batch 83: relentless at 25

Eclectic. In Filipino, it can be analogous to haluhalo. Typical yet famous, a hodgepodge of flavors – some very likable and some not quite so, depending on one’s taste, mood and accustomed perception. What better way is there to describe the 1983 graduates of University of La Salette High School (then La Salette of Santiago) than that?

Of the more than 500 members of the graduating class, many of us have gone a long way, and a long way indeed – professionally and geographically.

It was unimaginable 25 years ago that we will be taking part and getting immersed into all segments of society – business, industry, politics, media, medicine, healthcare, education, law, humanitarian aid, information technology, maritime and government service. More so, that we will be pervading other cultures. Unthinkable then, but now that is a fact.

Batch 83 is a microcosm of Philippine society. We are a blend of big and small people in high and low places of power. Some serve and some get served. Endemic masters and slaves. We run after all the temporal things that this world can offer – economic and social stability. We have family, partners and for some still - a chosen state of solitude. Yet in all the years that have come and gone, we were tied by a common bond – our years of youth at La Salette.

We have forged many friendships, and have entered other venues for relationships but the ones we had with our former classmates and mentors were cherished the most and with a certain fondness. Be it happy, sad and painful, the thoughts of those formative yesteryears always cause a beat of thrill and amusement in our hearts.

We cannot speak more highly of ourselves. For to highlight and describe our achievements and successes would only make us untruthful to the reality and essence of our being – life. Still we are human beings alive and well no matter what and how one may think of us. In the context however of the world's popular view, if we are to boast of anything, it shall be for who we are now and for what we have become of. We are grateful to La Salette for contributing in one way or the other to the molding of that person in all of us.

La Salette education challenged us to live our lives to the fullest. We remain in pursuit of that quest. And amidst the distracting occupations of our existence, we shall press on. That with faith, we hope not to forget.