‘Pepe’s Secret Christmas’ and Spanish classes

SOFIA Zobel Elizalde is meeting the press tomorrow at 2 p.m. at Laguna Garden Cafe at The Terraces of

Ayala Center. It’s all about “Pepe’s Secret Christmas,” presented by Steps Dance Project.

This original Christmas ballet will be presented on Dec. 1 at 4 p.m. and at 7 p.m. at The Terraces of Ayala Center. Admission is free. Just be early to obtain

a seat or a good vantage point.

Synopsis: It is the last day of the Misa de Gallo.

(Isn’t it more properly called, as it was in the past, Misa de Aguinaldo?) Anyway, little Pepe is falling asleep during the Mass.

In his reverie he is transported to an enchanted

setting where the creatures of farm and forest come together and pay homage to the “Niño Jesus.”

It is a charming ballet that speaks to children and all those who long for a time and age of innocence. In a way, the presentation teaches children to respect nature and be aware of such Filipino values as love

of beauty and harmony.

Direction and choreography is by James Laforteza, with Jun Seragundo and Jeffrey Espejo as associate choreographers, while the story is by Floy Quintos.

Performing are the dancers from the Steps Scholarship Foundation, with Red Concepcion as special guest, and the help of the Loudbox Studios.

More credits are due Gino Gonzalez, production and costume designer; Katsch Catoy, lighting and technical director; Jeff Arcilla, music arranger; and the Mountain Rock Productions, for the headdress and mask

execution.

* * *

All is set for the annual homecoming of Colegio de

la Inmaculada Concepcion (CIC) Alumni on Sunday, Dec. 2. Theme is Glitz and Glam, to

celebrate 132 years of the school’s existence. At the

forefront of it all is CIC Alumni president Tina Jordana.

As stated in a previous

column, registration opens at

1 p.m., with Mass at 3 p.m., and merienda at 4 p.m., featuring those delicious churros dipped in rich chocolate. The program proper starts at 4:30, emceed by Monette Aliño and Pet Escaño Misa, sapphire

jubilarian.

CIC Superior Sister Zenaida Condes DC will give

the welcome remarks. Highlights will feature the

Jubilarians. HS Class ’52 is diamond; ’57, emerald;

’62, golden; ’67, sapphire; ’72, ruby; ’77, coral; ’82,

pearl; ’87, silver; ’92, platinum; ’97, crystal; 2002,

aluminum; and 2007, paper.

Anita Cabahug Trasmonte is special as she comes from HS Class ’47, and that’s 65 years. She will

open the program with a piano rendition together with daughter Ann Trasmonte, Pearl jubilarian.

Then comes a slide presentation of The Diamond jubilarians, followed by a dance from the Ruby

jubilarians, and a production by the Sapphire jubilarians led by Jay Suson Unchuan.

Humanitarian awards will be presented to

Diamond jubilarian Lourdes Heber (nee Fernandez), and Coral Jubilarian Eleanor Rivera.

Julia Ramon Gandionco (Grade School Class 1947) will receive the top Entrepreneur award, for her Julie’s Bakeshop, known all over the land. Other awardees are Dr. Judith Socorro Gandionco, Ruby jubilarian; and Dr. Grace Urbina Absin, Pearl jubilarian.

More numbers in the program: a piano rendition by Neca Abaya Caingles, Emerald jubilarians;

a dance by the Coral jubilarians; a song from Patria

Bascon, Pearl jubilarians; and a surprise number

from the Silver jubilarians. Tina Jordana among them.

There is a special award for a male alumnus,

Dr. Don Edward Rosello, of Grade School Class 1983.

Dinner will be at 7 p.m., with the announcement of who will be this year’s CIC Alumni Queen and Princess. Fellowship games and a raffle will complete the evening.

* * *

A new course on Spanish lessons will open on

Saturday December 1 at Casino Español de Cebu, with Professor Mariton Villaflor. It will be every Saturday hence from 9am to 12noon. Price per person is P1,000. To join call Joy Limosnero at Casino Español tel. 253-1260 local 204.