Lovely Evening of Flores De Mayo 2013

As promised, to share a lovely night of  Flores de Mayo in our hometown Sta. Cruz, Cavite City sponsored by the Sta. Cruz Elem. School Alumni Association.  Everyone is perfect in the night of the event. Young and beautiful ladies were amazing in their gown and the highlight of which was the uniform parade lined in the street of Sta. Cruz.  It was a great experience that Flores de Mayo is celebrated again designed thru the assistance of the SCES alumni. It was really a big crowd, a well-arch structure, lovely bouquet, beautiful faces, young ladies all dressed up in gown, probably, why I didn't shot more photos.

Early at 6:00 pm everything was ready, the lights were set up, band is standing by and the young ladies are all primed on the grand parade.  We appreciate the cooperation of the community of Sta. Cruz in working out this grand parade and they'll assure of grander event every 31st of May in our hometown.  After their long parade, Direk Joel Lamangan prepared a dinner for the guest and young ladies who participated in the event. I personally thank for all the amazing comments of the community. Likewise, we want to say thank you to the people behind making the arch of the sagalas, they were too a big part of the event, though there's a bit delays of the structure and the design, as they say, "the show must go on".  Thanks too, to the alumni members of the Board, Jasmin Pisig Lagac who's been always kind to share her house for the guest, Albert Pacle, though he is a non-alumni, he's been there always to assist his wife to all activities of the SCESAA, and the Zone Chairman of the Barangay Kap. Winnie Ronquillo for his great assistance to the event, of course to the President of the Alumni,  Direk Joel Lamangan, for his endless support behind all these activities.  If not through, the great and lovely evening of Flores De Mayo  this people, it would not have been possible.

In the dinner of the sagalas, sponsored by Direk Joel Lamangan, he announced that he will open a workshop for those intersted in the acting or television. This is such a big opportunity for the young people of Cavite City to enhance their acting abilities and for those who dream of being a star.  We look forward to these next up and I'll keep you posted.  Meanwhile, for your viewing pleasure - 

 Here are some photos of our Flores De Mayo lovely evening: -

More pictures for viewing, please see the Gallery of the website.

Merry Month of May Special Events

The excitement month of May continues all summer long, The “Flores de Mayo”, “Miss Gay” and the Basketball Tournament. 

IN CELEBRATION OF STA. CRUZ FIESTA, THE STA. CRUZ ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION WILL SPONSOR "FLORES DE MAYO" on MAY 31 AT 6:00 P.M., PICTURES AND VIDEOS WILL BE POSTED LATER.

HOLY NAME ASSOCIATIONS MISS GAY WILL BE HELD TODAY MAY 28 AT 7:00 P.M.. THE EVENT IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC SPONSORED BY STA. CRUZ ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION THRU THE LEADERSHIP OF DIREK JOEL LAMANGAN, HOSTED BY ATE GUY AND PETITE ( of the comedy bar) WILL BE ONE OF THE MEMBER OF THE JUDGE COMMITTEE.

UPDATES OF STA. CRUZ ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION AND BARANGAY COUNCIL ZONE 2 SUMMER BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT:

BARANGAY 12 VS. Barangay 11 FOR THE CHAMPIONSHIP

BARANGAY 10-M VS. BARANGAY 13 FOR 3RD AND 4TH PLACE

FINAL GAME WILL BE ON MAY 30 AT 3;00 P.M.

AWARDINGS AT 6:00 p.m.

Four Barangays Avail of SCESAA Feeding Program

Over a hundred of children has been fed today May 18, 2013 by SCESAA Feeding Program held in Sta. Cruz Elem. School. Brgy. 9, 12, 15, and 28 get the supplementary feeding assisted by the members and volunteers. 

We thank everyone involved in this Feeding Program who extend their quality time to feed the children.  I couldn't  put all in words, but I was touched and inspired by their energy and obvious commitment.  They became super-aware of the feeding program and I believe this is also a great time to get started to contribute our time and assistance  particularly in the poverty-stricken area.

 The report of SCESAA Feeding Program showed the accomplishment of 8 Barangays recipient in Sta. Cruz from April 2013 to present. I personally invite other alumni to join us in our Saturday's Feeding Program for the children of Sta. Cruz. Our big thanks to the sponsor Vicky Fraguere and Bats Teotico, if not from them all these will not be possible.  All the best to both of you and Thank you very much.

SCESAA Basketball Tournament 2013 Begins

SCESAA sponsored a Basketball Tournament which took place last May 1 up to the 31^st of May 2013.    It is held every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday of the whole month of May.  Game time is 4:00pm – 10:00pm,  a free event where everyone can attend and cheer to their favorite basketball team.

