INCAT Batch 90 and The ARCH

Lunes, Setyembre 26, 2011

Amity in The ARCH – Part 1 “Friendship vs. Righteousness”

Perhaps the most challenging duty in the planning and execution of all the B90 activities is making decisions. It requires firmness and readiness in mitigating disappointment of others. Believe me; I even had difficulties in choosing the right words and composing my phrases in this write up. Decision making involves weighing of pros & cons by choosing between easy and difficult; cheap and expensive; fact and opinion; unique and common; and many other parameters. And most of the time, decision is based on the views of majority. But would it be acceptable to make a choice without gathering mass opinions. Others may disagree, but sometimes, implementing minority’s decision or even individual’s choice is a way of getting things done.

And the hardest part is choosing between friendship and righteousness. Maybe it is easy for most of us to say “righteousness”. But for those who have experienced to be in the line of fire; resiliency, strong conviction and willingness to sacrifice are most needed to yield to a rational choice. One once told me (si Kuya Jhun yun), “if your friend accepts whatever decision you make, then that person is a real friend”. So true, it is a true test if amity resides among us.

It wasn’t easy for us to facilitate the countless online discussions. A lot of opinions, various points of views, and numerous suggestions came out that we needed to put together. There were different phrases; but so funny, sometimes when you read between the lines, those phrases have the same meaning. We all came from the same province and school, graduated high school in the same year, maybe. But diversity of viewpoints existed because we now have different professions, interest; and since we are now in various locations, we are exposed to different cultures, ways of life and work environments. These conflicts of suggestions sometimes lead us to misunderstanding. But we needed to come up with our decision and we have a guiding principle that we can not really please everyone.

When Ericson Valencia introduced the call for pledges method, others misunderstood the concept. The method was online posting of donors’ names with their pledge amount and putting remark if the pledge has been paid. It wasn’t the popular decision but it’s our manner to get things going. Some thought it was just a way of showing the riches of donors by announcing the size of their contributions. But the real objective was to transparently monitor where we were in reaching the target and to acknowledge and verify if we well understood the donors’ intentions.

Another person that was misunderstood was Roque Quinto who actively participated during our call for pledges. He used loud and bold words that others thought he was boastful. But if we just open our minds and look at his manner of calling out in a positive point of view; it was his own means of challenging us to come out and bring what we’ve got for us to meet our target.

3rd Planning Meeting, October 16, 2010.
We came up with the needed budget. Call for pledge was immediately implemented

There were also instances that we needed to close the discussion and not to entertain further suggestions; this caused others to get upset. But putting conclusion to a topic will give us the chance to move forward and focus on other aspects of the activities. There are a lot of venues to apply those unaccounted late suggestions anyway.

Who gave the most meaningful contributions? Are those the cash and material donors, raffle tickets buyers or those who exerted labor efforts? It was another popular topic among others. My personal outlook: all contributors served the same purpose; that is to work together to reach the group’s goals and to turn plans to reality. And whatever decisions all of us made to show our support to every endeavor we had are most precious and appreciated.

4th Planning Meeting, November 20, 2010
Discussion was burning hell, but we came up with the initial strategy
for the project (The ARCH) execution.

Now that we learned from what we encountered, it will be easier for us next time to make our decisions and conclusions whenever we come across these situations again. What else will be complicated? It was earlier mentioned that perhaps the most difficult decision is to choose between friendship and righteousness. What if you trust someone and believe that this person (one who is being considered as family) will be with you from struggle all the way to success? And to find out that conflict of interest dwelt. Would you choose to preserve amity with that person? Or are you ready to sacrifice a long friendship. Well, for me, it will be less complicated this time. We have gained trust and supports. We succeeded in our endeavor no matter how difficult we went through. And we were able to prove what real amity is all about. It is about being together no matter what the situation we were into; about accepting judgments, not seeking for sympathy; about trying to look for positive edges, not to look for flaws. Personally, it was difficult to realize, but I once received a message saying, “True friends accept you at your worst, once they have seen you at your best”. And for Batch 90; together, we have seen and experienced the worst, which brought out our bests.

Launching of the "Let Us Build The ARCH" Raffle Draw, March 05, 2011.
Meeting after the launching. The group decided that Marcelle Martillano
be the overall construction supervisor.

