First September BD celebrant

On September 3, the first birthday celebrant of SJSAA'57 is Sonia Rodriguez-Santos. Hurricane Gustav just came by to greet her but she was so bold that she wanted to go to the beach as she remembered her trip during the Philippine Reunion last March. See the picture on the right. "Watch Out! The skies are gray" However the light shines on her as always. Happy Birthday to our vivacious, lively, generous and wholesome classmate, Sonia dearest.

2008 SJSAA '57 Philippine Reunion Hosts

A Tribute To Our SJS 2008 Philippine Reunion Batch 57 Hosts
SJS’s 60th Year Grand Alumni Homecoming Part I

Dr. Mariano Ridon And Family

Mariano Ridon, M.D. ,(Batch 57), was born on August 19, 1941, in San Vicente, Ilocos Sur, Philippines. He completed his primary education, graduated as first Honor, at Tapinac Elementary School in Olongapo City, Zambales, Philippines. His secondary education was completed at St. Joseph School, Olongapo City, Zambales in 1957, graduated as valedictorian. Collegiate education was at the University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines, graduated with a degree of Doctor Of Medcine in 1965 with specialties in OB-Gynecology as well as Family Medicine.

After his schooling, he had a very active life in his career and in several civic organizations, obtaining honor recognitions and awards namely:

* Most Outstanding President Physician - Phil. Medical Association, Olongapo City Medical Society 1979-1981
* Most Outstanding Olongapeno Fiesta Chairman 1986
* Most Outstanding Hospital Director - UST Medical Alumni Association - during 1990 UST Grand Alumni
Homecoming
* Most Outstanding President and Chapter - Philippine Hospital Association - Olongapo and Zambales Council
1993, 1994. 1995
* Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM)
* Top Ten Nominees in Medicine 1996
* Dept. of Education - National Category - Ulirang Ama - Ulirang Pamilya 1997 Award
* Chairman - SJS Grand Alumni Homecoming - 1998 - 50th Year Anniversary

He has been the owner and Medical Director of St. Jude Family Hospital in Olongapo City, Zambales, Philippines since obtaining his medical degree up to the present time. He also has been the President of Judimar Enterprises.

He is married to Judith Pantaleon Gonzalez of Castillejos, Zambales, with whom he has seven children (2 boys and 5 girls), all are SJS alumni. His children are:

Maricel G. Ridon, M. D.
Meredith G. Ridon-Rodriguez, R. N.
Madeline G. Ridon-Tolentino, M. D.
Mariane G. Ridon-Barredo, Hospital Administration Masters Degree
Marion G. Ridon, M. D.
Maricar G. Ridon, B. S, in Physiotherapy
Reynante G. Ridon (deceased)

Sons-in-law:
Dino R. Rodriguez - Pol. Science Degree
Marvin M. Tolentino, M. D. (ENT)

Grandsons: Maron and Paulo

US Reunion Souvenir Program10/08 Posting - Memorable Three Mentors

The 2008 SJS Faculty celebrities


We, the SJSAA 57 express our gratitude to the following teachers who have imparted a great legacy in our lives. They were our mentors for integrity, forbearance, perseverance, enthusiasm in education, and strong determination.


The sister of our very own Batch57 member, Mrs. Marita Daluz-Webster, Sis Lucia is celebrating her golden jubilee of sisterhood this year. She left behind her loving family to join the Franciscan sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in 1956. She had taught many children in different states. She was called “The Flying Nun” due to the fact that she would go to whoever needs her help wherever they may be.

Sister Lucia was one of the first graduates of St. Joseph School (1949). After high school graduation, she entered the University of the Philippines where she obtain her Bachelor of Education Degree in 1953. Subsequently, she became a faculty member of SJS (1953-1956). She continued her education and completed her Masters Degree in Administration and became a principal in other schools. Later on, she became the superintendent of the Catholic Schools in El Paso, Texas. She retired from her work in 2007 but she will always be there for her family and her many friends. In June 2008, she celebrated her Golden Jubilee as a dedicated nun. This joyous celebration of life was attended by relatives and faithful friends. She did follow her dream. She did answer THE CALL.

