Emy Masigan-Mercado, a renowned portrait artist, was commissioned to paint President Corazon Aquino's portrait to be unveiled at an exhibit of the late president's paintings. Emy prepared three canvases interpreting Aquino's personality as a nature lover, artist, and political leader. The unveiling of the portrait of Aquino as a formidable leader in her symbolic yellow dress was well-received at the exhibit opening.

1. OCTOBER 2013
Emy Masigan-Mercado (HS-63) Paints Cory Aquino
During the opening night, Emy
was introduced to the
President of the Philippines.
He showed satisfaction and
delight, so overwhelmed that
he invited Emy to unveil the
portrait with him. Since an
artist never unveils his/her art
work, Emy politely declined
and said, " Please, give us the
honor, Mr. President."
Emilina
Masigan-Mercado
(HS-63) began painting at the
age of 3. She is a product of
the UP College of Architecture
& Fine Arts and California
College of Arts and Crafts. She
launched her career as an Art
my was commissioned to paint
Cory's portrait to be unveiled by her
son, President Benigno S. Aquino III, to
mark the opening of an exhibit dubbed,
"A Gift of Self." The show was all
about a very personal collection of
President Cory Aquino's paintings given
to family and friends. It was held on
July 29, 2013 at the Lobby Lounge of
the Manila Hotel.
Three canvases were prepared by Emy
to interpret the very special client. The
first canvas saw a quiet, serene face
covered with the flower blooms that
Cory loved to paint. The second canvas
illustrated Cory as an aproned artist,
deep in concentration, giving just a split
second to acknowledge one's presence.
The third portrait was a public figure, a
formidable leader attired in her
symbolic yellow dress. Behind her was
the world's golden map to indicate the
international fascination with "People
Power." It is this third painting that was
unveiled.
Contents:
1 l Cover Story
2 l From your Alumnae
Board
4 l Events
6 l Feature
8 l Centennial
Outstanding Alumnae
11 l From Across the Seas
14 l Snapshots
15 l Our E-mail
Connection
16 l Obituary
educator at the University of the Perhaps it is in Emy's characteristic
Philippines, PJJ of San Francisco, brushwork and adjusted relationship
National University, Temple Hills of colors that her paintings open up
International School, and for 21 years and "breathe." Perhaps this is what
at the International School Manila. drew Malacanang and the exhibit’s
She also took up Drama courses at organizers led by Deedee Sytangco
the
Yale
University
and to choose Emy as Cory’s portraitist.
produced/directed several school
plays often using
her own stage,
costumes, props
and background
designs. This year,
Emy found herself
to be the force
behind CHS's Feb.3
Centennial Gala
presentation,
"Journey of a Hundred Left to right: Emy Masigan, President Noynoy Aquino, Balsy and Viel
Years.“
Aquino, Manny Pangilinan, Joey Lina and Deedee Sytanco
After retiring from teaching, Emy has
concentrated on portrait painting.
She uses colors and textures with
whimsical effects. Most of her
portraits are costumed men and
women revealing the subjects’
emotional character.
Perhaps they knew that through
Emy's art, President Corazon C.
Aquino will be lovingly
remembered.

2. 2
Now, More than Ever
By: Sabsy Sy-Palanca (HS-68)
Spirituality is not religiosity. It spells
who we are as persons. It is a statement
of what values we treasure and live by.
Spirituality defines our regard for God.
When He created us, He breathed His
life-giving Spirit to us. The Holy Spirit, dwelling in us,
speaks to us thru our conscience.
A workplace, on the other hand, can refer to homes,
businesses, schools, media, governmental organizations
(GOs), civil society organizations (CSOs), faith-based
organizations, environment, community and country.
With what is happening today, more than ever, there is a
need for everyone to revisit their sense of spirituality.
Furthermore, the call to bring spirituality into
workplaces must reverberate.
In the book ISQ: Living One’s Values in the Workplace,
which I wrote for the Bishops-Businessmen’s
Conference for Human Development, and, which was
published by Anvil Publishing in 2005, I crafted a
definition for workplace spirituality.
BOARD BONDING IN TAGAYTAY
Last July 20, 2013, the CHSAF Board and Sisters Victricia, Guada
and Cora, went for some bonding time at the Little Souls Sisters
Convent and had lunch at Maribel Cabrera's home in Tagaytay.
I said workplace spirituality is “talking the talk; walking
the talk; and, walking the walk”. We must say what values
we stand for; we must live them consistently; and, we
must stay faithful to these values even at great personal
costs.
In the book, I conjectured that workplace spirituality is
observable and measurable. I crafted the Institutional
Spirituality Quotient (ISQ), which I defined as the degree
of congruence between VVMOR and PSSPP.
I shared an observation that spirituality is a process, a state
of becoming, a journey. We should not get dismayed if we
do not achieve a perfect score. What is important is to stay
focused on the goal - a perfect score in Godliness.
ISQ: VVMOR = PSSPP. VVMOR stand for Values which
are universally cherished and which define our Vision.
Vision deepens our sense of Mission. Objectives make
alive our Vision and Mission. While Vision, Mission, and
Objectives are everyone’s concern, their upholding are
assigned to particular custodians. These custodians are
given Roles and are held accountable.
Continued on page 3
CELEBRATING BIRTHDAYS AT STRUMM’S
After a long Board meeting last August 3, 2013, July-Aug celebrants
Sabsy Palanca and Viqui del Rosario treated current and former Board
members Angie Madrid, Grace Mascenon, Menchu Padilla, Geepers
Pascual, Lahla Laforteza at Strumm's in Makati.
From Your Alumnae Board

