Nuat Thai Foot Massage Review

It has become a weekly habit or more like an addiction... I tried it once and got hooked right away! It's Nuat Thai's Foot Massage!

I already made a review of Nuat Thai's Body Massage (Read HERE) but this time I want to share their Foot Massage Service.

Thai Foot Massage is said to be therapeutic based on the theory (or is it scientific?) that there are particular points on the soles of feet that corresponds to the other parts of the human body. If you apply the right technique and pressure on these exact points, it claims to improve blood circulation and even heal certain sicknesses. Some say it also improves sleep and even boosts the immune system! It is actually now accepted as an alternative medicine that others call, reflexology.

For me however, it definitely relieves tension especially after a long week of work. So, whether it is curative or not, what I can say is... it is awesomely soothing and relaxing! In fact, it never fails to put me to sleep during my sessions and my BFF who also never fails to accompany me each time, swears... I snore??? Now that information, is absolutely a fabricated "myth" haha!

At Nuat Thai Foot and Body Massage in Valley Fair, Taytay, Rizal, they start by soaking your feet in warm water. Then they have their "patients" lie on reclined  Big Lazy Boy Massage Chairs and put menthol scented hot compress bags on their lower backs and necks. Aside from their bare hands the "therapists" also use tools in applying pressure with oil. Surprisingly, my BFF who is very ticklish does not seem to be affected by it LOL! The session also includes a back massage that is quite a bonus!

I definitely recommend Nuat Thai's Foot Massage! It may not be scientifically proven to heal sicknesses but it sure feels good! My rule of thumb, if it feels right, then it must be! So don't be left behind! Go get yourself the pampering you deserve!

 Happy Feet!

The Miracle Art Exhibit in Binondo, Manila

It was one beautiful Sunday morning in November... I was excited as I got up much earlier than my usual. It was a "Binondo-Kind-of -Day!"

Said to be the oldest Chinatown in the world, Binondo was established in 1594 by a Spanish Governor as a settlement for the Chinese immigrants who converted to Catholicism. A land grant was given to a group of Chinese merchants with a limited self-governing privileges but was granted as tax free in perpetuity! Since then, Binondo became the main center for business and finance in Manila for the ethnic Chinese, Chinese mestizos and Spanish Filipinos.

I'm in a middle of a painting project right now and I'm enjoying applying textures and colors but having difficulty with lights and shades to achieve a 3D effect when my BFF, who is of Chinese descent suggested we go revisit Binondo, Manila. I was like... huh? How would that help me? Hmnn... I was thinking she just probably wanted to go on a Binondo food binge! However, she made a good point. She said there was a Multi-dimensional Art  Exhibit going on in Lucky Chinatown Mall. So I Googled and yes! I loved the idea! The painting by the way, would be a gift for her, reason why she's very supportive LOL!

Prepped for paint splashing

Textures and Colors!!!

Almost done but not quite! Speak to me!!! :)))

The Miracle Art Exhibit in Lucky Chinatown Mall in Binondo, Manila is making raves not so much with art lovers but more with photography and "model-wanna-be" enthusiasts. Huge multi-dimensional art works are painted with acrylic on plywood that create an awesome illusion that you appear to be "inside" of the painting when photographed in different angles! It is highly recommendable for families to visit as it would be a good experience for the kids and also the young at heart!

Me and BFF had so much fun taking each other's shot... like a one-on-one drinking spree (Your shot, my pose now... vise versa LOOOLLLL!!!) we were literally rolling and roaring in laughter as we out-do each other's winning pose! I had difficulty taking her pictures as I was laughing so hard with her gestures and facial expressions my hands couldn't get a steady grip while clicking away. She said I was doing it intentionally and all her shots were motion blurred so I had to retake it! And I thought the same and she had to do it thrice for me for each painting! Mind you, there were like over a hundred display! It was hilarious! The kids were staring at us like we're lunatics while waiting for their chance to pose! They looked like "Jeeeezzz, our chance now puhleaaase!" Haha!