Our reunion may not have been as remarkable as big university reunions. Our project may not have been as huge and costly as city buildings or land development or manufacturing facilities. But, personally, I have learned a lot more than combining all the lessons I learned in my entire career. It, indeed, takes a lot of guts to set aside emotions to be able to think rationally; and a load of courage to make a choice. And, yes, it wasn't easy to consider mitigating conflicts and alleviating others to get dismayed. And the most important lesson: I was able to learn by heart that “The amity in the middle of adversity is the best reward that makes us wealthy”. I believe all of us agree in that point of view.

Initial T-shirt design discussions:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=406955924503&set=a.105892294503.88452.735429503&type=1&theater

Call for pledge for the reunion budget:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=126428044079816&set=a.126262970762990.34231.100001378638166&type=1&theater

Miyerkules, Setyembre 14, 2011

My Confession of Devotion

Let’s take a break from The ARCH trivia. It’s my birthday and it’s all about me and B90 for now. I guess it’s time to make a confession and reveal the reason behind my devotion to INCAT Batch 90.

It has been a year since my first work day on my second trip for another project assignment. A year since I experienced a happy birthday that started with despair, having an earth-shaking argument, shouting with egoistic men at the project site; a year since I had my birthday away from my family.

It was heart breaking to leave my children for my project assignment. Considering that I gave up and almost did not complete my first trip. I accepted my assignment almost clueless on what to expect on the project and the people to work with. Lone traveler from my home office and was given only 2 hours overview about my assignment; and to find out that I had the most complicated project. It’s neither because of its size nor requirements but because of dealing with various cultures and people with work attitude issues. I even experienced gender discrimination and generalized impression on Pinays working in clubs. Exerting a lot of inner strengths in dealing with my daily activities at the site office, and by the end of each day, leave the office with tears falling. I lost 15lbs after 2 weeks due to emotional stress at work. I became sexy? Was it an advantage? No, it’s an unhealthy way to trim down.

Good thing there are online messaging systems where I can connect with my family and friends. And we had our newly formed social network account for INCAT Batch 90. I became close friends (yet geographically too far) with Ericson Valencia, he's a co-administrator of B90 social network account who’s equally addicted with the network, facebook. At least I have someone to yell at online, for kept on reminding me how boyish I was and that no boys would have the courage to come close to me during highschool days. Ericson Valencia, my “pre”, who never stopped annoying me like a school bully. Well, he has been so supportive with the B90 objectives, the one who initiated the call-for-pledge system, a good friend that I could tolerate no matter how irritating his antics were. He’s one of the few that I could tell how bad my day was (uuuyyyy, natuwa na naman si pre!).

After my first monthly trip, I came home last Sept 2, 2010 and never wanted to go back. I gave up and nobody could make me change my decision, not even our general manager. I didn’t care if I get fired. I did my usual routine at the office with less worries, spent quality time with kids, regulary visit my facebook account at night and add my highschool batchmates. I wanted a normal less stress life. I got more fascinated with FB and got aquianted again with my batchmates. Some didn’t recognize me because of my name. How did “Bernadette Natividad” become “Budge Aquino”? Oh, that’s a different story. For fewer introductions, I cropped my picture from the yearbook posted by B90 class president, appended my recent picture and, violah!, my transformation 20years after highschool graduation. Some of my B90 friends found it cool and asked me to make the same for them too, and wish granted. First was Razen, transformation form “Totoy to Tatay”; then Edmund Pellogo, from “Tuko to Tao” and few other B90 peeps. Pretty clever, I created one for each alumnus at a time with humorous captions and posted them in the B90 account under the album “Transformers”. That was September 6 of 2011 and the INCAT Batch 90 riot continued. Only few knew that I was behind chaos. I stayed quiet, enjoyed reading their hilarious comments, stories about highschool days, and how the Mirons made fun with the Beautinesses of B90. It was refreshing, good stress therapy that I somehow recovered from my depressing experience.

While I was enjoying my relaxed routine at work, at home and FB, the managers in our office were running out of time looking for someone to replace me in the project assignment that I walked-out with. And when I was totally refreshed, I remembered my pledge of commitment to the company that considers me as a member and not just an employee. So I took the risk and accepted the assignment once again and went back to the dreaded place last September 14, 2010. I reported to the site office the following day, my birthday. It was a day that started like the usual stressful day, but ended up so right. Gratefully, I have kids to lighten up my day and with our nightly conversation that ends with, “I love you, good night; sweet dreams, sleep tight”. And my family and friends who were always in-touched with me online, especially the B90 people with comments that I truly enjoyed reading.

