CAISAA Grand Alumni Homecoming 2011: Postscript

Administrator's Notes:

At the outset let me say: it was one of the most fun-filled homecomings I have attended (although I wasn't there in 2001, 2005 and 2008). I heard many others sharing the same opinion. Kudos therefore to those who exerted a lot of effort in organizing the event, particularly CAISAA  President Rommel Enecillo who personally devoted time and effort for the preparations.

Clearly however, it was not perfect. And since we will surely have more homecomings to come, it is just but right to evaluate the event and make adjustments wherever warranted. Let me share my two-cents worth:

I. Timing

Three days is clearly too long, if we consider that most of the alumni are working people. Scheduling it away from the Holy Week celebration is also ill-timed, as they will be torn between going home for the alumni event or the Holy Week.  Suggestion: Make the timing standard. Schedule it always on Easter Sunday and the Monday next. That will allow people to schedule their absences early on and all they need to do is extend their Holy Week vacation.

II. Programming

We have three years to plan a grand homecoming so there is no excuse for sloppy scheduling of activities. People spend time, money and effort going home so the returns must be maximized.

For Day One, before the parade starts, representatives of all the batches must first be gathered, to orient them of what to expect for the two days. Tasks and responsibilities should be spelled-out there and specific people will be made accountable for specific activities.

If there has to be a celebration of the mass, all participants must be present. If it has to be done in church, then the alumni must first be assembled there and the parade may start from the municipal plaza to simulate a "ruluwaay".

At the end of the parade, all batches will have to be called on-stage for recognition. There has to be a manner of doing this without consuming much time (if it is the worry).

Homecoming Day 2: A very silent CAIS

Daytime was dead in the recent homecoming. What happened to the scheduled activities? Scheduling events by groups does not draw commitment from batches. They will only be interested in their individual honor. What could be done is to schedule physical games for the latest ten batches. The older batches have had their chance. Ten competing teams for say, basketball, can be handled as that that has been done before.  Game periods may be reduced in the elimination rounds and just use full regulation time during the final matches.

Less stressful games can be scheduled for the senior batches. 

The soccer game which was witnessed by only a few spectators.

III. Election of Officers and Report of Accomplishments

A general homecoming is the only time the entire alumni are gathered. There is no better time than that to secure their mandate for their leaders, whether or not there are by-laws prescribing it.

The event should also be used to apprise the Alumni of the activities and accomplishments of the Association. A report must be circulated detailing those including its financial standing.

CAISAA Representatives in a courtesy call to Mayor Isidro Bandal.

 

IV. Fund Raising

If the plans for projects are clearly drawn and presented at the beginning of the event, alumni will surely dig deep into their pockets to contribute. But this has to be done with a little finesse – not a through a throng of partners dancing kuratsa simultaneously.  There were color groupings during the event so the dancing could have been segregated by colors. And the “gala” per batch should have been announced in recognition of their contributions. If the issue is that some miniscule amounts could embarrass some batches, then the top groups may only be declared.

IV. Legacy

Every homecoming must leave something worthwhile to the community. While we all have fun, we must endeavor to come up with projects that will bear fruition in the coming years. That way, more memories will be nurtured and these are not limited to the fun during the dancing, playing and drinking.  Tree planting is an example.

I am sure there are more suggestions that will crop up, so I will park my pen. Let’s discuss and make the future homecomings more fun, memorable and worthwhile.