safe Delivery or Nuestra Sra. de la Leche y Buen Parto in Spanish, is a title of the Blessed Mother breastfeeding the Infant Jesus. This devotion has its origin in a shrine in Bethlehem called the Milk Grotto.

The devotion took root in Europe, particularly in Spain, in the 16th century. In 1598, the statue of our Lady was rescued from irreverent hands and brought to the home of a devout couple in Madrid. The pregnant wife was in danger of dying, but the lives of mother and child were spared through prayers to our Lady of La Leche. Years later, Spanish settlers brought a replica of the statue to the United States and enshrined it at the Mission of Nombre de Dios, in Florida.

Regrettably, the devotion did not spread to the Philippines until 1999 when I inherited an antique statue of the nursing Mother originally owned by my late grandmother,

O

Metro Manila in the year 2000, there have been numerous reports of answered prayers. Petitions range from pleas to conceive a child, for safe delivery, and to overcome a difficult pregnancy.

To date, there are thirty-four churches, chapels, and other institutions in Metro

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FEATURE

Musings of a New University President By: Patricia Bustos-Lagunda (HS-77)

In fact, I joined the school with nary an idea about the essentials of running an academic institution – from curriculum to research and even community outreach. I thought my graduate management degree and corporate experience were sufficient for this new job. I had a clear understanding of business paradigms about what an organization should be, but I soon realized that I still had to immerse myself in learning, evaluating, and assessing current academic as well as administrative systems and processes. In the end, I gained a lot of insights from those I worked with and discovered people with the potential to assume bigger responsibilities in the future. But I had the best mentor in my Mom, who taught me patiently what running an academic institution really means.

It was perhaps by chance that during those years, I would find myself immersed in my mother’s quest to fulfill our grandfather’s vision to gain University status for the school. My mother’s unrelenting endeavor to continue our grandfather’s legacy of providing affordable quality education was rewarded when Baliuag Colleges was bestowed its university status in 2001. To this day, even in her twilight years, my mother still envisions plans and programs for the university's future.

A decade since then, never did I imagine

ho would have thought that providence would pave a path for me to the presidency of a university?

In 1995, at a crossroads in my career and after working in a multinational company for almost 10 years, I was asked by my Mom if I would be willing to join the family-owned Baliuag Colleges in Bulacan. My Mom, Alicia Santiago-Bustos (HS-47), is a well-known educator, civic and social leader, and entrepreneur.

With a little hesitation and an admitted sense of filial piety, I eventually agreed to leave a promising and lucrative marketing career in Makati for what I thought would be a less glamorous career in the province. Honestly, I initially thought that this career shift would be something I could do on the fly at that point in time. And, if things did not work out for me, I could simply go back to the same comfortable ground.

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me for this leadership role, such as meeting people of influence, getting elected President of professional associations and civic organizations, pursuing Doctoral studies in Educational Management, participating in national legislation and policy setting, learning from mentors and colleagues, and even simple gatherings of friends, classmates, and family. All these opportunities and relationships honed me to step into the role of leading a 90-year old institution into its centennial.

Looking back, I realize that what I am now is the sum of all my experiences and opportunities, and that these prepared me to assume the presidency of Baliuag University. There are people and life events that I have to be thankful for. But the person to whom I owe the most gratitude is my Mom for she played the pivotal role in guiding me into this new role. The many leadership and service opportunities I have gained thus far became possible because of my mother’s wealth of knowledge and experience as an educator, administrator, recognized leader, and mother to many.

For now, I find comfort in knowing that I can seek counsel and support from family, colleagues, and friends in building and steering Baliuag University forward. It is a role that I must fulfill the best way I can. taking my mother’s

place in the overall scheme of things. However, it seems I did not come unprepared to assume the presidency of Baliuag University. For the most part, things that seemed to have happened by chance turned out to be just as important in preparing

FEATURE

My Adventure with the S.Sp.S. Sisters By: Rachelle R. Salvador (BSMT-96)

Then through the Blue Sisters, I met the Pink Sisters. I also became close with the members of the Tagaytay Religious Association, especially with the SVD.

My constant bonding with our dear sisters led me to take a journey to Tayum, Abra in 2013 with Sr. Concepcion. The trip took 12 hours. With my husband we took a remarkable photo at the Manabo Bridge which was opened just months ago after 35 years of construction. Imagine how many decades the people traveled by raft barge to cross the Abra river.

Tayum, Abra, the cradle of the SSpS in the Philippines, was where I started a deeper advocacy mission. My husband and I founded the Advocacy Mission Tour (AMT).

Together with our staff we brought e-learning to Abra as part of our advocacy mission. Bishop Pol Jaucian SVD, DD told us of the lack of communication in Abra.

FEATURE

think it was in 2005 that I went back to CHSM to take up education units. I went straight to the Science Dept. and inspected the laboratories. Ahhhh, I was home!

Inside the campus, I saw the same Ates and Manangs who took care of us when we were students. I was excited to meet again my professors in the Science Dept.: Mrs. Bala, Mrs. Ibuyan, Mrs. Hitosis, and Ms. Panaligan.

Within the same year, I visited Sr. Ricarde & Sr. Rosita. I asked for Sr. Celindis but didn’t get to meet her. I met the Dean of the education department, Sr. Florence Tubaña, who molded me together with the Values Ed students. From then on, I wanted to do something inspiring and relevant for the Sisters.

I traveled to different S.Sp.S. communities, schools, and centers tomeet more S.Sp.S. nuns. Five years ago, I visited the Holy Spirit Mission Service Center, the Retreat House in Tagaytay, together with some sisters. When the sisters learned that I did urban and development landscaping they asked me if I wanted to help them in landscaping the Center as a love project. It was an easy task since I had farm nurseries in Tagaytay and Laguna. I sent my gardeners with exotic and collection plants and started rehabilitating the soil and plants of the Retreat House.

