LegACy
Silver jubilarians dancing to Rhythm of the Night are Jessica Garcia, Kat Gomez, Dette Dela Fuentes, Irene Dee, Leah Santos, Pam Molinyawe, Amanda Carpo, Tiffy Floresca, Rissa Ramos, Cookie Bernardo, Allen Tan, Myrna Cajucom, Tricia Villar, Vicvic Tambunting, Sharon Palanca, Barnee Bartolome, Tina Montinola, Bessie David, Racky Manalastas, Anjeanette Torralba, Ana Alcaraz, Mailen Roceles, Joan Sanchez, Roz Facto, Letlet Austria, Maida Pineda, Vicki Abary, Mayenne Jimenez, Chimmie Tapia, Julie Chua, Chat Fores, Emy De Guzman, May Ann Tabaquero, Joyce Dela Fuentes, Tracey Fragante, Tricia Bautista, Ines Bautista, Fran Ng, Mykee Vella, Jolly Marcial, Lisa Kwek, Tessa Guadalquiver, Maricris Legaspi, Emille Apepe, Chrissie Velayo, Ava Sanchez, Alice Escalona, Pia Alpapara, Maricon Fabros and Janelle Layug. Photo courtesy of Ruby Jubilarians
Happy Old Girls’ Day! This year’s Assumption Convent (AC) homecoming was doubly significant because it took place on the 50th anniversary of the Assumption Alumnae Association as well as the bicentenary of the birth of our Assumption mothers Saint Marie Eugenie of Jesus and Mere Therese Emmanuel. Together, these two extraordinary women, who became best friends, founded the Assumption congregation and gifted generations of Assumptionistas with a legacy of transformative education.
They certainly inspired this year’s jubilarians, led by High School Classes 1992 (Silver), 1947 (Platinum), 1952 (Blue Diamond), 1957 (Diamond), 1967 (Gold), 1977 (Ruby), 1982 (Jade) and 1987 (Pearl), who all came home to Assumption to share their own class legacies. As friends, sisters and gifted individuals, they came prepared to give back to their beloved Assumption in their own special way.
This year’s hosts are the Silver jubilarians, who gave much thought to the planning of this highly anticipated celebration, beginning with a significant theme. Their witty classmate Carina Guevarra Galang recommended “LegACy” and it was enthusiastically accepted.
“Our theme raised the question in our minds: what will be our legacy?”
As the journey to velada began, they held a recollection conducted by Mrs. Ana Casas and Mrs. Cory Villafania, who said, “What is legacy without spirituality?” Velada representative Vicki Abary recounted, “It was a wonderful time to reconnect with God, with one another and learn more about the trials of St. Marie Eugenie.”
And soon, many more meaningful activities ensued, which included medical missions, fundraisers, a cookbook, a banquet to honor former and current teachers and staff at the Assumption San Lorenzo.
For the velada program, they chose their former teacher Vicky Salvador as musical arranger and voice coach. They also requested talented Maribeth Bichara to be the choreographer and over-all director. The result was a seamless, meaningful and superb two-day performance enjoyed by everyone. The appreciative hugs and kisses Maribeth received at the end of the show from dancers, AC sisters and alumni brought her tears of joy. Like a proud mother to her children, she had given her all.
Tiffy Floresca Lorenzana shared, “Legacy for me is our gift to those around us, now and long after we’ve gone —that by how we live, we are able to lovingly inspire others to be better.”
Thank you to the Silver Batch 1992 for inspiring us to reflect on our own legacy
Platinum (HS Batch 1947)
The ladies who braved the stage are fondly called the Magnificent 7. These noble women of Batch 1947 brought the house down. The secret to living a long, peaceful life is their cool, calm and collected spirit. Their hilarious spiel delivered by Cherry Castro Aquino with such wit and humor drew raves, roaring laughter. Their video on Facebook garnered almost 3,000 views and counting. Truly rare and precious!
Diamond (HS Batch 1957)
The Diamonds of Batch 1957 have a class motto engraved on their class rings that says, “To give is to love.” These ladies, who have learned to cope with birth and death, joy and sorrow, youth and aging, continue to hold on lovingly to one another. In good times and in bad, they continue to give of themselves. They choose to give a legacy of love.
Gold (HS Batch 1967)
“Marking 50 years of post-graduation togetherness is certainly a cause for celebration,” said Babs Ansaldo Estrada of Batch 1967. Turning Gold releases the floodwaters of old and not so old memories. The batch is especially proud of Stella “Chinit” Rufino, who was given the Bicentenary Legacy Award for her 25 years of service to the Mission of the Assumption’s transformative education through the Marie Eugenie Institute, an adult formation and research center on the philosophy and pedagogy of Saint Marie Eugenie. So here they are at 50, ever more aware of how much they have to be grateful for as they celebrate a legacy of friendship.
Ruby (HS Batch 1977)
A gentle kind of inner strength emanated from the Rubies on and off the stage. Their opening velada dance number began with pretty Joey Albert (a three-time cancer survivor) belting out the iconic Irene Cara hit song Flashdance (What a Feeling). As Joey sang the words “Take your passion and make it happen...” everyone cheered as her classmates came running to dance joyfully on stage. Friendships were rekindled, making this batch stronger just by being together, embracing each other’s crosses with gentle caresses and comforting words. The Rubies impressed the audience with their grace, strength and beauty.
Congratulations to all the AC jubilarians of 2017!
(To be concluded.)
(I will feature Blue Diamond, Jade and Pearl jubilarians in my next column. Would love to hear from you at miladayjewels@yahoo.com.)
