They Weren’t Actually Free
@SIMPLYD (90722)
Philippines
May 24, 2017 3:06am CST
I have been posting about our high school batch’s activities before and after the grand alumni homecoming.
There were dinners every night from May 4 until the 7th. Though, for some lunches and dinners after that were courtesy of others.
Then, we also went to Sorsogon and did some charity works for a Home for the Aged. Going there, we rented two air-conditioned vans.
These weren’t actually free. We paid for all of them, by each of us members of our batch, giving the due of 3,000.00 pesos or $60.00.
Others from abroad, paid or even donated more like $100 or more, since 5 years ago or whenever they can. So, our standing fund before the contributions was already more than $3,000 already.
However, for some of our poor batchmates, we didn’t let them pay. We just want them to come. Our due of $60 each already covered for those who cannot afford to give the dues.
We were all in all , more than 80 plus actually. But only about 50 attended.
Our dues were worth it. We super enjoyed all our activities.
We will be doing them again after 5 years when our turn to be Sapphire Jubilarians come.
We are all hoping we still can dance well by that time. 
27 people like this
28 responses
@responsiveme (22926)
• India
24 May 17
You sure will be dancing...But keep up the practice
Nice to know everybody contributes for those who can't too
Nice to know everybody contributes for those who can't too4 people like this
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
24 May 17
We will try our best to be physically fit. In fact, one of us suggested that the very good dancer will be our coordinator by that time. And she said, yes but we should be starting yoga exercises as early as now and she will soon be sending us videos to follow.
Yes, it's always that way. We cover for others who cannot. That always happens also when we gather and have dinner. 
Yes, it's always that way. We cover for others who cannot. That always happens also when we gather and have dinner. 3 people like this
@cacay1 (83223)
• Cagayan De Oro, Philippines
25 May 17
@responsiveme , Na, hahaha she surely does it everyday rehearsal,lols,
1 person likes this
@TiarasOceanView (70035)
• United States
24 May 17
This is very good that all pitch in to share the cost and so kind to let poorer people not have to pay..kindness.
3 people like this
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
25 May 17
That is true. We cannot be totally happy, if our other less fortunate batchmates cannot attend because they don't have the money to contribute. So the amount asked from each of us was to cover for those who cannot.
We were so happy when they attended and clapped and cheered for us when we danced on stage.
2 people like this
@cacay1 (83223)
• Cagayan De Oro, Philippines
25 May 17
@TiarasOceanView Those were very interesting and memorable nights.
3 people like this
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
25 May 17
Yes. Actually, a year when we will be the Ruby jubilarians, we already asked for donations from those fortunate ones. Then, we computed all expenses for each activities and for those who cannot share because they have less in life.
So all in all, the contributions still have lots of remaining funds after those activities. We plan to do another charity works again and this time the home for the less fortunate children.
1 person likes this
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@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
25 May 17
There are a lot of us who are really in good status of life. They donate a lot so everyone can come. We also contribute in order to help financially those less fortunate batchmates with regards their maintenance medicines. The doctors amongst us give them free medicines.
1 person likes this
@crossbones27 (48417)
• Mojave, California
25 May 17
Very nice, that is was not about the money, but enjoying the experience and learning.
1 person likes this
@cherigucchi (14879)
• Philippines
26 May 17
Its like to have fun with old friends and sometimes we do not care what it costs.
1 person likes this
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
26 May 17
That is true. We are after the fun that we will be having just eating, laughing and interacting with them.
@jobelbojel (34729)
• Philippines
25 May 17
It feels good to give back to the community by doing charity works. And I'm glad to know that you have a very understanding group not letting those who can't afford the contributions.
1 person likes this
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
26 May 17
Yes, it's so nice to be able to join charity works. 
I must say, our batch has the kindest and generous rich members. We always include our less fortunate ones in gatherings and not let them pay their share. We cover for their shares actually.
I must say, our batch has the kindest and generous rich members. We always include our less fortunate ones in gatherings and not let them pay their share. We cover for their shares actually.1 person likes this
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
26 May 17
Yes, they were in our mind when how much the contribution will be was computed. It included an amount for those who cannot afford the contribution, so they will just attend the homecoming.
So, we were so happy when we saw them on the day of the homecoming.
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
26 May 17
Oh yes, we really had a grand time being together during those 5 days.
Actually, the money we are told to contribute was estimated that much so those who can't afford will not be asked for it already, so they can just come.
So, we were so happy to see them attend too.
1 person likes this
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
25 May 17
I must say yes. I like dancing . I was a disco goer in my college days, together with my 3 girl barkadas.
That's why, even now, when I hear a danceable tune, i feel like dancing.
@rachz_kisses (3798)
• Philippines
5 Jun 17
It really is fun looking at your pictures. Sure lots of memories to be recalled after 5 years.
1 person likes this
@mythociate (21437)
• Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
24 May 17
That's what I didn't like about our high-school class's 10-year reunion (what is that, the 'cubic zirconia' reunion? the 'still just coal'-reunion?) since we're all supposed to be 'nearly settled-down young-mothers & -fathers (with steady, average-paying jobs),' all the meetings that week (except for the get-together at the school) were pay-to-enter shows & meals etc. 
1 person likes this
@crazyhorseladycx (39515)
• United States
24 May 17
that's so wonderful that the bounty 'f some can help the others attend such events. i agree, the memories made're well worth the funds spent.
1 person likes this
@vickyrose (2235)
• Cooma, Australia
25 May 17
I wish I could roundup my batchmates for a reunion. We aren't as united. All the best.
1 person likes this
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
25 May 17
Yes, there has to be someone patient to invite and search for all our former batchmates at FB and have a page solely for our batch.
That is how patient the one who initiated rounding up all my batchmates from all over the world through FB. Now, she's our beloved president. She's a doctor, yet have the patience to coordinate with all of us whenever we will have activities.
@chrissbergstrom (10767)
• Banks, Oregon
24 May 17
Sounds like alot of people were involved
1 person likes this
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
25 May 17
Yes, all our high school batchmates, who would like to join.
Others didn't attend because they have important matters to attend, living abroad already and cannot be reached as to where they are in the world. But still, we posted the video and pictures for them to see. They were so happy to see how enjoyable the occasion was.
1 person likes this
@acelawrites (19273)
• Philippines
24 May 17
You are still young, so you can dance five years from now! Your outreach project is very nice!
Your outreach project is very nice!1 person likes this
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
25 May 17
Thank you, we really include outreach activities.
Yes, we can still dance by then.
Those jubilarians ahead of us 5 and 10 years danced so well at the stage,. Although the diamond jubilarians which is 15 years ahead of us, have their choreographer dancing below the stage , for them to follow. he he he
Those jubilarians ahead of us 5 and 10 years danced so well at the stage,. Although the diamond jubilarians which is 15 years ahead of us, have their choreographer dancing below the stage , for them to follow. he he he
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
25 May 17
Oh no! If that will the case, i would rather not dance anymore.
Though I am sure, we still can dance as well as now, 5 years from now.
Our batch will be starting to do Yoga soon as instructed by our chosen coordinator for our next jubilarian year - Sapphire, five years from now. That's to condition our bodies so we can still dance well 5 years from now.
Though I am sure, we still can dance as well as now, 5 years from now.
Our batch will be starting to do Yoga soon as instructed by our chosen coordinator for our next jubilarian year - Sapphire, five years from now. That's to condition our bodies so we can still dance well 5 years from now.1 person likes this
