GROWING UP IN LOVE, PASSION & FAITH: THE SILVERS OF HIGH SCHOOL 1999
by Gladys Santiago – Zafra and Cookie T. Cabrera
Our batch has been imagining what October 2024 will be like for us since 2019. We have been looking forward to our Velada and choosing a batch name was not easy. We wanted the name to reflect who we are as a batch at this point in our lives, while paying homage to our shared history.
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 twenty-five 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.
In 2021, we mobilized all our batch efforts for the 2024 Old Girls Day (OGD). We created a 3-year roadmap that focuses on the following: Nourishing of Faith & Spirituality; Fundraising Initiatives; and Organizing the OGD Event Proper. From the Road to Velada, it was a great opportunity for all of us to reconnect and rekindle youthful friendships amongst the batch.
Three-year recollection series. Based on our batch motto: “Live In Faith, Serve with Passion, Grow in Love”, this has become the theme each year, from 2022 to 2024.
Various batch get-togethers, to pump up the homecoming spirit, getting us ready to Velada 2024
As 2024 stepped-in, we wanted to build a strong relationship with our fellow 2024 jubilarians. The Old Girls Day will not be a success without the partnership and collaboration with the gems. We started our monthly meetups to plan this year’s OGD and to build a strong Assumption sisterhood that will last for a lifetime.
Focusing on this year’s OGD, with AChieve as our theme, the Velada’s a reflection of batch 1999’s collective journey. With our Logo, that will be forever used, it’s centralized on Modernity and Vibrance, infused with various life achievements. Growing up in love, passion and faith reinforces core values, inviting all of us to continue a journey of personal and collective progress with enthusiasm and optimism. WE ARE ACHIEVERS – A collective accomplishment that is inclusive of all batches.
From our planning activities, a lot of data gathering exercises occurred, wherein we collected the jubilarians photos (old and new) and their batch mottos.
1999 – Live In Faith. Serve With Passion. Grow In Love.
1994 – Aude Mutare (Dare to Change).
1989 – Serviam Quia Amo (I serve because I love)
1984 – FIAT (Thy Will Be Done)
1979 – In His Will is Our Peace.
1974 – CARITAS (Love).
1969
- Herran – LOVE CONQUERS ALL
- SanLo – CARITAS CHRISTI URGES NOS (The Love of Christ urges us on)
1964
- Herran: “Semper et Ubique Fidelis” – Always and everywhere Faithful.
- SanLo: ” Fiat Voluntas Tua” – Thy Will be done.
- 1968 College: “Restez Mon Dio” – Stay my Lord.
1959 – Seek First the Kingdom of God
1954 – ELEVATA EST MULIER (Woman is uplifted)
Reflecting on the batch or class mottos, it revolves on faith, passion and love. It looks like the universe aligned that all of us will be celebrating our milestones together.
Circling back on the show, we wanted to AChieve a dream concert. The performances must revolve on the theme of winning in life. The songs should be empowering and the performances, unforgettable. Big. Grand. Spectacular, being mindful of simplicity, yet nostalgic.
August 2024, two months from now, the gems started to practice. A lot of the old girls knew the Velada groove, as dance steps and blockings were established. But for us, the Silvers, it’s a totally refreshing moment yet there was that feeling of “it’s just like yesterday”. While practicing, we giggled as we reminisced our grade school days with lots of performances held in the MRH (now MRA).
The 19th and 20th of October 2024 arrived. It’s the 2024 Assumption Herran / San Lorenzo Jubilarians D-Day, especially for High School Batch 1999.
After a series of fundraising events since 2021, get-togethers, and months of weekend dance rehearsals, we would like to believe (after all the raves and testimonies from various people we encounter) were able to mount the Best Ever Velada in the whole of Assumption history.
With the vision of ACHS batch 1999’s very own Val del Rosario and backed up by the Viva Entertainment, the country’s powerhouse production, this year’s Velada is now dubbed as AC Velada’s GOAT (Greatest of All Time)!
We have gone all out for this once in a lifetime event and went on to AChieve the dream concert for the Assumption community to enjoy whether live or via live streaming from any part of the world.
Relating it to the theme “AChieve”, the Velada performances have revolved on the message about winning in life. Amidst life challenges, it’s all about bouncing back and rising-up with pride. The songs were empowering, uplifting and nostalgic. Together with the gems, the performances were top notch. While being mindful of simplicity, the host batch was set to throw a show like no other. Indeed, it was a roller-coaster of emotions.
From the Silver’s powerful opening number that set the tone of the show, the tear-jerking tribute to teachers and families celebrating the homecoming together, to the heartwarming curtain call signifying the unity, enjoyment, and satisfaction of all the celebrating gems, all the segments and performances were larger than life.
It was a weekend of sisterhood and fun like no other. Purely amazing! The Assumption spirit lives on and remains to be strong.
But as Assumption Girls, it is inevitable for us to reflect. The core team took the opportunity to introspect the entire journey to Velada. We realized two of St. Marie Eugenie’s words.
Do Not Clip Their Wings, Direct Their Flight – We appreciate the love and support of Assumption College and Assumption Alumnae Association. They were incredibly supportive with our vision & plans and super supportive & collaborative on how we wanted to execute our vision.
My Life Has Been a Constant YES to God – The entire journey towards the Road to Velada is our YES to God. Because of our big dreams to achieve this vision, which to have the greatest Velada show ever, there were challenges along the way. But because we were rooted with our Assumption education, especially the memories we gained in the school through the years, we were even more inspired to reach our goal and make this year’s Old Girls Day a memorable one for all.
All Hail!
Batch HS99 Silver | Final Number