class prophecy of 2007

Spacepod, trans-galactic mission to planet earth, interrupted by meteor shower. System now three-quarters inoperative. Repeat. Coordinate H4202, A5360, N1430. Time reference: outer zone 2S. Request immediate aid. Repeat. Request immediate aid.

Time travel is frightening. When you rush back in time, it’s like riding a roller coaster backward...only faster! You can watch the universe through your private porthole. You see stars born and die, you see planets spin into space, comets come and go, supernovas exploding and all the time, you’re not even there. You are but pure energy, counting down in time until you stop.

It is the year 2037, Twenty years since I graduated from Holy Child Educational Center. It was only two decades ago but it might just as well have been 2 centuries ago because my spaceship travels ten times the speed of sound that I reached the age of 18 years old in just three days , two hours and 2 seconds.

So many events happened in the universe since March 2007. You could say there was a cataclysmic turn of events. Pollution of the air, water and land happened on earth. Toxic levels built up quickly and little care and attention was given to what was going on. Luckily, by the time the planet became almost inhabitable, by some sheer force, the other planets in the solar system started to cool down and became livable. Space travel became possible and affordable. The greatest problem of course is tracking down friends when you don’t know in which part of the universe they are in now.

The Batch 2007 of HCEC promised to meet again after 25 years. That’s five years from now. So I figured, I can locate my batchmates before that time arrives.

Did I mention that I’m now living in Andromeda? For 6 years, I served as their Flotilla Commander (the equivalent of the President in a country) Since my term has just ended, I decided to take a pleasure trip and look for my classmates and friends.

The inspiration to look for them was actually triggered by an intergalactic wedding invitation which I received from Atty Eric Rombano from Jupiter , who is about to be married to Dr Christine Joyce Lanuza. Their reception is to be held in Mars, where apparently Joyce lives.

First, I think I have to see my itinerary. I planned this one so I can save on fuel and time, which are both precious in this part of the universe.

Before going to the solar system, where I’m sure most of my friends are living, I plan to drop by some people who also lives in my galaxy to remind them about the reunion, There’s Dr Ria Napoles , a pediatrician, Dr. Samantha Zagada who is now an archaeologist and Atty Jezyl Antonette Lomitao, a prominent corporate lawyer … she just bailed me out of a financial catch-22.

Then, I’ll go to the milky way. Somewhere in the middle, I’ll have a stop over at the Bautista-Otares luxury hotel and spa owned by Karen and Christine Faye. It’s time also to say hello to Capt. Gerhard Gilles Guanzon , Milky way’s most admired pilot who is staying at the hotel everytime he is assigned there.

Then, off to the rim of the milky way where the solar system is located… I’ll start looking from outside in. According to my intergalactic computer-census, several of my former classmates now live in Pluto. There’s Capt. Marco Pim Kaales, a space pilot, Capt. Acewin Realco , seaman extraordinaire, Gen. Marwin Cruzata, their Defense Minister, Dr. John Philip Nadal , now a neurosurgeon, John Arvin Reola, the multimillionaire, and of course Bishop Darren Trinidad, DD, the head of the church in that planet.

Next destination is Neptune. If my memory serves me right, the brilliant heart specialist Dr Wilson So lives there and according to his e-mail, Marc Jarrell works as a nurse in a hospital which was erected by the Buenaflor , Orias and Associates , owned by Arch Kier Orias and Engineer Allen Vincent Buenaflor.

In Uranus, I’ll drop by the clinic of my favorite paediatrician, Dr Christelle Fucio. It lies next to the block where nobel peace prize winner Dr. Carlo Antonio Lanuza lives. Then maybe, Sr. Inspector Matthew Bebonia still lives there because the last time I heard , he was chasing this intergalactic terrorist, so he might still be on a mission with his partner Detective Joemel Neri. In my opinion, they need the assistance of Professor Jeremiah Berina who just patented a UPRS (Universal Positioning Roaming System)

Time to visit one of my favorites: the planet Saturn where Nyce Ann teaches in one of the exclusive schools for Saturnians built by the talented Engr John Richard Walker. Incidentally, he also built the Saturn General Hospital where Monica Nueva works as the head nurse.

