3rd SSEAYP 1976

The Philippine delegation to the Ship for South East Asian Youth Program (SSEAYP) in 1976 has remained solid and steadfast through the years. Despite nearly five decades passing since the 1976 ship program, many members of the Philippine delegation have stayed in touch with each other and with delegates from other countries. They have even held reunions in the Philippines, Jakarta, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. Another reunion is planned in Yogyakarta this November. 

Even though most members of the Philippine delegation now live abroad, technology has enabled them to maintain contact, and frequent visits have kept their bonds strong despite the distance and years apart. Cynthia (Cha) Perez, who lives in Manila with her husband Homer Perez, is the glue that keeps everyone connected. Alex (Dr.) Brillantes continues his role as an educator at the University of the Philippines, while Ric Pinca remains busy baking the country's beloved breakfast bread, Pan de Sal.

Joy Rebadulla has returned to Samar after a jet-setting career in international trade. Dodot now tends to her farm on Camotes Island in Cebu. Mario Favila has come back to Pampanga after enjoying the Western lifestyle in the US for many years. Ahmed Tillah splits his time between Manila and Jolo, balancing family business and politics.

Romy Manalo left the world of diplomacy for education and community  work in his hometown south of Manila. Freddie Inovejas has shifted his advocacy from politics  to spreading the Good Word and is now a preacher in Mindanao. Angel Ramos has moved from accounting to education and runs a school in Hong Kong. Lovely Thelma Raymundo, charmed by the beauty and culture of South America, now enjoys the idyllic life  in Argentina. 

Lily Lim, with her joyous smile, continues to brighten lives in Vancouver, BC. Soc Ejercito-Tiongson has relocated from the US East Coast to the West Coast to be with her grandchildren. Frances Baniqued, also in the US, has shifted her focus from development work to her lovely grandchildren. Ding Tanjuatco, the batch's finance expert, has retired and now runs miles every day to stay fit. Susie Flor Parel-Duranceau enjoys the sunny life in Phoenix, Arizona.

As we all grow older - and wiser - we all collectively recognise the lifelong impact of the SSEAYP upon our lives.

We are grateful to the Japanese government for such an innovative foreword looking and certainly worthy investment in the youth!

We have seen that as we have all grown older in this life's journey, the spirit of Nippon Maru, founded on the pursuit of peace and regional harmony, continues to live in the hearts of its alumni!

• Coming soon.