Jubilee Day of Recollection

On Friday, Batch63 held its Day of Recollection at the Bro. AGonzalez Hall in Agno Street. It is an activity that would have schoolmates reflecting on their lives 50 years after High School. I was told that an activity like this a likely a first in the annals of DLS Golden Jubilee activities. Those who came to the Recollection were: Francis Horn, Lito and Fenita Canillas; Jimmy Ortigas; Victor and Eileen Sy; Bobbit Damian; Bambi Goco; Gary Salcedo; Baby Angeles; Bobby Dee; Oni Mayo; Tony Estonina; Boy Nazareno; Steve Hontiveros, Joey Ingles, Bro. Ray Suplido; and Father Fernan Cruz. 

Starting off with the national anthem and a prayer, the forum opened with a song led by Lito Canillas on the guitar. This Tagalog song was actually suggested by Lito.  It's a song that they do in Lito's Queens parish in NYC. (no one among the locals knew any suitable Tagalog song, heh heh). The song is fitting for memory -challenged Seniors since apart from its poignant reflection theme, it was entitled “Sino Ako?”. 

The forum followed Francis Horn’s prepared agenda for the day. Lito talked about “Religio”, Bro. Ray talked about “Mores” and Fr. Fernan talked about “Cultura”. While Lito was sentimental and Bro. Ray was technical in their deliveries, Fr. Fernan was amusing and hilarious.  His emphatic Southern Tagalog expressions was a hit with the crowd. The interaction time after each talk was both entertaining and refreshing. Several guys shared their experiences and eloquently discussed why they are the La Salle boys they are now. This was really a revelation.  For those who are interested, I understand that Lito and Fenita caught the whole thing on tape and may be sharing this soon.

Lunch was served at the Faculty canteen after which the boys had a tour of the new campus which allowed for a lot of photo ops. A visit to the DLSAA office was an opportunity to renew Alumni Association cards which can be prepared in minutes. In case you are wondering, the pretty girl in the photo slideshow (that Gary and Steve posed with) is Ms. Wenz Tiu.  She is one La Salle’s volleyball stars that made it to the UAAP finals and who happened to be visiting the office at that time.

Thanks to Francis Horn and Lito Canillas for organizing this unique event that really articulated what a La Sallite is. We hope it sets the standard as an activity for future Homecomings.

See slide show for more photos.