COMING HOME TO COLEGIO DELAS HIJAS DE JESUS

I may not have graduated high school in Colegio delas Hijas. I studied there when I was in 1st year high school until the 2nd year, but me and my family migrated to Saudi Arabia on my 3rd year. But one thing I'm sure of is-- I super love Colegio delas Hijas de Jesus! It was the best schools I have attended. I remembered the time we were still choosing what high school we will go to. I used to sit in the lobby of the school while my mother would inquire what requirements I would need or when she would submit my documents. I already felt at home. I love reading this comic I found in the lobby table about a story of this young Spanish girl named Juana which I later became Mother Candida, the Foundress of the Daughters of Jesus Congregation. The congregation was devoted to education inspired by the spirituality of St. Ignatius of Loyola. I was so enthralled by her story. I was so thrilled that I was accepted in the school. It was the best times of my life!!! (Senti mode). It was still an all-girls school that time. I love the camaraderie and the bonds we've shared. It was great because my oldest friend since Grade 1 was there with me too. I love the method of teaching, how we were giving study guides and study times. I was also in awe of the nuns. I love how they radiate peace and calm and has a system in things that they do. They would wake up early for the mass at the chapel and a bell would signal them when its time for lunch. I like that. Sister Lucy once talked about vocation and calling to become a nun. So one time when we were having a filmshowing in the AVR room about the congregation and the sisters in their journey from Spain to the Philippines, I feel a cold wind enveloped me. I thought, "Ïs this you calling, Lord?".  After that day, I was 100% sure I want to be a nun when i grow up. Along with other "future nuns" we founded a group called Friends of Jesus. We have Sister Lucy as our mentor and we had several meetings. But it didn't last long. And I realized after a year, being a nun wasn't my calling. But it was good times....

So after more than a decade, I am coming home. Colegio delas Hijas de Jesus is celebrating thier Diamond Jubilee with the theme: 75 years of Blessings & Living the Foundress Dream. I was tap by the radiant Dr. Que, an active alumni association officer to help sell raffle tickets to 'save' the CHJ auditourium. I happily oblige. I was also suppose to join in the Spanish Dance in the Grand Velada but my schedule got a bit crazy and I back-out of the dance. But still I want to at least, visit CHJ and relive my old high school memeories and see the changes that transpire since I've left.

    
This is my beloved high school... If it was up to me, I would love to have stayed and graduated here. Isn't it cute that Mother Candida is talking like our adorable mommy saying, "My Sons and Daughters, Come Home !".

I was Visitor # 12

My visit was a perfect timing. The showroom was set up. Most of the students are having their exams. So I was free to roam the place and take lots of pictures.

After I got pass the lobby, I saw this welcoming message. I'm home.


Then I proceeded to the exhibit of memorabilia. I was happy to see my English teacher and everyones' favorite, Sir Cequina. He happily gave me  a tour of the showroom.

I was so amazed how all the stuff were preserved immaculately. It was like every bits and corners are really there and telling me all their stories.



Here are one of the photos in the exhibit... Like!

Here are parts of the room- at a glance.  It was so jam-packed with memories and it was beautifully arranged.

These are some religious relics they preserved....

Here are the suitcases the sisters used upon arriving here in Iloilo City to start the congregation. It was filled with pictures, old and new.

There were a lot of pictures plastered on the wall. It is nice to see familiar faces. My dear classmates, if you look closer I think you can see yourselves in some of the pics, hehe...

And yes, in 2005, the high school department was opened for boys. I agree with school's decision to go co-ed. It's good that young girls are able to know how to interact with young men in these stages. 

I remember this. This is a cover in the big musical production, "The Foundress", about the life of Mother Candida. I was part of the choir. It was a great show. All were original lyrics and music. We all memorizes the songs because they were all so beautiful lyrics and score. I even used one of the songs here when I was asked to sing a bit before they choose me to represent my class in the intramural singing contest.

This wall are for all of the collection of graduation souvenirs and programmes. It's all here. 

The sisters are into music. Here are the old instruments and records they used before.

After the exhibit, I got to roam around the school some more.

Jesus odo lo enemos became the motto and theme in the canonization of our dear Foundress. It means In Jesus, we have everything. It was found in the letter 13 of Mother Candida handwritten and sent to Sister Antonia Robles Hernandez. 

It is nice to see that CHJ is recycling. Look at that globe thing filled with plastic cups. Creative! Go CHJ! Go Green!

Next stop was the gymnasium. Mr. Cequina toured me around. There were teachers, students and parents making some props.

It was huge! I was also informed that the panels on the stage where revolving. Sosyal!

Below, the right corner is a big picture of St. Candida....

St. Candida was beautified last 1996 by the late Pope John Paul II then she was canonized last October 17, 2010 by Pope Benedict XVI.


I then proceeded one of my favorite place in the school.

The Chapel. I love attended the daily 6AM mass here with the sisters. This was my sanctuary. This was my place where I go to when I arrived in school and when I want to spent some quiet time with the Lord.

Upon steeping into the chapel, I got really nostalgic and I got teary-eyed. I miss this place. 

After saying a little prayer and my moment of silence with the Lord. I was happily surprised to see Dr. Que, the very person who encourage me to visit CHJ. And we grab the photo-op along side our very own Mother, St. Candida.

Dr. Que showed me a sister wearing her costume for the velada later in the evening. She was wearing the habit that the pioneer sister's used before. 

I also got to chat with some really tall elementary students and a little picture-taking too.

What have they been eating? hehe... I'm such a shortie beside them. They asked me how old I was. I made them guess. They threw numbers like 19 and 24. It made me smile, hehe. When I told them the answer, I enjoyed the shock look in their faces. Lola pala! hehe. I guess being short has its advantages, hehe.

Of course, I have to visit my favorite and my best-friend, Cheryl's favorite hang-out ---- The Library.  Geek alert!

I love this place. of course, high-tech na, the library has a computer room at the back. Nice!

I ended the visit with a bit of chat with two of my favorite teachers, the beautiful Miss Cabalfin (now Cajilig) and music teacher, Sir Beny. 

A home is a home when the people in it, stretched out their hand wide to welcome you back. Yes, I am happy to be home. Colegio delas Hijas de Jesus will always have a special place in my heart!

*Sorry, I couldn't watch the Velada and  attend the Grand Alumni Homecoming... I will see you soon, guys!