Reunion 2009, San Diego/Cruise
The Road to DECADA 2009, San Diego: BEYOND FRIENDSHIP and CAMARADERIE
By: BABE BAGARES
acgbbabe@yahoo.com 718-473-4249
abmbabe@yahoo.com 718-473-7593

It's me, more than 4 decades after Graduation from High School- NOTRE DAME of Lagao, Girl's. Taken at Manchester Grand Hyatt, One Market Place, San Diego, CA 92101 during the Gala Night of DECADA 2009.

     It was April 2009 one night. The POWERFUL INFORMATION SUPER HIGHWAY brought me to the website- notredamegensan.org. One great chance maybe was seeing the names and phone numbers of Odita Maamo and Dorie Arradaza (forgive me for excluding their married surnames). They were the most dominant names that registered into my thinking brain simply, because the Maamos and Arradazas were my neighbors in 3rd Barrio Lagao.

     After my high school graduation, I never cared to look back. I was a Notre Damean who never dared to connect to my knowledge roots-classmates, schoolmates, teachers-lay or religious. I embraced LIFE away from General Santos City and wanted nothing more than to become an accomplished individual on my own. I took LIFE very seriously. Relentlessly, I kept away from the Notre Dame circle and spent my professional life in Manila, and less than a decade in the USA.

     Ah.....the small and weary world has changed to a great leap. Thanks to the very fast advances in Information Technology of the 21st century social, learning, and working environment, I was linked to my "LOST WORLD" - NOTRE DAME of LAGAO.

The 1st DAY ROAD : Welcome Party at Surmillion-Fike Residence Odita Maamo-M and I, taken at Embassy Suite on the way to Surmillion-Fike Welcome Party on the night of June 19, 2009      The very first person I tried to contact was Dorie Arradaza-Dantoin; but she was on her "Bakasyon Grande" in Lagao. Eagerly though I wired Odita Maamo-Matthews and was able to contact her in May 2009. For the first time in my LIFE in America I was able to talk via cell phone with somebody at least nearest my heart - because she was my neighbor. Thank God "I said to myself." To my delight and joy without banality I heard some news from her about "Notre Dame." This was the beginning of the "Road to DECADA 2009."

Dorie Arradaza-D and I, taken at Embassy Suite on the way to Surmillion-Fike Welcome Party on the night of June 19, 2009

     To my recollection, Dorie was still in college when Nanay and I ( who was 5 years old then) frequented their house to make chika-chika with her Nanay (my Nanay's BFF). When she started her career as a teacher at Notre Dame of Lagao, Girl's, I was already in Manila to take my BS-General Science in UP. So, my memory with her as a Notre Damean was less vivid. The connection was detached. However, my short meeting with her at Decada 2009 placed a lasting friendship between her and me.

That sexy Lady in Purple is Edita Yumang-Schermer

     A Full Blooded Pampangeña, Edita was a Drum Beater in her high school days. She was my Brother Roger's (an FMS who died 3 decades and 9 years ago-R.I.P., 5 years older than I am) Batchmate; sexier in her youthful years -tall, skinny, and with great looks. An exuberant high schooler - a Notre Damean, she loved to make herself beautiful. The night I met her for the first time in more than four decades at Embassy Suite, I was filled with great joy.

That's me with my 6th Grade Adviser Mrs. Remedios Ferrariz

     One great blessing amid the party at the Surmillion-Fike residence was the presence of my former teacher-Mrs. REMEDIOS FERRARIZ. She is truly a "Reflection of a noble and outstanding teacher." In her 87 summers she's still vibrant and a perfect role model. To her I extend my deepest gratitude...Remember I was your 2nd honor and Most Disciplined Girl...awards I cherished most. To my dear teacher I say: WITHOUT YOU THERE WILL BE NO ME!!!!!!

