HGC/CHSM Homecoming 2021
By Victoria T. del Rosario (HS-77)
October 24, 2021 was the long-awaited date of the Holy Ghost College/College of the Holy Spirit Homecoming 2021.
For weeks, the Golden Jubilarians High School Class 1971 posted teaser videos of the forthcoming celebration through the College of the Holy Spirit Alumnae Foundation’s (CHSAF) social media platforms, thus creating buzz and anticipation.
On the big day, close to 500 participants attended the first virtual HGC/CHSM Homecoming 2021, streamed from Zoom to CHSAF on Facebook, making it possible for alumnae to experience the atmosphere of a physical homecoming safely from their homes.
At 8:30 a.m., Bishop Teodoro Bacani Jr., SVD, officiated Holy Mass, streaming live from the Bahay Pari on EDSA, Makati City. Three members of High School Class 1971 (HS-71)—Desi Martinez, Amy Tolosa and Lyn Dator—served as commentator and readers, respectively. Bishop Bacani shared that he had also been the Mass presider when HS-71 celebrated its Silver Jubilee 25 years ago.
At 10 a.m., alumnae were urged to get ready, and to make sure their devices were powered up as the program was about to start. As in previous homecomings, numbers were presented by different Jubilarian classes. The two-hour, pre-recorded program was edited and produced by the Golden Ladies of Class 1971. It featured music and milestones in the history of HGC/CHSM from 1937 to 1981. Each number was introduced in a conversation among three women: a millennial played by Martine Corpuz, her “Tita,” played by Mary Jane Ortega (Platinum HS-56), and her “Lola,” played by Nina Columna-Haley (Gold HS-71). Incidentally, Martine is the real-life niece of Lilibeth Vasquez (Gold HS-71).
There were first-person accounts about our Alma Mater and life before and during the war, followed by the prosperity years, student activism and finally, martial law.
The Jubilarian batches shared precious memories by playing music popular during their era, and showing photos and videos of their years in HGC/CHSM. Side by side with these, they showed their most recent pictures and videos, and even danced in their homes, garages or in the park!
The program left many alumnae teary-eyed, reminiscing about their days on campus, the strict nuns and dedicated teachers. Our educators tried hard to instill in all of us discipline, excellence and moral values.
We will forever be grateful.
The 2021 Homecoming Jubilarians were represented by the following classes:
HS 1941 Graphene
HS 1946 Kryptonite
HS 1951 Titanium
HS 1956 Platinum
HS 1961 Diamond
HS 1966 Emerald
HS 1971 Gold
College 1971 Gold
HS 1976 Sapphire
HS 1981 Ruby
Dorothy Tadeo (HS-71) passes the Holy Spirit plaque to Veronica Fenix-Villavicencio (HS-72), symbolizing the turnover of responsibility for the next Homecoming scheduled on February 13, 2022.
Jean Guerrero-Bautista’s teaser videos feature mod artwork of the ‘60s and ‘70s.
Artwork by Lucille Tenazas (HS-71)
Ms. Lourdes Coscolluela-Velez and Theresa La O-Velasquez, both HS-41 and in their 90s, express their thanks to HGC for keeping their spirits up during the bleak years of the Japanese occupation.
Golden Jubilarians sing along with the final song, “Umagang Kay Ganda.”
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