I stayed discrete while I made fun with other B90 peeps by creating their transformer pictures. Until Jen Hoare got annoyed with some Mirons. Thanks God, it didn’t take long before she got truss with them again. But I was the one they blamed for creating the Transformer album. “Ibitin ng patiwarik ang may sala, bugbugin si Budge”. Whoah, whoah, whoah! They sounded like they were looking for war, so wish granted again. And the start of the battle between the mangkukulam (me) and the Mirons with members Jhun (terrorist with eyeliner and pink ribbon), Razen (kaway-reyna beauty queen wanna-be), and Eric (tarsier with pink lipstick). Mico Abad (moging), the best among the mirons never messed up with me, of course he's my bespren.

After a difficult day at work, no stress therapy can replace the sweet voices of my kids and good laughs with my FB family, Batch 90; B90 who gave me things to look forward to after office; B90 who entertained me every night during my 5 monthly trips to the place that I called dungeon. B90 who never knew the story that makes me say “Salamat Batch 90, ang kukulit at ang gugulo nyo!!!”.

The B90 People's Choice Awardee for
Best Trasformation Evah!!!! Vhonggah!

Now you all know the story behind my devotion to B90. Eric, Pre, di na lang ikaw nakakaalam ‘no!

This is just an introduction to more amity stories behind The ARCH.

More B90 Transformer pictures to enjoy:
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.116063028449651.31065.100001378638166&type=1
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.163935226995764.48824.100001378638166&type=1

Linggo, Setyembre 11, 2011

Competition to Collaboration

It was December 18, 2010 when the architect based in California started developing his gate concept with an engineer who was in Malaysia. Few days after, the first pass design illustration of the gate concept was posted online. It was viewed by other technical & non-technical individuals in the US, Canada, Asian and Middle East countries, who have eyes on arts and been asked to give comments. That gate is now constructed in the Philippines. Imagine those participants who are from various parts of the world gathered together online to come up with one common objective, and they are the alumni of INCAT Batch 90.

For some it is unthinkable for a concept champion to relay and let his idea turn to illustration by another designer who is the other side of the globe. And with other critics that are scattered around the world. Now that we’re in the age of information technology, it is not impossible anymore. We can now transfer and receive information in real time. There are many ways to communicate and stay connected with one another. So, ladies, don't ever believe when your man tells you that he lost his cellular phone as his excuse for not getting in-touch with you. Oh well, that is just in the side, let’s get back to what the real subject is. One other thing that surprised B90 alumni was on how that architect's idea was developed by a structural engineer and produce construction drawings with just a description; without any sketch, and done in just a short period of time. It is an illustration of the classic idiom "they speak the same language"; and a product of fruitful collaboration. And the real unthinkable is that how collaboration existed between them, whereas, jealousy started even before their high school days. How can that jealous engineer take comments and criticisms from her opponent that she envied for a long time?

Yes, I was jealous of Emmanuel Viray Jr. Whoops don't get me wrong, it's not because of a lady, I'm not what you think I am. I was so jealous that when I saw him in our drafting class in second year high school, I said out loud, "what is this guy doing here!". He wasn't been in that institution when we were in 1st year!! I just recently knew that he transferred from Manila. His parents wanted him to enroll in other university in Ilocos Norte but he insisted of having his highschool studies in INCAT. Fine, it is not my institution anyway, so why should I stop him.

Wondering why? Perhaps even Jhun Viray himself never realized. And to tell you about it; it started when we were in grade five. I joined an art competition with so much confident. I was the champion and representative of our district in the Laoag City division level. The subject: Mother and Child (uh, so easy!). Art style: Abstract (oh no, I'm dead!). I still did my best though, not looking at my competitors' work. I completed my art piece and submitted to the committee. On my way out of the room where we had the on-the-spot art competition, I saw a familiar face. He was my classmate in grade two, Jhun Viray. I wasn't even sure if he recognized me so I just smiled at him and took a glance at his art work. But that glance was followed by another glance, and then I couldn’t help but to stare at his work. My Lord, it is over! I still can clearly recall how amazing his work was; an elementary student made a piece of art which anyone would think that it was made by a professional. With my shoulders hunched I turned around and said, “It’s not my day”. I left without even waiting for the result ‘coz I knew how it would turn-out.

