Tel. No.

(632) 8735-5986
Website: http//www.chsafph.org
FB Page: ww.faceook.com/CHSAlumniFoundation
FB Group: www.facebook.com/groups/chsaf

November 2019

Manila City Officials Plant Support for CHSM Laudato Si Garden

Mayor Domagoso with Rosalou

Lamson HS-65, CHSAF President
Imelda Santos HS-69 and SSpS
Provincial Sr. Carmelita Victoria.

On August 3, 2019, Manila Mayor
Francisco “ISKO” Domagoso braved
the rains and graced the
THANKSGIVING DAY of the
LAUDATO SI GARDEN OF NATIVE
TREES, a joint project the CHS
Alumnae Foundation, spearheaded
by by CHS High School Class '65, and
College Of The Holy Spirit Manila
(CHSM). The Mayor planted two
native trees, one in his name and
another for the City of Manila.
CHSM and CHSAF are one with the
Mayor in his Go Green Project
Contra Baha. The Mayor lauded
and thanked the alumni for
embarking on the project, and
invited them to further support his
plans for the city. The native trees
will significantly improve Manila’s
air quality and benefit its citizens.
The garden will likewise improve
our CHSians’ knowledge of the
environment and love of nature,
making them better stewards of
creation.

Melizza Lacuna Figueras with Vice

Mayor Honey Lacuna

Vice Mayor and the Lacuna Family

On October 4, 2019, Manila Vice Mayor
Dr. Maria Shielah “Honey” Lacuna
Pangan together with her family planted
native trees inside the CHSM campus,
Arch. Dennis Lacuna with making the whole campus a veritable
Councilor Lei Lacuna Laudato SI Garden.
With her were: former Manila Vice
Mayor Danny Lacuna (now wheelchair-
bound), his wife Melanie “Inday”;
Councilor Philip Lacuna of the 6th district
of Manila and wife Abby; Councilor Lei
Lacuna who is also president of the
league of 896 barangays in Manila;
Architect Dennis Lacuna, who is head of
the Planning Bureau of Manila; and,
CHSAF President Mel Santos (HS-69) and Rosalou Lamson (HS-65) with Melizza Lacuna Figueras who is the Chief
former VM Danny Lacuna, Councilor Philip Lacuna, Baby Lim (HS-74) look of Staff of the Office of the Vice Mayor.
on as Mrs. Inday Lacuna and Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna plant their tree.
(Continue on p. 8 )
 2

EDITORIAL

We, The Alumni, Must Make Our Voice Heard

Peace. Love, and Grace to all of you fellow alumni and your families!
Recently, Sr. Carmelita Victoria, Provincial Leader of the SSpS Rosary Province (Philippines),
wrote to all CHSM alumni. The letter is of high import to all alumni since it is concerned with the
fate of our school, CHSM. (For full text of the letter, please see page 4.)
The letter states that the SSpS Rosary Province “deem(s) it necessary to start the process now of
identifying the options for the future of CHSM” and it is exploring “the options to tap resources and
expertise.” As you may know the five-year Management Agreement of the Holy Spirit Alumnae
Management Corporation (HSAMC) with the SSpS Rosary Province expires in April 2021.
Spurred by mounting challenges to the school, as Sr. Carmelita says, the SSpS Congregation has
decided to open the school to partnership with parties that have “the resources and expertise” to
run the school as a sustainable educational institution. We understand this move. We assure the
Holy Spirit sisters that we shall work with them in the search for the best option and managing a
smooth transition.
It seems inevitable then that a new arrangement will be forged. But let it be one which respects
the name and the ideals of a Holy Spirit-inspired education, upholds its standards of excellence, and
genuinely cares for the community. Let it be one that takes into account as well, the voice of the
alumni.
We are not being presumptuous. Estimated to be about 25,000 strong we, the alumni, are a
solid network that can be counted upon to help CHSM. We, the alumni, in our own batch and
jubilarian projects, through CHSAF and CHSNAF, plus in some private efforts, have given our utmost
support to various projects to help sustain the school: scholarships, values formation for students,
improvements in classrooms and other facilities, faculty training and development, and
enhancement of the environment, especially through the Laudato Si Garden of Native Trees.
Neither is it empty platitude to say that we, the alumni—graduates from all generations—stand
for the past and present of the school. Many of us have carried the Holy Spirit seal of education
wherever we have gone to, in fields where we have made a mark, or even in ordinary lives of
Christian service.
We, the alumni are key stakeholders of CHSM and we will continue to fight that its light of
Christian education for Filipino youth will never be extinguished. And we fervently hope that in the
future, when we step through its gates, our alma mater shall welcome us and make us feel that we
have come home.
WE, THE ALUMNI must make sure our voice is heard in shaping the future of our dear alma
mater.
Please help us. O Holy Triune God!

FROM THE CHSAF BOARD

 3

Message from the CHSAF President

Our Fervent Wish for Christmas!

Imelda Lopez-Santos HS-69
President, CHS Alumni Foundation

Four years ago, I heard that the SSpS Congregation was seriously exploring various options to
make CHSM a more sustainable institution. I didn’t know why but I felt an urgent need to get
involved in this quest. I immediately dropped all my business plans and started working full time
to be active in the College of the Holy Spirit Alumnae Foundation (CHSAF). I began as a Board
member, then in 2018 became President, with this year as my second term.
The Holy Spirit, then till now, has given us all inspiration and strength, so we have accomplished
quite a lot for the school and the alumni. Our CHSAF mission gives us unity of purpose as an
alumni body “to help CHSM provide an excellent, faith-centered, socially committed, and
environmentally sensitive education.”
CHSAF continues with determined energy and faith to improve our Board governance and
communication, and continue supporting school initiatives, among which are scholarships and
faculty development.
CHSAF applauds the high school and college jubilarians. who tirelessly raise considerable
amounts of money to improve the school’s learning environment as their legacy projects. All these
efforts and initiatives are proof that the alumni have always, and will forever be, working side by
side with the SSpS Sisters to keep the spirit of CHSM ablaze in all alumni’s hearts.
While a recent letter from the Sister Provincial about thee SSpS Congregation’s plans to
disengage from CHSM has caused concern and sadness among us, we remain hopeful that a
partnership with a reputable organization as a means to tap expertise and resources will eventually
benefit CHSM. It is also our belief that the Holy Spirit has touched our hearts to be united because
He has a “better" plan for our dear alma mater.
Thus this Christmas, we open our hearts to you, our dear SSpS Sisters, to reiterate our
unwavering love for our alma mater and with deep faith invoke the help of the Holy Spirit to touch
your hearts as He has touched ours .
We pray for our ardent wish to be granted, that He will lead and guide you, the SSpS sisters, to a
strategic partner who will allow you to carry on with your mission…to lovingly carry the torch of
CHSM afire forever.
To all of you, dear fellow alumni, and beloved SSpS Sisters, we wish you…
A Christmas of Faith and a New Year of Hope in Love!,
WE THE ALUMNAE
EDITORIAL BOARD
Imelda Lopez-Santos
Veronica Fenix- Villavicencio
Corazon D. Villareal
Victoria Torres del Rosario
Virginia Macaso
Roxane Mendoza-Belardo (d)
Sr. Eden Panganiban, SSpS
Ma. Corazon B. Parco
Viangelie Vera

FROM THE CHSAF BOARD

 4

Letter to Alumni from SSpS Provincial Leader

FROM THE CHSAF BOARD

 5

COMING HOME: THE SPIRIT CALLS

Can you resist the call of the SPIRIT to Come Home?
Every year the 1st Sunday of February is special to everyone who has walked through
the corridors and grounds of the College of the Holy Spirit in Mendiola, Manila.
It is a day for CHS Alumnae to renew the bonds of friendship with classmates,
teachers, our beloved S.Sp.S Sisters and
fellow alumnae.