For Details on ticket price and venue, please check out The Miracle Art Facebook Page.

 

Typhoon Yolanda: Philippines After the Storm

As more help comes from different allied countries as well as our own Kababayans around the world, the Filipino People, in their darkest moment after braving the Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), try their very best to stand up and move forward.

U.S. Aircraft Carrier USS George Washington

Death... hunger... looting... rape... anarchy! Survival of the fittest! The looting... some say, could be classified as an act of self preservation rather than criminality but the incident reports of raping, if true, is symbolic of establishing dominance and power over the weak, where education and money could not get you food but physical strength and terror would. It is surreal... especially to those who are just hearing the news 2nd hand. It's like a climactic scene from a diabolic, horror flick ... the protagonist screams!!! Then gets up on its feet and fights back!

Food at last!!! (Photo Credit: Manila Bulletin)

The Exodus. (Photo Credit: AP/Bullit Marquez, GMA NEWS)

It is understandable to have contradicting opinions on how the situation is being handled by our leaders. Emotions are high... and yes, we are a very passionate and emotional People. Frustration and desperation could cloud sensibilities and reasons... but in the end, the common goal to help in any little way each one can, will soon unite our ravaged nation.

All local sectors and industries are now moving as one --- Government agencies, private sectors, artists, professionals, students... everyone has something to share for those directly hit by the disaster. Sympathies and prayers, cash, goods... even talents.

Singers, sung... runners, ran... media practitioners, reported... businesses, operated... events, organized... all for a common good cause... to help raise funds and donate.

Performers: Daddy’s Home, KZ Tandingan, Gab Maturan, Allen Sta. maria, Jeric Medina, Kedebon, take Off, Jerriane Templo, Janice Javier, Radha, Maki Ricafort, Paolo Onesa, Kimpoy, Selena, Keith Martin, Mike Luis, Luke Mejares and many more!

WHAT: Awit Sagip.

WHEN: November 24, 2013 | 7:30 pm

WHERE: Teatro Marikina

Tickets Prices:

400 Php

200 Php

100 Php

You can buy your tickets at Philippine Red Cross Marikina Chapter Office (in front of Our Lady of the Abandoned Church) and  at Calis Grill and Bistro (formerly Mangyan Republic) (along Mayor Gil Fernando Avenue (formerly Tuazon)

The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (Philippines)

Slowly, we will rise above the situation victorious. 

Let us keep the faith.

At the Miracle Art Exhibit, Binondo, Manila

The Filipinos are one in expressing our deepest "utang na loob" to all the countries who responded immediately to our dire needs. 

Maraming salamat po.

"Do not hold back from those who ask your help, 

when it is in your power to do it. 

Do not say to your neighbor, 

"Go away! Come another time; 

tomorrow I will give it to you!" 

when you can help him now" - Proverbs 3:27-28

Please keep sending in your donations:


1. Philippine Red Cross - http://www.redcross.org.ph/donate

2. Caritas - http://www.caritas.org.ph/direckdonation.php

3. DSWD - http://disaster.dswd.gov.ph/donate/donate-online/

4. Gawad Kalinga - http://gk1world.com/give

5.  Kapuso Foundation - http://www.gmanetwork.com/kapusofoundation/donation

Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) Strengthens the Filipinos' Indomitable Spirit!

The deadliest earthquake in 23 years struck the Philippines on October 15, 2013, at 8:12 am with a magnitude at the epicenter recorded at 7.2 which devastated the whole Central Visayas region, particularly Bohol and Cebu, two of the most beautiful provinces Filipinos are very proud of. Casualties and damages were recorded, lost of lives and properties were deduced into numbers, including 10 heritage churches. Through it all, the unfathomable Filipino Spirit rose above the situation armed with hope, prayers and love for each other.

