Showing posts with label prom. Show all posts

News: Batches 2019 and 2020 glimmer in Lumine 2017


A luminous night indeed.

Juniors and Seniors from Batches 2019 and 2020 illuminated the Celebrity Sports Plaza, Quezon City in Lumine, their Junior-Senior Promenade, last February 18.

This year's prom featured a program inspired by the details in renowned Harry Potter series by author J.K. Rowling. The Triwizard Tournament was a new activity for this year’s prom where representatives from both batches competed to be the first to answer a question correctly. The winner’s table got to be the first to eat.

Another first in Lumine is “The Chosen Ones” title awarded to Batch 2020’s Megarth Morillo and Sophia Loriega. The title was accorded to the pair who picked the papers with the words “The Chosen Ones” written on them.

Michael Tee Jr. and Samantha Faye Salazar were crowned as this year’s Prom King and Queen while Bryant Galicia and Ellene Arceo were hailed as Prom Prince and Princess.

ROYALTY. Prom King Michael Tee, Jr. and Prom Queen Samantha Faye Salazar are crowned together with “The Chosen Ones” Megarth Morillo and Sophia Loriega (left) and Prom Prince and Princess Bryant Galicia and Ellene Arceo (right). Photo Credit: Diego Badion

The traditional turnover ceremony was also held wherein the seniors passed on their responsibilities to the juniors. The key that represents the responsibilities was handed over to Erika Sasazawa, the President of Juniors Association by Fred Samonte, Senior Council’s president; the torch of light from Chesca Joves to Mae Rodgers and the banner of Excellence from Patience Ventura to Rizza Cabrera.

Pairs from both batches were chosen to dance the cotillion. Bands Amamimamols, FLL, Smilky, and Silakbo together with other artists performed in the event as well. //Bryan Lina, Rebeca Sinchongco

It's going to be one magical night.



UPIS Juniors and Seniors travel back to the roaring twenties in Mirage 2016

It was a soiree of opulence and luxor.

Batches 2018 (2x9) and 2019 (19nite) illuminated The Grand Terrace, Quezon City in their Junior-Senior Promenade, dubbed Mirage, last February 27, 2016.

This year’s prom features The Great Gatsby, a 1920s inspired masquerade. The batches’ subject teachers and school administration personnel, including principal Dr. Ronaldo M. San Jose also graced the event.

The seniors passed on their responsibilities to the juniors during the turnover ceremony. The key of responsibility was handed over by Franz Candido, the Senior Council president, to Ron Castro, the Junior Association president; the torch of light from Drew Magbag to Chesca Joves; and the banner of excellence from Marianne Sasing to Patience Ventura.

Chosen pairs from each batch presented in the cotillion. Bands and other artists from both batches also performed for the event.

ILLUSION. It's no joke to complete a 10-minute routine and execute it in tuxedos, gowns, and masks, but these Grade 9 and Grade 10 dancers certainly made it look effortless for this year's prom cotillion. CARLOS LADERAS
Alexandra Arugay and Craig Aquino were awarded as Best Masks for Grade 9 and Gelleen Esposo and Brian Gabriel for Grade 10.

Nico Javier and Bea Jacinto were named as this year’s Prom Prince and Princess while Ernest Arceo and Arianne Baladad were crowned as Prom King and Queen. / by Hazel Romero, Rachel Siringan, Hannah Manalo

It's going to be a night to remember.

Literary (Submission): Sa'yo*



“Minsan oo, minsan hindi… minsan tama, minsan mali…”

Tatlong linggo na lang prom na.

Hindi ko pa rin alam ang gagawin ko.

Matagal ko nang pinag-iisipan kung tatanungin ba kita ng “Will you go to prom with me?” Baka mautal ako. Yung mas simple na lang kaya? “Prom tayo?” o kaya “Prom?”

