Page 5 - 2017 JUL -DEC KAAKBAY

5July to December
2017

6th Homecoming sa Konsulado: Mentoring for Change Draws Largest Participation in New York

The 6th edition of the Homecoming sa Konsulado (HSK) with the theme: “Makibahagi: Mentoring for Change”held on
21 October 2017 drew its largest participation with nearly 200 guests attending the HSK program. The HSK is a Flagship
Community eventof the Philippine Consulate General in New York.

The program began with a parade of schools with participants wearing their school colors and carrying their
respective banners and introduction of alumni associations. Special performances took place throughout the day including
by UP alumna and pop rock vocalist Michelle Michelle, Line Dancing led by Noel Gamboa of UP, Kinding Sindaw Cultural
Group led by Potri Ranka Manis, and several numbers by the 2017 New York Bandastiks winner Band of Brothers of De La
Salle University.

The pre-Launch of the Department of Tourism’s “Bring Home a Friend to the Philippines” project was likewise
introduced by New York DOT Officer-in-Charge and concurrent Tourism Representative in San Franciso Ms. Purificacion
Molintas. Ms. Molintas outlined the project mechanics and encouraged everyone to be an active for Philippine tourism and
join the program.

A highlight of the 6th HSK was the Project Update on “Gabay Mag-aaral” a mentoring program for Philippine public
schools being undertaken on a pilot level by volunteers from the HSK Core Group. The updates on Visayas and Mindanao
pilot mentoring programs were presented by Dr. Joie Calub of the Cebu Normal University, Dr. Roxanne Cajigas of the
Paaralan sa Konsulado Team, and UP Alumni Association of American President Nelsie Parrado. A 2017-2018 sign-up for
the mentoring program was held as part of the day’s activities.

Consul General Theresa Dizon-De Vega thanked all those who contributed their time and resources to making the
6th HSK possible. She encouraged the participating alumni associations to use the HSK as a venue to strengthen and
expand their respective associations and to take part in the HSK’s collective programs such as the Gabay Mag-aaral.

Alex Esteban, HSK Over-all Chair and Philippine Women’s University (PWU) Alumni Association member shared
that “the HSK is truly an event everyone looks forward to as it provides a friendly, warm atmosphere and an opportunity for
more community members to connect.”
Games and raffles also took place during the day-long event adding to the festive atmosphere. Among the sponsors for the
event were the Department of Tourism, Philippine Airlines, GMA Pinoy TV, and RIA Money Transfer.

The 2017 participating alumni associations were – University of the Philippines, De La Salle University, St.
Scholastica’s College, Assumption, University of Santo Tomas, Philippine Women’s University, Paaralan sa Konsulado,
College of the Holy Spirit, St. Paul’s College, Mindanao State University, Maryknoll/Miriam College, University of San Carlos,
San Beda College, Letran College, Silliman University, Ateneo Alumni Association, and for the first time, Cebu Normal
University. Alumni of other schools such as Mapua Institute of Technology, and Lyceum of the Philippines also attended the
event.