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THOSE WERE THE DAYS
We will upload contributions from classmates in the form of old pictures, write-ups and other forms which highlight events during our high school days (Secretariat)
THOSE WERE THE PHS’55 DAYS
Those were the PHS’55 days when the AIR SCOUTS took over the administration of the Province on November 1 to 7, 1954. From left, Ernesto Tiongson, Ruben Carreon, Arturo Basa (seated), Governor Rafael Lazatin, Nicolas Go Piao
Those were the PHS’55 days when our school volleyball team was strengthened by the 55’ers. Coached by Mr. Aguilar, we can easily recognize Puring Gozum & Poleng Aquino Castro
Those were the PHS’ 55 days when we wished that those shinning moments lasted. They really do, but only in pictures. Thanks to the magic of film and camera. Air Scout Investiture & Ball – Oct, 54): Rosario Twano (left) and Rolando P. Pineda (right).
Those were the PHS’55 days when it was difficult to distinguish between a 55’er and a movie star. The above, although she had star quality, must be a 55’er because she had brains. She graduated from a very good school.
Those were the PHS’55 days when beautiful girls were also endowed with talents. Like Susan del Rosario (PHS’55), she was a member of the symphony orchestra playing the violin.
Those were the PHS’55 days when faces were so lovely (despite low per capita cosmetic consumption) and looks so boyish. From left, Amelia Bautista, Rosie Macapinlac, Ferning Rivera, Ben Alarcon, Jet Batac, Adora Wy, Poleng Castro, Almario Laus, The late Art Sampang, Fred del Rosario, Alfeo Galang. Anita Capati.
Those were the PHS’55 days when ID cards were the source of our identity. Some kept theirs for they valued it so much. More than 50 years later, they are the symbol of legitimacy. Felicisimo Carreon kept his. For those of us who lost ours, we could only be contented with surrogate evidence about our legitimacy.
- Those were the PHS’55 days when our belles provided entertainment to sports festivities. Above are Rosario Twano (front), Corozon Miranda (left) & Flordeliza Yutuc (right) performing in the PHS Division Meet.
Those were the PHS'55 days when "The sophomore Cossack dancers were boot-tops in charcoal black kraft paper. There is no better proof of the versatile cheorographic talent of our tutor Mr. Cabrera" by P. Meneses
Those Were the PHS'55 Days "when the maturity of the senior calmed the agitation of the sophomore and gave way to the elegance of our native "Habanera" for the social hour" by: P Meneses. Top photo (Sitting l-r Lorenzo, Orlando Santiago, Cesar Bondoc, Pericle Meneses & Herminio Miranda. Standing l-r Rosie Macapinlac, Dorotea Magtoto, Myrna Miranda, Rosario Twano, Susan del Rosario, Aida de la Cruz & Mr. Emiliano Cabrera) contributed by Aida de la Cruz Cayetano. Lower photo contributed by P. Meneses.
- Those were the PHS’55 days when our classmate modeled in Fashion Shows. Shown above is Linda Santos in her costume, which highlighted the regal splendor of the Spanish Peninsula.
Those were the PHS ’55 days when Broadway was seen only through the “make believe” medium (the silver screen) and the real thing was in our own courtyard because the PHS’55 era was not wanting in quality cultural output. This may be due to the unusual number of students of the ’55 batch, which made it a big reservoir of talents. The above picture shows the cast of a grand cultural presentation, which was shown for two nights at the school quadrangle. The Play, “Daughters of Mohammed” is an operetta in three acts. It was based on Washington Irving’s Alhambra”. The roles were performed by: Rosie Macapinlac, Susan del Rosario, & Dorotea Magtoto (as the three princesses); Ferning Rivera, Jesus Canlas & Joe Velez (PHS 54) (as the three princes); Benjamin Bascara (as Mohamed the King); and Aida de la Cruz (as the dancing siren to the King). Other members of cast were Merle David, Lenito Duenas, Melvin Castro, Ernesto Pabustan, Francisco Dakis and Candido Canda and many other ‘55vers.
