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The younger batches avoid it like the plague. Perhaps because they do not need it — yet. After all, they are still pretty much in touch with chums from college days. But ask those for whom distance and destiny are barriers to ties of friendship and camaraderie — a reunion is always an event to look forward to.
Early this year, when Pinky, from Vancouver, excitedly e-mailed her sorority ka-batch about the planned joint reunion of Sigma Deltans and Upsilonians at Long Beach, California, in August 2008, no second thoughts about it — we decided we should go. It was a not-to-be-missed opportunity to meet each other again, decades after graduation, and renewing ties with best of friends in the Los Angeles area. Armed with the anticipation and hope of a joyous get-together, we packed our bags and left for LA.
While being in the event meant rearranging schedules weeks ahead, logging in more-than-the-usual working hours to deliver the deliverables (including this column!) and contending with the excruciating 16 or so flying hours to reach LA, it was definitely worth the trip. We had fun, food, frolic, music, wine and, most important, renewed friendships and established new ones, as well.
The event was a smashing success, judging from the satisfied look of the never-easy-to-please attendees and the determined organizers. Hats off to our indefatigable sis and brods based in the counties of Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego and San Bernardino: Bim Javier, Maribelle Catala, Gigi Arceo Javier, Joji Collas, Maribel Guevarra, Sonia Madsen, and so many other “sheroes” and heroes.
Over 350 Sigma Deltans and Upsilonians from all over the world congregated at the historic Queen Mary Hotel. Among them were creative icon Cota Deles Yabut, our much-loved ’73 batch Grand Archon; Ms Lyca Benitez Brown, who tirelessly drove us to San Pedro, a tourist destination known for their fresh seafood (how I wish our coastal areas can offer similar amenities); Behn Cervantes; Dong Javier; Tommy Firme; Ambassador Jess Yabes; Rosary Benitez; Evelyn Lee; Lena Lubi; Inez Sandejas; Evelyn Pangilinan; my ’73 batch mates Ida Vargas, Pem Banzuela, Annie Dee and Pinky Lim; our new “idol,” Lito Mijares (’73); and Ambassador to the US Willy Gaa, who delivered an inspiring speech during the Grand Ball.
The plenary gathering included the slide show on Upsilon Sigma Phi’s highly inspiring Gawad Kalinga project in Los Baños and Cota Yabut’s discussion of the various stage plays and musicale through the years and facilitation of an instant songwriting activity among the sorority sisters. Lyca Benitez Brown showed raw video footage of a documentary she is working on and which should be of great interest to all Filipinos when it is finally done. I cannot wait to see the finished product.
This writer did a short presentation on the state of the environment in the Philippines, including the Tañon Strait Protected Seascape oil-drilling controversy. I am overwhelmed by and am deeply grateful for the positive response and offers of help from my sis and brods in the challenging campaign to promote the conservation of rapidly vanishing resources and the protection of the ecosystem of this beautiful country of ours.
We also explored the Aquarium of the Pacific. It has a myriad of fascinating materials on the top ten issues confronting the marine world, such as climate change, habitat destruction and population explosion. Various species of colorful corals, marine resources and mangroves are seen through the glass. How lucky the people, especially the kids, are to be exposed to such wonderful learning avenues. Of course, my thoughts naturally gravitated to the children in our communities, especially in fishing villages, who have not seen the wealth (albeit dwindling) of our seas because of dire poverty and lack of education.
“Ala ala sa LA 2008” was a fitting theme coined by sis Melvin Hidalgo ’55. The acronym means “Ang Lahat Akapin, Ang Langit Akyatin, sa Lingkod Alipin.” As the website says (www.alaalasala.com), “Ala ala evokes memories of the past, the present and the future, just what reunions are all about.” Trust creative Sigma Deltans to come up with catchy themes, such as the past years’ “Sis in the City” and “Sisterhood at Hollywood” events. The Long Beach world reunion coincided with the 90th anniversary of Upsilon Sigma Phi, the oldest fraternity in Asia, and Sigma Delta Phi’s 75th year of stellar existence.
In this visit, I managed to look at LA from an environmental perspective. The astronomical cost of fuel dampened the people’s demand for gas and lessened traffic in the freeway and the streets — which is great, as it brings about cleaner air. Environmental awareness is a notch higher although many things can still be improved. Carpool lanes, pre-numbered and labeled garbage bins from the government, and recycling signage are visible, although waste segregation is still largely voluntary. Cloth bags meant to replace plastic bags are displayed in the malls. Even organic T-shirts and tops with eco slogans are being sold. More books and materials on saving the planet and green economy are in the shelves of bookstores. Stores are focusing more on green projects.
Still, California faces considerable challenges in attaining ecological sustainability. Just like Cebu, the transportation infrastructure is geared more for private vehicle use than for the public transport system. Amid the increasing requirements of a growing population and activities, there is likewise a looming water crisis since its principal water supply source, the Hoover Dam, is shared by two other states as well.
My “Ala ala sa LA” adventure was a memorable birthday gift from my family, who understood my need to be with dear friends who mean a lot to me. I had wonderful moments not just with my sis and brods but also with my best friends, Judith Lewis and her lovely family — Patrick, Natasha and Wayne — who allowed me to disturb their routine, and Yeyen and Rene Villamor, who introduced me to Vasco and Toby. All of them are happily living meaningful lives in LA.
Life has been great for me, too. I incessantly marvel at this rare privilege to be so blessed with the very best and supportive families and friends. To you all, I am doubly enriched and forever grateful. Mabuhay!
