Vivencio Cruz Jr. -- Batch 87's Best Buddy

This week's featured Batch 87 alumnus is arguably one, if not, the most famous student of our batch.  Jon, as he now goes by, is pretty known amongst his peers in and out of the campus.  With his trademark smile and his natural charm, he has undoubtedly left his own mark in the hearts of those who've seen him during his elementary heydays.  

Jon was one of the most noticeable figure within the campus during those days.  With his dedication to the S.S.P. brigade (Safety and Security Patrol), he sees to it that he comes in earlier than most students to make sure that someone takes care of the SSP duties before and after the flag ceremony.  He could also be best remembered for going around the school during breaks to check on rowdy students who normally play card games behind the school's water tank at the corner of the Primary School's building.

I have been given the privilege of asking Jon some questions for this feature article. Let's read his inputs on this week's article.

How are you now, two decades after graduating from MSES?

Jon: I am currently working as a resort manager at Dona Jovita Garden resort at Calamba, Laguna.  I obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology and  have previously stayed for 5years in Japan as an assistant restaurant team leader at the Konami Sports Club.

Do you think MSES helped in shaping up what you are today? How?

Jon:  Yes, the values and discipline during those days helped me to become a better person.

What's the fondest memory you have when you were still an MSES student? Why?

Jon:  Joining declamation contests and being a member of the book lover's club surely ranks high up there.

What was your initial reaction when you heard about the plan for our reunion?

Jon: I am pretty excited.  In fact, I am giving some of my free time to initiate meetings for the batch reunion.

Would you be attending our reunion?

Jon:   Of course!

If given the chance, which amongst our former teachers would you want to see in the reunion?

Jon: I would love the chance to meet Mrs. Umali (I-14) and Ms. Raymundo (II-2)

How significant do you think would this reunion be for our Alma matter?

Jon: There are lots of graduates from MSES but there are only a few who thinks about giving back something in return to the school who made us a better person and part of where we are right now.  

Pretty short but substantial answers from our batch's Casanova.  His last answer probably sums up what each and everyone of our batch is looking forward to in having this reunion.  A chance to give back something in return to the school who probably contributed the most if making us who we are right now. 

Thank you very much Jon for sparing some time with us on this questionnaire.  We are all looking forward to see you come April 7, 2012.

God bless on you and your family.

Batch 87's Pride 

Virgilio Peralta -- Batch 87's best orator and declamer bar none

Anyone who went to Magat Salamat Elementary School either as a student or as a teacher would have heard or known our first featured MSES Batch 87 alumnus.  For one, with his name being called upon probably the most number of times during flag ceremonies for varying citations and commendations, it’s going to be very difficult to understand how a true blue MSES person would fail to know him.

Virgilio, or Veo as how he's called by his friends, is probably one of the most notable figures during those years.  If I'm not mistaken, he won an oratorical contest representing Magat Salamat Elementary School in the regional level under the tutelage of Mrs. Ofelia Lacsamana.  He was instrumental in putting MSES in the regional map as one, if not the best, elementary school in Manila during those days.  

I have been given the privilege of asking Veoh some questions for this feature article.  Here are some of his thoughts about the coming MSES Silver Anniversary Homecoming.

How are you now, two decades after graduating from MSES?

Veo: My life has been action-packed and a bit melodramatic if you will. I've been married for more than a decade now and been blessed with a caring and beautiful wife and a sweet and talented daughter. I've tried different kinds of Jobs from being a fitness instructor to a Med Rep to Marketing and Sales Manager when I was still in Manila. I'm an English Teacher/entrepreneur for 11 years now here in Tokyo,Japan.

Do you think MSES helped in shaping up what you are today? How?

Veo: MSES was definitely a huge part of who I am right now. Like for most of us 2 decades ago, I didn't go to any nursery schools or Kindergartens, so MSES was definitely my first school. I remember it like it was yesterday, I was an active Member of the Book Lovers' Club, the Health Brigade, Journalism Club and the Red Triangle. Obviously my love for books was influenced by the Book Lovers' club, my deep interest in medicine sprung from my involvement with the Health Brigade, my strong desire to be heard was a result of my membership with the Journalism Club, and my passion for team building an charities were nurtured by the Red Triangle club. I just couldn't thank MSES enough.

What's the fondest memory you have when you were still an MSES student? Why?

Veo: I had lots of great memories, but if I had to choose one, it would be joining and winning lots of contests. Those contests made me realize that if you work hard and believe in yourself nothing can't be conquered. I learned about the importance of having just the right amount of confidence to be successful on life. Young as I was I realized that in life we would be faced with lots of contests and it was up to us whether we would end up in triumph, disaster or mixed. Once I was sent to a conference with kids from different schools both private and public. A lot of kids spoke English. They were so cool I thought so I decided that I would definitely speak English from then on.

What was your initial reaction when you heard about the plan for our reunion?

Veo: My initial reaction was one of excitement. I felt that it was about time we had a reunion. I'd love to see all of us once again 25 years later. I'm interested to hear stories in grade school, which I have and haven't heard before.. I want to go back to our campus and reminisce our younger years. But now I'm somehow worried if it'll materialize because it'll be a lot of work. I’m quite certain though that some batchmates will be there to make it happen. Much as I would like to be part of the organizing team it seems impossible at this point.

Would you be attending our reunion?

Veo: Are you kidding me? I wouldn't miss it for the whole world! This is our 25th Anniversary,man! It's the Father of all homecomings!

If given the chance, which amongst our former teachers would you want to see in the reunion?

Veo: I'd love to see Ms. Beth Lim, Ms. Formalejo, Ms. Sophia Perez, Mr. and Mrs. Lanot, Ms. Manuel-the nurse, Ms. Agustin-the Librarian, Ms. Tano, Ms. Astronomo, and others whose names escape me.

How significant do you think would this reunion be for our Alma matter?

Veo: I haven't the foggiest how significant it'll be for our alma mater, so the question should be how significant it'll be for me. To my mind, this homecoming will be as significant as revisiting a home you've been away from for so long. And just like a real home, I'm hoping to get some peace and quiet from my alma mater and give her something in return to remember me by.

Please include how many total medals you had during that spectacular year for you. I could remember 10 medals, right?

Veo: Ha ha! I got more but I don't remember what for. For being loud and nosey perhaps...

There you go folks.  A first-hand look on how one of our batchmates is looking at this EVENT.  To borrow from Veo's answer, this is going to be "the Father of all homecomings" specially at Magat Salamat.  

Thank you very much Veo for sparing some time with us on this questionnaire.  We are all looking forward to see you come April 7, 2012.

God bless on you and your family.