good memories that will truly last a lifetime. Thank you for leading the group and for keeping the fire strong, and active with a commitment for batch '83 to make a difference.


Back in Manila, I can say that we have a solid bond. We care for each other, deepened our camaraderie and we regularly do "kamustahan" activities. It is noteworthy to mention that even the husbands of Che and Corazon Olmedo are very supportive to our regular get-together, that we feel, they, too are part of batch '83. I hope that this kind of attitude will be radiated to other members here in Iloilo and abroad. I am just saddend by Pison's exodus to Canada. His lost is truly felt. We lost someone who is not just a big brother to us but his efforts for being our driver in our out-of-town escapades. OMG, Pison's voice over the phone brought back lots of memories.

I was given a chance to grab the microphone from Che Villanueva, and so I was able to speak my thoughts a little. Again, I would like to reiterate my claim.... that, we did not choose to be in batch '83, its not our choice to be in this batch. Its like, we didnt choose to be born (to be born is 1966 or 67). Come to think of it, of all the hundreds of thousands of incoming first year HS students in 1979, it is us who found our destiny with each other. It was us who became classmates/batchmates, and eventually survived all the tremenduous demands of HS life and become batch 83. I firmly believe that its God and destiny who put us here together and made us part of this society '83. We are sealed as batch '83, for life! Forever!

Im very proud to be a group of this elite circle of achievers. We are not challenged to do extraordinary things to happen but, we are asked to do ordinary things, extraordinarily well. In our own rights, we are incomparable and accomplished people/professionals although, there are things we need to reform so as to ensure closer bond in a spirit of transparency & acceptance.
*I appeal to those inactive members (for the entire batch,there are 50% of them) to go out and connect lives with us.
*I ask those who are silent and dormant for decades to visit our website
*I suggest to all batchmates to be informed of whats happening with us, our programs, projects
*I hope that we should be transparency and openness thru series of dialogues either our leaders, local chairs or post messages in our website.
*Be involved if there's an opportunity for brotherhood activities.
*Respect in all phases, at all times must be noted

Before I go, I am praying for all of us, our families, our batchmates who passed ahead of us....for our projects and future plans.

In parting, I thank all those international batchmates who gave financial support. Special mention are those in US, Dubai, Singapore, London, Australia, etc. I hope in the future, youll find time to visit us here, for more than the financial support, we long for your presence, smiles, hugs and stories told right before your lips. We miss you. You are always keep close in our hearts, remembered in our prayers, and in one with our hopes & endeavors.

For the Iloilo group, you are all great. I was not able to express my feelings last 08-08-08, but God knows how my heart is filled with bliss having seeing you all safe, healthy, happy and successful.

08-08-08 did not end in Anhawan, Iloilo. The lessons, worthy experiences, and joys it gave will lead us to a bigger, grander and more huge celebration in 2033.

And surely, we will all be there.

GOD BLESS AND PEACE!
OSY