This section 7 has one of the highest density of beauty
Front Row: Hoover Canlas, Ric del Pilar, Jose Eusebio, Herson Arceo, Danilo Macaraeg, Jose Pare, Lorenzo David, Fred Kabigting, Lorenzo Viray, Greg Quiroz. 2nd Row: Amable Carreon, Antero Baluyut, Tony Mercado and Faculty Members. 3rd Row: Dario Vergara, Luis Cabrera, Jesusa David, Flor Mananquil, Aurora Cunan, Lolita Twano, Paz Pangilinan, Linda Santos, Marion Aday, Asuncion Pamintuan, Estelita Maun, Marta Mallari, Erlinda Guevara, Teresita Liam, Vickie Salva, Tess Viray, Felizardo Puno and Ruben Pineda (me). 4th Row: Francisco Carreon, Fred Dizon, Pitong Manalo, Ben Henson, Len Duenas, Ramon Lozano, Rolando Pineda, Ernie Malonzo, Resti Datu, Petronilo Cortez, Juan Dantes, Esto Pineda, Luisito Mangio, Bernardo Yap, Leonardo Magat, Romulo Sabado and Armando Mejia. (Contributed by Ruben C. Pineda of Virginia, USA. Sikat talaga!)
This section 2 is endowed with brains, according to Amelia B.
Row 1 from left to right : Felipe Tuazon, LaVerne Bamba,Almario Laus, Francisco Dakis, Renee Layug, Alejandrino Siccion and Adolfo Yap. Row 2: Clarita Quizon, Paz Lalic, Ligaya Pineda, Luzviminda Marin, Norma Lugue, Pat Maningo (Adviser) Adora Uy, Julieta Batac, Resurreccion Ferrer, Beverly Cuyugan, April Lacson and Rosita Cortez. Row 3 : Arquilao Cortez, Efren Evangelista, Ely Bondoc, Fernando Ocampo, Adelina Lazaro, Amelia Supan, Amelia Bautista, Lucia Jocson, Eulogio Rodriguez, Lazaro Cordero, Africano Aquino, Florencio Bautista, and Antonio Bautista Row 4: Fernando Ong, Zosimo Limson, Ernesto Tiongson, Alfeo Galang, Arturo Basa, Pedro Estacio, Antolin David, Lenito Duenas, Francisco Tongol, Marciano David, Oscar Calalang, Florentino Flores and Ramon de los Reyes. ( identified by Amelia Bautista of Oakland, California, U S A. Sikat din talaga).
The highest density of brain power gathered on the stairs of the PHS Bldg (Secretariat). Front row l-r Generoso de Guzman, Conrado Dizon, Wilfredo Baron, Lorenzo Manalastas, Virginlio Tuazon, Efren Baltazar & Herminio Miranda. Second Row l-r Artaserxes Sampang, Luisa Capati, Dorotea Magtoto, Marina Macabali, Merle David, Mr. Lising, Melodia Canlas, ?, Amelia Sitson, Florentina ?, & Jesus Canlas. Fourth row l-r Leandro Gomez, Myrna Miranda, Erlinda Cunan, Florencia Dizon, Filomena ?, Purificacion Gozum, ?, Benito Yangco. Fifth row l-r Miss Custodio, Bienvenido Alarcon, Cesar Hernandez, Diosdado Dizon & Jose de Jesus. Sixth row l-r Orlando Santiago, Rafael Manago, Pericles Meneses, Fernando Rivera, ? & Rolando de Guzman. Behind l-r Alfredo del Rosario, Rogelio Garcia, Oscar?, Artemio Ferrer, Nile Gallardo, Cesar Bondoc, Patrocinio Binuya, Diomedes Reyes & ?. Photo contributed & identified by Pericles Meneses (PHS'55) currently residing in France.
Those were the PHS’55 Days
When a girl named Amelia Bautista hoarded ordinary pictures and took them across the globe. Little did she realized then, that these rare pictures would later be shared with other ‘55vers through fast (faster than the speed of sound) wireless means and in digital form via the global information super highway (the Internet). How many of us share this everyday technology?
Under the tree: Left to right(seated) Melodia, Julieta, Erlinda, Marina , Rosie, Amelia Adora, Florencia, Fe, Myrna , Dorothea and Arturo (the only thorn among the lovely roses.
Class picture. Guys on the front row are: Antonio, Joaquin, Oscar, Arturo, Patrocinio, Renee, Africano. Gals on the 3rd row are: April, Resurreccion,Beverly, Lucia, Amelia, Felicisima, Susan, Asuncion & Adelina. The guys are: Fernando, Adolfo, Segundino, Teodoro, Generoso, Patrocinio, Oscar, Antonio, LaVerne & Felipe.
Next the Kps attending San Fernando's town fiesta at Antolin's place... from left to right: Adolfo, Adora, Amelia, Ligaya, Alfredo & Alfeo.