Thankfully, I transferred from Shamrock ES to Gabaldon ES after grade two. Otherwise, with Jhun Viray as my competitor, I wouldn't have been in the division competition nor in the district level. Or not even the school representative. Second year high school, there he was again, surely, he would standout in our drafting class. And with my other brilliant drafting classmates, where would I be? I just said to myself, "someday I will show him that I am better than he is in other aspects". Hmm, I can dance and try to have a good projection, be as graceful and poised as possible; while he creates awkward movements and with distorted face while beating his drum set. Do I sound bitter?! I don't care!

With Julius Pascua

Jhun with distorted face

During the online design competition for our gate project, Jhun was one of my drafting classmates who I believe would give good design. But he suddenly became quiet from his usual active participation in our online discussions. So I sent him a message asking how he’s been doing and if he could share a design for the project. And there he was, enjoying the triumph of his favorite basketball team, San Francisco Giants. I envy his talent alright, and I believe that he absolutely can create a design that B90 will be proud of. We never had a project together since we started with our careers and I truly appreciate that he gave his trust on me with just a description, I will be able to put his idea to illustrations. Line by line, I carefully analyzed his words and study his thoughts. With his constant guidance and my acceptance to his criticisms, his imagination turned into illustration.

I believe that this is one of the guiding principles that were used in the project implementation of The ARCH. And we should use in our day to day activities. Being a follower doesn't always mean that one is weaker than the leader. It does not matter what level or position we are in an organization. We all have our unique strengths, talents and capabilities that we discover, identify and use where the organization needs.

Well used talents are deeply appreciated. INCAT Batch 90 is loaded with talented alumni that we never had to outsource almost everything we needed in our activities. The INCAT Batch 90 logo that denotes the alliance between the class alumni of 1990 and the institution they came from; designed by Arch. Davis Antonio who was awarded to be the best in our drafting class. I was surprised when I found out that Jonathan Tayamen is good in graphics illustration. He is a computer engineer okay, but never saw him make a good art work during high school. His talent, I would say later discovered, was used in creating the ad illustrations, souvenir designs and ticket layout. Another person who significantly shared the given talent was not in drafting class; those who designed stage set-up during highschool. Not even in the dressmaking class. Joel Dul-Loog, a well-known fashion designer in Ilocos Norte, artistically decorated the venue for the 90@20 event and the Unveiling. There is no doubt about the exceptional gift of Joriel Guerrero, who has numerous collections of paintings with various art styles. His collections will be included in the proposed B90 exhibit; where part of the proceeds will go to the B90 fund which will be used for the upcoming projects.

Davis Antonio's Design

The ARCH Souvenir Items; Layout by Jonathan Tayamen

Joel Dul-Loog's Design

Joriel Guerrero's Painting

These talented Batch 90 alumni, and more, are scattered around the globe and gathered together to unselfishly share their skills and knowledge. And no matter where we are, what we have been through, or if competition exists; as long as collaboration prevails in every step of the way, a team will succeed. For Batch 90, there was a pleasant transition from competition, collaboration to deeper amity among us.

Amity – one more noteworthy guiding principle further developed while turning illustration to reality. Amity in The ARCH; this is another write-up about INCAT Batch 90 and The ARCH to look forward to.

Linggo, Setyembre 4, 2011

B90 Made History

The ARCH - How did all begin? It took me sometime to complete this very first blog I made for this project. Dedicated to all the men and women behind the success of the project implementation; I could not hold my tears from falling while composing, recalling all that came to pass from the time we reunited with my highschool batchmates to the day we opened the "Gateway to Brilliance & Excellence".

It was July of 2010 when our class president Razen Estoy posted the INCAT Batch 90 yearbook online, the instrument that connected the alumni of B90 after 20 years. It was a very good chance for us to reminisce our high school days and to plan for our 20^th anniversary. We looked back at the past and remembered how our lives went through. Who was the girlfriend/boyfriend/crush of who and who? Who was the greatest bully, cutest, sexiest or smartest? What were the craziest things we did, and above all that, why our highschool years became so significant to our lives? For four years that we were nurtured with education; we eventually graduated in the Ilocos Norte College of Arts & Trades, last March 30, 1990. Geared with values and wisdom, we parted and engaged with different careers and interest. Unified after 20 years and with one common objective; that is to look back to our Alma Mater and give present to show our appreciation. It’s because we may not have been where we are now without INCAT.

