What Really Happened To CIC Class Of 1980?

It's been thirty  years since we graduated high school. The number of years gave me this overwhelming sense of "where did the time go"? Was it only yesterday that we were wet behind the ears, footloose, fancy-free, raring to go out and experience the world?


When i think of high school  i get flooded with wonderful memories. There were few that stood out most, like when Carol, Cynthia and I went to watch the first day showing of "Saturday Night Fever" at nine in the morning. (This was back in the days when movie houses started business in the morning and you could get to watch the same film over and over again in one day for a measly 7 pesos). How about that one afternoon we spent at the auditorium when the band, Hotdog (country's premiere band at the time) performed before us. That was a real treat.


And who could forget our classmates with memorable personalities like Ramona. Our cheerleader and majorette. A real beauty. The original Miss Congeniality. Pilar, Monina and Antonia were obvious leaders. The sultry Leila Medalla. Chona our wisecracking classmate who up until today never fails to tickle your funny bones. Back in high school i've often wondered how Louise managed to stay pretty like she-just step-out-of-the-shower-pretty...always.


I got poor grades in advance algebra. But thanks to Susanna M. for the private tutorials.  i passed the subject and finished high school. I haven't personally thanked her yet. Let this be my way of saying my heartfelt appreciation.I remember my marathon phone calls with Sirikit. We talked about anything, no holds barred. But somehow the rains of time wash away that closeness. I miss her.


(Batchmates, feel free to comment after this post about what each of you specially remember each of our classmates. Let's start a positive virus here.)


One of the adults rituals we all have to go through is attend high school reunions. Whether it's the 25th or the 50th, these emotionally-charged events can be unsettling. Sure, your acne gave way to a smoother,clearer complexion,thick coke-bottle eyeglasses traded for contact lenses and the extra weight are well-distributed now.


Going to your high school reunion might mean crossing paths again with old rivals, that classmate who used to bully you or getting caught between the old flame who shattered  your romantic dreams and the girl whose heart you broke. Well, it is time to leave the grudges and insecurities behind and make peace with the past.


It is enchanting and surreal to touch-base with the people whom you know, shared the same experiences with. It is like going back to yourself.


 I wrote this post because i am just a sentimental soul who really did have the best days of my life in the wide and quaint hallways of CIC.


Every high school class has its own set of intellectuals, beauties, rebels, sports heroes, class clowns etc. But our class had that tell-it-like-it-is boldness. We had  courage to be leaders and achievers. There will never be a class like ours.

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