21/07/2026
A Golden Milestone: UBHS Banaag 1993 Celebrates a Grand 50th Birthday
There are moments in life that deserve more than just a passing acknowledgment, and hitting the half-century mark is undeniably one of them. On Saturday, July 4, 2026 at Le Monet in Camp John Hay, the tight-knit community of the University of Baguio High School (UBHS) Banaag Class of 1993 gathered for an unforgettable evening of nostalgia, laughter, and high-spirited celebration to mark their collective 50th birthday.
The atmosphere was nothing short of magical as batchmates, who once walked the high school corridors together decades ago, reunited to honor their shared history and the journeys they have individually taken. Orchestrated flawlessly by the charismatic Master of Ceremonies, Mr. Kevin Garcia, the evening was arranged so every attendee could enjoy a warm, nostalgic walk down memory lane.
An Elegant Welcome & Red Carpet Glamour
The festivities commenced at 5:00 PM with an exclusive Hosted Bar & Social Hour during event registration. This initial hour allowed arriving batchmates to shake off the years, reacquaint themselves, and share warm embraces over crafted cocktails.
By 6:00 PM, the glamour intensified during the Red Carpet Entrance, gracefully hosted by Mr. Arnel Sy and Ms. Jen Calpito. It was a lovely sight as the Golden Celebrants arrived, looking radiant and gracefully in tune with the evening’s gold-and-black theme. Members who couldn’t be there in person, including Eugene Apron and Jerry Rojo, joined the celebration by watching the event live online.
Honoring the Past and Embracing the Present
The formal program opened at 7:00 PM with an elegant welcome address from Ms. University of Baguio 1991, Pauline Tabangcura Dizon. To ground the evening in gratitude, Mr. Wendell Manaois led a solemn opening prayer, followed by the proud singing of the National Anthem and the beloved Awit ng UB.
Amidst the joy, the batch took a poignant moment to remember those who could only be there in spirit. Ms. Regina Mamangon led a moving Tribute to our Departed Batchmates, ensuring that while time moves forward, the memories of missing friends remain eternally preserved in the hearts of Class '93.
A Feast of Entertainment and Connection
The heart of the evening unfolded during the Dinner Service & Program from 7:30 PM onwards. While guests indulged in a premium culinary spread, an open floor for acknowledgments allowed attendees to offer brief, heartfelt remarks to their lifelong friends.
The energy in the room soared with live Batchmate Performances and highly engaging parlor games organized by Ms. Ma. Buena Barrientos Esteban. From nostalgic dance steps to shared laughter during the games, it was clear that while the physical years had advanced, the youthful spirit of Banaag '93 remained completely untouched.
The program culminated in a spectacular Dance For All and a special segment dedicated to Recognitions and Awards, spearheaded by Ms. Jen Calpito, celebrating the incredible achievements and enduring dedication of various batch members.
A surprise performance by Alfredo "Red" Balanag a former Cry Baby Dance Rebel, who danced one of their signature moves to Erasure’s “Always.” Here’s hoping the whole Cry Baby Dance Rebels team can reunite and join us soon.
A Graceful Conclusion
As the night drew to a close around 9:30 PM, Col. Ariel Kalahi delivered a touching closing address, thanking everyone for making the journey to celebrate this monumental milestone together. Before saying their final goodbyes at 10:00 PM, Ms. Belle Ramos managed the distribution of specially crafted commemorative souvenirs, giving everyone a physical piece of history to take home.
Behind the Scenes & Highlights
Throughout the five-hour celebration, a premium photo booth remained open (from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM) to capture candid smiles, silly poses, and elegant group portraits.
Excitement stayed at an all-time high between program segments as competitive raffle drawings were conducted, sending many lucky batchmates home with marvelous prizes.
Night That Wouldn’t End
The five-hour celebration felt all too brief. While some of the mothers headed straight home, others stayed on for a long-missed snack and drinks at Café Will on Legarda Road, saying their goodbyes again at dawn—as if unwilling to let the night end.
Happy 50th Birthday, UBHS Banaag Class of 1993! May the next chapters of your lives bring even more wisdom, prosperity, and unbreakable bonds.