On February 2, 2020, High School Class 1970

will host the Homecoming Day as Golden Jubilarians.
"Coming Home" is a song composed by our very own
classmate, Babsie Encarnacion Molina,
for our Silver Jubilee in February 1995.
Twenty-five (25) years later the song is even more appropriate
and touches our HEARTS and the very core of our feelings.

Together with the members of our fellow Jubilarian Classes:

HS 1945, HS 1950, HS 1955, HS 1960, HS 1965, HS 1975, HS 1980 and College Integrated
We the members of HS CLASS 1970 invite all of you, our fellow CHS Alumnae and
everyone who has been a part of the rich history of CHSM since 1913 to
COME HOME to our ALMA MATER.

Even for just a day let us all be the young and carefree teenagers of yesteryears.
Take the time to stroll through the school grounds. And please visit the newly renovated CHAPEL.
The renovation of the Chapel is one of the Legacy Projects of our HS Class 19770.

See you all on February 2, 2020!

Cilet Fule-Magsaysay Check the Homecoming video teaser at
President, HS-70 https://www.facebook.com/groups/ch
GOLDEN JUBILARIANS saf/permalink/3112494192110894/

CHSM Finest Artists Homecoming Program

CHSAF will hold an art exhibit and sale 8:00 am Registration

on February 2, 2020 9:00 am Holy Mass, Paraclete Auditorium
Alumnae Homecoming Day Reports of CHSM President and
at the Music Hall. CHSAF President
12:00 pm Lunch and Photoshoot
Be awed and inspired 2:00 pm Program
by our homegrown artists! 4:00 pm End

ALUMNI HOMECOMING UPDATES

 6

(Left to right) Juliet Lee-Uy, Panchita Ablaza, Alice

Cabrera-Samson, Cilet Fule-Magsaysay, and Vangie Qua
(CHSAF Vice-President)

Chapel Renovation
Legacy of Golden Jubilarian HS-70
On August 10, 2019, Fr. Angel Magada, SVD,
CHSM chaplain, blessed the newly
renovated chapel floor.
HS-70, headed by Marcelita Fule-Magsaysay,
changed the worn out vinyl tile floor of the
chapel to one with mahogany floor boards as
their legacy project for the school to
celebrate their Golden Jubilee.
HS-70 will be the Golden Jubilarians during
the Homecoming in February 2020.

Class Representatives Meeting

August 31, 2019
Thank you, Class HS-60,
CHSM Mother Angela Hall for your donation for Ten (10)
Senior High School scholars
for Two Years, 2019-2021

1. Dr. Jane Taningco Bautista

2. Veredigna Santos Laxamana
3. Marilou R. Fernandez
4. Carmen D. Padilla
5. High School Class 1960
6. Angelina Pamiloza Taylor and
sisters
7. Carmen Ignacio Bernardo and
sisters
A total of 45 alumnae including former CHSAF presidents and 8. Carmen Ledesma Gregorio
Board members attended the half day first Class 9. SF Group Donation
Representatives Meeting for this year. The theme of the 10. Lourdes de Guzman Belen
meeting was “In Unity there is Strength.”

2020 JUBILARIAN CLASSES ACTIVITIES

 7

Bingo Family Bonding 6

Alumni and friends from across the
different High School and College batches
came to enjoy the 6th year of the Bingo
Family Bonding on October 26, 2019 at
the CHSM Freinademetz Hall.

The cash prizes encouraged many to

play. and the raffle prizes delighted the
attendees.

Proceeds of the Bingo benefitted the

CHSAF Scholarship Program. HS-70 helped manage the event.

HS-60

HS-60 and their scholars

Everyone focused on the game.

HS-72 HS-69

HS-75 HS-77 HS-79 and scholars

ALUMNI EVENTS

Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna’s family with their signed
certificates. Proof that they planted a Philippine native tree.
( Manila City Officials … from page 1)
Imelda Sarmiento (HS-65), author
and curator of three volumes on
Philippine Native Trees, toured the
Mayor through the garden and gave
him a “running commentary on the
wisdom of propagating native
trees...and planting them according
to species or family….
“Domagoso said he planned to
redevelop an “old-new park” beside
the Office of the Mayor at City
Hall… where new trees could be
planted by community volunteers….
“He urged CHSM and other tree-
planting advocates to venture
further and carry out the initiative
in other parts of the city.”
Mayor “Isko” was blessed with a
prayer song, after which Holy Mass
was celebrated by alumnae in
Thanksgiving for God's gift of native
trees and people who care.
*Excerptsfrom Mariejo S. Ramos and
Rosario A. Garcellano, “Greening Manila:
A garden thrives, A mayor can’t wait,”
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Aug. 11, 2019
HS-65 and CHSAF Laudato Si Team
Laudato Si Garden of Native Trees
From a pile of debris to a lush haven of trees
Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna has
proposed an ordinance to rename
the 896 Manila barangays after
Philippine native trees.
The Lacuna family planted six (6)
Malaruhat (Myrtacae) trees all lined
up in a row beside the CHSM
flagpole, as their patriarch was all
smiles while watching them.
“This garden is also an expression
of our alumni’s passion for and
commitment to providing broader
access to the quality Catholic
education that this school has
been known for. For with every
tree planted, donors support our
scholars’ continued education in
this school, not just for a year, but
until they graduate with us in
college.
Like this garden, our alumni care
for and tend to these young
people so they can realize a better
future for themselves and their
families. “
Excerpts from Welcome Remarks of CHS
President Dr. Wynna Medina during Mayor
Francisco “Isko” Domagoso’s visit to CHSM.
The advocates and movers -
8
The Laudato Si Garden of Native trees is
inside the CHSM campus, located
behind the grotto, which once was a
cemetery for our departed Holy Spirit
Sisters. Now it is a haven of diverse
species of native trees, known for their
robust growth and resiliency. Each
native tree has a marker identifying its
local or common name, scientific name,
ecological class (endemic, indigenous),
and status (critically endangered,
endangered, vulnerable, threatened,
not assessed). Below each tree is a
marker of the legacy dedication and
name of the sponsor.
Benches and pathways around the
garden invite one to enjoy the
greenery.
All native trees in the garden have
already been sponsored. Trees are now
being planted in other parts of the
campus ready for sponsorship. To date,
180 trees have been planted out of the
intended 250 trees. The Project has
raised more than Php2Million, half of
which has been turned over to the
CHSAF Scholarship program. The rest of
the funds have been spent or
earmarked for landscaping and
maintenance.
Before the project began
ALUMNI EVENTS
 9

Teacher Training: Worth It?

