Record-breaking SMAD Family Day

                                        “Record-breaking SMAD Family Day”

Sun.Star Davao, Nov. 7, 2009

With 1,800 students, parents and teachers in attendance, the recent Parents-Teachers Association (PTA) Family Day and Socials ’09 of the Stella Maris Academy of Davao (SMAD) was undoubtedly a record-breaking success.

Bearing the theme, “Pagkakaisa sa Pagkaiba-Iba Tungo sa Iisang Adhikain”, the SMAD community gathered to celebrate “Pista sa Barrio Stella” at the Obrero campus.

The grand affair began with a mass celebrated by Rev. Fr. Danny Montaña, R.C.J. After the morning snacks, SMAD PTA president Jason Huang gave his welcome remarks, which was followed by the inspirational message of SMAD school director Sr. Lourdes Marzoña.

Selected teachers opened the exciting Socials program with an interpretative ethnic dance, “Alitaptap at Binislakan”. The alitaptap or firefly dance is a Philippine couple dance from Batangas while the binislakan dance commemorates the stay of Limahong, a Chinese pirate who built his kingdom in Lingayen, Pangasinan in the 1200s. The dance imitates two chopsticks used by the Chinese for eating.

Meanwhile, cheers and applause greeted parents and teachers, Ma. Claribel Sañano, Teresita Maniwan, Danilo Alo, Rogelio Rasay and Rhodora Edullantes, as they performed a medley of well-loved Filipino songs.

On the other hand, the “Pagpaparada ng mga Kasuotang Pinoy” showcased the different Filipiniana-inspired attires of various grade/year level representatives. Teachers and parents who joined the colorful ‘Santacruzan’-like parade included Luis Arangoso Jr. and Narlina Espanto; Oliver Calledo and Leslilyn Sombilon; Raymon Miranda and Fatima Salig; Edmar Amba and Sheila Mae Cascaro; Orville Alderite and Juvy Palo; James Mark Francisco and Soledad Salupan; Francis and Cecil Hidalgo; Ben and Betty Sur; Drs. Robert and Cristina Bandolon; and Raymund Batu and Joan Salever.

And, what would a true blue Filipino fiesta be without lechon? Indeed, the “Pagpaparada ng Litson” was a sight to behold! Through the generous donations of several parents, twenty lip-smacking lechons were paraded in the center before they were positioned in strategic buffet areas all over the campus.

After the sumptuous lunch, the Family Day Palaro began with the raising of the school and SMAD PTA flags by Gil Juanico (Prefect of Discipline), Dr. Rodilla Tumanda (elementary principal), Tyrone Go (PTA 1^st vice president) and Paulina Deiparine (high school principal).

Jeffrey Alvarez, PTA 2^nd vice president, led the Oath of Unity and Cooperation while Leo Estores (PTA auditor) made the declaration of the official start of the Family Day.

Fun and laughter ensued as parents, teachers and students joined and competed in traditional Filipino games like “Hulihan ng Biik at Hito”; “Hilahan ng Pisi”, “Lakad Bayanihan”, “Saluhan ng Itlog”, “Karera ng Sako”, “Nagpandango si Maria”, “Kadang-Kadang” and “Palo Sebo”.

The overwhelming turnout of the SMAD PTA Family Day and Socials ’09 exceeded everyone’s expectations. SMAD PTA president Jason Huang shares, “I wish to sincerely thank the SMAD PTA board of directors, school administration, teachers, students and fellow parents for generously sharing their precious time, talents and resources in making the “Pista sa Barrio Stella” a huge success. Congratulations to PTA Socials head Irene Calixto with assistant head Meriam Wee and PTA Family Day Chairperson Dr. Gilbert Arendain and co-chairperson Ana Remolar for a fantastic job!”.

The SMAD PTA board of directors (2009-2010) is composed of the following: Jason Huang (president); Tyrone Go (1^st vice president); Jeffrey Alvarez (2^nd vice president); Carmen Miranda (secretary); Narlina Espanto (asst. secretary); Sharmila Ong (treasurer); Irene Calixto (assistant treasurer); Leo Estores (auditor) and Anna Remolar (P.I.O.).

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