marian alumni nesletter 2014

Official Newsletter of St. Mary’s College Alumni Foundation, Inc. July 2014

By Risse Aquino-Jose ‘76

Listen up peeps. You can “tweet” all about it. The age of the ‘selfie’ is upon us. We have become digital as social media wields its influence in our lives. One definite ‘hotpot’ is this year’s St Mary’s College Grand Alumni Homecoming. This time our celebrating jubilarians have one shout out……”Kami Naman”

Today, we make history. For the first time we have a staggering six batches of jubilarians stomping the stage. High schoolers of 1989 now turn Silver, the 1984 ladies turn Pearl at thirty years, the glitzy jumpstarters of 1979 pump up the volume for 35 years as Coral jubilarians, the throwback Ruby ladies of the disco scene of 1974 go wild after 40 years, the blue gems of 1969 celebrate Sapphire at 45 (a first for Marians )and our grand dames of 1964 turn Golden jubilarians.

Weeks of rehearsing for production numbers will definitely generate hundreds of ‘posts’,’selfies,’tags’ and ‘tweets’.

As early as 1pm, the auditorium doors are open to take in guests with the hardworking SMCQC Alumni Foundation ladies manning the desks. The day’s first part is a celebration of the Mass with Fr.

Jerry Orbos as sponsored by the Silver jubilarians at the Anunciation Hall.

Part two of the program is a lineup of musical numbers from the RVM sisters to all the celebrators. School president S. Ma. Rosabella Gallo, RVM welcomes the crowd.

Highlighting the program is new Alumni President Atty. Gwen Pimen-tel-Gana who delivers her report and introduces the scholars of the Founda-tion’s flagship program and the Board of Directors of 2013-2015.

The Silver jubilarians of high school Batch 1989 will be strutting their stuff on-stage, present gifts to the school and the Alumni Foundation and turn over the jubilar-ians symbols to the incoming Batch of 1990.

The Alumni choir sings Lupang Hini-rang acapella.

Eileen Tawatao-Garcia is in charge of the over-all alumni affairs while Rhea Gega-Relos takes on the production part from the script written by yours truly. All other Board Directors have taken an ac-tive part to ensure the event’s success.

Part three is the homecoming party at the Immaculate Conception Hall with a dinner and a raffle of numerous valuable prizes such as mobile phones, tablets etc. Buy your tickets now and do your fair share to help raise funds for the Founda-tion programs and projects.

And moi will be hosting this part.

The Alumni newsletter which is a glossy account of the year in action and the Jubilarians in focus will be distrib-uted. Editorial board is composed of past presidents Lulu Robles, Preachy Patajo-Legasto and myself (again LOL)

Tara na mga Ka-tropa! #tropang-marian.

Grand Alumni Homecoming ‘14

tropangmarian.comKami NamaN

Marian Alumni Newsletter • July 2014

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Dear Marians,

The past year has been a busy one for the Alumni. This was a time marked with celebration, civic action and call to duty the Marian way.

There was a change of guards with the election of a new set of officers last August 3, 2013 for a two year term from 2013-2015. Father Eli Manlangit inducted the Board into office last September 7, 2012.

To ensure that everyone was on the same page sharing one vision and mission, the Board held a planning and team building workshop last October 5, 2012 which was facilitated by Alumni Adviser and Former President Corinna Isaguirre and Board Directors Mayang Pascual and Amy Tengco.

During the planning and team building workshop everyone agreed that “paying forward” and being an Ignacian Marian for Others were values that were meant to be lived. It was with these resolve that when the vast devastation brought by typhoon Yolanda happened, Marians worldwide led by the Alumni joined hands and provided relief to the victims in Samar and Leyte especially to communities supported by the RVM Congrega-tion. The outpouring of support both in cash and in kind came in spontaneously after calls were made to Marians by the Alumni through social media. The donations in kind received were given to Mother Ignacia National Social Apostolate Center (MINSAC) which were distributed to Yolanda victims in Samar and Leyte by the RVM nuns themselves. Likewise, through MINSAC, a cash donation was made for the purchase of four bangkas to be distributed to fishermen who were victims of Yolanda and also a cash donation was given to support the livelihood program started by the RVM Nuns in the area.

Yolanda spared no one that stood on its path thus, a number of RVM schools were destroyed. Some students were relocated to Manila and a one of them by the name of Anchel Chua who was left orphaned by Yolanda was enrolled in SMC QC. The Alumni gladly helped Anchel with her graduation and senior prom expenses. Board members Eileen Garcia, Ana Reneses and Rodelene Tan stood as Anchel’s doting surrogate parents during these memorable moments in Anchel’s life, her gradu-ation and senior prom. For everyone’s information Anchel has successfully moved on to another chapter of her life as a fresh-man in Far Eastern University taking up Hotel and Restaurant Management.

“Paying forward” and sharing one’s blessings with others are values typical to a Marian hence, it was not a surprise when alumna Jingle Tuason ‘79 and her friend Tammy Manaloto decided to do a repeat of their outreach partnership with the Alumni to celebrate the season of giving. On December 10, 2013, the Alumni went on a Mom & Me Outreach to Childhouse, a home for children stricken with cancer; to Emmaus, a home for the Elderly and to Bethlehem, a home for abandoned and

Atty. Gwen Pimentel-Gana ’77 President, SMCAFI (2013-2015)

President’s Report

E D I T O R I A L B O A R D

Lulu R. Robles ‘79 Risse Aquino-Jose ‘76

Dr. Priscelina Patajo-Legasto ‘68

neglected children. Food stuff, toiletries and other necessities where distributed to the children and the elderly, with an ad-ditional donation of five wheelchairs for the latter. It was quiet a tiring day rushing from one place to the other but definitely a most satisfying one.

For celebrating batches-the Silver Jubillarians, the Visit to the Nuns which is the culminating activity of their jubilee year is the most awaited. Giving back to the alma mater is clearly expressed in this activity since elderly nuns who had served the RVM Community for years and who are housed in the Congrega-tion’s infirmary are entertained and feasted by the celebrating batch. February 2014 was Batch ‘88’s turn. In hosting this year’s Visit to the Nuns, Batch ‘88 outdid itself. The theme was circus. The nuns were regaled by jugglers, magicians, contortionists and other circus performers but more importantly they were ser-enaded by the golden voices of Batch ‘88. The afternoon ended with the elderly nuns feeling happy knowing that they were loved and certainly not forgotten by Marians who they once served.

Forging partnerships with like minded groups inorder to achieve a common goal has always been the Alumni’s mantra thus, last March, the Donate-A-Uniform project of the Alumni was launched in partnership with the High School PTU headed by Mr. Matt Raneses, the better half of Board Director Anna Marie. This program has helped cut the cost of school related expenses for parents and students.

Unbeknownst to some, Alumni associations of the different RVM schools all over the country about 51 of them have orga-nized themselves to form a federation. Last May, the Federation of Alumni Associations of RVM Schools (FAARSI), headed by our very own Former President Grace De Jesus, had a General Assembly in Cagayan de Oro City. The Alumni sent a delegation composed of Board Directors Vangie Palilleo, Risse Jose, Nini Tan, Rhea Relos, Ellen Santos, Rodelene Tan, Candy Ocampo and yours truly. It was great meeting the other Alumni of RVM schools nationwide. The experience opened our eyes to the realization that no matter where our schools are located whether in Luzon, in Visayas or in Mindanao, we share a common bond of service as Ignacian Marians forged by our Foundress, the Venerable Mother Ignacia del Espiritu Santo.

A call to service being our common bond, it is not surpris-ing therefore that a cornerstone and long running project of the Alumni is the scholarship program, now headed by Mariles Ibarra. We have signed up four scholars for this school year. These deserving students are testaments to the Alumni’s com-mitment to “pay forward” the blessing of a RVM education.

