CPU Commerce Batch 1997 celebrates its 20 years

By Connie Gomez-Molina

It was one fine day on the 20th day of May 2017. All things were set and done. Tarpaulins were put up. Permits done. T-shirts done. Programs done after many hours of meetings and discussions. All is set to start the ever first reunion of CPU Commerce Batch 1997.

The assembly area was at CPU NV Building, the house of the College of Commerce during our time 20 years ago. I was the first to arrive a minute before 1:00 P.M. since I was in charge of the Registration. One by one, Alumni arrived — some in cars and others on foot. Little by little the hall of the New Valentine echoes the deafening laughter’s and chatters of each other’s stories. One could not imagine that these people have graduated college 20 years ago but felt that they were just kindergarten kids with no inhibitions.

While waiting for others to arrive, some were busy taking pictures. Most, were busy chitchatting and reminiscing back the old days. A total of 27 Alumni came (not bad for a first). After the registration, we had our official picture taking around the grounds of CPU. Having to smile at different cameras at different angles — all these were worth it. Then we had our motorcade from CPU and went around the City proper until we arrive in our venue, The Mango Tree at Guzman St., Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

After we have settled in at The Mango Tree, our Master of Ceremony (MC) DJ John Lemon welcomed us with a big smile. A short prayer was led by Joy Osano-Durana followed by a Welcome Address of Heman Simora, one of the reunion’s core group. He stressed on how important it is that we have reunited with our batch mates and reminisced the days when we were in college and also to openly share our lives after college. He ended up by thanking those who have attended and most especially to those have not attended yet shared their blessings to make this reunion a success.

The next part program was the Kamustahanay in which each one was given an opportunity to share who their fondest memories during college time, and also their current whereabouts. All had a short yet meaningful sharing. We had a good laugh when Ms. Ma. Cypress shared a mini-lecture about the dangers of rabies. (Peace Cypress!)

Everyone relished the sumptuous dinner with the obligatory Lechon. The food was really, really, really great! Hands up to the Chef! A short history was shared by myself — on how the reunion was materialized. It was last year when a few of our batch mates wanted to organize a reunion — 20 years after graduation. Some made a FB page but to no avail – it was not a hit. Sometime in February of this year 2017, I was pushed by many of our batch mates to make a Group Chat in the FB Messenger. That is how this reunion came to be.  Meetings were held and a few came by. So we volunteered and named ourselves as the Reunion Core Group – Michael Rene Jaranilla, Petsferald Palencia, Heman Simora, May Maniva, Jocelyn Ramos and myself Connie Gomez Molina. Hopefully, next time around a lot will join us.

After sharing time, we enjoyed the games together with the best MC in town guiding all throughout the program.

Election of Officers and Oath-taking followed. Elected officers are as follows:

President:               Connie Gomez-Molina

Vice President:        Michael Rene Jaranilla

Secretary:              Liza Cuba

Treasurer:             Grace Gimotea-Genovate

Asst. Treasurer:     May Maniva-Monteclaro

P.R.O.:                  Heman Simora

Auditor:                 Emerald Joy Esmaya-Perucho

Muse:                   Geraldine Salmeo-Arancillo

Escort:                  Gilbert Arancillo

The reunion was concluded by a speech from Batch President Connie Gomez-Molina. She shared that cooperation is important to make any given event a success. Being an officer or not, one should be accountable and give a firm commitment for the betterment of the organization. We thank God that the reunion was a success with just two months of preparation. The memories continue to linger and will forever be kept in our hearts. See you in our next reunion!