SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA– It is a new day for Sillimanians in Sydney. To be apt and appropriate, it has been a week since the stage presentation of the Movement Expression of Bituing Marikit. Yet the euphoria hangs around.
As the choreographer Lucy Jumawan-Sauer said, Bituin Marikit is a neoclassical movement expression capturing the splendour of our stars. Merging some basic styles with the character of our traditional moves, the music and costumes have culturally and artistically formed this piece of moving art.
A day after the presentation it became more than a Moving Art. It captured the hearts of Sillimanians and their patrons alike.
SU Board of Trustee Grace Sumalpong who attended the affair exulted as anticipation from the moment of expectation turned into acclaim just a second after the moment of truth. She congratulated the Sydney Sillimanians for a well-attended and organized affair. In her words, “Truly a night of splendour, a night of meeting new friends and reconnecting with ‘old’ ones. The Silliman Spirit lives on the land Down Under! My thanks for the invite.”
Philippine Ambassador to Australia Belen F. Anota who graced the occasion congratulated the Sillimanians for A Night of Splendour. She commended the Sydney Sillimanians’ decision to help women in Dumaguete manage breast cancer. The Ambassador said, “This makes me very happy.”
No one was happier than the president-and-kontrabida of the well-remembered affair. The ubiquitous Alice who kept needling members with streams of emails in urging them to give their best slept on cloud 9 after the successful dinner and dance fellowship. She was exceedingly gratified with the attendance of young Sillimanians who gave youth and energy to the photo op, and a refreshing outlook for the Sydney SU Alumni Chapter in the days ahead.
It is more than the movement. It is more than the expression. More than the movement expression, it is a star — the faith and truth that Sillimanians get from their Alma Mater — the guiding star. It is more than the lyrics. It is more than words. It is more than the music. It is a moving art. It is movement synergy of all Sillimanians here in Sydney and all over the World in honor of Dear Old Silliman, beside the sea.
In Mariss’ words, “All for Silliman.” A motto which is enshrined now in the hearts of the Sydney Sillimanians after understanding, encouraging, and edifying one another in striving for A Night of Splendour. It is a new day! Of faith, hope, and love.
