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One February night in Pazzo at the Fort, a small group of clueless Stellans from Batch 79 brainstormed about the concept and theme of their Grand Alumnae Homecoming that was forthcoming in less than eight months. Among themselves, it was only Sophie de los Santos who had some experience in organizing big events, being the President and GM of Tradeshow International, Inc. While the rest were busy chatting their hearts away, the more "praning" members of the group mulled over a dilemma...what is the significance of 49 years? How special can it get? Fifty is the milestone, so why should anyone bother with 49? Thanks to Ritzi Villarico Ronquillo, our ever diligent and level-headed SMCAAI Prexy from Batch '75, and to our predecessors, Class of '78 that had already launched the countdown to Stella's 50th year in 2005. Remembers last year's homecoming titled "Going for Gold?" Now here we are, the Silver Jubilarian Class of 79, tasked to lead and continue the countdown to the Gold. And we would have to shout it out to the Stellans of the world to make the 50th year a worldwide success. It all seemed so overwhelming. With data in the SMC alumnae directory turned over by Josee Angeles Palad of Batch 68, our active members resorted to "product packaging" to attract a sleepy market. Last year's 2003's homecoming attendance was laudable at over 200, per historical standards. Yet, SMC boasts of over 6,000 alumnae. Our classmate Bambi Santos from the world of performing arts (a.k.a. showbiz) lent her experience in program packaging by suggesting a "groovy" kind of Jubilee (and there it rhymes!) on a Saturday. Fortunately, I had no problem getting Sister Directress Aida Florendo to say "Yes!" on a Saturday even if it meant rocking the convent till the wee hours. Prexy Ritzi appreciated what we were tr ying to do, she being a corporate events person herself. Now we had to contend with the rest of the alumnae who, by tradition, attend the homecoming on the Sunday nearest St. Francis' birthday. Add to that, the new breed of active, young alumnae (of which we are a part, he he) who received a souvenir 2004 pocket calendar at last year's homecoming with that announcement. Flashback to that night in Pazzo. The perky, well-endowed Rina Tiangco danced and sashayed herself into the discussion by asking, "Why not Saturday Night Fever for a title?" The group members were euphoric. Not only was that a classic movie shown in our time but the title by itself speaks of a Saturday event! Shortly after, it was our '79 prom queen and Battalion commander Mio who tweaked the homecoming title to avoid infringement issues. So to all alumnae present, we WELCOME you to the first ever Saturday homecoming of SMC, "Saturday All-Night Fever...A Grovee Jubilee by the Class of 79! we dedicate this special night to each of you. Yet we hope that the memory of tonight will live forever in your Stellan hearts, true and brave, wherever you go. Congratulations to this year's silver jubilarians, the Class of '79, the last of the seventies' alumnae. Shaking the tradition of Sunday-held brunch homecomings, we live up to our reputation as "movers and shakers" as in high school life 25 years ago. We did leave a mark as the biggest class in the history of the school for many years, with 232-proud graduates and seven "undergrads" who pursued other plans outside the country during or after our junior year. I can't resist pouring my heartfelt thanks to the members of the Steering Committee for their untiring physical and moral support more than anything. Nothing compares to the value of friendships rekindled. It was fun working with all of you. You're the best! To our most generous, "chika"-motivated overseas-based classmates, all of you provided the inspiration and the good portion to make this night worthy ot come home for. Because of you, we can leave a lasting legacy to our Alma Mater - the repainting of the auditorium floors, increased audi seating capacity, and the upgrading of the SMC resource centers - our libraries! My special mention to the ones who I believe rang the first few wake-up calls - Nina Chingcuangco Fry, Nat Deocampo Benipayo, Agnes Maglunob Ong, Tonette Feria Ferrer, Weng Ramirez Cosep and Rita Sandiego - was that 22 months gone by since the 2nd e-group? I also thank Sister Directress Aida Florendo for giving me "unlimited access" to her time and for her quick decisionmaking. Last, but definitely not the least, to the SMCAAI officers led by Ritzi Villarico Ronquillo who unselfishly provided the guidance, time and extra effort in ensuring that this event should happen, "whether we like it or not!" Tonight, let's hit the floor and dance away to the last of the seventies... |
| Saturday All-Night Fever - A Grovee Jubilee by HS Class 79
HOW IT CAME TO BE By : BENG LEJANO YATCO, HS CLASS 79 |
| STELLA MARIS COLLEGE ALUMNAE ASSOCIATION, INC. |
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