Next stop will be the Great planet, Jupiter. Aha! Time to visit the groom. According to Eric, two of his ninongs will be Judge Dan Loquias and Senator Paul Kevin Filio VII. And according to the Milky way gazette, Fergie Simbulan the GBA (that’s Galactic Basketball Association) champion is also there for an inter-star tournament. The celebrated poet, Ms Mary Joy Labenia with her accountant Ms Venice Billones will also be there for an engagement party to be held in honor of Dr Chester Bearis, the brilliant psychologist and Dr Ruvie Ann Ballester, the famous geologist. Ms Denise Pearl Solares, famous writer will be her bridesmaid.

After that, I’ll pay a visit to the red planet, where my Martian friends live. There’s the bemedalled Lt. Gen Paulo Roxas, John Mel Requiero who topped the board exam for nurses, Atty Jobelle Christine Imperial, Dr. Ivy Concepcion Quiapo who works with Nurse Jhamee de la Rosa and Nurse Jennimie Fleur Bernales. The famous balladeer, Jonriel Besinio who won a platinum award for his album: Memoirs of Jesha , is having his concert tour there, too.

Speaking of whom, I wonder where Jesha is. Last time I heard, she was awarded the most outstanding gynecologist in the solar system!

At last, I’ll see planet earth again. But according to the earth guard, Major Jan Lloyd Caballero, the earth is undergoing a major renovation. So, instead, I’ll just go to the moon where awarding ceremonies are usually held .

The video discs on the spaceship flashed random pictures. Interesting. Four nurses will be given the Globe Service award : Clemerry Anne Aranas, Jonna Liah Sena, Jessa Kris Ong and Denisse Lavapie. Celebrated artist Mary Allaine Alcomendas is holding her 12^th art exhibit. Congressman Roman Anthony Ladaw holds his anti-terrorism campaign. Hmmm… I think, RA mentioned that General Jeff Tino has been assigned there very recently in preparation for the concert of the universal diva: the incomparable Britley Anne Pornillos.

Venus is still the hottest planet , it still amazes me why Dr. Brenn Resoco lives there. Is it because of Nurse Katrina Denisse Lanon who chose to be assigned there?

Well, well, well… what do we have in Mercury? An airstrip owned by Capt Carl Gorgonia! I .hope Dr. Ervin Taburnal was not pulling my leg when he told me this.

Now this is getting weird. Who has the audacity to live in the sun? But somehow, Engr. Zanerey Rada is happily settled on the photosphere.

At least, I know where they are. What baffles me most is the location of the rest of my batchmates. Arch Daniel James Nacario is designing a new mall on one of the red stars. Dr. Christopher Zubiaga is on duty on one of the orange stars as a Computer Analyst. And what is a fireman doing in Rigel, one of the hottest stars in the universe?… but apparently, that’s exactly where Lorenzo Rellosa III is. Jeffrey Ramos is on a mission to climb the tallest mountain in the universe… where is that? Dr. Gioseppe Bobby Naceno’s last e-mail told me that he is about to go to a place that no one knows… where is that? Now this, tops it all…fleet admiral Kurt Russel Baradi is assigned to another universe? WHERE IS THAT?

I’ll never know if I’m just seated here. So, I’d better start my journey. I flicked on the buttons on my control pad which will catapult me to another galaxy in 45 seconds! First, there was a whining sound. Then, the sound increased in intensity... it actually changed in pitch and suddenly, the energy transformed into light...then there was a quick pulsation and I jumped into hyper-space with a rush almost unbelievable in its intensity

But wait! Where am i? Amazing! Incredible! The sight that met my eyes when I landed on … I did not expect to find black holes on my trip. I did not prepare for this! So, I drifted in space locked in an orbit. I felt so alone and desperate but wonder of all wonders: my equipments still work… except for the clock. It stopped. Then I realized that time does not exist in this void.

I stayed suspended in space, half-awake, disoriented from the impact. Suddenly voices from afar jarred me awake. Turned out that they belong to Dr. Ernesto Cortez and Dr. Jennifer Daza who are on a medical mission in the black hole. While I was recovering from the shock, they called Dr. Marven Ramos, former navy seal but now specializes on fixing spacecrafts.

While my spacepod was reconstructed, we had a long chat. We reminisced the old days. Finally, it was time for me to move on after I extracted a promise that they will be attending the reunion. Now, apparently, it’s so hard to contact someone who is in the blackhole and so, Dr. Ramos gave me an amberstone which turns out to be a supertransmitter. He said, they could get in touch through that stone.

