The Santa High School Batch 1977 Alumni Association (SHS’77AA) Inc. NEWS: KALAPAW77

It started out as a vacant lot across the public cemetery along the national road at Barangay Magsaysay. To say the least, it was an eyesore. It was an unwilling open dumpsite for garbage. It was however bounded by a breathtaking view of sea and sand on the west and, and despite the presence of the public cemetery, the imposing parade of the captivating range and rolling hills of Mount Tetris de Santa on the East. It was a challenge not to be missed. It would be a shame not to accept the challenge.

Events began to unfold when the Santa High School Batch 1977 Alumni Association (SHS’77AA) Inc. president Mon C. Balallo and Manding G. Toloentino, SHS’77AAI auditor and Barangay Captain of Magsaysay District inquired about the ownership of the lot. Soon thereafter, researches and communications with the property owner and/or the authorized caretaker ensued and the results were satisfactory. With the assurance given by the lot owner through her duly-appointed caretaker, a clean-up drive was conducted in the first week of July 2012 and a tree-planting activity followed in 15 July 2012.

Then a greater task presents itself: to construct a “bahay-kubo” at the cleared site to serve as home-base of the Santa High School Batch 1977 Alumni Association (SHS’77AA) Inc. With funds sourced out from donations from members, association president Mon C. Balallo initially allotted Php30,000.00 for the project.

Construction began in the first days of August amidst the seasonal monsoon rains. Manpower was provided by member-volunteers Godofredo Aquino, Benito Cabosura, Jessie Bello, Antonio Tejada, Charles Cabe, Abe Balderama, Antonio Vergara and Manding Tolentino. At times, other association members were on-hand to either prepare snacks or cook hot meals for the volunteers. The association also secured the services of Raymund Vergara to be the caretaker of the property.

After two months since the clean-up drive in July and approximately Php80,000.00 worth of expenditures, the month of August ended with the completion of a “bahay-kubo” with an approximate area of six (6) by Seven (7) square meters to serve as the home-base of the Santa High School Batch 1977 Alumni Association (SHS’77AA) Inc. We have given birth to the KALAPAW77. It was time to prepare for its blessing.

- - -

In the recent Unang Anni festivity which was the first anniversary celebration of the Santa High School Batch 1977 Alumni Association (SHS’77AA) Inc. last 8 September 2012, the first-in-line activity in the celebration is the blessing of the Kalapaw77. This was led by Association president Mon. C. Balallo and Association vice-president Zeny L. Buenavista together with members who came in from Manila and those who are permanently-based in Santa. His Reverence Fr. Arthur Amian, parish priest of St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish Church in Santa, Ilocos Sur officiated the ceremonies.