I

True enough, Abra is not yet ready for wireless connections, and mountain ranges make interconnection more difficult. He asked if we can have OFFLINE e-learning. In January 2013, in a span of 2 months, we launched OFFLINE e-learning in Holy Ghost School of Tayum, the oldest and first Holy Spirit School, under Fr. Ruben Valdez, the School Director and Parish Priest, and Ma'am Celia B. Taeza, the School Principal. We trained and registered all students and teachers for e-learning and virtual campus educational applications. Last year when I visited Bishop Pol during my birthday, he announced and gave me the title of Digital Missionary of Abra.

It was my love for adventure that brought me to Abra. Since 2013 we have celebrated numerous occasions in Abra: opening of the school year, intramurals, Holy Week, Feast of Abra, Christmas celebration, outings, and especially mission work. continued on page 11

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…continued from page 10

MY ADVENTURE WITH THE S.SP.S. SISTERS

From the town proper to the next far mountain of Abra, we have preached and brought God to people waiting for Him. One time we were under surveillance during our Apostolic Formation in one of the hot areas of Abra. We all went on and gave a long introduction of ourselves, I took pictures of everyone, but my heart was beating very fast. We have been constantly participating in and sponsoring the medical mission of the SVD Friends, visited the cooperative ADTEMPCO and the radio station DZPA under the diocese, and have been working with Board Members who are also priests and religious people. We have reached the other SVD schools in the Northern Provinces, and I have been the IT Consultant for their curriculum.

This year marked our third year of having our AMT Virtual Campus in Abra. This year my husband and I didn't only share our blessings in terms of school supplies and USB flash drive for teachers and students, but we also brought in 10 brand-new Internet-ready computers with CPU, AVR, keyboard and Tenda Internet USB for Internet connection for existing computers without links to the Internet.

For now, I have pledged to work in training, supervising, and monitoring the teachers; educating and teaching the students; and helping in the Alternative Learning Systems. As of last year, we have also accepted the invitation to give seminars and training in the public schools. We cannot resist the request of our dear sisters to help them since most of the educators are products of S.Sp.S. education. We share the same vision and mission. The S.Sp.S. Sisters' love and values have endeared them to the people they have touched. That's why we are going back to Abra to teach and facilitate a seminar this August. We're also very excited that another nun is being added to the S.Sp.S. Tayum community in the presence of Sr. Ma. Edwina who is coming from Ghana, Africa after 32 years of mission work.

FEATURE

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My Priest Son, Fr. Jerome Guevara, SJ By: Amelita Dayrit-Guevara (HS-53)

“You have a priest son! How lucky you are!” This is the remark I hear every time someone finds out that I have a priest son. And indeed I am, but more blessed than just lucky.

Blessed because it is a gift freely given by God, not deserved.

1996 - For my son , Jem, it was a tough decision to make, to leave father and mother, brother and sisters, and following Jesus to “we know not where.” When they slammed the iron doors of the Jesuit Novitiate at the end of the Entrance Ceremonies, it felt like it hit our hearts too. My mother, Imelda Dayrit, remarked “Why did they make it so loud!” I guess it emphasized the decision the new novices have embraced. THE FIRST “GIVING UP” of Jem.

Before this, while still in college, Jem got interested in fencing. He became so good that he was sent to Beijing for further training and was chosen to compete with the Philippine team in the SEA Games. It was while in Beijing that he realized how very few among the Chinese ever heard of the name JESUS. And this stuck in his mind. Eventually he volunteered to serve the China Mission. He therefore took his priestly formation in Taipei.

September 8, 2007, Mama Mary’s birthday - we went to attend his DIACONATE ORDINATION. Even if the ordination was all in Chinese, we were touched to near tears. He assisted in a TAIZE mass the day after. It was uncanny that the reading of the day was about “leaving father and mother.” He delivered the homily and started with “Mom, Dad, you know much I love you both, but there is a higher calling that I need to respond to….” How could I have kept myself from sobbing!

A SECOND “GIVING UP OF JEM” August 15, 2008 - ORDINATION DAY was here at Loyola Heights. Family, friends, and, relatives were present. It was a very solemn occasion steeped with symbolic gestures. At one point, he came to wrap a cinctura around the hands of his Dad and me, to be used at our death, to signify that we had a “Priest Son.” Although we continue to doubly work on living a life of faith, it is still consoling to know that our son’s love and sacrifice make it possible for people to experience heaven on earth . At the end of the ceremony, the Provincial of the China Province finally officially invited Fr. Jem to transfer to the China Province.

A THIRD “GIVING UP OF JEM” 2012 - After two years in Rome where he obtained a degree in Ignatian Spirituality, he was allowed to take a break before going back to Taiwan for forty days. This was one of the happiest occasions of our life as a family. Jem’s Dad was celebrating his 90th birthday, and Jem presided over a Mass with his brother Jesuits, again witnessed by our whole family,

relatives, and friends. He was back as our Son here at home!

2013 - A year later to the day, my husband passed away, very quickly, very peacefully.

This was the most poignant point of our life… Over the Internet, all our children living abroad, including Jem, saw him still lying so still, so serene on his death bed. Then quickly they made arrangements to come home for his wake and burial. For me this was the most special of the blessings of having a Priest Son. To see how, with his Priestly Gifts, he was able to bless his Dad at daily Mass, the cinctura wrapped around his hands Then a glorious sendoff at an extraordinary Funeral Mass with a dozen priests, assisted by the full Coro de San Antonio which I conduct weekly.

Now Jem is back in Taiwan teaching at the Theologate in Chinese again, while awaiting being sent for his final Tertianship to Kandy, Sri Lanka.

I follow him wherever he goes with my heart and my prayers.

Fr. Jerome Guevara’s Ordination Day on Aug. 15, 2008 with parents Ricardo (deceased) and Amelita D. Guevara.

“Blessed because it is a gift freely given by God, not deserved.”

