HIGH SCHOOL SHOELANDERS Celebrate First Grand Alumni Homecoming

Marikina City witnessed a momentous occasion on November 18, 2023, as graduates from Marikina High School (MHS), Leodegario Victorino Memorial High School (LVMHS), Marikina School of Arts and Trade (MSAT), Marikina Institute of Science and Technology (MIST), and Marikina Science High School (MariSci) came together for the inaugural High School Shoelanders Grand Alumni Homecoming. The event, held at the Marikina Sports Center, was a testament to the power of unity and loyalty to their cherished alma mater.

The festivities kicked off with a grand parade led by the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of MariSci. Alumni were thrilled to see their former teachers performing on stage to music spanning the decades, creating a nostalgic atmosphere that set the tone for the evening.

Members of the BSP

The night unfolded with a dazzling array of performances, featuring songs and dances that celebrated iconic moments and highlights from different eras.

Mayor Marcy Teodoro, a member of Batch 1986, welcomed the attendees and expressed gratitude to the organizers and committees for the success of the homecoming. He assured attendees that this was just the beginning, promising that the Shoelander spirit would endure for years to come.

Marikina Mayor Marcelino "Marcy" Teodoro, MIST Batch 86

Marikina Representative Maan Teodoro praised the Shoelanders, hailing them as a constant partner in the city's pursuit of progress. She emphasized the core values of discipline, good taste, and excellence that continue to resonate within each alumnus, contributing positively to the wider community.

Marikina City Representative Maan Teodoro

Mr. Joseph Santos, acting OIC Principal of Marikina Science High School and a proud graduate from Batch 1993, provided a glimpse of the school history and reported its current situation. He emphasized the importance of alumni support in restoring the school to its original home. He noted that the grand homecoming was a poignant opportunity to make this vision a reality.

Mr. Joseph Santos, from Batch 93, and acting OIC Principal of Marikina Science High School

The event also recognized distinguished alumni for their outstanding contributions in various fields. Notable awardees include:

• Roheil Caimol (MIST Batch 1988) - Business and Industry
• Kenneth Kibanoff (MIST Batch 1980) - Corporate Social Responsibility
• Ligaya Fernando - Amilbangsa (MSAT Batch 1959) - Culture & Arts
• Dr. Doryl Sequena Cabiao (MIST 1998) - Education & Research
• Celeste Reyes (MIST Batch 1995) - Entrepreneurship
• Antonio Andres, Sr. (MSAT Batch 1960) - Entrepreneurship
• Dr. Riza Araceli Salinas (MIST Batch 1989) - Environment & Ecology
• (Ret) Col. Ray Claudio Abaya (MIST Batch 1984) - Justice & Peace
• P B/Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. (MIST Batch 1988) - Justice & Peace
• Gerald Ariel Grande (MIST Batch 1983) - Media & Entertainment
• Allan Hernandez (MIST Batch 1992) - Media & Entertainment
• Bayani Fernando [Posthumous] (MSAT Batch 1962) - Public Service
• Marcelino Teodoro (MIST Batch 1986) - Public Service
• Roberto De Guzman (MIST Batch 1983) - Science and Medicine
• Dr. Ronnie Royo (MIST Batch 1987) - Science and Medicine
• Dr. Noel Tiburcio (MSAT Batch 1978) - Science and Medicine
• Crisanto Bautista (MIST Batch 1983) - Sports and Athletics

High School Shoelanders Distinguished Alumni with Mayor Marcy Teodoro, Marikina City Mayor

The night was even made exciting with the culmination of the Win Your Dream Raffle where tickets were drawn to win a trip package to Hong Kong and Palawan, 2023 Honda PCX and a brand new Toyota Vios. The proceeds of the fund raising activity will be awarded to the school.

The success of the High School Shoelanders Grand Alumni Homecoming was made possible through the support of Mayor Marcy Teodoro, Cong. Maan Teodoro, generous sponsors such as Filteam Shipmanagement Inc, Pepsi, Goya, and Mr. Manolo Cruz. Special thanks were extended to Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina, Bespoke Logistics, Gibson Shoes Factory, The Bar and Mountain Snow, and Caper Group.

For the latest updates on the High School Shoelanders, follow them on Facebook (@hs.shoelanders) and join the conversation at #ShoelandersUnite. The event stands as a vibrant testament to the enduring spirit and commitment of Marikina's high school alumni.

Shoelanders Unite: The 1st Shoelanders Grand Alumni Homecoming set on November 18, 2023

The Shoelanders’ Alumni Ad Hoc committee invites all graduates of the Marikina High School (MHS), Leodegario Victorino Memorial High School (LVMHS), Marikina School of Arts and Trade (MSAT), Marikina Institute of Science and Technology (MIST), and Marikina Science High School (MariSci), collectively known as “The Shoelanders” to the first-ever Shoelanders Grand Alumni Homecoming on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at the Marikina Sports Center.

Carrying the theme, “Shoelanders Unite: Baliktanaw at Pagpupugay sa Paaralang Mahal,” this homecoming event will bring together more than 70 batch years that includes its first graduates in 1950 up to the present 2023 batch. Considered a historic gathering of topnotch graduates from an illustrious secondary school in Marikina, it is truly a once-in-a-lifetime event one should not miss. This premiere alumni homecoming also sets to give awards and recognition to outstanding achievements of alumni in different categories as one of its highlights.

Reunion For A Common Cause
Through a Ceremonial Signing of “The Shoelanders Alumni Commitment Board”, this homecoming will also seal and make official the solid stand & unwavering support of the entire alumni membership across all batch years to all legislative initiatives and efforts or any activities all in the effort of preserving and restoring the persona and existence of the High School Alma Mater that carries profound history since its founding in 1947.

Mr. Joseph T. Santos, acting OIC of MariSci and from MIST Batch 1992, appeals to all, “We reach out to all alumni to help preserve our beloved school and bring back students to the campus they truly deserve.”

Ms. Fe Oaing-Doromal, Chairman of the Ad Hoc committee and MIST graduate from Batch 1992 is very optimistic about the support of all batches to this event. “It will be a memorable day for everyone and an opportunity to keep our school strong. This is our chance to give back to our alma mater which honed us to be achievers.” She also highlights that proceeds from this event can support in establishing a Shoelanders Foundation and provide for the educational needs of deserving scholars and other beneficial programs.

Marikina City Mayor Marcelino “Marcy” Teodoro, MIST Batch 1986 alumnus, expressed great support to the event offering the Marikina Sports Center as venue for the event. “It is my great joy to see my former classmates and teachers again. I am truly excited to reminisce about the times we had when I was studying in MIST. I know that the graduates are a great contribution of our school as their talents and knowledge are integral factors in nation-building.”

Countdown to the Big Day
Leading to the big day, the committee has lined-up series of fun and exciting activities to the enjoyment of the alumni. A motorcade kicked off last July that roamed along the streets of Marikina City. There are also mini sports tournaments like bowling, basketball, volleyball, billiards and a Bingo social. Details of events are announced in the official Facebook group The High School SHOELANDERS.

Registration is now ongoing. Early bird is priced at P500 until September 30, and P700 starting from October 1-30, 2023. You may register at https://tinyurl.com/Shoelanders or coordinate with your batch representatives. For volunteers, sponsorships, donations or business opportunities, interested parties may contact Ms. Lourdes Santos at 09566480645.