Corazon D. Villareal (HS-67/ BSE-71)

“The Art of Questioning,” a seminar-workshop for

CHSM basic education teachers of Grades 1-12 was
held on August 31, 2019. Prof. Lalaine F. Yanilla Aquino,
PhD of the Department of English and Comparative
Literature at the University of the Philippines Diliman,
conducted the seminar. She is an expert in teaching
Reading especially at the Basic Education level and has
published widely on the subject. Participants numbered
24, mostly from Grades 1-12 with a few college
teachers.
This was the second teacher training session that
CHSAF under its current president, Imelda Lopez-Santos
(HS-69), has sponsored in coordination with CHSM.
Relating the art of questioning to reading was
The first seminar was on “Basic English Grammar” held
significant. Every teacher, as Prof. Aquino says, is a
on Dec. 14, 2018. (See “More than just grammar talk:
Reading teacher. In Mathematics, for instance,
English for CHS teachers” in WE, The Alumnae, January
comprehending problems and solving them requires
2019).
proper reading.
Three years ago, in a visit to CHSM classes, a team
CHSAF Board members and alumni, have
from the Private Education Assistance Committee
lamented the decline of English communication
(PEAC), an accrediting body for private schools, noted
skills among
that students needed training in HOTS (or higher order
thinking skills). The accreditation team identified “the CHSM teachers; the impetus, in fact, for CHSAF’s
art of questioning” as crucial to cultivating critical teacher development efforts originally came from this
thinking skills in the students. observation. How to teach reading with the art of
questioning addresses both teaching and
Prof. Aquino covered the art of questioning as
communication concerns.
applied to the teaching of reading. Students must be
exposed to different levels of thinking processes From the response of the participants, the effort
ranging from simple recall of facts to comprehension, seemed to pay off. They rated the seminar-workshop
to problem-solving, critical thinking, imaginative “Excellent,” notably for the relevance of objectives,
thought, and application to self or life. She familiarized appropriateness of activities, and competence of the
the teacher with the categories of questions facilitator.
appropriate to each type of intellectual activity. Using The real challenge, however, is translating in the
two selections for different reading levels, she classroom what was learned in the seminar. Dr. Ofelia
conducted two workshops to demonstrate the art of Balubar, Principal of the Basic Education Department,
questioning and how to develop thinking skills among has instructed her team leaders to check how teachers
the students. have applied the “Art of Questioning” methods.
The need for follow-up assessment on application
was raised by CHSAF President Imelda Lopez-Santos
and CHSNAF Representative, Remedios “Tita” Dizon
(HS-64) with regard to the first seminar on Basic
English Grammar. It was also well received by the
teachers, but how do we ensure that teachers apply
what they learned? One suggestion was to get
volunteer alumni to do follow-up application exercises
and coaching.
CHSAF President Imelda Lopez Santos (last row, 3rd from left)
and Prof. Lalaine Aquino (5th from left) with participants of
teacher training seminar on “The Art of Questioning.” CHSAF ACTIVITIES

Ageless and Grateful in Her Art
Artist Milagros Delgado-Enage (right) at the opening of her Solo Exhibit on
Sept. 1, 2019, with her classmate Adelina Santos Rodriguez (HS-38), former
Mayor of Quezon City. (Photo courtesy of Delgado-Enage family).
Milagros Delgado-Enage (HS-38 /AHE-40) turned 100
years old when, for the whole month of September
2019, her second solo exhibit of paintings was mounted
at Chef Jessie, Amorsolo Square, Rockwell. Producing 80
new paintings for a solo exhibit is fantastic…doing these
as one approaches the age of 100 is a jaw-dropping feat.
“Entitled Ageless Inspirations, the exhibit celebrates
the artist’s legacy of creativity and productivity that
includes having been an avid Filipiniana scholar, art
patron and lecturer, gallery curator and owner, and
published writer.”
Delgado-Enage said in an interview with Eric Caruncho
that “on most days, it’s painting that occupies her
waking hours…. ‘My secret?…Doing the things that give
me satisfaction. Things that can be of help to others…I
feel very much elated when I’m painting…I just feel it.’’’
Delgado-Enage honed her art since the early 1960s
when she did her first printmaking workshop under
Manuel Rodrigues, Sr. Since then, her creative cravings
could not be stopped, as she studied painting with
Araceli Dans and other masters until the most recent,
Pol Mesina.
Milagros Delgado studied voice at then Holy Ghost
College, as she wanted to be a concert singer. The Pacific
war and the Japanese occupation interrupted every
young woman’s nascent dream…but after marriage to
Felipe Enage and with eight children grown, she found
her passion in curating art works and painting.
10
Self-portrait of
Milagros
Delgado-
Enage (Photo
courtesy of
Lennie de la Rosa)
Fruits and
Flowers,
watercolor,
Milagros
Delgado-
Enage, 19
January 2019
(Photo from Joanne Rae M. Ramirez,“100 & One of a
Kind,” Philippine Star, August 23, 2019)///
Still, Delgado-Enage also released her creative energy
in writing. Caruncho notes: “The clarity of her English
prose and sense of narrative flow suggests a native
talent for expressing herself in words. Writing longhand
in her distinctive small Holy Spirit script, she writes
about these idyllic “Peacetime” days in many of her
essays… she also writes about her schooldays at Holy
Ghost (now College of the Holy Spirit) where
she learned to speak English with a slight German
accent…
In Delgado-Enage’s own words, “’Happiness is talking
about my colegiala days and Holy Ghost College. One
invokes the other.’
’We’ve lived long enough to know that life never really
calms down enough to keep putting off for tomorrow
what we can do today,’ Enage writes in an essay titled ‘In
Praise of Ordinary Life.’”
Milagros Delgado Enage’s paintings are vibrantly
optimistic, giving life and imaginative color to still life
and landscapes. (Continue on page 14)
____________________________________________________
¹ “Minted: Milagros Delgado Enage, Centenarian Artist.” Press
Release on the Opening of Ms. Delgado Enage’s Exhibit,
September 01, 2019.
² This and all subsequent quotes are from Eric S. Caruncho,
“Milagros Enage: Ageless at 100,” Philippine Daily Inquirer,
September 01, 2019, https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/344440/milagros-
enage-ageless-at-100 (retrieved on November 5, 2019)
ALUMNI ACHIEVERS