Paano? Bibigyan ba kita ng flowers? Chocolates? Doughnuts? Pizza? Lahat na lang kaya ‘yan? OA naman yata. May balloons ba? O malaking banner na lang? Tutula ba ako? Kakanta? Sasayaw? ANG. HIRAP.

At saan kita tatanungin? Sa bahay nyo? Kaso takot na nga ako sa’yo, mas takot pa ako sa tatay mo. Sa school na lang siguro. Sa harap ba ng maraming tao o ‘pag kasama mo lang mga kaibigan mo? Pero baka pagtawanan lang ako. O ‘pag tayong dalawa lang? Makatiyempo kaya ako? Eh hindi mo nga ako masyadong pinapansin kahit Grade 8 pa lang yata tayo nagpapapansin na ako.

“Umaabante, umaatras… Kilos mong namimintas…”

Gets ko naman. Lalo kang walang time ngayon. YLO. Church. Banda. Akala ko nga pati varsity papatusin mo na. Siyempre acads pa. Aral muna. Thesis. Function. Suring akda. Pag-aalaga ng daga. Kailangan maka-graduate. Ako rin naman busy. Pero kahit napakarami ko ring iniisip, andun ka pa rin. Tatlong taon ka nang nagsusumiksik sa isip at puso ko. Kahit alam kong wala o kung meron man eh napakaliit ng pag-asa ko sa’yo, umaasa pa rin akong maipaparating ko sa’yo at magegets mo na ikaw talaga ang gusto ko.

Kaso lang natotorpe talaga ako. Ewan ko ba kung bakit sa kapal ng mukha ko, pagdating sa’yo tiklop ako. Walang binatbat ang kagwapuhan ko. Wala kang paki sa abs ko. Palpak ang damoves ko. Fail ang mga hirit kong mabenta sa iba. Doon ko lalong napatunayan na ibang klase ka.

Kaya tatanungin pa ba kita? Gusto ko. Gustong-gusto. Pero nauunahan ako ng takot at kaba. Palagay ko kasi tatanggi ka. Na naman. So wag na lang kaya?

“Kung tunay nga ang pag-ibig mo… Kaya mo bang isigaw, iparating sa mundo?”

“Last prom na natin.” Oo nga. Pero may grad ball pa naman.
“Magiging masaya ka ba kung wala kang date? Kung hindi siya ang date mo?” Oo naman. Siguro? Malamang... hindi masyado.
“Okay lang ba sa’yo na iba ang maging date niya?” Wala naman akong magagawa. Pero sino bang niloloko ko? Hindi okay eh. Hindi talaga.

Naisip ko, di bale nang ma-reject kesa naman di ko sinubukan. Kaya hinugot ko na lahat ng lakas ng loob at kakapalan ng mukha.

“Tumingin sa ‘king mata… magtapat ng nadarama…”

Tatanungin kita kung papayag kang maging prom date ko. Pag nag-yes ka, siguradong walang pagsidlan ang saya ko. Pag nag-no ka… eh di iyak na lang ako. Tatanggapin ko na kung hanggang saan na lang ako pagdating sa’yo.

The works sana ang promposal ko… isang dosenang red roses, isang dosenang pink na lobo, malaking banner ng “PROM?”… harana pa nga sana kaso baka dalawa pa tayong mapahiya sa pagkasintunado ko. Tapos sa klase ko gagawin. Sabi kasi nila ganyan ang trip ng mga girls. Kailangan sweet. Kailangan effort. Kailangan alam ng lahat.

Pero parang hindi naman mga ganun ang trip mo. Pwede namang sweet, pwede namang may effort na hindi pinapakita sa iba, na tayo lang ang nakakaalam. Hindi naman sa duwag ako pero gusto ko kasi na papayag ka dahil gusto mo talaga. Hindi lang dahil nahiya ka at binuyo ka ng mga tao sa paligid.

Hinintay kita sa kanto ng Elem dala ang rose na ibibigay sa’yo. Habang pinapaulit-ulit ko sa isip ko ang sasabihin sa’yo, pilit ko ring pinapakalma ang kumakabog na puso ko. Bahala na mamaya pag nagkita na tayo.