Another Jubilarian is Mrs. Trinidad Macugay-Guerrero. She was born in Laoag, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. She completed her secondary education at the Jose Abad Santos High School which was under Arellano University during those times. She then completed her Bachelors Degree in Education at the Far Eastern University in Manila, Philippines. She taught at SJS 1952 to 1958 mainly Home Economics and Physical Education. She left SJS after the graduation of Batch 58 to come to US. Whereas the Batch 58 is celebrating their golden jubilee, so is she. She got married in 1959 and continued her studies. Although she didn’t complete her masters degree in Education, she obtained a certificate on bookkeeping which became her livelihood later. After her husband passed away in 1676, she continued to work until 1986. At 84 she is in good health, loves gardening, and drives her most favorite car 2006 Jaguar. She is happy to see her former students during this reunion.

Another sister of our very own Batch 57 member Dr. Mariano Ridon, Mrs. Felipa Ridon-Strominger was born in Ilocos Sur, Philippines. During her primary and intermediate school years, at Candelaria, Zambales she was promoted twice and skipped grade three and grade five. She completed her secondary education at Naval Reservation Junior College in Olongapo City, Zambales, Philippines as third honor. Fresh from high school and even before attending college, she was called to teach at various schools due to lack of teachers. Her brother Dr. Mariano Ridon was among her students then. She eventually completed her Bachelors Degree in Education at the University of Santo Tomas majoring in English. She taught at SJS 1954 to 1963. She got married in 1965 and had a son. They settled in different states where she taught at some of them. She and her husband stayed in the Philippines for about ten years at one time. While there, she helped the US Navy dependents in their struggle to pass the GED. She is finally settled at Las Vegas, Nevada where she has been for the last 14 years. She still mourns for her husband who passed away in May of this year.


For more detailed biography, please visit :
http://sjsaa57-olongapo-ph.org/jte10x10/ and http://sjsaa57ocph.blogspot.com/
Submitted by Dorothy Mae Bennett, M.D. Batch ‘57

My Love Story

by Maria Concepcion dela Rosa-Wolff
'57

When I was just a ‘lil girl (I still am),
A haughty girl of thirteen
Love to me was nothing
And I considered it an ordinary thing.

I liked one “because he’s handsome”
And another “because he’s gallant”
Nothing mattered provided he’s cute
Even if he be the dumbest mute.

But when I turned sixteen
And I met a boy of seventeen
So fascinated was I to him
That I didn’t know what world I was in.

This went on and on
until I was eighteen
Love to me then was something
Which was such a wonderful thing!

I liked the way he combed his hair
Just to sniff his YSL pomade when he was near
was already ‘heaven’ to me.
I ooh’d and aah’d at his daily white attire
Perfectly worn with utmost care..

He was an Atenean from Davao
A perfect gentleman at all times
It was love at first sight
For the both of us from day one.

But our destiny wasn’t meant to be
For fate intervened along the way
My strict brother got in the way
When Paul professed his love for me.

A Beta Sigman in UP
He took law to heart
Became a successful lawyer and professor
A long-time court judge soon after that.

We parted ways when we graduated
He went back to Davao and I to Manila
But distance could not keep us apart
I constantly thought of him and he of me.

We crossed paths several years later
and over lunch told our own stories
He said he was going to prove himself worthy
and woo me back after his bar
Only to find out I had gotten married
on the day he was to take it.
He waited much too long, he said,
something he regretted
for the rest of his life

Drinking his wine with shaky hands,
He related sadly that while he was a success
Things would have been different
Had it been the two of us together.

And I was too proud to call him,
or write him, I said,
For fear of being misjudged wrongly.
Pride, oh, foolish pride
See what you had gotten us into
A love lost, forever gone.

And now, I could not help but think
Of how my life would have been with him
Four lovely, chinky-eyed kids …
All of us happily playing
in our backyard of orchards and roses
in beautiful, scenic Davao.

