The revival of the U.P. Aguman Alumni Association began with a phone call from Cebu-based charter member Ernesto Mangune. He called me in January 2001 to initiate a networking effort on behalf of the alumni members. Apparently, he heard of my organizing and networking efforts with St. Scholatica's Academy's Class of 1973. 

Ernie wanted to get in touch with friends when he visits Manila but had no way of contacting people. There was no directory or even a semblance of an alumni organization. 

The task was quite daunting since it covers 28 years of Aguman. As one of the founding members of the organization, I feel a certain responsibility. 

The first organizational meeting was held March 3, 2001. A U.P. Aguman eGroup, up_aguman-alumni@yahoogroups.com, was created and the Aguman "manhunt" began. Calls were made and e-mails were sent to Aguman members across the globe to spread the news and plans of the alumni organization initiative. E-mail addresses and other data came pouring in. By the end of March, the Aguman eGroup had a total of 132 members (those with e-mail addresses only) -- and it is growing rapidly. 

Through the 1982 alumni directory provided by Renan del Rosario, I was able to sort out the members by batches and come up with the initial roster of members. Renan, with Edwin Dayrit, managed to keep links to members active. 

The roster of alumni members was completed swiftly through old-fashioned research and the wonders of new technology. There were old invitations, souvenir programs, resident files to peruse as well as recollections volunteered by members from all corners of the world. We were also able to contact the resident members in Diliman through their eGroup. 

The first U.P. Aguman Alumni Organizational Meeting was held March 3, 2001 at 11:30 a.m. at Max's Restaurant on Jupiter Street in Makati. 

Those who attended were Ernie Mangune, charter member; Marian Santos, charter member; Renan del Rosario, charter member; Marites Paras, charter member; Meliza Santos, charter member; Edwin Arceo, '74A; Celine Felix-Clemente, '74C; Chelo Vitug, '74C and Camille Gomez, '75A. 

The luncheon meeting was both fun and productive: