Hello Batchmates!!!                                                                                                 

     It was so nice to see all of you last December 27th.  There were so many faces we haven't seen for ages- Alex Evangelista, Oliver Briola, Marlon Devera, Diane delaPena, Bayani Marin and our beloved teachers who came in full force.  To think that they hardly attend reunions... but for us, their palanggas, some of them came in as early as 4:30PM. Then there were the balikbayans who flew in just to party with us. Kakatuwa, seeing all of you guys made the party more special.

     Thanks to Eric, Amads, Danny, Doc Rainier, James, Ranjit etc. for transforming the Bulwagan Hall in elem to a cool partyplace with lounge chairs, bean bags, mood lights and nostalgic 80's music provided by Jam 88.3.  Snapshots from our Sulyap sent us back to memory lane with pictures of our Mamang Sorbetero dance number, scout camping in Villa Escudero, Christmas party photos taken during elem years, tambayan days in High school and lots more.  Cynthia Bauzon's cute barkada, King-Queen tarps and Eric's Aling Ising's ice cream cart decor welcomed everyone at the registration area. We really had a grand time having our pictures taken there.                                                                                           

    The short program allowed us more time to chill out with friends and dance like crazy 'til way past midnight.  During the program proper, several AVPs were shown- shots from previous reunions, our year-long 20Th year celebration and even very touching ones honoring our dearly departed batchmates.  Watching those affirmed what Donna shared in her nicely-written, very honest reunion piece- "time traveling" to a not-so-distant past when everything was still so pure, so innocent, so full of promise and hope for the future. Watching those reminded us of who we were and challenged us how we could continue upholding the ideals instilled in us by our alma mater.                                                                           

     Too bad that our batch donation of Philips lights (care of Nini Icban) didn't push through that night since the goods will still be delivered in January.  It would've been a perfect symbolism of our batch commitment in "giving and sharing the light" to the community. The projects we have embarked on the past one and a half years are testament to our commitment in serving the community. We believe that the illumination we can generate will be much brighter if we work together.  There is no me, I, my... but us, we, our.  In spite of our different cliques, interests, backgrounds, we still proudly belong to the UPIS Batch 88 family.                                                                                                                                  

    Don't think that our activities ended with our Chillout party.  A fresh year can be a fresh start of anything we choose to embark on.  Everything is possible, easier and fun to accomplish when friends are around.  Expect quarterly activities for more productive and bonding opportunities.  We do not need to wait for our 25th year to have another reunion.  Next December.... Batch Night Out na!!! Tutal halos lahat naman sa atin inumaga ang uwi... Order nalang tayo ng Rodics then at sabay-sabay tayo mag tapsilog while we watch the sunrise.... Game? 

Maya

PS. Thanks for making this year a very productive, fun and memorable one.  Nakakatuwa cuz it was all about loving and serving our batch. Tayo-tayo yun nag organize, bumili ng sariling bingo cards and carwash tickets. Tayo-tayo din yun naging guest speakers sa career talk at nagdonate para sa school and para sa party. Everything was by the 88s for the 88s.  Ang sarap maging 88!