3. 3
… continued from page 2
Now, More than Ever
PSSPP, on the other hand, stands for carefullydefined Policies which get implemented
consistently thru clear and clean Structures and
Systems. Structures are simple. Systems are
exhaustive and synergistic, not overlapping and
confusing. These Policies, Structures and
Systems are ingrained in life-giving Programs
and Processes.
ISQ: VVMOR = PSSPP. Integrity. Wholeness.
Spirituality. Godliness.
More than ever, we need workplace spirituality.
More than ever, we need God.
Let us start with ourselves. How faithful have we
been to our avowed values? How refreshed is the
Spirit dwelling in us?
On a scale of 1 – 5, 5 being the highest, what is
the ISQ quality of our relationship with our
families, our business partners, associates and
employees, our school co-workers and friends,
our media and/or government engagements,
advocacy work partners and supporters, our
Church pastors and faith companions? How will
we rate in environmental protection and ecosystem preservation? Most important, what will
be our rating in our care for the lost and the least.
Now, more than ever, we, the alumnae of the
College of the Holy Spirit, must witness to our
circles of influence Veritas et Caritate. Let us
release the Spirit in us, and, keep it ablaze!
From Your Alumnae Board

4. 4
CEAP Awards CHSM
CHSM's
100th Year
Celebration
This is the Plaque
of
Recognition
from the Catholic
Educational
Association of the
Philippines (CEAP)
awarded to the
College of the Holy
Spirit Manila "for
having dedicated
its whole school
community for 100
years to the realization of the evangelizing mission
of Catholic Education by giving witness to integrity
and dignity; faithfully integrating the Gospel values
in the curriculum; being steadfast in its
commitment to the holistic formation of the
Filipino youth entrusted to
its care."
The SVD concelebrators with Cardinal Tagle posing
outside the Paraclete Auditorium entrance.
The
centennial
mass on June 20,
2013 held at
CHSM was a
concelebrated
mass with His
Eminence
Luis
Antonio Cardinal
Tagle, as
the
main celebrant.
The plaque was received by Dr. Felina Co-Young,
President of CHSM during the CEAP 2013 National
Convention in Cebu City on Sept. 25-27, 2013.
ONE BRIGHT BLESSED NIGHT: A Nativity Collection
By: Gloria (Dodit) Ocampo-Reyes (HS-64)
t all began with a "Hummel" German
nativity set bought by my mother in a
quaint village along the Rhine river in
Germany, Bacharach. This nativity set was
always brought out for Christmas in our
ancestral home in Quiapo. This was
something she passed on to me and,
which found its niche in our family home
in Quezon City.
A dear friend, Gigi Carlos, happened to
host an open-house Christmas merienda
at her home where she had on display in
every nook and corner all kinds of nativity
sets from here and abroad...this somehow
opened my interest in this type of
collection.
Thus, almost half a decade of countless
adventures,
chance
encounters,
thoughtful gifts and pasalubongs from
friends and relatives led to this interesting
collection. Initially, this was for private
viewing only for visitors, guests, or during
Christmas gatherings at home.
Events
As a meaningful contribution to our
school's centenary closing and our
HS Class '64 Golden Jubilee, I am
very happy to be able to share this
nativity collection with the school
administration and staff, students,
and visitors from the surrounding
schools. This is being made possible
through a network of assistance,
both financial and professional,
which I will acknowledge during the
opening of the exhibit, scheduled on
November 15, 2013.
The provenance of the various sets
is
from
all
over
the
world: Australia, Canada, China,
Dominican Republic, El Salvador,
Estonia, Germany, Guatemala,
Italy, Japan, Mexico, Peru,
Philippines, Poland, Russia, Spain,
U.S.A.,
Venezuela,
and
Vietnam. The pieces are made of
bone china, wood, capiz shell,
bamboo, clay, eggshell, fabric, foil,
gourd, leather, paper, plant fiber,
polymer clay, resin, and other
materials.
Sizes are from
miniature thumb size to mediumsize heights.
Continued on page 6

5. 5
CHSAF Holds 2nd Family Bingo Bonding
By: Virginia (Benjo) P. Macaso (BSChem-63)
Wow, Tomorrow na!
Bingo Day - now na!
That was the spirited declaration of
the Bingo2 ticket holders on the eve
of the Family Bonding Bingo2 that was
scheduled on September 14. To
prepare for this big day, the
Committee met at the CHSAF office to
see to it that everything was at the
ready.
Colorful buntings at the Freinademetz
Hall
and walkways swayed and
danced as guests arrived. The bazaar
vendors came early to set up their
tables and display their goods. Tess
Llave had a good line-up of food and
non-food vendors that varied from
the Centennial DVDs, mementos, and
ladies’ accessories to quiches, pies,
and paella.
“Let’s roll up our sleeves,” Grace
Mascenon enjoined the committee
members. “Bring out the ladders,
spread and fill up the halls with
buntings,” she begged as she paused
from non-stop telephone calls to her
classmates to buy more bingo tickets
and
indeed
they
responded
positively to the delight of Grace.
“Please sort correctly and count the
cards carefully,” warned Angie Madrid
to the group of Riziel Fajutag-Icaro,
Cora Parco, Lorraine Sylianteng, and
Maribel Cabrera who, from piles of
color-coded
cards,
stapled
together
batches of ten cards
corresponding to one ticket.
“Label the prizes and line them
up properly” was Viqui del Rosario’s
reminder as she typed the list on her
computer. Crystal desk clock, leather
purse,
appliances,
boxes
of
chocolates, bottles of wine and many
more made up the array of gifts and
prizes donated by our alumnae. Final
check in the evening and the next
morning was …
Events
At 10 o’clock, Sister Victricia opened
the games with a short prayer. Sabsy
Palanca extended her warm welcome
and wishes of good luck followed by
the introduction of the CHSAF Board
of Directors.
Excitement was palpable as the first
bingo ball was drawn. All eyes were
fixed on the bingo cards. Loud silence
as the players waited nervously for
the much awaited winning ball to be
called. A shout of Bingo! from a
possible winner or winners broke the
silence. Sighs of disappointment,
applause,
jokes
and
laughter
followed. Raffle prizes were drawn in
between games while our scholars
hopped from table to table offering
tickets for sale.
After six games, the Bingo Master
announced, "Take a break and enjoy
your lunch," The players and guests
stood up and walked hurriedly to the
booths and feasted their eyes on the
scrumptious selection of dishes,
desserts, and drinks. Packs of meals
and goodies bought from the booths
were passed around to classmates and
volunteers, acts of endless generosity
from Ging Ong and Geepers Pascual.
The games resumed after a hearty
meal, and excitement grew again and
stronger as the game neared its
conclusion where the top prize of
P50,000 was waiting to be won. Black
out and Bingo! The prize was won by
Shirley Tubon and Cristalyn Ancla.
And finally it was time to say
goodbye.
Truly it was a day of
unalloyed happiness of meeting former
classmates, teachers, nuns and friends,
retracing the good old days while
walking through the corridors and
reminiscing moments once spent in
familiar rooms and places.
"In our hearts, you are all
winners. Thank you!" cheered the
scholars, the event's beneficiaries.
Kita-kits tayo next year.
Family Bingo Bonding2 Winners
Game 1 – Geepers Pascual, Dan Paolo Yema
Game 2 - Benjo Macaso, Vivian Yang, Cynthia
Soqueno
Game 3 - Tony Maronilla
Game 4 - Lahla Laforteza, Cristalyn Ancla
Game 5 - Francisco Soriano
Game 6 - Geepers Pascual, Milagros Lorete
Game 7 - Angelou Pabunan
Game 8 – Elsie Yang, Rubin Cesar
Game 9 - Cynthia Cheng Alejo, Illuminada
Payongayong
Game 10 - Shirley Tubon, Cristalyn Ancla