As we celebrate another milestone in our history as an Alumni Foundation during our homecoming this June 19, let us not rest on our laurels but look forward to a more dynamic year in the service of others. Please join the Alumni too in actively praying for the canonization of our beloved Foundress.

God bless and have a great year ahead!

Mabuhay ang Ignacian Marians!


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Dear Marian Alumni,

Praised be Jesus and Mary!

One of the greatest blessings of St. Mary’s College is to have graduates who constantly witness to its vision-mission. The school has always been graced with your persons who are unceasing in proclaiming Christ in various ways.

In this year, the Church celebrates the Year of the Laity where the immense role of the or-dinary people in the work of evangelization is acknowledged. The Church calls for a renewed zeal in the proclamation of the Word of God; she calls on you to joyfully share Christ to the rest of humanity especially to those whose life conditions hinder them from entering into a deep encounter with Him.

The laity are called to be missionaries who have the “mission of bringing light, enlivening, raising up, healing and freeing” (EG,176). You are the laity who live and are immersed in the society characterized by a number of challenges resulting from economic progress, technologi-cal advancement and globalization. Likewise, you are the laity who, according to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, are com-missioned to “sanctify the world and transform it so that this world becomes more and more God’s world, God’s kingdom where His will is done as it is in heaven.”

I have witnessed how you steadfastly live up to this specific role in your relationship with one another, with St. Mary’s College, and with the wider community. Your efforts to contribute to the building of a “just and humane society” are truly evident in your activities and they become an inspiration for others. I thank you for your kind heart and I thank God the most.

Dear SMCQC Alumni, I bring you my pro-found CONGRATULATIONS on the occasion of your homecoming. I praise the name of the Lord for such a grace-filled occasion of gathering you in His name to celebrate, give thanks and be a concrete proclamation of His goodness. I continue to pray for your endeavors and entrust you to the loving protection of the Blessed Mother and Mother Ignacia del Espiritu Santo.

Sincerely in Our Lady and Mother Ignacia,

S. Maria Rosabella R. Gallo, RVM

S. Maria Rosabella R. Gallo, RVMPresident, SMC, QC

Message

In a Holy Mass officiated by Rev. Fr. Eli Manlangit, OFM, the new set of Board of Directors for the years 2013-2015 of the St. Mary’s College QC Alumni Foundation, Inc. was sworn into office last Saturday, 7 September 2013. The newly-inducted SMCAFI Board of Directors and members, led by it’s new President, Atty. Gwen Pimentel-Gana’77, are the following: Lynn Aguilar-Uma-li’70, Vangee Andrada-Palileo’71, Mel Macalintal-Rada’72, Ei leen Tawatao-Garcia’74, Peachy Ribaya-Bumatay’74, Risse Aquino-Jose’76, Mayang Sison-Pascual’76, Mariles Abacan-Ibarra’76, Amy G. Tengco’77,

SMCAF Inc. Inducts New Officers for Years 2013-2015

Dahra Villanueva-Mendoza’78, Nini Mercado-Tan’78, Rhea Gega-Re-los’79, Meiose Tan-Cristobal’82, Candy O. Ocampo’83, Loida Geni-blazo-Secillano’86, Arlene Untalan Sarmiento’86, Liz Marie Gonzales-Agoncillo’77, Anna Raneses’87, Ellen Santos’87, Rodeline Peneq-uito-Tan’87, Aileen Papin’89, Ailene Carls’89 and Mayeen T. Cristobal’07. Madam Cecille Navarette-Temporal, SMCAFI adviser, together with past presidents Lulu R. Robles’79, Corina Parungao-Isaguirre’76, and Fe Silica Serquina-Arellano’69 likewise graced the occasion to lend support and provide inspiration to the new board.


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To kick off Gwen Pimentel Gana’s term as SMCAF President, the Alumni Board requested ex-President Corina Parungao Isa-guirre to facilitate the Planning & Teambuilding session and revisit the Foundation’s Purpose, Vision & Core Values (PVCV) as well as to fastrack the integration of the new members into the Board.

Held last xxxxxxxxx at one of the rooms of the St. Mary’s, the session was opened by our indefatigable ex-President Fe Silica Arellano. After the theme & tone was set, Corina straightaway engaged the Board with creative intros, then set agree-ments, and went down to the business of reviewing the Foundation’s Purpose, Vision,

SMCAF Planning cum Team Building SessionBy: Corina Parungao-Isaguirre ‘75

“We are celebrating our 45th year on July 19 at the SMCQC Alumni Home-coming… and Gwen Pimentel-Gana, the present SMCQC alumni president would like an article from Batch’69 to be published in the alumni news letter,” our ever-active Fe Silica Serquina-Arellano wrote on FB.

Two scores and more after, can the former Marians who were high school seniors then but who are now themselves real seniors in age still recall details about their batch? Thank God for Facebook, the SCOOBADOOS to the rescue!

That is how we from Section A called our Batch then. Do not ask us please how we got this name- just check out our class picture instead!

What was our class like?There was always the close coop-

eration and concern present in class. We always tried to challenge ourselves together to be the best, in academics, in contests, in organizations, and more.

Fe Silica remembers “ the inter-school volleyball competitions, the TV appearances of the Genres ( a singing group from our batch), “Peter, the Woodchopper” stage play, Sodality of our Lady organization , Student Catholic Action, Community Chest Oratorical contest, the soiree with Lourdes, La Salle and San Beda, Sr. Ma Isabelita , Sr. Ma. Del Carmen Yap ( who shared so much love ), Sr. Ma Abejo, the first gradu-ates to use the SMCQC chapel...” Socorro Cruz-Yanez remembers a booth with a giant mexican hat on top , covered with colored paper.”

While waiting for the next teacher to come, we had this agreement to use the vacant time to share – about a book that caught our attention, about significant events in our lives- the classic Harakiri per-

formances of Susana de Guzman-Walsh, now in Australia, stood out best!

Our world extended beyond the class-room with Sr. Ma. Isabelita introducing a number of our batch to the world of drama and plays, Sr. Ma. Abejo , the world-famous conductress allowing us to join famous local artists on stage, and Sr. Ma. Del Carmen, who showed us what real love and under-standing truly meant.

Then there were our advisers and teachers who patiently guided us through the years. Who can forget Mrs. Pompeya G. Naval , training us to recite , in correct Spanish, Mi Ultimo Adios? May she rest in God’s eternal peace and love.

Our English we owe to Ms. Edna Amor Bello and our love for literature to Ms. Digna Dacanay, who left for Japan to be a religious of the Sacred Heart and is now Provincial of her congregation!

Our sincere gratitude to all the RVM sis-ters and teachers who nurtured us through the years!!!

From SMCQC, our batch are now all

over the world- in our country, in the US, in Australia and in Japan, among others, as outstanding lawyers ( like Lorna Patajo-Kapunan and Veneranda “Vendo” Guerrero ), as successful executives of media and business ( Fe Silica Serquina-Arellano and Natividad “ Dittas” Anonuevo), as university professors (Susana de Guzman-Walsh and Maria Rosario “Cherry” PIquero-Ballescas), as Ms. Philippines runner-up ( Rosemarie Pena), as pathologist physician ( Socorro Cruz-Yanez), as nurses , as loving wives and mothers, with a number as doting grandmothers !

We may not all be able to join this 45th celebration but we are now calling on our batch to make themselves available for our 50th homecoming anniversary! Please check out https://www.facebook.com/groups/647285848688551/ and with God’s grace, see you all again in 5 years!

To all our classmates, other fellow Mar-ians, Sisters and teachers who will join this year’s homecoming reunion, we are with you, with all our love and hugs!!!