FEATURE

12

Apryn and her siblings, from left, Adrienne, Avi Jen, Alvan and at right, Jaunine. Photo also shows Lorenzo (Alvan’s son).

FEATURE

Sister, Mother By: Apryn Jenneve De Guzman-Venturina (ABCA-11)

duties for my bed-ridden parents. It was unimaginable, but that was the reality.

I was very optimistic that God would help me get through these trials and that one day my beloved parents would be healed. Sad to say, it did not turn out that way, and both of them died a few years after. Nothing was left for us, not even shelter or a bank account. What was left for my siblings was me, their Ate. I was afraid, but I promised myself that I would take the responsibility of being the second parent to my sisters.

I stopped schooling and focused on raising my siblings. I fed them, I sent them to school, and I provided their basic necessities. I always believed that God would provide for us in times where we barely could make ends meet. One day I woke up and realized that faith alone would not feed my family. I needed to push harder, I needed to have a better job, and these would be possible only if I finished my

studies, but how? Studies were not my priority then.

In spite of the hardships, I always call myself the lucky one, because when I decided to go back to school, I was granted a full scholarship by the CHSM Alumnae Foundation. I worked hard and studied harder. I didn’t want to disappoint the Batch that was sponsoring me. I made sure that I was in the Dean’s List every semester. There were times when I needed to bring my youngest sister to school because nobody would attend to her in our house. I learned to juggle work, studies, and parenthood. It was a roller coaster ride, and meant sleepless nights, double jobs, anxiety attacks, and endless worries because of bills and other expenses. But the hardships made me forget that I was grieving for the loss of my parents.

Years passed, and two of my siblings will be graduating in college next year. I am still overwhelmed up to now. I cannot believe that I was able to provide for them and at the same time nurture them. I raised them with my very own understanding of what a

ne becomes a mother not just by conceiving and giving birth. I know this because God gave me at a very young age the special task of being a mother to my three unmarried siblings.

I was a teenager when I learned that my parents were very sick. Being the eldest, I had no choice but to work so that I could provide food on the table. At the age of 18, I became the breadwinner. It was very tough because there were still the endless household chores, school tutorials for my siblings, and late-night

O

Apryn and her husband RJ, with their son, Robyn Jachin.

“You can be a good mother and still follow your dreams.

You totally can, if you so desire.”

mother should be like. A mother who is selfless and willing to give up her own happiness just to make her children happy. I know I am not perfect, but I am still learning. I may have flaws, but these didn’t stop me from being a substitute mother to my siblings. I can’t thank God enough for the strength He gave me to overcome my fears and for providing us everything.

Now I am happily married and the mother of a two-year old boy. I am

confident that my experiences will equip me to be the best mother that I can be because I know deep in my heart that being a mother is not only for those who bear a child but also for those who are willing to give up everything and love others more than they love themselves.

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Motherhood is the Stewardship of the Soul By: Heidi Nicasio-Manalo*

Pamela Sigrid grew up to be obedient, simple, kind, friendly, intelligent, and confident. In school, she found solace in the Adoration Chapel or the library rather than talking about boys and parties. She preferred weekends with family, cousins, or a few close friends at home, rather than parties. She had suitors but had only one boyfriend for six years. She finished

college and worked in a multinational company.

My daughter never spoke of or showed any inclination to entering the convent. But as I learned later, she discerned God saying “I need you now” every day for five months while she prayed in the Adoration Chapel. She had sleepless nights from ignoring the “call.” In March 2000, she finally decided to resign from her job, and to leave her boyfriend and all worldly possessions to find her true calling. She is now called Sr. Mary Gabrielle, a superior in the Oblates Apostles of the Twin Hearts (OATHS).

God entrusted me with three precious gems. The moment I held my firstborn, His message was very clear to me: MOTHERHOOD IS THE STEWARDSHIP OF THE SOUL more than anything else. What becomes of my children is my gift to Him.

With family and relatives at the Perpetual Profession and Veil of my daughter in 2012.

With Sr. Mary Gabrielle in December 2014

“Some people come in your life as blessings; some come in your life as lessons.”

-Mother Teresa

From: Riziel Fajutag-Icaro (ABCA-11)

Scholar of Ging Ong, 2009-2011

Thank you to my Very Special Mother,

Ging Ong (HS-68/BSC-72)

FEATURE

was born and raised in a Catholic home where Sunday Mass, the Sacraments of Confession and Communion, and Holy Week were strictly observed. My parents inculcated in us the importance of God and living by His Word in our lives. All these made me more of a Catholic in spirit rather than in rituals only.

In high school, I had dreams of a career, taking care of my parents, and having a family of my own, in that order. But God had other plans so that He reversed the order. I got married to my first boyfriend, Napoleon, and had a child before my 18th birthday. I graduated from college, with the support of my parents and in-laws, and entered the corporate world. I am now a mother of three: a daughter and two sons. All three have been called to serve God. My second child, Lorenzo Carlo, declined. He is now a manager in a multinational company. My youngest, Charles Audric, is destined to become a priest, according to several priests we’ve met on different occasions. He is a college student at DLSU. My eldest and only daughter is in God’s service.

I

14

*Heidi Nicasio-Manalo studied at CHSM from the grades and then to high school from 1973-1976. Her HS-77 classmates continue to count her as their own.

15

FEATURE

ollege of the Holy Spirit North America Foundation (CHSNAF) Canada's first in a series of Health and Wellness Talks was held on August 29 in Mississauga, Ontario, and featured as speaker Dr. Nenette de Villa, a renowned cardiologist in the Greater Toronto Area. Patricia Faustino Cebrero, CHSNAF Canada's treasurer, hosted the event attended by 40 people.

Dr. de Villa gave a comprehensive explanation of what could go wrong with the human heart, and focused on how to keep the heart healthy and functioning properly. Diet, exercise, the management of risk factors, and heredity were some of the topics presented.

