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| Members of HS Batch '95 in their presentation form during the virtual alumni homecoming program (Image Source: De La Salle Lipa) |
2020 has proven to be a difficult year in more ways than one with numerous challenges being thrown out of our way and eventually pushing us to roll out the punches. At least making ourselves healthy and well until the end of the year is satisfyingly enough reason for us to celebrate. And to mark the end of the year, De La Salle Lipa (DLSL) held its first ever virtual annual homecoming hosted by members of its High School Department Batch '95.
The virtual event kicked off with a thanksgiving mass officiated by Rev. Fr. Ted Kalaw, CRM. During his homily, Fr. Kalaw reminisced his time in school considering that he is one of the members of DLSL HS Batch '95. What stood out to him the most at the time was the sense of family permeating the Lasallian community. To this day, Fr. Kalaw still remembers the Christian values instilled in him at a young age during his time at DLSL. Following the opening mass was a thanksgiving program hosted by Dr. Eleyneth Ilagan-Valencia and Atty. Mark Lester Manalo who acknowledged the challenges that we have all dealt in 2020 and paid tribute to those working in the service of others all throughout the year.
In his welcome address, DLSL Chancellor Bro. Dante Amisola, FSC challenged the members of HS Batch '95 to keep holding on to the values they have learned during their time at school and apply those to their daily lives. Throughout a challenging year, DLSL's HS Batch '95 has been active in charity works which eventually highlighted the homecoming program. Following the Taal Volcano eruption, Batch 1995 organized a feeding program for those affected by the said disaster. The group also donated laptops to DLSL scholars who were in need of new gadgets since learning shifted online in 2020.
Of course, a homecoming program won't be complete without a grand showcase of fine and exhilarating talent on and off campus. Several members of Batch 1995 virtually grooved to the popular tunes of their DLSL days in the 1990s. On the other hand, singer-comedian Anton Diva belted out stunning renditions of Regine Velasquez-Alcasid's hits while Idol Philippines finalist and DLSL's own Lucas Nikko Garcia gave out a soulful performance. But the terrific musical performances didn't stop there as Dong Abay of Yano, Stephen Lu of Rizal Underground, Cooky Chua of Color It Red and Wency Cornejo of After Image have joined in to provide abundantly good vibes and tunes to those who have taken part in the virtual annual homecoming.
The homecoming concluded with a ceremonial turnover of the hosting of next year's event to DLSL HS Batch 1996 led by Rev. Fr. Antonio Umali. Amidst a difficult year brought by the challenges that literally tested the faith, resilience and positivity of the Filipino people, the De La Salle Lipa community remains strong and will do so in the foreseeable future and beyond. Cheers to better days in 2021!!
- With Words By Celine Bernadette Francisco, De La Salle Lipa