Values & Goals. Spot revisions were made and initial Ways of Working were drafted. Board Secretary Amy Tengco took note of the suggestions & recommendations while ex-President Fe Silica Arellano moved that the output be finalized by Gwen.

Interspersed with the tasks at hand were energizers and games to shift gears & vary the pace of the session. Needless to say, the Board seemed to have enjoyed every bit of the time spent in camaraderie through games and serious planning!

We look forward to the flawless execu-tion of the SMCAF’s plans & programs to better serve the alumni, the SMC community and our country.

45th for Batch ‘69!

Front Row L-R: Edna Guerrero-Chua, Veneranda Guerrero, Pinili Arriola, Linda Pedrosa, Teresita Brigoli, Yrma Angara, Ma. Rosario Piquero-Ballescas, Susana de Guzman-Walsh, Fe Silica Serquina-Arellano, Lorna Patajo-Kapunan, Kneeling L-R: Milagros Estacio, Ma. Eva Cadiao-Liu, Lizabeth Pineda, Benigna Salamat, Ma. Lucia Flores. 2nd Row L-R: Ma. Crisanta Valbuena, Naomi Viray, Vilma Scarlet Ramos-Hawke, Carol Posadas, Ma. Venus Pascual, Imelda Magana, Presca Ocasion, Monette Bonilla, Lorna Tiongco-Ruivivar, Ma. Carmelita Naval, Eleanor Santos, Monette Yambao, Imelda Reinoso, Maryline Macalalad, Natividad Anonuevo-Formoso, Mrs. Pompeya G. Naval 3rd Row L-R: S. Ma. Del Carmen Yap, RVM, Rosemarie Pena, Ma. Irma Garguena, Elfrida Aguas. Nilda Sison, Belen Aguinaldo, Gloria Jabonete, Emelyn Badong, Socorro Cruz-Yanez

Two of the Alumni Foundation’s past presidents: Fe Silica Serquina-Arellano and Lorna Patajo-Kapunan proudly came from Batch ‘69!

Sapphire Jubilarians


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Flashback to the 60s. The year was 1960. I still distinctly remember when, together with three townmates , I first came to St. Mary’s College, Q.C. to pursue our high school education. We were the provincial girls from San Mateo, Rizal, then an unknown and unheard of town that seemed so remote to the city dwellers. Together with all the other girls coming from different elementary schools, we were called the newcomers. However, the four of us earned a special and endearing monicker: we were called the “San Mateo girls”. We were a novelty to the SMC community which must have been fascinated by our quaint accent and the unfamiliar place where we came from.

Though we were newbies, we were never bullied. Instead, we were welcomed warmly by the old timers, the nuns and the teachers. We were easily assimilated to a new culture where we experienced many firsts. Coming from a public elementary school, we easily adapted to the new ritu-als: prayers before every class , praying the Angelus at 12:00 noon, FirstFriday and First Saturday devotions. We learned new lingos like “Madam” to address our teachers and the respectful phrase “Madam, may I?” to prefix every recitation.

Fifty years ago, we definitely lived in conservative times. The nuns were still in their old habits that virtually covered them from head to toe. The short sleeved blouse of today’s daily uniform came in long sleeves during our time. On First Fridays and holidays, we donned our long sleeved white gala uniform with white shoes and white socks. We later graduated into our first stilettos with ap-propriate stockings in our gala finery come senior year. Our PE uniform, a white short sleeved blouse paired with light blue pleated culottes, was somehow liberating. Soirees were unknown and we celebrated our Junior-Senior proms in dainty pink and blue cocktail dresses sans escorts. We had simple pleasures. Life was so much simpler and uncomplicated then, but no less fun than it is today.

Sadly, after stepping out from the gates of our Alma Mater in 1964 to face the challenges of a bigger world, many of us failed to come home to what was our haven for four years and more. Some-where along the way, we got waylaid in our pursuit of a college degree, building up careers, raising families and migrat-ing to foreign shores. We lost track of one another. A few managed to come to our Silver Jubilee in 1989. Few and far

From the Golden Jubilarian’s CornerBy: Catalina “Nena” Sta. Maria Rosales, Class ‘64

between, we got together with balikbayan classmates on two separate occasions. From then on, it was a long pause before we got reconnected for the Golden Jubi-lee celebration.

Fast Forward Fifty Years. Thankful-ly, through the persistence and relentless efforts of our classmate, an honorary member of the Alumni Foundation, Ma. Luisa Pablo was able to track down a few of us and so, we came in trickles to attend the annual reunions in the recent years. By now, most of us are retired, devoted to “apo”stolic work, engaged in some advocacies, church ministry and community services.

So far, there are seven of us in our batch who have come forward to be counted: Ma. Luisa Pablo, Leonarda “Baby” Eco, Consuelo Sanchez-Cri-santo, Marilou Penaranda-Acoba, the San Mateo Girls: Apolonia “Oneng” Santos-Santos, Myrna Arboleda-An-damo, and yours truly. In anticipation of our Golden Jubilee, we have met a few times for lunch and did a lot of catch-ing up. We had fun as we recalled fond memories of our youth spent together. We laughed at our old pictures and made a pact to call each other by our nicknames as soon as we realized how our given names are betraying our age.

Baby Eco, who is into Facebook, was able to connect with some of our classmates in the United States: Cora-zon Antonio-Mancenido, Aurora Perez-Santiago, Louise Aranas- , Liga-ya Aleta-San Pedro, Fe Bernal-Aguelo,

Belencita Domingo. Reminded that it is our Golden Jubilee Year, they beat us in celebrating and had their own reunion in Las Vegas just last month.

Fifty years later, it is payback time. It is but apt that we give back something to those who nurtured us during our most sensitive and formative years. As a start, we sent a modest gift during the Visit to the Nuns. A moderate fund raising is also in the works to support the projects of the Alumni Foundation.

Our celebration will not be complete without paying tribute to the nuns and the mentors who moulded us in the Marian spirit that continues to guide us today. How could we forget our Mother Supe-rior, Mother Edralin; our directress, Sr. Isabelita, better known as Sr. I, who was behind the direction and produc-tion of Marian plays, one of which was on the life of our Mother Foundress, Mother Ignacia del Espiritu Santo; our principal, Sr. Felicitacion; Sr. Dulce, the musical genius; Sr. Diega , the math/science wizard, Sr. Laureana, Sr. Aida, Mrs. Pompeya Naval, our Senior Class Adviser, Miss Edna Amor, our Speech Teacher, who is still very much around and all our teachers from our freshmen to senior years.

May this Golden Jubilee be a starting point for renewing and strengthening our ties with our Alma Mater and with one an-other. More power and more blessings to St. Mary’s College, the Alumni Foundation and the Marian Community. Ad Jesum Per Mariam.

Golden Jubilarians

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YOLANDA in a long while is one name Filipino parents, would unimag-inably christen their newborn babies with. It spells devastation and pain that ravaged every Filipino’s heart. Last November 8, 2013 ,the whole world witnessed the enormous damage that typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) caused the Philippines, particularly Leyte and East-ern Samar. But they also witnessed the innate strong sense of reaching out to others and coping skills of its people. And that amidst the cries of pain, they still managed to smile, get up quick and organize on how to rebuild communities and rebuild lives.

Our Mother Ignacian value of Faith and Love of God through others was strongly reflected in our swift answer to the cries of our Visayan brothers and sisters:• The St. Mary”s College Quezon City

Alumni Foundation Inc. immediately called on other Marians here and abroad for assistance in whatever form for the Yolanda survivors

• An overwhelming donations of cash and in kind was received from differ-ent High School batches here and abroad.