As part of the event, Josefina Martin-Calucag, 94, was recognized for being the oldest CHS alumna in Ontario. She turns 95 on October 25. "Mama Pin" is a product of Holy Ghost College (HGC) Laoag, where she earned her high school diploma, and HGC Mendiola, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education degree in 1941.

Josefina Martin started her teaching career in HGC Laoag but was sent home to her birthplace,

Josefina Calucag - 1941 BS Education grad, CHSM By: Marisa Roque*

Solsona, Ilocos Norte, when the war broke out. She married Jose Calucag, a townmate, on June 6, 1943. Mama Pin bore eight children. who in turn produced 16 grandchildren and six great grandchildren. The Martin-Calucag progeny are Josefina, Ruben, Jose (SVD, deceased), Heidi, Roberto, Juanito, Don, and Alex.

Mama Pin taught in three different elementary schools in Solsona, and by the time she left for Canada in 1982, she was the principal of Taludtod Elementary School for both the elementary and the high school. (She started the high school.)

“Dad retired as City Auditor of Laoag City and Mama, although she was only 61 then, decided to retire too, to keep him company,” eldest

daughter Josefina said. “But she didn't stop working when she came to Canada. She taught her grandkids and then acquired nursing skills to look after Dad, who became bedridden for a year before he passed on shortly after Christmas 1999.”

Her husband’s passing followed the demise of her son, Father Joe, from cancer in September 1999. “Mama was the strength

strength of the family," shared daughter Josefina, also a graduate of HGC Laoag. (Fr. Jose Calucag, SVD, was director of Albay's Divine Word College.)

Josefina credits her mother's HGC education for her strong character, "Even if she now forgets other things, Mama never forgets to pray, she surrenders to God, the source of her strength.”

Josefina Martin-Calucag now - known as Mama Pin. On the right is her graduation photo taken in 1941.

Mama Pin with the CHSNAF Canada members.

C

*Marisa Roque, the former Socorro Garcia, graduated from CHSM in 1972 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, Majors in English and History. She was editor in chief of The Veritas (1971-72). She holds a master's degree in Communication from the University of the Philippines Institute of Mass Communication. Ms. Roque was a World Bank fellow in textbook production (NYC) in 1979 and was employed by the United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) to set up the Public

Information Division of the Basic Health Services Scheme of the Federal Government of Nigeria’s Ministry of Health (1980-81).

She works now as a real estate broker with Century 21 Heritage in Thornhill, Ontario, specializing in the seniors’ market as a Master Accredited Seniors’ Agent. Ms. Roque is a correspondent for inquirer. net.

East Europe Pilgrimage organized by CHSNAF NorthEast Chapter

From L-R: Carol Felipe, Ludy Reyes, Chikie Cruz (tour operator) Manny & Zenaida Sison-Villafania (HS-59),

Sharon Felipe, Joel Sacdalan, Dennis Lao, Virgilio David, Jesus Sacdalan, Josie B Catindig (BM-57/BMMS-58),

Norma Laviña-Cruz (HS-50), Tita Martinez-Sicat (HS-55), Christina Martinez-delRosario (HS-59), Linda Lupton

and Lulu Obillo. On the bench: Tita Dizon (HS-63), Helen Lao, Med deJesus (BSC-67), Rebecca Santiago-

Sacdalan (HS-63/BSC-67), Ampy Garlit-David (HS-62/BSC-66), and Leonora Alalayan (HS-60) & Marc Basilio.

Was it just a fleeting dream? Those wonderful events that transpired in

mid-March of this year when the flying carpet transported us to the magic land

of Eastern Europe?

IN RETROSPECT By: Josie B Catindig (BM-57/BMMS-58)

I joined Norma Cruz of Texas and energetic

couple Leonora and Marc Basilio in San

Francisco for a smooth flight to Prague,

Czech Republic. In Prague we were met

by the group from New Jersey – Christina

del Rosario (organizer of CHSNAF

Northeast Chapter pilgrimages), and

Zenaida and Manny Villfania.

After welcoming the delegation from the

Philippines the next day, we proceeded

directly to the Church of Our Lady of

Victory, the abode of the Infant Jesus of

Prague. Rev. Father Edione Febrero, our

pilgrimage chaplain, officiated the holy

Mass. Prague is typical of old European

splendor – its 1000-year old Hradcany

Castle where Bohemian royalty used to live,

and cathedrals and chapels adorned with

ancient frescoes. We gazed intently at the

renowned 15th century Astronomical Clock

which comes to life when the hour strikes.

Sunset was fast approaching as we neared

the famous 14th century Charles Bridge with

life-sized religious statues visibly silhouetted

against the balmy evening sky.

Poland, aside from being the birthplace of

our beloved saint, John Paul II, is likewise

homeland of Frederic Francois Chopin, “the

poet of music – the musical soul of Poland,”

as aptly described by James Huneker in his

historical and analytical treatise.

We prayed, sang familiar hymns, shared

life’s experiences and expectations, and

exchanged witty and humorous anecdotes

to enliven the scenic 6-hour drive to the

Polish border. Surreptitiously, several

managed to snatch catnaps during the trip.

Next day, Father Simon toured us through

Jasna Gora Monastery near Czestochowa

where the miraculous Black Madonna, the

“Queen of Poland” was enshrined.

Later, we left for Auschwitz where about 4

million Jews were annihilated in Hitler’s

concentration camps. St. Edith Stein and

St. Maximillian Kolbe won their martyrdom

in these camps. Silently we toured the

strong fortified brick barracks where on

display behind glass panels were the

wretched captives’ personal belongings.

Along the hallway hang the victims’ photos,

misery and fear visibly etched in their

countenances. Finally, we moved on to their

final destination, the dreaded gas chamber!

This was a heart-rending sight, a sad

remembrance of a grim past.