See that? He's Art Henares my classmate in the 3rd Grade (Mrs. Rivera), 5th Grade (Mr. Cortel), and my Batchmate in Notre Dame of Lagao

     I will never forget Art Henares; a 3rd Barrio Lagao Notre Damean who was always number 1 in his class who ended up salutatorian in our high school graduation. He was defeated by a transferee from Bacolod in third year high school. Everybody couldn't believe the most controversial scoring during that time!!!! To my memory's recollection he was a great speaker with pleasing character, who had the ability to LEAD the group and TOP academic exams. Known as a "left handed bevy of talent" in his high school years, Art was really popular among us seniors in the girl's department during our time (He was not aware of this).
     During the welcome party it was suddenly harder to spot a long lost buddy just looking to converse with someone. More than four decades had passed...just imagine the faces that changed with time! I was not sure what each Notre Damean thinks during the welcome party. But one thing was sure it was such a big hit! Thanks to the Surmillion - Fike and company who made the occasion exciting and meaningful. I met some of my old friends and had new friends.
     Just then Zenaida Kinjiyo approached me.

     Zenaida Kinjiyo and I had picture taking together. She was not my classmate but my sister Susan's. In anyway, I had a connection with her because of this, aside from the fact that she was the BFF of my sister who transferred to Centro Escolar University in Manila and finished her high school there because she moved to the city with me when I went to Manila to take my Bachelor's degree.
     In her teen years, Zeny was a real beauty with very pleasing personality- kind, sweet, loving, and easy to deal with.
     Nevertheless our meeting was memorable one because neither one of us thought that at this point and time of our life we will meet each other and of all places in America.

Photo shoots continued as Prima Guipo-Hower and Lani Zerrudo-Gammon joined the group.

     Prima and Lani were true friends during their high school days, and nothing can abridge that friendship even the sharpest blade of destructive disputations. That is real friendship. Prima always took her role as a Notre Damean very seriously, looking out for her friends and classmates and setting the perfect example for them: a leader- highly motivated, caring, and warm, ; sincere in what ever endeavor she undertook and more importantly a role model honor student.
     Lani in her youth as a high school Notre Damean was a real stunner with her Filipina demure beauty; who was also known as "anak ni Noy Dading" and younger sister of Larry. Wherever Prima and Lani went moments were always filled with joy and laughter. They were my sister Susan's classmates in the elementary grade and part of high school.
     Moreover our meeting during the welcome party was cordial and exciting. WOW Prima...Age has not changed those Miss Universe Legs, not a bit!! (Remember Bitoy (?) Gonzales).

     What an exciting reunion. Some others joined the group like Bing Ferrariz, Belen Alburo, someone from Europe- the first Filipina kagawad there, Minda Hingco-Zamzam, Elena Tingson-Gonzales, and another Notre Damean. We were all happy together although I only met some of them for the first time in my LIFE. That's Notre Damean Spirit. Kahit di friends parang matagal nang BFFs. Life goes on BEYOND FRIENSHIP and CAMARADERIE...

     The photo shoot lingered on for POSTERITY. It was one moment in time as Zenaida Kinjiyo joined the group and one at the middle. The Notre Dame Chain that night was infectious..... With unforgettable experience, the welcome party was a night about embracing my fellow Notre Dameans again. The power to hold on together became stronger that night at the welcome party.

     This photo during at the Surmillion- Fike welcome party on June 19, 2009 with Dorie Arradaza- Dantoin, Corazon Martinez-Laughlin, Elena Tingson- Gonzales, and another Notre Damean also reminisced my Notre Dame days with Corazon Martinez - Laughlin, who was a year ahead of me. She was well known as "Mestisa Kastila," with beautiful big brown eyes and long brown hair that flashed a fresh aura of innocence.
     The party was filled with people; some of them I'd never known before like Elena Tingzon- Gonzales. Yet her willingness to be in group picture taking gave me a sense of joyful and indiscriminate ease. It was as if I had found myself again way back in my Notre Dame years.

