Impact

Truly, the Assumption spirit lives on through the annual velada tradition.

This year’s much awaited show titled “Impact,” was hosted by the Silver jubilarians of 1991, a powerful hardworking and generous batch armed with sound values of faith, service and resiliency. They brought together on stage the biggest group of performers we had ever seen in velada history.

The memorable “Old Girls’ Day” began with a beautiful morning Mass celebrated by Father Xavier Olin, S.J., who reminded us through the gospel of St. Luke to persevere in faith and persist in prayer for one another. After a joyful lunch reunion amongst plaid-uniformed alumni families, we all proceeded to the Mother Rose Auditorium to enjoy the program.

Sister Ana Maria Melocoton, R.A. began with an opening prayer, which everyone welcomed in deep silence. “Father God, as we gather today to celebrate the Jubilees: 25, 30, 35, 40, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, we come to thank you for guiding, loving, encouraging us, as only a Father can. The velada  symbolizes our togetherness, our friendships, our joys, also our struggles and pains, our coming home to the heart of each one. We left school bonded by our class motto: for the Silver, ‘My heart is ready O Lord;’ for Pearl, ‘My soul magnifies the Lord;’ for Jade, ‘Mary stood at the foot of the cross;’ for Ruby, ‘As long as I live, I hope;’ for Diamond, ‘To go against the easy way, to take the road less traveled, to take the road that leads to life;’ for Emerald, ‘To whom much is given, much is expected;’ for Gold, ‘All for You, O Lord!’; and for Blue Diamond, ‘Conquer yourself.’

“Tonight, we come in songs and dances but we truly come to celebrate all these moments of keeping our hearts ready for you. You know our efforts, our struggles to live the motto we have chosen. These are our guiding stars to you, Lord!”

The velada also allows the alumnae to give back to Assumption for all they have received. On this day, the jubilarians’ generous contributions were joyfully received by the Assumption Alumnae Association to benefit the Assumption mission schools and other worthy endeavors. The Silver jubilarians alone raised P2.6 million.

Congratulations to all the jubilarians and the hardworking choreographers and directors. Lovable Maribeth Bichara for the gorgeous Pearl, Ruby, Gold and Blue Diamond dances. Direk Freddie Santos directed the sparkling Diamonds. Batche Tan choreographed the performance of the Jade jubilarians; and Jo de Peralta for Silver and Emerald. Over-all director was Chito Miguel.

A total of nine batches celebrated this year’s velada. Here are the first five batches and the next four jewels will be featured in my next column.

The Silver jubilarians of 1991 left us with a challenge in their finale number. “If you had only a day to change someone’s life what would you do? Are you ready to make that Impact?”

(To be concluded)

(Would love to hear from you at miladayjewels@yahoo.com.)

(P.S. Please come to the Assumption Alumnae Association’s  annual bazaar  “A Touch Of Gold” at the Dusit Hotel Ballroom on Sunday, Nov. 13, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.)