• For more organized distribution, the Alumni Foundation worked hand in hand with the MINSAC (Mother Ignacia National Apostolate Center). Several RVM schools were likewise damaged:

• Cash, clothes, medicines and food items were donated

• An addition of P 125,000.00 was donated for 3 fishing boats and livelihood capital for the wives of the fishermen.

•Other groups, friends and househ-elps who had relative survivors, likewise received assistance from the Alumni Foundation

•The board agreed to forego of the Christmas party in sympathy to our suffering brothers and sisters in the Visayas.

•The Alumni Foundation agreed to sponsor the Graduation and Prom expenses. of Anchel Chuca, a transferee from Palo Leyte whose parents died in one of the most Yolanda hardly hit area. She also received a cash Graduation gift from the Alumni and earned herself several mommies among its board members.

•Our RVM sisters, together with some Marians joined Oplan Hatid in driv-ing the survivors from the Villamor Airbase to their relatives here and nearby provinces. They made use of their private cars, vans and even the St. Mary’s College tourist bus.

All these is Ignacian Love in Action at its best.. because a Marian’s heart beats strongly for others and proudly so!

Yolanda 2014

Update on the Livelihood Project for Yolanda Typhoon SurvivorsIn coordination with St. Mary’s Academy of Guiuan, a total

of eight (8) families chosen from among the school’s adopted communities, benefited from the financial assistance extended by St. Mary’s College of Quezon City Foundation, Inc. Three (3) availed pump boats while five (5) received cash amounting to Php 5,000.00 for a start-up capital for a small scale business.

SUMMARY OF EXPENSES:Boat Php 32,600.00 x 3 = Php 97,800.00Capital Php 5,000.00 x 5 = Php 25,000.00Other Expenses = Php 2,200.00TOTAL Php 125,000.00

byEileen Tawatao-Garcia ‘74


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How would you describe a group of 140 or so women in their mid-50s that grew up faced with the 1972 declaration of Martial Law when they were third year high school, went out on the streets with nuns in protest against Ferdinand Marcos during the EDSA revolution in 1986, stuck it out with the Philippine energy and the Asian financial crises in the 1990s, saw from television the horror of 9/11 in 2001, and now in 2014, prays daily for justice in the wake of the P10 billion pork barrel scam?

I would call our selves resilient.Our St Mary’s College QC high school

batch of ’74 has come a long way from being innocent teens to women journey-ing through sometimes uncharted paths to make a difference in our family, in our small circle of friends, in our community, in our church, and for some of us, in our country or another country. We have moved on from a stage where we are focused on settling down, securing our jobs, and proving ourselves. We are now in a new phase where we hear the call to do something for a nobler purpose, to give back.

And we walk on this new path of our journey with resiliency to face any chal-lenge.

This “giving back” stage we consider our homecoming. This year, our batch comes together to celebrate as a whole our common desire to be significant to our alma mater, one of the roots our resiliency in life. We give back to St Mary’s College

financial aid for its scholars as well as for the school’s facilities. This is our way of thanking our beloved school for the preparation it gave us to be self-reliant and given for others.

As we move on with our lives, our batch will reflect and lie the virtues of Mother Ignacia in our own ways.

When the foundress of the Congrega-tion of the Sisters of the Virgin Mary was decreed “venerable” in July 2007, Pope Benedict XVI declared:

“The Servant of God, Ignacia, ...is found to possess to a heroic degree the theological virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity toward God and neighbor, as well as the cardinal virtues of Prudence, Justice, Temperance and Fortitude.”

by Geosle Gatdula-Pascual ‘74

What Home coming Means To Us

In our contemporary lives, just like Mother Ignacia, our batch will:

Live believing in God (Faith) Not give up on our dreams

(Hope) and Love God and neighbor (Charity)

We shall achieve this through:

Careful management of our lives (Prudence)

Equality of everyone (Justice) Espousal of moderation (Temper-

ance) and Strength of mind (Fortitude).

Our homecoming is our journey to achieve this.

Ruby Jubilarians


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The Resilience of Batch 1989:

How the People Power Revolution and That’s Entertainment Shaped Who We Are

Ours was the batch that bloomed during a time of amazing, frightening, uncertain transition. We were molded in an era of change and revolution. We were caught between the old and the new, the familiar and the unknown. We traversed the difficult path of adolescence while our country and our world were in a state of upheaval and confusion. Ours was the batch that had to face a world on the cusp of a new decade, with its exciting and terrifying promises – and we emerged stronger, better. Tough, yet pliant. We are batch 1989.

From June 1985 until March 1989, St Mary’s College, Quezon City became our second home. It was there that we met the people who would become our friends for life. We borrowed ballpens and money from our classmates; fell in and out of love; failed exams and cried about it to our friends; joined clubs and sweated it out in the quadrangle in our gala uniforms during First Friday masses. We made choices and regretted most of them,

By Prof. Wowie Liwag-Lomibao Dedicated to SMC-QC Batch 1989 and to all the people who love them

won in the Intrams, lost in the quiz bees, smuggled in game and watch consoles to class, made friends with the vendors in Gate 1, scared each other with stories about the ghosts in Assumption Hall.

We bullied our nicest teachers to let us out of pop quizzes, practiced songs and dances, and rejoiced when some-one organized a Prom night. We firmly believed that Depeche Mode’s Somebody was our theme song for life.

We swore eternal friendship to our girlfriends and eternal devotion to our boyfriends, and recorded the minutiae of our friends’ lives in our slumbooks. We shared our cans of Aquanet spray for our hair, and applied Glo metal polisher to our CAT belts. We argued over which was better, the Thursday Group or the Friday Group in That’s Entertainment; Debbie Gibson or Tiffany; Ralph Macchio or Michael J. Fox.

During these years, we were wrapped in the soft protective cocoon provided by the school while important events swirled

around us. But we were the People Power Batch -‐ back when People Power still had a magical, inspiring allure. We were in the midst of a country transitioning from a dictatorship to democratic rule. Outside the gates of St Mary’s, Filipinos were rediscovering free elections; involving themselves in crafting a new Constitution; enjoying the benefits of a free media; cop-ing with the problems that came with a rebuilding a new government. And inside our classrooms, we were not only learning from books, yes, but also from the lessons of life that we could not escape.

Out of necessity, our batch learned how to navigate the fine line between a teenager’s natural self-‐centeredness, and concern for others. True, we preferred to watch Takeshi’s Castle, listen to Joe D’Mango’s Love Notes on DWTM, and giggle over Sweet Dreams. But like the rest of the world, we were horror-‐struck at the MV Dona Paz tragedy and the Mendiola massacre. We found enjoyment and pleasure in wearing headbands and

Silver Jubilarians


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jelly shoes, but in the true Ignacian spirit, we were also quick to unite in helping the needy when disasters struck, and uncomplainingly cleaned our campus during YCAP.

Sheltered as we were by the RVM nuns and our teachers, we still learned about coup d’ etats and brownouts the hard way – through actual experience. We bought Slush Puppies from the can-teen and experiment papers from the bookstore, struggled to make sense of Oedipus Rex for Literature and muddled up our sines and cosines in Trigonometry. But we also watched in fear as the RAM attempted to seize our government, and cheered as a peace accord was signed in Mindanao.

Our generation felt the insidious impacts of climate change and global warming creeping in on us when typhoons Meding, Sisang and Unsang killed thou-sands in Luzon, and El Nino dried up the country’s farms. Already Microsoft was flexing its muscles, ready to launch the revolution that would shape the technolo-gies of future generations. But we were happy to take pictures with our Kodak cameras, listen to Tears for Fears and Spandau Ballet on our Sony Walkmans and buy cassette tapes for our boom boxes.