The cloud of gloom was dispelled by

sunshine as we set foot the following day on

the Divine Mercy Convent. After hearing

Mass at the shrine noted for the devotion

initiated by St. Faustina Kowalska, we

plodded on to the Old Town for free time

in the 14th century Market Square. Then we

headed on to Wadowice, birthplace and

home of the beloved pope. Young Karol

Josef Wojtyla was a popular stage actor

at school and an accomplished mountain

skier. An impressive museum displayed his

memorabilia.

That same afternoon led us to Wieliczka,

Krakow’s oldest salt mine (a Unesco

Heritage Site), where generations of

Polish miners created unbelievable

underground chambers and chapels

ornately adorned and sculptured with

real salt!

After dinner, I was deeply touched when

my fellow pilgrims sang “Happy

Birthday“ as I blew a lone candle on the

cake we all shared. Indeed this was home

away from home and family.

Enroute to Budapest, Hungary, we

traversed the Slovakia countryside with

the exotic Tatra Mountain Ranges and its

narrow passes and snow-covered

plateaus.

The next day started with Mass at the

gothic Church of St. Elizabeth named

after the benevolent queen-saint, our

class patron in the 4th grade at the Holy

Ghost College under Sr. Wiltraud, S.Sp.S.

Due to the success of the past 2 pilgrimages, the CHSNAF North East Chapter is in the planning stages of the 3rd trip for

alumnae and friends scheduled in the fall of 2016.

Watch for further details here in “The WE.”

Lasting & meaningful bonds have resulted from these

pilgrimages. PLAN ON JOINING!

Santiago de Compostela (among other sites)

SPAIN

3 From Across the Seas 16

continued on page 17

Our patient local guide led us to the

twin towns of Buda and Pest. We had

a glimpse of the tranquil Danube

River as we passed the Museum of Fine

Arts, the Hungarian Opera House, the

Basilica of Saint Stephen, and the Neo-

Gothic Parliament Building. The highlight of

the walking tour was a visit to Saint

Matthias Church which for some time was

under control of the Muslim Turks. Our day

rounded off with a relaxing dinner with

lively Hungarian music and gypsy dances.

It reminded us of the inimitable Hungarian

folk music by Franz Liszt, a prolific and

eminent son of Hungary.

Next day, Sunday, we departed for a 6-

hour drive to Zagreb, the capital of

Croatia. A guided tour the next morning

took us to the National Theater, Roosevelt

Square, the Presidential Palace, Saint

Mark’s Cathedral, and the Pope’s Tower.

After a night’s rest within Croatia’s

famous national park, we enjoyed a

picturesque journey through the

Plitvice Lakes, tripping over wobbly foot

bridges and slippery paths surrounded by

sparkly waterfalls in graduated levels. I

felt the presence of an Almighty Creator

who has orchestrated such harmony in

nature.

Soon we moved on to Split, Croatia’s

second largest city and historic port. We

viewed the ruins of the retirement palace

of Roman Emperor Diocletian (AD 305).

He is the acclaimed founder of this

charming city by the Adriatic Sea. That

same afternoon, we departed southward

toward the Medjugorje, Bosnia and

Herzegovina region.

After the morning Mass at St. James

Church, we stayed on for private

devotions at the site of the Blue Cross and

opted to climb the rocky Apparition Hill in

the afternoon. Our Lady first appeared

on this spot to the young visionaries in June

1981. I wouldn’t have dared make the

risky ascent without the kind and

solicitous help of a young, able-bodied

Cenaculo volunteer from Scotland

We prayed the Rosary, pausing briefly

for meditation. After what seemed

eternity – negotiating the ascending

hillside of sharp rocks and boulders – we

reached our destination. An imposing

statue of Our Lady overlooking the village

welcomed us. For a moment, time stood

still as I felt awe, gratitude, and peace!

The last night was a busy one – we had a

farewell dinner, exchanged well-wishes

with old and new-found friends alike, and

packed feverishly for an early departure

for the Sarajevo Airport.

No, it was not a dream brought about by a flying carpet! Very memorable

and still tangible are the warm friendships gained and the precious

memories to cherish.

“Individual commitment to a group effort – that is what makes a team work, a company

work, a society work, a civilization work.” – Vince Lombardi

This is what a small group of alumni from the College of the Holy Spirit (CHS), together with their families and friends, have proven at the recently concluded Philippine Colleges and Universities Alumni Association (PCUAA) Summerfest held on July 5, 2015 at the Mississauga Valley Park. CHS claimed the overall 1stplace trophy, tying with FEATI, at the very successful and well-attended annual event.

The balmy and sunny summer weather was the perfect backdrop for a day filled with fun and cheers, and some friendly competition among the 14 participating alumni associations.

Despite an early elimination in volleyball,

the CHS teams displayed consistently strong performances in the succeeding games as the rest of the group loudly cheered them on. CHS eventually emerged victorious after bagging spots in the finals in almost all games and winning top spots in some. The games were not the only highlight of the day – there were also the sumptuous feasts at each table as expected of large Pinoy gatherings.

The CHS tables were overflowing with delicious dishes lovingly prepared by its

and enjoyable experience made possible through the collective efforts of the dedicated CHS officers, their hard-working and supportive members with their families and friends, friends from the other associations, and the PCUAA organizers. The championship trophy was just icing on the cake.

*Yasmin (Yam) Castro-Esmele graduated from the Holy Spirit Academy of Malolos (HS 1990).

generous members, and of course, a mouth-watering lechon at the centre. A short program co-emceed by Marilou Capistrano-Parcero (HS-73), President, CHSNAF Canada Chapter, provided entertainment during lunch; CHSian Ethel Laxa led the singing of the Canadian and Philippine national anthems.

The day concluded with everyone bringing home with them a truly positive

From Across the Seas 17

CHS Captures

2015 PCUAA Summerfest

1st Place Trophy

By: Yam Esmele* CHSNAF Canada Membership Co- Lead

…continued from page 16 IN RETROSPECT

Celebrating Fe Licauco-Pimentel's 70th birthday at Patio Filipino, South San Francisco, California.