“Di gusto ika’y mawala…”

“Oy, uwi na,” sabi ng kaklase ko. Nung sumagot ako na hinihintay kita, sabi niya, “Ha? Eh papunta sa Vinzon’s. Dun na raw sasakay pagkatapos magpa-photocopy.”

Di na ko nag-isip. Tumakbo na ako nang mabilis. Malapit na ako, isang tawid na lang… pero natanaw na kitang sumakay ng jeep na kumaripas na ng alis. Binilisan ko lalo ang pagtakbo at nang maabutan kong nagbababa sa BA, nakita kong napatingin ka sa estribo ng jeep. Alam ko, nakita mo ako dahil nanlaki ang mga mata mo, nagulat ka at bigla itong napalitan ng pagkunot ng noo habang nakatingin sa akin. Mukha kang nagtataka. Sa bagay, kung ako naman ikaw magtataka rin ako kung bakit may mukhang ewan na humahabol sa jeep na sinasakyan mo.

“Mama, para!” malakas kong sigaw. At sa awa ng Diyos, huminto ang jeep. Nagmamadali akong sumakay pero… nagkamali ako ng hakbang. Ayun, sumubsob ako. Sakto sa may paanan mo. Kung tatamaan ka nga naman ng malas! Tumayo agad ako at tumabi sa’yo. Nararamdaman kong nakatingin yung iilang pasaherong kasabay natin pero ikaw lang ang tiningnan ko. Hindi ko alam kung natatawa ka ba o naaawa sa ‘kin.

“Okay ka lang ba?” nakangiti mong tanong. Sabi ko okay lang kahit hindi masyado. Lalo na pag nag-no ka. Ano na lang matitira sa pride ko nun? Nagasgas na nga ang baba ko, masusugatan pa ang puso ko. Pero bahala na.

“Dahil handa akong ibigin ka…”

Nakita kong napatingin ka sa hawak kong rose. “Hala nalukot na yata yung balot,” sabi mo.

“Oo nga eh. Sana magustuhan pa rin ng pagbibigyan ko,” sabi ko. Sana magustuhan mo pa rin. Umupo na ako paharap sa’yo.

“Bayad ka na?” tanong ko.

“Hindi pa.”

“Libre na kita.”

“Kung maging tayo…”

Nagulat ka nang hinawakan ko ang likod ng kaliwa mong tenga, kunwaring may kinukuha. Nagtataka kang nakatingin sa palad ko. Inulit ko ng tahimik ang hiling kong sana’y umoo ka, sabay abot sa’yo ng sampung pisong barya kung saan nakadikit ang tanong ko:

“Will you be my prom date?”

At pigil hiningang hinintay ang isasagot mo.

“Sa’yo lang ang puso ko…”

-----

“Walang ibang tatanggapin… ikaw at ikaw pa rin…”

Huling tatlong kanta na.

Hinawakan mo ang kamay ko at niyaya akong sumayaw.

Hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala. Buong gabi na tayong magkasama at magkausap, matatapos na ang prom pero hanggang ngayon hindi pa rin ako maka-get over na nagpromposal ka.

Kung alam mo lang kung gaano ako nagulat. Hindi ko kasi talaga inaasahan kahit pa sinasabi ng mga kaibigan ko na may balak ka ngang yayain akong maging prom date mo.

“May gulo ba sa’yong isipan? Di tugma sa nararamdaman…”

“Paano kung magpromposal siya?” Weh.
“Papayag ka bang maging date niya?” Baka magpromposal.
“Kung magpromposal nga kasi???” Eh di wow.

Ano naman kasi ang isasagot ko? Mahirap na. Mamaya mag-expect ako. Bawal umasa. Wala akong time. Tuwing magtatanong kasi sila ng ganun, napapaisip ako. Paano nga kaya kung magtanong ka? Paano mo gagawin? Saan?

