Campus Life

Good food, timeless music, and endless reminiscing of the past filled the air as the UP High - Preparatory School Batch 1974 gathered together last February 23 at the Atencio - Libunao Hall in UP Diliman to celebrate their 50th golden anniversary.

The reunion started with an ecumenical service led by Rev. Fr. Jose Tupino III, Parish Priest of the Parish of the Holy Sacrifice, and Rev. Callum Tabaga, Administrative Pastor of the Church of the Risen Lord.

With the theme “Going On Life’s Dream,” the Golden Jubilarians spent the day reconnecting with old classmates and giving tributes before joining a motorcade to UPIS.

“Ang kakaiba sa high school namin, kami yung “merger batch,” recalled Golden Jubilarian Beth Carreon Villa when the UP Preparatory High School and UP High School were integrated. “So, noong pinag-sama, siyempre merong adjustment. Kailangan namin matutong makisama sa nakahalubilo namin mula sa isa pang high school.”

Meanwhile, Golden Jubilarian Matet Granada Santos touched on how time flies fast. “You know, when we were celebrating our Silver Jubilee, in-honor din namin yung 50th; feeling namin ang tatanda na nila. And now, here we are, kami naman yung matanda.”

Celeste “Bopeep” Villafuerte, GOCOM Chairperson, gave a welcome message, which was followed by a “Tribute to Our Mentors” delivered by Soledad Senga-Pablo and Grace Natividad Lawrence from UP High and UP Prep, respectively.

“Let us express our deepest gratitude to these high school teachers who have shaped our minds, kindled our passions, and guided us through the formative years of our lives many, many years ago,” said Senga-Pablo.

“In a world full of surprises, discoveries, and new technology, you all launched us,” said Lawrence. Our curiosity, our search for meaning, and for all the heartaches we caused and challenges we threw at you, look—we are here, productive members of the human race. We thank you and recognize your immense influence in what we are today,” she added.

In response, Prof. Ma. Therese De Villa, former UPIS Principal, acknowledged Batch ‘74 and underscored the theme of the celebration. “Let us realize our dream together. Every day counts; everyone matters. Someday is today,” De Villa said with a big smile.

In addition, Batch ‘99 extended their support by providing photo and video coverage for the event, including the photobooth that everybody loved.

After the group photoshoot and lunch, the celebrants joined a motorcade to UPIS, where they offered flowers to the statue of “Lorna,” The Teacher.