Seated L-R: Veronica Hernando, Fr. Austin Cadiz, OSB, Sarah Hamid-Nañawa, Angie Santiago. Standing L-R: Rose Sangle-San Vicente, Soledad Aquino-Hernando, Lutz Relampagos-Marapao, Cora Parco and Andrea Bondoc.

Visit to Sr. Deocora.

Sr. Deocora flanked by the birthday celebrants Rosalou Lamson (HS-65) and Elena Mier (HS-65).

L-R: Cecilia Manalac (ABC-68), Celerina Licauco-Godfrey (HS-71), Ysabelle Licauco-Lindsey (HS-63), Georgina Pimentel-Sumodobila (AB-74), Fe Licauco-Pimentel (HS-62), and Presilla Mempin-Yusi (GS-57).

Tess Llave (HS-73) celebrates her 60th birthday.

HS-73 attended the 60th Birthday of their classmate, Tess Abeleda-Llave

Tess Llave’s family. L-R: Dr. Karel Galen, husband Carlo, Tess, Katsie, and Khrister.

L-R: Judith Ferreras-Valenzuela, Tet Puzon, Isy Ramirez, Cecile Carrancho-Chang, Tess Abeleda-Llave, Grace Songcuya-Mascenon, Cecile Ocampo-Fernandez (we call her Maica), Jaye Maronilla, and Beth Reyes-Favila.

CHSians all, during the recent birthday celebration of Ellen Young-Gomez (HS-68)

Seated L-R: Eileen Rebullida-Delgallego (HS-68), Marilyn Dijamco (HS-68), Vicky Tempongko (HS-62/BSFN-66), Gene Robes (HS-73); Standing L-R: Molly Huang-Ang (AM-70/BM-72), Lorraine Young-Sylianteng (HS-73), Suzanne Young-Padua (HS-71/BFA-75), Ellen Young-Gomez (HS-68), Marites De Leon-De Guzman (HS-74/AB-78), Alice Barcelona (HS-68), Edna Syquia (HS-68/BSChem-73), Neng Miranda, Alma Buan (HS-68/AB/BSC-73), Louie Reyes-de la Fuente (HS-68/BM-72) and Jane Yang-Lee (AB-65/BSC-66).

18

GALLERY

Installation of the Sacred Heart image at the house of Sarah Hamid-Nañawa. This coincided with the reunion of AB/BSE-65.

GALLERY

L-R, front row: Edel Eloriaga, Edith Escueta-Hubar, Thelma Arceo, Chris Martinez-del Rosario, Olivia Dizon-Bugge, Archie Alcaraz-Regis, Marile Revilla, Leticia Ungson-Revilla, Monette Arceo, Ilo Echevarria-Wallenstein. 2nd row: Darlene Exconde-Milo, Relyn Silva, Arlene Torres-Dadia, Francis Tayag, Lenore Raquel Santos-Lim, Fr. Erno Diaz, Deanna Go Bio, Tenni Magcase-Lopez, Rose Fabre-Lapena, Cora Arando-Fratelli. 3rd row: Adelina Ong-Coquinco, Win Almira-Mandy.

Seated, L-R: Lilia Tansinsin, Guia Paredes-Ozoa, Marilyn Santos-Jorge, Roxane Mendoza-Belardo, Guia Tanchoco-Goduco, and Imelda Ramirez-Ostrea; standing L-R: Remedios Antonio-Gamalinda, Cielo Romualdo-Bruan, Beth Lorenzana-Diaz, Girlie Espina-Perrenoud, Alice Lorenzo-Kawachi, Tes Ollada-Ona, Eppie Mallari-Lirio, Anita Maslog-Fererria, and Catalina Ignacio-Medina

Woman of Ageless Beauty

43 years after graduation in April 1972, BS Commerce classmates met in Washington DC on August 9, 2015.

19

At the foreground, Sister Anna Virginia, S.Sp.S. Sister Carmelita Victoria, S.Sp.S. At the back are L-R: Cecile Fernando (HS-80), Viqui del Rosario (HS-77), Mercedes del Carmen (HS-77), Belle Tiongco (HS-77), Dr. Patricia Bustos-Lagunda (HS-77).

L-R: Cynthia Tomas-Bernardo, Ophelia Pagdanganan-Sison, Elvie Obvieta, and Ronel David-Clanor.

Toni Villaraza-Palenzuela (HS-65), was featured in the August issue of the magazine, Town and Country as one of the "Women of Ageless Beauty."

As in the past years, the CHSNAF North East Chapter celebrated Pentecost this year by gathering for the celebration of the Holy Mass. This was held at the Church of the Guardian Angel in West Chelsea, NYC with pastor Fr. Erno Diaz. A "salo-salo" followed at Fr. Erno's private quarters with a balcony overlooking the famous “High Line.”

HS-55 classmates continue to celebrate their diamond jubilee at the Club Filipino last July.

CHSians attended Dr. Pat Lagunda’s investiture on August 5, 2015 at the 90th Anniversary of Baliuag University.

ADVERTISEMENTS

Do

small things

with great

Love. - Mother Teresa

Compliments of:

Daisy Villasis-Montesa

(HS-68/BSChem-73)

Tel. numbers : (632) 928-9890; (632) 433-0720 Email address: viajedeoro@yahoo.com Office address: 13 Kasing-Kasing Street, East Kamias Quezon City

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BINGO

FAMILY BONDING 4

SATURDAY November 21, 2015

9:00 am - 4:00 pm

COLLEGE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT MANILA

FREINADEMETZ HALL (SOCIAL HALL)

Raffle and

Cash Prizes from

P5,000 to P50,000!

One ticket entitles the bearer to play 10 exciting games.

