Velada 2026: What makes an ‘Old Girl,’ whether 17 or 77?
(Conclusion)
An “Old Girl” is what graduates of Assumption Convent (AC) High School and College are called, whether they’ve just stepped out of the campus after graduation or are already celebrating their Golden or Diamond jubilee. Yes, at the Assumption, you’re called an “Old Girl” as long as you’ve graduated from AC—whether you’re 17, 77, or 101, the age of the oldest alumna this year.
The Assumption homecoming—during which alumnae are encouraged to come in their plaid uniforms, with neckties—is called “Old Girls’ Day.”
And the highlight of “Old Girls’ Day” is the velada, a medley of dances from the jubilarians choreographed by professionals, no less. But more than the moves, the swirls and the twirls, it is the road to the velada that cements the ties among the Old Girls. You see, the road to the velada is paved with planning sessions and dance practices where Old Girls shed sweat and tears (I kid thee not) and share a lot of love, laughter … and food! The sisterhood is strengthened even before the Old Girls revel in the euphoria from their performances.
I watched this year’s velada and was captivated by the joyful expressions on the faces of the performers as they danced onstage.
CONTINUE READING BELOW
My batchmate Chary Ozaeta Gohh adds, “I loved the show’s storyline and how beautifully it captured the evolution of the proud Old Girl. The presentation numbers were engaging. The Assumption spirit and legacy live on.”
Chary, who watched all previous veladas (the only exception to live veladas was the one held during the pandemic) was awed by the presence of the Rhodium batch, albeit made up of one Old Girl, Corazon Vilavicencio Sto. Domingo. Though she didn’t dance, she sang Que Sera Sera with much aplomb. Her batch (1946) graduated after World War II, and Que Sera Sera might well be the battle cry of her 101 years.
Posthumous awards were given to Maria Lourdes “Baby” Herrera and Gaita Fores of Batch ’76, the Golden jubilarians.
But the dances and the singing were the icing on the cake. I refuse to say “just” before “the icing,” because the dances were more than just choreographed steps for the Old Girls. The dances were sisterhood in motion.
The heart of Old Girls Day is really the joyful effort by the girls to translate the Assumption legacy into action.
As reported by Assumption Alumnae Association (AAA) president Marie Young, last year’s jubilarians raised P10 million for the Assumption mission schools. I wonder how much this year’s jubilarians or gems will raise?
As Silver jubilarian Michelle Sta. Catalina Manalastas said as the velada, held at the Mother Rose Hall of the Assumption San Lorenzo, was drawing to a close. “Sisters, this is what it means to come home. We may have graduated in different years, but we belong to one school, one story.
“From the girls who first walked these halls to the ones who left them only yesterday, we carry the same values and the same spirit. And as long as we keep living them, the legacy lives on.”
Miniature flags or pennants with the Assumption logo were then passed around to those in the audience.
“Together, let us raise our flags—for the proud Old Girls who came before us, for those standing beside us today, and for those yet to come,” Michelle exhorted the Old Girls present.
Every Old Girl in the audience raised her flag as the Assumption school song was sung by all.
“All hail…”
There were tears and cheers. Till next year, proud Old Girls!
WATCH: Save for retirement or enjoy life now? (Generations Ep. 21)
September 16, 2026
WATCH: How to experience Bangkok and Kanchanaburi in one trip
October 21, 2026
WATCH: Boomers: Hirap mag-adjust o ayaw lang? (Generations Ep. 27)
October 28, 2026