Four major planning meetings and a lot of online discussions were taken place to complete the reunion activities and to come up with a project to be proud of; August when Ericson Valencia and Blandine Faye Mariano co-administered the class alumni’s newly created social network account. Same month that we had our 1^st planning meeting in preparation for the celebration entitled 90@20. During our 2^nd and 3^rd planning meeting the next two months, we settled our schedule of activities, objectives and budget. Using our social network, we immediately asked our alumni’s voluntary contribution to complete the budget. With determination, we gained support even from those who could not attend the event, and in just a month, we garnered more than the budget needed for our event. We generated around Php216,600, by merely asking for cash pledges of our batch mates.

Before our 4^th meeting last November, President Razen and his "first lady", Joel Dul-Loog, talked with the INCAT school head, Supt Eugenio Pedro, about our intention to donate a project as part of our 20^th year. And they agreed to undertake the improvement of the INCAT main gate. We came up with the idea to conduct an online design competition/discussion, and it was participated by engineers, architects, designers, artist and even non-technical persons of our alumni here and abroad. The objectives of the competition are to showcase talents being INCAT graduates, and to strengthen the bond amongst us.

December 28, 2010 was the big day, the 90@20 reunion and anniversary celebration of our class. With constant reminders using our social network account, text messages and Joy Nagasangan's assistance through her call center, we had a good number of attendees. A little more than a hundred alumni and almost all the faculty members headed by Supt Pedro were there to witness and be part of the event. The class affair started with a mass, followed by a motorcade then the program proper. Talents of INCAT who are members of the famous Laoag Gymnastics club showed up their abilities and opened the program with a dance production number. We heard words of wisdom from our mentors, Supt Pedro and the top favorite teacher of the class, Ms Richelle Blanco-Dejolde. Our class president also gave his word of gratitude to our mentors. The highlight of the event was the presentation of the designs as product of our online competition, and there were 6 entries presented. The entries of Davis Antonio, Venus Asencion-Tan, Roque Quinto, Emil Doloroso and two entries from Emmanuel “Jhun” Viray. His 1^st entry was a design to improve the gate. And the 2^nd was a design to completely change the gate, an expressionist concept which was most admired by the attendees.

90@20 After the Motorcade

With the Mentors

With deep inspiration that Jhun Viray had, he stated, “As the Architect of "The ARCH" of INCAT, the task was extremely difficult and some thought, impossible. We sought to replace an already iconic structure of our beloved institution. Building a new one might change some behaviors or somewhat change other people's lives. But this school taught me to be responsible enough to understand how a good design could help improve the daily lives of the users and the beneficiaries. And as a designer, I have goals and took this project too personal, it's all about me being different. And something I have made a personal philosophy and which I endeavor to live by. My goals and my concept in this project were clear and very honest. I wanted something meaningful and full of character. Something that should make positive community impact and should help our alma mater build a more sustainable and equitable future. I wanted something unique and to be proud of by everyone connected in this institution. And meeting all these goals in one stand is I believe makes this structure iconic. A true icon, frankly because, it is a perfect statement to prove that brilliance and excellence endures in the institution.”

It is fun and challenging to work with an architect like Jhun Viray. It started when we were developing his concept to come up with good design of gate. The first design challenge was to put his concept to illustration using merely a description that goes:

Sa left side column, a two storey high tower, on top is the logo. Baseline dimension of the tower should be around 3ft front x 5ft side. At sa taas is 1.5ft x 2.5ft. Rectangular both ends. Parang patulis ang porma nya..
Now, the Arch is the logo itself, but not the whole thing. Part of it starts (leaning) at the tower to the ground (should end where the right column at).. We should have same span/opening as the existing.
As I could see, the arch starts at letter "C" of College (tower side), and ends between letters "TR" of Trades (ground level).
Sa arc ang nakasulat lang dapat eh, "College of Arts & Trades". Use the whole space you have.

Out of that description, we needed to make a design with the right proportion and using the right mixture of materials and colors. And out of that description, I had to interpret the message and the meaning of his concept. So, were my tasks easy? Not at all, but with Jhun's guidance; mission accomplished. The design of gate was established as he envisioned. Its compositions are:

The Gate – designed with Pythagorean Theorem which denotes analytical knowledge.

The Pavement – the paving block design along the driveway with a rising sun pattern leading to the school campus.

The Logo – it is on top of the tower, the highest point of the structure, INCAT being designated as the number one Center of Excellence in Information and Communications Technology in Region

The Tower – it represents the famous Tobacco Monopoly Tower which is a very well known structure here in Ilocos Norte.

