45th Anniversary (Sapphire Anniversary)
Forty-five years is long enough for the world to change entirely, yet brief enough for an old joke between classmates to land as if no time had passed at all. From July 24 to July 26, 2026, the alumni of Divine Word College – Tagbilaran City High School Department (both the Day and Night sessions) gathered to celebrate their Sapphire Anniversary. They traveled from neighboring towns and across oceans, carrying decades of life experience back to the place where their shared story began.
The weekend opened on Friday, July 24, 2026, along the coast of Bingag, Dauis, where Hinagdanan Bayview Resort served as the backdrop for a casual, batch-only reunion. Dressed in relaxed Hawaiian shirts and bright prints, classmates began trickling in at 9:00 a.m. for registration—though formal sign-ins quickly took a backseat to long-overdue embraces and lively catch-ups. By 10:30 a.m., the group shifted focus to a business meeting and the election of new officers, laying down plans to keep the batch connected for the years ahead. Lunch was served at 11:30 a.m., paving the way for an afternoon of competitive party games, dancing, and live music by the Kalsahara Band, whose set kept energy levels high well into the afternoon.
Saturday evening, July 25, 2026, called for a change of pace as the festivities moved into Tagbilaran City for a formal Gala Night at the Metro Centre Hotel’s Ruby Room. The space transformed into a dazzling spectrum of sapphire, royal, and navy blue, echoing the milestone theme. Arriving at 5:30 p.m. for registration and photos, the women wore floor-length gowns and tailored cocktail dresses, while the men arrived in Barongs, suit jackets, ties, and pressed slacks. Dinner was served at 7:00 p.m., after which the program got underway. Adding a heartening, deeply personal touch to the evening, the entire affair was hosted by fellow Batch ‘81 alumnae Gloria Leodivica Ines Araneta and Mary Ann Reyes-Icamen, whose familiar wit and warmth kept their classmates connected and engaged every step of the way. Soon after, the Deep Blue Band took the stage to deliver a soundtrack of nostalgic hits, keeping the dance floor packed late into the night.
A pose with the Batch ‘81 4th year class adviser, Ms. Jojo Clarete (seated, 2nd from left) and a section adviser, Ms. Fe Gallares (standing, 4th from right)
Some of the outgoing officers (from left – right): Marcelina B. Labella, Mary Ann R. Icamen, Norma C. Manigque, Noel Bullecer (outgoing president), Lerry P. Gallardo, Fides R. Cimeni, & Stella G.Densing
The new set of officers (from left-right): Agnes R. Fukushima, Evelyn B. Butalid, Shaun B. Nuez, Johnny Samson, Bobby Bongcaras, Ma’am Jojo Clarete (Inducting Officer), Rex Uy (proxy of his brother, Rey), Imelda R. Uy, Stella G. Densing, Malouh Dominise, Julius Valenzona, & John Alvin Ligan (president of Batch ‘81)
King & Queen of the Night, Ms. Imelda Ramos-Uy & Mr. Nelson Maquiling
Batch ‘81 ladies in formal elegance, with the mentors who shaped us
Batch ‘81 gentlemen in their finest, with the mentors who guided them
To close out the three-day milestone on Sunday, July 26, 2026, the alumni gathered with their families for a coastal beach party at Momo Beach in Looc, Panglao. The morning began at 10:00 a.m. under open skies with a beachside Holy Mass celebrated by Fr. Roberto “Prem-prem” Supremo, providing a quiet, reflective moment to give thanks for health, longevity, and enduring friendships. The rest of the afternoon was spent in easy fellowship by the water—a relaxed, fitting end to a weekend spent honoring forty-five years of history.
Batch ‘81 reunited, from campus days to a Hawaiian edition
Good food, good waves at Momo Beach
Batch ‘81 in their Aloha smile
With the Holy Mass celebrant, Fr. Roberto “Prem-prem” Supremo