A homecoming and reunion

The Negros Occidental High School Class 1950 led by Amado "Remache" Parreño held a reunion in Bacolod City recently. Dr. Pablo Estacion, Ofelia Aluamento and Clarita Ong took charge of contacting all NOHS Class '50 classmates to attend the reunion.

The batch is very proud of their co-graduates who made good in their chosen careers. Some are now doctors, nurses, engineers, lawyers and educators. A member of the class, Charles Golez Valera, and wife, the former Carol Tabino - who just breezed into town -- hosted the reunion.

Carol is a nursing graduate of the Negros Occidental Provincial Hospital. After working for twenty five years abroad, the couple decided to have a meaningful, happy and memorable vacation with their classmates, friends and relatives.

They were surprised at the many changes in the city, especially its buildings, restos, shopping malls and the wide and cemented streets.

Charles and Carol's hospitality for their fellow kababayans was there for the E.T.C.S Bacolod Softball players when they were in Los Angeles.

They opened their doors, not only once but twice, during the players' stay in the US.

At the reunion, there was food, wine and dancing at the lovely home of classmate Teresita Sison Gensoli. It was really a night for all the golden girls.

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Ivy V. and I arrived at the Sampaguita Hall of the Sugarland Hotel and found all the Leonardia siblings led by cousin Marissa Corral putting the finishing touches on the décor, flower arrangements, huge birthday cake and karaoke that played a big part in the celebration of Perla L's birthday.

Again, a thousand thanks to this wonderful gadget we call the "cellphone" because Ninfa L. pretended to pass by at the DAILY STAR office until the go-signal could be made.

The celebrator, Perla "Ducky" Leonardia was so surprised to see all her relatives already all seated. Upon her entry, everybody sang a brisk "Happy Birthday" song.

The emcee of the program was her accountant niece Lourdes Leonardia Batac who called the siblings one by one to give a short special message to the celebrator, and being the youngest, Mayor Bing, was the last, but he was also the one who persuaded his Manang Ninfa to say something, and she obliged.

All the apos performed song and dance numbers, some recited and others gave their wishes for Tita Perla. The wit and sheer cleverness of all the apos made the affair enjoyable and delightful.

To Perla - may you have more birthday celebrations that we will all enjoy being a part of.*

Remember: "Be thankful for God-given talent; Be careful of self-given deceit."