Batch 1991: First Among Equals

In 1991, the Philippines catapulted to worldwide attention because of the spectacle of Mount Pinatubo’s eruption which lay dormant for 500 years. The massive blast impacted the environment globally. Indeed, not an auspicious year for the country.

Amidst this backdrop of disaster & despair, Batch 1991, or the 18th Batch of SSEAYP was born.  Certainly, the application period coincided with this critical calamity. Nevertheless, applications poured in nationwide.  It took numerous days of panel interviews and written examinations before the candidate-delegates were chosen.  Moreover, the selection process entailed several weeks of training sessions, rehearsals, fund-raising projects, materials preparation, and each candidate-delegate’s personal undertakings.

The 18th year of SSEAYP was a flagship year for the program as it was the only time the Philippines was allocated 50 delegates and a National Leader.  After exhaustive and relentless challenges by the PCYA, the 50-member Philippine Contingent was confirmed. Our batch composition is so varied yet showcases the distinct cultural diversity in our society-- from the marginalized to royalty; students to professionals; and hometown officials to national government servants. Dr. Edwin Sanchez from Malacañang Clinic was our national leader while Evan Eleazar (NCR/PCYA) and Noreen Davide (now Salas/ NCR/SC) were the youth leader and assistant leader, respectively.

Batch 1991’s journey started from Manila, Philippines and sailed on to Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and finally Japan.  On board, our battle cry was resilience and faith as embodied in our National Presentation.  We bottled the “Pinatubo ashes” in vials as batch souvenirs and to pay homage to the Filipinos’ resolve to rise from the tragedy.  Our extraordinary journey took 54 days, the experience totally life-changing.

Fast forward, the bonds of friendship are solid and unbreakable.  We have remained cohesive especially through the efforts of Feliciano “Bong” Manlulu. His tenacious commitment has transcended beyond our batch, our SIP and is SSEAYP-wide.  

Our batch happened when batch naming was not the trend.  However, if we can go back to claim a name for us, it will be “Di Mapapantayan”. We agree that we all went through the same selection process and youth program, however, we were all not born from the same adversities, hence, we are proud to be the first among equals.

Kelly Mercado-Flynn

SSEAYP1991, Solid C

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