Loving wife and mother, hardworking entrepreneur, and bighearted philanthropist Malou Martinez graced the University of Santo Tomas Alumni Association, Inc. (USTAAI) Santacruzan 2023 held at the university grounds. The beautiful Malou, who represented UST High School Batch ’78 at the event, was chosen as the Reina Elena who carries a crucifix symbolizing how Queen Helena, mother of Constantine the Great, was victorious in finding the true cross on which Jesus was crucified.
The significant affair, organized by the USTAAI headed by president lawyer Dwight Ramos and the Thomasian Alumni Community Foundation, Inc. (TACFI) in cooperation with the Office of Alumni Relations (OAR) headed by director Fredeswindo Medina, commenced with the recitation of the holy rosary and celebration of holy mass held at the Santisimo Rosario Parish (known as the UST Chapel) followed by the parade proper around the university grounds.
Also at the helm of the said event were the hardworking Santacruzan 2023 chair Dr. Rollo Milante and co-chairs Dr. Teresita Meer and Maureen Pickering. Meanwhile, Malou’s loving husband, lawyer Willie Martinez and Malou’s escort during the parade, UST High School ’78 Alumni Association, Inc. current president Reymar Papasin, showed support for the gorgeous lady, together with the rest of the officers and batchmates.
The Santacruzan 2023 concluded with a fellowship dinner, as well as the launch of the coffee-table book Thomasian Icons: Bridges of Faith, Hope and Love held at the lobby of Buenaventura Garcia Paredes, OP Alumni Center with the reinas, escorts, noted Thomasian alumni, and guests sharing an evening filled with music, laughter, and meaningful conversations.
A diamond of a friendship
A group of Assumption High School alumnae gathered for a day of recollection led by Fr. Francis Alvarez, SJ, that was both nostalgic and uplifting. The Diamond Jubilarians, of which the amiable Letty Lopez is a member, reminisced about their youthful days in the 1960s and how the music of their generation brought back memories of both joy and challenges. Through it all, the strong bond of friendship that was forged during those years remained faithful and true.
Fr. Francis reminded the group about the meaning of being “overcome by Paschal joy” and encouraged them to draw great happiness from life’s journey despite the pain, sorrow, and tears that come with it.
The gathering was made more special by the gracious hospitality of the birthday celebrator Rosa Francisco, who opened her doors and treated everyone to a sumptuous buffet that delighted both sight and senses.
A lunch date to remember
Beloved friend and all-around lovely lady Minerva Tanseco met with several of her close amigas at the chic Pardon My French restaurant in Makati City. It was a fun and meaningful lunch among friends who truly missed each other! Seen in the photo are (seated) Minerva, doctors Elenita Binay and Nellie Acosta with (standing) Anne Binay Alcantara, Alice Briones, and Jasmin Gongora.
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