Do come with your family. Enjoy this opportunity to

reunite with batch mates and school friends on Nov. 21st.

The holidays are just around the corner by then so let the

warmth of friendship take the early chill from the air and

usher in the spirit of the Christmas Season.

For more info:

Please call the

CHSAF Secretariat at 735-5986

22

Our E-mail Connection

23

(Ed.’s Note — This section contains

messages/information received through our e-

mail address: chsaf.mla@gmail.com )

From: Sr. Rosalinda Argosino, S.Sp.S., San Sebastian, Tarlac, July 14/15

Thank you for the July Issue of the WE, the Alumnae. I enjoyed reading all the articles, particularly the tributes to Jill Iturralde and Tess Nitorreda. I was inspired by their total dedication in all their undertakings. I worked closely with Jill from 1976 until 1989.

Ms. Tess Nitorreda facilitated several of our Congregational activities. Both of them must have received God's reward of eternal joy with Him and all the saints.

Thank you and God bless all the staff of the We, the Alumnae.

**********

Remembering Tita Tet Nitorreda

(Ed.’s Note: Following are messages - feedback

that we received when we announced the passing

away last June of Ms. Teresita E. Nitorreda (HS-

49/AB-51/BSE-52). Ms. Nitorreda was an

excellent teacher as her students from HS-53-58

will unanimously attest. But she would give up

teaching in Mendiola to be involved in invaluable

work (at the East Asian Pastoral Institute and as

Directress of Student Catholic Action) that would

spread her influence to an even greater number of

religious and lay leaders. The “army of youth”

that she nurtured and who will continue her work

will keep her in their hearts forever.)

********** From: Gloria Cajipe (HS-63/BSChem-68), Vista, California, June 13/15:

Prayers and warmest sympathies. I will always treasure those precious, inspiring and character-building SCA moments with our dear Tita Tet.

********** From: Cristina Evangelista-Torres (AB/ BSE-70), Mandaluyong City, June 13/15:

Tita Tet served as our role model during our formative high school years. We will always treasure the time we spent with her. May she rest in peace in God's bosom after a life well lived.

**********

From: Lourdes Zagala-Jacaria (HS-55/AB-59), Singalong, Manila, June 14/15:

A teacher indeed we were blessed with, passionate in her work. May she enjoy the reward of meeting her true mentor and be blessed with God’s welcoming arms in Jesus, our Savior.

********** From: Rosalinda Tan-Roll (HS-53/AB-56/ BSE-57), Arlington, Virginia, June 15/15:

Dolly was kind enough to e-mail Pili Jovellanos-Stark and me about Tita Tet’s death. She was one of the people I looked up to and who was very much a part of my growing up. … She effortlessly embodied idealism, altruism, and let me not forget, gentle persuasion. All this in a youthful, lovely package. All these many years later, she was, to me, always Tita Tet.

********** From: Myrna Ascutia-Lopez (HS-57), Alberta T4A 0E6, Canada, June 16/15:

Sad to hear this news … she was my favorite teacher. May her soul rest in peace.

********** From: Emerita Angeles-Galian (HS-56), Austin, Texas, June 16/15:

Ms. Nitorreda was an inspiring teacher and the epitome of serenity. May she rest in peace.

********** From: Juanita Salvador-Burris (HS-57/ BSC-61), Chicago, Illinois, June 16/15:

We in SCA will need to discern what would be the most meaningful legacy our financial contributions now at her passing will take form? I think about how SCA of the Philippines was sustained by Tessie herself with her own inheritance for maybe 15 years. Perhaps we should "build" an equivalent Endowment Fund to match what she has already given. … SCA really covered many generations.

We in the US will be united in prayer tonight beginning at 7 p.m. in the East Coast (we are at different time zones including Hawaii) as the June 17, 8 a.m. Mass of the Resurrection is said for Tessie.

********** From: Elizabeth Lourdes Tioleco-Cheng (HS-57), Anaheim, California, June 16/15:

It is with sadness that I receive this news about this excellent Physics teacher…. She is one of a kind and quite unforgettable. … I find myself talking about her to my grandchildren and husband when teachers are mentioned in the conversation. … I was just talking about her to my husband…how the best teacher I remember is Miss Nitorreda and that I called her Tita Tet; how we enjoyed Physics and we would get exempted from finals because she was such a great teacher.

She will always be in my heart and prayers. Even my grandchildren know her from my stories. Rest in Peace, Tita Tet!!!! I will always remember. … You made a big difference in all our lives.

********** From: Adela Carbonell-Simon (HS-55), Laguna Niguel, California, June 16/15:

Ms. Nitorreda was an amazing, passionate physics teacher. She influenced my major (chemistry) in college. Had they offered physics, I would have majored in that. Besides being good in her field, she was compassionate and down to earth. Probably one of the best teachers I have ever had.

********** From: Roxane Mendoza-Belardo (HS-55/ AB-58/BSE-59), Pasig City, June 17/15:

… The presence of SCA people (yes, of all generations) at her wake and her funeral mass shows that SCA is alive and well … Tita Tet would be happy.