Barely recovered from the earthquake, another calamity hit the country! On November 7, 2013, Super Typhoon Yolanda (International: Haiyan), in its peak intensity of 10-minute sustained wind of 235 km/hr made a landfall in Guiuan, Eastern Samar. It is said to be one of the strongest land falling tropical cyclones on record based on wind speed alone. It battered, almost crippled and wiped out everything and everyone it passed by as it traversed our beloved Visayas region. In Luzon, we heard its howling and felt its robust, gusty wind. We prayed... unceasingly.

The loss and woes... were deafening. Everything was down, all supplies were out... food, water, clothes, shelter, power, communication, transportation. Survivors on barefoot were seen rummaging through remnants for whatever comfort they could get. Torment. Despair. Looting... Anarchy! Those not affected could only imagine...

The multimedia reports could no more"hyperbolize" what was already superlatively amplified but a few ingenious ones still managed "insertions and omissions" to distort facts, however good the intention may be...  read here. It is true that help and encouragement were badly needed by the Filipinos but misinformation was not one of them. Responsible social media sharing, in the same manner as mainstream news reporting, must be observed at all times... most especially if you were in a position to influence opinions. Even a seemingly innocent "misquote" that was misleading, added insult to injury to those who only had hope left in them.

Please, do not satirize or even dramatize the suffering of your own people!

Photo credit: Val Rodriguez, Philippine Star

Many are not satisfied with the response of the Philippine Government, but financial aids are on its way from many allied countries and local sources. It is not the time to point fingers... but rather to hold hands in action and prayers... as we Filipinos say it... "Kapit-bisig, magkakapatid!" literally, it means "Link arms, brothers and sisters!" symbolically, it's the Filipino Spirit fusing together as one in hope, faith and love.

"But when you give to the needy, 

do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 

so that your giving may be in secret. 

Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, 

will reward you." ~ Matthew 6:3-4

To send in donations:

1. Philippine Red Cross - http://www.redcross.org.ph/donate

2. Caritas - http://www.caritas.org.ph/direckdonation.php

3. DSWD - http://disaster.dswd.gov.ph/donate/donate-online/

4. Gawad Kalinga - http://gk1world.com/give

5.  Kapuso Foundation - http://www.gmanetwork.com/kapusofoundation/donation

Internet Trolling... A Digital Age Mind Game

It is branded as a negative practice and often defined as "online harassment or online bullying," trolling is most commonly perceived as causing interpersonal commotion and conflict within an online community by sowing discord, malice and hatred. But what is it, exactly?

Some relate internet trolling to the animated creatures of children's tale, the trolls. These characters are depicted as an anarchistic lot who are always on the look out for fun, not caring on the havoc wreaked, brought about by their pranks and mischief. They are indeed, irritating creatures but generally harmless.

This type of internet trolls do shallow trolling, easily identified with their use of profanities or irrelevant arguments and comments to stir up controversies. Secretly, they seek recognition, attention and approval... they are addicted to and gratified by it... longing for their "moment to shine"... wishing for virtual approval clicks and long thread of comments glorifying their awesomeness! These lowly trolls desperately try their best to appear smart by playing with all sorts of tactics to engage prospects to take notice of them... including stalking, obtusely hurling innuendos and throwing suggestive and disparaging remarks, even posting of photos and videos to antagonize their targets. If not effective, they shift gear and clean up their acts, although their vicious nature could not hold the pretense for long! These sort of trolls, if ignored, either flare up or shut up then think of other ways to "get in." This type is the most dense, ineffective and easiest to discard because only like-minded trolls often feed them ... so yes, they starve and feed on each other and get dispensed in no time by default without even realizing they were not trolling after all... they could actually be the willing worm baits!

In fishing, trolling is simply baiting or luring where one or more fishing lines are drawn to the water to catch big game fishes. The experienced and successful angler, uses many techniques and tools to quarry the most prized and largest game fishes! It is a careful, meticulous and systematic preying on the "catch" that entails, patience, discipline, precision and expertise. Now, this is deep water trolling!

Internet trolling has different levels. It is a mind game played by an inner motivation with the intention to manipulate reactions to one's favor or satisfaction by influencing the mental and emotional states of the eyed "catch or targets." 

