I met with the NCPAG people, who were already waiting along the University Avenue at around 3pm to represent the Centennial Contingent from the flagship campus - UP Diliman System. We were all there - students, alumni, teachers, faculty and staff plus our own marching band and a very energetic dean!

Dean Alex Brillantes led our parade singing “…I Love You UP…” to the theme of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You”. It was so tiring to sing and dance and parade around the oval, but it was definitely awesome; everyone had fun and definitely had a blast!

After the parade, we were treated to skydivers from the Special Action Force of the Philippine National Police. The president of the UP Alumni Association welcomed everyone, and the torch relay begun. The first torch bearer was Fernando Javier, (BSCE ‘33) one of the oldest living alumni; it ended with UP President Emerlinda Roman.

Some of the torch bearers include: Richard Gomez, Former Senator Franklin Drilon, Mikaela Fudolig

Torches: Going around the oval like an angry mob. (Photo by Mark Wu)

Dinner at Kitaro: Mark, Me, Therese, Charles, Tiffany, Harrell (Photo by Joey Cuayo)

We went back to UP after dinner for the grand fireworks display. After singing “UP Naming Mahal”, fireworks shot off to the sky. It was the best I’ve seen, or at least being there, making history with your friends, made it much more special.