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Music Alumnae Reunion and Homecoming

By Mae de Vera, School of Music Faculty Member
Posted: Monday March 08, 2010 03:59 PM

Music alumnae from different generations flocked to the social hall of SSC last January 31 (Sunday) for the annual reunion and homecoming.  The special event started off with the Holy Mass which was officiated by Fr. Manuel Maramba, OSB – an alumnus himself. The social hall brought nostalgia to everyone as each recalled her own memorable experience of recitals, concerts and other musical activities held there in the past.  There were warm embraces and pleasantries exchanged as each alumna greeted one another. One could see the excitement and joy in everyone’s faces in meeting once again long-absent friends and colleagues.  

Special honourees for the day were the jubilarians for 2010 who were recognized and given St. Benedict medals to once more renew their ties with the school as Benedictine children. Two of the Diamond jubilarians (60 years) came – Fidela Ocampo-Unson and Digna Agra-Roxas.  The Emerald jubilarians (55 years) who came were: Grace Africa-Gatchalian, Aida Rodriquez-del Rosario, Aleli Bautista, Lourdes de Gala-Sian, Florencia Vizconde-Tomas, Maria Lopez-David, and Sr. Evelyn Coronel, RGS. Cristina Carrion-Bichara, Rosemarie Santos-dela Paz, Emily Wee Sit-Lim and Zenas Reyes-Lozada received their medals as Golden jubilarians (50 years) for this year. Only Renee Camu was there to represent the Sapphire jubilarians (45 years). The Ruby  (40 years) honorees were Ingrid Chang-Chua lao, Joyce Juco-Dellosa, and Sr. Salvacion Umali, OSB. Ramona Tatco-Balingcos was the lone Coral jubilarian (35 years).  Most of the Pearl jubilarians are now residing abroad and so no one was able to come. Denden Sy-Beltran received the Benedictine medal in behalf of her sister, Wen Mei Sy-Malenab, who is one of the Silver jubilarians (25 years). 

A highlight of the reunion was a short but undoubtedly a world-class concert. Camille Lopez-Molina thrilled everyone with her songs, With a Song in My Heart and Jurame. This was followed by Greg Zuniega who played a Rodgers and Hammerstein broadway hit, Lover. Gina Medina and Mary Anne Espina did two numbers for violin and piano, Danse Espagnole and Sarungbangui. The final concert numbers were Fly Me to the Moon and L.O.V.E. performed by the Jazz Trio composed of music students Rafael del Rosario (piano), Allan Abdulla (drums), and Nick Lazaro (double bass). The concert left everyone wanting for more. 

Another highlight was the presentation of Ramona Tatco-Balingcos on the recent developments in the School of Music. These included the various activities of music students, the increase in enrolment, the new music programs and course offerings, to name a few. In the words of an alumna, “It gives me so much hope to know the big stride that the School of Music has made”. 

The reunion lingered on because it was hard to part ways. It was as if time were suspended, friendships are renewed and the bond that all Scholasticans and musicians treasure for the rest of their lives.