My Friend Josie - Joselita Agustin Viesca

Josie and I along with Fe Ilagan became regular lakwatsa mates during our Junior year (Fe was then sophomore) in high school. We were among those who loitered the campus after school hours and took the jeepney and bus home. With fellow lakwatseras, we often went to see the movie and ate merienda in Sta. Cruz area or Chinatown on weekends; also got invited to parties, usually birthday celebrations. During our Senior year, staying late in school became a habit. At times we splurged and rode the cab home. Josie got dropped off first in Dimasalang, then Fe in Caloocan and I last in Polo, Bulacan. Total fare was 4 pesos and I got home within 45 minutes.
After high school, Josie studied in UST and I in UP. This did not deter us from spending non-school days with friends like Cherrie, Ampy, Fe and Sonia. Josie graduated with a law degree at UST, got married and relocated in San Antonio, NE, home of husband, Boy Viesca. Josie worked at the Assessor’s office of San Antonio and rose through the ranks until she became the Chief Assessor. Josie was still its Chief Assessor when she died on February 22, 2009.
I used to call Josie, Miss Fixer. She could obtain legal documents for untitled lands for a fee. This was a good source of additional income that helped send their 2 daughters and 2 sons to college. The daughters each finished Business Ad and Hotel & Restaurant Management degrees; each son received a degree in Law and Business Ad. Two of her kids migrated to Australia.
Josie was a very caring mother. At the time her kids were in college, she never failed to commute by bus on weekends to bring cooked food and laundered & ironed clothes for use by her kids. Simultaneously, she took home dirty clothes for washing. Josie did this till all 4 children finished their respective degrees. I do not know of any mothers who did this religiously as Josie did.
Josie’s kids knew their mother as a provider, but not as the witty person that she was. They did not know Josie made all her friends and acquaintances laugh. It was never easy to get a word in when Josie was talking or “telling her stories”. She enjoyed telling friends how she made a mistake in making me the godmother (by proxy nonetheless) of her first born – a daughter. She would also add that Fe should have been the ninang. Not only was Fe more generous, she was also around at Christmas (I live in the US).
Josie seldom failed to come to Manila when I was home for visits from the U.S. It was through these visits that she re-connected/renewed friendship with our common Philwomenian friends. These friends laughed themselves to tears when Josie was around due non-stop jibbing and funny stories she shared. When we visited Ampy in Lian Batangas 3 months before she died, Josie managed to make a very ill Ampy laugh. It was the Lord’s special gift to Josie – laughter is the best medicine and Josie readily dispensed this “medicine”. She carried this gift even when she was nearing death. During our visit at the Cabanatuan Medical Center on February 18, 2009, Josie managed to softly mumble things that made us laugh. We knew then it was the last time we would see Josie alive; she died 4 days later. Fe and I attended Josie’s memorial service; we remained part of her life till the end. It was heartwarming to witness how many lives Josie touched and helped; many were at her interment.

Marlene de Leon Leyson- filling the 50 yrs. gap

Name: Marlene Leyson Y de Leon
Parents: Dr. Pablo de Leon of Paranaque, Rizal and Laura Carmona of Tuegegarao, Cagayan
Attended: Elementary - St, Paul's College, Class of 1956
High School - St. Scholastica College 1956-1958
Phil. Women’s University 1958-1960
College - Phil. Women's University - B.S. in Nutrition, 1964

Of all the schools I attended, I felt the most at home at P.W.U. I experienced the difference between the Catholic School's strict rules and standards to P.W.U 's well rounded approach to education. I was happy in all my years at P.W.U. but I told my son that my happiest years were in High School. He mentioned this at his Valedictory address in 1988.