The tournament opened with a parade of different basketball teams and the usual practice with their gorgeous muses competing for the Best Muse.  The parade started from Sta. Cruz Elem. School heading towards Bautista St. to Miranda St. going to Manila Blvd. bound for M. Santos St. ending up in Barangay 28, Basketball Court Sea Breeze Subd. where tournament is played.  The event began with a national anthem played by Troop 29,  Zone Chairman Winnie Ronquillo  after giving his inspirational opening prayer,  Direk Joel Lamangan addressed the opening remarks and ceremonial toast in the closing of the program.  The highlight of the event was the selection of Miss Sta. Cruz 2013 where four lovely ladies were chosen to represent Miss Sta. Cruz 2013. Best in Uniform was awarded to Barangay 11. The first game features Barangay 12 and Barangay Mother 10. Succeeding games is posted in the website.

The tournament is going on until the final match ends on 30^th of May 2013.  

The Proposed "Stacruzan" in Sta. Cruz, Cavite City

In the meeting of SCESAA dated December 16, 2012 the joint project of Holy Name Association and SCESAA for the upcoming Santacruzan in Sta. Cruz, Cavite City was discussed.

As a custom of tradition, every 1st of May to 31st "May Flower Festival” is celebrated, in our hometown by offering flowers (alay) to our Holy Cross followed by a "Karakol" on 30th of May during the Town Fiesta.  However, a glimpse of SANTACRUZAN was long forgotten, obviously, it's not the same as our olden days where a meaningful Santacrusan is celebrated.

We, in the SCESAA want to focus on the memorable details of our hometown. 

The good news, SCESAA re-create Santacrusan, the long excitement of community to witness a grand parade and for young ladies with their escorts to participate in the procession along the streets of Sta. Cruz, Cavite City under their decorative arches. I supposed many young ladies are very excited about these with the SCESAA and Holy Name Association joined team effort, putting all together the ideas, which is full of great inspiration. 

The month of May is one of the colorful festival month to a full calendar year. Imagine, flowers magically surrounding the night, sparkling light stimulate the event and as Filipino Christian devotees, we celebrate this special event of Mayflower by giving praise to the Holy Cross.  Is it not amazing to brighten the month of May? I can't wait to see and so pleased about this event. The reason why SCESAA sees to bring back this custom traditions to is encourage and motivates balikbayans to witness and reminisce the golden years of Sta. Cruz. 

To update, arches are starting to set in preparation for this grand event, pictures will be posted for viewing pleasure. 

Rest assured, the community will witness a grand celebration of the event.  The SCESAA will actively provide support to HOLY NAME ASSOCIATION, to plan and set-up the colorful festival for the pleasure of everyone. 

Santacruzan procession will be on the 31st of May 2013. 

SCESAA Launched a Nutritious Feeding Program

As part of SCESAA advocacy, a Feeding Program was launched with awareness and full effort to improve health conditions to alleviate malnutrition among extremely poor and shortage food families.  The Feeding Program is available every first and third Saturday of the month in t Barangays Zone 2.   SCESAA are struck over a crowd hundreds of children who couldn't’ afford to eat nutritious food and even skipped their breakfast out of their being poor and sometimes sleeping without anything in their stomach.   We witness a huge brood in similar cases, undernourished without eating three square meals a day especially in a poverty-stricken barangays.

The first Feeding Program was given to Barangay 10-A. This was followed in Barangay 11 and three more servings in Barangay 10B, Barangay 10Mother and Barangay 13. Children and parents reap from the benefits of the Feeding Program; the children are line-up to receive their fill of food yummy hot soaps prepared by SCESAA cook, Bobot Santillan, a mixed fruit juice and “pandesal”. We can see the big smile when they receive their full servings meal, out of their poor situation.  We feel everyone is in high spirits.  SCESAA promised to be extra available to these children as a supplementary to their needs. 

We thank the assistance of SCESAA members, Direk Joel Lamangan, Ed Santillan, Lina Pacle, Jasmin Pisig, Totie Lamangan, and Gener Alonzo, , Kap. Winnie Ronquillo, Kap. Totoy Fernandez and Kap. Vidal supporting this program and the volunteers- Kath Castillo, Albert Pacle, Bay Lagac who make themselves always available in the feeding program, and from the support by the generous members of the alumni. 

SCESAA Sponsored Raffle Bingo Bonanza 2013

SCESAA carry on its task to support financially Sta Cruz Elementary School.  Lately the alumni association sponsored a “Raffle Bingo Bonanza which aims - proceeds will be for the filling materials for playground of Sta. Cruz Elem School. This fund- raising ensures the student that they will be provided a healthy and pleasurable playground. Gone will be the days where they play in a mud-covered playfield. Parents of the school were very happy knowing the great concern of the  alumni association.  Residents of Sta. Cruz were very excited to join the Raffle Bingo Social as big prizes awaits the winners and cash prizes for the raffle draw. They can’t wait for the day to come where big prices are at stake. It was a real - fun fund-raising event, affordable tickets cost of Php. 100.00 for 3 bingo cards and a chance to win a raffle. 

