SJA Batch 1964: Returning Home For A Cause

SJA Batch 1964. Returning home for a cause.

Taga Ibaan Ako

January 3, 2009. Saint James The Greater's herd held clock's arms to stand still for a while. His long lost flock of faithfuls who went on looking for greener pasteur out in the world's open field just felt the gushing need to satisfy their sense of belongingness. A big part of them missed home.Terribly. And on that blessed day, starting it out with a Holy Mass celebration, Santiago's faithfuls returned to each other's arms. Not just to re-live the old days. SJA Batch 1964 returned home...for a cause.

Baskets and plastics full of goods for chosen
Ibaan families.

Months before, some of them tried to tie thread's loose ends. Deciding and agreeing it's high time to share life back with everyone, the group, led by Ina Caringal,  made an initial attempt in 2008 to pull them back to where they came from -like mighty kites out in the open sky closer to each other. There were only few who heed the call. But hope was kept intact. In the spirit of camaraderie and brotherhood, they didn't gave up. Instead of crying a river, the group aggressively tried even harder to find others. And like dominoes falling into one place, 40 of God's beautiful creations of 1964 , together with their family, graced the reunion.

Boxes of biscuits for
distribution.

The reunion was supposedly created to hear each other's story after almost 45 years. Some of them left the country. Some of them stayed behind. There were those who have craved their names in chosen field of career. Others have bested every endeavors they got their head and hands on. All of them has made an impact, no matter how big or small, in local and international community in their own rights and ways.

Sharing the Batch 1964 blessings.

They could have written a book for themselves. But the reunion was not intended for counting feathers and laurels they've collected throughout their lives. The reunion was never for them. There's far more reasons for the reunion. Everyone came with one hand embracing and reaching out with the returnees, and a basket of food on the other for selected less fortunate Ibaan families.

Some of Ibaan's beautiful people
with beautiful soul.

They haven't grown old that
much to play things right.

Branding a genuine concern for fellow Ibaenos, SJA Batch 1964 flocked together to share their blessings with others. The Batch chose four (4) beneficiary families each of Ibaan's 26 barangays. They were given baskets over flowing with goods and other snacks. This might not cost that much, but the Ibaenos' attitude and character of taking others under one's wing is more than enough to put them in the spot light.

Going around the golden 1964 circle of life.

SJA Batch 1964's novelty does not come any closer to a bush fire. For in January 8 - 9, 2012, plans of greater heights that will benefit more of Ibaan are already on their calendar. Next year, in God's willing and with the hope of getting unwavering commitments from more of their batch mates, they intend to donate computer sets to public schools. Aside from food baskets, they believe computers can provide more lasting positive impact on the lives of the youth with whom Ibaan banks its future.

Some of SJA Batch 1964's fine ladies.

In 2012, Saint James The Greater will again see the people He has reared for a long time. Physical distance might have brought them far from reach of His greatness. But the fact that they were a Jamesian and an Ibaeno by blood since time immemorial, they'll keep on coming back. No matter how near or far they may be. And in 2014, everyone will be laden with golden memories. And again, that is what we intend to write more about.

(Special thanks to Mr. Bart Semira for the photos and information.)

See link below for photo-video of the reunion.
http://on.fb.me/ifed1J