Stronger Together With My Ladies: Coming Home with SPCP Batch 95

By: Lou Maningas Cabalona

 

We call ourselves “Baliw na Porcheers” (Crazy Seniors, “Fourth- Years”) as we have previously been described in jest by our Philippine Literature teacher Ms. Miraflor, embracing the slightly obstinate yet humorously successful way we have managed to get through high school together.

It was a much-awaited event for many of us, hundreds of graduates of SPCP Batch 1995, many of whom have not set foot on our beloved school since our graduation day, 25 years ago. Yet, if our homecoming is any proof, no time nor distance has tamed our unconventional ways of accomplishing things that surprisingly come out victorious.

I had the honor of being one of the hosts of the programme so I had, in a way, an up-close-and-personal vantage point.

Instead of a programme peppered with speeches from high-profile guests, we began the night remembering classmates who had left us too soon and offered a prayer, followed by a short welcome speech by Sr. Teresita Agana, our HS Principal and the St. Paul College Alumni Association Moderator. Veering away from the customary formal dinner featuring celebrity- filled spectacular numbers, a yummy buffet from Alex III followed by a Live Band Karaoke fittingly set the relaxed and fun tone of the evening.

Over dinner, the original dance troupe club members brought everyone to their feet — yes, I mean everyone including our beloved sisters (nuns) – busting moves to our favorite 90’s dance tunes just like when they became 1995 folk-dance competition champions performing the Singkil to Tom Jones’ Kiss. Filipino celebrity, Sunshine Cruz, who is also a “Baliw,” kept the energy going with a Janet Jackson classic. Together Again. Later, to kick-off the rockeoke with live band, I joined Sunshine onstage singing an impromptu duet version of Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive.”

While we could have focused on recognizing the achievements of notable alumni in our batch as expected, we chose to recognize our elementary and high-school teachers with a tribute and a thank- you gift for all who came. It was no accident too that this year’s homecoming has a record number of attendance, from teachers and school staff, thanks to the dedication of our invitations committee.

Before the formal program ended, we traded the usual ceremonious chanting of the Paulinian Hymn complete with lyric hand-outs or prompts as guide, with a fun challenge to the whole batch to recall our song while still clumped together on stage after the batch photo op. It turned out to be a genuine and fun bonding for all Baliws and a truly nostalgic moment for everyone who witnessed it.

But we didn’t do things just for fun or for the sake of being different.

As one of the core organizers, Rosemarie Supetran Withee shared, “SPCP Batch ‘95 is impassioned enough to believe that one batch can challenge conventions to bring about positive change—and we do it with heart, wit, and an infectious energy,” emphasizing how the organizing committee composed of volunteers from the batch wanted to make the homecoming a meaningful experience for everyone attending rather than it being about “just raising money and giving a big check to the school.”

During the program, the batch presented their gift of over 2-million pesos to SPCP, gathered from various fundraising events organized by the Baliws, sponsorships, donations and a major personal donation from Withee. And because of the thoughtful planning and programming for the homecoming, more than 50% of the total funds raised actually went to the SPCP beneficiaries we chose.

But the greatest gift that night, I believe, is the one we all received knowing that no time nor distance has changed the friendships, our sisterhood and that our batch is and has always been #StrongerTogether.

Seeing classmates, our teachers and sisters, and many familiar faces stirred up so many good memories from my childhood. That night being with them in “our home” with made for even better, newer ones that should last me another 25 or 50 years.

The palpable BATCH SPIRIT was the most memorable for me. From the early bird volunteers to the ‘we-don’t-want-thisnight-to-end’ afterparty goers, no one was just an attendee. We were all a part of how and why the SPCP95is25 Homecoming was a great success. – Eileen Jugo-Yonson, SPCP ’95 Treasurer, Philippines

The most memorable part of the evening for me was when the entire batch was on stage and asked to sing the school hymn. I personally could not recall the lyrics and so did those who were beside me. Surprisingly, the words just flowed out! It made me realize that my being a Paulinian was still in me even after 25 long years and that singing with the batch surely felt that we were stronger together. – Kaite Belgica, Housewife and Mom (right) with (fr L to R) Ms. Soccoro Perez, Louella Cabalona and Ms. Badette Camus

The most memorable part of the homecoming was the behind the scenes preparation ramping up to the homecoming. Indeed the road to 2020 was full of frustration but we always pull through in the end. The warmth i felt when i saw my classmates during the homecoming made it all worth it. This can be felt all throughout the evening. You can feel the sincerity when they ask you “kamusta ka?” (How are you?) You will always remember high school memories good or bad. We may have aged (a little) but our spirits have always been the same. – Marie Afuang, Marketing Practitioner, Singapore (far right) with (fr L to R) Ryanne Villanueva, Louella Cabalona, Sunshine Cruz and Kathy San Gabriel

Most memorable for me would be Louella singing the tribute song. Loved the lyrics. (Her) rendition was so moving. It was great watching the dance number from (the) batch. I was amazed how graceful (they) were. – Bernadette Camus, Former SPCP English Teacher, Manila

It would have to be the enduring sisterhood. Across time and space, it was as if nothing’s changed and we all picked up from where we left off, even though this was years ago – Jane Dy-Bardos, Child Protection Caseworker, Australia (right) dancing with (fr L to R) Kira Greibrokk, Mildred Anzures-Maagma and Jean Gatan

Each moment during the homecoming was emotionally poignant. Just seeing everyone with genuine smiles gave me goosebumps and melted my heart. Everybody with no affi liation, background or “barkada” just came together, had such a great time and surely wished that night would never end. – Jean Gatan, Advertising, Philippines (2nd fr R) with (fr L to R) Mildred Anzures-Maagma, Eileen Jugo-Yonson, Stephanie Orlino, Cla Matias and Jonah Nierva

I loved the energy and vibe of the batch. Th ere were no cliques. We were just one solid group happy to see each other and catch up. I especially loved the part when we sang the Paulinian Hymn. Epic! – Kathy San Gabriel, Broadcast Journalist, Philippines (right)

I absolutely enjoyed the whole night! But if I had to choose my favorite moments, it would be when the whole batch danced along with our dancers on stage. Even Sr. Teresita danced!! It brought tears to my eyes. My other fave moment was when Lou joined in the singing I will Survive with Sunshine! I jumped out of my seat and started cheering, haha! – Simone Herrera, Homemaker (left pic, center) with Elaine Valte-De Jesus and Louella Cabalona

My favorite part of the homecoming is the gift turnover of Rosemarie Supetran Withee (2nd fr R) to the Sisters of St Paul (represented by Sr. Teresita Agana and Sr. Dedicaccion Rosario, 2nd and 3rd fr L) It made realize that homecomings were more than just reunions. More importantly, it was a matter of giving back to what our alma mater has done for us. – Dr. Jau Logronio, Pediatrician-Neonatalogist

Guess i can say that we didnt actually realise we missed each other until we arrived. Th e nostalgic feeling arriving at our school grounds. Th en that nostalgia became excitement when we saw each other. It was like we were students again, but closer this time. – Ryanne Villanueva, Industrial Engineer, Philippines (left ) with (fr L to R) Melanie Oca, Marie Afuang, Inna Capinpin, Kaite Belgica, Louella Cabalona , Rosemarie Supetran Withee, Vera Ruivivar, May Dumpit and Kathy San Gabriel