Famous heartthrob Daniel Matsunaga gallantly gave the Golden Jubilarians
long-stemmed roses when he appeared as guest performing artist at the
Immaculate Conception Academy’s recent alumni homecoming. The
serenade highlight of the evening’s memorable program saw the tall
and dashing actor and model of Brazilian and Japanese parentage plant
kisses on a few of the surprised honorees in long gowns.
The Batch
1964 alumni included Pho Hoa restaurateur Nancy Cua, Miriam College
dean Lourdes Samson, CEO of Philscan Travel and Tours Sylvia Sangco
and journalist Nancy T. Lu.
A Microsoft PowerPoint presentation of pictures from Helen Cokee's scrapbooks of memories unfolded while the Golden Jubilarians were in the limelight. With help from her staff at the Miriam College, Lourdes Samson put this together for projection during the program.
A Microsoft PowerPoint presentation of pictures from Helen Cokee's scrapbooks of memories unfolded while the Golden Jubilarians were in the limelight. With help from her staff at the Miriam College, Lourdes Samson put this together for projection during the program.
The
6-foot-1 entertainer’s moves titillated the audience during the
“CHICA NA!” event on November 22 at the ICA Greenhills campus in
Little Baguio, San Juan City. As he suavely romanced each of the 18
alumni in the spotlight with his song, the watching younger alumni
gushed and screamed with delight. Crowd pleaser Matsunaga at one
point went down on his knee before the flabbergasted alumna Mary Ng.
Unstoppable fans finally rushed onstage to mob the 26-year-old
ever-smiling Matsunaga.
During
the preparatory meetings called by the Silver Jubilarians who were
behind “CHICA NA!” on November 22, Hilda Tan So served as
coordinator for the Golden Jubilarians. She kept everyone posted on
the developments regarding the details of the program.
The
ICAns belonging to Batch 1964 went through months of preparation for
the celebration of their 50-year milestone as alumni. The
fund-raising for their beloved alma mater got launched last year with
Helen Cokee and Lourdes Samson opening a bank account for the
purpose. The target goal of one million pesos was surpassed during
the bank account closing time. One million pesos went to a
scholarship fund for the poor and 300,000 pesos to the health care of the aging sisters. The money turnover took place after a Mass offered by Father
Ari Dy, principal of Xavier School and himself a Silver Jubilarian of
the Jesuit school he now runs.
Two
days before, on November 20, the Golden Jubilarians gathered at the
Quezon City Sports Club to remember their departed classmates Imelda
Ang, Hedy Yu Galan, Catherine Chua, Lucille Chan and Ruby Nubla as
well as their mentor Sister Teresita Canivel at a Mass offered by
Father Ronald Bagley. In his homily, the priest reminded everyone
about looking back at the past as a gift to be thankful for and the
future as a gift of promise and hope.
Wearing
a long dress on the big day itself was Helen Cokee’s idea. She had
the sample look created and made by a designer in August. She bought
the needed fabric combinations personally. A dressmaker was also
found by her.
More
than for any other reason, the alumni homecoming was an occasion for
happy bonding among classmates gone separate ways due to different
callings over the years. Some never crossed paths for half a century.
Others were privileged to have reunions during their travels
overseas.
Sister Dina Ang warmly welcomed back the alumni. Those who were revisiting for the first time in years were amazed to see the many changes in the campus.
Sister Dina Ang warmly welcomed back the alumni. Those who were revisiting for the first time in years were amazed to see the many changes in the campus.
Most
of the alumni recalled and shared the happy moments in their lives as fulfilled
mothers and even grandmothers. Reveries of halcyon days at ICA,
sometimes filled with mischief, kept flooding back. There were
suggestions to revive the singing Amorettes. Discussions of health
issues were inevitable. But the general spirit was very upbeat.
Those
who traveled all the way from the United States and Canada to keep
this rendezvous enjoyed the bonding which continued in the home of
Lourdes Samson at Ayala Heights. The Cabuyao Fun Farm and the
Tagaytay Highlands were part of the memories of a few. Dancing feet
found their way to the Roxy on Tomas Morato Street for an afternoon
of ballroom dancing. There were lunches and dinners to keep the
animated conversations going.
The
question finally was: when and where will the next reunion take place?
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