My Journey Of A Thousand Miles Began In CHS
Veronica Esposo Ramirez, PhD (BFA-82)
Mabuhay! Congratulations!
Dr. Veronica Ramirez' research on the “Common
Health Problems of Women Overseas Filipino Workers”
was awarded the first prize of the inaugural APEC
“Healthy Women, Healthy Economies” (HWHE) awards
during the APEC Women and the Economy Forum in La
Serena, Chile last October 1, 2019. Dr. Ramirez is the
holder of the UA&P CRC Professorial Chair for Migration
and Overseas Filipino Work—a research initiative of the
Center for Research and Communication (CRC) and
funded by the Bank of the Philippine Islands
Foundation.
(Source: “Dr. Veronica Ramirez Awarded APEC Healthy
Women, Healthy Economies Prize” October 8, 2019.
https://www.uap.asia/news/dr-veronica-ramirez-awarded-
apec-healthy-women-healthy-economies-prize/)
From Castillejos, Zambales to Mendiola
My parents chose College of the Holy Spirit for my
sister, Salome, and me because our aunties were
S.Sp.S. nuns: the late Sr. Cyrilda, Sr. Cristina Maria and
Sr. Giovanna Ferriols.
I studied four years of Fine Arts major in
Advertising, with minor in Art Education where I met
our Dean Sr. Esther Maria Cuvin, SSpS. She taught me
how to work hard as I assisted her in taking graduation
photos, in doing lettering for St. Jude’s 14 Stations of
the Cross, for which I was compensated. She taught
me that art is the outcome of sensitivity to beauty and
long hours of work.
I was the artist and photographer of our school
paper and literary magazine and so received partial
scholarship for my work. The nuns then would bring
us to the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) to
watch concerts and to art museums and galleries.
Because I was an intern at the CHS dorm, I had a
lot of time to think and converse with peers. I also
read many, many books in the library - all the books of
Og Mandino and Kahlil Gibran - I copied their precious
words, kept my notes until now and still know some
lines by heart.
11
Veronica Esposo Ramirez. PhD (BFA-82) receives the first prize for
her research in the 2019 APEC HWHE Awards, from Carolina
Cuevas, Chilean Undersecretary for Women and Gender Equity on
October 1, 2019. (Photo from UA&P website, 8 Oct 2019)
Beyond the borders of Mendiola
I taught Fine Arts at CHS. After our wedding in
August 1988, Lambert and I went to Kiev, Ukraine.
He wasgranted a scholarship in International Economic
Relations while I, in Sculpture. My evenings were spent
learning to play the violin and piano. When we came
back from Ukraine, we settled in Manila where we
raised four kids: Vyera, Joshua, Lennon and Janjan. My
thirst for learning never stopped as I took up a studies
for a PhD in Education Administration and another MA
in Art History at UP Diliman.
I taught a few years at CHS Fine Arts and at Miriam
College but have since stayed for 23 years at the
University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P). where I taught
college and graduate school subjects in arts and
aesthetics, language and literature and research
methods.
My adventures in research
In most cases, research is not a priority to teachers.
My work at the Center for Research and Communication
exposed me to the research needs particularly of
Filipino overseas workers. Among others, I worked on
research to benchmark nursing and maritime higher
education institutions in APEC economies; and recently
on “Common health problems of Women Overseas
Filipino Workers (OFWs)” which won first prize in the
2019 APEC Healthy Women, Healthy Economies (HWHE)
Awards. (Continue on p.14)
ALUMNI ACHIEVERS
 12

Alumnae Art In Enterprise

Women have now grown into a new economic force
through their micro-enterprises and internet-based marketing.
Here are four alumnae, artist-entrepreneurs, who share their creative pursuits
turned into home-based businesses. Each one shares her artistic products, fulfillment, challenges and
virtues honed in CHS education, that drives her to create, earn and serve her community.

Craft Cards by Euanne

Eunice Anne Mendoza-Blanco {HS-76}

I first learned about rubber stamping on a trip to

Singapore. That would have been about 22 years ago
already. I remember because my youngest daughter was
only about 1 and my eldest about 11. We were visiting
my sister who lived there. My sisters and I enrolled in a
rubber stamping class taught by a man we called Uncle
James. It’s funny because my husband’s name is also
James, so I’ll never forget. We enrolled for two sessions,
and I guess the hobby just stuck.
Now, my hobby has evolved into a micro-business of
handcrafted greeting cards with the rubber stamp prints
laid on various paper craft materials.
My greatest fulfillment is in just being able to use my
imagination. I love playing with colors and images, which
find their outlet in this craft. Plus, it always feels great to
see something you imagined come to life. Claire Monasterio-Tugot {GS-80}
But, as my imagination is also my best friend, it can
also really be my worst enemy. Sometimes I just find
myself unable to come up with new stuff. When that
happens, I really have to focus and channel all my energy
into coming up with new ideas.
Another challenge is sourcing materials - they’re
pretty difficult to come by and can be pricey. It’s quite an
investment.
What in CHS education helps me most in this
business? Certainly not math! But seriously, I guess my
high school experience taught me the following:
diligence, patience, and perseverance. It all kind of ties After my two children graduated from college, I
up what I’ve already said. Rubber stamping is a craft and prayed and told the Lord that I wanted to devote
hobby that I’m very passionate about, but it’s not more time to Him, not just in attending Sunday
something that always comes easily. I have to put in a lot mass. I became more active in our Catholic parish
of work … but that’s also what makes it so fun. where I saw the need to provide livelihood to the
unemployed mothers in the parish feeding
Eunice Ann Blanco on Instagram: @euanne58
program. With the help of another church worker,
BnB Crafts was born.
I feel most fulfilled in being able to help local
seamstresses earn for their families. I also feel
accomplished when I am able to help save our
environment by promoting a sustainable lifestyle
with beautiful reusable bags, pouches, and utensil
ALUMNAE
holders. (Continue next page 13) ACHIEVERS
 13

“Bright Printed Bags …” from page 12)

My challenge is: Our products are sold on an online
platform and only sometimes in flea markets and often
people ask if we have a physical store so they could
better appreciate our items. Also,the engagement with
the clients is short on the internet so our products
should really appeal to them immediately before they
browse the next site.
Faith, service and excellence are virtues I continue to live
by day by day. Despite all the challenges I’ve been
through, my unwavering faith made it all possible to
raise two wonderful and successful children while
having an illustrious career.
And because I have been blessed, I continue to
reach out to the less fortunate and be a blessing to them
as well in the embodiment of our motto, Veritas et Caritas
(Truth and Charity). I continue to encourage excellence
in our work with the parish women because God has
blessed all of us and we use these blessings for His
greater glory!

Diaper Cakes by Viqui

Victoria Torres-Del Rosario {HS-77}

Almost two years ago, a friend suggested we give a

diaper cake for a baby shower. I researched and found
out that a Diaper Cake (DC) is an arrangement of diapers
meant to resemble a cake, usually fashioned according to
the theme of a baby shower or a toddler's birthday. Baby
items such as blankets, bottles, teethers and toys are
incorporated.
I looked through pictures and felt confident I could
make a diaper cake. Tapping my creativity and basic Translating the idea into a real product is my biggest
technical skills, and by trial and error, I ambitiously made challenge. A project is always limited by the availability of
my first DC – a sweet bear on a tricycle. I enjoyed this materials. I have to be very creative to marry my plan and
first project so I made a few more as gifts to friends' the items I find. Often, the design has to be tweaked.
daughters. With prodding from friends, I posted DCs on
Owing to our CHS training, I do my best and lovingly
my Facebook page and orders from family and friends
prepare custom diaper cakes. Every diaper cake is
started to come in and the enterprise was born.
unique. Each one is especially made for the recipient. Still,
I am most happy when clients are likewise happy with I hope the DCs always bring smiles and cheer to all who
my creations. Smiles and words of appreciation warm my see them, especially the mothers and their young ones.
heart. Receiving orders from friends who are across the Please view my album and send me a pm on Messenger.
seas gives me major thrills. Custom Diaper Cakes on FB (Viqui del Rosario)

