This year it's been exhilarating to witness some of you during your "mini Aquinian reunions"...I saw those dazzling smiles in this blogsite and on Facebook , enjoying your cherished moments with old friends. Our reunions are like MDRO's --In a very POSITIVE way, no other cultures are needed, they can easily be identified, they are catching, and, resistant to time, and change!!
The calendar of the upcoming events is even more encouraging!!Here's a list of some of them---
Class '79 and Class '80- Las Vegas, June 14-22, 2011 (Al Espinas-Contact person}
Class '73- May, 2011- Bahamas Cruise (Erma Basallote Ofreneo-Contact person)
Class '72- February 13-19, 2012--DESTINATION: Legaspi City, Philippines (Contact person- Carmen Calisin)
AULCNAI Grand Reunion- Destination: Legaspi City, Philippines (Feb. 13-15, 2012) Owen Basco Escalada--Coordinator, AULCNAI President
Please join your fellow Aquinians in any of these events, or better still, be in all of them!!
During one of my visits to the Philippines several years ago, I had the privilege of meeting Fr. R. Mendez, the Rector and President of Aquinas University. He was curious about Aquinas reunions. He made the observation that he has attended similar events in the past with other organizations , and some of them "turned him off".You know, the usual "showcase" that happens in a number of them. Who arrives with the latest Mercedes Benz model, who owns the biggest house, etc.. which translates to..who's the richest, and most successful?
I remember telling him that he should attend one of ours..(which, to this day, has not happened yet!!!! )
Competition!! Is it still relevant these days?. Do we still need to prove "we have arrived"?..here's a quote from one unknown writer.."Compare yourself only to time...not to other people.."..On a lighter note, my arthritic knees and achy breaky back are enough proof I have arrived..at That GOLDEN AGE!!!
My dear colleagues, let's make a coordinated effort to COMPETE during our reunions..(but on a different level)..Can we be MORE tolerant, MORE accepting of each other's shortcomings?..Can we be happier for each other as we celebrate our friend's success?..Let's build bridges that make emotional connections thru our kindness and understanding, instead of walls of indifference and intolerance...Above all, let's remember, and let's CELEBRATE!!!
I look forward to "FACETIME"..( has more impact than Facebook) !!
See y'all!!
You bet, I miss you.
Of the Pioneering Class
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