Activism 102

I’m glad that another high school batch mate was ‘found’. She commented last week right to my blog entry about our high school batch (1980-84). She sounded way elated by finally finding a batch mate. “Sulatan nyo naman ako,” she seemed to beg, sounding like she’s lost in the wilderness of Sydney.

I’m referring to Irma Leonardo who’s now married to a man with lastname Manalang. Looking at her picture on Facebook, I realized that she looked like Liezl Martinez, daughter of showbiz couple Romeo Vazquez and Amalia Fuentes. She did not look so during our high school period. But, God, she matured into being a mom. That I expected. But her beauteous face remains, enough to bring me down the memory lane…

As if Irma’s being found was not enough, the giddy feeling of being in high school mode again was reinforced by the mini-mini reunion that took place last June 1. It was with Angie Navarro, a Canada-based mate who visited Manila for a vacation, Edward Morales, Noel Ulat, Jing Mercader, Jessica Belmonte, Boy Cruz, and Emman Medalla. We ate first in Lydia’s Lechon, Roces Ave. cor. Sct. Reyes St. Then we moved to Starbucks in Robinsons, Timog Ave.

Folks were vocal enough to express impatience on the grand reunion that is yet to be held this year. One even compared our batch to that of ‘77 which according to her had held theirs with significant attendance and fanfare. “Three years in the making, yet, no reunion,” one asked rhetorically.

“Kasi naman,” blurted one, looking at me. Of course, she said that half-jokingly (and half-seriously?). “Kawawa naman si Dong. Parang nasisisi dahil di matuluy-tuloy ang reunion,” she added. Well, it goes without saying.

Deep inside, I felt like I wanted to shout: “It’s not my fault because folks haven’t exerted enough efforts to help.” But I do recognize the role I’m playing and I would think that it’s really PARTLY my fault. My fault because I was not able to work out galvanizing at least the reunion organizing committee members. I’ve now come to realize that there’s a need to think out of the box and restrategize.

Nonetheless, thanks to the “pagpaparamdam” of several batchmates via our Yahoo e-group, I still have that giddy feeling of a Roxasian. Inspired am I to hold on.