     This picture with Mrs. Remedios Ferrariz, Florita Paredes- Eugenio, and Crisanta Madria was taken during the welcome party. "Kumustahan" continued. I was so happy to see Florita (Batchmate of my elder brother Romy) and Crisanta (the sister-in-law of my best friend in high school Lawrencia Madria). Florita was so amazed to know and see me for the first time in her life.
     We appreciated the beauty and wonder of Decada 2009 and felt grateful about its purpose and what it yields especially in bringing nostalgic Notre Dameans together again. Fortunately, we as Notre Dameans are so fascinated by just being together at some point of our life in America. I must admit, I really missed a lot ......!!!

     Belen Alburo (in green) was there too at the welcome party. The smile in us was a reflection of joy after more than four decades of not seeing each other and without any means of communication. We were neighbors then in 3rd Barrio Lagao, who played together as little girls. Decada 2009 did bind us together and recalled our happy childhood and teen years along with another Notre Damean.

     All smiles to have a lasting shot of the Welcome Party! Me, Belen Alburo, Josie Ferrariz, another Notre Damean, Mrs. R. Ferrariz, Tess Ferrariz, Malut Diaz, and another Notre Damean. The party was not just another gig. It was the beginning for me to communicate with my fellow Notre Dameans. I felt a wave of foreign feeling as I see different faces of people I saw once again and others for the first time. It was as if I had found myself in jam session (the party craze during my Notre Dame years) yet I never cared to sing or dance because I was ecstatic about my long lost friends, neighbors, classmates, and even my former teacher still alive and kicking.

The Ferrariz women were a sight to cherish in the party. Mrs. Remedios Ferrariz YOU must be awarded "TEACHER and MOTHER ALL through the YEARS" for producing "Model Filipina Working Women" - Bing, Josie, and Tess. Where was Agustin during the welcome party????? Just asking...

The 2nd DAY ROAD......... Trips AHOY at CORONADO: Sightseeing, Dining, Music and Dancing, Romancing, Moon chasing and Stargazing

     Locals and tourists at CORONADO enjoyed sightseeing the maybe once upon a time bucolic site; that I felt made more cinematic by the classic architecture and scenic vistas- creatures that inhabit the sea and heavenly sky and gorgeous sunset that makes a dazzling sky show as the red, pink and violet colors wash across the horizon.
     Dining was expensive, so we decided not to dine there; yet most of the short time visitors enjoyed the sumptuous dine. Music was loud and most people danced to the beat. Romancing on the blue water of CORONADO Beach was such a site; that was even made more enticing by the glance at a distance of the beauty of the mountains caressing with the rushing waters of the beach.
     For those who would stay as the shadow of the night falls (I heard a group talking about it), moon chasing in small boats against the roaring waves would be exciting when the sun shares its bright light with the moon at full moon (Note that even in the physical universe sharing is so important for coexistence). Stargazing would be an astronomy experience for those who are scientifically inclined to have a glimpse of at least the tiniest fraction of the more than hundred billions of stars twinkling steadily, while some other stars in proper motion or moving on celestial sphere in the galaxy- the Milky Way, the home of our Earth, the most beautiful planet (for me!!!) in this seamless universe; where all heavenly bodies are in synchronous fashion. I could only exclaim in awe, "What a perfect God's creation!"

     I enjoyed the beauty of SAN DIEGO better than San Francisco and LA...maybe because SAN DIEGO is more country than San Francisco and LA.
     As I posed for souvenir shot my heart really yearned for serenity in the city like CORONADO.

     The beauty of CORONADO was breathtaking. The now BFFs took time to have a photo shoot for posterity...Dorie, a guest, Edita, Odita and ME. What a lovely serenity in CORONADO. Under the dark clouds and rain shower our "Trips Ahoy" persisted because all of us really needed a big break. I come from the City that Never Sleeps with all the rushing crowd especially on early morning rush to take a subway train ride to go to work or just go out to stroll; it was such a pleasure to wander around a different scenery and see the beauty of CORONADO.

