Vague Recollections of the Beginning of Northern Luzon Adventist Schools Alumni Association of America

Written by, Eunice Lapena-Arce

The class of 1959 planned for a class reunion and this happened sometime in 1988. The reunion was a success. We had a semi-formal banquet in Loma Linda, California.

The alumni who attended the reunion were all excited to see old friends and classmates. There were about 50 – 60 alumni who attended and a few came from Northern California and San Diego.

Everybody expressed their desire to form an Alumni Association. Pastor Juanito Afenir, Pastor Alsaybar and Mrs. Rose Atiga were invited along with their spouses. We made plans of organizing an association at that time but because everybody was too busy with work, this did not materialize not until three (3) years later. There were about 25 – 35 alumni who attended the meeting held at the residence of Dr. Celedonio Fernando. Pastor Juanito Afenir was elected as President but I am not sure of the Vice-President. I am not sure if it was Mr. Floro Martinez. Reuben Barboza was elected as Treasurer and I was elected Secretary. I cannot remember the rest of the elected officers. The alumni expressed their desire of getting the association going but after three (3) meetings, the association went to sleep.

After the General Conference meeting, a group decided to call for a meeting which was held at Dr. Celedonio Fernando’s residence. Pastor Petronilo Barayuga who attended the G.C. was in Los Angeles and they invited him to attend the meeting.

The following officers were elected:

Executive Council:
Dr. David R. Pulido – President
Dr. Elmer Bangloy – Senior Vice-President
Dr. Romulo Valdez – Vice-President, Finance & Special Projects
Aldine Jusay-Escara – Secretary
Eunice Lapena-Arce – Asso. Secretary
Floro Martinez – Treasurer
Fidel V. Ramos – Asso. Treasurer
Rose Dela Cruz-Atiga – PRO
Immeldo Mario Afenir – Asso. PRO

Board of Advisers:
Pastor Juanito Afenir
Pastor Ban Alsaybar
Pastor Vic Arreola I
Pastor Victor Cabansag
Dr. Celedonio Fernando
Dr. Demetrio Hechanova, Jr.
Pastor Benjamin Sanidad
Pastor Justin Tawatao

The first official NLASAAA convocation was held on November 11, 1995 at the Central Filipino Church of SDA at 777 Colrado Blvd, Los Angeles, California.