The new Digital Age "art," if orchestrated, participated and funded by calculated and intelligent players with a wicked agenda, could have a vast and devastating effect. Such as in the case of black propaganda and/or character assassination for political gain. This type of elite trolls carefully follow one basic rule: To never be conspicuous lest be identified as one and be counter-trolled!

Now, think again... are you the troll... the bait or the catch?

Are you being counter-trolled?

Or could it be that you are just an insignificant bad sharer attracting the same like-mindedness madness?

Or more possibly... it is all in your mind...

The truth is, no one is actually paying attention to what you post online and nothing is really intentionally directed at you.

Now, pick on it.

Vikings a Feast from the Sea in SM Marikina: A Restaurant Review

Nope, it was not a double birthday celebration because June is not my birth month but I just had to blow the candle and experience it too with the real celebrant that day, my BFF! Obviously, since it's already August, then this is a very late post because I've really been busy, busy, busy... (Read: Lazy, lazy, lazy hehe).

I heard a lot of "ohhs and ahhs" reviews about Vikings so I had to check it out myself. And what luck! My Gemini BFF asked me where I want to be treated out for her birthday! Geez, chance!

I suggested Vikings in SM Marikina due to proximity. I made the reservation for two through phone. Guess where I found their contact numbers... where else, but on Facebook! But to make it easier for you, my dear avid readers (hahaha I have avid readers, yeah!!!), I will post the numbers at the bottom of this post (Ooops, don't scroll down... continue reading!).

It was easy to get through their numbers and the customer care representative who handled my call was polite and pleasant.  I was given all the details I needed, including the time the buffet opens, directions, price and their on going promo! I was informed that my very lucky birthday celebrant BFF could feed all she can absolutely FREE, if accompanied by at least one paying customer and could present at least one government issued ID as proof of date of birth! So, it was like a 50% off for the two of us! Awesome! I received a text message from the establishment on the day of our reservation as a reminder as well as to confirm the booking. How convenient.

Smoking Room

I prefer their Dinner Buffet which opens from 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM... that's a good 5 full hours! Beat that! Most buffet restaurants only allow 3 hours non-stop feeding... at Vikings, you'll be the one to say... "Please, I'd like to stop now, thaaank you!" Haha.

The venue was well lighted and impressively big. The interior design and ambiance was pleasing enough to set the right mood for good dining. The tables were arranged in such a way that there were enough spaces for passers by with loads of hoard not to trip over hehe. The spacious dining area also did not smell like a smorgasbord of food and there were no smoke or steam permeating the air like in other buffet restos I've tried which could dull one's appetite and leave a very bad taste in the mouth not to mention a stink on the clothes! The smell was aromatically flavorful and the air conditioning was fine. They even provided an exclusive smoking area. Oh, how thoughtful! Not to forget, the rest room was well kept, which was very important for me.

The biggest come on however was their food selection, after all, it was really what we came for! It had a vast and wide array of choices of international cuisines from Asian to European to Mediterranean to American! The buffet spread was not only presented in a very delectable and palatable way, it actually tasted real good. My favorite of course, was the Japanese Station. I shamelessly indulged on their seafood selection! I devoured the baked oysters with such passion I had a respectable heap of shells to brag for! I think I also gobbled half a kilo of my all time fave Pink Salmon Sashimi with soy, wasabi and lemon dipping. Too bad I had a hard time looking for the Korean Kimchi because I always like it paired with my Sashimi. However, I did not enjoy the Chinese Hakao very much because the coating was too thick and not so smooth, this one was a definite FAIL.

On the other hand, my BFF, who had always been carnivorous by heart, wolfed down the steaks and lamb spreads. In fairness, she counter balanced it by feasting on seafood too with a considerably high tail pile of her favorite Ebi Tempura.

Japanese Food Station

Meat Lovers' Delight

For vegans, you won't be disappointed too. There are a lot of choices of veggies from salads to main courses that you can graze from hehe. 

