Ariveting study attributed to UCLA finds that women “respond to stress with a cascade of brain chemicals that cause them to make and maintain friendships with other women.”
It says that women respond to stress by releasing the hormone oxytocin, which encourages them to bond with other women.
This is different from men’s “fight or flight” response to stress and helps explain why women connect in tough times — and good times.
There is also that Harvard study about the positive effects of female bonding that even Jane Fonda has cited!
That’s why the Assumption Convent’s annual velada is a big event and a time-honored tradition for the alumnae. In the run-up to the actual velada, which culminates in a stage presentation for all jubilarians (from Diamond to Silver) the girls bond over planning sessions and dancing practices. And chilling after practices over memories and often, the “fruit of the vine.”
This year’s host, the Silver Jubilarians, chose the theme “AChieve.” AC, of course, stands for Assumption Convent.
“Reflecting on our class motto, ‘Live in Faith, Serve with Passion, Grow in Love,’ made us realize that we have been on this journey for 25 years since we graduated from high school. By living in faith, serving with passion, and growing in love, we have overcome challenges and roadblocks, and we have turned them into small victories and milestones - none of which would have been possible without our Assumption education and family. That is why we are called AChieve,” says Gladys Santiago Zafra on behalf of Batch ‘94.
The organizers of the velada wanted “to AChieve a dream concert.”
“The performances revolved on the theme of winning in life. The songs are empowering and the performances, unforgettable. Big. Grand. Spectacular, being mindful of simplicity, yet nostalgic,” says Gladys.
During the velada last Sunday, AAA president Carmella Gana Araullo made special mention of the “oldest living celebrating gem,” Maria Dizon Gamboa or “Lola Maring.” She is from High School batch 1944, and she believes simplicity, prayers and devotion to Mother Mary flow from the fount of her longevity.
Carmela also reported that in 2023, the AAA disbursed a total of P5.8 million to all its beneficiaries, including Assumption’s eight mission schools.
Stunning Sapphires
I belong to Batch ‘79, the Sapphires, which according to feedback from different batches, gave the most stunning performance. I wasn’t part of the dance, choreographed by Maribeth Bichara and participated in by 33 of my batch mates, but I bask in the glow of their performance. The dancers — doctors, bankers, wives, mothers —were symmetry and energy personified.
The dance opened to the “Mission Impossible” theme but with the headline “Mission Possible” in the background.
“You have been given a new mission,” announced the voiceover. “It will take your full commitment. Energy. And the biggest of hearts.”
And the Sapphire dancers slayed their number — and in the years to come, hopefully, achieve their mission, too.
“It’s not just about the dance. It’s about the magic,” said my batch mate Romina Sabnani Murjani.
Truly magical is sisterhood.
(To be continued)