January 27, 2000

The 35^th Anniversary Coral Celebration

December 27, 1999. After three years of preparation, the time has finally come for the big celebration. In the morning of December 27, 1999, the first arrival and the largest group of the balikbayans were met at the Ninoy International Airport by some members of the Steering Committee. A Welcome Party for these balikbayans was organized by the committee and was held at the residence of husband and wife Bien and Doris Cayas Alcera, both members of CNHS Class 65. Despite the jetlag and the long hours of intercontinental flight, the balikbayans came to the party and spent the time in reminiscing our high school days, sharing happy and joyful moments with the local Class 65.

December 29, 1999. There was a big turn out of graduates on the first day of our celebration. Close to 300 people attended (we only budgeted the affair for 200 people) the party which was held at Dante Salud's Farm. Approximately half are members of the Class. A mass was held in the afternoon at the quadrangle of our beloved Alma Mater and was officiated by our fellow co-alumnus and co-graduate, Father Teddy Villanueva. Despite for some minor glitches, (we almost ran out of food and the long wait of some for dinner), the first night was generally a success.

January 2, 2000. At about 8:00 AM, members of the class started convening at the Ladislao Diwa Elementary School for the Class parade. Like Day 1 of the celebration, everybody was very much excited in meeting old lost friends. The parade was led by the drum and bugle corp of the Philippine Marines, from LDES to the quadrangle of CNHS. The air was very festive and there was even dancing in the streets and at the quadrangle. After the parade, the class proceeded to the Villamar Beach Resort for the program proper. Again like day 1, close to 300 hundred people attended the affair.

January 4, 2000 - Island Cove Resort, the Grand Night. More than 275 people attended, the biggest turnout of graduates, more than 50%. More balikbayans who were not present during the first 2 days arrived. As compared with the first 2 days, this affair was very much organized. The presentations of the balikbayans overshadowed those of the local counterparts. This was really a grand night as this was the first time ever for most of our graduates attended a homecoming of our class. Although there was a general resentment to bring down the curtain for the celebration of our Coral Anniversary, the night will forever remain in our memories.

January 9, 2000. Joel Lamangan sponsored an outing for the balikbayans and the members of the Steering Committee to his resort at Magdalena, Laguna. At the main entrance of the resort, we were welcomed by ati-atihan dancers and were escorted up to the banquet area where a rondalla was waiting for us and played music while we were dining. The resort was closed from the public for our exclusive use. We spent the whole day touring the place, swimming and eating.

January 11, 2000. The members of CNHS Class 65 from the USA sponsored a Farewell-Thank You Party for the Steering Committee and other close friends at the Cherry's Pavillion in Kawit, Cavite. There was singing, eating, and sentimental speeches and goodbyes. This was the last night that the Class will be together as a group. Everybody were grateful for the camaraderie and the new bond of friendship that were established during the past days of the celebration.

The Coral Celebration was a big success !

Tedd V Navarro