Kung sakaling topakin ka at magprompose sa’kin, ang hiling ko lang… sana wag naman yung agaw-atensyon. Yung lahat ng tao nakatingin sa‘kin at naghihintay ng sagot na ibibigay ko sa’yo. Sana hindi bongga at magastos. Simple lang sana. Tamang effort lang.

Hala. Ayan. Iniisip ko tuloy yung mga ganyan. Tinatanong ko rin sa sarili ko kung gusto ko bang magpromposal ka. Kung ano ang isasagot ko. Grabe maka-assume di ba? Kaya, okay, stop. It’s not going to happen and I don’t care ang peg ko.

“Kailangan ba kitang iwasan? Sa tuwing lalapit may paalam…”

Pero kasi… sa totoo lang, napapansin kita. Alam na alam ko pag nagpapacute ka. Gusto ko ring makipag-usap sa’yo, sagutin ‘yung mga hirit mo. Ayaw kong iwasan ka. Kinikilig ako para sa mga ginagawa mo para sa’kin. Buuuut, studies first talaga eh. Pagagalitan ako ng tatay kong di na yata natutulog katatrabaho pag napabayaan ko ang pag-aaral ko. Minsan naisip ko, responsable naman ako. Siguro naman hindi bababa ang grades ko. Pero kasi… di ko masabi… pano pag nadala ako sa kilig kilig na ‘yan?

So ang mindset ko, kahit ano pang sabihin nila, wala. Yayain mo man ako o hindi, iba man ang date mo… okay… prom. Just another school activity. Naiisip ko rin kasi na sa daming beses na hindi kita pinansin, na iniwasan kita, inisnab… siguro hindi ka na mag-aattempt. Siguro sa dalawa’t kalahating taon, nagbago na ang feelings mo para sa’kin, nakahanap ka na ng iba.

“Ibang anyo sa karamihan… iba rin pag tayo lang…”

Huling kanta na.

“Salamat at pumayag kang maging date ko,” bulong mo.

“Thank you rin. Nag-enjoy ako.” Hindi ako nagsisising pumayag ako. Mas marami pa akong nalaman sa’yo sa loob ng anim na oras na ‘to kaysa sa tatlong taong magkaklase tayo.

“Tumingin sa’king mata… magtapat ng nadarama…”

“Napilitan ka lang yata eh,” biro mo.

“Uy, hindi ah!” natatawa kong sagot.

“Di gusto ika’y mawala…”

“De, naawa ka lang yata dahil nadapa ako sa jeep eh,” tumatawa mong sinabi.

Lalo akong natawa. “Hindi talaga.”

“Kung maging tayo…”

Kung alam mo lang… kahit lukot na yung pambalot ng rose na ibinigay mo, kahit nakakaloka ang paghawak mo sa tenga ko nung magic trick mo. Kahit humahangos ka pang pumara sa jeep at nadapa sa pagmamadali… Naisip ko na kahit paano mo pa pala ginawa, kahit paano mo pa tinanong…

Oo naman talaga ang sagot ko.

“Sa’yo na ang puso ko.”
*Inspired by Silent Sanctuary's Sa'yo

Literary (Submission): Prom? Prom.



Ang prom ay nalalapit na!
Ngunit tayo ay malabo pa,
Sana ikaw ang maging ka-date ko,
Upang siguradong sulit ang gabi ko.

Sana makuha ang matamis mong oo,
Ang kaso wala pa nga pala akong kaplano-plano.
Kay bilis ng panahon,
At nakakataranta na.

Inuunahan kasi ako ng kaba
Sa tuwing nakikita na kita.
Di malaman ang gagawin
Paano pa kaya kita yayayain?

