On the fine evening of the 14th of July, 2025, the Msgr. Mandia Gym became a place where strangers found themselves interacting with acquaintances who turned into friends and familiar faces found their way back to each other. This event lit up connections with new people and reconnections with the old ones, each soul weaving a special memory under the glow of celebration.

Hosted by the ever-spirited master of ceremonies, Samantha R. Senosin and Rhian Mae S. Grullo, the program kicked off with a thread of solemnity and pride. Adrian Cedric Mancera led the prayer for a blessed evening, which was then followed by the singing of the National Anthem and the School Hymn.

Excitement quickly arose as Denver John D. Cinco, the JHSSG President, and also representing the Josephinian Magazine, delivered an enthusiastic welcome address and introduced the launching of the organization, mentioning the revival of the tradition of printed issues after a pause brought about by the pandemic.

Adding some rhythm to the celebration, Jai Paloma of St. Francis took the hearts of the students with his heartfelt vocal solo, exuding cheers and hype from the audience. This was then followed by the induction of the Grade 9 and 10 Class Officers, led by Ms. Leonelyn Serrano. After, the Dancing Angels took the spotlight of the stage with their energetic performance, garnering an echo of cheers and claps throughout the gym. The momentum continued with the induction of the Grade 7 and 8 Class Officers, with Mrs. Floriza C. Gorne facilitating the oath-taking. What came next was another vocal solo by Andrea Generan of St. Francis that set emotions ablazed that lingered in the air.

The spotlight then shifted to the Club Officers, who were inducted in two different sets by Mrs. Alicia S. Ramos and Mrs. Ernalin G. Saratan. Adding warmth and melody between these segments were the moving vocal duet by the ever-talented students, Jaira Ozon and Alyna Palaca.

A key highlight of the program was the induction of the Junior Police Officers, officiated by Dr. Melodina L. De La Cruz, Ed.D. As the program slowly unfolded, the audience was exposed to more amazing talents— a powerful vocal solo by Philline Angela Paloma, a dynamic performnace by Glaze Rosete, and a fun dance presentation from the Dancing Cabs of St. Anne, with all representing the true talents of a Josephinian.

Bringing the first part of the program to a thrilling close, the band “The 5th Harmony” set fire to the stage and electrified the whole atmosphere with their adrenaline-filled performance that had the crowd cheering, dancing to the music, and completely crazed with surreal amount of energy.

With hearts full came weary bodies due to expression of feelings through enjoyment of the performances and resonating with the performers. This was the perfect time to move into the second part of the event, the dinner and socials. This was the time where everyone was given the time to enjoy interacting with one another, sharing laughter and light conversations, disco dancing. This was all done with one common goal which was to create friendships and to strengthen the bonds with the old ones.

The Junior High School Acquaintance Party of 2025 was a beautiful reminder of what it means to belong. In every smile, in every cheer, and in every moment shared with your friends or even the ones that you just met, the spirit of community and connection will always shine through. It was a night that warmed the hearts of the many and sparked hope for the year ahead— a year that is filled with unity, purpose and the kind of growth that happens when we lift each other up.