6th Homecoming sa Konsulado: Mentoring for Change Draws Largest Participation in New York
Alumni of Philippine schools, colleges and universities gather for the Homecoming sa Konsulado (photo by NYPCG)
25 October 2017 NEW YORK – The 6th edition of the Homecoming sa Konsulado (HSK) with the theme: “Makibahagi: Mentoring for Change” held on 21 October 2017 drew the largest participation with nearly 200 guests attending the HSK program.
The program featured a parade of schools with participants wearing their school colors and carrying their respective banners and introduction of alumni associations. Special performances took place throughout the whole day program including by UP alumna and pop rock vocalist Michelle Michelle, Line Dancing led by Noel Gamboa of UP, Kinding Sindaw Cultural Group led by Potri Ranka Manis, and several numbers by the 2017 New York Bandastiks winner Band of Brothers of De La Salle University.
The pre-Launch of the Department of Tourism’s “Bring Home a Friend to the Philippines” project was likewise introduced by New York DOT Officer-in-Charge and concurrent Tourism Representative in San Francisco Ms. Purificacion Molintas. She outlined the project mechanics and encouraged everyone to be active for Philippine tourism and join the program.
A highlight of the 6th HSK was the Project Update on “Gabay Mag-aaral” a mentoring program for Philippine public schools being undertaken on a pilot level by volunteers from the HSK Core Group. The updates on Visayas and Mindanao pilot mentoring programs were presented by Dr. Joie Calub, Dr. Roxanne Cajigas, and Nelsie Parrado. A 2017-2018 sign-up for the mentoring program was held at the HSK.
Consul General Theresa Dizon-De Vega thanked all those who contributed their time and resources to make the 6th HSK possible. She encouraged the participating alumni associations to use the HSK as a venue to strengthen and expand their respective associations and to take part in the HSK collective programs such as the Gabay Mag-aaral.
Alex Esteban, HSK Over-all Chair shared that “the HSK is truly an event everyone looks forward too as it provides a friendly, warm atmosphere and an opportunity for more community members to connect.”
Games and raffles also took place during the day-long event adding to the festive atmosphere.
17 alumni associations participated the event namely: UP Alumni Association, De La Salle University, St. Scholastica’s College, Assumption, University of Santo Tomas, Philippine Women’s University, Paaralan sa Konsulado, College of the Holy Spirit, St. Paul’s College, Mindanao State University, Maryknoll/Miriam College, University of San Carlos, San Beda College, Letran College, Silliman University, Ateneo Alumni Association, and for the first time, Cebu Normal University. Alumni of other schools such as Mapua Institute of Technology, and Lyceum of the Philippines also attended the event. END
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Game time at the Homecoming sa Konsulado