Whimsical Art by Tet

Ma. Theresa Filart Puzon {HS-73}

I have been passionate about art as far as I can

remember. And since my childhood compulsion to
create was nurtured by my parents, it’s no wonder
that I ended up turning my creations into something
productive.
Azotea, my online store, is a site designed to inspire.
It showcases my artistic stuff, each one made with
love and pride. I work with different canvases —
paper, fabric, wood, glass and whatever looks good
enough to turn into something really pretty. The
computer is also a very important tool for my graphic
designs. (Continue next page 14)

ALUMNAE ACHIEVERS
 14

(“Veronica Esposo Ramirez...” from page 11)

(Whimsical Art...from p.13)
Turning ideas into real
products is my biggest
challenge. And since hand-
made craft items take time, it
makes me wish I had more
than one pair of hands and
more than 24 hours in a day.
I am the artist,
photographer, seller behind
my online shop. It’s not only
how I make my living — it
feeds my spirit and makes
me enjoy life’s journey. It is
also an opportunity for me to
offer my small gifts in this
big world.
My CHS education,
which taught us to work
independently and persevere
through hard work, paid off. My life in art up to now
I am also grateful for learning
good English and Despite the heavy work in migration studies and
research, I have not given up on art.
communication skills. A
successful product plus I have had a few art exhibits. I author textbooks
knowing how to sell it on Music and Art subjects for Grades 7 to 11. I paint
properly makes all the a lot and give my paintings as gifts; I teach painting
difference. to adults who have desired to learn and now are
ready to pursue this art.
Facebook: Tet Filart Puzon ◊
FB Online Store: Azotea ◊ Thanks to CHS and my teachers in Fine Arts, I
www.facebook.com/azotea.tet cultivated creative discipline. They taught me
integrative thinking and as I have said, sensitivity to
beauty, which I can apply to anything I set out to do:
teaching, research, and recently, in farming.

(”Milagros Delgado Enage...” from page 10 )

Lennie de la Rosa
(HS-62/BSFN-66) ,
The author, Veronica Esposo Ramirez, (2nd from right) in
whose brother is
the new faculty initiation, 1982, with Sr. Esther Maria
married to Mila
Cuvin, SSpS, then Dean of Fine Arts (center).
Delgado-Enage’s
daughter,
celebrating the
painter’s “Ageless
Inspirations”
exhibit.
(Photo courtesy of
Lennie de la Rosa)

In her paintings and writing, Milagros Delgado

Enage's 100-year lifelong life lesson seems to be
summed up as:
“Be grateful to be alive. Every moment as it
comes should be accepted, blessed and thanked Works of Veronica Esposo Ramirez
(left) Sculpture, Filipino mother and child,
for. It may well be the last moment of our lives.
1990, (above) painting 168 palay 4, April
We’ll receive the rewards at the end of time, not 18, 2014
for having been achievers but for the struggles,
the hard work, the heartaches, the pains.”

ALUMNAE ACHIEVERS

60 is the New 16
By Gina Unas-Barcelon (HS-77)
Visit to the Marogondon Church
Birthday celebrants for the year blow their
mini cakes.
Class HS-77 ladies who were about to acquire new
citizenships as seniors celebrated this milestone with a trip
to Poy’s Farm in Maragondon, Cavite last May 26, 2019.
What better way to start our adventure than to hear mass
at Our Lady of Assumption church, a 400+ year-old national
treasure, in Maragondon town, to thank the Lord for all His
graces and blessings. As luck would have it, upon arrival,
our group was welcomed with the ringing of the church
bells and launching of rocket fireworks (kwitis) to celebrate
the last Sunday of May.
Some of us visited the Bonifacio Trial House and Museum,
not far from the church. We literally walked into the past as
this was the exact place where Andres and Procopio
Bonifacio were tried by a court martial in 1897.
After a glimpse of the old town charm, we proceeded to
Poy’s Farm, a private farm resort owned by the Unas
Family, hosted by the author, Gina, and older sister Nona
Unas-Dutilleux (HS-75).
Having been on the road for two hours and famished, we
feasted on a delightful breakfast of steaming chicken arroz
caldo and coffee. As the day progressed, the serving
counter was continually replenished with more food and
drinks, which filled our stomachs until we could eat no
more.
Having satisfied our hunger pangs, we explored the
15
L-R: Heidi Nicasio-Manalo, Belle Tiongco, Stella Tansengco-Schapero,
Yvette de Marcaida Poe, Isabel Dumogho-Rivas; Carole Mendoza, Malou
Martinez Santos, Jo Zulueta-Advincula, Debbie, Mendoza-Cinco; Agnes
Galindez-Macalinao, Nelly Tan Sy, Lilibeth Abuela-Diaz de Rivera; Viqui
Torres-del Rosario, Joyce Artiaga-Bautista, Jingay Guevara-Facuri, Gina
Unas-Barcelon, Eulyn Mariano
picturesque surroundings. The sun shone brightly capturing
our glow as we posed for countless photographs against
nature’s backdrop. We came prepared with our Mama
Mia-inspired costumes. Thoughtful batchmates brought
gifts to complement our attire – headdresses from Stella
Tansengco-Schapero, bracelets from Belle Tiongco and Dr.
Eulyn Mariano, and long-stemmed roses from Agnes
Galindez-Macalinao.
The place was the perfect setting to celebrate life and
renew friendships. We had festive mini-balloons, a birthday
table bedecked with flowers and colorful mini-cakes, and a
special frame where the celebrants posed to capture the
momentous occasion (décor courtesy of Viqui Torres-Del
Rosario and Gina Unas-Barcelon). Amidst the background of
‘70s music and glasses of wine, we reminisced about our
high school adventures. The air reverberated with squeals
of laughter as we recalled our first crushes, exchanged
ghost stories (real or imagined), and fondly recalled fun
encounters with our teachers.
Time stood still as we found ourselves back in the ‘70s. The
teenage years were the best times in our young lives and as
someone wisely said, “we might look older but nothing has
changed since high school.”
As we move on to becoming “seenagers” (senior
teenagers), CHS HS-77 looks forward to building more
memories to cherish.
ALUMNAE ACTIVITIES
 16

Thank You, Tess!

MA. TERESA ABELEDA LLAVE HS-73
President, 2015 – 2019
CHS Alumni Management Corporation

Tess Llave with Sr. Eden, Grace Mascenon and Dr.

Wynna Medina At times our own light goes
out and is rekindled by a spark
from another person.
Each of us has cause to think
with deep gratitude those who
have lighted the flame within
us.”
- Albert Schweitzer
Tess with Sr. Eden

L-R: Dr. Pat Bustos Lagunda, Tess Abeleda Llave,

Dr. Wynna Medina, Grace Soncuya Mascenon

Tess at work with CHSM Admin and the AMC Board. SSpS Sisters, CHSAMC and CHSAF officers hosted a lunch for Tess.

