By Jose Guillermo – Sunday Punch
Notre Dame of Greater Manila (NDGM) in Caloocan marked its 61st founding anniversary from September 6-8, 2024. Originally established in 1963 by Rev. Fr. William P. McGrath, OMI, the school has evolved from its roots as an all-boys institution to become a thriving Catholic school community. As we celebrate more than six decades of education and service, I reflect on both the school’s legacy and its enduring impact on the lives of its students—past and present.
Back in my high school days from 1990 to 1994, the anniversary celebrations were a highlight of the year. Each club took pride in setting up booths and activities, but the dating and jail booths were always a crowd favorite. If you had a crush, you could get paired up at the dating booth—a lighthearted thrill for any teenager. The jail booth added an exciting twist, testing the loyalty of your friends as they bailed you out. You had to stay sharp to avoid capture, and there was always an adrenaline rush as you tried to outrun your would-be captors.
Carnival games were another big draw. I vividly remember playing “beto-beto,” tossing 25-centavo coins onto a board, hoping to win snacks or triple our money. It was harmless fun, not seen as gambling back then. The rides, though, were less appealing to me. The Octopus and Caterpillar rides left me with nausea, and my fear of heights kept me far from the Ferris wheel. Still, those memories—of laughter, friendship, and a sense of belonging—remain some of the fondest from my school years.
Fast forward to September 7, 2024—Alumni Day. This year’s celebrations welcomed graduates from various batches, with a special focus on the milestone years: 1974, 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994, 1999, 2004, and 2014. The day kicked off with a 10 a.m. Mass, followed by a recognition ceremony. It was a moment to honor these batch groups for their continued loyalty to NDGM, with the school director presenting certificates of recognition. A luncheon buffet followed, giving alumni the perfect opportunity to reminisce and reconnect.
Although I missed the morning events, photos shared in our batch chat made me wish I had arrived sooner. By the time I joined around 1 p.m., some of my batchmates from 1994 were still there, catching up over stories of our time at NDGM. Among the notable alumni was Gerry “Mr. Cool” Esplana from batch 1984, a former PBA player and Valenzuela councilor, and current Valenzuela Congressman Eric Martinez from batch 1989.
For me, the real highlight was the basketball games—a nostalgic throwback to the days when sports were the lifeblood of student life. Batch 1984 faced off against batch 1989 in a competitive match, with Gerry Esplana leading his team to a close game until the third quarter. However, despite his efforts, batch 1989 secured the win, leaving the court with a show of sportsmanship and camaraderie.
Then came our game—batch 1994 versus batch 1999. What started as a rocky 10-2 deficit for us quickly turned into a comeback, tying the score at 12 by the end of the first quarter. Joe Garcia led our team with 8 points, and by halftime, we were up by 4. Batch 1999, however, was relentless, and they fought back in the third quarter, leading to a 52-52 tie.
In the fourth quarter, batch 1999 pulled ahead, eventually gaining a 12-point lead. We cut it down to 6, but in the end, they proved too strong, finishing the game 71-60. Garcia led our team with 24 points, and though we didn’t win, the day wasn’t about the score—it was about reconnecting, reliving memories, and celebrating the brotherhood that NDGM fosters.
After the game, we gathered for drinks, sharing stories and laughs late into the night. While the school has changed in many ways since our time, the spirit of Notre Dame of Greater Manila remains the same—a place where friendships are built, and memories are made, year after year.
As NDGM celebrates its 61st anniversary, we are reminded of the legacy we are all a part of—a legacy rooted in faith, education, and community. Here’s to many more years of Notre Dame shaping future generations.