Konted's Make My Day: Seven Good Men

Seven Good Men

At an early age, being on time was stressed, time and again, by our parents and school authorities. I remember vividly in our grade school days, the big gates of the school were all closed the moment the national anthem was being sung: " Land of the morning, child of the sun returning....". Those who were still outside the school compound were considered late.

With some of the Capuchin Fathers pacing themselves back and forth at the area nearest the entrance, all latecomers were herded in one place and, in single file, were asked to report to the Dean of Discipline's Office. Mr. Navarro, with a tough facial expression, was the most feared school officer in our grade school days.

I remember clearly one school day, my friend Bobong Alorro reported late for class as he missed the flag ceremonies. Almost tiptoeing, Bobong went straight to the Dean's office. With a stern look, Mr. Navarro started the "grilling": "Why were you late, huh? " Scratching his head, Bobong answered: " Sir, I bought books...and plastic cover for the books."

With a pen in one hand, and seemingly gnashing his teeth, Mr. Navarro fired back: " Bought books? .....You can even buy the mountains of Taruc !! " And slammed the desk with the other hand. Grudgingly, the Dean issued a small yellow slip and placed a marginal note: Final Warning !!!!!!

Looking back, little did we know, in our simple ignorance, that it was all part of the school's values formation program. School authorities were inculcating the values, among others, of discipline and punctuality. The Capuchin Fathers, with Mr. Navarro at the forefront, were providing us with building blocks of character development. The school's system was partly anchored on the belief that positive values were reflected in our attitude and behavior.

With this as backdrop, seven good men of Class 62/66 met last Wednesday at Andy's place in New Manila. At the appointed time of 6:00 pm, they began trickling in: Ted Aquino, Francis Pacheco, Andy Jimenez, Ted Gener, Greg Calixto, Ed Dela Rosa and Capt. Ronnie Cunanan. They all came on time except for The Captain who sent a prior notice.

The meeting was called to finalize the details of the class mini reunion in December. With Ed Dela Rosa presiding, the date was set on December 9 at a restaurant near New Manila. That date was selected taking into consideration the arrival of Allan Alcobendas on Dec. 7 from New Jersey.

As the exchanges flowed freely and smoothly, we had our dinner of Kentucky Fried Chicken paired with Pancit Malabon. And when Andy began serving ice cold San Miguel Premium All Malt, flashback time began. And ended four hours later. When the rain was still pouring. When the night was getting deeper and darker. For that has always been the case when members of class 62/66 meet. Always !!

- Konted