     I wandered and gazed, then took time out to have this memento for lasting memory of DECADA 2009...2nd DAY-June 20, 2009; with the classic architecture background - Coronado Hotel.

I always cry for country life
Amidst the burgeoning urban populace
Far from the maddening crowd of the city
Away from the intricate urban existence
Where lovely nature's breast embraces
The lonely city dwellers' life.

Captivating Moment with MILO and EDITA Schermer

     Milo saved the 2nd day of gallivanting. He was our driver and there was no dull moments with him.....You are so lucky Edita!!!!!!!!! He is so kind, generous, and patient. All best qualities rolled into one in Milo...

TIME OUT with Vincent and Odita Matthews
     Thanks a lot! Vincent provided a free meal after CORONADO in one of the eateries in SAN DIEGO. Odita, your smile means a lot.. ...Moreover, "Daghan Salamat" for the many nights conversation. Now I want to confess: "I was too hesitant to go at first," but after your persuasive argument I was convinced! What a great pleasure to see you again!

2nd DAY - GALA NIGHT at the ELIZABETH VICTORIAN BALLROOM, Manchester Grand HYATT - Jan 20, 2009
     The Gala Night was an AFFAIR to REMEMBER. The Notre Dameans wore costume according to the decade where each one belonged. I was in the 60s, so I wore a mini skirt and flat boots to compensate the decade of the Beatles, Gary Lewis and the Playboys, Jacquelyn Kennedy, etc. Clicking of cameras was never ending to capture this one moment in the life of Notre Dameans.
     It was a rare and happy reunion for us all- Notre Dame of General Santos City Graduates. It somehow filled the void in our life. Through this occasion I looked back and reminisced the past. In it lays the reality- the GRANDEUR and GLORY of my "LOST WORLD"- Notre Dame of Lagao. I vividly recalled the bygone days - my Basic Education and Foundation: Religious Education and Good Manners and Right Conduct- that taught me how to be really GOOD; Stage Plays, Choral Presentation, Home Reading Reports, English Grammar, Literature, Essay Writing, Prose and Poetry - that built my passion for Reading and Writing and the Arts; Quiz Bee, Periodical Examinations, Science and Mathematics-that developed extensively my left brain; the Sport's Week, Notre Dame Day Festivity, and Field Demonstration and many more. All of these shaped my character and aided my pursuit for excellence- academic or non-academic in my College and Graduate School years, and eventually in my professional undertakings.
     I hoped to meet my long lost teachers, classmates and schoolmates; and the founders and pillars of Notre Dame schools in Mindanao- the Oblate Fathers who frequented our house when I was still a baby to visit my Kuya Ben, class Valedictorian who wanted to be a priest (20 years older than I am, the eldest in brood of nine-6 boys and 3 girls; R.I.P.), the Marist Brothers who later took over the Oblates in educating the Notre Dameans, and the Dominican Sisters in the Girls' Department.

     Minda Hingco and I rarely saw each other in our younger years. Yet meeting for the first time after more than 4 decades in Decada 2009 both of us enjoyed the night. I'd known her as "Anak ni Mrs. Hingco ang Maestra." Kids in our age group used to envy her because she (Also his brother Gerry) always wore "medyas at sapatos" ("kasi anak ng Maestra," adults often said this). To add "more insult to injury" she always had the most beautiful bouquet of flowers during "Flores de Mayo." Kids really, really envied her for the very beautiful bouquet of flowers displayed on the altar during Sunday masses (These are secrets revealed only now).

     Dorie and I were all smiles as in this rare photo shoot together during the Gala Night. This was an eventful night never to be forgotten by the two of us because Decada 2009 was our first get together after almost five decades.

     Look who's there. It's Sulping Arreola, the Batchmate of Kuya Romy (my elder brother-17 years my senior). We hadn't even known each other in Lagao yet we posed for posterity during the Gala Night of Decada 2009. I was ecstatic to have this picture with Kuya Sulping because I want Kuya Romy to cherish this souvenir shot; as well as the fact that he is the elder brother of Valing- my batch mate.