Go Vegan

And for the sweet toothed food addicts, it's a dreamland! Oooh lala!

Sweeties!!!

The "mythical" vikings were famous for being fierce sailors of the seas but they were also known as fun loving warriors who loved to party and drink 'till they drop! Thus, it's also drink all you can at Vikings, SM Marikina! From fruit juices and smoothies, to brewed coffee to choco drinks and of course unlimited San Miguel Draft Beer! Too bad me and BFF had no more room for it after a very sumptuous dinner, so we just had one tall mug of beer each. Then it was pastries and coffee time!

Drink all you can!!! Note: Wine sold separately.

I highly recommend Vikings a Feast from the Sea in SM Marikina. You may contact them for reservations at 0917-8766888; 0919 9993888 / 570-3888; 570-4888; 570-5888. Walk ins are also welcome. All major credit cards are accepted.

Enjoy the good life like a Viking! 

Cheers!!!

Happy Birthday!!!

The Vicious Cycle of Love Play in Pursuit of True Love

Love... is a state of the mind. It is an apocryphal tale that we can not choose whom we love. In truth, it has always been a conscious decision... one that like any other, we must stand up for. But once you let it in, it also becomes a state of the heart... one that could rule over all reasons. Love therefore, is both a conscious feeling and decision.

True, that love must be mutual between lovers. However, it is not always reciprocated the way we want it to... sometimes, we feel shortchanged and unappreciated... or worse, refused by the one loved. When these happen, can we simply change our minds and choose to stop loving?

Again, love is a choice, yes, but it is also a commitment to the decision you have made. Ergo, a full cycle love, otherwise known as "True Love" is one that lasts a lifetime.... and some even claim beyond. Its level of intensity may vary through time... but you and the one you love must continue to work on it together, everyday of your lives to reaffirm your decisions to love one another no matter how difficult the situation may be.

Sometimes, lovers measure love by the degree of happiness they feel when they're around each other... but happiness is a fleeting emotion. The reality of love is when you can afford to smile and give support to the other even when times are rough; not merely being concern about one's own pursuit of selfish momentary happiness. If during these trying times, either one gives up or leaves for another... then it was never real.

Thereupon, everything reverts back to a vicious cycle of Love Play. Its meaning, degenerated... stripped and debased... and you're back to square one... searching for that one elusive True and Lasting Love...

Nuat Thai Foot and Body Massage Review

Traditional Thai Massage

I worked night shifts for two straight weeks that all my muscle fibers were screaming "massaaaage!!!" Ummm, okay, that was an exaggeration... but nevertheless, I really needed some good pampering. It was already late however, when I got the idea so me and my BFF just opted for the nearest one... Nuat Thai Foot and Body Massage in Valley Fair, Taytay, Rizal ... just a 5 minute ride from home.

There are 3 massage health centers in Valley Fair and I already tried one which name I will no longer mention because the service was poor. I actually snubbed Nuat Thai then, because it did not look cozy from the outside. However, I've heard some rave reviews from FB friends regarding how good their Thai Massage was so I encouraged the BFF to have a go!

It was almost 9 PM when we got there. The glass panels were heavily tinted we thought it was already closed, but not so. It was pitch dark inside when we entered the massage health center. Chicken that I was, I almost ran out,  hehe but the BFF held me steady by the arm and directed me to the cashier to inquire. The prices were really affordable! They even have a promo afternoon treat from 12 noon to 6 PM for only P250 for an hour of body massage.

The whole place was a bit small and again, really dark! There were lazy boy recliners on one area for the foot massage... this was where we were ushered for them to wash our feet... no shower rooms nor sauna... uh oh... and no lockers too.

