THE Stella Maris Academy of Davao (SMAD) Batch 1996 recently marked their 25th year through a meaningful virtual homecoming celebration with the theme “Heal the World.”
Incidentally, the timely theme, inspired by the Michael Jackson hit song, was also Marisian 1996’s grade school graduation song in 1992. With the changes brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, the theme befittingly spoke of the batch’s desire to actively take part in bringing about positive changes to the chosen groups and institutions for their outreach programs.
The batch’s outreach activities started in 2018 with medical missions that were meticulously organized in coordination with Sr. Dionie Quela, FI, of the Hijas De Jesus congregation.
Reaching out
Along with Sr. Dionie’s laudable mission to extend help to the lumads in Malabog, the batch was able to take part in three medical missions, namely: the first one on October 7, 2018 in Lasang, Davao City; the second in Bucana, Davao City on August 17, 2019; and the third in Barangay Kasilak, Panabo City on October 6, 2019.
“The SMAD Batch 1996 had been so apostolic since their high school days to the present. In high school, they used to gather second-hand clothes and food for the Christmas Fund Drive for our LUMaDS-Dev (Livelihood for a United Matigsalogs' Determination Towards Sustainable Development) Hijas de Jesus apostolate in Mababog, Davao City which we started in 1993,” says Sr. Dionie.
Even with the onset of the pandemic, the batch marched on with their preparations for the homecoming, this time, with their efforts focused on conducting outreach programs to selected institutions.
Sharing is caring
For 2021, SMAD Batch 1996 started with a webinar on mental health for SMAD parents, teachers, and staff last July 28, 2021, with Dr. Analyn Leysa as the resource person. Another relevant webinar about the same topic was conducted on October 22, 2021, for the senior high school students of SMAD, with batch 1996 alumna Maureen Jean Lara, RPsy as the resource speaker.
Aside from the webinars, the batch generously donated funds for the ongoing renovation of the Tahanan ni Candida Maria De Jesus, the retirement home of the Hijas De Jesus sisters in Metro Manila.
In addition, the Batch 1996 distributed care packages for the patients of the Southern Philippines Medical Center – Institute of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, and the barangay health workers at Monkayo, Davao de Oro. It likewise took part in the relief operations for the victims of Typhoon Odette by donating blankets, bed mats, and water, which was coursed through the Metro Davao Medical Research Center.
Virtual homecoming
Following the tradition of SMAD to have an annual homecoming event, the batch put together a virtual show last December 28, 2021, with the members of the organizing group led by the dynamic James Fritz Freire, SMAD Batch 1996 representative, conceptualizing the event. The celebration was streamed via YouTube and SMAD Alumni Association’s Facebook page with Marisian 1991 Jonathan Uy editing the video.
The virtual homecoming showcased a message of hope by highlighting the outreach programs and the SMADAA’s part in the city’s Resbakuna drive.
The Asidors sang a heartfelt rendition of “Heal the World” while Batch 1996’s very own band members, namely: Dr. Edward Cagape, Dondon Uyking, Paolo Ko, Felnellie Puno-Albao, and Eligio Garte IV with the special participation of SMAD Batch 2019 Carlo Lorenzo Garcia beautifully performed the Eraserheads’ “With A Smile”. To cap off the celebration, Batch 1996 staged a dance presentation with selected batchmates from different parts of the world.
As part of their tribute to beloved former SMAD teachers during their 25th year, several batchmates personally delivered Christmas tokens to their mentors’ respective homes. Seeing their former students again brought priceless joy to their proud teachers.
Congratulations to SMAD Batch 1996 for a highly successful and purpose-driven homecoming!
Special thanks to Maien Lara, Darleen Cimafranca-Bordalba, and Debbie Uy-Rodolfo for sharing the highlights of their Batch 1996’s 25th-year celebration.
E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit http://momabouttowndavao.blogspot.com/.