At the capitol ground again: from left to right. Peter, Fe, Julieta, Melodia, Rosie, Adora, Dorothea, Myrna, Erlinda, Amelia, Florentina , Marina & Arturo.
The Air Scout Investiture Ceremony: Amelia Bautista & Ernesto (Nett) Tiongson.
The sophomore class picture: The gals seated from left to right are: Paz, Myrna, Merle, Amelia, Dorothea, Luisa, Julieta, Lucia, Amelia, Melodia, Eliza & Anita. The guys standing behind are: Benito, Cezar, Patrocinio, Jesus, Alfeo, Jose, Nile & Lazaro.
Row 1 - Nester, Jett, Pat Maningo, Ligaya, Amelia & Adora.
Row 2.. Alfeo, Antolin, Pedro & Alfredo....
Granddaughters of Mohammed (by Amelia Bautista): The simplicity of youth with the style and elegance of the era, the Majarajahs of PHS’55: Left to right: Amelia, Myrna, Dorothea, Erlinda and Florentina.
ONWARD WE GO . . . AND HOME AGAIN
Ruben C. Pineda
This article likewise appear in our Golden Anniversary Website
Fare ye well, my Alma Mater,
Dear teachers, farewell you'll hear;
Our last days have come to lead us far,
Far away from thee my love.
Onward we go to distant isles,
In quest of fuller life of hope;
Let me sing this last refrain,
To check these tears of joy and pain.
I hear thee call,
I will be gone...
Farewell to all.
We are the graduates of the Class of ’55, and this was our graduation song. The simple words and melody, composed by music teacher Mr. Gonzalo G. Ocampo, still has meaning.
Our beloved Alma Mater Pampanga High School (PHS) and its teachers have given us (graduates) many memories to contemplate as students. Though the end of the 1955 school year was a heavy and bittersweet parting, we continue to regard our school years in high esteem.
These memories began to take shape in those early days before the sixth-grade graduates left their intermediate schools in 1951. "My Heart Cries for You” was heartily hummed. The "Loveliest Night of the Year” was played during that night of graduation, foreshadowing the imminent new challenge, a rite of passage into higher education and learning...Welcome to Pampanga High School.
There were students who were fortunate to have visited the high school premises during the two-month summer vacation before class registration. Tall grasses blanketed the landscape; the unattended sweet violets and other flowering plants were in full bloom, surrounded by weeds waiting to be cared for. Further back from the building and huts were vegetable plants drying in the sun and neglected fowls and chicken running wild. What a sight to visit the "Mockin’ Bird Hill"! And, oh, the scent of the afternoon breeze whirled around and under the narra tree, one of the prominent places our memories were born.
At the start of the class season, a swarm of more than 1100 enrollees showed up for registration with the anticipation of higher challenges and great expectations of meeting new and fresh faces of both classmates and teachers. The class, packed-full of students of different ages, was the then-largest enrollment ever in the post-war history of the PHS.
Over the next four years, the class carried on through ups and downs and trying times, but found itself more prepared for future endeavors as the generation gained a leaner and fuller life.
“Remember When”…
First order of the day: Mr. Fajardo, one of the vocational courses teachers, standing tall of a Texan height and built and sporting a large rectangular belt buckle inscribed with NU (National University), corralled students and non-students alike to cut the tufted, grassy field to make way for the playground. All enthusiastically participated and did their share.
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Mr. Malang, whose charisma could fill a room without saying a word, silently listening to Mr. Gantioque along with Mr. Rivera instructing the class on how duroc jerseys to multiply in the horticulture, poultry and swine department.
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One day, Ms. Mary Dimalanta (English Literature) sent a couple of students to the library to look up the meaning of a word. In the hallway, Principal Jose Reyes asked them where they were going during class hours, so they explained their assignment. The principal gave them the meaning of the word and the students returned to class.
The class did not have a dictionary. During the first half of the ‘50s after liberation, books were scarce and the publishing houses were behind in printing. Even the Goodwill Book Store was not well stocked of books and other reading materials. Thanks to Emil (Miling) Gozun for his generosity by “sincerely” sharing his books with others; I for one appreciate it. “Little Things Mean a Lot.”
Ms. Dimalanta had a perfectly round golf ball-sized pebble that she used to call the class to attention. She never did toss it to anyone found sleeping.
Ms. Arce’s version of commanding students’ attention was by snapping her fingers, otherwise be prepared!
