By: Active8 Girls
Being an SOM grad has never been this exciting! Last Sept.20, 2009, the alumni of the Sisters of Mary had once again united and gathered to share and celebrate father's Al life. The sneak peak of the program was teamed "Go For Glory: A Celebration of Greatness and Gratefulness" In line with this very important celebration were some of the activities that could somehow motivate us to look forward, the awarding for the Search of Outstanding Alumni 2009. It was given emphasis to those individuals who excel in their respective endeavors & some plaque of appreciation to those who have rendered their time, treasure and talents for the success of the previous alumni gatherings. Former alumni officers and those who mark their unwavering faithfulness to serve our beloved alma mater largely composed these individual. Among the awardees were our very own active8 outstanding cliques: Mr. RAY CABASA, Mr. STEVE PAUL CABATO & Mr. RENE LOPERA. Whether they were young or just young-at heart, making achievements have no exemptions.
At noontime was the well-set captivating slide show of Father Al's life that made us reminisce and contemplate his works and sacrifices for us. To add more excitement to the celebration was the wacky dance presentation of our younger batches and a bunch of prices and games. The second highlight of the program was the awarding of the winners for the Muse Contest. Our bet, Rosalina Bilocura, gave us the 2nd runner-up slot of winners. The crowned muse was the very supportive 1st batch lady, Trixie.
A fireworks display end up the celebration. It was sponsored by one of our batchmate, Joveniano Doroon, who share his blessings in coordination with the active8 troops. This portion “ma-uy pinaka bibo sa tanan kai haztang unsa mang pag ka unsa-a nga kita man ang gi pa silhig sa mga sagbot pag ka human huhuhu”. As per Rodson (" FIRST TIME NAKU MO APIL SA ALUMNI, GI PA SILHIG DAYUN KO" NYA USAB PA MU???:-)
But somehow Father Al miss us that much, the stretching of our muscles and cracking of our joints were this time somewhat tougher than tough:-). Anyway everyone had fun doing the “panilhig” thing in spite sa ka init sa adlaw nga sobra pa sa sun bathing ang show. It’s like looking back the time when we were still young; our past duties while we were students keeping the campus clean and have fun. To add the fun, the civic works of the active8 troops did not end up with the ”panilhig” sa basketball court but sa pag ”yayong” sa wooden stage from gym 1 to the audio building right beside St.Mary’s building. Everyone..had..a.good..time!.
Its heart warming seeing that after all these years, after all we’ve achieved and done, that childlike manner that we learned when we were still an SOM student is still present in our hearts. We may become somebody that could soar high later on. But one thing for sure Fr. Al and the Sisters of Mary taught us, it is to look back to the ground when we are already flying high.
"We are not made ducks to waddle in the mud but to be eagles destined to fly above" - Fr. Al Schwartz