Ngunit matagal ko na itong plano
Kaya tinext ko ang magulang mo
Ang lakas ng kaba sa dibdib ko
Pero lakas-loob ko pa ring ginawa ito para sa’yo

Sobrang makapigil-hininga
Ang paghihintay sa sasabihin nila
Nang biglang sila’y sumagot
Di malaman kung matutuwa ba o matatakot

Maraming salamat at pumayag sila
Kahit hanggang prom date lang kita
Hindi na muna ako hihingi ng higit pa roon
Dahil para sa akin sapat na iyon.

Agad akong nagpromposal
Hindi ko na pinatagal
Tinawag ang mga kaibigan
Na laging nandiyan para ako’y suportahan

At nang mabuo ang plano
Dali-dali kaming pumunta sa inyo
Upang ika’y isorpresa
Sa pamamagitan ng isang harana

Kahit di talaga ako kumakanta,
Gagawin ko ito para mapa-oo ka!
Ang kaso lang ay walang boses na lumabas
Haaay! Tunay nga namang napakamalas

Nahihiya man, itinanong pa rin sa’yo
“Will you be my prom date?” ang tanong ko
At dahil alam kong gusto mong magpaalam muna,
Mabuti na nga lang at naipagpaalam na kita.

Kaya buong tapang na ika’y pinagbigyang
Kumonsulta muna sa iyong magulang
At sa iyong muling paglabas,
Matamis mong oo ang ibinigkas!

Hindi maipaliwanag na tuwa ang nadama
Sulit ang pagod at kabang nadama
Salamat sa’yo at hindi ako nabigo
Wag lang sanang ang isip mo’y magbago

Binigyan mo ako ng dahilan
Upang ang tulang ito ay maisakatuparan
Ikaw ang inspirasyon sa panulat kong ito
Isa itong pasasalamat sa pagsagot mo ng oo!

Feature: Prom Tips (for Boys)


Akinse hosts JS Prom 2014

This year's cotillion participated in by selected students
of Akinse and XIV. (c) Jib Fernandez
Batches 2014 and 2015 gathered to celebrate a night of glamour and grace in this year's Junior-Senior Promenade, dubbed Silver Screen, last February 22 at the Celebrity Sports Plaza, Capitol Hills, Quezon City.

The prom was similar to an awards night and the program's segments were inspired by Hollywood movie titles such as "A Walk to Remember," "The King's Speech," and "Enchanted." The motif was silver, gold, and black. Guests included Grades 9 and 10 advisers and teachers and the UPIS administration.

A turn-over ceremony to represent the transfer of responsibility from seniors to juniors was held. The banner of excellence was handed over by Jasper Valentino to Macky Barrientos; the torch of light from Jaime Mejia to Pricila Aquino; and the key of responsibility from Chino Raynon to Cheska Ardon.

Selected students participated in the cotillion and bands and performers from both batches also showcased their musical talents.

Eldrich Marquez and Maria Leoneri Ramos were named this year's Prom King and Queen while Rafael de Peralta and Quiela Salazar were voted Prom Prince and Princess. / by Dianne Saunders and Vinz Villanueva

Literary: Stolen*

“We watch the season pull up its own stakes…”

I didn’t really want to go to prom. I didn’t want to shop for a nice dress and pretty shoes. I didn’t want to have my hair styled and my face made up. I didn’t want to dance, to eat, to pose for photos, to make small talk even with my batchmates and friends... I just never understood what’s so magical about it. But I did wonder why it seemed to change people. What is it with prom that makes them bolder and braver?

Take all those sweet-slash-cute-slash-embarrassing public promposals for instance. I may have helped a few, fine, a lot of my friends with theirs—planning when, where, and how to say it, writing variations of “WILL YOU BE MY PROM DATE?” in big colorful letters, and buying flowers—quite a number of times but I still can’t really explain why even the shyest and most hesitant of guys subject themselves (and their prospective dates) to that kind of publicity.