‘First love never ever dies,’ so they say
And that has been true for me
And maybe for each one of you, too.
So go tell your children and loved ones,
When love beckons the first time,
Make it happen, don’t wait
Follow your heart and have no regrets,
You may never have another chance
Your chance of a lifetime
of true happiness and bliss.


- - oo --

Another Jubilarian - Our Loving Teacher

Another Jubilarian - A Special Guest Of Honor

Our Unforgettable Loving Teacher


Mrs. Trinidad Macugay-Guerrero was born in Laoag, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. She completed her secondary school studies in Jose Abad Santos High School which was under the Arellano University during those times. She then completed Bachelors Degree in Education at the Far Eastern University in Manila, Philippines.

She taught mainly Home Economics and Physical Education, as well as some substitute teachings when no one was available at St. Joseph School in Olongapo City, Philippines from 1952 to 1958. After the graduation of the Batch ‘58 and after the blessings by Fr. Auburn (Fr. Coneely’s assistant at SJS), she left SJS to come to United States. So, while the SJS Batch ‘58 is celebrating their golden jubilee, so is Mrs. Macugay-Guerrero.

Shortly after arrival to the US, in 1959, she got married. Contrary to her husband’s disapprovals, she managed to enroll at San Francisco University for some masters courses but didn’t complete the degree. She also enrolled at various community colleges for some vocational courses and got a certificate on Bookkeeping which she used in her employment at a bank and at the credit department of certain stores as her part time job. She continued to work for another ten years after her husband passed away in 1976 and retired for good in 1986.


She is now 84 yeas old and is very energetic and healthy. She loves vegetable gardening. She still drives. Among her cars, her favorite is her 2006 Jaguar.

Mrs. Trinidad Macugay-Guerrero will always be remembered because of her cheerfulness and versatility.

She planned to attend this Oct. 2008 LV reunion to see her former students most especially the golden jubilarians as she is one of them.

Contributed by Dorothy Mae Bennett, M. D.
SJS Batch ‘57

My Filipina Motherhood Way

My Filipina Motherhood Way

Written by Evelyn Reyes-Co

Tuesday, 24 June 2008

The hardest obstacle that I encountered into that chalenging journey of motherhood is how to discipline my four rambunctious sons. My husband was usually too busy at work so there's no such thing as ' wait till your father comes home!' in our house. The rigid task was left to me and thanks to the strict and intimidating 'penguins of SJS' I have learned to be a strick disciplinarian.

When my four boys were growing up there will be many times and places especially in public, that they will be acting up, out or engaging in silly fights. I confront them in a very intimidating manner and in a harsh stinging tone bark out the words "Sasampalin Kita!".

You'd be surprise at how dramatic the results can be.

Many years later, at my second son's bachelor party in the Philippines the four brothers were talking and reminiscing about the good ole' days, the subject of the phrase came about.

"What exactly does 'Sasampalin Kita really mean'?.

" Isn't that a swear word?' the MD son asked.

' It means 'Danger' that's what it means!' the JD son remarked.

' It means....Run! for your dear life" the Georgetown Law student said.

" Even to this day whenever I hear those words spoken my eyes starts to water ", the youngest son confessed while drinking his beer.

A Filipino friend quickly told them what the literal translation was. And after years of not knowing the meaning, now they knew.

O yes....yes...even to this day in their adult lives, there are times when we disagree and I will say in a very disheartening and glaring manner the words "Sasampalin Kita!'. They are not afraid of me anymore....

Birthday Greetings on July Fourth

Birthday Greetings on July 4th

Written by Dorothy Mae Bennett

Friday, 04 July 2008

Birthday greetings to Ianne Ridon-Barredo and Lourdes Almandrez-Hernandez on this fourth of July 2008. Evelyn Reyes-Co's garden has this live bouquet for everybody especially so for Ianne and Lourdes.

Batch '57 Most Loyal Alumnus

Batch '57 Most Loyal Alumnus

Summary written by Marita Daluz-Webster

During the 1957 Graduation Ceremony, I received the “Most Loyal Award” for attending Kindergarten to high school at St. Joseph’s School. I did my observation and practice teaching there too. In 1963, I started teaching kindergarten, first grade, and sixth grade classes at SJS. (Very loyal indeed!)