     Art Henares in Michael Jackson Afro look and Sol Santos-Cuenco smiled for this photo shoot. It was the first time I met Sol. Look at that serious guy behind us! Art Henares introduced him to me.

     Art Henares introduced Jess Mendoza to me as our "batch mate." He was from NDD-Boys. He's the incoming President of the NDGSCAA. As the incoming President (2009-2011) of the Association, it's time to LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE....Want my hunch? You will be efficient and effective President. There’s never been the best time to show your Leadership Style than this time and really be a good Commander in Chief, mapping out the best strategy to meet the needs of the NDGSCAA/USA and Canada, to make the right connections the association needs, to envision your vision and embark on a realization of your mission successfully materialized by putting into action in the right direction your goals and objectives.
     I missed seeing Edna Maurillo, my batch mate who was also there. I heard Tony Mapalo's very good voice. I'd known him from his son Troy Mapalo ( now a nurse in Australia), my student in Mathematics in the College of Nursing in Concordia College, Manila. We saw each other ones during Troy's college graduation. ...What about Rayland Rogan, another batch mate of mine? He was no where to be found.

The TEACHER with ART and Me      Nothing was more heart warming than being with our dearest and favorite teacher - Mrs. Remedios Ferrariz. She was stunning in her olive green Red Carpet gown. The years that passed never affected her physical beauty. She was filled with confidence and grace during the Gala Night of Decada 2009 on June 20, 2009.

     Belen Alburo attended Decada 2009 too. She came directly from the Philippines to grace the occasion. I was so happy to be with her. It was our first meeting after more than 4 decades. Imagine that!!!!!! We played together as graders (although she is younger than I am) because we were neighbors then; and are still neighbors now in Lagao. Piko (Hop Scotch) and Jackstone were our favorite past time during Saturday and Sunday and Vacation Time. We also played "Bahay-bahayan" and our house was real - constructed by "little us" or by our elder brothers using innovations with our own imaginative ideas. That was really cool. As a child I was innovative and imaginative but was not aware of these traits. It was real fun expressing my thoughts and creativity.
     More importantly, it was an unforgettable get together at the Gala Night for the two of us.

     We were neighbors then. As we grew older, we used to see each other at Santa Cruz de Mayo led by the Diola family with little capilla in their vicinity. Odita finished high school in Cebu, so we saw each other again only on vacation time - April and May. We did have good time together as teens even with age gap. We enjoyed the stage play in Visaya led by the Ortiz family, the Amateur Singing Contest, and the Quiz Bee (After novena night of Santa Cruz de Mayo - held April 24 - May 3 of the year). The night we met in DECADA 2009 there was a big spark that bound us together again.....We missed the time that passed by, only memories prevailed, but the thrill of being at DECADA 2009 was necessarily something to celebrate.

     Florita Paredes-Eugenio and Lita Lautengco-Quilantang never knew me as a young girl. I am way far behind their age. They were surprised to see me when I was introduced to them by Odita. The connection sparked because they were both the batchmate of my brother Romy, champion athlete during his time.
     I was a little hesitant to tag along with Florita and Fe; however it was a pleasure to meet and have a chat with them.

     A group picture together made the GALA NIGHT more memorable. This serves as a lasting part of memorabilia of us so happy together on the night of June 20, 2009.
     It was about the precious moment that Notre Dameans boldly went for the night talking with one another or dancing on the dance floor. I preferred to hop from one place to the other in my desire to record the event (This is what we call documentation).

     This photo showed another smile moment with Dorie, Florita, Odita, and Nena. I was not alone in feeling the nostalgia during the night of Decada 2009. The spirit of friendship and camaraderie drew us together that seemed to conjure the most enduring memories of our Notre Dame days. I don't think anybody had any idea how special Notre Dameans were going to be - up until then we were Notre Dameans.... period. "Oh yeah, we are in America." I couldn't believe how far we have gone. It was quite an experience for me, getting to watch the hullabaloo of the Gala Night and all of this. It was a memorable night with my friends.