The Arch – portion of the INCAT Logo, and denotes a rising sun which is the beginning of a day that signifies the start of a good future once enrolled in a school which is known to be “a hallmark of brilliance and excellence”.

The Signage – Where “College of Arts and Trades” is shown.

The formation of all the elements reveals the hidden initial “IN” which stands for Ilocos Norte (you’re probably wondering where it is in The Signage).

With the total reunion expenses of about Php146,600, we had remaining fund of Php70,000. Isn’t that nice, we’ve got initial budget for our project. Not even close to 20% of the amount needed. Being the most expensive (estimated cost of Php568,000) among the six designs, we started planning the project with a lot of doubts. Doubts like, “will we be able to raise the amount in just one time fund drive?”, “do we have enough resources?”, “the fund raising scheme is for Metro Manila only, and not applicable in Ilocos Norte!”, “we can not complete the project this year, let’s see if we can make it next year!”. But those were dominated by confidence and perseverance that made us believe that we can make things happen. Various fund raising schemes were suggested. Some were Tianggue, Run-for-a-cause with souvenir items to be distributed, Flea Market and Jonathan Tayamen’s slip-of-the-tongue suggestion, a classic raffle draw. And to his surprise, his accidental idea was chosen to be implemented. Then he was assigned to be the chairperson of the Raffle Draw. We produced 4000 tickets to be sold at Php100 each. Grand prize of Php40,000, 2^nd prize of Php20,000, 3^rd prize of Php10,000 and 5 consolation prizes worth Php2000.

With the pre-occupied minds of B90 alumni, nobody noticed the discussion page to name the project. The most significant and easy to recall portion of the gate came to my mind, The ARCH. This was later given deeper meaning by the master of comical acronyms, Razen Estoy. From his trademark of making non-sense acronyms, he created a sensible one; The ARCH became The Amity, Reliance, Competency & Hope.

After more than a month of planning and preparation, we launched the raffle draw during INCAT Foundation day last March 3, 2011. With the title, “Let Us Build the ARCH” Raffle Draw, the fundraising campaign was indeed a collective effort. For more than three hectic months of our fund drive, we wanted to make everyday productive, no wasted time. Thanks to President Razen who opened his mind and believe on the ideas we had for the fund raising. He patiently did a multi-tasking job, including the printing and cutting of tickets and coordination with local official for the raffle draw permit, with Joy Nagasangan’s assistance. Razen also managed to pacify whatever tantrums of his partner had (that would be me), and he stayed as calm as possible. We did a house-to-house distribution of tickets to some of our batchmates and mentors together with Joel Dul-loog, Julius Pascua, Arnel Viloria, Marcelle Martillano and Marcial Manuel.

"Let Us Build The ARCH" Raffle Draw Launching

Merit to the committee members and local area coordinators who willingly accept whatever responsibilities.

Joel Dul-loog with Charity Ruiz-Bucala’s guidance - for managing our finances and procuring the needs in every event
Jonathan Tayamen – with his artistic talent in laying out the tickets, ads & souvenir items and the chairperson of the raffle draw
Arnel Viloria, Elfin Dela Cruz, Joy Nagasangan, Sherrie Sina, Amalia Gallego, Erwin Ybanez and Janet Valentin – our Local Area Coordinators who helped us in the distribution of tickets.
Marcial Manuel and Alwyn Salvador – for all the technical needs; lights & sounds during in every event, information technology concerns
Dennis Alipio – our media relations coordinator who was always there for the video coverage of the activities.

Our alumni abroad were very supportive. We had our online purchase of tickets. We did not have to physically hand-over the tickets to the purchasers, all we needed is to assign ticket numbers to those who purchased online and the database of tickets can be accessed. Thanks to the external area coordinators: April Maltezo-Pascual & Marites Calderon-Balignasay of Hawaii; Venus Asencion-Tan & Roque Quinto of Las Vegas; Emmanuel Viray of California; Jenifer dela Cruz-Hoare & Glenn Matias of Canada; Vanie Ledesma Manzano of Honkong; Ericson Valencia, Ferdinand Layugan and Jeffrey Tomas of Middle East; and Edison Domingo of Singapore.

