Fun, fellowship, and farewell at Homecoming sa Konsulado

Organizers and participants: HSK legacy to continue. Photos by Boyet Loverita and Evelyn Alcontin

Organizers and participants: HSK legacy to continue.
Photos by Boyet Loverita and Evelyn Alcontin

HSK is the brainchild of Consul General Mario de Leon Jr. who is shown here with organizer Nelsie Parrado (center) and the author.

HSK is the brainchild of Consul General Mario de Leon Jr. who is shown here with organizer Nelsie Parrado (center) and the author.

By Lindy Rosales

The word ‘homecoming’ connotes reliving experiences long gone, of friends and memories buried in time, of youthful romance and a past spent pondering the meaning of life and our place in the world.

As I get closer to my Golden Year, the invites for gatherings have been constant. High school reunions, college reunions, get-together of former friends and colleagues, family reunions, grad school reunions, etc. Sometimes weddings can be a reunion too as you meet long-lost relatives, friends and acquaintances. Through all this is a celebration and a reconnection with people who once mattered in our lives.

So when my Alma Mater, the UP College of Nursing, posted a notice for an upcoming Homecoming sa Konsulado (HSK) I decided it was time to be there. I have never attended any reunions from any of my schools so this would be a first.

The homecoming started with a registration and breakfast at the Philippine Center lobby. A welcome break from the cold Saturday morning, which also provided an opportunity to greet and meet people from other schools.

HSK, a brainchild of Consul General Mario De Leon Jr., was launched in 2012. His idea was to gather alumni of Philippine schools and colleges for fun, friendship and fellowship. Now on its fourth year, De Leon said HSK “has grown to be a community-driven effort with the Philippine Consulate General providing a supporting and coordinating role.”

This year, 18 schools and universities participated together with five alumni associations.

Guest speaker Eugene Reyes, an Adjunct Faculty at Baruch College Continuing and Professional Studies, expounded on the importance of lifelong learning, continuing education and the constant yearning to learn something new. He spoke on the government’s focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) but also stressed that the country needs the Liberal Arts.

But what is a homecoming without fun and games?

The Mummy Game had competing schools wrapping themselves up in toilet paper. The Spaghetti Noodles Game, a race to string together tiny noodles; the Hula Hoop Game, and a Memory Game had groups of professionals in a contest like they were in a schoolyard all over again.

There was the highly anticipated talent program showcasing numbers prepared by Silliman University, Philippine Woman’s University, UP Nurses of the East Coast, and Assumption College.

Singer Cutuy Herrero of Ateneo de Manila rendered “Tuwing Umuulan” with Antero Martinez of UP Diliman on the piano. What a fantastic duo! Miguel Braganza of Silliman University gave a rendition of “Paraisong Parisukat.” The Filipino talent is undeniable!

While the festivities were going on, participating schools were also creating Christmas lanterns or ‘parol.’

Based on a motion introduced by Ninez Arreglado of Assumption College, and Nelsie Parrado of the UP Alumni Association in America, Inc., the HSK participants voted to engage in projects with purpose and relevance.

Consul General De Leon was pleased with the day’s momentum.

He said, “I am counting on your continued support to keep the Homecoming alive for many years to come.” The day was bittersweet because it could be his last HSK celebration. Talk is that his tenure is ending in 2016. This is one legacy that will hopefully continue over time.

The Mummy Game

The Mummy Game

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