We may not have known that femi-nism and discussions on gender were

slowly taking over the country’s con-sciousness, but we felt a sense of empowerment when we scandalized our parents by singing Papa Don’t Preach and watching Dirty Dancing on the sly. We did not know then the meanings of migration and globalization -‐ today’s catchphrases – but we experienced them firsthand as our parents started to work abroad and Toblerones became available for the first time at the Tropical Hut grocery in Mother Ignacia Ave.

Back then, we were always broke, we were always hungry, and yet we rev-eled in each other’s company, because at that time, that was all we had and it was enough.

That was 25 years ago. It was a time of enormous social and political change – of saying goodbye to the old, and fac-ing the new. What a time to be a pimply, self-‐ conscious teenager!

Now, the lives of Batch 1989 have taken a multitude of paths. Many have chosen to be married, and some have opted for singlehood. Many have elected to be fulltime mothers: vitamins, enroll-ment, grades – these are the things that fulfill us now. Others went the career route: they now write, not little notes on scented stationery, but on checks, led-gers, laptops, memos, reports. Many of us balance both. Our wallets are thicker now -‐ maybe with cash, but more likely

with colleagues’ calling cards and fam-ily photos. A lot of us may have left the Philippines and made our homes in for-eign lands, but still remain strongly and uniquely Filipino. Now, we are starting to feel the unique aches and pains of women in their 40s, but we are still raring to travel the country and see the world. We now care for elderly parents, or grieve their passing. Many have achieved their dreams, and many have also seen their dreams crushed or put on hold. And we see the world with wiser eyes, because we have been through the worst, and we have survived it.

And always, we are encouraged to move on, to go forward, because we know that, in everything we do, “Praised be Jesus and Mary now and forever” – a phrase that united us those many years ago, a line that started and ended all our classes, and until now we can recall and be guided by.

Time has indeed flown. And to think that, 25 years ago, we were young and carefree and foolish. And though we will never regret the time that has since gone by with all its pain and sorrow, its discoveries and disappointments, its amazing, fantastic growth, still... still, thinking about the past and all its memo-ries give us cause for celebration and we feel young and restless and adventurous once again.


10

Not one to just sit back and enjoy the festivities of the coming season, the Alum-ni true to the Marian spirit of responding to the needs of the times, ended the year 2013 with another outreach mission.

Occupying four vehicles, the Alumni composed of Pres. Gwen P. Gana’77, Imm. Past Pres. Lulu R. Robles’79, Eileen T. Garcia’74, Rhea G. Relos’79, Meiose T. Cristobal’82, Amy G. Tengco’77, Dahra V. Mendoza’78, Nini M. Tan’78, Candy O. Ocampo’83, Rodelene P. Tan’87, Anna B. Raneses’87, Ellen D. Santos’87 happily convoyed to three different homes on Dec. 10, 2013.

The Mom n Me project of the Alumni started with a visit to Child Haus in V-Luna, Quezon City. This is a special home for children stricken with different kinds of cancer. There were 23 children in the home when the Alumni visited. Their ages ranged from 2 yrs old to 14 yrs old. Though they were ill and suffering, we did not see any marked signs of pain on the faces of the children as smiles radiating with hope and cheer greeted us when we entered their haven. We were regaled with Christmas songs by the children and the Alumni reciprocated by giving bags of goodies to the children and to the staff.

The next stop was EMMAUS, a home for the Elderly located in Malolos, Bu-lacan. Lolos and lolas, about 72 of them, happily received bags filled with practical necessities like towels, blankets and other toiletries. Five wheelchairs were likewise handed over to the institution. Noticeable was Eileen Tawatao’s immediate bonding with Lolo Jose who she met in the court-yard of the home. Lolo Jose’s toothless smile warmed the hearts of the rest of the alumni as he thanked the group not only for the bag he personally received

but for the banana cakes (courtesy of Past President Lorna Patajo Kapunan) the Alumni gave for the elderlies’ 3pm snack. After distributing the bags, the Alumni took their leave as it was time for the oldies but goodies to take their much anticipated lunch.

At about 3pm, the Alumni reached its third and final destination, the Bethlehem, House of Bread, a home for abandoned children. The Alumni waited till the 76 children went on recess from their classes before they could play Santa Claus by distributing the bag of goodies to these children. Some children gamely posed for pictures with the alumni. After which, the children had to return to their classrooms. It was time then for the Alumni to travel back to Manila after a long fulfilling day.

Though their bodies were weary, their hearts were filled with so much love and care for the children and elderly the Alumni met that day.

For this 3 outreach activities-in-1 day, the Alumni would like to especially thank Tammy Manaloto (who flew in from New York, USA) and Jingle Tuason ‘79 for their friendship and untiring support to this mis-sion. God bless one and all!(Photo credits: Dahra V. Mendoza’78 and Amy G. Tengco ‘77)

Mom-Me Outreach 2013


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Today, we see many faces of various ages and volumes, beautiful and happy, wiser and more confident. Looking more deeply, one could not help but feel a bit of nostalgia, a glimmer of sentimental yearning and a wistful bliss of affection for the past and the has been. Surely we know, all Mar-ian alumni feel the very same way as we do, for that is what our school alumni homecom-ing does to each alumna every time.

Of course, in our case, that bit of nos-talgia may involve a bit of wishful thinking that we are still many years younger, skin a bit tighter, and eyes a lot more perky. Thank God for the Asian gene, we look much younger than what our birth certificates pro-claim. And that sentimental yearning? Yes, it’s definitely viewed with deep affection but there may be a bittersweet tinge of hoping to travel back in time to the years of being more carefree and fanciful as opposed to the current realities of mortgage bills, col-lege tuition fees, and maintenance meds.

Our school has been a place where memories were made and re-made, recalled and cascaded, then shared decades later; and, in our case, 35 years later.

Thirty-five years later, we have tran-sitioned from picking trite choices with careless abandon (hmmmn, Virra Mall or Ali Mall?; Our Tribe or Happy Feet?; Tootsie Roll or Clover Bits?; Burger Machine or Goodah?; banana-cue, camote cue or fishballs?; Hardy Boys or Nancy Drew? ) to choosing investments with prudent vi-sion and careful investigation. We now prefer function and comfort over style and intensity (although, once in a while, it can be stubbornly and unabashedly, the other way around). Presumably, we now have more money but less time, but the stack of bills on our desks may prove that otherwise.

It’s true for certain that our school belongs part and parcel to our past. But dreamers as we are, something of our high school life needs to be relived to remind us of our present; something depicting timelessness and a renewal –

--- like the songs we used to sing and listen to (Bee Gees, Village People, Doobie Brothers, Hotdog, Cindrella, and VST & Company)

--- the class field trip movies we watched together at the Delta or Circle The-aters (Julia, Grease, Battlestar Galactica, Little Prince’ Little Lord Fauntleroy)

--- the thoughts that continue to mes-merize us (Does Johnny Midnite’s toning really work?)

Gilda Rodriguez –dela Cruz ’79, Miriam Paner-Nebres ‘79

--- the cheers we used to shout in utterance to every present moment (like winning that volleyball game against our across-town rival – Stella Maris)

--- the stories we used to tell (like who did what at Batulao) and continue to deliver (she’s now a what?) till present time.

Aside from the excellent education that we have received from SMC, one thing that we will be eternally grateful for are the friendships that were formed. They may have started in groups of two (some as far back as the Kindergarten days) and through time, have blossomed into a life-long bonding among sisters. We all had our differences then and we still have them now but as our prefrontal cortex developed through the years, we have come to accept and embrace those differences, individually and collectively. Sometimes, it’s reassur-ing to know that many things remained the same, particularly the values and traditions. On the other hand, it’s a relief to see that the transformations, internal and external, are remarkable --- the nerds have become accomplished professionals, scientists, and educators; the beauty queens retained their youthful looks and bloomed inside out; the athletic classmates continued their physical fitness routines and are now either coach-ing or still playing sports with their kids; the chatterboxes have much more substance in their stories (with a sprinkling of gossip here and there); the shy and quiet ones have emerged from their shells and are now mak-ing successful loud waves in their respective fields; the Hello Kitty fans are now relishing the re-emergence of Sanrio products; the “rebels” are now getting a dose of their own

medicine through their own children (aha, payback time!); the ones who made some youthful indiscretions (we plead the fifth on this, so don’t ask who they are) have turned their lives around and are now productive members of society.

