PWU HS'60 TORONTO GOLDEN GIRLS by Tessie Ocampo Guerra

"There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship." ..... St. Thomas Aquinas

Members: Rory Agellon, Esther Lejano, Wilhelmina "PeeWee" Bella, Tessie Guerra, Naty Cristi and Teresita "Girlie" Rivera.


If there ever was a group that is like a brood of sisters this could be it. Each one of the members is unique in her own way - but united in enjoying each other's company and always ready with a big hearty laughter whenever there is a chance to meet.

We have this on-going ritual of celebrating our birthdays together throughout the year and I think it is appropriate to give an insight based on our birthday months.

Let us start:

Teresita "Girlie" Rivera - November 9 – SCORPIO

Her personality is as tall as she is (and we all know she is one of the tallest in our class). One of her admirable traits is her ability to understand a situation with a lot of maturity and kindness but can also be openly frank about it.

She is a Scorpio - so she is a femme fatale who likes good food and where to get them, knows all the good eateries around the city, dresses well (as she likes nice clothes too) and when she travels she prefers to go first class which by the way is what she does - in the travel agency where she works - they love her zest for everything dandy, tasty and classy.

Girlie has this quality about her sunny outgoing friendliness that makes people feel deeply welcome. I cannot imagine a group as ours, in these super golden years, without someone like her who gives you loyalty, trust and affection.


Wilhelmina "PeeWee" Bella - January 6 – Capricorn

There is nothing typical about this friend. She can be a studious female wearing granny glasses, or she can be a dancer who wears a glittering G-string - ALL FOR THE FUN OF IT!

PeeWee has this built in sense of social grace and delightful humour. Now, how many of us have that? Never flashy is this Capricorn friend - you will never see her pushing or shoving for attention but wait and see who gets the prime time.

There is never a dull moment with PeeWee - you can start a serious conversation and end up rolling with laughter. You will just love being around her.

More power to you dear friend!


Tessie (TOG) Guerra - April 14 – ARIES

Likes to open her own doors, fight her own battles and pull out her own chair. This Aries thinks doing it herself is the fastest way to get it done, then stumbles along the way but gets up dusts herself and takes off again.

Love of children and animals must be a strong Aries trait and a penchant for humour in all types and sizes. Some people will say that Aries has a forceful nature complete with flashing lights and this could be true from her ruling planet Mars. Once the storm passes, however, the optimistic April nature will return like a rainbow suddenly appearing after a shower.


Rory Agellon - June 11 – GEMINI

I'd rate her a great Pal with capital letters. This Mercury girl will go along with you on anything from just listening to your phone gab, driving all over to a place that suits you, celebrating the season with some take home goodies that she makes herself.

She has a lot of varied interests and duties to family and church but still manages to look as soft as a powder puff - then - BOY CAN SHE BAKE - declaring herself as the official baker of our amazing birthday cakes.

I especially cherish the time that she joins me on our First Friday Novenas that can last till late at night - even if she drives quite a distance.
Rory is a jewel when it comes to friendship and commitment. She makes our small group feel specially blessed.



Naty Cristi - July 17 – CANCER

My sister must have saved me a dozen times when we were growing up. I remember looking down at her standing solid on the ground as I play Tarzan up on a tree. She will not leave me there alone either until I come or tumble down whichever is faster.

Her favorite colour is Green and very rightly so because green bucks just seem to follow her around. We may start out with the same allowance for the day but she manages to hold on to hers when mine is long gone.

She has a quiet, reflective demeanor with her trademark of a blush that she simply reminds one of calm ripples of water in a pond.
Her family is first and foremost but her friendship is just as enduringly patient.



Esther Lejano - October 3 – LIBRA

Is there anyone out there who would care for some brain power display? Here is a Libra friend who will air her clever wits anytime a subject for a good debate appears. This Libra friend loves to record our goings on that we would not have any of the fabulous photos she painstakingly shoots and sends otherwise. This thoughtful gesture we all know will be the highlight of our twilight days.

As in due time this the only testimony of our friendship we sincerely are indebted to her. She loves good Oriental cuisine, fun colours to wear, loves to swing and sway and with that wit I'd rate her as a golden lady indeed.

In closing, I am grateful to all in our group - we are not miserable old ladies but definitely are vibrant, we haven't lost a step and are still in full bloom!!!

Thank you Sweet Friends!