There is something about our high school batch – which up to this point has never left our hearts no matter what part of the world we are presently in – and no matter how long we have been out-of-reach from one another. At some point somewhere, somebody remembers someone.
Seventeen years. Had it been that long? Batch ’89 - F.C.I.C’s proudest batch –has undoubtedly proved to be the most resilient of them all.
I’m trying to figure out what that thing is. Camaraderie? We always have that ever since – it has in fact evolved into an almost enduring kinship over the years. While others have grown tired of high school reunions, we however keep on planning for our next. We even have that awesome capacity to plan an instant reunion – whenever the numbers have it and whoever’s in town.
We do not plan the most elaborate of parties. Basta naay lechon ug beer – larga! It definitely is not the food. What is it then? You couldn’t even stand the irreverent jokes and rehashed taunts we have on each other year after year. The boys enjoy it. The girls don’t – but they miss it all the same.
Personalities? These are as diverse as the fishes are in the ocean. No matter – we accept each other – and enjoy each other’s company. Many of us have pursued different endeavors, raised their own families, and followed different lifestyles. Some of us have traversed even the seven seas in order to follow our individual dreams.
But when we return to the familiar sights of our hometown in Baybay, Leyte, and when we meet together and enjoy a reunion of sorts – everything’s set aside, we take off our caps and reveal the old familiar faces, names, and voices – strip ourselves of titles, bank accounts, or whoever the hell we’ve become, – and become our unadulterated selves. And we’re back in high school again.
The spirit of the past lives on. We may be somewhere else in the world right now. We might have left so many things behind. Somehow - it seems, we never left high school after all.
good for you that you still have a strong bond with your high school friends… wow! your batch has a website too… the author/creator (website) really did miss your high school happenings! it is touching to know that inspite the time and distance, the friendship and the memories are still alive in your hearts.
Posted by sweetie at September 6, 2006, 12:03 pmi am proud to be part of this batch. everytime i think about my high school friends, i feel at home no matter where and who i am now. it has been like that. we may have different journeys of our lives but when we have a chance to be together, all we share are laughters and those happy memories.
Posted by Janet at September 6, 2006, 2:22 pm[2] sweetie - thanks wifey. Ive already introduced to some of my classmates? What do you think? Wa gihapon mi mga buot no?
Posted by the shoe at September 6, 2006, 7:42 pmJanet - yup. I guess we are all proud of our batch.
Posted by the shoe at September 6, 2006, 7:44 pmIndeed, there is something about our batch that kept us together or at least most us together, after all these years. I must say that all can be attributed to what you said about personalities and the spirit of good friendship. There is another factor, however, that I would like to point out; and that is it’s because of the people like you, Jeanne, Janet, Helen, and Janette to name a few. I’m sure you know my reasoning behind it. Regardless of what you all have become and accomplished in life you have never turned your back on us. You remain in touch with, should I say, the “little people”. And that is the big difference I think, between our batch and the rest.
Posted by Richard at September 8, 2006, 8:27 am[6] Chard, we are all "little people". We still are. With big hearts like you.
Posted by siu at September 8, 2006, 3:52 pmi'll drink my beer with my hats off to the batch89 website! and, of course, to Richard: for dedicating his talent, time, money, and unselfish sense of connection to that wonderful past.
i am always proud to be an 89'er: wherever I am, wherever I will be.
Posted by Emerson at October 5, 2006, 6:24 am[8] Amen to that. How's life in Canada 'son?
Posted by siu at October 5, 2006, 10:30 am[9] we're ok. but (and you know that there is always a but) it's not like home. i'd rather be in the Philippines right now, playing pool or mahjong or watching cockfights - and drinking San Miguel. yet, i have to make THAT decision. right now,though, i am still thinking that i'm just on a long vacation.
Posted by Emerson at October 5, 2006, 11:09 ammao lage ning gi ingun nila nga "grabe ang bonding nato".ma patay,bunyag,kasal,fiesta,birthday,blessing.tapos..",basta may invitation,mag ka hiusa jud.."once a '89er,always an '89er".mu deny man ta panagsa nga dli na ka batch,pero,ma miss gihapon ang ka batch..
Posted by jeanne at November 25, 2006, 6:28 pmWould you know of anybody nga mo deny nga ato ka batch kay atong tuli-on ug utro?
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Posted by siu at September 5, 2006, 5:17 pm