With all the remaining energy resources, I propelled my craft away from the black hole. Strange things started to happen at once! First, all the dials on the command console reverse and spin back to zero readings. Then, my hair stood as rigid as broom sticks and a frightening dizziness overcame me.

Hitting reverse engine and power output buttons frantically, I felt the space pod tumble wildly as if out of control. Then, there’s a period of calm, quickly followed by more tumbling….

I kept on accelerating. Things begin to blur.. the outline of the control console became indistinct... then almost as soon as it began it stopped .

Then, I am awake, wide awake. I glanced at the control console, checked the graph, navigational computer and realized that I was looking at my bedside table with my alarm clock, cellphone and gameboy... that all is well, that I had simply passed into a programmed sleep period which has produced the dreams of nebulae showers...

I’m back to the present... but wait, what is this that I’m holding in my hand?... An amber stone! Now, I wonder...

Delivered by: HD de Castro/ HCEC Soiree 2007

all rights reserved: mgrj 2/8/07

class prophecy of 2008

class prophecy 2008

“The uncanny is always with us, and always has been. There was never a time without mystery. Alongside the familiar, there have been unfamiliar beings-sinister creatures in the woods…. Weird creatures in the sea… mysterious objects in the sky….Beyond what has been clearly seen and heard lurked things half-perceived----shadowy shapes vanishing round corners… footsteps heard in empty rooms… words spoken when no one was near”.

Strangely, we have always been fascinated with the mysterious and our rich imagination could take us to world where no one has ever been. …Just like what happened last summer…

For the very first time, I spent my summer vacation in my Grandma’s ancestral home. The first few days were punctuated with excitement as we went from one place to another…. a swim on the nearby beach… a picnic on the riverside… even impromptu races on the lanzones field.

One moonlit night, my cousins decided to play hide and seek. Now, this is one activity I really like because I’m so adept in hiding. I immediately thought of the place nearby where no one will immediately find me… my grandma’s stockroom ! ---a small room adjacent to the main house.

The first thing I noticed when I entered the room was a gold lidded oval mirror on one corner of the bodega. It seemed to beckon and I couldn’t resist the lure. I investigated. Not contented with simply watching it, I touched the mirror… and watched my hand sinking into its depths! Getting more curious, I ventured further and found myself getting inside the mirror. And on the other side….

I am already thirty years old and it is the year 2038, Twenty years since I graduated from Holy Child Educational Center. Twenty years since I tried to imagine what will happen to us when we reach the age of thirty…

So many events happened in the universe since March 2007. You could say there was a cataclysmic turn of events. Pollution of the air, water and land happened on earth. Toxic levels built up quickly and little care and attention was given to what was going on.

I was getting depressed by the minute and decided just to go back but when I turned around, the mirror wasn’t there anymore. Instead, i came face to face with the widest tv screen I have ever seen.

Hmm… the face on the screen looks familiar….Yes! that’s Camille Trinidad… so she became a TV anchorwoman after all and she’s interviewing… omigosh! John Leomel Antang, the famous guitarist?

Now Camille was saying: “Mr. Antang will give us a taste of his soulful music with the celestial diva, Ms Michelle Rivera-Romanillos in a beautiful rendition of “My Only” composed by her husband, the multi –awarded Robin Roy Romanillos!

My jaw dropped. I stood transfixed throughout the whole rendition. It turned out that the program was a year-ender special when the world’s number one personalities in their fields are given tribute. More familiar faces leaped out of the screen:

There’s

o Edsel Dimaiwat, the most popular reggae performer

o Ms. Tina De la Cruz, now the most celebrated painter

o Ms. Maylyn Zubiaga, the First Filipina Best Actress in Hollywood

o Prof. Vilbert Nadal and renowned scientist Prof Ian Renzo Berina, were named top galactic vehicle inventor

o Ms. Maria Isabel Cornelio, the greatest architect of the decade

o Dr. Shekylla Iglesia, outstanding dermatologist , who in partnership with Dr. Gracel Tuibuen invented the phenomenal Forever Young anti-aging pill

The commercial breaks were equally astonishing:

o Model Shara Jane Mendez is promoting the Reynes facial cream formulated by the Dr Veblen Reynes laboratories

o Ivan “the terrible” Llorente the 2038 International MVP campaigns for an energy drink manufactured by Paula Magistrado Pharmaceuticals

o Alyssa Katrina promoting her latest bestseller about the life of Sardines Mogul Al J. Oida

o Capt. Andion Bhart Azur invites cruisers to try the DV superferry owned and managed by Ms. Vanesa Dinglasan

o Celebrated singer Lauren Pornillos sings the jingle of a known fastfood chain : the Vanessa Roxas’ Chicken Inasal

