from Ferdinand Ignacio

Good day to everyone,

After 2 weeks of recuperating from my trip to Philippines for our class of 1977 reunion finally I'm back on track. I'm sorry for this delayed update of our very successful first Class reunion. Everything went well as planned, despite of all the chaotic situations that incurred before the reunion. With an overwhelming welcome from our classmates in the Philippines, it was worth the trip indeed. Everyone was happy once again to meet & greet, not only our classmates, but the respective families after 32 long years. We had a Motorcade in the morning and at night we had the Program and Ball on the 16th of April. On the 17th we had our Classmate’s Picnic together with their families at Crystal Glade Resorts.

Each day we had invitations from our classmates to hold other gatherings for members of our class only. I get teary eyed when I think of how grateful and happy I am to be part of this class. Our lives have changed, but our spirits are still the same as when we were in High School. It's is so unfortunate that we didn't get to see all of our teachers, only Madam Marieta Micu Escorpizo and Madam Felisa Agpalo Castillo who had the chance to grace our Program. None the less it was a very successful event. "TOGETHER AGAIN" is very appropriate theme. We could still see and feel the togetherness of our class, and the manner in which we were molded by our teachers. Everyone is still so helpful and caring to each other, just like brothers and sisters.

On behalf of our Class of 1977, I'm so happy and proud to announce that we donated P42,220.13 Philippine currency to the Principal Head of Luciano Millan Memorial High School. The donation was awarded at Matea Cajalne residence in Bantog Asingan Pangasinan in the present of Erna Pico Villota, Francisca Pico, Cleody Fe Untalan De Vera, Matea Cajalne Basa (husband-Teddy Basa ), Adelina Basaen Gabe, Maritess Castillo, Rosita Labugen Cajalne, Rizalina Carig Aying, Alfredo Medina, William Pacaba, Leonardo Balisacan and myself.

We have also $1,000.00 money left in the bank for our class fund. The organizing committee myself (Ferdinand Ignacio), Arsenio Macanas (absent), Maura Soliven Gabriel, Rizalina Carig Aying, Cecilia Rodriguez Serrano and Marcie Lucero Tesoro (Adopted Alumna- our Guest Speaker) and some of our classmates who attended the meeting at Urdaneta Garden Resorts had decided to convert the $1,000.00 into peso account to avoid bank fees from dollar account of which we don't have the minimum amount needed. Of the $1,000.00 dollars converted to pesos. P20,000.00 pesos is open for our class member who is in need during emergency situations. This is a first come basis. Each individual is allowed only to loan a maximum of P5,000.00 payable in three month or earlier with "NO INTEREST".

The bank account is under Rizalina Carig Aying "AND" Cecilia Rodriguez Serrano. I talked to Rizza before I left May 5, 2009, that it should be "AND" not "OR" when Rizza and Cecilia will have that money converted into Pesos account and have it deposited in Asingan Bank for easier access for emergencies. I would like to have a very transparent accounting of our money and expenditures to avoid confusions. I will send a copy of all our expenditures once I received from Rizalina. If you have questions please do not hesitate to email me: taasakofi@earthlink.net (personal) or fignacio@slacal.org (work) or call me anytime at (work) 415-434-4900 ext. 127, (cell) 415- 290-6748, (home) 707-649-8117, nights and weekend only.

From the bottom of my heart I want to personally thank all of my classmates for your untiring support, financially and spiritually. This Reunion would not have been a success without you. To each of the husbands, I'm so sorry we took your wives away, to be with us (instead of cooking and tending to your families). Thank you for your patience. To Marcie Lucero Tesoro, thank you for having us and having you our very first adopted alumna. Giving four scholarships was truly amazing, and a very generous gesture, and a lifetime gift to deserving kids and their parents. Again, thank you all and we’ll see each other again!!!!!!!!! April 2011.

Respectully yours,
Ferdinand V. Ignacio