Nuad Phaen Boran

We were later on lead to curtained cubicles with single beds... my eyes were already accustomed to the darkness by then but I was still a little hesitant... especially that BFF was of course, directed to a different room. There were no hangers provided for the clothes, instead I was instructed to lay my folded clothes on what looked like a cushion on the floor.  Then I was handed a pair of  loose jammies which smelled really clean... so I put them on. Even the pillow and the bed smelled fresh and clean. There was also a piped in instrumental music playing on the background. The masseuse who handed me the jammies was a tall, pleasant looking girl, probably in her mid twenties. She asked if we could start.... I relaxed and said yes... but not after I sent a status message with location on my FB wall via mobile... just in case haha!

Nuat Thai

To my surprise... the rave reviews were all true! Indeed, the Thai Massage at Nuat Thai Foot and Body Massage is amazing! In Thailand, they call this style of massage as Nuad Phaen Boran or simply Nuat Thai. It is an Ancient Massage like our own "Hilot" and "Bentosa". I have never tried it before but I believe that Nuat Thai Foot and Body Massage's version is authentic. The masseuse who gave me a very good service was professional and well trained. I know so because if not, it could be disastrous and dangerous if attempted by someone not knowledgeable or skillful.

The traditional Thai Massage performed on me entailed stretches and yoga like positions using straight forearms locked at the elbow to apply firm rhythmic pressure on Sen points (acupuncture points) accompanied with gentle rocking. I could really feel the rush of  blood circulating on each pressed points! It also included pulling of the fingers, toes, ears, and knuckles. Geez, I could hear my bones cracking! The masseuse even walked on my back and arched me in some kind of cobra like position by pulling my arms backward while she was, I think, kneeling on my back? And yep,  she even used her legs and feet to somewhat fixate my limbs by stretching. I was even instructed at one point to hold on to her hands while she was standing in front of me and I was pulled up gently up my spine, it was awesome! My legs were also subsequently pressed on top of each other with the masseuse leaning her body over to apply gentle pressure. By the way, there was also no oil or liniment used on me... just pure skill. Probably because it really had no use for those because it was more on pressing and not really rubbing.

The experience was rejuvenating and therapeutic. I highly recommend their service and I am definitely going back for a weekly session, if my schedule would allow it. I just wish they'd change the interior to make the ambiance more welcoming especially to first timers... it was really dark in there! LOL!

By the way, I recently made a review of their Foot Massage Service. Read HERE.

The Journey Back Home

The Journey 

Back Home

By Icar Napiza and Laarni Paras

(As published on the SJC QC HS Batch '88 Year Book)

We were in for the long haul… with only one goal!

It was quite a long wait… but it’s all worth it!

St. Joseph’s College of Quezon City High School Class of 1988 (SJC QC HS Batch 88) will finally get together after a quarter of a century to pay homage to its alma mater and celebrate the Annual Grand Alumni Homecoming on March 16, 2013. By tradition, the main host for the said yearly event had always been the Silver Jubilarians.

The official planning took place online via mass private message on Facebook, a social networking site. The invitation was sent by the designated Overall Committee Head, Joy Velasco-Guilas, to 118 batch mates on March 20, 2012. The torch was passed on by the preceding batch and we barely had a year to prepare. Everyone was enthralled with the idea…and the ball started rolling!

The internet played a very significant role all throughout the Homecoming preparation considering that the batchmates are mostly scattered not only within the 7,100 islands of the Philippines during high tide, but all over the globe!

On top of the task list was the creation of committees. The core group asked for volunteers to lead each team. There was only one qualification to fit each post: 100% commitment to the cause! Thus, the set of 13, all strong and determined leader-organizers was formed along with its members.

FUND RAISING and FINANCE COMMITEE 

Joy Catherine Velasco-Guilas, Head (Phils.)