When “Mornings With Camille: (that’s the title of the show) resumed, I wasn’t prepared for the next bombshells: Presidential Awardees of the Decade were given to:

o Dr. Raymond Iblan, the genius behind the total rehabilitation of the Pasig River through his magic water purifier

o Capt. Jade Anthony Lujares, a valiant Filipino Pilot for saving his passengers from terrorists last month, risking his life in the process

o Arch. John James Saloma for his famous 200-storey glass building whioch he built with his associates Engr. Gayle Anne Dayo and Engr. Chaim Jess Daniel Sombrero

o Jojie Jlaize Coralde, , the most popular Filipino Designer

o Noland Ralph Serrano, the infamous computer hacker for solving the cryptic puzzle that killed the xyz computer virus

o Capt. Daniel V. Rivera, the fist Filipino astronaut in Mars.

o And Prof Aldrick Nogot, the Global Outstanding Teacher

o Prof. Charrie Nacario, an international researcher and her husband Capt. Jose Mendelle Murry Tombado for initiating the Children of the Earth, a global orphanage

The breaking news almost floored me…

It was about the state of the nation address by President Frytz Lagrimas.

On the background are

o Department of Health Secretary Jessa Velle Ani,

o Armed Forces of the Phil Chief , General Kim Lanuzo,

o DOST Secretary Jenny Saulon ,

o DTI Secretary Samira Cheema ,

o Senator Mart Francis Fibre,

o Ambassador Marvin Mora and

o Speaker of the House Luis Campo Jr.

o And Archbishop Bien Paolo Monsalve

I think I was at the brink of a major case of heart attack, I literally jumped when I heard an electronic beep which turned out to be my wristwatch. Randomly, I pushed a button and to my surprise, a hologram of Kaela Marie Fortuno appeared.

“Hey, Joan, what time will you be arriving in New York? Dr. Raner Pascual and I got here yesterday. I hope we can still have time to get together before the medical convention starts. Ok, gotta go… see ya.”

Medical convention? I am a doctor?

As if on cue, somebody tapped my shoulder and more familiar faces greeted me.

“Dr. Lagradilla, there you are, we need to board our plane now. Our colleagues are waiting. Hey, are you ok?”

I automatically nodded and followed Dr. Wenna Pornillos, (well, that’s what I read from her nameplate) and soon enough I was in the first class cabin of the plane with my fellow doctors. You guessed it, they were my former classmates in elementary:

o Dr. Keith Olarve , a pediatrician

o Dr. Roxanne timbang, a professional physiotherapist

o Dr. Kaye Melanie Sereno, a gynecologist

o Dr. Mary Amylen de Vera, an optometrist

o Dr. Andre Faye Lacoste, a dentist

o Dr. Carina Carino, an oncologist

o Dr. Karen Cruzata, an ophthalmologist

o Dr. Billy Magistrado, a dermatologist

o And Dr. Alphonsus Nadal, a psychologist

Also with us are registered nurses: Leor Dyne Ronquillo, Nicole Anne Berina, Danica Niebres, Jessa Fel Estallo, Teddy Mae Martirez and Debbie Romero.

I have yet to recover from astonishment when I noticed the stewardesses who are serving us: Carmela Blazado, Vanessa Kate Villegas and Lyra Rose Buenaflor.

And guess what? The cockpit is manned by the pilot, Capt Keivin Argarin and Capt. Lloyd Francis Villanueva.

To top it all, I learned that the airplane is owned by multi billionaire Keith Rejann Elcano

I was seated beside Dr Eloisa Marie Obciana, a famous neurologist , we were reminiscing the past when I suddenly had this urge to drink water, Carmela immediately gave me a glass of sparkling mineral water. After drinking almost half of it, I became fascinated with the ripples formed in the glass.

Then, I felt a tremendous peace engulf me. My eyelids felt heavy and voices of the people in the plane faded to nothingness.

I stayed suspended in a trance for what seemed like forever. Then suddenly, the ground shook. Is there an earthquake? And why is somebody calling my name?

“ Joan, Joan… wake up! , “ my cousin’s voice became clearer . Until finally, I became fully conscious and when I took stock of my surroundings, I found myself slumped infront of that antique mirror.