Shoes and Slippers for Sablayan Students

HS Class ’62
A call for shoes for 55 indigenous also received another 100 pairs
students in Sablayan, Occidental of children’s rubber slippers for
Mindoro, was sounded by Sr. siblings of the students. We also
Victrica Pascasio, SSpS, and was added boxes of ascorbic acid and
HS-62
heeded by class HS-62. THis mulivitamins for the school
mobilizers for
triggered the “multiplication of clinic. shoes and
the loaves” and shoes… Our special thanks to HS-62 for slippers for
Why shoes and slippers? School their generosity: Amelita Sablayan
students
children walk from 2-3 Nepomuceno-Co, Elenita Ramos-
packed to go,
kilometers away and sometimes Lainez, Esmeralda Limcangco- (from left)
cross rivers to reach their school. Aquino, Ma. Luisa Dizon- Esmeralda
They carry their shoes in their Villarama and Magdalena Limcangco-
school bag, walk barefoot or use Echevarria-Dela Rosa, who Aquino,
slippers and then change to their spearheaded the campaign, Marissa Dizon
school shoes in the classroom. packed and shipped the Villarama and
Magdalena
Class HS-62 packed for each donations. We had an
Echevarria
student: a pair of school shoes, 2 anonymous donor and though dela Rosa.
pairs of rubber slippers and 2 unknown to us, we say, May God
pairs of white socks. The class bless You!

ALUMNAE ACTIVITIES
 17

CHSNAF HIGHS
 18

Alumni Gatherings

Board Passers visit the CHS

Alumnae Support Photo Exhibit Alumnae Foundation Office

L-R: Alumnae Menchu Martinez-Que (HS-75), Viqui Torres-del
Rosario (HS-77), Yola Albano (HS-68), Tariff Commissioner
Ernie Albano, Cynthia Lorenzo Picazo (HS-61, BSC-65), at the
first solo photo exhibit of Comm. Ernie at the Philippine Heart
Center on October 7, 2019 .
Ditas Zamora Lerma (HS-56) recently
celebrated a milestone birthday with a party
organized by her children.
L-R: Dr. Cynthia Cases-Bernardo (HS-68) CHSAF Board
Member, Trizzia Earl Paclibar BSID CHSAF scholar who
passed 2019 Interior Design Board Exam, Cora Parco
(AB 63, BSE-64), CHSAF Executive Director, Renzo
Cristobal BSID CHSAF Scholar who passed the 2019
Interior Design Board Exam, Dolly Gabrirel, CHSAF
Board Treasurer

CHSAF Board Members under Menchu Dayrit Padilla’s Presidency

celebrated Christmas in November, hosted by Cynthia Lorenzo Picazo.
In lieu of gifting each other, donations were pooled for our scholars.

L-R: Kalyn Manzano (HS-79),

Dolly Urro Nazareno (BS Pharm-
60), Thelma Exconde Gana (HS-
57), Dodit Ocampo Reyes (HS-
Seated L-R: Kalyn Manzano (HS-79), Marilen Nolasco 65), Charie Lim (HS-63/BFN-67),
Espiritu (BSC-63), Menchu Dayrit Padilla (HS-60), Ditas Zamora Lerma (HS-56),
Cynthia Lorenzo Picazo (HS-61/BSC-65), Menchu Marilen Nolasco Espiritu (BSC-
Martinez Que (HS-75), Cynthia Martinez (HS-76). 63), Viqui Torres del Rosario
Standing our Toni Villaraza Palenzuela (HS-65), Ditas, (HS-77), Menchu Dayrit Padilla
Dolly Urro Nazareno (BS Pharm-60), Thelma Exconde (HS-60), Menchu Martinez Que
Gana (HS-57) (HS-75), Cynthia Lorenzo Picazo
(HS61/BSC-65), Cynthia
Martinez (HS-76)
Happy 90th Birthday Sr. Guada!
Seated L-R: Cynthia Martinez,
Dolly Urro Nazareno, Toni
Villaraza Palenzuela (HS-65),
Cynthia Lorenzo Picazo.
Standing L-R: Deanna Go Bio
(AB-58/BSE-59), Kalyn Manzano,
Marilen Nolasco Espiritu, Ditas
Zamora Lerma, Viqui Torres del
Rosario, Menchu Martinez Que,
Sr. Guada, SSpS celebrated her 90th birthday on
Thelma Exconde Gana, Charie
November 30, 2019 at Alba’s Restaurante Espanol
Lim, Menchu Dayrit Padilla.
with Gloria “Dodit” Ocampo-Reyes (HS-64) who sent
us this picture.

ALUMNAE ACTIVITIES
 19

Congratulations CHS Alumnae!

Lydia Tansinsin (HS-50)
Recipient of the 2019 WFEO Gree Women in Engineering Award
World Federation of Engineering Organization
Awarded during the WFEO Convention in Melbourne, Australia on
November 23, 2019

Esther J. Capistrano (HS-65)

Recognized as a Media Icon at the first-ever Media Icon Awards organized
by the Media Specialists Association of the Philippines (MSAP) for being a
pioneer in the business of data gathering for tv, radio and print media,
November 5, 2019

Imelda Cajipe Andaya (HS-66)

Awarded the 2019 Gawad Alab ng Sining and Keynote
Speaker at the Tanglaw ng Sining Graduation Rites
UP College of Fine Arts, June 29, 2019

Kathryn Bellosillo (HS-74)

· Outstanding Entrepreneur of the Year Award
ASEAN Women Entrepreneurs Network, Thailand, June, 2019
· New President of The Rotary Club of Makati Business District D3830

Ida Beltran-Lucila (HS-80) and husband Constantino (Jojo) Lucila

Recipient, Golden Balangay Excellence Award in Arts and Culture
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
September 10, 2019

Veronica Ramirez (BFA Advertising-82)

Recipient, Grand Prize for the
2019 APEC Healthy Women, Healthy Economies
For her research on Common Health Problems of Women OFWs
Awarded October 1, 2019

Ana Marie Bacudio (BS Med Tech-83) and Family

Faculty, CHSM School of Health Sciences
2019 Jollibee Family Values Award for Education
September, 2019

CONGRATULATIONS CHS ALUMNAE

 20
Farewell to a Dear Friend and Band Mate
Estrella (Telly) Abelardo- Sta. Catalina†
October 9, 1950 - October 12, 2019
Telly graduated from CHS high school in 1967, then went on to round off her Catholic education at the
University of Santo Tomas with a marketing degree. Her marketing career was centered on food sales and
distribution. She was marketing head at Rustan’s Supermarket, Sales Manager at Sysu International and
General Manager at Grocer Central Alliance. She leaves behind a wonderful and loving family—husband
Denis, children Ryan and Michelle, and four grandchildren.

