High School Blue Diamond 1960: 65 Years of Grace and Grit.
Editor’s Note:
The Blue Diamond Class of 1960, now celebrating 65 radiant years since their high school graduation, continues to embody the spirit of Semper Fidelis — always faithful. Their story is one of constancy and courage, of friendships that have weathered seasons and shone even brighter through time.
From their youthful days in Assumption halls to this beautiful season of fullness and reflection, they have walked together in grace — proving that faithfulness is not just a motto, but a way of life. They have turned shared laughter into strength, and steadfast love into a lifelong mission of service.
As they return to the Velada stage, they do so not only to celebrate the past but to honor the enduring light of sisterhood that still burns within them. In this heartfelt reflection, Conchita Gallaga Castillo captures their journey — one of friendship, faith, and the deep joy of a life beautifully lived, together.
In 6th grade, almost half of our class was accelerated to Grade 7 in the middle of the year to comply with the Department of Education’s requirement for each school to have a Grade 7. This small group made us very close — and that closeness has stayed with us through all the seasons of life.
It has become a habit for us to meet regularly. We see each other almost every other month to celebrate birthdays and milestones — or sometimes, just to be together. Preparing for this year’s Velada has been such a joyful journey. We accomplished our number through hard work and our indomitable spirit, even with a few health hiccups along the way. It has truly been great fun to gather often for rehearsals — a golden opportunity to have a blast and savor the pure enjoyment of being together again.
For us, faithfulness is not just a word — it’s something we live. We have shown it by demonstrating affection, loyalty, commitment, and consistency in our relationships with one another, keeping promises, and acting with integrity. Over the years, this same spirit of faithfulness has guided our efforts to serve others through many advocacies, such as:
- Participation in the AMA missions in Japan and Tanzania.
- Feeding children at Mother Teresa for many years.
- Involvement in parish work.
- Active service for Contemplative Outreach Philippines and other religious groups.
- Supporting the feeding missions of the Jesuits in Caloocan
- Sustaining a shelter for abused women and children in Tanay, Rizal.
- Building schools in Tanay and in Zambales for the Mangyan communities.
- Working with the San Lorenzo Ruiz Home for the Elderly.
- Financially helping Malibay and serving as part of its Board of Trustees.
- Funding the construction of the new Malibay building.
- Organizing Filipino doctors in the U.S. to carry out medical missions in the provinces.
Three of our classmates were wives of diplomats — bringing the Assumption spirit to London, Spain, China, and Washington.
Through all these years, we have remained true to our values and beliefs — showing unfailing devotion to God, the Church, our school, and our country.
Now in our 80s, we have come to realize that faithfulness should be practiced on a day-to-day basis. What we believe in is what we become. This belief has developed a sense of trust, confidence, and certainty in one another. We love each other deeply. We have truly become sisters.
We hold dear the words of St. Paul: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
Yes, we are finishing the race — and we have been faithful.
Through the laughter and the years, the Blue Diamonds shine on — a living testament to Semper Fidelis, always faithful, always Assumption. 💙💎
From the stage to the story of everyday life, the Blue Diamonds continue to lead with purpose. In the ACx series, Dr. Pinky Valdés champions the importance of women’s education. Science may say that girls and boys learn differently, but faith, wisdom, and experience remind us that empowered women transform the world. Standing by one’s school, she reminds us, is standing by the cause of forming women for life.