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Protacio and myself, and others, walked toward the Quonset huts wearing silver dime-decorated moccasins and Rory Calhoun belt buckles at the back of our trousers. We met up with Doet and her company sporting ponytails, wearing the current fashion of poodle skirts, balloon shoulder pads, bobby socks and black-and-white canvas sneakers. Patti’s “Tennessee Waltz” was barely, but noticeably, audible, playing in the distance somewhere. ****
Mr. Cabrera (Calisthenics) had just come back from the States. One sweltering day he was seen fanning himself with a heart shaped nipa fan and said, “Pull up those things, it’s too hot,” meaning the girls wearing balloon bloomers should pull them up just above the knees. Afterward, the girls rushed to the perennial well at the inner court to get a sip of water to quench their thirst. There came Ben Bascara, as always, mooching for a quartered piece of paper for a drinking cup or for a daily quiz, according to Fending Fausto, the not-so-great joker of his time.
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The Student Canteen along the boulevard was waited by the owner, Lita Pasion, and frequented during recess and after the PMT drills and formation. A jukebox was in the corner of the ice cream parlor where Nat’s “Unforgettable” was playing.
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At the Retail Merchandizing, under the watchful eyes of Mr. Musngi, Amelia Supan was making and selling expensive 10-centavo sandwiches made of a beef and potato mix. A good practice in doing business and accounting procedure.
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Beneath the school on the “ground” floor, adjacent to Mr. P. Quizon’s Art Appreciation class where Marciano David was a top-notched artist, the aroma of lunches wrapped with banana leaves was so inviting. “Zing, zing, zoom, zoom, my little heart goes boom.”
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After a lunch, Pat Guevara, Nick Navarro, and I were seated side-by-side along a bench-type table upstairs in the Biology class headed by Ms. Mercedes Bondoc. Everyone wondered who will be asked to recite the homework first. Everyone’s eyes were on her and her exquisite, cute dimpled smile. Tony Roxas always had the favors. “If I Give My Heart to You, Will You Handle It with Care?”
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Mr. Negro Monte Mario, oops… Mario and Apung Disio were acting as mail carriers while making the place spic and span.
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Apu, with her husband Sr. Soriano, came along and greeted the class with “Buenos Dias”, and she recited the Ultima Adios in perfect Spanish, before their upcoming retirements.
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Our appreciation goes to Tet (Alex) Alejandro for crafting the wooden rifles of Ruben Pineda and Antero Baluyut, used for the PMT under MJP Junior.
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One August afternoon, Linda, the school beauty, drenched under the rain, was wading in knee-deep water. “I’m Walking Behind You,” and offered her an umbrella, but she refused it and said, “She’ll Walk Alone,” enjoying the splash of water.
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Kiko Dizon’s trademark was a brownish Esterbrook pen, with a rectangular tip caused by over-usage. It somehow lasted for almost three years. I had one, and both our pens had our names inscribed on them.
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Ms. Cuyugan (Math), told Arquilao Cortez, the class mathematician, to stay behind to teach her next incoming class.
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Ms Dimalanta was always hosting afternoon coffee and San Nicolas. I was asked to buy the bread in Angeles, because Apung Gari did not carry the delicacy.
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A month before graduation, Governor Rafael Lazatin was getting a haircut, and he told my father there was a clerical position opening at the Capitol for me. I was not proficient in typing and shorthand like Tony Roxas. So I took a refresher in typing and stenography at the Pampanga Secretarial School, owned by Justice, a ‘55er and Cicero, a Class ’54 who became the Provincial Vice Governor. Some of the students at the PSS were ‘55ers.
After completing the two-month accelerated courses, Mr. Esmong Punzalan hired me to teach instead. I taught typewriting and stenography for a year at the PSS and left for college in Manila in pursuit of business courses, majoring in Accounting.
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High school life is the most memorable chapter among the higher fields of education; it is a place where everyone stayed together for four long years.
Now is the time to reminisce with the “Moments to Remember,” the memories of long bygone times. It is impossible to put all of our memories in writing. Welcome home to taste once again the lost moments five decades ago from our Alma Mater, the Pampanga High School.
“Hi-lili, hi-lili, -lo.”
Highlights of Zenaida Borja's HS Days
Beauty on display
This is an article of a 55’ver from Virginia, USA. His memories of his high school days appears to have left an indelible mark in his consciousness. The people are vividly portrayed, events so eloquently described and feelings fondly expressed. Only a die-hard ’55 is capable of feeling this way.
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