"The Morning After" written by Rita Saguin-Trinidad

Having lived in America for over thirteen years, the last time I saw most of my classmates was Graduation Day, March 19, 1984. Twenty years later, almost to the day, I embarked on an adventure at our 20th Reunion as I, along with Trish and Yvette, welcomed warm, familiar faces at the registration table.  There were moments when it took longer than a few seconds to identify some classmates, owing to a little hair loss or maybe added girth, but it was quickly followed by squeals of delight.

Almost everyone that I was hoping to see was present and I was delighted to find that although some may have changed in appearance, the intrinsic personalities are still there!  My adorable Mia Marchadesch looks not a day older; Yvette and Kinu now both mothers (to such good-looking kids, I might add) are just as crazy and hilarious as I remember; lurking inside the grown-up garb and demeanor was still my favorite seatmate and choc-nut & chichacorn partner, Rico Crisologo, with a treasure trove of high school exploits and trivia; Diminutive Carol Andreu still looking so youthful its hard to imagine that shes a mother of two; Cecile Benavides remains the warm and endearing person that I remember and Jing Gelano has not lost her trademark wit and candor.  

Its as if time stood still that Thursday evening.  The only difference was that this time, as adults, we were all on a level playing field - unencumbered by the cliques and restrictions of our youth.  No more popular or nerd,  baduy or sosyal groups. None of that mattered anymore.  We were just glad to be there.  Twenty years, after all, is a milestone!

Everything went perfectly throughout the night, from the touching video presentation to Pepelous lively emceeing, down to the confetti shower at midnight it was as if the heavens conspired to make it so.  As my husband so succinctly put it, you guys raised the bar for all reunions to follow.  Kudos to the great instigator, Bunny de Leon, who envisioned this whole affair, and who, along with Cecile, Rico, Carol and Ging tracked, harassed, mobilized, hounded and hunted people down and did just about everything (short of rousing the dead and doing anything illegal) to make it happen. Estrell Magnaye, the creative hand behind our commemorative CD, gave unselfishly of her time despite her frenzied schedule. Of course, without the graciousness of Francis Juan, this would have been a more daunting undertaking.  Joining later in the game, I was awe-inspired by the synergy and resourcefulness of this group.

Judging from the happy faces and spirited smiles that evening, I can only surmise that we all found genuine pleasure in the camaraderie and this speaks well of us. 

Indeed, we have grown up.