UP Prep 65 holds 50th year reunion

UP Prep 65 holds 50th year reunion

By Ana B. Urbina

A CELEBRATION OF 50 years of “Forever Friendship,” was held by the University of the Philippines Preparatory School Class 65 in Manila from November 4-12, 2011.  The event marks the 50th anniversary when members of the Class started their friendship in first year high school (l961) in the prestigious UP Prep. School located in Padre Faura, Manila.

The celebration was planned to start with a Nov 3-7, 2011 reunion in Bangkok, where classmate Linglingay Fonacier Lacanlale is Philippine Ambassador to Thailand. When the floods intervened, classmates from abroad flew directly to the Philippines instead. A series of gatherings in restaurants as well as homes of classmates turned the reunion into one extended food tripping adventure, a delicious treat to many, especially the Balikbayans.

The highlight of the celebration was a Nov 9 dinner at the Penthouse of UP Prep 65 President Ericson Marquez, where celebrating classmates were required to come in yellow attire. Those not wearing yellow, or were in shades “not yellow enough,” were fined, with proceeds going  to the various class projects that include supporting scholars at the UP Integrated School, and sponsoring the furnishings of a UPIS classroom in  the new UPIS building. UP Prep 65 had already sponsored two classrooms at the UP College of Arts and Letters.

The celebration was capped with a dinner at the home of classmates Felice and Andy Sta Maria on Nov. 12.

Two US-based classmates flew to Manila for the 50th reunion: Edith P. Sangalang from California, and Elmer Sta. Ana, from New Jersey.

Aside from the Philippines, members of U.P Prep 65 reside in various parts of the world including Canada, Italy, Singapore, Australia, Austria,, US and Thailand. Canadian residents include Florante Aytona and Ed de la Rea of Vancouver; Efren Torralba, Caridad Garcia-Salvador, and Mila Astorga-Garcia of Toronto.

It will not be long when UP Prep Class 65, known for its frequent reunions in Manila and  other cities — such as New York, Vienna, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Los Angeles, Chicago and Vancouver — will be announcing plans to celebrate another golden milestone in May 2015, this time to mark the 50th anniversary of its graduation.

Front, from left: Rey Villareal, Rey Limcaco, Ponciano Gonzales, Jr., Elmer Sta. Ana, Franklin Mangonon Danilo Morales, Federico Blay Jr., Ericson Marquez. Center, seated, from left: Ruth Monserrati-Villareal, Ma. Rosario Victorino, Gloria Taccad, Ruth Ramos-Flores, Laurella Fuentes-Dimalanta, Wilma Guerrero-Rodriguez, Christine Foz, Ma. Paz Tagle-Chua, Edith P. Sangalang, Felicidad Prudente Sta. Maria. Back, standing: Eric Ines, Hector Reyes, Verne Reyes, Ma. Pacita Pascual-Mangonon , Emmeline Alegre-Pablo, Rozalino Pablo, Francis Paco, Felixberto Bustos, Andres Sta. Maria, Ana B. Urbina, Cesar Cifra, Loida Hipolito-Berbano, Jose Carmelo Singson, Arlette Aquino-Umali, Teresita Hernandez-Limcaco, Ma. Florentina Esguerra-de Leon, Ma. Zenaida Kagawan-Manlapig. Photo credits: Franklin Mangonon

Second dinner celebration Nov. 12 at the residence of Andy and Felice Sta. Maria. From left: Cesar, Pocho, Joemelo, Dennis, Gloria, Felice, Verne and Hector.

Classmates having fun at the Sta. Maria’s garage: Ella, Andy, Pat, Dr. Aurora Alarcon Lianko, Ana, Emeline, Franklin, Hector and Freddie. Foreground, Tessie.