SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA — Twelfth of August 2017 is a day forever embedded in the hearts of the Sydney Sillimanians. It was the day when they celebrated the 116th Founders Day of Silliman University, well ahead of 28th the official day of the celebration.
They came together at the residence of Sydney Sillimanian Chapter President Engr. Enrico “Toto” Garcia. Toto’s First Lady, Lily, played host to the memorable affair of a love relationship among fellow Sillimanians and with their Alma Mater.
It was a beautiful day. Amid the merrymaking, the chapter welcomed Fe Tubongbanua-Bird, Ray Quismundo, and Sheila Pfleider as new members.
Lots of fun followed highlighted by three line dances, punctuated by a hot one, the chilli chacha. Chapter Vice President Emma Pontenila led the line dancing.
The best was served last — eating with seldom-tasted Pinoy delicacies like biko from Joy Torrevillas, peanut brittle from Marissa Bala, humba from Fern Ponti, fruit salad from Dinah Milne, bulad from Jing Speirs, kinilaw from Arnie Capilitan, and pancit from Gina Delfin.
They took time, too, for fund-raising. They conducted raffles and auctions to raise funds for the feeding program at the Talay Mental Hospital in Dumaguete City, and to buy IV’s for the SU Marina Clinic in Dauin, Negros Oriental.
A special act was the passing of the hat to raise money for the displaced refugees from Marawi City. It netted Australian $500. Alice Dumlao, as secretary, remitted the amount through Rev. Dr. Rodolfo “Rudy” Juan, bishop of the Davao Episcopal Area (United Methodist Church) on 14th of August.
Such caring and sharing may create a ripple effect all over the world.
There is an awakening of Sillimanians near and far from their Alma Mater. The organized gatherings are: Tipon Silliman, Euroflock, Hugyaw Visayas, Sadya Mindanaw, and Galak Luzon, knowing each other mainly via the social media.
The world gets to know them by their love for each other. Leaving and living beyond the Gates of Opportunity, Sillimanians look back to SU as the guiding star.
Back in time and now, at the SU campus in Dumaguete City, the student has learned to worship the Master of the universe in the atmosphere of a Galilean Fellowship. He understands that under the Covenant of Grace, the Ten Commandments are reduced to the two greatest commandments: to love God with all your heart, and to love your neighbor as yourself. That is the power of love, as God is love.
Sillimanians are roaming all over the world. If they stand as one body of Christ to celebrate the faithfulness of God, there is hope and assurance of them becoming instruments in healing the world.
As salt and light of the world, I see Silliman University ascending. SU is US.
_______________________________
Author’s email: capromeo@gmail.com