6. 6
An Exceptional Experience as a Portraitist
By: Emilina Masigan-Mercado (HS-63)
The organizers and producers of the "Gift of Self," an
exhibit of President Corazon C. Aquino’s personal
collection of her paintings, decided that in place of the
usual ribbon-cutting as an opening ceremony, the
unveiling of President Cory Aquino’s portrait would be
more appropriate. The exhibit was held on July 23, 2013
at the Lobby Lounge of the Manila Hotel, and it displayed
a precious collection of her paintings given as gifts to
family and friends during her lifetime.
Painting was her chosen mode of communication. Here,
she made nature’s beauty breathe and live.
When Deedee Sytangco, the exhibit’s organizer, asked
me to interpret in a portrait our loving president, I
literally got into a 24-hour coma. After the initial
catatonic state of " I-can't-believe-this"/"How-do-I-start,"
I went into a frenzied research on Cory Aquino.
I
prepared several canvasses and sketched with big arm
movements as ideas flowed through my brain. After a
week and dozens of studies, I spread out all the canvases
and picked out those illustrations that best convey her
personality, her
thoughts, and
her leadership.
From these three hats that
Cory wore, I derived my final
portraits of her: as a
nature lover, an artist, and a
dynamic political figure.
Alas, all of us
wear different
hats and Cory
Aquino is not
an exception. I
discovered that
she was at her
peaceful best when surrounded by nature, its trees, and
its blooms. This is where she would go for her spiritual
inspiration. Nature's beauty overwhelmed her. It was her
insatiable desire to share what nature conveys to her.
I could not take away the fact that Cory Aquino was our
formidable leader. She
took the world into an
international fascination
With "People Power" and
the return of democracy
to our country.
As my painting progressed I needed a third eye,
someone to give me feedback on her artworks. Who else
would know President Aquino but the people
themselves? So I invited my neighbors, the gardeners,
janitors, plumbers, guards, and domestic helpers to view
and critique my paintings. As they stared and analyzed,
behold, out of nowhere, an old gentle plumber moaned
with tears in his eyes and cried, "Ah, ang bait na pangulo
nating si Cory Aquino. Mahal ko siya.” He was staring at
the third painting of Cory in her symbolic yellow attire
with the golden map of the world behind her. Then I
knew I can be proud of the portraits.
I submitted the three portraits to the exhibitors. Cory's
family and the organizers decided to officially display
Cory's portrait in her yellow attire. I was asked to stand
beside President Benigno S. Aquino III as he unveiled the
portrait. Before he did, he looked at me with bright,
excited eyes and said the words which meant the world
to me . . . "Thank you!"
…continued from page 4
One Bright Blessed Night …
I have not yet gone - nor intend to, at
this point - to the life-size models as
these will be a nightmare to store!
May this exhibit somehow impart this
meaningful message to all who witness
it: then the exhibit will be well worth it
all!
It is my hope that these pieces will
elicit in the viewers' minds, spirits,
and hearts, not only appreciation for
what precious gifts the good Lord has
bestowed on the artists and makers,
but more importantly the mystery of
the Incarnation and the real message
behind the Christmas story... Christ
become man, to save us from eternal
damnation and to teach us all the
real meaning of what love is all
about.
Feature