Before we go any further, we want to salute and thank the SMSQC Alumni Foundation for spearheading today’s alumni homecoming. Your time, effort and resources in providing all of us this oppor-tunity to gather and enjoy this once a year event is truly a testament to your spirit and commitment as Marians. Mabuhay kayo!

We also thank the administrators, the school faculty and staff, and other fellow jubilarians, for your presence in celebrating this momentous occasion with us.

Special mention goes to our teachers who are part of who we are now. We literally have to bear the burden of being respon-sible for some of you who have remained single up to this day. You devoted so much of your time molding us into God-fearing and law-abiding members of our society. Thank you for all the wrong that you made right, for the faith you had in us, for your patience in guiding us to make good choices, for giving us wings to make us fly with the promise of catching us when we fall. You have indeed made a difference in our lives!

We definitely want to thank our parents who had the awesome foresight to send us to St. Mary’s. These are the people who woke us up early in the morning so we wouldn’t be late for school and sometimes had to chase the school bus because we took so long primping in front of the bath-

(Continued on next page)

A Step Back In Faith Coral Jubilarians


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I have very many fond memories of high school. Some of which involve my interactions with the RVM sisters who happen to be my Christian Living teach-ers. During one of my angst-filled teen moments, a nun named Sister Celeste approached me, pulled me out into the corridor and asked why I was so angry. When I could not give her a response she reminded me that whatever it was I was going through, God’s love for me was stronger. She also told me how I was gifted with so much and that it can all be taken away if I continued to ignore them. That got me thinking and I calmed down after hearing her nuggets of wisdom. So when we were informed that part of our 25th year Jubilarian duties was to host the alumni visit to the retired nuns of the RVM, I was one of the ever-eager mem-bers of Batch ‘88 who hopped right away at the task at hand. We put our heads together to come up with a celebration

Piedras Platas sa MotherhouseVisit to the Sisters 2013

that was sure to be fun and exciting. After all, we’ve heard from previous host batches how enjoyable it was to visit the RVM sisters.

And fun it was! Our theme was a take on the very popular teleserye “Got To Believe” as we gave St. Joseph’s House a circus-like festive feel complete with jugglers, contortionists, stream-ers and colorful balloon decor. And of course, what festivity would be complete without games? The RVM sisters were very enthusiastic in participating in Batch 88-tweaked versions of “Rock, Paper, Scissors” and “The Longest Nun” where two groups of ten nuns counted their col-lective years of service as RVM sisters. Our very own Joan Floresta-Fajardo conducted a short wellness seminar com-plete with a heart age test and a free sampling of a pro-biotic drink. She was also very successful in getting the sis-ters off their chairs to dance to a popular

tune as she showed them how simple movements can keep us heart-healthy thus heart-happy. The sisters were very very generous in their appreciation of not only the short program that we prepared but also for the small goodie bags we gave them. We capped the day with a sumptuous meal at the dining hall and by the look on everyone’s faces, it was a good day indeed. Batch ‘88 is thankful to the SMCQC Alumni Foundation board members and officers for lovingly guiding us throughout the day and for introducing us to the wonderful experience of visiting the RVM sisters.

I may not remember why I was acting out that fateful day in SMCQC when Sister Celeste talked to me but I do remember Sister Celeste. It was an immense honor and opportunity to give back to people like her who dedicated their lives not only to the service of the Lord but who also once put up with silly people like me.

room mirror. These are the people who nagged us to do our homework and brush our teeth and go to bed early. These are our beloved mentors who instilled in us that a good education is a legacy that no amount of money will ever be able to match. Now how do we pass on that legacy? By becom-ing parents ourselves. By nurturing others as we were nurtured.

At this point, it would be a travesty to omit thanking our respective families --- our spouses and partners, our children and grandchildren ( so far, wala pa yatang may apo-sa-tuhod). What we are now, what we have become --- these are the people who came into our lives after SMC, and boy, they all sure lucked out. They came across women who have the grit to face the world and make their own marks. We have members of Batch 79 making waves in --- the military world as a high ranking officer; the healthcare industry as well-respected doctors, dentists, nurses and therapists; the financial world as top level officers, advisers, and consultants; the business industry as entrepreneurs, restaurateurs, managers, and hardworking associates; the academe

as educators; the tech industry as program-mers and staff members; the art world as a solo exhibitor; the literary world as writers and publishers; politics as elected officials, fundraisers, and personal assistants; Hol-lywood as blockbuster celebrities (not!) (yet!); also not to forget the longest-serving SMCQC Alumni Foundation President (6 years) and of course, in the improvement of the gene pool as parents and grandparents.

If we had to do it all over again, would we have wanted to spend countless hours studying the Iliad and learning how to sew that apron for YCAP? Would we not have shod our jazz shoes for PE or worn that quiana dress for the field demonstration? Would we have preferred steno or typing? Would we not have wanted to memorize the periodic table to check if zircon really has more value than amethyst?

If we had to do it all over again, would we have chosen our college degrees based on which university we got accepted into, or what our parents can afford at that time, or where our friends were going to?

If we had to do it all over again, would we have moved thousands of miles away from our families, friends, and our home

country? Would we have married the person we did? Would we have married at all? Would we have pursued the career that we did?

Would we? Yes, to many of these questions, but on hindsight, maybe not. However, we must admit that most of those choices proved to be what we were meant to choose. SMC laid the foundation for us to be able to choose wisely, kindly and ap-propriately.

So here we are --- dreamers and dream-makers. Let’s dream again and make it happen. Let this year’s homecom-ing be a reminder for us to be grateful, and to pay it forward by making our lives and actions have more purpose and meaning. Let us continue participating in the medical/relief missions in any capacity that we can and will. Let us continue heading the call of our alma mater to come back and give back so we may be able to enjoy the merits of networking. Let us continue nurturing the friendships that we have formed so we can celebrate (and commiserate) together. Let us continue in making a difference in the world by being the best that we can be. Let us. Let’s be.

(Continued from page 11)

by Nikki Madrid-Soriano ‘88


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Last May, during a trip to Manila with my husband, we had the chance to spend an afternoon in Intramuros. We were persuaded by a traffic officer in Guardia Civil garb to take the calesa ride around the walled city to familiarize ourselves with the buildings and history of the place. In the punishing and humid heat, we took this chance to at least sit and enjoy the shade of the caruaje, and maybe even a slight breeze afforded by the slow gallop of the horse. We happily listened to our kutsero’s History 101 lesson but I had to stop him when he came to a particular reconstructed building in Calle Santa Lucia – the Beaterio de la Compania de Jesus. I excitedly told my husband this was the order of nuns which ran my school, St Mary’s College Quezon City. I was surprised with my own exhilara-tion at this recollection, and stories told during High School Christian Living classes and MIDES month quickly flooded my memories.

As far as I can remember, the only portraits I see of Mother Ignacia are those with her eyes closed, hands folded, with the look of absolute piety. I am sure she was that but, I think a more realistic portrayal of this fascinating woman with be one of unequivocal life and vivacious-ness. After all, she was a trailblazer in her time - leading a group of Filipina novices who decided they would work and build their own indigenous convent, unheard of, in that era. This band of extraordinary women prayed, worked and stood their ground in good times and bad, and the rest, as they say is history. In a very tan-gible way, these women paved the way for me and my batch to come together and do the same.

