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.
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 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.
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.
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
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.