at the base of the Bonifacio monument, circa 1950...

This is a very old photo of a class handled by Mr. Gil Manzano..It is dated 1950. The man with a necktie with a broad smile is  the Rizal Junior College principal, Mr. Juan (Bong ) Salinda. He is now in California, in case he is still alive. The  dance coach is Miss Jovencia Malong, and the group garbed in Filipina attire ( then men are in Barong, of course ) are called the HABANERA FOLK DANCERS.

The lady beside Mr. Gil Manzano is Pelagia Delmendo, one time Librarian of the Asingan Public Libray during the 60's or 70's...The pretty girl with a hair ribbon is Corazon Colet. Beside her is Miss Norah ( if I am not mistaken ) Vicente. Third from the right near Mr. Gil Manzano sitting is my elder brother, Donato Costes.

 

At present, Donato is here in Toronto. He is now 75 years old, just to give you an idea how vintage the photo is.

 

The structure at the back is the base of the Bonifacio monument. The base is huge. Only one side of three could be seen in this photo. Each side displays engraved artworks.  Miss Vicente is in front of a single post, one of the three surrounding the monument.

They do not build this kind of artistic monument anymore and it is indeed a big pity why it was brought down for nothing.---#