After Graduation, I worked for 3 months as a volunteer at NIH. I left the Philippines on Oct. 30 1964 for San Francisco, California. I was hired and worked at St. Mary's Hospital until Aug.1968. I met Alberto Leyson in Sept 1965 while in San Francisco. We had a whirlwind romance and got married on Oct. 30, 1965. We are still happily married after 44 years. We are blessed with 2 sons Robert Paul and Joseph Simon. I did not work for 7 years; was a stay at home Mom watching my sons grow. Those were good years. Bobby graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Systems. Joey has a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering. Both are happily married. We are blessed with three grandchildren, Mark, Zachary and Benjamin.

I went back to work in 1975 but changed career. I was fortunate that I was able to work in a laboratory, Olin Water Service. Later moved to W.S.S.C., a bi-county water service, and worked there from1977-2000. I retired as a Chemist.

In1989, I told Albert that we have to give back to the Lord since He has given us so many blessings and guided us to make good decisions in life. We are actively serving at St. Columba Church. We got involved in Filipino-Ministry and incorporated some of our Filipino customs and traditions. The ministry has grown and activities expanded. We have Visita Iglesia, Perpetual Help novenas, Tagalog mass, Simbang Gabi, Flores de Mayo, San Lorenzo Ruiz celebrations and much more. We Joined the Parish Council, Sodality, Bereavement, Liturgy and Spirituality Committees. At present, I am still serving as lector and Eucharistic minister. In 2001, I studied for two years at Trinity College in their Education for Parish Service Program. In December 2002, both Albert and I were awarded A Medal of Merit by the Cardinal of the Archdiocese of Washington for Faithful Service to the Church. We are still faithfully serving the church and hope to serve until we are not physically able.

Retirement years are fun years. My interests are gardening, cooking, fishing and traveling. So my dear classmates, I tried to fill the gaps of the last fifty years. Looking forward to seeing you all in the Philippines.

A Tribute by Tessie L Marzan

A TRIBUTE
On February 20, 2010, our HS Class of 1960 celebrated our Jubilee in conjunction with the 79th PWU Homecoming and Alumni Reunion. This milestone is now but a memory - one that will live on. The stage was set not a year ago or even 25 years ago, but the day after we graduated, and so in varying degrees of separation, we all moved on. Since then, many were “LOST” and still are, a few left us forever ,and still others stayed on , continuing what was started so long ago, knitting relationships far and near and elevating’ CLASSMATE’ into a profound term of endearment. We profess our APPRECIATION and GRATITUDE:
• To those, who on that momentous day at DusitThani, had faith to forge ahead towards ‘a year of magical thinking.’
• To the VISIONARY who saw the beauty and promise of BALI HAI , nurtured and crafted it to a most fitting and splendid conclusion,
• To those who “FOUND” us,
• To those who exuded grace and serenity, focus and energy - amidst the clamor of a thousand and one things,
• To those who were voices of caution and reason, wisdom and sensitivity,
• To those whose everyday actions spoke of compassion and generosity; inspirations to us all,
• To those who made us laugh,
• To the Messenger of SUNSHINE, to those who visited and tended our sick, gave solace and comfort even if only for the briefest of time - to those who are now gone,
• To those who brought joy and camaraderie to the mini reunions, as they chatted away,
• To those who shared knowledge and information, life experiences and lessons learned to enlighten us all,
• To those who challenged us, made us pause and reflect,
• To those who had an abundance of goodwill, patience and loving concern, to those always ready to extend a helping hand,
• To the “GREAT”one, on whom honorifics were heaped on, you deserved them all,
• To those who shared pictures unearthed from dusty trunks bringing us back to bygone days, to those who posted them and tried their very best to place a name on every face,
• To those who sent greetings and wishes, e-mails galore,
• To those who gave selflessly of their talents and treasure, their gift of precious time in the face of consuming demands of busy lives,
• To those who in their own quiet ways supported and cheered us on,
• To those who let their fingers do the walking, sent thoughtful cards on our behalf,
• For your abiding and enduring FRIENDSHIPS,
• To the BIONIC GAL who created http://pwuclass1960.blogspot.com//, our very own firecracker – hot zone of wonder and fun , with art and apt quotations, articles that bridged the gaps, and bios that helped us “know” each other again,
• To those who kept her busy,
• To our resident ‘MAKATA’, VISUAL ARTISTS and WRITERS whose incredible talents, added texture and richness to the BLOGSPOT, CD and MEMORY BOOK,
• To those whose deft touches, uncommon imaginations and pursuit of a singular goal put all the above together,
• To the ELEGANT LADY for the beautiful gift of leis,
• To those who forwarded the ‘forwards’, to our utter delight and glee,
• To those who joined us in spirit, and sent us along our merry ways, with wishes for safe and happy trips,
• To those who lined up our activities and made arrangements for same, provided for us so we can arrive in comfort and safety,
• To a most gracious host who invited us to her home for practice and to break bread together--- a feast for body and soul,
• To a most generous host who opened wide her door, so we can have a place to rest our weary feet and lay down our heads,
• To us all, for the sheer excitement and pleasure of each other’s company, just for being --- HERE!
• To our ‘lost’ classmates and the dearly departed, for the time we spent with you 50 years ago. You are remembered.
Our GOLDEN REUNION – a fellowship that will stay with us forever, bind us ever tighter; wherever we are, whatever we do, wherever we go. HOW BLESSED ARE WE!

