Forever Thomasian: The 2009 USTHS Grand Alumni Homecoming!

by:  Marina Valenzuela-Torres ' 80, USTHS AAI Trustee
 

Close to 700 alumni in attendance were not expected but neither did it surprise! For a homecoming with a sappy theme; Together Forever, It's the Real Thing, the event turned out to be the real deal. More than the impressive number is that it showcased the inspiring collaboration of the USTHSAAI, the USTHS Administration, and the Silver Jubilarians, '84.

The success of this homecoming is in pace with the university's thrust towards an accretion of interest among Thomasians worldwide to come home to their alma mater for her 400th anniversary in 2011. In 2007 the USTHSAAI was re-incorporated and ever since had proven to be a steady partner of the UST High School faculty in mobilizing its alumni and raising this awareness even among the current student-body.

Last year, the High School was tasked together with the College of Engineering to meg that mega-homecoming The Wild, Gold and White Affair that saw over 2,200 attendees and is a record-setter in university-wide reunions. That maiden-project of the USTHSAAI and the fund-raising that went with it netted the association P1.1 m for its Scholarship Program plus over P600k cash on hand and in bank. Coming from that huge success, this year's host-batch was temporarily stymied but remained unfazed relying on its mother-organization, the USTHSAAI, and the high school administration for needed support. This year ' s event had on its sleeve a couple of attractions; the holding of the reunion at the High School Building, the first ever in over a decade, and the staging of the program at the memorable fan-shaped High School Auditorium, now newly-renovated, fully air-conditioned, fitted with cushioned-seats, and boasting of superior light & sound systems.

Hard work and great teamwork patiently patched together a logistical nightmare of too small a venue vis-a-vis a vigorous invite mechanism, nostalgia, comfort, lack of sponsors & performers, dedicated alumni & volunteers - and the end-result silenced the many hitches and early misgivings. Rocky Siasoco, President of the USTHSAAI, spearheaded this event with Topets Capinpin of '84, with unparalleled diligence and leadership. Aped Santos of '77, award-winning Production Designer of the movie Baler, gave a much-needed all-out effort as Show Producer.

When plans were underway and finances were short, Quiel Delgado (USTHSAAI Treasurer) was able to tap Ray Espinosa of E-PLDT as main sponsor. The gargantuan task of information dissemination was handed to livewire Leebai Esquivias-Gamboa (USTHSAAI VP), who also emceed the after-dinner show. Blame her for the SRO crowd! Drinks were uncharacteristically allowed and flowing, lifting the spirits and raising the decibel level. For the first time, a Homecoming King & Queen were chosen (Mr & Mrs Glen & Mary Ann Mirabueno) and were serenaded by the Rainmakers who regaled the crowd with Original Pilipino Music. The night was filled with original, bold concepts that promise of yet livelier, grander homecomings!

The program proper was ably emceed by Dr. Carmencita "Menchie" Molano of '84. A speech from beloved HS principal, Eden Tolentino, opened the program, greeted and congratulated the guests and celebrators (while a light humurous speech much later on in the night from the then infamous now popular Ms. Manapat hearken of images and memories past). Young high school students, Glee Club and Dance Troupe members, looking both honored and shy to perform before the alumni, did so with pride. Ultimately, it is the UST Hymn that never fail to stir true Thomasian ardor, while the playing of the two versions of the UST High School Hymn, The Magic of UST High of which we are familiar with, was welcomed and imbibed. Only on occasions such as this do we unabashedly shed acquired sophistication and sing those hymns with near reverence. Making us, with a grin and a comforting resignation accept, that after all this time, after all we've gone through, we shall find ourselves time and again, Thomasians Forever, beating for the real thing!