Last Nov 21, cloudy skies and a drizzle could not dampen the spirit of Silver Jubilarians Batch 84. That was the day they hosted this year’s Grand Alumnae Homecoming, something that they have been preparing for the past ten years.
Their Homecoming actually began a week ago when ICA, led by Sister Dina and Sister Teresita, hosted a recollection for their batch. This annual activity, which started only four years ago, was presided by Fr. Johnny Go, Director of Xavier School. The aim of the recollection was to guide the Jubilarians to reflect on their journey in life and to welcome them back to a home and family that they left 25 years ago. After the half-day event, the Jubilarians felt that they never left.
“sICAt Tayo” started with a Eucharistic Celebration at the ICA Chapel at 4 pm. The HS covered court, where dinner was served, was resplendent in blue and silver. The program was a delight from beginning till end. The opening number of the Whistlers was “pyro-rrific”! Co-host Batch 74 gave a much-applauded Bollywood-inspired dance number. Their choice of Edu Manzano as host was excellent. Women went wild over Papa Piolo and the audience was laughing and dancing with Ai Ai delas Alas. Crowd pleasers Jamie Rivera and The Company also had everyone singing with them. The highlight of the program was an AVP of MIC’s own journey to celebrating 100 years of mission in Asia.
Emilie Coliangco-Siy, Homecoming chairperson sums everything up in her message.
“We realized that no matter how different our journeys appear to be, we ICAns have been molded to make a great difference in people’s lives. No matter where we are, we have become, as our ICA educators envisioned us to be – women of faith and service – be that in our small families, in our professions, in the businesses we manage, or in the greater society that we serve. “sICAt Tayo” celebrates our achievements, our uniqueness, our joys!
p align="justify">We also have reason to be proud of our MIC sisters’ 100 years of serving the Chinese communities in
Asia. Indeed, this centennial celebration reveals our MIC sisters’ solid vision, unitary focus, and persistent work. We would like to think that the sisters’ 100 years of work has caused a tremendous ripple effect in the many lives that have changed and continue to change as girls pass through the gates of ICA.
Dear batch mates, we have come a long way! I would like to personally thank all of you who attended meetings, twisted arms, contributed talent, time, and finances. Thank you very much and God bless you! You have the appreciation of a very grateful batch and of everyone here tonight.
ICAAA President Billie Ching-Syling commends Batch 84 for a job well done in her Welcoming Remarks.
“I look at you today, and see how much you have accomplished. Those who headed committees and worked the hardest may still be nervous about how the night will end, but I hope that you will all come to enjoy your special evening with friends you spent precious childhood and adolescent years with. As you look back on the years you spent in ICA and the different roads you have subsequently taken, I also hope that reconnecting with each other and our alma mater will make you feel whole—because today you have come full circle, offering to ICA the fruits of years of value formation and education.
I am especially proud to note how you have embodied ICA’s vision of forming women of faith and service. Instead of focusing on your homecoming preparations and rehearsals, you worked closely with our VP for Apostolate, Natalie Son, in leading the relief operations for Typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng victims - generously giving your time and treasure to those who needed help the most. When Miren Sun, our Vice President for Public Relations, informed me of your request to forego the traditional mooncake luncheon in your honor to give way to the more pressing task of relief operations, you truly earned our respect and admiration. That your batch worked independently (but with proper coordination), quietly, and responsibly assures us how successful tonight’s festivities will be. At the recollection last week, I sensed your closeness and concern for each other, and these say a lot about your batch’s character.”