Reunion as Seen by Bong Arroyo-Staub

Dear fellow PWU High School 1960ers,
First let me greet Tessie Lonzame Marzan,Cirila Vito Lynch and Vicky Saldana Gruela belated happy birthday! May you have many joyous birthdays to come.
My husband Heinz and I arrived back here in Karlsruhe, Germany last 3/3. Ok naman ang trip-now am back here, no more jet lag but "Aloha", "Bali Hai" and Hukilau" are still ringing in my ears. Was really a very unforgettable reunion. Masaya to be with you all from the Philippines as well as from abroad. This was indicated by the fact na everytime we met ayaw ko ng umuwi! Memorable because:
Kumareng Puri had her mother-in-law Mrs. Dolly Laconico (our commencement speaker in March 1960!), her son Nikki (our Bali Hai horn blower), daughter-in-law Charmagne, apos Tara and Loren as happy talkers, daughter Samantha (Bloody Mary's daughter) and of course husband Ramon Laconico all time entertainer. On top of that she got Romy our patient choreographer and Cheche Lazaro a luminary as our moderator. Titus was also very helpful. The tree-planting at Munting Paraiso with sister Nati was quite an experience. Sister Mel will surely be very active in the PWUAA.
Gerry- whose staff and duplex house were always available for rehearsals since january 8, video-filming by Tristan, Mumu making, paper work, office space and facilities, merienda, convenient accomodations for balikbayans and and and. Nice to see your Mom so well cared for, nakakainggit! Tnx also to Ms. Flora Tigno for making us all beautiful in the center fold. Gerry, kindly send to Lita this email of mine by photocopy since her computer is not in order. Thanks.
Celia our valeditorian pambato was so cute especially with her apos as happy talkers. Thanks too for the Tagaytay escapo, naisip mo lahat together with yaya and driver to make our stay enjoyable!
Lani who made it possible to have as surprise guest at Rockwell none other than Dolphy, a celebrity known even by our generation. Tamang tama sa golden jubilarians. Even the long-absent balikbayans know Dolphy, di ba? Thanks also for the Tagaytay escapo. Just like Celia you, your charming sister-in-law and helpers thought of everything including charging the cellphones!
Lita-BIG THANKS for my sundo-hatid in all the rehearsals! Pls. thank also Vicky and driver. Really miss not only the reunion but also our rehearsals. Lita together with Puri are our pambato as Bayanihan originals! Galing talaga ang production. No wonder Mrs. Amelou B. Reyes said (Pls. see video) our reunion would be hard to beat. Plus the organizational talents belonging to our class, totoo nga. Hope your tranfer proceeded smoothly and are happy where you are.
Gloria Villareal-Boren and Carmen Exconde G's merienda ang sarap.Nice to have Carmen's apo and daughter join us too. Also meeting John Boren,
Cora Fausto Gatchalian-our Master of ceremonies and career woman up to now. Parang wine, the older the better! Thanks for the Upper East reunion, also to Gene!
Prescy-thanks for the support from your heavy equipment!
Sylvia- our Filipinesca pambato-Thanks to you, your Mom, husband and daughter such hospitality! Was nice to see Mrs. Estrella so active ! Masarap especially the sans rival.Ganda din the apos singing "Happy talk"
Yoly-your shoes are not only for walking but also for supporting our reunion!
Cynthia Ugalde Tan-Our Miss Philippines pambato.
Ening Annie Poblete- Belair reunions: lunch and birthday . Tnx also to your sister and brother-in-law. also for the videos you sent. Beautiful place.
Dory for gracing our reunion every year, walang patid.

