STA ACADEMY DAYS - October 1-4, 2009
After the tremendous devastation caused by Typhoon Ondoy, a threat of an incoming supertyphoon Pepeng pointed to Western Visayas as one among the regions for its target. We stormed heaven with prayers, asking for the intercession of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, Patroness of our school and St. Joseph, Protector of the Siervas de San Jose. Indeed our prayers were heard because we enjoyed fair weather even if some days appeared to be cloudy with very occasional showers.
The Academy Days with the theme "HINUGYAW SA STA" lacked off with the Opening Mass on October 1 at the St. Joseph Court. This was participated in by the Theresian community from Pre-School to 4th Year High School, the Faculty and Staff, Parents and Alumni. Fr. Farley Santillan was the presider for the beautiful and meaningful liturgy in the Eucharistic celebration. There was a long queue for the offertory procession with offerings in cash and in kind which in turn were sent to the Social Action Offices of the Parish and the Diocese intended for sharing to the victims of Typhoon Ondoy in Metro Manila.
A very impressive, touching powerpoint presentation of our sisters and brothers affected by the same typhoon, as well as, situations in various parts of Manila (no food, clothing or shelter, people at the rooftops, people scampering or running for their lives, all ways and means for survival), served for the Prayers of the Faithful. As we reflected on what was flashed on the screen, we cannot help but praise and thank God for sparing us from a similar plight and prayed for the victims, donors, volunteers and the heroes who saved lives, some of whom died while doing the heroic act in the midst of the strong currents and flood raging waters.
| Holy Eucharistic Celebration |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
On the other hand, Fr. Farley, in his homily stressed on the simple yet, beautiful life and the Little Way of St. Therese. He challenged us all to be living testimonies or witnesses to the Little Way of the Little Flower, as St. Therese was fondly called.
A call to break for the morning snacks was immediately followed by the official opening of booths set up by the High School. There were also displays of clergy vestments of the TALLERES DE NAZARET- Cebu, another apostolic work of the Siervas de San Jose in that part of the Visayas and the TALLERES DE NAZARET, Silay which served food and sold recycled products made of Zest-O juice packs, as well as t-shirts The SSJ Sisters in Cebu came to grace our activities and to promote the products of their and the workers' hands.
Booths managed by outsiders were those of Thirsty, Zagu, the inflatables and children's books. The KAUPOD Nl BONIFACIA displayed and sold their handmade products. Another activity for this day were the 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament both in the Elementary and High School levels.
On October 2 which was the Students' Day, Theresians enjoyed the parlor games, a showcase of Theresian Talents and a Junk Art Contest, all prepared by the Student Activities Officers. Invitational Games took place at 1:30 P.M. both in Volleyball and Basketball with Don Bosco Boys and Girls from the Dona Monserrat Lopez Memorial High School responding to the invitation. By 5 P.M. everybody converged at the SL Joseph Court for the ticketed Variety Show which included presentations from the Elementary and High School Dance Clubs choreographed by our very own Rene Hofilena and Pamela Sarciban, both STA alumni.
Other numbers came from the Folkloric Dance Group of Aubren Solano and the Theater Guild by Lorena Vaiidor and more entries from the Litmus '09, faculty and staff and of course, dance numbers from our dear parents who are ever supportive and committed to the school's activities. Mind you, the most popular music was "Nobody, Nobody, But You."
October 3 had 2 parts. The whole morning was assigned for the Family Day, while the afternoon was for the Alumni Homecoming. We were so blessed with a showerless day that at 7:00 A.M. the parade took off led by the city marshals and the Spare Riders Group, followed by the S.I. School Band. Grades 1 to 6 with their parents, Silay South Elementary School Band, First Year to Fourth Year with their parents, Drumbeaters hired by the Grades 1, 2 and 3 parents, Mo. Bonifacia Skills Training Center students Talleres de Nazaret, SSJ Sisters, Faculty and Staff and the Pre-schoolers with their parents in a caravan of vehicles, the Drumbeaters hired by the Alumni, followed by the floats of the Golden (Class 1959), Ruby (Class 1969) and Silver Jubilarians (Class 1984) and that of the STA Alumni Association. The parade was well participated and everybody came back to STA tired but happy and contented.
| STA Academy Days Grand Motorcade |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
After a short respite, parent organizers under the leadership of Nenia Parrenas-Coronef called for the parent participants to prepare for the cheering contest which was to follow. They were divided into the Primary, Intermediate and First to Fourth Year levels. Our committed parents had their separate practices within or outside the STA compound after the day's work and even on Saturdays and Sundays. Each group hired a trainor and you should have seen how prepared the performers were with their respective styles and skills. The primary group was adjudged first prize winner.
The afternoon was intended for the Alumni Homecoming which started with the Registration and election of Alumni officers at 2:00 p.m. Eucharistjc celebration was at 4:00 with no less than Bishop Gerry Alminaza as prestder who braved the strong waves of the sea by crossing from Hoilo to Negros despite the fact that on the eve of this event. no fastcraft was allowed to sail. We were fortunate though that the ban was lifted in the morning of October 3. The Bishop delivered a wonderful homily.
At 5:30 everybody was in the St. Joseph Court for the dinner and show which we all enjoyed. The show featured the Silay Rondaila Ensemble which accompanied the Silay Dance Troupe in their beautiful and entertaining Filipino dances. Alumnus Reyboy Montoro likewise rendered a duet with his Grade 1 Theresian daughter, while a Nopsscea winner, daughter of a Silver Jubilarian gave another song number. The Silver Jubilarians gave a dance number. Not to be outdone were the Golden and Ruby Jubilarians who rendered wonderful and hilarious production numbers choreographed and directed by alumnus Rene Hofitena.
The Golden Girls, some 18 of them had classmates from Gibraltar and the U.S. coming for the affair with the convincing power of Ma. Cristina (Baby) Unson-Lacson, who, together with classmate Merle Mejica-Severino worked very hard and were responsible for gathering their classmates and bringing back those outside the Philippines with their foreigner husbands.
The Rubylarians worked hand in hand with the Golden "manangs" to make the homecoming very memorable to all of us, with the tremendous support of our Alumni Association- what with the indefatigable and dynamic Dra Pamela (Peachy) Ascalon-Marchadesch and Elaine (Bobel) Montelibano at the helm. Everybody went home satisfied and already looking forward to the next alumni homecoming.
October 4, Sunday , we had the most awaited Field Demonstration. This is the activity with the most guests every year. From the Pre-School to the 4th Year High School, the students did a revival of dances in the 60's to the 80'sin their colorful costumes. You should have witnessed Theresians dancing to their hearts' content, especially the primary grades. After the 4 days activities, October 5 was declared a rest day for the Theresian community.
