Proud to be...

Assumption Silver Jubilarians, high school batch 1983, hosted recently “Old Girls’ Day,” a reunion for all Assumptionists, in Assumption San Lorenzo. The battlecry was “Proud to be...” and they did themselves proud, starting with a Mass celebrated by no less than Bishop Bacani. Seen in their signature red plaid Assumption uniforms true-blue Assumptionists forever were Judy Araneta-Roxas, Mert Loinaz, Linda Fabella, Tereret Tambunting Liboro, Rosemary Ysmael, Marilyn Ledesma, Gretchen Recto and Vina Araneta. The grand culmination of Old Girls’ Day was the Velada, an hour and half musical and dance extravaganza, whose “Proud to be” theme was fleshed out by using iconic Hollywood heroines to represent the vaunted Assumption values.

The Silver girls sashayed down the ramp in a colorful and fashionable parade of Hollywood icons: Ana de Villa Singson in silver Issey Miyake and a sparkling tiara as Helen of Troy, Crickette Tantoco as Cleopatra in custom-made jewel encrusted headpiece, Malou Fores showing top form in body-hugging Lara Croft leather cat suit, Bledes Fores Legarda as the much-applauded Pocahontas, authentic down to the suede tassled boots and fearsome wooden spear. Bea Lopez Puno did a graceful karate kata as the yellow and purple kimono-clad Mulan while Fides Madrid waltzed in a voluminous hooped skirt as Anna of King and I.

Other showstoppers were Deeda Garcia in haute couture Snow White, complete with a giant apple, Alice Fong in a remarkable reprise of Darna-cum-Wonderwoman, the bouquet-throwing Candy Orena as Sound of Music’s Maria, Rina Reyes as the penultimate Maria Clara, Pamen Sarthou Lacson, Rica Lustre, Guia Flaminiano and Grace Bengzon as Charlie’s Angels and Bosley... and the Dreamgirls: Nina Peralta Garcia, Nini Aquino, Queenie Henson and Gina Pimentel in designer aubergine sequined gowns and feathered boas.

Notable highlights of the show were a poignant ballet pas de deux by European Dance Sport champion Anna Periquet and Eileen Azarraga and a dance evolution finale which saw Monique Toda, Nanette de Leon, Joy Lagdameo, Udsie Villarica, Melissa Jison throwing their hips in an energetic hula; Mia Lagdameo Leuenberger, Pebbles Ting and Bayo’s Corcor and Lynn Dizon doing the hiphop, Vickites Lagdameo, Rissa Murga, Mary Kay’s Reena Rodrigo beach-dancing to Surfin’ USA and the entire cast grooving to the beat with strobing laser lights wowing the audience even more.

It was one heck of a show and seen applauding heartily and dancing in the audience were Marixi Prieto, Sen. Wigberto Tanada, Lory Belmonte, Frances Yu, Rica Garcia, Cesar Gabaldon, Jay and Butch Lagdameo. The party continued as the triumphant Silver girls partied away in Nuvo to cap the high-energy evening. Seen in Nuvo were doting husbands Eric Puno, Oye Fores, Noli Legarda, Donnie Tantoco, Noel Singson, Glenn Romualdez, Patrick Palanca, Jing Pimentel, Frank Orena and supportive friends Gerry Limcaoco, Ito Feliciano, Luis de Terry, Joey Cua, Raul Banzon.

The spectacular velada show was orchestrated by the indefatigable Freddie Santos. To thank him for his all his efforts in making the velada a success, Freddie was feted to a merienda at the Bahay na Puti, home of jubilarian Bledes Fores-Legarda. Most of all, Velada 2008 was made possible by the generous support of San Miguel, Mamou, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, Dairy Queen, Cibo, Bayo, First Gen, Pond’s.