Alumni Updates (December 14-20)

Well-known event stylist Grace Sycip-Romano was commissioned by Dr. Rico Absin to head the design team for what has become an attraction in Dumaguete every December: the “Dumaguete Christmas House”. Grace, who is Silliman alumna (Elementary 1986; High School 1990), said this year’s decoration is inspired by the movie “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”. The Christmas House of Dr. Absin has been part of the Dumaguete Christmas scene for the past 27 years. It is also among those listed by the Department of Tourism as tourist attractions in the country every December. The Christmas House is open to the public from December 15, 2015 to January 6, 2016.

During the Christmas season we also remember our love ones that have gone ahead. We share with you this poem contributed to us by alumnus Esther Magdamo-Amante (HS ’50; ETC ’52; BSE ’54), as we remember fondly Outstanding Sillimanian Awardee Atty. Alfredo Flores Tadiar who recently passed away last December 4, 2015.

MY FIRST CHRISTMAS IN HEAVEN

I saw the countless Christmas trees around the world below
With tiny lights like heaven’s stars reflecting on the snow;
The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away the tear,
For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear,
but the sounds of music can’t compare with the Christmas choir up here.

I have no words to tell you the joy their voices bring,
for it is beyond description to hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me, I see the pain inside your heart,
but I am not so far away, we really aren’t apart,
So be happy for me, dear ones, you know I hold you dear,
and be glad I’m spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I sent you each a special gift from my heavenly home above,
I sent you each a memory of my undying love.
After all, love is a gift more precious than pure gold,
it was always most important in the stories Jesus told.

Please love and keep each other, as my Father said to do,
for I can’t count the blessing or love He has for each of you.
So have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear,
remember, I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

– Anonymous