Saturday, December 12, 2009
My Trip To Olongapo City November 14-16, 2009
SJS '57 Mini Reunion
by Dorothy Mae Bennett
Part One - The Journey
It's been years since I visited the place where I had most of my schooling. The short but fulfilling trip was quite worth the effort. The scenes brought back memories, although there's been much change, traces of the past were still vivid.
The journey to Olongapo started at one of the bus stations of the ever famous, one and only, Victory Liner. The only bus station that used to be was in Caloocan, at the outskirts of Manila. Now, they are at different areas. I boarded at the Pasay City station and I was amazed to see a modern air-conditioned bus with a flat screen TV for the passengers' delight. Was I in US or Philippines? Thank goodness, I chose the public transportation as opposed to a private vehicle for a perfect flashback experience, (good excuse for my having diminishing funds and no vehicle). Luckily, I got the front seat, perfect for picture taking.
The whole trip was a very wet one.The storm Ondoy (international name Ketsana) just passed, leaving horrible, devastating disaster at most areas, and the rumor of a second storm Pepeng (international name Parma) ushered me into the Philippines.. This trip showed rice fields on each side of the Pampamga highway submerged by deep muddy flood that depicted passing through a bridge on the ocean. Some houses and business places along the way were also submerged. Despite all these, "Singing In The Rain" or "Raindrops Falling On My Head" were surely appropriate songs. Snack stop was at Dinalupihan, Bataan. Much to my hesitance, I had to choose from an American or Filipino delicacy, quite a variety of them, and I chose putokutsinta glazed with shredded coconut (placed in a seemingly clean plastic container), instead of homemade cheeseburger or hotdog. Hmmm, yum yum, bahala na! Worries set aside, it was a relief! We went through the zigzag enjoyably, still rainy, till the final destination of Ulo Ng Apo. You can't beat the traffic where there are no cabs. I was confused trying to remember the past site. It was like looking for a needle in a haystack.
Part Two - The Reunion
This is the highlight of this trip!. The Reunion portion of the trip may be divided into five different categories namely: Reunion Night, Driving Tour, School Campus, Church In Campus, and Future Venue.
After being met by my new "in-laws" at the only bus station in Olongapo, I was dropped off at St. Jude Family Hospital, an establishment of our classmate, Dr. Mariano (Ning) Ridon. Upon arrival, Ning's family and a former classmate from Iba, Zambales, Teofila Millado-Abdon were more than ready to meet me and vice versa. Soon, we went to Pista Sa Nayon Restaurant, owned and managed by Judith, Ning's beautiful, charming, and classy wife. Former classmates Felicidad dela Cruz-Sionzon and Norma Laje were picked up to join us. The food was excellent, authentic, delightful, and super delicious. I had the exotic mango shakes one after another, alternated occaionally by pineapple shakes. Yumm, Yumm good! I hate to put it down. The dinner was followed by karaoke singing, dancing, chika-chika, and more snacks and desserts, until bedtime. Each member of the Ridon family was an excellent performer in singing and dancing. Felicidad was in the mood to sing and dance too, as well as her daughter. I never thought Teofila and Norma were also "game". Exchanging gifts was part of this event Thanks to everyone!
Bedtime turned out to be a "catching up" slumber party. Teofila and I with my entourage dwelled in one of the suites of the Pista Sa Barrio Inn which was adjacent to the restaurant. What a convenience! Wow! The hot shower was refreshing. I felt right at home!
Breakfast time was again a nourishing experience. How could I ever think of going back home (to US)?! The tropical atmosphere around the restaurant and the inn was carefully, distinctively, and creatively designed.
Sightseeing soon began with Ning himself on the steering wheel. What a privilege and honor! Once again, Felicidad and Norma were picked up and I got to see their respective houses. Each of them handed us some munching delicacies again. After the Kalaklan Bridge, the first site to see was my former house which was used to be #2CBMU (Camp Battalion Motor Unit) otherwise known as Upper Kalaklan. The house was replaced by a motel/hotel unit owned either by Korean or Chinese on the upper half lot area while on the lower half area, the terrace garden was replaced by ravine. Oh well, what can I say? I wish I could buy it back. There are more houses above. There is still a slanted road going to these houses, that is now eroded by heavy rains through the years. The next sites were the beaches, monkey and bat hills, and the cemetery on the hill. Along this vicinity are affluent houses, developed remnants of the US Naval Base which turned into commercial and residential domains. The old Cubi Point is now a Pilot Training Center used mainly by the Koreans. It is an international airport serving only Asia. Shopping at the duty free Freeport Exchange brought back momories of the shopping spree I had as a youngster. Not failing to mention, the beaches are now commercialized recreational areas. What happened to the Half Moon Beach we used to go to and sing the song "Moonlight Bay"? Remember? "We were sailing along" .....?
The hills where the bats and monkeys roam are terrific sights. These lovely creatures seemed harmless and naturally as well as instinctively entertaining. They are motivated in their performances by human presence. The bats squeal as loud as they can for joy. The monkeys exhibit funny gestures. Word of caution though - never have food around you. Other animal places are the Zoobic Safari and the Butterfly Garden, the details of which will be reserved for the future trip.
Other Points of Interest are the Kalaklan Bridge, the Ulo Ng Apo statue at the Rotunda, the famous "covered" Olongapo Market, the City Hall, the Rizal Triangle, and the St. Joseph School (now college) with much upgraded church in the campus. The Asinan Elementary School where I had my intermediate schooling is no longer existent. There are more to see which prompt me to plan my next visit, God willing.
Yes, there is an intention to visit again, perhaps another reunion, and the venue if I remember right will be at the Ridon Mansion located at the Kalayaan section of the SBMA (Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority). Ok, Ning? This palatioal abode is perfect tor the SJSAA'57 members.
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