HALL OF MEMORIES

The Junior and Senior Promenade or the J.S. Prom is the most exciting and awaited occasion for any high school student. That is just according to my observation in my 4 years in high school.

Last February 9, 2007, UP High School in Cebu had its J.S. prom with its theme: Blazing Trails of Friendship and Legacy held at the Arctic hall, Waterfront Cebu City. Everyone was very excited except for the freshies and sophies of course because they are not yet part of the occasion.

There were no classes on the morning of February 9 because students were given time to prepare there selves for the big night. Some went to parlors and spas and some just dressed there selves at home. But me, I just went home to sleep. I woke up and took a bath at 2 pm and dressed myself and left the house at around 3 pm.

When I arrived at the venue, there were still very few students. I saw my friend David and we toured around the place. The event started late at around 5 pm. First in line was the presentation of Junior and Senior girls with their escorts. After everyone had walked with their partners in the aisle, Invocation immediately followed that was led by Ms. Sheena Gobrin. After was the singing of the Pambansang Awit and was followed by a Welcome Address by Patrick Pata. Then my favorite part came which was the Dinner!

There were several dishes served at the side tables. The soup tasted badly and the dessert was not really that attractive. The main dishes were just fine but the food was better last J.S. prom. Even though it was not that delicious, I have finished 5 plates of food. My stomach was really full.

After everyone was done eating, the Junior’s tribute immediately followed. They sang to us and gave us cds which contained songs related to High School life and friendship.

The next part of the program was the most awaited and high light of the prom. First was the presentation of the Junior’s Prophecies. Every Senior was waiting for his or her name to be called with their future acted out in the stage. The presentation was very funny and I enjoyed the show. After the prophecy was the handling down of the Senior’s Legacies.

After the legacy was the Turnover Rites led by Euvic Ferrer followed by an acceptance speech then the giving of tokens. All the Seniors Received pillows from the Juniors. After were the Candle Lighting Rites and then the Proclamation and Coronation of the Royal Court. The Prom King was Marc Quimbo, a junior student and for me, he really deserves the title. Of course, as I was expecting, Gayle Lorraine Tallo was our Prom Queen. She really looked magnificent and beautiful that night. After was the Royal Dance. Everyone danced with their partners and during the disco, everyone was jumping and yelling and just enjoying the night except for some of course. When the last dance was played, everyone danced with their special someone. I danced with my girlfriend. That night was very fun and memorable.

Every beginning has always an end. It was time to end the celebration. We all formed a big circle and held each other’s hands while singing the Fellowship Song led by Mr. Bap Palen. To officially end the wonderful night, we all sang the UP Naming Mahal.

It was time to go and going home fore me who has no car is very difficult because of taxi competition. But I was very lucky because my girlfriend has a ride and I just hitched with them. I arrived home at around 12:30 midnight and I can’t still get over of all the wonderful things I had in that hall of memories.