I continued teaching at Fr. James B. Hay Catholic School when my sister, (Sr. Maria Lucia), invited me to come to Alamogordo, New Mexico in 1968. I met Bill, (my husband) who is from Michigan. We were married on April 8, 1969. Our first child, Mary Joy was born in 1970; then we had twins, Pamela and Patricia, born in 1971. Finally, Robert John was born in 1976.
From 1972 to 1997, I retired from Alamogordo Public School as a classroom teacher and as a reading specialist. Then, I decided to teach preschoolers at Fr. James B. Hay that same year (I just couldn’t stay retired yet.) until 2003. That’s when I put the chalk and eraser down for good, after forty years of teaching.

Since we started teaching catechism in high school, I am continuing to do so to help our catholic churches here. I have been working with First Communion Class for eight years now. What else are we doing now? We love to babysit our grandchildren. They are our precious jewels!

The Day of the Hearts

The Day of Hearts "Happy Valentine's Day" To All The Girls I've Loved Before

Written by Delfin Raymundo

Thursday, 14 February 2008

HOW SWIFTLY THE DAYS FLY ON THE WINGS OF TIME! IT SEEMED THAT IT WAS ONLY YESTERDAY WHEN WE GRADUATED FROM ST. JOSEPH. I COULD STILL SEE HER STANDING THERE AS LOVELY AS A DREAM, HER FACE FLUSHED WITH FAITH AND HOPE. YES, I REMEMBER , SHE WAS MY HIGH SCHOOL CLASSMATE----THE ONE I HAD MY FIRST CRUSH ON. IT WAS UNFORTUNATE, IT WAS ONLY IN MY DREAMS. HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TO YOU ALL AND MAY YOU FIND YOUR TRUE LOVE AND HAPPINESS..........

The Call

We welcome creative contributions from our readers/members. If you have any short poems, original jokes, or some 'food for thought' you'd like to share, please submit...

The Call

Written by Concepcion dela Rosa-Wolff

THE CALL Who calls on a night such as this, Pleading, sighing, crying? Ah, it's only the movement of the cold November winds, Or the sound of sad music vibrating in the air. "Child, I need you, I love you, come to me." Words that seem to pierce your heart, Like Cupid's arrow has captivated your heart. To refuse you cannot do Because you know He calls only someone special as YOU. "I love you Lord, here I am. Take me, be with me."

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 24 June 2008 )

Fantasy Bio

By SJS '57 associate, a 1955 graduate

Written by Anita Vidal-Wales

Tuesday, 24 June 2008

A FANTASY BIO It starts with my favorite nursery song: When I grow to be a lady, I’ll be a queen, a lovely queen. Walking in a garden shady, In gown of green, with silver sheen. Maids in gold and white shall Follow me and … Suitors of a high degree. When I grow to be a lady, A fine and noble queenly lady Then my Prince will come To claim his own And love will crown me On my throne. And my story goes… My Prince in the flesh… In the person of Douglas Guilbert Wales!! My Hero, my true love. We got married and he won a Package deal…an instant family! My twin daughters became his daughters too. And we all live happily ever after.

Philippine 2008 SJS(SJC) Reunion was a success

In March 2008 the St. Joseph School, now St. Joseph College had a successful Grand Homecoming celebrating the 60th year of the School. It was almost a week long affair in which SJSAA '57 were among those who attended. The picture shows only few of the SJSAA '57 batch. The complete program of activities that took place will be published later. Watch for it.

