2020 has proven to be a difficult year in more ways than one. Numerous challenges have been thrown our way and we’ve had no choice other than to roll with the punches. Making it to the end of this year healthy and well is a reason to celebrate.
To mark the end of this year, De La Salle Lipa (DLSL) held its first-ever virtual alumni homecoming. The event was hosted by members of High School Batch of 1995.
The Opening Mass
Fr. Ted Kalaw, CRM, officiating the mass
The virtual homecoming began with Rev. Fr. Ted Kalaw, CRM officiating the opening mass. Fr. Kalaw, a member of DLSL High School Batch of 1995, reminisced about his time in school during his homily. What stood out to him the most during his time at the school was the sense of family that permeated the Lasallian community.
To this day, Fr. Kalaw remembers the Christian values that were instilled in him at a young age during his time at De La Salle Lipa.
Fr. Kalaw ended the mass by thanking all the viewers. He also urged everyone to continue praying for one another as we all prepare for the upcoming year.
The Homecoming Program
Following the opening mass, Dr. Eleyneth Ilagan-Valencia and Atty. Mark Lester Manalo welcomed viewers to the homecoming program. They started by acknowledging the difficulties that we have all dealt with this year and they introduced a song paying tribute to all those who have been working in the service of others throughout 2020.
Virtual program hosts – Dr. Eleyneth Ilagan-Valencia and Atty. Mark Lester Manalo
Br. Dante Amisola FSC then joined the proceedings to offer his welcome address to the viewers. Br. Dante also challenged the members of DLSL’s High School Batch of 1995 to keep holding on to the values they learned while they were in school and apply those to their daily lives. He closed his address with holiday greetings for all the alumni.
Batch 1995 has been active in charity works throughout the year as was highlighted during the program.
In January 2020, Batch 1995 organized a feeding program for those affected by the eruption of the Taal Volcano. They also donated laptops to DLSL scholars who were in need of new gadgets after learning shifted online for 2020.
Batch 1995 also took part in a virtual dance number as they grooved to the popular tunes of their DLSL days during the 1990s. Anton Diva, a singer and actress, also grabbed the microphone and belted out stunning renditions of Regine Velasquez hits.
Numerous other members of the De La Salle Lipa family showed off their musical talents during the virtual homecoming. Idol Philippines contestant and DLSL student Lucas Garcia also gave a soulful performance.
The terrific musical performances didn’t end there.
Also joining in on the celebration were Stephen Lu of Rizal Underground, Dong Abay of Yano, Cooky Chua of Color It Red, and last but not the least, Wency Cornejo of After Image. Good tunes and vibes were abundant for all who took part in De La Salle Lipa’s virtual homecoming.
Wency Cornejo and Cooky Chua
Moreover, alumni homecoming programs will not be complete without the ceremonial turnover of the hosting to the next batch. This time, for next year, High School Batch 1996, it will be led by Rev. Fr. Antonio Umali.
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2020 has undoubtedly been a trying year for many of us, but the DLSL community remains as strong as ever. Here’s to hoping for a better 2021 and many cheerful days ahead!