Home is International

A hundred years of history are relished in a much-awaited homecoming. International School Manila is home to its alumni, wherever they might be

- Frances Mae C Ramos

It was the first of a string of gatherings. The Rigodon Ballroom of the Manila Peninsula Hotel was buzzing from stem to stern by seven in the evening. Mingling wasn’t on cue. At around five in the afternoon, alumni dripped into the ballroom reception, some fresh from their flights, some hitting the ground running and instantly chatting up old classmates. Others wandered first into school merch and registration. Every movement took the quality of a campus stroll with its ease and eagerness.

This is International School Manila marking its hundred years. The organisers didn’t have to break out the trappings of a rager. The drinks and canapé spread weren’t exactly wanting of bubbly and reds; there was a decent amount to go around. This is it, pancit! was the wholesome siren call to party.

The high of the chatter instead came from giddy-sober reminiscing rather than the common party gears needing lubricating. The night was to be a brilliant come-as-you-are, and the alumni were all happy to oblige, dressed in those post-graduation years for re-telling.

“I probably know everyone here,” said Victoria SyCip Herrera, daughter of the late Washington SyCip and alumna of ISM Class of ‘68. The beloved former high school guidance counsellor of ISM had served the school for 38 years before retiring in 2011. In yellow, she lit up the room, a flame drawing a circle of inspired attendees taking turns for a photo with her.