CIC celebrates 132 years!

CEBU, Philippines - The year was 1880 and the religious community called Hermanitas de la Madre de Dios (Little Sisters of the Mother of God) were busy preparing for the opening of the much needed  Colegio. They rented a house that belonged to Don Antonio Roa, which was in front of the seminary. Two classrooms were prepared on the second floor. Without much fanfare, classes opened on May 30, 1880, thus inaugurating Colegio de la Inmaculada Concepcion.

At the outbreak of World War II in 1941, the sisters undaunted by the complete loss of its buildings and equipment, managed to reopen the elementary department and one-year secretarial course at ex-judge Juan Singson’s house in Jakosalem Street.

In 1945, the classes were housed temporarily in huts at Gorordo Avenue. The buildings of bamboo and nipa were donated by the 77th Infantry Division of the U.S. Armed Forces of the Far East. (USAFFE). In 1946, the new Colegio de la Inmaculada Concepcion, an impressive two-storey structure was completed on its present site on Gorordo Avenue.

November 1935, saw the first alumnae reunion with Sor Fernanda Vaño, DC as its first coordinator and in 1975, the CIC Alumnae was formally registered as a juridical body with the Securities and Exchange Commission with Felisa Yap Chiongbian as president. Since then it has become the CIC’s dependable arm and generous sponsor in its school community projects.

Here we are today, 132 years from the 1880 opening, Tina Jordana, the dedicated and driven  president of the alumnae association, together with the members of the board, pulled all stops to make the annual homecoming an event to be remembered for a long time.

With the theme Glitz and Glam, the spirited graduates gathered to reunite with old classmates and friends. The much-anticipated event started with registration followed by a solemn Mass at 3 p.m. held at the auditorium. Merienda of delectable churros dipped in rich dark chocolate followed.

The program emceed by eloquent inmaculadistas,  Monette Aliño and sapphire jubilarian Pet Escaño Misa set the festivities rolling. CIC Superior sister Zenaida Condes gave the brief welcome remarks. Anita Cabahug Trasmonte from HS class 47 together with her daughter Ann, a Pearl jubilarian,  rendered some lovely  piano pieces.

A slide presentation down memory lane by the Diamond jubilarians brought much laughter and even tears.  Special song and dance numbers were likewise  presented by the different jubilarians.

The highlight of the fun-filled reunion was the presentation of special  awards to  individuals  who distinguished themselves through selfless service and contributions to the community.

A special award was given to Dr. Don Edward Rosello, first CIC Male Alumnus Awardee, GS 1983. Recipients of the Humanitarian Awards went to Diamond jubilarian  Dr. Lourdes Fernandez Heber, HS 1952, and Coral jubilarian Eleanor Rivera HS 1977. The Entrepreneurship awardees were Julia Ramon Gandionco of Julie’s Bakeshop GS 1947 and Dr. Grace Urbina Absin of Café Laguna, HS 1982.

Most deserving of the title Alumni Queen was CIC  piano teacher for many many years,  Neca Abaya Caingles while Mimi Bontes     was Alumni Princess.

Tina Jordana enthused that the Alumnai Association was not simply about glitz and glam. They did  several humanitarian and agricultural services that included Medical and Dental Mission in Barangay Ramos, tree planting of 400 guyabano seedlings with CIC grade 10 students,  and grade 9 night high school students SY2012-2013, dental, feeding and registration volunteers at the MSYCFI Operation Smile Medical Mission at the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center and the feeding of six mountain barangays of Taptap, Sudlon , Guba, Bonbon, Adlaon and Kanyasan.

The overwhelming response from all alumnae in attendance was remarkable and credit and recognition for a job well done must go to Tina Jordana and the entire board for making it most memorable. Many are already looking forward to the next homecoming  set for December. (FREEMAN)