7. 7
REMEMBERING “LA SENORA DE TORRES” … A TRIBUTE
Note – the announcement of the passing of
well-loved Spanish teacher, Milagros GomezTorres, that we sent to her former students,
brought a deluge of messages expressing their
appreciation for the good teacher that she
was; remembering sweet memories of long
ago, and conveying a deep gratitude for the
ways she touched their lives in meaningful
ways. Following are some excerpts from those
messages:
From: Angela Murillo-Grand-GuillaumePerrenoud (AB-76), Switzerland, October
5/13
I was her student when I took Spanish
class for two years. She was a strict
teacher but I had fun in her class with her
side stories and humor. She was also the
one who interviewed me as I was
applying as Freshman. I thought she was
pleasant and made me feel comfortable
during this interview. I was shocked, of
course, like the rest of the students, when
on the very first day of the Spanish
class she was very impersonal and started
laying down her rules. We all thought she
was a terror. But when we got to know
her, we found out that she was a warm
and
appreciative
teacher
who
commended without reservations when a
commendation was due. To get to her
good side, we had to be prepared for
class, have complete homework and keep
our notebook neat and with legible
handwriting.
She
inspected
our
notebooks! Even after graduating from
CHS, I had thoughts about her teaching
method and her style of dressing. I will
always associate the Spanish language
with Senora de Torres, as she called
herself.
From: Aurora Tan-Abanilla (BSC-63),
California, USA, October 5/13
"Miss Gomez" was our Spanish teacher
and I remember her as being both a terror
and a fun teacher. Eternal rest grant
unto her, O Lord.
From: Ma. Corazon Mendoza-Akol
(BSPhys-69), Quezon City, October 5/13
I was lucky to have had Ms. Gomez as my
teacher in all my Spanish subjects.
Although she was labeled as a 'Terror' I
found her a very nice and cheerful person,
strict but good and reasonable. She loved
the language and wanted us to appreciate
it. She taught with passion and dedication;
she abhorred mediocrity and exacted
excellence... and taught us more than
just the Spanish Language... she helped
mold our personalities in some way. In
life we meet hundreds of people, but
some stick out, influence us, and leave
a mark. Ms. Gomez was one such
person.
From: Emilia Ong-Co (ABC-68),
California, USA, October 5/13
I was one of her students. She was
my teacher in Spanish for about 3
years (first to third year).
I remember that this was also the
time when she went to Spain for
further studies and came back with
amazing stories. She was a lively and
enthusiastic teacher and had a
nickname
for
most
of
her
students. She was a great teacher
and a great person.
Lord, please welcome your daughter
Mila. May she rest in peace.
From: Agnes Santiago-Gutierrez (ABC68), California, USA, October 6/13
She was still Ms. Gomez when she
handled our class in Freshman
Spanish in 1963. She was strict, but
compassionate.
Personally, I
experienced her as being interested in
me as a person, and not just a number
in her class. I will definitely pray for
her.
From: Leonor Aldaba-Umali (U), New
York, USA, October 6/13
I had four semesters of Spanish with
her. On my last one (1974), I told her
that I was going to shift to BSNursing and will need to transfer to
St Paul's. She looked me in the eyes,
paused, and said "I think you will be a
very good nurse. Go ahead." Those
words meant so very much to me
because at that time I was not even
sure if I was making the right move.
(Since high school, I always wanted to
be a nurse but my parents thought
that I would be better off being an
accountant; so, I enrolled in ABCommerce.)
Now, almost 40 years later... I'm still
HAPPY working as an ER nurse here in
New York. Time and again, I will
remember Mrs. Torres and her kind
words to me (a confused teenager,
who was also hesitant to leave her
dear friends behind)... and gave me
additional strength to pursue what
was in my heart. Then when I think of
her kindness, I will also think of her,
saying, "OY! Silencio del cementerio!!"
whenever she asked us a question
and we did not know how to answer it
in Spanish... and that will put a smile
on my face. May she rest in eternal
love and peace with our Lord.
From: Emma Lim-Rodriguez (BSC-75),
Cubao, Quezon City, October 6/13
She was one of the few teachers I
really admired. She was demanding
(others called her a terror) but also
funny and affectionate.
Although I am still not good in
speaking Spanish, I was inspired to
make good in her class, just because
she had high expectations that we
should not take Spanish lightly.
I can still remember how happy I felt
when I got exempted from taking the
final exams in her subject.
She was always an ideal teacher to
me.
From: Merle A. Arizala (BSHE-64),
Angat Bulacan, October 6/13
Yes, she was my teacher in Spanish
and I hold her in high esteem. In fact
she was my favorite teacher. Had I
known it earlier I could have attended
the wake.
I have kept her in my prayers all these
years. Will say a special prayer for her
now.
Continued on page 15
Feature

8. 8
CENTENNIAL OUTSTANDING ALUMNAE
Continued from the July 2013 issue
Ana Maria Aceveda-Bacudio
BSMT-83
(Humanitarian & Apostolic Service)
It
has been months since I
received an award as one of the
Outstanding Alumni of CHS but
up to now there is emptiness
and depression in me.
It is humbling and nice to be
recognized for your good deeds, but
sometimes it is depressing because I
don’t have the financial capability to
sustain my Dagdag Dunong Project at
San Andres Manila. Sometimes I tell
myself. . . If only I can sell and pawn
all these plaques, medals and
certificates, then I can feed 1,000
hungry children; purchase a van for a
mobile library; go to far-flung areas
where children do not know what a
storybook looks like nor have they
heard stories of Mariang Sinukuan,
Pilandok, Pagong at Matsing,
Langgam at Tipaklong, and many
others; renovate our Reading Center
with more books, tables, chairs, and
bookshelves for our weekly readalong activities.
Our Vision at Dagdag Dunong is to
develop a community with children
who are knowledgeable, love to read,
have
excellent
reading
comprehension with verbal and
listening skills, and have access to a
reading center. Our Mission is to
promote literacy through reading
advocacy
and
other
relevant
educational activities.
The establishment of the Dagdag
Dunong Reading Center is part of the
Millennium Development Goal No. 2
which is for all children to achieve
Universal Primary Education or to
complete a full course of primary
education. Education is one way of
improving the quality of life, and
elementary education.
Continued on Page 10
Lydia G. Tansinsin
HS-50
(Health and Science)
and the value of excellence which is
doing our best in all activities within
the scope of the situation on hand.
They emphasized to us to be true to
ourselves, to be trustworthy, to
uphold integrity, and to be charitable.
Their teaching was reinforced by the
education imparted to me during my
student days at the Holy Ghost
College, Manila (now, College of the
Holy Spirit, Manila).
I
thank Our Lord for the
success I have received and
experienced.
Our parents
inculcated in me, together with
my sisters and brothers, the
value of education
During breakfast time when the
family
members were gathered
together, it was time to exchange
views on what we have done or read
the previous day. For instance, since
we read the newspaper comics, my
father and we children tried to
predict what will happen to the
characters and the next action to be
presented in the next issue. This
was the training for our mental
capabilities especially in analyzing
the situation with the help of our
imagination and logic and was the
prelude to the complicated exercise
of our intellectual skills resulting in
improved
problem
definition,
research design, and problem
solving. On the other hand, my
mother who was not a comics
addict, made it a point that we did
not neglect our studies by
encouraging us to be strong,
determined, and committed in
Continued on Page 10
Feature

