COMMUNITIES

The Grand Reunion of Xavier Faculty and Staff
Estrella Pe A. Nabua, GS Assistant Principal for Unit 3

Posted Friday, 18-Aug-2006 3:27 PM

           Since the beginning of SY 2006-2007, I have been eagerly anticipating the Grand Reunion of faculty and staff as part of the Golden Jubilee Celebration. When July 28, the red letter day came, I was immediately overwhelmed with a sense of nostalgia, loyalty to the school and a bubbling excitement to renew friendships.

         Ten, twenty, thirty and forty years is a very long dance with time to be away from good friends and I was wondering whether people would ever recognize me  or I could still recognize them as I’m sure we have aged through the years. The week before the jubilee, I was certain that, though I would not be able to distinguish their faces, I would absolutely remember the memories that we have shared throughout the years and even more importantly, remember the names which have already become hallmarks in this institution.

          Last July 28, as I was confronted by a sea of faces, I immediately recognized this group of marvelous and talented school teachers after so many years. I was awestruck by the glow on their faces and they still sparkled like champagne that glistened all throughout the night. As Father Johnny Go said in his opening remarks “they have mastered the art of self-preservation”. Instead of the usual “hi’s” and the traditional “hello’s”, I pointed at them and ecstatically screamed out their names because it was the only way I could express to them how deeply I felt about seeing them after all these years. But although a few had streaks of silver and gray hair, I did not see their faces age but I saw life. I saw gentleness. I saw character. I saw dignity. I saw dedicated men and women who spent a decade or two here at Xavier, decades that may be described as many days of honest and hard work. 

         Throughout the MPC hall, one could hear the   “Ayyyy’s” and the laughter and one could see the miles of smiles and heaps of hugs here and there. It was so wonderful to see old friends again, even if only briefly, such as my colleagues in the English department like Cynthia, Aida, Raquel, Rachel, Tessie, Tina, Cleo, Fidez, Gisela and Florisse. Other teachers like Mona, Rosel, Deng, Corni, Julie, El, Mina, Lita, Julie, Allyn, Rose Miranda, Malu Co, Angie Cruz, Angie Bunuan, Ditas Dairo, Ditas Fuentes, Myrna Rodriguez, Myrna de Vera, Pachot, Nonie, Vicky and Monit. From the Chinese department we had Lina Wong, Mary Jim, Mary Ngo, Au Salaya, Teresita Tan, Teresita Ang, Albert Kua, Lily Liu and Siok Po. Also around from high school were Bambi Lara, Tina Tan, Luisa, Irma, Willy and Bobby. I spotted around Tina Manahan, Ruby Tongco, Saloy Salumbides, Sammy Tocino, Rose Naelgas and Jun Macasieb. It was indeed very touching talking to former administrators like Fr. Bert Ampil, Mr. Mallillin, Norma Sandoval and Bobbit Suntay.

          The whole celebration was a complete delight. The activities and entertainment were well-organized and presented. Some of us had put together a video presentation highlighting some of the major milestones in the history of the school. It was a pleasure to hear from each other and talk about the old photos and to show to the young teachers how things were like then. I overheard the young ones say” black and white pala sila noon” A sumptuous dinner awaited the guests at the Sports Center and I’m sure everybody had a delight taking part in it. Some had still gotten some moves on the dance floor and stayed till 9 PM  and even with an overcast weather when it rained a couple of times, it seemed everybody got lost in the moment of this magical night.

           Truly, it was a night of meeting old friends but making new conversations. The whole experience was like walking through old roads but feeling nice about it. It was realizing that we have grown older but still feeling young at heart. It was absolutely a time to feel nostalgic about gone days but looking forward to better ones.

            When it was time to go, I felt sad it had to end. I never want to lose this great feeling. I look forward to something similar, somehow, that can capture this wonderful feeling again which I’m sure everybody experienced. If I have to wait until that day to recapture the same kind of reunion feelings that we captured during this wonderful event, it will be well worth the waiting.

             Finally, though most of us may not be around for the 75th anniversary but by our own participation in this year’s jubilee celebration, we have an important legacy to leave to our grandchildren who will one day walk the halls of this great institution.

             So, we tip off our hats to the leadership that spearheaded this grand event and thank you to all those who have helped made this celebration a wonderful one.

             To Xavier School, Mabuhay and more power.

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