High School Emerald 1970: Emerald Bonds. 55 Years of Evergreen Friendship.
Editor’s Note:
Unlike other jubilarians who will take to the Velada stage, the Emerald Class of 1970 has chosen to shine through service. Guided by their timeless mottos — “The Truth Shall Set Us Free” (Herran) and “Magis” (San Lorenzo) — these women have found that their truest performance is not in song or dance, but in acts of compassion that echo far beyond the auditorium.
As Ruby Tongco and Pamy Uy share, their journey toward this year’s celebration began with one heartfelt question: How can we make our Velada offering more meaningful and relevant? The answer came not from choreography or costume, but from community.
Last July, a group of my classmates and I came together to teach the mothers of students at San Juan Nepomuceno School how to cook arroz caldo — the very same meal we later served to patients during our medical mission. It was a simple act of nourishment, yet it beautifully captured the spirit of Magis — giving more of ourselves, our time, our talent, and our treasure.
In that moment, we realized that true joy doesn’t come from applause or the spotlight, but from service freely given. The Truth Shall Set Us Free — and for us, that truth is found in recognizing that reaching out to our indigent brothers and sisters has a far deeper and lasting impact than any performance we could have offered onstage.
Over the years, our class has always tried to live this out — responding whenever there’s a need, whether through socio-civic activities or any call from the Assumption sisters and community. It’s become part of who we are: a quiet constant – hands ready to help – hearts open, faith expressed in action.
Our video presentation this year — a tribute to that mission — has touched many fellow alumnae from different classes, and their positive responses inspired us even more. One of our former teachers, Miss Barrera, even called it “the best song and dance program she had seen.” Another friend told us it reminded people of their duty to love, to share, and to help others — and for us, there is no greater affirmation.
The word Magis, meaning “more” or “greater,” continues to guide us. It is a principle that calls us to strive for excellence and service for the greater glory of God — to step out of our comfort zones, to keep giving, to keep going. It gives us the gentle push to live our mission with joy.
For us in Class 1970, this is just the beginning. United once more as “One Class ’70” — Herran, San Lorenzo, and Iloilo — we carry with us the same spirit that guided our community pantry project during the pandemic: creative, collaborative, and full of hope.
And as we look ahead to our Diamond Jubilee five years from now, we’re already dreaming of something even more meaningful — proof that the Emerald glow of 1970 never fades with time. If anything, it only deepens — like faith strengthened by friendship, and truth revealed through service.
Watch our Medical Mission.
Their spirit of Magis — striving always to do more, be more — and of “The Truth Shall Set Us Free” — embracing the freedom that comes from living and acting with integrity — continues to shine brightly through their stories of service and leadership.
And now, witness how this ethos takes personal form in the journey of Rita Villapando Espiritu.
From challenging traditional gender expectations in Philippine society to rising through the ranks of the U.S. Navy and playing a key role in the closing of Subic Bay, Rita’s story is one of bold truth and outward service. Her path shows what happens when we answer the call to “more” and let truth set us free to lead, serve, and transform.