Homecoming: LSM, Alma Mater

I received an invitation to speak before high school juniors at a career talk at my alma mater, Lourdes School of Mandaluyong (LSM). I made sure I arrived early so that I could have an opportunity to go around the school grounds reminiscing about my 11 years at LSM from 1977-1988. Following are a few photos I took during my visit and prior to my talk about Engineering.

Entrance - this was the usual sight when entering the school grounds. The grade school building is on the left while the old Instructional Media Center (IMC) was located at the open door in the photo.

Quadrangle and multi-purpose hall - there is now a multi-level building where the old tennis court used to be located along the side of the covered walkway connecting the old grade school building with the canteen and St. Francis church. On the foreground is the area where we used to line up for flag ceremonies and other assemblies. The tree in the middle of the photo is an old one and was already there when I first entered LSM in 1977.

Quadrangle - we used to have our Monday flag ceremonies and Physical Education exercises in the area. Also, during grade school, we lined up before entering our classrooms in the morning and after recess and lunch breaks. 

Another view of the quadrangle, this time showing the flag pole and the section adjoining the St. Francis of Assisi Church. The section to the right houses the parish offices and the living quarters of priests assigned to LSM and St. Francis. Clergy at LSM belong to the Order of  Friars Minor - Capuchins (OFM Cap.).

Yet another view of the quadrangle, this time from the covered walkway connecting the grade school building with the canteen and St. Francis church.

Covered walkway to the canteen - this is the view when walking from the grade school building. Turning right at the end of the walkway, the walkway branches out leading to the high school building. Turning left led to the library. At the end of the walkway and before descending the stairs to the canteen, there is (or was) a wooden door to the right that opens to a staircase leading up to the church.

Heritage tree? - this tree has been at the quadrangle since my entire schooling (1977 - 1988) and is a survivor given all those typhoons that have passed through since then. I guess the buildings surrounding it have mitigated the effects of strong winds that have toppled many trees elsewhere. Clairvoyant mentions a very old tree at the St. Theresa's College campus in Quezon City that has been declared as a heritage tree. Perhaps this tree at LSM could qualify for the distinction.

View of the back of St. Francis Parish Church - below is a small garden also dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi and the school's entrance to the St. Francis Theater beneath the church.

Parish office as seen from the LSM parking lot - I was surprised by number of vehicles parked in the area. It seems a lot of students are driven to school these days and there are fewer school service vehicles compared to when we were students there back in the 1980's.

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