9. 9
CENTENNIAL OUTSTANDING ALUMNAE
Ma. Isabel Z. Cabrera
HS-64/BSChem-69
(Health and Science)
tHE
pursuit of primary
education was arduous for me
because of almost yearly school
transfers due to my father’s
numerous provincial “destinos.” In
1959, our family settled in the BIG
CITY and I got accepted in Grade 7
at the HGC. I left CHS in 1969, with a
degree in B.S. Chemistry.
Board-certified, I started my career
journey. While enthusiastic, I was
apprehensive over what awaited me
in the real world. As a chemist at the
Food and Nutrition Research
Institute-Department of Science and
Technology (FNRI-DOST), I was
involved in an ASEAN Research
project funded by US-AID. I felt
challenged by the agency’s mission,
“To fight malnutrition with accurate
and current information,” but was
taken aback to know that I was
going to handle RATS! For love of
the work that to me was God-given,
I learned to give my experimental
rats caressing strokes before
picking them up from their cages to
accurately weigh them, feed them,
and even to gently massage their
tails to obtain good blood samples.
The job also entailed statistical analysis
of data collected as well as submitting
write-ups of our studies’ results for
Terminal Reports and publication.
After some 5 years, I was promoted to
head the Metabolic Ward to do studies
on human subjects and subsequently
was sent as United Nations University
(UNU) Fellow for advanced training
and research on Hunger and Health,
with focus on protein requirement
studies on toddlers, at the Institute of
Nutrition of Central America and
Panama in Guatemala. I had qualms
about going. It meant being away from
the family and living in a non-English
speaking country. With prayers,
encouragement
of
colleagues,
coaxing of bosses and the blessings of
my parents, I accepted the fellowship.
In Guatemala, the basic Spanish I
learned in CHS helped me to get by.
The training was also in preparation
for the Philippines’ participation in a
multi-country coordinated research
program of the World Health
Organization (WHO) and UNU. Study
results were published and used worldwide by researchers doing protein
requirement studies. The book served
as basis for the review of
Recommended Dietary Allowances,
particularly for protein, in many
countries including our own. The
Recommended Energy and Nutrient
Intakes (RENI) is used by the
government as well as some private
sectors to assess and plan the food
consumption and adequacy of intakes
of individuals and populations, food
labeling, food production targets, and
food fortification. The Philippines thru
the FNRI also led the harmonization of
recommended dietary allowances for
Southeast Asia, where I served as
Secretariat. In 2002, I join the
WHO/FAO (Food and Agriculture)/UNU
Expert Consultation on Protein and
Amino Acid Requirements in Human
Nutrition in Geneva… a dream cometrue.
A lot of academic preparations had
gone into the fulfillment of my
career goals. I pursued M.S. Nutrition
while working and struggled to
balance work and care of my aging
parents. Knowing well how my Papa
regarded work as a sacred
obligation, I presented my paper on
“Harmonization of RDAs in the
Southeast Asian Region” in 1999 in
Korea, when Papa was in the ICU and
joined an FAO/WHO/UNU Expert
Consultation meeting in Geneva in
2002 when he was very close to
dying. Emboldened by work ethic
that my Papa upheld, I whispered to
him, “Papa, I know you share my
pride and joy in being part of this
Expert Consultation Meeting to
which I am already committed … so
please wait for me.” Indeed, our
Faithful God allowed Papa to wait for
my return. Two days after I arrived
from Geneva, he breathed his last.
In 2006, I retired seven years short of
65, to supervise and care for my
mother who was then over 14 years
wheelchair-borne for brain stroke. I
stayed with her practically 24/7 until
she passed away from urinary
bladder cancer.
Now retired, I continue to find my
hands full. I serve FNRI as
Consultant, and happily serve as
Member of the Board of the CHS
Alumnae Foundation. It is a welcome
chance to give a form of “pay-back”
to CHS for the education that has so
much influenced my work … my life!
Theoretically retired, for me WORK
has acquired an even higher meaning
- and a greater value, not only for
self-esteem, but more importantly
for the glory I may be able to render
my God…thru it!