To the Balikbayans:
Linda Chacon Baisas- Thanks for thinking of Dusit Thani, walang masasabi di ba?
Sari- for thinking of everything as you were still in NYC: mini reunions, big search, addresses, whereabout, beloved teachers, driving in MetroManila (bilib talaga ako), "now photo"-hunting, orange scarves for all dancers tig- dalawa pa, etc etc.
Cherrie-Glad you made it. Thanks for all your support and follow ups even in Florida. Hope you had a nice time in Canada. Bday greetings to your Mom, Best regards to Bob and Tessa.
Eloisa Dizon Farrales-Great to meet you again and also your husband. Wishing you both more success in your medical mission work in the Philippines!
Evelyn Nazareth and daughter -my classmate for 8 years- high school and BS Chem. Looking forward to your daughter's impressions of the reunion.
Evelyne D. R. Thanks for the Blog: Munting Alaala!
Renita- Nice you stayed longer, so glad to see you at Ening's March 1.
Marlene-Nice to meet you and husband after all these years since I visited you in 1965 in SF. Hope you both got to see a lot of the Pilippines as you had wished.
Tessie Lonzame Marzan- hope you both got home safely.Thanks for all your advise.
Roselani- Bilib ako sa husband, very patient. Mine decided to be in his cocoon this time. Some people think my husband is only in my imagination. My only witness is Cherry Silva who personally got to talk to him. Cherrie can say he exists!
Tessie Castro Puri- Nice to meet your relative Mrs. Amalia Cruz Callan of London!
Lilia Villa our Bicol connection- thanks for the pili! Wishing you success in the elections.
Marilin Fernandez Arellano-Come visit Germany. Our Tel. 0721 886985 or 0721 6699579. Pls ask operator for area code for Germany where ever you are. Most countries have area code 0049 for Germany. Address is H. and P. Staub- Fischerstr. 10 Karlsruhe 76199 Germany. So glad you and your family came. Tnx for the support. Your 18 year old is really a wonder kid. What my classmates can accomplish! Regards to all.
Sonia Alvarez- also Bicol connection. Keep us informed of your copra business! So nice to see you dancing away!
Lourdes Morada who came quietly all the way from Maryland to grace the ocassion.
Martha Ocampo Soriano-I regret I missed you at the reunion sa dami ng tao. Anyway thanks, my efforts to invite you thru slow mail and cellphone (to Cabanatuan) worked.

For all the balikbayans and from far away provinces so nice you just blended so well in the dances!

To all who could not come Thanks for the support:
Tessie ocampo, Thanks for your PWU facade which graced the souvenir program cover. Together with sister Nati thanks for the financial support. Also to Girlie Rivera and Carole Horilleno Rasco. Thanks to Hana Gomez Trinidad also Bayanihan original, for the beautiful leis and bracelets from Hawaii. The videofilm will prove it.