Ceres, the writer of this tribute, has been based in San Francisco since the
seventies while Telly lived in the Philippines. The last time they saw each other
was six years ago, 2013, when Telly visited the U.S.

by Ceres Almendral-Jacinto (HS-67)

When I heard the news of Telly’s passing, it took a
while for it to sink in. I stopped everything I was
doing and sat the whole afternoon, praying and
looking back to our happy days with the Lady
Acoustics Band. Telly’s friendship has been one of the
highlights of my life, a big treat especially in our high
school days.
Dear sweet Telly was my classmate who would
walk around the CHS campus, lugging her guitar
with one hand and her school books with the other.
She would sit under that tree with lots of higad, strum
her guitar and sing with a group of classmates.
Twice or thrice, I recall, she invited me to join a
band she was putting together. I declined each time
since I was very shy, and was more into the Motown
sound, rather than the Everly Brothers’ music that
they were into. But eventually, I joined her group.
Linda Arrieta-Reyes was our energetic drummer and
gave us the chance to use all those electric musical
instruments since her brother also had a band. Now
we had a real band. It was enhanced by the “mean
bass guitar runs” of Ana Marie Diy-Lirio and the
steady rhythm guitar strumming of Milagros Castro-
Bigelow. No more Everly Brothers songs…we
rendered Diana Ross and the Supremes, and Smokey
Robinson.
Lady Acoustics Band, all
CHS HS-67, in Cover of
Mirror Magazine, March
8, 1969. (seated front
center) Telly Abelardo
(Sta. Catalina), Lead
Guitarist ; (standing left
to right) Mila de Castro
(Bigelow), Rhythm
Guitarist, Ana Marie Diy
(Lirio), Bass Guitarist,
Linda Arrieta (Reyes),
Drummer; (seated top)
Ceres Almendral
(Jacinto), Vocalist. (Photo
courtesy of the author.)
Telly is the sweetest friend I ever had. So patient,
calm, quiet, and very generous. She would always
feed us when we hung out in her father’s tailor shop at
CM Recto, sharing her family’s lutong bahay. She made
me happiest when we cabbed it to Sta. Mesa Heights
shopping mall to check out the latest vinyl LP records
of the Motown artists. Our suki would lead us to a
private booth where we could listen leisurely to each
track of the vinyl record before we decided to buy it.
Telly’s generous school allowance paid for the LP plus
a quick snack.
In our mundane lives, we meet special people
instrumental in leading us to a magical tour and
varied adventures, in my case, singing and playing in
a band. Telly opened the way for me to overcome my
shyness and, with the Lady Acoustics Band realize
that it’s not really that bad, after all, to sing in front of
many people. Such confidence boosted me during my
years with the Circus Band and the Rage Band.
I owe you so much dear friend. Thank you for
being a part of my life story. You are one of the
“Wind(s) Beneath My Wings.”the unsung heroes of
my music life, my Lady Acoustics Band mates--
Linda, Mila, and Ana Marie. I love you all.
Telly Abelardo-Sta. Catalina in a recent June 2019
lunch with HS-67 classmates, (from left) Marlowe
Baltazar-Sage, Telly, Ana Marie Diy-Lirio, Jeanette
Tumao-Atienza.

REMEMBERING OUR BELOVED ALUMNAE

 21

Our E-mail Connection Into Eternal Life

(Ed.’s Note — This section contains
Let us pray for our departed family and friends.
messages/information received through our
Into your hands, O Lord we humbly entrust our beloved
e-mail address: chsaf.mla@gmail.com )
dead. In this life you embraced them with your tender
love; bid them enter eternal rest and bliss. The old order
Feedback from the July 2018 issue of the WE, the
has passed away; welcome them into paradise, where
Alumnae: sent via CHSAF Broadcast #193:
there is fullness of peace and joy with your son and the
Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.
From: Lydia L. Tiosejo (HS-54/BSPharm-59),
9/2019, Oceanside, California, USA:
• Feb. 20 - Renato G. Cabrera, husband of Guadalupe
Roxanne, thank you so much. I got it. Will forward
Bengzon-Cabrera (HS-55);
it to some HS-54 (my group) who do not receive
these issues.
• May 1 - Emmanuel Borromeo, husband of Josefina
Am doing very well. Still working full-time (at this
del Rosario-Borromeo (HS-57);
my age!)
L.L. Tiosejo, Ph.D., D(ABMM)|Clinical Microbiologist
• July 20 – Joan Murphy Guevara; mother of Jean
Marie Guevara-Facuri (HS-77);
From: Soledad Aquino-Hernando (AB-65/BSE),
9/10/2019, Fairview, Quezon City::
• Aug. 02 - Adoracion Magsino-del Rosario (HS-57),
Thank you for this issue... As interesting and as
due to cancer
inspiring as ever...may the Holy Spirit continue to
guide you in this endeavor.
• Aug. 04 - Silvestre Miguel R. Punsalan, the son of
Zita Reyes-Punsalan (HS-57/BSHE-61/AFA-63);
From: Sister Rosalinda Argosino, S.Sp.S., 9/10/19,
College of the Holy Spirit of Tarlac:
• Aug. 19 - Gina L. Lopez, daughter of Conchita La O-
Thank you for sending me a copy of the July issue of
Lopez (HS-46/AA-50)
the WE, the Alumnae. I enjoyed reading it.
Congratulations to the new board members. I am
• Aug. 24 - Natividad Hernandez (HS-59); sister of
happy to read that the CHSM board members have
Celia H. Javier (d), (HS-50//AB-55)
projects on the care of creation.
• Aug. 30 - Deanna Young-Siy (HS-48);
Condolences to those who lost their family
members/relatives/friends. May they joyfully live in
• Sept. 05 - Danilo Santiago, brother of Digna (HS-
the company of God and all the saints.
60/AB-64/BSC-65
From: Amelita Caparas-Andrada (BSE-64);
• Sept. 10 - Rosario Luciano-Layug (HS-55)
9/10/2019, Seattle, Washington, USA::
• Sept. 10 - Marcelo N. Naval, husband of Ma.
Thanks for sharing the WE the Alumnae. I enjoyed
Lourdes Gonzalez-Naval (HS-63/BSChem-68);
reading it. Thanks for reaching out.
brother of Asuncion N. Gilles (HS-55), Josefina N.
Pineda (HS-56), and Josefa N. de Villa (HS-57)
Take care. God bless.
• Sept. 11 - Remedios Antonio-Gamalinda (HS-55),
Be part of our E-Mail Connection… send your
mother of Rita Socorro (BFA-99)
comments, news, messages from/to classmates
and teachers to chsaf.mla@gmail.com

