Rodelia Adajar, Remedios Alcantara, Gilda Panganiban, Ancy Ravinera, Madamme X, Madame Y, Lualhati Tinumpit

Transitioning from adolescence to High School, early college thence family and motherhood came in small but prolonged burst for me.  High School was really uneventful, except for the Junior and Senior’s Prom, which I now vaguely remember if I attended same or not; the campaign for the student council, and at last graduation in 1963.

After High School, I attended Philippine Women’s University for a while, but eventually transferred to Stella Maris College, where I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science.  Immediately after graduation, I took the national board exam for certification as a social worker for which I was lucky enough to pass without a hitch.

Right after College, I transferred to Maryknoll College, where I worked as a secretary/receptionist for the President. 

I resigned this job after 9 years as I found it not challenging enough, and had no upward mobility.  Luckily Maryknoll has an Outreach Program, where I was appointed as a Liaison Director, and allowed me to apply and practice my profession as a social worker.  

Now let me talk about the part of “Ancilla Ravinera” that many of our classmates do not fully know!:

            “I took up social work because I really feel towards the Filipino masses.  I especially feel very close to the Filipino indigents and farmers, who are always taken advantaged of in our society.  These were not readily apparent from my activities in high school, but all these came out as I was studying social science in college.  We were always in the forefront of mass demonstrations, social radicalism, etc.

This was far removed from the Ancilla that everyone remembered.  The one who always like to shop, and has a very carefree attitude.  I remember liking to play badminton a lot, go swimming, and attend parties.

            Someday, perhaps, I might be able to go back to the Philippines and continue this struggle.

            For now, I am a mother, a housewife, and a co-owner of the Gonzalez household.  

 

Picture taken at Romy Abacan's place in Suisun.  Left to Right:  Romy Abacan, Maria-Cristina Ludovica-Maher, Ancilla Ravinera-Gonzalez, Florencia Flores-Tiu, Rey Gonzalez, Ruby Campo, Mariles Cacapit-Licerio, and Dexter Atizado

IF WE HOLD ON TOGETHER

Don't lose your way
With each passing day
You've come so far
Don't throw it away
Live believing
Dreams are for weaving
Wonders are waiting to start
Live your story
Faith, hope and glory
Hold to the truth in you heart
If we hold on together
I know our dreams will never die
Dreams see us through to forever
Where clouds roll by for you and I
Souls in the wind
Must learn how to bend
Seek out a star
Hold on to the end
Valley, mountain
There is a fountain
Washes our tears all away
Words are swaying
Somebody's praying
Please let us come home to stay
If we hold on together
I know our dreams will never die
Dreams see us through to forever
Where clouds roll by for you and I
When we are out there in the dark

Mr. X, Edward David, Henry Alvir, Bumbay Salcedo, Ancy Ravinera, Tina Ludovica, Florencia Flores, 2nd Row: Mr. Y, Dexter Atizado, Mr. Z, Jessie Ferre, Remigio Abacan, Rosalinda Casas, Felipe Pascua

We'll dream about the sun
In the dark we'll feel the light
Warm our hearts every one
If we hold on together
I know our dreams will never die
Dreams see us through to forever
As high as souls can fly
The clouds roll by for you and I...

Ancy and Dexter at our recent get together