via John Hendrics Dela Cruz, OD Staffer
‘Twas like “Wake me up when September [One] ends…”
Youth has long been the vestige of our lifetime. Between its dreams and nightmares, we can only value half of it while it still lasts. After four years without celebrating the school’s recognized social event, Dominicans will once again celebrate the long-ceased Acquaintance Party last September 1. Students have yet to preserve another memory in their lifetime.
However, with the buildout of the tropical typhoon “Hanna,” the school decided to adjust the schedule earlier than expected. Although the adjustment intends to ensure student and staff safety, the fact that the party is taking place at noon displeased the students, especially the seniors, who experienced the event pre-pandemic. Whether or not the party gets thwarted, Dominicans have nothing to lose.
With its intertwining strobe lights and entertaining party hosts, the event did not fail to captivate the attendees. Ms. Alaysa San Pedro and Mr. Joseph Joaquin Angeles starred as the event hosts, bringing “Gen Z” humor to the stage alongside the teaching personnel, Ms. Jasmin Dela Cruz and Mr. Danilo Recto. As the event's theme promised, the Acquaintance Party had gotten off to a great start.
Throughout the occasion, juniors and seniors are ever cooperative, with each grade level performing their prepared yell. Since this year's Acquaintance Party was their final one, 12th graders did not hesitate to deliver an astounding, if not one-of-a-kind, performance, matching it with rhythmic Sexbomb-chant and viral noontime show dance craze Mini Miss U.
Not only that, Ms. Kimran De Jesus, together with Ms. Lelaine Santos and Mr. Gerald Simbogan, handed down another striking singing performance that spurred other students to join them. Between The Lazy Song and Fireworks, the clamor was only somewhat less intense, and it was not until "You Belong With Me" that the Swifties' vigor suddenly broke out. [What could have been more if the majority of Dominicans attended the Eras tour?]
Following the jam session, the SSC carried out recreational activities on purpose to kill time until the dance floor was ready. At 7 PM., the dance floor was already open. The party hosts kept encouraging the students to be more considerate and mindful of their behavior while they engaged in the party. Some were seated in the bleachers; some were bopping to the music, while some were forming human trains around the gym. Wherever they are, this event gave students a whole new experience etched in their youth.
To forge friendships and preserve the existing ones: that is what most students have in mind when driven by youth. For some, it is the way to bridge the past and the present. So do the guilt and regret. For many, it is the time to be present while the rest of the youth lasts. SDA's Acquaintance Party was not the last time to hold dear to youth. Many more are yet to come; Dominicans only need to write it with their own will. As long as they do so, even the everyday mundanity can open doors to newly made memories. They never stop making them; what only means to cease is youth.
“On closing time, many are forced to put down their masks and let the beauty of joy immerse them. Because while we dance, we write the night’s ode.”
Comments