Exhausting, perhaps, but we had so much fun being online, yelling and asking for our batch mates’ assistance. Aside from their cash contributions, the cheerleaders of B90 helped and used their kabadingan factor in making the silent B90 observers come out. The cheerleading group is composed of Lea Dalere, Vanie Manzano, Blandine Mariano, Precy Libed, Roseville Badua, Jennifer Dela Cruz - Hoare, including the bading wanna-be’s Ericson Valencia, Ferdie Layugan, Roque Quinto, Mico Abad and Darwin Arquillo.

The initial date of raffle draw was 16^th of April 2011. Few weeks before the planned date, we still had to distribute more than 50% of the tickets that we produced. So then we moved the date to May 21, 2011. We didn’t want to spoil the excitement of our batchmates who spent their vacation in the Philippines and wanted to witness the raffle draw. Thus, we replaced the April 16 draw activity with “B90 Summer Chill-Out Episode 1 – Family Day”. And since it was intended for family; spouses and children of B90 alumni joined the fun. We had activities such as face paintings, crafting; “Create Your Own Alkansya”, and Beaver the Builder coloring. Beaver is B90 proposed mascot that will represent INCAT. The event concluded with a meeting, getting the alumni’s commitment to strive harder to reach the goal of the fund drive.

B90 Summer Chill-Out - Episode 1

Several days before the raffle draw, early part of May, when our class president announced his farewell as he needed to go to Norway for career progress. A person with courage accepted the responsibilities left by our president. She never had a doubt when we said that B90 will support her in all our activities. She is Liberty Rioteta-Cinco, our OIC President.

At the very same date that Razen flew to Norway, the raffle draw finally took place last May 21, 2011. Elfin Dela Cruz did a good job for being the alumni with most number of raffle tickets distributed and paid, total of 400pcs. Rhoda De Vera and Gerald Famorca, with 100tickets each, topped the line of the most number of tickets purchased. Having a zero production cost (except for the prizes, of course), the event was productive and successful. Though we did not attain the expected proceeds; we were able to change a person’s life. The grand prize winner was in need of cash for his medications. He didn’t know the delay of the raffle draw and he almost threw the claim stub away. Surprisingly, he won and he claimed his cash prize of Php40,000 with teary eyes.

Raffle Draw Day

It was May 23, two days after the raffle draw, when we started to implement the construction. With the available fund, about Php226,000, we were still 50% short of budget. This did not stop us from making progress. We decided not to include yet the pavement improvement to cut-off construction cost. We utilized all the resources we’ve got. The couples Rey and Sherrie Madamba allowed us to use their jackhammer for the demolition works. And Odilon Aguada lent his metal scaffoldings. We also found ways to meet the budget and some of which are the following; Rommel Constantino, 2^nd prize winner of raffle draw donated his P20,000 cash prize. Jeff Tomas’ wife, 3^rd prize winner gave half of her P10,000 cash prize. And we had a lot of cash donors. Gerald Famorca delivered steel materials without any mark-up and we saved up to 10% of the steel material cost. Galicano Cristobal, Jr. donated and he himself delivered 100% of the sand and gravel needed; Joriel Guerrero paid 50% of the bricks cost and some other material donors for the cement. These two gentlemen, who ended our search for contractors, accepted the implementation job and gave a lot of efforts to complete the project. Considering the marginal budget, they participated in the development of cost-saving ideas without affecting the quality of the structure. Steel works implementer, Odilon Aguada shared his idea that reduced 10% of the cost of steel works. Concrete & masonry works implementer and construction coordinator, Marcelle Martillano found ways that reduced 35% of the concrete works cost. These savings gave us the opportunity to put back in the scope the originally planned improvement of a portion of the pavement.

The ARCH - In-Progress

The projected completion of construction was before July 09, 2011, the planned ribbon cutting day. But with some dilemmas; unpredictable rains that interrupted the painting works and some construction quality issues; the project completion was delayed for two weeks, and the construction cost grew up. Thanks, however, to Marcelle Martillano who never ran out of ideas to deal with construction difficulties. I can’t remember when the last time I gave complement to local construction supervisors/coordinators was, but I can’t help but appreciate and say that he did a remarkable job.

Better late than never, so true, because we were able to meet the budget needed with the cash donations of the big hearted B90 donors who were late to join our social network, just few weeks before the planned project completion. And with additional Php5,000 that made the Php20,000 donation of Lizette Quebral who’s been always observant, supportive and first ever to give her share for the project. Considering our receding budget and the need to minimize expenses, B90 people are merely text messages away and they are always ready to lend their helping hands; for things such as mantel to cover the structure during paint works, Rosemarie Pascua and Oliver Andres responded. They are members of the solid and helpful Tropang Pluto of B90 headed by Hazel Juan and Gina Coloma.

