“Remember the Alamo” was something that the Notre Dameans only read about in school when they were growing up in General Santos City. On May 14-17, 2015, they immersed themselves in everything historical about Texas, the largest state in the lower 48 states of USA. (By landmass, Alaska is the largest, Texas and California follows respectively). San Antonio’s River Walk was hiking distance from the host hotel, La Quinta and offered a convenient destination for alumni during their free time. There was fine dining, shopping, and excellent entertainment on a boat ride down the river in the heart of the city.
The officers led by President Leilanie Zerrudo Gammon, opted for the most novel destination for the official tour – The Natural Bridge Cavern in San Antonio is one of Texas’ largest underground attraction. It took 65 alumni the most spectacular part of the caverns 180 feet underground. The mother lode of underground majesty and wonder: Natural Bridge Caverns. Chamber displayed endless gigantic towering columns, emerald pools, delicate crystalline stalagmites, and stalactites resembling huge soda straws. All living and still growing. The U.S. Parks Service has designated it as National Natural Landmark. The Welcome Party was themed “Western” of course, and displayed the Notre Dameans theatrical talents, followed by a Masquerade Ball that highlighted the dancing prowess of the pair Carlito Ferrariz and Lulut Palacios Chan. It also showcased Allan Palacios Chan, Tenor who wowed the audience with his rendition of the Music of the Night from the Phantom of the Opera. The Sunday Mass was officiated by Bishop Michael Pfeifer, OMI and concelebrated with Fr. William M. Antone and Notre Dam Alumnus Fr. Santiago Hoyumpa.
The reunion was a HUGE success as they do everything in large scale in Texas!
Officers 2015-2017
President: Carlito S. Ferrariz, NDL
Vice Pres: Sonny Sagalongos, NDD
Secretary: Juliet Nagnal Laughter, NDL
Treasurer: Rose Tina Dimamay, NDD
Asst. Treas: Malut Diaz-Corlett, NDL
Board Members:
Virgie “Gie” Abrea, NDD
Wilbert Calumpong, NDD
Lulut Palacios Chan, NDL
Noh Dalid Conrad, NDD
Bernadette Buensuceso Graham, NDD
Lydia Lopez, NDD
Eduardo Lozano, NDD
Shantal Biadoma Wigginton, NDD
Reconnecting Mentors & Music: San Antonio (2015)
The 2015 reunion in San Antonio, Texas, reunited me with the Zabala sisters from Canada (Marilen and Mazee) and Loudette Alvarado from California. Reconnecting with them was a blast! The saying “Parang kahapon lang tayo nagkita” was an understatement as we reminisced about bygone years and past romances.
It was also during this trip that I established a deep bond with my Auntie Edith Manansala Yumang Shermer, who, along with her husband Milo, welcomed me into their Orange County home. I reconnected with her son Sonny (a former banker in Gensan) and his wife Marlene.
This reunion featured an incredible gathering of mentors; simply shaking hands with the Marist Brothers made the journey worthwhile. A standout moment was Allan Palacios Chan Jr.’s stunning rendition of “The Music of the Night” from The Phantom of the Opera. Seated in the front row, I was lucky enough to capture that magic moment on camera—marking the start of our association’s love affair with the talented tenor.