“Oh, sorry, “ I sheepishly told my cousin “I must have fallen asleep.

“ Just hurry,” my cousin smilingly answered as she was heading for the door, “dinner will be served soon.”

As I groggily tried to stand, mumbling:“What a weird dream that was! “ my right hand bumped into something.

It was a drinking glass.Through the fading sunlight permeating the stained glass window of the bodega , I squinted and read the inscription:

Cathay Pacific, 2038.

for batch 2007

Ode to Batch 2007

By Marigold

Part I

Each year,

as one draws to a close

the same emotion—

embraces, enfolds.

Parting ways—

Is as constant as breathing

But still grips the heart

Against its will.

Now that you’re leaving

Might have been prepared

Outside, I’m all smiles

But inside—

I’m scared

What if this is the last time

We’ll ever see each other

What assurance do I have

That someday—

we’ll be together?

Should get used to this—

But still, it pains my heart

Yet I can’t ask you to stay---

Accept now we’ll be apart..

Part II

marc jarrel with his accent

chester, with his soulful gaze

john matthew and his swagger

maiah and his tricks and maze

jonriel and his baffling tongue

allen vincent and his boyish stare.

jan lloyd and his puppy love

hans daniel and his creative flair…

forget marco pim and his insights?

or dan with his sudden inspiring thoughts??

that’ll be like setting the cute daniel james aside

or dragging kier ysmael from the singing booths (never knew ky could sing so well!)

put me away from acewin’s beseeching gaze

or john mel’s engaging smile?

or brenn’s antics that could grate on my nerves

that’ll be like tasting hell for awhile.

how could you tear me away

from erick’s potent charm

or from paulo’s unconditional kindness

might as well give me

a dose of potent poison

than never see again fergie’s wackiness.

so what if i’m a victim –

of wilson’s brilliant mind

pair him with smart christopher—

their quite two of a kind!

how can i overlook

mary allaine’s famous puzzle

or ruvie anne’s smile that dazzles

or clemerry anne’s pretty face that lingers

and jennifer’s understanding

that with her sweet looks mingle?

jhamee as a queen has captured us

christelle’s scientific mind could bewilder

joyce’s beauty that stuns and stupefies

riavic’s honest stare could make us think twice.

and jesha---who could nor recall

her guileless friendliness

or queenie’s angelic voice and loveliness

jessa with her firm but gentle countenance

and jonna liah’s uncompromising stance?

then of course---who can forget---samantha’s potent charm.

all of vi prudence carved deeply in my heart

this impending parting-

slowly tears me apart!

Part III

the other side---the “humble” side

beware of kurt’s gravity-defying lure

think twice before you fall

for marwin’s great sense of humor—

and when you were so taken with ernie’s flowery tongue

not even paul’s good looks could save you where you’d flung.

have you seen carl’s mind on full blast work

or witnessed ra cracking one of his fav-rite jokes

or gille’s mesmerizing hands on their trail

or carlo’s thoughtfulness which never seem to fail?

perhaps you’ve fallen prey to bobby’s bright rejoinder

or have been consoled by philip’s wise counsel

or captured by joemel’s valiant struggle to succeed

and zanerey’s analytical-mathematical perspective.

how can i forget marven, the scientist

or roaring lorenzo at his charming best?

you’ll never find another john arvin the thinker

or ervin, the gorgeous hunk and certified heart breaker(?)

jeff, the perpetual life of the throng

darren , the promising thespian of the class

john richard which expressions

are as transparent as glass

there’s karen mae,

the ever perfect lady

along with another one,

the meticulous jennimie

venice, the mathematician

and the nice nyce anne

can take you to greater heights—

with jobelle, the academician

mary joy is a joy

that never fails to smile

and katrina’s sweetness

goes the longest mile

considerate denise is

such a precious stone

brilliant jezyl inspires admiration

monica can offer you a shoulder

when worse comes to worst,

faye is always there

with britley anne,

the friend and true leader

and denise pearl ,the rare find among the finest jewels.

Part IV

as i look at the traces

that this group left behind

i smile at the moments

which then seemed so insignificant—

laughter comes so easily

through their innocent eyes

good natured banters

flow effortlessly and rise—

amidst the barter of thoughts

and deep insights in life

we’ve grown close to each other

forged-a bond so tight

with them, i found

another home and haven

no wonder why i love—

BATCH 2007!

mgrj

betania retreat house

15 march 2007