The reunion that almost never happened. And the one that will certainly will.

By: Erma Cruz Panganiban

May 3 was the day the reunion meeting for batch '78 was set. Didn't really expect a big turnout for the meeting but was very happy to see Uro, Oca, Fe Pamintuan and Resty and Minda. Never had I felt blamed for my blunder, for before I knew it we were all packed in my father's small green car, exiting the JRI compound and ready to do our ding off our batchmates. Whoever we saw on the streets, we waved, we hollered and we passed on the word about the reunion. ' It will be in Pag-asa, 7pm.' It really felt good seeing our batchmates were just enthusiastic as all of us in the car. We drove and walked to every nook and cranny of Orion. To streets we never knew existed; where there used to be fish ponds is now populated with houses. It was like Tour de Orion. It was a lot of fun for all of us. The night culminated with all of us eating at Max restaurant in Balanga.

*** To URO, RESTY, OCA, FE, MINDA AND CORIE, a big thank you for helping me make this reunion happened. AND TO ALL BATCHMATES who helped spread the word around and invited our classmates into joining us, SALAMAT!***

Our daily rounds of batch mates and teachers plus the daily trip to Balanga to prepare all the tickets, and flyers was quite all worth it for on May 9 Batch 78 Reunion, there were 32 of us who came and bonded, May 11, 42 came. Not bad considering the time we had to prepare for this. But more than the numbers, it was the experiences we will not forget.

Chatting with our classmates in the streets. Minda making little cut up invitations to hand out to our classmates, on the spot. Seeing Mr. Cayetano. (this time though I forgot to picture the Kodak moment.) Celebrating with Ma'am Venegas her mom's birthday. Driving and walking all around Orion. The T-shirts made just the day before. Key chains bought just the day before. The tarpaulin. The reunion motorcade. The elf. The shaking of all our booties on stage. Surprising all alumni of Batch 1978 talents. Oh gosh! Ang dami dami pa'

Still the thought of some of our batchmates not being able to come for simply because of short notice was saddening. And so we thought, before we all look forward to our 40th reunion why not join the JRI Grand 90th Celebration to be held on May 2011. This time, together with everyone's support, Batch 1978 - 33rd Reunion, we might surpass our record of 75 attendees (2003 25th reunion). So how about it?

In a way, because of the May 2008 reunion and the May 2011 Reunion, why the need for this website for JRI High School- Orion Class of 1978. We have so many wonderful memories locked into our pictures, videos and especially in our hearts that need to be shared. Let this website unite us all wherever we maybe now. And with this website, let's revisit our high school memories and create new ones.