     Minda and I had good time together during Decada 2009. Bing and sister Josie also had fun as program continues. It was a huge party. I would do it all over again. Everyone grew increasingly excited as the songs of the Decadas of the '50s, '60s, '70s, and '80s were played.......also chatted with gusto and danced all night to the tune of the music played.

The OATH TAKING

     The NDGSC Alumni Association/ USA & Canada new set of officers - National Level (2009-2011) was sworn into office.

(List of current officers)

     Leadership matters in the success of any organization. What makes a leader? I believe that anyone can be a leader, even the most ordinary people. (Take Jesus as an example in His human nature as the son of a carpenter.) The ability to lead is a trait that considers doing the following: Inspiring those above or below them, taking action in the right direction in order to succeed; Holding the people together in the organization by communicating with them constantly inspiring them to bring about adaptive and practical vision and mission; and Supporting and facilitating people he works with by being cautious and circumspective in regard to practical matters (wisdom to practical matters) - praising loudly and publicly concerted or individual efforts. But no matter what, success is a concerted effort of leadership and its people.

     Beyond excitement, the awarding for teachers was bestowed upon the mentors of Notre Dame of General Santos City. That was a good idea. There's no denying the message that their former students who were gathered for the occasion are symbols of unprecedented success. Certainly, the most important thing was giving the teachers what they deserve.....

     Special award for a job well done was also awarded to the deserving members. That's what leadership is all about, a doer and unfiendishly tolerant of the person's performance and strength. That's doing the right thing - doing what needs to be done to make a difference, in order to achieve mission and goals in a diverse group of people.

     Posing for picture at the party hall with Corazon Martinez- Laughlin as the night's party went on was automatic. Happy faces were also shown in the gathering of Notre Dameans in Decada 2009, where we got to see just how many of us there were.

     There goes Rayland Rogan, my batch mate taking the best time with Rolly Seneriches, Ferrariz sisters, Prima Guipo-Hower, among others in the crowd in front row.
     Rayland was known during our high school days as the "Guy with Adjutant voice." He was also known as the "Heart throb of C.R." When we were seniors, we feasted reading his verses self-scripted in linen paper as a message of his profound, tender, and passionate affection for C. R. But that was a match not made in heaven as graduates of Batch '64 parted ways after graduation to curve and fashion their own future.
     He sounded like the "Passionate shepherd to his love one;" more like a poet than an entrepreneur that he is today; awarded "Entrepreneur of the Year" (2000?) here in the Eastern part of America - for his successful importation of quality Filipino/ Asian products to America coupled with dedicated support for charitable causes. That is what we call success!
     Rolly Seneriches was one year behind us in high school. A guy with dancing feet, Rolly was a stand out in jam sessions and public dancing with his partner twin sister Yolly. It was as if his feet never got tired of dancing to his delight. Of course he was so admired for his talent by no other than adoring girls!

     Notre Dameans were all over the place during the Gala Night trying to keep cool. They were singing as they heard the songs of the decada and dancing to the beat of the music. The place was a wonderland of Notre Dameans. See how happy they were including me in signature vintage black hat, as if never able to part with it. Now that I look back those three reunion days I think of how lucky we are to have such great unforgettable memories.

     There were Notre Dameans not just from States of the USA but as far as Europe, Canada and the Philippines. The feeling among all of us was something nostalgic but big and grateful and we all felt the vitality of Decada 2009. It was not just music and dancing, food and wine, friendship and camaraderie anymore. It was the Notre Dameans beyond friendship and camaraderie, filled with vision to carry on and to let it happen.

     Nevertheless, the Notre Dameans in Decada 2009 did make the occasion worthwhile and meaningful. They gathered mainly to carry on the NDGSCAA torch and make the flame burning. But Decada 2009 epitomizes the enduring ideals of Notre Dameans: Faith, Hope, and Love put into action. Certainly, I (shown in black signature vintage hat with Odita beside Sulping A) really believe that growing up Notre Dameans like that has made us who we are today.