Looking back with older and wiser eyes, thoughts of High School days bring many happy reminiscences. It surely does not feel like it’s been 30 years since we said tearful goodbyes to each other on graduation day, wearing our gala uni-forms, promising to stay in touch as we went into our different universities for higher education. Then this thing called ‘life’ crept in on everyone. Surprisingly, so many of us indeed stayed in touch even as we took on our roles as full members of society whether here in the Philippines, or elsewhere in the world.

I am so grateful to be part of SMC QC Class of 1984. Our class rode the wave of political upheaval as Ninoy Aquino was assassinated in our senior year; Martin

Nievera was a rising star and 80’s New Wave music was all the rage, and we celebrated the tricentenary of the commu-nity (1684-1984) with a play on the life of Mother Ignacia. Though sheltered within the walls of the school, the uncertainty of the political climate may have had a hand in making us more aware of the tentative-ness of life, and so we savoured it to the last drop.

Over and over again the stories from our high school life never seem to lose its lustre, and loud, knee-slapping laughter inimitably feature in all of our gatherings to this day. The friendships we have forged lasting more than three decades have been matured, enriched, deepened, and are consequently fuller and more rewarding as the years roll by. Being each other’s witness and compan-ion through the many hills and valleys of life has made us gracious towards one another, appreciating each one’s unique-ness, gifting, and distinctive journey. The advent of Facebook and e-mailing have enlarged and rekindled our connections

not only with our batch mates, but most delightedly with our past teachers as well.

My “bestest” best friends come from this spirited batch of women – they have lived with me my awkward years, learned the worst and best of me, celebrated with me, cried with me, cheered me on, sat with me, laughed with me, and prayed with and for me. They are precious gifts bestowed by my Creator, enriching my life and opening me to the beauty and strength He shaped in each person.

I know there are more journeys to tread, more adventures to be lived, and more wisdom to be learned. It is my prayer and confidence that my batch of 1984 will always have each other to walk through this beautiful thing called living.

Before retreating from Intramuros that afternoon, we chanced upon a nun in the RVM uniform. I dragged my husband to catch up with her and introduced myself as a product of SMC QC, and member of Batch 1984. I wanted to honour her by expressing simple words of gratefulness for the band of ladies who had the vision to come together to pray, work, nurture and educate women, just like us.

PearlJubilarians

by Beth Tugas ‘84

This Band of Women


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D’KADA“Just because you shouldn’t live in the past doesn’t mean it’s not a nice place to visit.”

Usually, alumni homecomings and big reunions are organized during a high school batch’s 25th year anniversary. But to the illustrious Batch 2004 of St. Mary’s College Quezon City, it didn’t have to wait ‘til its alumni turn 42 years old before holding one. A decade since high school graduation was more than enough gap of time to meet again, to exchange hugs and altogether celebrate as a batch.

The 10th Year Reunion of SMCQC HS Batch ’04 was held last May 31, 2014 at La Chandelle Events Place, Quezon City. A total of 55 participants attended the gathering. The batch was also honored to have 2 of its High School teachers gracing the event: Madam Maybel Amog (then 4-Matapat adviser) and Madam Joselette Uy (then Marian Student Council moderator and 4-Matatag adviser). It was a night of pure laughter, smiles and nostalgia as everyone reminisced the good ol’ days of being a high school Marian. A special gallery containing High School memorabilia was also put up during the event. Daily and PE uniforms, report cards, class pictures, 90s toys, medals, awards, yearbooks, college fair tickets and all sorts of items that were part of High School were put on display for everyone to browse and see. Exploring the gallery was indeed an enjoyable walk down memory lane.

Every time we retell stories and anecdotes of how things were in High School, it seems to us that these memories were just of yesterday. We miss the things of old but inasmuch as we’d like to dwell on yesteryears, these memories serve more appropriately to us as reminders of looking back and then moving on in life. A lot of things have changed in everyone’s lives, but sentimental gatherings as high school reunions shed us the reality that some things never change: the friendship, the youthfulness, the values and lessons learned. SMCQC HS Batch ’04 may be further identified into smaller barkadas or social circles, but the batch would like to be identified more as one big ‘barkada’.

We meet again not so much to brag about how far we’ve gone or how much we’ve achieved, but to celebrate life, companionship and friendship on a deeper and more personal level. In an age when human connections are equated to chatting with a friend online or liking a friend’s status update or photo, we would like to reinforce

Isang Dekada, Isang Malaking BarkadaSMCQC HS Batch 2004 10Th Year Anniversary

the fact that no technological device nor phone app can ever replace physical hugs, smiles, kisses and laughter when you meet in person. In the end, we realize that the memories which stick the most with us, those that are more worth reminiscing, are those times physically spent with people dear to us.

Napagdaanan na tayo ng Polly Pocket, Nokia phones, jackstones, magic pencils, family computers, Jumanji, Flintstones vitamins, ISP Bonanza internet cards, UltraMan, discman, walkman, tape, VHS, betamax, Tamagotchi, Brick Game, Spice Girls, Backstreet Boys at Britney Spears. Napagdaanan na tayo ng panahon, ngunit hindi ng mga masasayang pagkakataon. Lumipas man na ang isang dekada, nananatili pa rin tayong isang malaking barkada! Cheers!

*A day before the reunion, a social media campaign using the #MarianKaKung hashtag was held last May 30, 2014 by batchmates and schoolmates from different batches alike. The online worlds of Facebook, Twitter and Instagram were flooded by memories of being a Marian using the said hashtag. It was a day of being proud as a Marian, of seeing the Marian Ugnayan Community’s solidarity at work and more importantly, a day of showcasing each one’s fondest memories made in and outside the school as a Marian. Anyone can view the answers

of those who participated in the campaign by typing the key hashtag “#MarianKaKung” in the search field of Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.*

Some of the results are the following:#MarianKaKung kumain/tumambay ka

sa Mrs. Howards.#‎MarianKaKung kilala mo si Mary

Cherry Chua#MarianKaKung ang parati mong

sharing pag potluck ay dunkin donuts.#MarianKaKung nag pa-studio ka sa

Fuji Film sa Delta at ipipilit niyong magkasya ang halos buong section o barkada.

#MarianKaKung na-experience mo ang shibashi or kahit anong exercise after flag ceremony!

#MarianKaKung “Madam” ang tawag mo sa mga babaeng teachers at nag gigreet ka ng “Praised be Jesus and Mary”

#MarianKaKung umay na umay ka na sa Octopus at Caterpillar pag college fair..pero anyway sumasakay ka pa din naman.

#Mariankakung nasabi mong butterfly instead na banner fly sa pagkanta ng SMC hymn.

#MarianKaKung alam mo ang kwentong buhay ni Kapintu-pintuhong Mother Ignacia del Espíritu Santo.

#‎MarianKaKung naabutan mo ang wooden auditorium

Aluminum Jubilarians


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This year, the Federation of Alumni Associations of RVM Schools, Inc. (FAARSI) celebrated its 5th National Assembly in Cagayan de Oro City on May 24, 2014, with Lourdes College Cagayan de Oro Alumni Association, Inc. as host.

Being that it’s my first term as a member of the St. Mary’s College QC Alumni Association Foundation Inc. (SMCQCAFI), I was so excited signify my intent to attend the said event together with my fellow alumni board members. It will also be my first time in Cagayan de Oro and I was making sure that I won’t miss out on the sights and sounds the beautiful city has to offer. And above all, I was looking forward to experi-ence the RVM-bred camaraderie, maybe see some familiar faces and to meet new friends.

