(FROM THE BOOK FOOTPRINTS, CLASS ’64 BY Atty. Amadeo R. Fulgado)
The boys on the front row, unlike those in the back, were altogether, looking proper as they sat statue-like at clear seeing distance from the tight-lipped sisters who occupied chairs hastily arranged in the altar.
On his turn to receive the empty diploma, Luisita hunchback and with a big bandage, received the wildest cheers.
Despite his stiff neck, Enrique Viray who sat on the first row, was most grateful to be among the lucky graduates. He knew that if his knowledge of the English language would be the gauge, he would surely not qualify. Not too long ago when someone ‘did his thing’ at the auditorium on the second floor causing spillage and complaints from the students on the ground floor below, he rather bravely and confidently, answered, “yes, sister” to the question of Sister Imelda, the Principal. To his astonishment, his auntie who was supporting his studies, was summoned and was, in his presence, informed of his admitted ‘misdemeanor’
Confused, he asked what mischief he was being charged about and the annoyed Principal reminded him of his earlier ‘confession’. Heavily perspiring and with redded face, he courageously asked; “What does ‘urinate’ mean sister?” Informed about the tagalog translation, he loudly proclaimed his innocence and, almost closed to tears, explained that he was merely aping familiarity with the word without really understanding it. His auntie knew that her nephew had committed no crime and joined Ike in pleading for mercy. On their way home, she repeatedly reminded Ike; “Huwag ka nang makapunta-punta dyan sa auditorium!”
The speeches were long although, on the whole, interesting. Hearing about their four years of ‘struggle’, Leon Tongohan remembered how pissed Mr. Samonte was in seeing him chew the popular vicks bubble gum during class hours. Caught once more following several warnings, he was strictly ordered: “idikit mo iyan sa bayag ng kampanang malaki sa latore. Te-tsekin ko iyan mamayang alas kuatro! and Thor Mariano was called to accompany Leon to assure compliance. On their way to the tower, Leon had second thoughts and tried to convince Thor on disobeying the order. The latter simply asked” Paano kung tsekin?” But there was really no need to check. During the ringing of the bells at Angelus that same night, the known, almost perfect resonance pf the big bell sounded broke, courtesy of Leon’s half-digested bubble gum!
Before long, the ceremony took a more familiar phase: the individual calling of graduates who will each receive their respective ‘diploma,’ take a practiced vow to the audience, and walk smilingly to their respective seats.
At the call of his name, Romeo delos Santos who occupied the middle of the third row immediately stood up and, on his way out to the narrow corridor, almost bumped Luisito Vidanes who was sporting a big bandage on his brow resulting from a freak, hilarious accident that occurred less than a week ago. Romy remembered it well.
It was the day of the final exams and a few unlucky ones who were not able to get their exam permits, either for financial or plain amnesia reasons, were merely ‘killing time’ at the gasoline station fronting the church patio, their favorite hang-out. Someone suggested getting the motorcycle of Bayani Reyta who, rather unusually for a kind guy with a moneyed father was among the unlucky group. In no time, the motorcycle was produced and each took his turn on the wheel. When it came to Romy’s turn, Luisito excitedly and eagerly rode as backrider. Confident of his skill, Romy drove the fine motorcycle all the way to Baras turning u-turn at the boundary, with Luisito clearly enjoying the thrill while holding on to the steel handle at the back. The road was rough and bumpy but Romy’s expert maneuverings successfully overcame the hazards and approaching the group at the gas station, he raised his right thumb to boast a triumphant run, only to be asked: “Nasaan si Luisito?”
Immediately turning his head back he saw no backrider. Gripped by primal fear, he raced back and saw Luisito seated at the deserted road, not far from the municipal cemetary, nursing a bloodied brow. Said Fykes at the station: “Ito na ang pinakamalaking bukol na nakita ko sa buong buhay ko!”
(Second of Three parts)
NOTE: The Class ’64 Graduates! is part of the book “FOOTPRINTS, Class ’64” written by Atty. Amadeo R. Fulgado, published in 2005.
