“Reunion at Disneyland”
True to the words of a Neil Diamond song, “On the boat and on the plane, they came to America!”–Dameans converged in Anaheim, California for the Fifth Grand Reunion on June 21-24, 2001. Some came as early as June 16 and stayed until July 7.
From China, Canada, Philippines and 12 states of the U.S.–California, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Washington State and Wisconsin–Notre Dameans arrived in the city that Micky Mouse built to renew old friendships and form new ones. Since a picture paints a thousand words, here’s our webbist Chris Gammon bringing you the magical reunion 2001 for your viewing pleasure. Send us your photo and we will try to accommodate as many as we can. And while you’re visiting the website, please sign our guest book. We’d love to hear from you.
President: Sol Santos Cuenco, NDL74, Concord, California
VP: Henry Rogan, NDL70, West Orange, New Jersey
Sec: Ana Fe Dinopol, NDD69, NDDC73, Troy, Michigan
Treasurer: Prima Guipo Hower, NDL67, NDDC71, Tampa, Florida
Auditor: Ding Mateo, NDDE, Clifton, New Jersey
Board of Advisors:
Jess Mendoza, NDD64, La Mirada, California
Minda Hingco Zamzam, NDL66, NDDC, Corona, California
Bing Ferrariz, NDL66, Bronx, New York
Edna Aquino Balili, NDL63, Pittsburg, California
Vic Braza, NDL64, NDDC, Vallejo, California
Honorary Board Members:
Art Henares, NDL64, NDDC, President 1993-1995
Prima Guipo Hower, NDL67, NDDC71, President 1995-1997
Rayland Rogan, NDL64, President 1997-1999
Angel Boloico, NDL67, NDDC, President 1999-2001
My first trip to America was in June 2001. At the time, I was the President of the NDDU Alumni Federation. Upon the prodding of Bro. Willy Lubrico, then President of Notre Dame of Dadiangas University, I applied for a US visa to attend the ND USA Reunion in Los Angeles.
The 2001 LA reunion was my baptism of fire. The attendees were mostly unfamiliar faces, and I was fully prepared to be a wallflower. Then, something wonderful happened. As Bro. Willy and I approached the registration table, Prima Guipo Hower beamed with a ready smile and introduced me to the other ladies—their hands reaching across the table in warm welcome. Promises of friendship were sealed, and barriers of anonymity instantly melted away. The Notre Dame spirit felt like an electric jolt that embraced me to the core. In that moment, I didn’t feel left out; I was a Damean, just like everyone else. I was feeling the love.