When 'Old Girls' rock
MANILA, Philippines - ‘Plaid, a pattern so simple and yet so strong. Like a net that would keep us from falling or a network that would bind us for life. Plaid is far from simple or just functional or merely symbolic.
It is the power that keeps our sense of sisterhood strong. It is very simply, the badge of honor we hold dear.’ — from the ‘Power of Plaid’
It was V-Day. The day my batch, Assumption Convent San Lorenzo High School Batch ‘86, held its much-awaited Velada. The show started on a high note, with 10 cheerleaders from our batch impressing the crowd with their stamina and grace! Hosts Nini Honorio-Lacson and Becky Lopez-Ledesma of Batch 1986 welcomed the Assumption “Old Girls:” the Silvers, the Diamonds of 1951, the Emeralds of 1956, the Goldens of 1961, the Rubies of 1971, the Jades of 1976 and the Pearls of 1981. Each Jubilarian class took to the stage with its own magnificent performances.
But, as hosts of this year’s Velada, we, the Silvers of Batch 1986, proudly made it known that this was our day to shine. Our theme was “The Power of Plaid,” with obvious reference to the plaid skirt and necktie of our school uniform.
Over 90 batchmates brought the house down with dances to our favorite New Wave songs, unleashing the “Animals” within us as we surprised the audience with our out-of-this-world costumes and vampy dance moves. And we didn’t stop there, we stood proudly and sang our hearts out with a moving rendition of our graduation song, Magkakapatid, led by Ronna Puno Ayala, Mary Rose Teodoro Chan and Ellen Lacson.
We also gave way to 25 of our children who performed an endearing dance number. And just when we thought the show could not get any better, we were graced with the presence of Grace Poe Llamanzares’ mom, Mrs. Susan Roces Poe and Rojinie Ramsay Cortes’ brother, Derek Ramsay — which brought the celebration to a fever pitch never seen before in the halls of the Mother Rose Auditorium! The high was evident as we closed the show with a bang, dancing to Bruno Mars’ Just the Way You Are.
All these made for truly unforgettable and priceless times, a “perfect day” that far exceeded anyone’s expectations. A day that showed just how strong the Power of Plaid really is.
Leading our Dream Team was Monette Quiogue, the brains behind our Velada, whose talent and hard work shone with every strike on her keyboard and click of her mouse. Monette put into three words how we felt about our Assumption education: Power of Plaid! She also tirelessly prepared all collaterals, articles, compiled photos and write-ups from all the girls. Monette certainly holds the record for the one who slept the least and the one who endeared herself to all.
Tina Henson, our star performer, was one of the first to dive in deep into all Velada preparations. She made sure we had rehearsal rooms, chic and cheap costumes, and showed us HOW to dance!
Natalie Manalo-Dalupan kept us all organized and on-track with her high attention to detail. She also made sure that we started our day right by arranging for a moving and solemn Holy Mass.
Angelica Cervantes-Dychiao had the most headaches as overall chair of Velada Day. She patiently coordinated all details among the many sponsors and the school administration to ensure that everything went like clockwork.
Being on top of everything became manageable because of my right hand, Carmella Gana, who was ready and eager to help each step of the way in record time.
Last but not the least, my heart is full of thanks to Pia Barbin-Sycip, our “Mama,” who taught us the power of generosity. She wholeheartedly made sure that we were always properly fed, taken care of and pampered. Our every wish was her pleasure. She made giving contagious!
I would also like to give thanks to the following batchmates who, from Day 1, embraced the Velada preparations with great enthusiasm and never wavered! Gina Torres-Evangelista, Mia Tambunting-Padilla, Nini Honorio-Lacson, Mia Paterno-Rodriguez, Lia Lesaca, Barbie Torres, Loudette Roman-Tanjuatco, Lynet Villa-real, Valerie Mayor-Sotto, Menchit Aldeguer-Fajardo, Michelle Henson-Tanjuatco and Becky Escalona-Pio de Roda. These girls rallied, charmed and cajoled their respective classmates to raise funds, participate and make the most of our Silver Jubilee. Proof of this was the fact that we only had 40 girls during our first rehearsal in August but were over 90-strong on Velada Day!
Our girls came from near and far. Mabelle Soriano Lemen and Baby Garcia Rabat from Davao, Lally Baes Arceo and Rosanne Rojas Gonzaga from Bacolod, Maru Garcia Payr from Monaco, Ronna Puno Ayala from St. Louis, Missouri, Maribel dela Cruz Peiffer and Nini Honorio Lacson from California, Pauline Grau Amoranto from Chicago, Pearl Jacob from Stockholm, Terette Andaya from Washington, D.C., Marixi Buhay Salud, Trina Boquiren Mangila, Anna Rose Carreon and Ria Sanchez Sta. Maria from Singapore, TG Gaviola Robertson from New York, Candy Gonzalez-Blancaflor from Dagupan, Pangasinan, May Ann Locsin Katigbak from Lipa, Batangas.
A big “Thank You” also goes out to the people whose hard work, creativity and patience know no bounds: our director, four-time Palanca awardee Floy Quintos; our choreographers Andrew Ferraris, TinTin Limjap, Cecil Martinez, Lisa Martinez, Ellezer Canlas; our music arranger Juan Miguel Salvador; lights designer Butch Cruz; costume designers Twinkle Zamora and Rajo Laurel for Laurel et Ross; vocal arranger Vicky Salvador; production manager Chevy Salvador; stage team Bobbit Macapagal, Joy Ani and Olga Natividad; technical director Paul Domine; and music spinner Janice Dee who made us all look great!
Assumption High School Class of 1986 also wishes to extend its heartfelt gratitude to our 59 sponsors and 273 advertisers. Their generosity will truly bring joy and much needed assistance to the 3,000 students of the eight Assumption Mission Schools all over the country.
