By Aubrey Nikko M. Valle
Opening Eucharistic Celebration & Procession
Although the alumni gathering was already held on January 18, 2020, it was however on January 20, 2020, the feast day of St. Sebastian, the school’s patron saint, that the formal opening of the 79th Foundation Celebration was made. A Eucharistic Celebration was offered with Rev. Fr. Dionisio Q. Selma, OAR, Prior Provincial of the order, serving as the presider and he was joined by other OAR and some invited priests, as co-celebrants. The entire Sebastinian Community gathered together as one to partake in the celebration. Rev. Fr. Nemesio D. Tolentin, OAR, the school president, expressed his thanks and appreciation to Fr. Selma for presiding over the Mass while Rev. Fr. Allan Rubett A. Cabatian, OAR, Director of the Campus Ministry Office (CMO) and School Chaplain, gave some reminders for the next activity which is the procession.
Immediately after the Mass, the procession in honor of the institution’s titular saint, Saint Sebastian, followed. Plying the route from the patio of Basilica de San Sebastian, coming out of Plaza del Carmen, heading to Bilibid Viejo St., turning right to Loyola St., getting out of C. M. Recto Ave, then turning right to Legarda St. and entered back the Basilica de San Sebastian, the entire community solemnly prayed the mysteries of the Holy Rosary. The procession concluded with a prayer led by Fr. Cabatian and the final blessing.
Opening Salvo
After the procession, the opening salvo immediately followed. The 79th Foundation Celebration of San Sebastian College – Recoletos, Manila officially opened with the message from the College President, Rev. Fr. Nemesio D. Tolentin, OAR. On the cue of the Religious Administrators and Lay Administrators, the 79th Foundation Anniversary Celebration Official Logo was unveiled before the Sebastinian Community with the theme of “Journeying As One.” Performances from the Bacoor Cavite Marching Band, Grade School Department, Junior High School Terpsichorean, San Sebastian Dance Troupe lifted the spirits of the Sebastinians in this opening ceremony of our foundation celebration.
Blessing of Senior High School Entrepreneurial Week Booths
As part of the academic formation of Senior High School Students, the department opened its Second Entrepreneurial Week this 79th Foundation with the theme of Philippine Festivals. School Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Allan Rubett A. Cabatian, OAR, led the prayer for the opening ceremonies. College President, Rev. Fr. Nemesio D. Tolentin, OAR, spearheaded the cutting of the ribbons then proceeded to the blessing of the booths by Fr. Cabatian. The ceremonies were followed by festival performances rendered by the Senior High School students representing the respective festival themes of their booths. It was concluded with a unity dance by the Senior High School students themselves.
Talent Showcase
The first day of the foundation celebration was concluded with the Concert Showdown 2020. Different students from the Grade School Department, High School Department, Senior High School Department, and College Department showcased their talents before the Sebastinian Community. There were some who extraordinarily sang their highest notes while others grooved their graceful and artistic moves to the dance floor. Our very own JHS Terpsichorean and San Sebastian Dance Troupe also showcased a performance that captured the audience’s attention.