     I am superbly grateful for the cell phones and Information Superhighway and of course to the greatest innovators of these technologies. The Road to Decada 2009 was made possible to me. I (back facing cam seen chatting with Odita at the back of my teacher - Mrs. R. Ferrariz) know nothing has ever or could duplicate my experience of Decada 2009. It didn't just end there; it has certainly stayed with me.

     The night was almost over but the thrill was still there. There was a great sense of pride among us; because being Notre Damean was great. Real Notre Dameans love life. There was certain prestige in being Notre Damean - maybe more than it deserved.

     Decada 2009 in San Diego brought joy, sorrow, and love in my heart and everyone's heart. It was an affair not to be missed. Notre Dameans who were there put out their best "vibes." I (partly hidden at the back of my teacher- Mrs. R. Ferrariz) met my former school mates, friends, neighbors and my teacher purely by surfing the Information Superhighway and deciding to be there at Decada 2009. The Notre Dame spirit shown in everybody around us during the three days of gatherings (some extended by Mexican cruise) profoundly affected me. Just having Decada 2009 in San Diego is symbolic of our past - the youthful years of our Notre Dame days. Special memories that keep us alive bind our lives together as Notre Dameans.

     Meet the modern-day Notre Dameans. Despite the open-wild times, they are still reserve and unassuming. With big smiles on their faces they posed for souvenir photo session before parting ways. They seemed more and more engaging as saying goodbye was inevitable. I must say "God gave us Notre Dame of General Santos City to love and cherish."

     There were still lots of songs and dances. Nevertheless, each one was high-spirited and found a spot among the crowded dance floor. Happiness; Yes. Tiresome: No. It was friendship and camaraderie, attitude of sharing a Decada 2009 experience, and the Notre Dame spirit that made everything worked out well. And it was a lifetime memory. It brought back the glory days of Notre Dame.

     Friendship and camaraderie were shown on those happy faces of the younger set of generation of Notre Dameans- Decada '70s (May be some belong to Generation X - born 1966 and beyond).
     They shared stories. Each one took time out from jobs, vacations, and other important matters to join Decada 2009. The event was an SRO and put into better perspective.

     I have to admit that what amazed me most, even more than the music and the beautiful Manchester Grand Hyatt, was how Notre Dameans stood together in copasetic bliss in what was not always such perfect event.
     I've lived on NYC my entire life in America and had my fair share of joy and sorrow. But the festive mood of Decada 2009 in San Diego generated invigorating energy among the nostalgic baby boomers (born 1946 - 1965), and I was one of them (partly hidden at the back of Mr. Gray) and non- baby boomers (born 1945 and below).
     Despite the difficulties of the time Decada 2009 in San Diego resonated positively. Kudos to those who made it happen. It was an affair to remember that made one feel that Notre Dame of General Santos City was a world out there that could actually survive and become the cradle of the brains. It reflects a lot of what the Notre Dameans in the USA envision.

3rd Day: June 21, 2009 - Mass at Our Lady of Rosary Church
1929 Columbia St., San Diego CA 92101
7:30 AM to 8:30 AM
     The Catholics of the Decada 2009 attendees strived to be the best. If that was religiosity, so be it. Early morning of June 21, 2009 proved to be short of church goers. With the Gala Night party that ended 12:30 AM, those who did not attend the mass officiated by Father Tabigue sleeping time for sure was extended or for the non- Catholics, it was time for Bible reading and listening to the sermon of Pastor Art Henares.
     But those of us who attended the mass, it was time to thank God, the good and blissful years of NDGSCAA reunion (1993-2009) and its vision and mission put into action.

The End of the Road....... is only the Beginning

It was OK to feel sadness......'cause parting was bitter - sweet.      It was 9:00 AM when Vincent and Odita Matthews drove me to the airport. I missed the "Sugba-Sugba", more importantly the friendship and camaraderie. With sadness and heavy heart I took the stride to leave....ready to make tomorrow another beautiful day of my life in NYC.