Arriving at the airport well before 4am, and seeing that NAIA Termi-nal III was jam-packed with people excited and eager to catch their flights to wherever they planned to go, our group, consisted of Theresa Mercado-Tan (’78), Rhea Gega-Relos (’79), Candida O. Ocampo (’83) and myself, took the earliest flight to Cagayan de Oro the day before the event. After an hour, we landed in Languindingan Airport, where we were picked up and brought to our hotel. With a minor misunderstanding regarding our early check-in, we didn’t let it get in the way of our previously planned activity of white water river rafting to which we were scheduled to be picked up that morning at the hotel. Doing the white water river rafting, whatever other people may say about it, I had the experience of my life. (Well that’s another interesting story to tell!).

In the afternoon, we visited churches and other interesting plac-es to see around the city and nearby Olop in Misamis Oriental. Our first day in CDO culminated with a dinner hosted by Dr. Jac Pimentel, brother of our SMCQCAFI President Atty.

My First FAARSI Experienceby Ellen D Santos ‘87

Gwen Pimentel-Gana (‘77), and where we met up with the rest of the SMCQC delegates: Risse Aquino-Jose (‘76), Vangee Andrada-Palileo (‘71), Rodelene Penequito-Tan (’87) and Grace Camacho-de Jesus (74), FAARSI President.

On the second day, we decided to forego the city tour sponsored by the event host and did the tour by ourselves. We went to see the Ultrawind Resort and Gardens of Malasag Eco-Tourism Village. The group had lunch at Sunburst in Cen-trio, Ayala Mall. After lunch we had to hurry back to the hotel to prepare for the FAARSI National Assembly.

The event started with a Eucharistic celebration followed by the program proper to which S. Ma Lorina Jumawan, RVM (North-ern Mindanao Regional Superior) discussed Mother Ignacia’s Beatifi-cation Timeline; S. Ma Marissa Viri, RVM (RVM EMC Chair) gave an update on RVM schools: and Ms. Grace Camacho-de Jesus gave the President’s Report. The event culminated with a fellowship night after dinner shared by all the alumni. The delegates participated in the raffle and all the games LCCDOAA prepared. Everyone sure had an enjoyable time that night. I got to meet new friends from other schools.

The next day, we prepared to go back to Manila, bringing with us the new learnings we had gained in participating in the FAARSI event. It gave me a renewed outlook for

being an RVM alumna. It brought back memories of my cherished childhood and adolescent awakenings. I will always be feeling that nostalgia every time I remember fondly the faces and places I have always treasured in my life. I have always been proud to be an IGNACIAN MARIAN graduate… now and forever!

*Photo credits: Lourdes College Cagayan de Oro Alumni Association


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Gwendolyn Pimentel-Gana ‘77President

Eileen Tawatao-Garcia ‘74

Ma. Rosario Ribaya-Bumatay ‘74Directors For Alumni Affairs

Maria Rosario Tan-Cristobal ‘82

Director For Finance

Amelita G. Tengco ‘77Director For Documentation

Nerissa Aquino-Jose ‘76

Ma. Elvira Sison-Pascual ‘76Directors For Programs &

Communication

Estela Marie Villanueva-Mendoza ‘78Aurea Gega-Relos ‘79

Ma. Theresa Mercado-Tan ‘78Directors For Community

Development & Special Projects

Ma. Alicia Abacan-Ibarra ‘76Arlene Untalan-Sarmiento ‘86

Directors For Scholarship

Evangeline Andrada-Palileo ‘71Director For Publicity & Promotions

Aileen Papin ‘89

Anna Marie Bunuan-Raneses ‘87Ellen D. Santos ‘87

Rodelene Penequito-Tan ‘87Directors For Ways And Means

Candy O Ocampo ‘83

Director For Information Technology

Melinda Macalintal-Rada ‘72Lynn Aguilar-Umali ‘70

Director For Corporate Affairs

Chermaine Christyne T. Cristobal ‘07Ma. Loida Geniblazo-Secillano ‘86

Directors For Membership

Ma. Luisa Pablo ‘64Honorary Member

Paraluman R. Robles ‘79 Immediate Past President

BOARD OF ADVISERS

Cecilia Navarrete-Temporal ‘66 Gracia Camacho-De Jesus ‘74

Fe Silica Serquina-Arellano ‘69Ma. Corina Parungao-Isaguirre ‘75

Lorna Patajo-Kapunan ‘69Priscelina Patajo-Legasto ‘68

Eliza Tible-Caoyonan ‘66

SMCAF Board of Directors 2013-2015

Meet Our Newest Scholar – Ynna Ysabelle P. Ramos

Ynna Ramos, a Grade 7 student, is the newest “kid on the (scholarship) block.” In her own words, “I am diligent in my studies and am a certi-fied bookworm. I love reading books, usually thrillers and mysteries. I love playing bad-minton and watching movies. My father is an accountant and he helps me in my proj-ects and assignments. We are very religious because we participate in processions and we have our own pabasa. I am very hopeful for my father to have a kidney transplant soon, because, as of now, he is un-dergoing dialysis in the NKTI.”

“For me, it means a lot that I have been accepted as a scholar of SMCQC Alumni Foundation. With this scholar-ship, I can help my father in alleviating the financial burden of our family. I am very happy that I am now a scholar who can prove that I can have high grades to sup-port my being a scholar. It would help my family very much.”

SCHOLARSHIP Grant

Ynna is a partial scholar and is the recipient of a 50% scholarship grant from a Cali-fornia, USA-based alumna, Ms. Maria Christina Veridiano-

was implemented in 1994 by the Foundation, has produced more than a dozen high school graduates, who have gone on to excel academically in college and have achieved success in their chosen ca-reers. With the generous support of Marian alumni based here and abroad, as well as other private individuals and benefactors, the Founda-tion has been successfully implementing the scholarship program; thereby helping fi-nancially disadvantaged but academically qualified stu-dents achieve their dream of quality education.

With the Department of Education’s implementation of the “K-12” Program entail-ing two (2) additional years of high school education, SMCAF is faced with the challenge of beefing up its Scholarship Fund. Currently, we have one full scholar and three partial scholars. With the alumni’s generous help, the Foundation aims to assist more deserving young people who are in need, to finish high school in St. Mary’s. This is a reflection of the spirit of char-ity that our founder Mother Ignacia displayed for the less-privileged, especially in educating the youth. Let her spirit live on in our efforts to help young people achieve better lives…

Small (HS Batch ). St. Mary’s has a special place in Tina’s heart. She avers that Saint Mary’s has “had such a posi-tive influence in her life and the person that she has become”, and she relishes the memo-rable and fun-filled years she spent in the school. Her gen-erous donation is her “humble way of giving back to the school which has given her so much.” The grant is in memory of Tina’s late husband, Jack M. Small. He and Tina shared a strong belief in the value of a good educational foundation, to uplift the lives of disadvan-taged young people. To TINA, our heartfelt thanks and may your tribe increase!

Photo shows the current crop of SMCAFI scholars sign-ing the Scholarship Contract for School Year 2014-2015 with SMCAFI President Gwen-Pimentel Gana and other SMCAFI officers. Our four (4) scholars are Dianne D. Segu-nial (4th Year), Robert Vincent S. Ortiz (Gr. 9), Maria Angelica T. Rivera (Gr. 9) and Ynna Ysabelle P. Ramos (Gr. 7).

FLAGSHIP PROJECT

A flagship project of the Foundation is its Scholarship Program for deserving high school students enrolled in St. Mary’s College Quezon City. Said program, since it

by Mariles Abacan-Ibarra ‘76

marian alumni nesletter 2014

Documents

new alumni president

overall alumni affairs

coral jubilarians

celebrating jubilarians

batches of jubilarians

golden jubilarians

alumni choir sings lupang

board of directors