Golden Foundation Ball

By Pauline A. Alibin, Class 2023, Φ2019

​Last November 20, 2019, the Phi Lambda Delta Sorority celebrated the Golden Foundation Ball – the Sorority’s 50th anniversary at the Rigodon Ballroom of The Peninsula Manila. Sisses from all over the world came and celebrated the Sorority’s momentous milestone.
 
The program was hosted by Eri Neeman and the Sorority’s very own Lalaine Samson Quinan, Φ2018B. Two of the eleven founders, Dr. Zenda Biano Garcia Lat, Φ1969 and Dr. Anita Tuason Velasco-Paves, Φ1969 together with the Sorority’s first adviser, Dr. Eva Poblete, graced the Ballroom with their presence and launched the program with their Founders’ and First Adviser’s Walk. This was followed by Dr. Zenda Biano Garcia Lat, Φ1969’s moving speech about how Phi has grown from a group of eleven courageous women to a premier sorority with more than 900 members. 
 
As the sisses enjoyed the sumptuous dinner, Ana Beatrice de Vera Constantino Φ 2016, SSE 2019-2020, introduced the 50th Executive Council and showcased how the Sorority continued to uphold its core values of Excellence, Leadership, Service, and Sisterhood during the golden year. Each member of the 50th Executive Council also shared their past projects and current plans with the sisses to keep them updated about each office. The presentation was followed by a number of performances by talented sisses across various batches. The Phi Band and the Phi Choir serenaded the sisses with lovely songs while the Phi Tao Rin Pala Core (TRP Core) stunned the audience with their electric dance number.
 
The Sorority also recognized sisses who exemplified its core values of Excellence, Leadership, and Service. Sisses who went above and beyond their call of duty were awarded the Excellence award. Among those awarded this prestigious honor were Dr. Jennifer Co-Vu, Φ1996B, Dr. Marie Paz Anette David-Rubio, Φ1982A, Dr. Maria Antonia Esteban-Habana, Φ1984, Dr. Iris Thiele Isip-Tan, Φ1991, Dr. Eileen Malapaya-Manalo, Φ1985, and Dr. Geraldine Tong Zamora, Φ2005. The Leadership award was awarded to pioneers, founders, and catalysts of change who paved the way onto greater things. This award was given to Dr. Maria Luz Casimiro-Querubin, Φ1984, Dr. Charlotte Chiong, Φ1981A, Dr. Maria Angela Medina-Lavadia, Φ1978, Ma. Corazon Wilhelmina Kasilag Ochoa-Strattan, Φ1972, Dr. Lisa Prodigalidad-Jabson, Φ1989B, and Dr. Zenda Garcia-Lat, Founder of the Phi Lambda Delta Sorority. Next, the Service award was given to those who continue to selflessly provide sustainable service to the Filipino people. This award was given to Dr. Rhodora del Rosario Ocampo, Φ1983, Dr. Lourdes Inciong Publico, Φ1973, Dr. Josephine M. Carnate,  Φ1985, Dr. Josefina Isidro-Lapeña, Φ1977, and Dr. Belen Lardizabal-Dofitas, Φ1983B. Lastly, sisses from the UPCM Class of 1994 were called on stage and were recognized as the Silver Jubilarians, having celebrated 25 years as alumnae from UPCM.
 
At the end of the program, Ana Beatrice de Vera Constantino Φ 2016, SSE 2019-2020’s gave her closing remarks, which was followed by the sisses' renewal of rites. To conclude the night's festivities, the sisses sang the Phi Lambda Delta song in unison to honor the sisterhood that will always be deemed timeless and boundless in our hearts.