     As I looked outside the side window of Jet Blue, I glanced downward and saw San Diego....a tear nearly fell. Deep inside me there was a silent voice saying "I left my heart in Decada 2009, San Diego". ...... Sharing my memories of Decada 2009 is a pleasure. To my camera man who obliged himself to photograph the event of the Gala Night, the elder son of Edita Yumang Schermer and my angel incognito "Daghan Salamat." It was such a pleasure meeting you young man of the Generation X.

36K+ Feet Above the Earth...      The very beautiful but lonely Cumulus Clouds seemed to show that "Behind the clouds the sun is still shinning." This was everybody's favorite saying in high school as written in the slum book as each one parted ways after graduation from high school. The seemingly floating clouds 36K+ above the earth kept my memory of Decada 2009 that brought jubilant Notre Dameans together again and portended the Notre Dame years of '50s, '60s, '70s...

     The sight of Hudson river from the East side as Jet Blue prepared for landing when I went home to New York City on June 21, 2009, made me realize how lucky I am to have a Notre Dame Education. It is far out that Notre Dame of General Santos City had produced, still producing, and will be producing graduates....we will forever cherish the experience of being once upon a time the Notre Dameans who embodied (hope still today) the ideals that our Alma Mater holds...as expressed in the Notre Dame March:

NOTRE DAME MARCH...
WE STAND TODAY FOR OUR NOTRE DAME
LOYAL AND TRUE WE'LL ALWAYS REMAIN
AND AS THE YEARS GO PASSING BY
WE'LL KEEP HIGH OUR BANNER IN THE SKY
WE'LL WORK FOR GOD AND OUR PHILIPPINES
PROUD OF OUR FLAG AND ALL THAT IT MEANS
AND ALWAYS LOVE THY GLORIOUS NAME
FOR OUR COUNTRY AND OUR NOTRE DAME
HAIL! HAIL TO OUR NOTRE DAME
OPEN OUR HEARTS AND PRAISE BE HER NAME
AND AS THE YEARS COME ROLLING BY
WE'LL KNOW THAT A SMILE CAN KEEP US HIGH
WE'LL TRY OUR BEST TO WIN OVERALL
TRYING TO LEAD IN BIG THINGS OR SMALL
WIN OR LOSE WE'LL HOLD THY NAME
WITH HONOR TO NOTRE DAME!!!

     With this I end my Obra Maestra, a documentation of my message of LOVE to all of you- The Road to Decada 2009, San Diego: Beyond Friendship and Camaraderie.

But it's not yet the end of the Road....it's only the beginning of the quest envisioned in a dream by the current President Jess Mendoza.....Virginia 2011. .....to all Notre Dameans, "Let's carry on the Notre Dame Torch." As cited by Jess Mendoza (Guestbook, Aug. 2, 2009): "The great majority of us, old guards will be gone in another 50 years," and I say : "So, let's keep the flames burning".........and
     Glow like the flow of fire at sunrise in London Beach in Tambler, General Santos....
To inspire the younger generation of Notre Dameans, so that the seeds planted by the older ones may continue to grow.

Radiate like a midday summer heat in New York City..... To endure, exist, and live life to the fullest.      When our day is almost done keep those flames burning like the world's most spectacular and most beautiful sunset of Manila Bay.......

To let Faith and Hope rise against all odds

So that... we as Notre Dameans shall always be of service for others with compassion, reverence, respect, gentleness, and Love.      To all Notre Dameans of General Santos City in USA especially the leadership headed by Jess Mendoza, "Let's look back and move forward towards one vision" ("Magbalik tanaw tungo sa Sangpananaw").
Till we celebrate our friendship and camaraderie and beyond friendship and camaraderie in Virginia 2011........ We know "It is our reason for being....."

From the SONY Laptop of:
Babe Bagares, NYC
(August 21, 2009)