“And catch the last weekend of the last week…”

I never understood, too, why people feel that prom is the best time to make amends and start over—these exes who have carefully and purposefully avoided each other almost the entire year, for example. He asked her to dance; she was uncertain, but she accepted. It was awkward. They couldn’t look at each other, didn’t talk to each other... but before the song ended, he removed her hand from his shoulder, clasped a silver charm bracelet around her wrist, and without explanation led her back to her seat. Now, weeks after prom, they’re talking to each other again and are looking like they’re on the verge of getting back together.

And I really could not answer why prom would be the best time to tell someone how much you care for her. Why does “I like you” have to be said in dim lighting while slow dancing? I didn’t really get how one event could make people take risks, jump at chances, and just plain do unexpected things until... well, until you asked me.

“Before the gold and the glimmer have been replaced… another sun soaked season fades away…”

Your public promposal, with the banner and the balloons and the singing, was one of the sweetest, most unexpected things to ever happen to me (even if I was blushing furiously while my classmates were hooting and clapping the entire time).

That crush we had on each other several years ago made things so awkward between us that I didn’t think we’d be friends again, let alone go to prom together. I didn’t think you’d like me as more than a friend again.

I’m glad I said yes. I’m glad that I bought a nice dress and pretty shoes and that I had my hair styled and my face made up. I’m happy to have talked, laughed, and danced with you. I’m happy that you decided to make a move, to risk this second chance.

And during that last song, when you took my hand, gave me that single red rose, and whispered in my ear that you really liked me... I finally, finally understood the magic of prom.

“You have stolen my heart…”

I was excited for prom. I would never outwardly admit it but I was. I had my suit tailor-made, my tie picked out, my shoes shined. I wanted to spend the night with our batchmates and friends—dancing, eating, taking photos, laughing and talking and clowning around... But more than anything else, I understood the magic of that night. I knew it was one of those rare chances I had to take.

“Invitation only, grant farewells…”

I was planning a public promposal during our English class with 11 of my friends coming up to you and giving you a rose. Then I’d give you the twelfth one with a sign saying “WILL YOU GO TO PROM WITH ME?” I’d wing it. Without effort. I was that kind of guy. But I decided against it. I knew you wouldn’t like it and... I didn’t want you to say yes because you were surprised (which I knew you would be) or forced to.

So I waited for the perfect time to ask you but it was very hard to come by since you seldom talked to me and really didn’t consider me a friend. I really didn’t understand why you stopped talking and hanging out with me.

Okay, maybe things were a little, no, a lot complicated between us and it may have taken me a while to sort out my feelings. I was afraid but it all came back to one thing—that you were a chance I’m willing to take. You had to know that for so long, I wanted to tell you how much I like you. And prom... with the slow dancing and dim lighting, with that private moment in that public place... was the best time to do it.

I was really lucky when we were assigned to be partners in a project. When, finally alone, we were talking about it, I was getting the courage to ask you and then... then there was singing, and balloons, and a big banner with “GO TO PROM WITH ME? PLEASE.”

“Crash the best one of the best ones… too early to say good night…”

He asked you. And you, blushing deeply and prettily, shyly said yes while everyone cheered and I, forcing a smile, cheered along with them.

I didn’t want to go to prom. I didn’t want the tailor-made suit, the perfect tie, and the shiny shoes. I didn’t want to spend the night dancing, eating, taking photos, laughing and talking and clowning around with ourbatchmates and friends... but I did, anyway.

I really wish I didn’t go, though, much like those lovebirds fighting outside way before prom ended. Such a total waste of time.

I hate that I had to sit through the entire thing, go around and talk to people as if I didn’t feel anything. I hate that I didn’t ask you right away, that I was too afraid to tell you how I feel. I hate the risk I didn’t take and the chance I didn’t grab.

And during that last song, when he took your hand, gave you that single red rose, and probably whispered in your ear that he really liked you... it hit me that you would most likely never know.

“You have stolen my heart.”

That was it. Prom had lost its magic. ● Bella Swan

*Inspired by Dashboard Confessional’s Stolen
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