To our beloved teachers:
Mrs. Valentina Aragon Bonifacio, Mrs. Lydia V. Marcos, Mrs. Lourdes S. Villaflor and Mrs. Pura Sacro Badoy THANKS for coming to our reunion! Mrs. Bonifacio came also to Sylvia's party! What an honor! Miss Julia Calixto could not come because of health reasons. However the Phil group sent her a greeting card in December with best wishes.
Mrs. Sacro Badoy volunteered to submit names of our dearly departed classmate to the PWU chapel for prayers, namely for: Lourdes Reyes, Presiosa Conde, Carmencita Juan, Aurora Camacho, Saturnina Arellano, Joselita Agustin, Perla Barretto, Louella Duran, Zenaida Matanguihan, Georgina Hernandez, Amparo Lejano, and Carmen Farraga. May they rest in peace!

In summary, we have 135 classmates pictured in our 1960 PWU annual. Twelve are confirmed to have passed on. Thirty one came to the PWU reunion last Feb. 20, 2010. We surely miss Lulu Fuentes Pagulayan, Ginny Golding Ricafort, Olive Abella, Corazon Bobby de los Santos, Wenefrida Noble Bayro, CirilaVito Lynch, Vicky Saldana Gruela, Aurora Villanueva Agelion and many more. Next time please come and join the bonding.
Sorry how I wished I could write this in pure Pilipino or in pure English. But I cannot deny I belong to this generation of expressing oneself "mix mix". Anyway I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed putting together my humble thoughts about the recent reunion.
God bless,
Bong

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

Evelyn Nazareth Zabala

Name: Evelyn Nazareth Zabala
Children: Jonathan, Maria (Maite) Theresa-Zabala-Alday, Kristianna Rose (Kristi) Zabala-Bishop- all born in Los Angeles, CA
Their dad, Jaime (Jimmy) Gonzales Zabala from Tanauan, Batangas died on Dec 24, 1989.
Grandchildren: Tristan and Kingston

I met an Italian widower, Frank Ferraro, in 1992 at a week-end retreat sponsored by the Los Angeles Diocese for Separated, Divorced and Widowed. We got married in Oct 1999. He’s now semi-retired and does taxes during the tax season (Jan- April 15th) to keep him busy.

After Bong Arroyo (now Staub) and I graduated with our B.S.Chem degrees from PWU, I didn’t take the route she took- Masters and PhD degrees right away. Instead, I immigrated to the US in 1968 and took my board exam in California as a Medical Technologist. I worked at a reference lab in Van Nuys, CA for 22 years. After leaving the lab environment, I started working as a Clinical Monitor for different pharmaceutical companies and moved from Los Angeles to San Diego in 2000. When we had an almost-empty nest (youngest daughter in HS), I decided to go for my MBA. My daughter and I graduated the same year, 2002; she from HS and me, finally with my Masters.


Even though I officially became a senior citizen this January, I’m still working as a Clinical Monitor for a Danish pharmaceutical company, Novo Nordisk, Inc. We’re the largest company worldwide that sells insulin for diabetes. We are testing other drugs for diabetes and that’s where I come in. Before a drug is approved by the FDA in the US, it has to be tested on animals and then humans. I visit the clinical sites and ensure that the investigators are following the protocol and the patients are getting the treatment. I still enjoy what I’m doing so it would be a couple more years before I retire.

Frank and I love to go on cruises after we tried a short 3-day cruise to Ensenada, Mexico. Frank likes the idea that we have a “home away from home” and don’t need to pack and unpack each time we arrive at a destination port. We’ve since gone on a Mexican Riviera, to Alaska, Western Mediterranean (Italy, Croatia, Monaco, France, Spain and Portugal), and to Baltic countries (England, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and St. Petersburg, Russia). The last one was to Greece, Turkey and Egypt. Of course, we’ve also gone on a US cruise to see the colorful fall leaves in New Hampshire, Nova Scotia, Boston and New York. Next cruise would probably be to the Caribbean- maybe our HS class can plan one.

I’m so grateful for the many friends and relatives who supported me when my first husband died. It made the pain of losing a loved one more bearable. I still see those old friends and they’ve also accepted Frank into our circle. We see regularly Jimmy’s sisters, brothers and kids as my kids are close to them too. Friends and family- that’s what makes me happy!