Alumni of Saint Jude Catholic School (SJCS) gathered online to celebrate their first ever virtual homecoming titled “再度 RELOADED.”
The trailblazing effort was proudly hosted by Batch 95, also known as the Bravehearts, with proceeds benefiting the Judenite Endowment Fund’s various programs that support scholars, teachers and school personnel, among others.
At the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic earlier this year, none of the original slate of sponsors backed out. Their steadfast support allowed the organizers to adjust the format of the homecoming. In addition, fundraisers such as the “Resonance: The Pulse of Love” art fair were held.
An online program was produced to replace the originally-planned physical get-together, which had been omitted for safety. A Virtual Auditorium where alumni could watch the show together allowed the Judenite community to still unite and commemorate the occasion.
The innovative experience included live hosting, entertaining performances by and for the Judenites, special celebrity guests, and even a live grand raffle-contest. Audience members were kept on their toes with activities such as phone-shaking for applause instead of clapping. Meaningful relationships were re-established as live interviews with alumni and former teachers in the Philippines and other countries were also held.
Batch 95 president Sheryl Lou de Jesus said, “It’s our batch’s hope that our efforts, even for just a few hours, helped the Judenites feel well regarded, recognized, remembered, rejuvenated, reinvigorated, and reloaded to face the days ahead.”
Homecoming chair Michael Cheng expressed thanks to all who were involved in putting together the affair, “A special shout out to our families, partners and loved ones who were by our sides, supporting, contributing and believing in us while we labored over this event."
Sponsors included co-presenters Metro Oil and Gringo Chicken & Ribs with platinum sponsors Iwata products by Colent Marketing, FSC Metal Corporation & De Jesus Steel Sales, Mega Sardines, and Mega Tuna.
Gold Sponsors included Besuto Prawn Crackers, Dollar Store Plus, Durabuilt Motors Inc., Ideal Vision, Jimbotex Fabrics, Kuysen Enterprises, Lifestrong Marketing, Ogalala, St. Jude Batch 95 Basketball Team, and Y2K Screw Hardware. Silver sponsors included Absolute Distilled Drinking Water by Asia Brewery, Auto Kid Truck Solutions, Majestic Press Inc., and Mega Prime.
Major sponsors included Cathay Pacific Steel Corp., Flava Coffee, Expo Peanuts & Sunshine Peas, DC World Packaging, Ironcue Construction & Supply Inc., and Dhinno Francis Tiu. Minor sponsors included Alexan Commercial, Clear Sky Developers Inc., Dasco Manufacturing Corp., Ferna Corp., Hettich, Hung Pao Shanghai Style Fried Siopao, Jen's Gourmet, Ricardo Cheng Jr., Richard Oliver Gan, Sycwin Coating & Wires.
With support from the SJCS Alumni Association, this year’s homecoming was co-hosted by batches 75, 80, 85, 90, 00, 05, 10, 15 and 2020. SJCS was founded in 1963 by Rev. Fr. Peter Yang, SVD and Monsignor Peter Tsao, SVD to mold youth in discipline, excellence, Christ-centeredness, commitment and service to contribute meaningfully to the transformation of society.