Medical Mission by Sta. Cruz Elem. School Alumni Association

The First Medical Mission of Sta. Cruz Elem. School Alumni Association was a success and fulfilling. Office of the Governor Remulla sponsored a 1 day multi-event, participated by doctors, dentist, nurses and volunteers providing approximately a crowd of 1000 residents of Sta. Cruz, Cavite City to extend medical and health care services to indigent people.    The school turns out to be a clinic where resident comes for their free-checkup.  The services covered medical check-up, dental extraction and free medicines.    It was a great relief to those who can’t afford to pay for their medical check-up and not capable to buy for their medicines.

It was a great accomplishment and we would like to express our thanks to the volunteers, doctors, and dentist and nurses their generosity to make this medical mission meaningful.  

"Dumalo at Makibahagi" The Grand Alumni Homecoming (Sta. Cruz Elem. School)

Senator Bong Revilla was one of the special guest at the Sta. Cruz Elem. School Grand Homecoming held last Nov. 17 & 18, 2012 at Sta. Cruz Elementary School.  The Grand Homecoming, titled “DUMALO AT MAKIBAHAGI”is hosted by Direk Joel Lamangan and Mrs.Kite Lopez. It is organized to honor and celebrate senior who studied at Sta. Cruz Elem. School from the year 1932-1997, their accomplishments, achievements as well as to welcome them to the association and share pertinent information about themselves.

Election of Officers for Sta. Cruz Elem. School Alumni Association

Date:  Nov.18, 2012
Venue: Sta. Cruz Elementary School

This time, a meeting was held to formalize the election of new set of officers of STA. CRUZ ELEM. SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION. Mr. Gener Alonzo, presided the meeting furthermore expand the system of the election process.  Present in the meeting were - Kap. Bayani Bilang, Tommy Corpuz, Jon Villete, Kap. Totoy Fernandes, Kag. Ronald Gatchalian, Kap. Eduardo Bidal, Kag. Edmar Cayetano, Kag. Cris Hilario Jr. Reg. Saliva, Augusto Revita Jr., Benjamin Retener Jr., Benjamin Cuan, Herbert Siazon, Francisco Marquez, Emerson Arahan, Felix Lomat, Elmer Samson, Rico Muncal, Sao Caparaz,, Daddie Alonzo, Popoy Elopre, Val Virata, Romeo Noceda, Adora Mendoza, Thess Skidmore, Sohlee Manimbao, Marilyn Cachuela, Dina Feliciano, Kap. Winnie Ronquillo, Oscar Tolentino, Efren Custodio, Arnel Reyes, Lina Pacle, Jasmin Lagac, T, V. Hebreo Jr., Totie Lamangan, Ed Santillan, Gener Alonzo and Direk Joel Lamangan.  

SCES Grand Reunion Steering Committee

SCESAA is pleased to announce the election of steering committee for the Grand Alumni Homecoming.  
 Direk Joel Lamangan was elected as Chairman of the Grand Reunion Alumni Homecoming to plan, organize and oversee the grand event.  Other members of the Grand Reunion Homecoming were Gener Alonzo, May Hebreo, Ed Santillan, Jasmin Pisg Kap. Bayani Bilang, Totie Lamangan, Lina Pacle Adora Hebreo and Nonie Nambayan. SCESAA unveiled the theme "Dumalo at Maikibahagi" for the First Grand Homecoming.

History of Sta. Cruz Elementary School

Sta. Cruz Elementary School started in 1932 as a sister school to Caridad Elementary School housed in a rented building.  The first classes were Grade l and Grade ll under Miss Remedios S. Rivero and Miss Estebana S. Valencia.  In early 1933, Apolonio "Oniong" Pisig and Floro C. Reyes drafted a resolution written in Tagalog and in English to petition the government to build a primary school in Sta. Cruz.  Eling Reyes did most of collecting signatures for the petition, while Pablo Serafino presented the resolution to the Municipal Council.  In a public meeting in 1933, Hon. Pedro Espiritu was the guest speaker and Floro Reyes had a chance to bring to the governor's attention the case of the Primary School for Sta. Cruz.  And in less than a year later the construction of the school started.

In the year 1935, a lot with an area of 1,900 square meters was acquired through the efforts of Mr. Apolonio Pisig.  Then, a Gabaldon building was constructed in the same year which was finished in April 1935.  In June 1935, the classes from Grade 1 to Grade 1V was opened.

"Estanzuela" was the former name of Sta. Cruz when it was just a barrio of Caridad.  It was later named as Sta. Cruz when it was just a barrio of Caridad.  It was later named as Sta. Cruz when it became a district of Cavite City.  The name Sta. Cruz was originated from a cross found by a fisherman in a part of Canacao Bay near the vicinity.  Since then, the natives of the place believed that because of this cross all of them are always safe even in time of disasters.  The residents of the district of Sta. Cruz start to celebrate its Mayflower festival in the whole month of May and fiesta celebration on the 30th day of May yearly wherein the venue is in Sta. Cruz Elementary School always.

Original Information:  Mrs. Rosa Marquez Molina
                               Retired Teacher of Sta. Cruz Elem. School

Note:  Information gathered based on actual interview with those concerned citizens who constructed the Gabaldon building - Mr. Yayong Barrera and Mr. floro Reyes in March 1990.