About the Golden Class Reunion

By Herbert Vego

BY chance I met lawyer Zafiro “Boy” Lauron at Seda Hotel here in Iloilo City. He waxed ecstatic over the forthcoming class reunion of “Batch 75,” referring to the graduates of the University of San Agustin High School, Class 1975, of which he is the incumbent president.

The sparkle in his eyes revealed that he was “looking forward” to a distant past, which was 50 years ago.

Well, who wouldn’t love to time-travel when it would turn into gold? By tradition, the 50^th anniversary of any occasion is called golden because gold, the most precious metal, symbolizes high value.

The golden anniversary gathers graduates of the same high-school 50 years after graduation to reconnect and reminisce about shared experiences in teenage years. They are eager to see how their batchmates have turned out in their chosen career, or even in love life. What have they accomplished?

The excitement derived from a reunion flatly disproves a line in the novel Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, where author Lewis Carroll wrote, “It’s no use to go back to yesterday.”

Boy Lauron and his classmates were 16 to 17 years old when they finished high school.  That makes them senior citizens today, between 66 and 67, still young enough to sing and dance during their three-day celebration from February 8 to 10 this year. Now na!

“Now na” because 25 years from now, not everybody would be alive and able to celebrate their 75^th or diamond anniversary. A reality which may not sound pleasant to all is that the life span of the average Filipino is 71.

I should know.  For when we from the Antique National School met for our 59^th anniversary this year, some of our missing classmates who had attended our golden anniversary were no longer alive and kicking. But that’s another story.

Going back to my friend Boy Lauron, a Manila-based lawyer, I remember he once pushed his luck in politics by running for congressman of the 3^rd District in 2007 but lost to a friend and former neighbor, Arthur Defensor.

“Will you try again?” I asked.

“Never again,” he answered.

I could see why; he is a very successful Manila lawyer who could come home anytime to help his fellow Ilonggos.

-oOo-

ABOUT THE BATCH 75 GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY

HEAR YE, graduates of the University of San Agustin High School, Iloilo City, Class 1975. Your Golden (50^th) Anniversary celebration is unfolding on February 8 to 10, 2025. Here is your program of activities:

Day 1 (February 8) will kick off with registration at the lobby of the university chapel, followed by a walk-through around the school premises; lunch at Bugoy’s Restaurant on Coastal Road, Jaro.

The afternoon numbers include welcome remarks by Atty Zafiro “Boy” Lauron, the incumbent and outgoing batch president; inspirational talk by Rev. Fr. Arnel Dizon; recognition of teachers and USA administration officers; class meeting, including financial report by Carol Realin, class treasurer; and group celebration, which may be attended by spouses.

Day 2 (February 9) starts at 7:30 with class assembly at Parola City Mall; followed by ferry ride to Buenavista, Guimaras port; lunch at Solevista Mountain Resort, East Valencia, Buenavista, Guimaras; lunch and program thereat, with raffle of prizes, until 3:00 p.m. for a return ferry trip to Iloilo City.

Day 3 (Monday) is gala night at Seda Hotel in Mandurriao, Iloilo City. The gala night is a big, formal event requiring the attendees to wear impressive attire, specifically cocktail dress with trimmings or accent of gold and red for ladies; coat and tie with trimmings and accent of gold and red for men.

The gala night starts with class registration at 6:00 p.m., followed by a welcome message by Dr. Ofelia Javellana, class valedictorian; inspirational message by Atty. Boy Lauron, outgoing president; dinner and songs, including intermission number from Angels of Batch 75; election and oath-taking of new officers; a  toast to USA High School class 75;  awarding of most distinguished alumna and acceptance speech;  special awards and citations; closing remarks, incoming president; entertainment and dancing numbers with Sam Sioson as emcee.