10. 10
CENTENNIAL OUTSTANDING ALUMNAE
Lydia G. Tansinsin
Continued from Page 8
everything we do and if possible to
be leaders in our own right.
My mother had a very strong
character and was a calculated risk
taker. She was a business person.
In fact, she practiced local
outsourcing in her business of
making uniforms. She was good in
mathematics
and
could
do
computations fast without the help
of paper and pencil. My father was
the professional in the family
engaged in the practice of law. He
was very honest with his clients,
rich or poor, by telling them if he
thought their case would not
prosper if brought to the court. He
did this to save these clients from
unnecessary expenses and mental
anguish.
If possible he tried to
make the parties enter into a
compromise agreement so that
they could enjoy peace of mind and
early enjoyment of the items they
intended the court to decide.
In addition my parents told us that
the best inheritance they could give
us is our education and our sense of
good values which cannot be taken
from us by anybody except by Our
Lord.
Furthermore, they advised us to be
always on time for work and
appointments and always to
remember to give our best with
integrity and to be honest in our
dealings with people. They told us
to immediately resign if an
employer or supervisor makes us
perform illegal, immoral, and
irregular activities.
With such character building in our
home, I have carried the values
imparted to me by my parents in my
dealings with people especially in
my work place. Not only in my work
place but also in the professional
organizations where I have been a
member and an officer.
The WE, the Alumnae invites other centennial awardees to share their life’s ambitions and
motivations to serve as inspiration to others. Please send your email to kitanaslolita@aol.com
Ana Maria A. Bacudio
Continued from Page 8
Education is one way of improving
the quality of life, and elementary
education is vital to the attainment
of higher levels of study. Through
the establishment of the reading
center, children will be motivated to
read and study because the
environment is conducive to
learning.
In order to deliver the global promise
to provide all children with quality
primary education by 2015, we took
the initiative to help these children
improve
their
reading
and
comprehension
skills
and
attentiveness in class. Children who
read early usually belong to the top
of their class because they fully
understand
their
lessons.
Developing the culture of reading
as a habit leads to better learning
and a better future.
Some books at the center were
damaged by the recent typhoon
Maring. More children are coming
not only to read but to feed. Some
already beg, others may go into
drugs if we do not act now. We
need more financial resources to
save them.
The award I received last Feb 2nd
is a humbling experience and just a
start of more responsibilities on
my shoulder. I believe that much is
required of those who were given
much and much is expected of
those who were entrusted much.
Please help me in doing the task that
the Lord wants me to do. I need more
resources to be able to do my mission
for the poor children of Singalong.
ana_bacudio@yahoo.com
Project Leader-Storyteller
Dagdag Dunong Project, San Andres
0932-880-8133.

11. CHSNAF
Centennial
Reunion /
Conference
October 2013
Las Vegas, Nevada
The College of the Holy Spirit
North America Foundation
(CHSNAF) is a non-profit
Foundation founded by and for
alumnae in North America to
help CHSM and other
worthwhile charities, and to
address the needs of alumnae.
Conference Program
Friday, October 18, 2013
Moderated by Violeta VergaraAlcantara, HS-74; Invocation by Ilo
Echeverria-Wallenstein,
HS-65,
ABC-70, Executive Board Advisory
Committee Member; Welcome
address by Ellen Young-Gomez,
HS-68, CHSNAF President.
Conference topics are:
 “I don’t need God….I know how
to multi-task…” by Sr. Therese
Improgo, O.S.F.
Sr. Therese,
BSHE-60 is a Spiritual Director at
St. Clare’s Retreat Center, CA
 “Raising
your
Emotional
Intelligence… Fast Track to Inner
Peace and Happiness” by Ellen
Young-Gomez, a licensed Marriage
and Family Therapist; Mediator,
Los Angeles Superior Court
Concert
Conference Program
Saturday, October 19, 2013
 “Feathering the Empty Ne$$t”: Time
to Take Stock” by Jennifer Shydler,
Vice President, Wealth Management
Advisor, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner
& Smith
 “Strategies for Alumnae in North
America…on Retirement, on the
Philippines as Retirement Destination,
on Retirement Enriched by Purposeful
Giving” by Lina Suarez-Umali, HS-68,
CHSNAF Southwest Chapter President;
Principal & Actuary, RTU & Associates;
Board
Chairman,
People-HelpingPeople Foundation, International
To be shown is “Journey of 100 Years” –
the CHSM Centennial Presentation at
the Feb.3, 2013 Gala night.
Friday, 5:00 pm
Concert Emcee: Vivian Zalvidea
Araullo, HS-82
Performing Artists:
Additional Conference topics:
 ”State of the School Address &
Sustainability Projects” by Felina CoYoung, PhD, HS-65, BS Math-70,
CHSM President
 “Technology comes to CHSM:
Classroom Without Walls (CWOW) by
Victoria B. Cajipe, PhD, HS-73,
Senior Licensing Officer, Technology
Transfer Office, UC San Diego,
CWoW Founder
Ratification of Election Results and
Introduction of Incoming Board by
Ellen Young-Gomez
“I Pledge… We Pledge…” by Deanna
Go Bio, AB-58, BSCom-59
02:30 pm: Anticipated Mass
Molly Vivian Huang, BM-72
Carmen Dayrit-Padilla, HS-60
Linda Montesa-Pio Roda, HS-57
Socorro de Castro-Landsberg,
HS-67
Louie Reyes, HS-68, BM-72
Gala Dinner 6 pm
Entertainment Director: Louie
Reyes, HS-68, original member of
the Minstrels, Jazz Singer,
Multiple Award-winning Stage
Singer/Actress, Voice Coach
Emcee: Vivian Zalvidea Araullo,
HS-82, Award-winning Journalist,
Communications Consultant,
Independent Producer
Keynote Speaker:
His Excellency, Jose L. Cuisia,
Jr., Philippine Ambassador to
the U.S.A.
11

12. 12

13. 13

14. 14
HS-68 Visits the Ikebana Exhibit at Glorietta 4
Odelia Gregorio-Arroyo (HS-57), Ambassador of
the Sovereign Military Hospitaller, Order of St.
John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes, and of Malta,
recently presented her letters of credence to his
excellency, President Benigno Aquino.
From left to right: Susana Co, Sabsy
Palanca, Baby, Carmelita Roman,
Josefina Cacnio, Christina Fenix,
Lina Suarez, and Cynthia Perez.
The theme of the exhibit is
"Pilipino Artistry in Ikebana".
Christina Fenix-Abalos (HS-68)
used an unfinished fan from
Bicol Region with some flowers.
Project/Event, Payment and Contact Details
Appasionata Exhibit Opening Reception
Artists at the Appassionata exhibit opening. L-R:
Rosario Bitanga, Imelda Cajipe-Endaya with
Lenore R.S. Lim (via Skype), Susan FetalveroRoces, Deanna Ongpin-Recto, Cid Reyes and
Mav Rufino.
Spirit Ablaze for ONE BRIGHTER WORLD
Sabsy Palanca, CHSAF President (4th from
left) poses with next year’s golden jubilarians
HS-64 and planners for next year’s celebration.
Dodit Ocampo-Reyes, (3rd from left) of the
Golden
Jubilarian
is
the
Centenary
Homecoming chairperson. Flanking her (from
left) are program committee members Nellie
Lee-Alvarez and Enya Cruz-Ylagan, Charlyn
Alfonso-Cabañero, Jojie Garcia-Alfonso and
Maribel Cabrera.