Amounting to Php368,000, the project was completed. And with the materials donated plus the waived supervision fee of our construction coordinator, the total amount drawn from the B90 fund is Php 341,500.

Project construction might have been over but the online discussion never ceased. We needed to revisit the project slogan. One suggested that it should be in Ilocano. Most of contributors are based abroad, beating those who are staying here in Ilocos. They used words that only heard from our great grandparents. This gave us the idea to promote our dialect to the younger generations by posting all the Ilocano slogans inside the INCAT campus. Another witty idea, huh! Still in English, and thanks to the committee formed by Supt. Pedro who formulated the slogan out of the suggestions of B90 alumni. The project slogan “Gateway to Brilliance and Excellence” is in line with the school slogan “A Hallmark of Brilliance and Excellence”.

July 24, 2011 when the Batch 90 alumni once again convened for the unveiling and project turn-over. Attended by about 50 alumni, 25 INCAT staff & students who gave intermission number and two guests to cut the ribbon and bless the project, the event was indeed full of emotions. All the attendees admired the effort and strong will that Batch 90 had. Even the INCAT Alumni Association President, Atty. Jaime Agtang, our guest speaker who was asked to give inspirational message was the one who got inspired with the B90 achievement. He even requested us to accept him as honorary member of B90. After the project was blessed by Rev. Fr. Engelbert Elarmo the ribbon was cut, literally, with the bang of fireworks and The ARCH finally opened. The Laoag Gymnastic Club (INCAT students) performed with the gymnast wanna-be’s of B90, myself, Joel Dul-Loog my dancing partners during highschool, Julius Pascua & Jon Tayamen and, yes, even the used-to-be silent, Marcelle Martillano and the used-to-be bullies' favorite subject, Ceasar Andres. Lunch was served after the final production number. How could we afford to generously serve lunch to all the attendees despite of having an almost zero balance account? Again and again, with the unselfish alumni here and abroad who donated foods & drinks.

The Unveiling and Project Turn-Over

So proud to be part of the INCAT Batch 90 alumni, as we always say. Is it because of the leadership displayed by the officers? Or is it because of the support and trust that the members gave? It has been a never-ending “chicken ‘n egg” discussion of how we succeed. It’s a simple metaphor of reinforced concrete equals B90. What does concrete composed of? It is composed of materials that if we individually look into, they are nothing but ordinary and strength less substances:

Steel Reinforcement – hard but can not stand on its own; these are the officers of B90; tough as they seem to be, but need supports from others for them to succeed.

Gravel – lump but loose; create voids when grouped together, need sand to fill-in the voids. These are the area coordinators; they need their members to fill the gaps among them.

Sand – loose and fine granules; gravel and sand need cement to bind them together; these are the members of B90 who thought of themselves as small and who thought that their contributions may not have been significant, but they fill-in the spaces that make the group solid and more stable.

Cement – powdery, easy to be blown away by wind, need water to bind the particles together and turn into solid; these are the overall leaders, those who unite the group, lead everyone to one path, one objective.

Water – flimsy, turn into vapor when heated; these are the advisers/mentors of B90, like water in concrete, they do not have to be there throughout our lives but they played important role in bringing out the strengths inside us. And like water that is sprayed on to concrete surface until the full bond between all its substances is developed, they never leave us until they are confident that we can be on our own.

Putting all the materials together at the right proportion, combination and timing; a dependable, sturdy and reliable concrete structure is formed. Sounds like INCAT Batch 90, isn’t it?

There may be few who were reluctant to help, but there are heroes that we can count on. There maybe devils who said, “dream on, you can’t make it”, but there are angels saying, “We are here standing by to support you”. With all the struggles we had specially the inconvenience we experienced that delayed our project completion; The ARCH is not only a symbol of knowledge, hope and progress; The ARCH reminds us of how Batch 90 was united and stood still to uphold integrity and how we proved that perseverance and teamwork can make dreams come true. To those who purchased and distributed raffle tickets, to those who donated cash and materials, to those who responded every time we need help and to those who gave their time and efforts that no amount of money can match… Maraming maraming salamat po! We made it! Mabuhay ang Batch 90!!! Kudos INCAT!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wGzwAwEr_Y

Images provided by:
Marygrace Palting-Agcaoili and Jonathan Badua (Roseville Badua-Reales' brother)