T. Tet’s funeral mass was beautiful with representatives from all sectors, religious and lay people, detailing the good that she did for themselves as individuals and for their communities…graphic proof of how extensively she gave of herself and her goodness. We will all miss her. Be part of our E-Mail Connection… send

your comments, news, messages from/to

classmates and teachers to

chsaf.mla@gmail.com

Prayer Corner

Into Eternal Life

24

Through our "Alumnae Prayer Community," let all of us, alumnae-sisters, pause for a minute and storm heaven with our prayers for:

- the speedy recovery of Ester Reyes-Talavera (HS-55), who underwent a surgical procedure to remove a growth in her gallbladder;

- Lourdes Papa-Cruz (HS-55/CSS-56/BSHE-59), for prayers of thanksgiving that the kneecap replacement surgery that she underwent in Canada was totally successful and is resulting in great comfort for her;

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

Apr. 12 - Lilia Cueto-Isidoro (HS-53), mother of Marinor I. Torres (HS-77);

April 17- Elizabeth Tang Kim Sin-Chua (HS-71), sister of Olivia T. Ng (HS-55), Shirley T. Kaw (HS-56), Norma T. Lim (HS-60), Letty T. Fenix (HS-63), and Hedy T. Uy (HS-62/BSFN-66);

Jul. 2 - Zue R. Pitallano, husband of Ma. Luisa Elegir-Pitallano (HS-57);

Jul. 03 - Pablito David, brother of Remedios T. David (HS-55); Jul. 6- Quintin June S. Vallesteros II, husband of Gregoria Rivera-

Vallesteros (HS-62/BSFN-66); Jul. 10 - Ester Mendiola-Ingles (HS-41), mother of Marilyn I.

Lorenzo (HS-67), Carolyn I. Chrans (HS-74), and Ester Cecilia (HS-70/BSMT-85); sister of Fe Mendiola-Gutierrez (d), HS-48, Celia M. Alix (HS-47), Lina M. Lugay (d), HS-52/BSPharm-56), and Sr. Ma. Lourdes (Alice), S.Sp.S. (HS-55);

Jul. 11 - Soledad Gillego de Guzman, mother of Leah Zenaida G. de Guzman (HS-77) and Bernadette Grace D.G. Miran (HS-82);

Jul. 15 - Leoncio S.L. Duran, brother of Lourdes D. Estrada (HS-55); Jul. 15 - Jose Ma. S. Montes III, husband of Sylvia Paredes-Montes

(HS-64/BSC-68); Jul. 16 - Araceli Garcia-Garate (HS-63/AB/SEC-67); Jul 16 - Evelynne Ochoa-Cruz (HS-59/ABA-61), sister of Elizabeth

(HS-65), Emerissa Ochoa-Bond (HS-67), Emmimarie Judy Ochoa-Laurel (HS-77), and Eileen May Ochoa-de Padua (HS-79/BSSc-83);

Jul. 22 - Trouscie Ma. Gracia Almonte-Newman (AB-91), sister of Transcie Ma. Felecisima D. Almonte (AB-84);

Jul. 22 - Primo S. Domingo, brother of Aida Domingo-Aquino (AM-50/BM-52);

Jul. 25 - Myrna Valenzuela-Santos, mother of Sr. Marides, S.Sp.S. (BSC-88) and Ma. Cristina S. Calingo (BFA-92);

Aug. 09 - Ma. Purificacion Abaya-Almeda (HS-61/AB-65), sister of Corazon (HS-54/AB-57/BSE-58), Ma. Cristina (HS-57/

ABA-59), Ma. Concepcion (HS-63/AB-67), and Ma. Mediatrix (HS-66/AB-65);

Aug. 11 - Wilfrida Antonio-de Jesus, sister of Remedios Antonio-Gamalinda (HS-55);

Aug. 16 - Richard J. Wong, husband of Brenda Que-Wong (HS-75/AB-79); Aug. 17 - Agapito (Butz) Aquino, brother of Aurora A. Lichauco

(HS-49/AA-51/BSE-53), Ma. Gerarda A. Valdes (HS-52/BSHE-56), and Lupita A. Kashiwahara (HS-53);

Aug 22 - Celestina Castaneda-Villanueva (HS-57/BSHE-61), sister of Elenita C. Montemayor (HS-64/BSC-68) and Ma. Lourdes C. Tolosa (HS-70/BSC-74);

Aug. 24 -Cecilia T. Martinez, sister of Carmencita M. Que (HS-75);

Aug. 28 - Rosario (Charito) L. Junsay, mother of Adelina Vergel De Dios- Mamonluk (HS-75/ AB/BSC-80);

Aug. 28 - Irineo J. Obligacion III, husband of Irma Dulce Tanchoco-Obligacion (HS-57); Sept. 09 - Fr. Felix D. Unson, S.J., brother of Leonor U. Tioseco

(d), HS-37, Estrella (HS-39/AHE-41), and Leticia U. Revilla (HS-42/MT-48);

Sept. 11 - Ramon F. Atienza, from complications due to diabetes, husband of Carmen Costa-Atienza (HS-55);

Sept. 12 - Rosario F. Alcuaz, sister of Aurelia A. Keeler (HS-57), Catalina A. Obieta (d), HA-57, and Monserrat A. Acuna (HA-58);

Sept. 15 - Ernestina Giron-Pacheco (HS-67/BSC-71), who died of a heart attack; sister of Ma. Lourdes G. Abejero (d), HS-68/BSFN-73, Carmelita G. Canare (HS-73), and Elizabeth Joy G. Soriano (HS-79/AB-83);

Sept. 15 - Isabel Esparas, in San Francisco, California at age 102; mother of Isabelita A. Esparas (HS-65);

Sept. 30 - Wilma Flores-del Prado (HS-53); Oct. 07 - Milagros Francia Clemeno-Regalado (HS-65);

Congratulations to . . .

- Patricia Bustos Lagunda (HS-77), who was installed as second President of Baliuag University on Aug. 5, 2015;

- Ma. Cristina Danac-Delfin (HS-77) who received the Most Distinguished Physician Award from the Philippine Medical Society on May 22, 2015;

- Toni Villaraza-Palenzuela (HS-65), who was featured in the August issue of the magazine, Town and Country as one of the "Women of Ageless Beauty”.

- Armina Mae S. Boral (BSPsych-15), who recently passed the board exams for psychometricians given by the Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC);

- Eleazar D.G. Ang (BSPT-15), who recently passed the board exams for physical therapists;

- Sharmaine V. Abutal, Paul Armin J. De Luna, Felinette R. Marallag, Jamaica Ruffa P. Odasco and Alexandra Regilyne M. Romero, who recently passed the board exams for medical technologists