Lilian Parale and Pam Guevarra, Heads (US)

Lhen Dela Rosa-Velon, Head (Europe)

Rosario Ong, Head (Canada)

Auditors: Peaches Bautista and Hazel Yamsuan

SECRETA-

RIAT 

Laarni Paras, Head

PROGRAMME COMMITTEE

Ces Llanes Guirnalda, Head

Pam Guevarra, Director

PROMOTIONS COMMITTEE

Lilian Parale, Head

FOOD & BEVERAGE COMMITTEE

Rosette Natividad, Head

YEARBOOK COMMITTEE

Jennifer De Leon, Head

GRAPHIC ART, LAYOUT AND WEB DESIGN

Icar Napiza, Head

EDITORS

Lhen Dela Rosa-Vellon, Aleli Lavilla and Laarni Paras

Next… the theme! A special occasion, one as big an event such as a Homecoming should have a very extraordinary theme to make it even more remarkable and truly unforgettable. Thus, we gathered all our thoughts together and put up a poll to get a consensus.






The winning theme was:

"Ganito Kami Noon... Ganito na Kami Ngayon."

However, the leader-organizers thought it
needed more substance and a subtitle was befitting, hence, the tag “Relive, Revive, Reminisce the Strength and Solidarity of the Josephine Sisterhood.”

The original theme was revised several times to also
recognize and include the male alumni since the school
is now coeducational. Therefore, the final theme became…

"Ganito Kami Noon... Ganito na Kami Ngayon."

Relive, Revive, Reminisce 

the Solidarity and Strength of all Josephines 

The preparation got even more exciting in the ensuing months. An official SJC HS Batch 88 website was constructed by Icar Napiza to better promote the event.

In addition, a Facebook Fan Page was created by Jurizz Catedrilla-Tabanera. Moreover, the existing main thoroughfare of all online communications, the SJC HS Batch 88 Facebook Group Page soared to 258 members!

There were also campaign videos designed and released by Lilian Parale to further create awareness on the event and entice not only batch 88 members but all SJC Alumni to participate and join in on the fun! A playlist for SJC QC HS 88 - Homecoming now exists in YouTube which includes, among others, 'Rewind' (a video about the 80s) 'Balik-Aral' (a video on high school subject matter) and 'Places" (a video on the school grounds and facilities).

The most anticipated project, however, was the creation and publishing of our very own SJC HS Batch 88 Yearbook. It was the dream of each batch member to have one, even after 25 years. The Yearbook Committee members devoted so much of their valuable time to make it possible!

Subsequently, a series of conferences took place in the Philippines and abroad with live streaming 
that allowed batchmates in different time zones to participate in real time! Not to mention the online 
chat conferences wherein some threads of conversations reached to more than a thousand 
comments! We brainstormed, deliberated, voted and decided as a team! We were united!

Then it was time for some real, serious stuff… money matters!  Oh yes indeed, it did matter! 

The ardent fundraising campaigns began with much enthusiasm and dedication! 

Successful online raffle promos were initiated by Lilian Parale, Glenda Valerio and Rosette Natividad with the help of all batch members. A well-attended fundraising party was also organized by Pam Guevarra in San Francisco, U.S.A. Solicitations, donations and sponsorships … they all poured forth from all sources! All avenues of promotion were utilized such as radio, TV, print and the Internet, talk about multimedia!  Everyone generously contributed all they could give… their talents, time and devotion to ensure the success of the big event.

As expected, the targeted amount was successfully met and it will beproperly disbursed as planned including a donation for the rehabilitation of the Mater Dei Auditorium and a token of appreciation to some school personnel. All batch 88 members will be able to attend the event for free and even take home a batch shirt as solicited by Joy Velasco-Guilas from an anonymous philanthropist donor.

Organizers at work!

Many batch mates will travel from distant places to be there on that very special day and the rest who will not be able to attend will certainly be with us in spirit. Each woman, successful in her own right… as a mother, wife, employee, professional, artist, entrepreneur but among many other things, always a Josephine.

We will party all night long to our hearts’ delight… catching up on stories… filling in one another with love and laughter.

We will be young once more … Reliving our high school days… Reviving the friendship and sisterhood…  Reminiscing the good memories.

It was no small feat and it came with sweat and tears but the fruit shall be sweet!

SJC HS Batch 88 shall come home victorious to its beloved alma mater, proudly able to say…

Mother…

"Ganito Kami Noon... 

Ganito na Kami Ngayon."