SUMMER CARE by Grace Justiniano-Jabon

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Ever think about that adage involving something other than a father and son or mother and daughter concept? No? Then try looking at it this way...

It was a familiar scene. Picture this: a big gymnasium dotted with chairs and tables serving as medical and dental consultation posts, a line of people patiently waiting for their turn at the free services and, just outside a secluded area, a line of nervously fidgeting boys waiting for their turn to run the gauntlet into manhood (translation: circumcision). It was a typical medical mission site, one much like all the others I have been to these past few years.

On the surface, it appeared that the recipients of the April 16, 2005 outreach program were the only ones who gained from that day's activity. And they got the tangible evidence to show for it, like free consultation, tooth extraction, medications, etc. However, delving more deeply into it from my unique vantage point as an MS alumna made me see otherwise. I came to the enlightening, albeit belated, awareness that when I walked into that gym that humid summer morning, I had returned to where it all started for me - Manresa School. I guess that explains why my initial reaction to MSAA President Robert Gomez's call for volunteers for the medical mission was an instantaneous "count me in".

You see I've come to realize that, by exposing me some years back (please don't ask how many years ago!) as an MS student to charitable activities similar to that day's medical mission, Manresa School unwittingly armed me with the skills I would need later in life. The things I learned from outreach programs such as this one guided me, to an extent, with my career choice. It helped prepare me for my training in Family and Community Medicine, where I was immersed in the depressed communities around Manila in what seemed like a 3 ½ - year medical mission.

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Now you see what I mean. With a tree like Mother Candida and a sturdy branch like Manresa School, it's no surprise then that this apple not only landed near, but also rolled back home.

So present-day MS students, take note: Everything you learn from Manresa School will be of some use to you, if not now then in the future. Trust me on this.

Joanne and Bettina in London

Joanne together with her hubby Jay, sister Aissa and new brother-in-law Omar toured Spain and made a pitstop in London to visit Bettina Palpal-latoc- Walsh. I'm so jealous!

Open invitation to MS Class of 1985 20th Year Reunion

Manresa School Class of 1985 would like to announce that they are celebrating their 20 yr HS reunion this October 1,2005 inLAS VEGAS, NV. Their batch is extending an invitation to all Manresa School graduates to join them and attend the get together. It will be a cocktail-dance party. Everybody is welcome to bring their families. If you are interested, please email Catherine Rubio-Trillo at Cathystat@aol.com or call her at (661)965-5123. PLEASE HELP TO spread the word.