15. 15
Our E-mail Connection
… continued from page 7
REMEMBERING “LA SENORA DE TORRES” …
(Ed.’s Note — This section contains messages/information
received through our e-mail address: chsaf.mla@gmail.com)
From: Elvira Ablaza-Sison (BSBio-72), Pasig City,
October 07/13
From: Lydia L. Tiosejo (HS-54/BSPharm-59), Oceanside,
California, USA, July 26/13:
She was not my Spanish teacher in college, but I got to
know her well when I joined the college faculty soon
after graduation. Tita Mila was a very strong
personality, and I recall that many people were
intimidated by her. However, what they didn't know
was that she was so funny, warm, and caring. God
bless her soul.
I am always so giddy and excited every time I receive a copy of
the “WE”. I read it page to page and won’t skip anything, even
the obituary. Interesting to look over this section, since I get to
know who is no longer with us.
Keep up with the news! And thank you all so very much for
your effort to keep the newspaper/bulletin going around for
every one to enjoy!
************
From: Ma. Victoria Pineda-Garchitorena (HS-60/BSPhys-64),
Makati City, August 22/13
Here’s a beautiful post from Maoi Arroyo, the adopted
daughter of Joker Arroyo. She has set up a tech company that
does a lot of work with the Philippine government and a
number of business clients. She teaches part time in AIM. She
posted this on Facebook:
Ninoy Aquino famously said: "the Filipino is worth dying for".
From: Ana Marie Arcenas-Sanchez (BSChem-68),
Pennsylvania, USA, October 9/13
Miss Gomez, as we knew her then, was one of my
beloved teachers and, later on, became my co-teacher
in CHS.
She was a disciplinarian inside the
classroom but a totally wholesome and joyful and
naughty person outside of the classroom. Thank you
very much, Tita Mila, for being a shining example
of a beloved teacher and a true friend to all
CHSians. We love you and we will truly miss you.
A Daughter Honors her Mother
By: Viqui del Rosario (HS-77)
I have always felt a profound sense of honor and gratitude.
There are so many problems here, but I'm willing to slog
through them. I just can't do it alone.
Lenore
R.S.
Lim’s
daughter, Marie Claire
Lim Moore, successfully
launched on September
17, 2013, at the
Philippine Center on
Fifth Avenue, New York,
her first book “Don’t
Forget the Soap.” As an
e-book, it became one
of Amazon’s hot new
releases and quickly
shot up to the number
one
spot
in
Amazon.com's
Parenting and AdultChild
Relationships
category.
Be good citizens. Pay *all* your taxes, even if only 0.01% will
get to others. Don't bribe gov't officials. If that minuscule
amount will only produce me, and all my imperfections,
imagine what we could be as a nation if we stamped out
corruption.
Marie Claire could have attributed Yale University for her
ascent up the corporate ladder and her success as one of
the top female bankers in global finance but instead credits
her achievements to none other than her own “fabulous
Filipina mother”, our fellow alumna, Lenore R.S. Lim.
"Lupang Hinrang" means "Our Chosen Land". Choose the
Philippines. Whatever the weather. Everyday.
************
Be part of our E-Mail Connection… be sure to check out our
newly-updated CHSAF Website at: http://chsaf.faithweb.com
Lenore in turn credits most of the values and lessons she
passed on to Marie Claire to “lessons she learned from my
parents and my school - HGC / CHS.”
I believe the Filipino is worth living for - and worth living
*here* for.
I got my MPhil degree from Cambridge and took classes at MIT
and Harvard Medical School. I can work anywhere, teach
anywhere, and make a lot more money.
I chose the Philippines.
I chose it because it chose me. Despite all the corruption,
Filipino taxpayers paid to care for me through DSWD when the
department gave support to the orphanage I was adopted
from. Your taxes paid for my education in Philippine Science
and UP Diliman, without which I would never have gotten a
scholarship to the UK.