Gold Coast Dinner Dance Registration Form

Registration form for 10/11/08 SJS Reunion Dinner Dance

Written by Dorothy Mae Bennett

Tuesday, 24 June 2008

Name ________________________________________________ Class of ________________ Guest(s)_______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ Address __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ Phone No. _______________________________________________________ Email Address _____________________________________________________ Fee is $50.00 per person ( Add $10 more after 6/30/08) Amount. Enclosed ______________________________________ Check # ______________________________________________ Please Indicate entree______ Signature Prime Rib _______ Cornish Game Hen _______ Pacific Salmon in Lemon Chive Beurre Blanc Sauce Make checks payable to: Michael Cruz 15508 Lofty trail Court San Diego, California 92127 Ph - 858 716 9538 or Teresa C. Pamintuan 10283 Keoki St. San Diego, California 92126 Ph. - 858 586 9670

Upcoming SJS LV Grand Reunion LV,NV 10/11/08 Itinerary

LV 2008 Reunion SJSAA57 Itinerary 2nd Update

Written by Dorothy Mae Bennett

Friday, 27 June 2008

Second Updated LV Reunion weekend itenirary from our local hosts/planners: Thursday,Oct.9,'08 - Dinner at Conrad’s house Friday,Oct 10,'08 - Dinner/ Dance at a karaoke restaurant. This is on Web’s / Fe’s. Details later,ok? You are all invited SJSAA’57. Please plan to be there.Thanks. SATURDAY,Oct.11,'08- All SJS ALLUMNI DINNER/DANCE!!! Gold Coast Hotel and Casino SUNDAY,Oct.12,'08 - Tentative - pending inputs 9am-meeting place-Web’s/Fe’s house Go to Red Rock Canyon.Trip is about 45 min. Go around the canyon to enjoy the view. 12noon-lunch at Red Rock casino Buffet Look around,play etc. 3pm go to Ethel’s chocolate factory 5-7pm Bellagio casino.attractions: there:seasonal garden,dancing fountains, look around, EAT 7pm Freemont experience-light show. This is in downtown-lots to see. NEED your input!!!! Pls.Email Fe and/or Janet (infos are in the roster).Thanks! Please make the most of your stay! Let's blend and be merry! Be punctual!

2008 SJSAA '57 Featured Guest for this blogsite

Sister Mary Lucia Daluz
Then and Now
Answering THE CALL

By

Marita Daluz-Webster’57 (her loving little sister)

One early morning, in the middle of January 1956, a young, vibrant, and brave lady was filled with enthusiasm, determination, and perseverance, was preparing in running the race that lies before her in pursue of her dream. Without a doubt, she realized that this will change her life completely.

She was leaving behind her loving parents, brothers and sisters, relatives who were close to her heart, caring friends, but most of all - her devoted students. Everyone was surprised by her decision to join the Franciscan sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, traveled so many miles away from her hometown. But everyone also realized that there was nothing that anyone could do to get her to change her mind. She was following her heart’s desire to serve God in a very unique way.

Many, many years went by quietly for her. She became very devoted and dedicated to her work. She had taught many children in Missouri, Louisiana, Illinois, new Mexico, and Texas. Wherever she was assigned to teach, she became an inspiration to her students, along with their parents. In reality, She was almost like an adopted member of their own families. They nicknamed her as “The Flying Nun” because of her closeness and involvement with their lives. Whenever they were faced with some pleasant and unpleasant difficulty, she would find some way or another to “fly” and comfort them. This was one of her missions, to be able to help others when they were in need.

All through the years as an educator, she had many known and marvelous accomplishments, but something else was missing in her life. She continued her education her education and completed her Masters Degree in Administration and became a principal in other schools. Later on, she became the superintendent of the Catholic Schools in El Paso, Texas.

Her dedication as an administrator brought her to Arizona and Wyoming. She was busier than ever doing what she loved to do - helping others. She wasn’t prepared to make another tough decision in her life. After a long consultation with her physicians and also her superiors, she would need to resign and retire from her work. She retired from her work in 2007 but she will always be there for her family and her many friends. In June 2008, she celebrated her Golden Jubilee as a dedicated nun. She was surrounded by her devoted friends who responded and attended this wonderful celebration. They came to honor her and showed her how much she meant to them. It was a blessed and joyous celebration of life. What comes ahead will remain to be seen and life goes on for Sister Mary Lucia Daluz.

She did follow her dream.
She did answer THE CALL.