OUR EMAIL CONNECTION, INTO ETERNAL LIFE

 22

PRAYER CORNER
Through our “Alumnae Prayer Community”,
let all of us, alumnae sisters, pause for
a minute and storm heaven with prayers for
• the healing and success of the immuno
treatment of Dr. Jesusa Marco (HS-71),
CHSM Past President
• better health and special intentions of
Menchu Martinez-Que (HS-75)
Send us your prayer requests. Call Cora Parco at Tel.
no. 8735-5986 or email chsafsecretariat2@yahoo.com
CHSAF MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL FORM
I would like to renew my active membership to the
CHS Alumnae Foundation Enclosed is the amount in
cash/check:
P500.00/US$12.00 (One-year membership)
_____
P1,000.00/US$24.00 (Two-year membership)
_____
Sent by: ________________________________
Address: _______________________________
Tel. No./ Mobile No. ______________________
Note: Please make your checks payable to:
CHS ALUMNAE FOUNDATION INC. and
mail to the Alumnae Office, 163 E. Mendiola, Manila.
If you have already renewed your membership for
the
current year, please disregard this message.
CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE
WE THE ALUMNAE
The We the Alumnae is a newsletter for, of and by
HGC/CHS alumnae. Thus, your contributions are
welcome to the different sections of the WE, such as
· ALUMNI SOCIAL NEWS
· FEATURES (remember a classmate or a teacher;
insights into yourself, your life experiences, etc.)
· IN THE MAILBAG (drop us a line when you’re away
… share a friend’s or a teacher’s letter, etc.)
· FAMILY TALK (send us your family picture).
Be aShe
partserved
of the WE! Send your
her school, hercontributions by as
alumni family,
e-mail to chsaf.mla@gmail.com.
long as she could. Thank you, Roxane.
Sr. Mary Hermenegildis, SSpSAP
(latin abbreviation of
Servant of the Holy Spirit of
Perpetual Adoration)
better known as Pink Sisters...
formerly Myrna O. Cabral, HS-53.
Sr. Mary Hermenegildis was to celebrate her Golden Jubilee
of Religious Profession on the Solemnity of Christ the King,
Nov. 24, 2019. She was admitted at Our Lady of Lourdes on
the night of Nov 19th and on Nov. 21st, with her big wooden
mission cross over her heart, four of her fellow Pink Sisters
renewed their Vows in her stead as she lay dying. It was a
beautiful, peaceful passing over to eternal life to continue her
life of perpetual adoration before the King of Kings.
(Into Eternal Life...from page 23)
• Sept. 16 - Sr. Deolindis (Emerita) Luza, WCW (HS-45/AB-
51);, sister of Filomena L. Bautista (d), HS-39/ACS-42
• Sept. 16 - Norma Ortiz-Luis, sister of Sr. Maria Celestia
(Liwayway), S.Sp.S., (d), HS-49 and Julita (HS-49)
• Oct 08 - Renato C. Danac, brother of Marietta (HS-
74/BSC-78), Ma. Cristina D. Delfin (HS-77), and Minerva
D. Bruning (HS-80/BSChem-84)
• Oct. 15 - Yu Chin Bun-Qua, mother of Irene Q. Nunag
(HS-63), Elizabeth Q. Tee (HS-66), Evangeline (HS-
70/AB/BSC-74.) and Rosaline (BSBio-80); grandmother of
Karen Lynde Q. Tee (BSC-95);
• Oct. 21 - Roger Austria, husband of Margaret Lorenza
West-Austria (BSBio-69);
• Oct. 23 - Amparo Tinio-Villa (HS-59/BSHE-63
• Nov. 14 – Carmen Lim (HS-56), sister of Rosario Lim (HS-
63/BFN-67)
• Nov. 16 – Ma. Roxana M. Belardo (HS-55/AB-58/BSE-
59)
• Nov. 21 –Sr. Mary Hermenegildis SSpSAP/(Myrna O.
Cabral (HS-53), sister of Milagros C. Viola (HS-48), Ofelia
Schweitzer (HS-48) d, Zenaida O. Cabral (HS-50) d.

E-MAIL Connection, PRAYER CORNER, INTO ETERNAL LIFE

 23

Eleanor (Butchie) Dimalanta-Reyes {HS-80}

CHSNAF President 2017-2019
It's hard for me to believe it's already the last quarter of the year. Pretty soon it’ll be
Thanksgiving and Christmas, my two favorite holidays. As the days pass, it is very
easy to get caught up in the daily grind and forget about all the reasons why we are
most fortunate. We must not allow that to happen. I hope you all take a moment this
holiday season to relax and enjoy time with your family and friends. It's also very
important that we take a moment and be thankful for what are most important, like for
me, it is them - family and friends.
The best way to honor Advent is through service. It’s not all about finding the
perfect gift, shopping online, and attending Christmas parties. It is about going outside
yourself, like raking leaves or shoveling snow for a neighbor, visiting a sick friend or
relative, bringing food and supplies for the homeless or toys for needy children.
Whatever it is you decide to do, please volunteer through service. Shift your focus
from the bad unto the good and watch your life transform.
Having the opportunity to work for organizations, like CHSNAF, that care about
people and students is a plus in our giving. Maya Angelou once said, “When we give
cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.”
On behalf of CHSNAF, I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and may the New Year
bring us all good health, cheer and the blessings of giving.

Ma. Victoria Eustaquio Anonuevo {HS-67}

President, HS Alumnae Management Corp.

Christmas is always a season for reflection and reconnection. First of all, this
is a time to refocus our attention to the Christ Child, our Redeemer, who came
to be born to save us for the simple reason that He loved us. This great love was
demonstrated from the moment of His birth, in such dire surroundings, unfit
even for a simple human being. We go back and meditate on this the real reason
for the season.
In another sense, we also try and reconnect with our family and friends through various
means from simple gestures of greetings, messages, Christmas cards, gifts, reunions and
gatherings. It's a joyous season to be together. We also remember those who have less in life
by sharing the blessings we have been bestowed.
Lastly, we reflect on the past year with gratitude with all its blissful moments and the
challenges and lessons that inevitably go with life. We thank God that He has seen us through
2019 and have come out a stronger and better person.
To our CHS Alumni family, may your Christmas be filled with many reasons for love,
laughter and goodwill. May the coming year be blessed with good health, cheer and
contentment. Hope you have a Merry Christmas and a Glorious New Year.!

CHRISTMAS MESSAGES
 24

A Blessed Christmas To All!

Wynna Marie A. Medina, PhD

President, College of the Holy Spirit Manila

Once the –ber months step in, we tend to get caught up in the frenzied whirl of
activities: buying gifts, planning for family gatherings, getting caught in traffic running
errands for loved ones. Amidst the hustle and din of the season, it pays to pause and
reflect on the many reasons why we celebrate this grandest and merriest of all
festivities.
Christmas always brings us to a place of gratitude and joy: for God's gift of salvation
through His Son, for the presence and caring of loved ones, for the blessing of friends
and family, and for opportunities to thank and remember people who walked with us
throughout the year.
At College of the Holy Spirit Manila, the community has so much to thank for as it
continues to experience boons in both big and small ways. The PAASCU accreditation at
the college level went well as faculty, staff, students and administrators pooled their
talents and resources. The Basic Education department saw a rise in enrollment, and
children are again filling the campus with their unbridled laughter and carefree gaiety.
Some learners have moved on and others have taken their places. In all these, our
CHSM alumni continue to work with passion and dedication - supporting us through
fund-raising activities and scholarships, providing important insights on school
operations, praying with us and cheering us on during the many challenges we have
faced. The strong partnership and support provided by our alumni continue to be a
powerful incentive for us as we sally forth with optimism in the coming year.
Indeed, we have so much to thank for this Christmas. So let us continue claiming
God's gift by faith - that just as He ordained the first missionary sisters to put up College
of the Holy Spirit Manila and saw it through its first 106 years, so has He entrusted to us
the care and stewardship of CHSM to its next Christmases and its next years of plenty.

A blessed Christmas to all!

CHRISTMAS MESSAGES