16. 16
Prayers
Through our "Alumnae Prayer Community," let all of us, alumnaesisters, pause for a minute and storm heaven with our prayers for:
CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE WE, THE ALUMNAE
The WE, the Alumnae is a newspaper for and of HGC/CHS alumnae;
we would also like it to be a newspaper by HGC/CHS alumnae. Thus,
we welcome your contributions to the different sections of the WE, such
as ALUMNEWS (just got married, or had a baby, moved out of your
house or the country, got a new job, etc... share the news with us),
FEATURES (your memories of a classmate or a teacher; let us know your
insights about yourself, tell us about the lessons that you have learned
from life, your experiences, etc.), IN THE MAILBAG (drop us a line from
your travels or new home... share a friend’s or a teacher’s letter with us),
FAMILY TALK (send us your family picture and let us know all about
yourself and the VIPs in your life). Be a part of the WE... let it truly be
“your” newspaper.
- for Julius Labrador, the husband of Carmen Contreras-Labrador
(HS-57/BSC-61), who was recently diagnosed with a prostate
problem;
- for the healing of Jesusa Gabriel-Sison (HS-57);
- for favorable results re. diagnostic tests that she is undergoing
and the complete healing of Rose Beatrix Cruz-Angeles, daughter
of Norma Lavina-Cruz (HS-50);
Send your contributions to: The CHS Alumnae Office, 163 E Mendiola,
- Alice Lorenzo-Kawachi (HS-55), that she may be able to sell her
Manila or e-mail to chsaf.mla@gmail.com
house In Caloocan soon; alumnae who are interested in looking into
this flood-free community can call her at 962-1588 or 0917-8394140;
For our HS-57 classmates/relatives:
- Forecita Lazo-Hoersh, grown quite weak as she battles cancer;
she is now confined in a hospital in Australia;
- Peggy Aquino-Jaeger who is suffering from severe alzheimers;
- Linda Guison-Miranda, who is getting better after undergoing
chemo for her lung cancer.
- the recovery of Lourdes Papa-Cruz (HS-55/BSHE-59), who was
Jul. 03 - Ramon Palma Gil, husband of Socorro Consunjirecently confined due to an acute asthma attack
Palma Gil (d) HS-63/BSFN-77;
Erratum: In the April issue of WE, a photo caption on Page 11
Send us your prayer requests and let our “Alumnae Prayer Community”
erroneously identified the alumna as Hidelisa Renee Jacinto-Lopez (AA37/ BSHE-39). The alumna on the photo is Modesta Barrios-de Arellano
gather through this section in his name for you. Call Riziel at Tel. No.
Jul. 10 - Juliana Carmen Desiderio-Villarealapologize for the error.
(HS-37). We (HS-51/CSC735-5986 or e-mail us at chsaf.mla@gmail.com
52/AB-54);
Obituary
Sep. 24 – Ignacia Rosas-Arcenal, 92, mother-in-law of
Adelaida Fabella-Arcenal (HS-55/CSS-56/BSHE-59);
Apr. 04 – Conchita F. Cosgayon, mother of Carmen C. de Arellano
Sep. 24 -of May Josephine S.Sp.S. (ETC-53/
(HS-62/ASS-64); EmiliaJul. 09 -C. ArriolaAbuel-Columna, mother Sr. Celerina (Elisa) Luz,
Conchita Elvira (HS-67); Haydee C.
BSEEd-65), sister of
Gabutina (HS-63/ AB-67/BSC-68); (HS-55); grandmother of Martha Belinda N.Olivia Luz (BSE-58); Sr. Celerina
C. Navoa
was a former teacher and principal at the grade
Jun. 12 - Atanacita Buencamino-Sinco (HS-49/BM-53);
Magcalas (AB-85);
school department of CHS during the seventies and
Jul. 03 - Marilyn Yu-Sumulong (AM-62/MT-63), who died of lung
early eighties;
cancer in Las Vegas, Nevada; she is the sister of Lynette Y.
Oct. sister of Sr. Gomez-Torres, faculty member of
Aug. 3 - Elisea Elvena (BSPharm-62),03 - Ms. MilagrosAncille,
Noche (d) MT-63/BM-65;
Jul. 03 - Ramon Palma Gil, S.Sp.S., former Consunji-Palma Gil
husband of Socorro president of CHSM; CHS Mendiola during the sixties up to the eighties,
teaching Spanish to freshmen and sophomore
(d) HS-63/BSFN-77
students;
Jul. 10 - Juliana Carmen Desiderio-Villareal (HS-51/CSC-52/AB-54);
Aug. 24 – Angelita Lucila Ty-Brabante (HS-65);
Oct. 05 - Celia Lim-Diy (HS-40), mother of Rosario D.
Jul. 09 - Elvira Abuel-Columna, mother of May Josephine C. Navoa
Gantioqui (HS-64), Corazon (+), HS-66, Ana Marie D.
(HS-55); grandmother of Martha Belinda N. Magcalas (AB-85);
Aug. 25 -sister of Sr. Ancille, S.Sp.S.,
Leticia Valenzuela-Anstey (HS-48), sister of D. Perez (HS-71/ABC-76),
Lirio (HS-67), Cynthia
Aug. 03 - Elisea Elvena (BSPharm-62),
Virginia Valenzuela-Manalac (HS-41), Elizabeth D. Ludovico (HS-76/AB-80), and Sandra D.
Lydia Valenzuelaformer president of CHSM;
Morales (HS-78/BFA-82)
Reyes (+), HS-45, Constancia Valenzuela-Niland (HS- ;
Aug. 03 – Diana U. De Mesa-Santamaria (BSHE-60);
Oct. 15 -Fabiana J. Patag,
52/CSS-54), and
Aug. 24 – Angelita Lucila Ty-Brabante (HS-65); Shirley Valenzuela-Alzar (BSC-56); mother-in-law of Celedonia
Padilla-Patag (HS-64)
Aug. 25 - Leticia Valenzuela-Anstey (HS-48), sister of Virginia
Valenzuela-Manalac (HS-41), Lydia Valenzuela-Reyes (+)
(HS-45), Constancia Valenzuela-Niland (HS-52/CSS-54),
and Shirley Valenzuela-Alzar (BSC-56);
Sep. 06 - Milagros Hernandez-Navarro (HS-64/AA-66), sister of
Ma. Teresa H. Garcia (HS-67);
Sep. 09 - Angelita Baizas-Alvendia (HS-63), sister of Editha B.
Custodio (HS-54);
Sep. 09 – Luis Jimenez, husband of Esperanza Sarthou-Jimenez
(HS-57/AB-61);
Sep. 18 – Noel McRae, brother of Marina M. Lugay (HS-57/
BSChem-61) and Lydia M. Woods (HS-64)
Sep. 21 - Jose L. Silva, husband of Eleanor Visaya-Silva (HS-64);
brother of Jesusa S. Rivera (HS-69/BSC-73) and Lourdes
(HS-77);
MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL FORM
I would like to renew my active membership to the CHS Alumnae
Foundation. Enclosed is my payment (cash/check) as follows:
_______P500.00/US$10.00 (One-year membership)
_______P1,000.00/US$20.00 (Two-year membership)
Name: ________________________________
Address: ______________________________
Tel. No. _______________________________
E-Mail Address: _________________________
Note: Pls. make your checks payable to: CHS ALUMNAE
FOUNDATION, INC. and mail c/o The Alumnae Office, 163 E.
Mendiola, Manila.