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Sealing Off Year 2008 With A Bash!
Region 12 (SOCCSKSARGEN) wrapped up year 2008 with a big bang of celebration during its General Assembly at Phela Grande Hotel, General Santos City last December 19. Galore of Christmas serenade, surprises, fun, excitement, showcase of talents, and gift giving made the sixty-eight (68) attendees on cloud nine. Thrilled and cheery as expected, the assembly as one, happy family undeniably had a busy yet enjoyable night for the first-ever ceremonial pictorial of their lifetime with NSO. Bearing the best poses and smiles while wearing the multihued, glittering gowns for the ladies and long sleeves and ties for the gentlemen, boxed up of a very memorable memento for the said merriment.
With the assembly in their casual attire, the opening program kicked-off as the first phase of the occasion. Having the event held at the General Santos City, PSO Ruben D. Abaro, Jr. of NSO SOCSARGEN was called on for his warm welcome message. From here, a gleeful spirit was launched and then each one shared hilarious moments of getting acquainted once more with co-family members of the entire Region 12 circle. An inspirational message from the region’s previous chief, RD Jaime S. Paller, now of NSO Region XI was missed because of an equally important gathering he was having at Davao City. However, the rest of the scheduled portions of the program ensued perfectly. Newly appointed PSO, Engr. Belinda R. Penuela of NSO Cotabato presented a sweeping yet concise introduction of the event’s speaker that was no less than the region’s energetic director, Atty. Maqtahar L. Manulon.
The on the go regional head stood up as an epitome of motivation for each one to embrace challenges, foster professionalism and offer quality work and service to clienteles while aiming and achieving high for excellence. He laid emphasis for each one to do extra work and to walk extra miles so that as one family, SOCCSKSARGEN Region will rise from the rank and become one of the performers for year 2009 and the coming years. And so ardently stated the event’s theme, “NSO: Gearing for Global Challenges.” Subsequently, PSO Rafael T. Sambrano of NSO Sultan Kudarat read out loud the Administrator’s Message that was also heard during this year’s National Planning Workshop (NPW) at Davao City held early this December. Everyone felt proud and rewarded while catching sights of the rundown of presentations of the 2008 milestones and accomplishments. Afterwards, each one signified their commitment to do extremely well for year 2009 and the coming years as embedded in the prepared Pledge of Commitment.
And minutes later, crowd of stunning men and women of NSO 12 paraded the hall’s isle. Conscious though, each one had enjoyably handled themselves with finest apparel, ornaments, and stance. Without much ado, exquisiteness was captured by the scores of clicks from camera and video following the order of pictorial. Inspired by each one’s good looks, the get-together became even more jovial with the luscious supper shared and a simple tribute given to retired Statistical Coordination Officer II Romeo C. Belocura by his NSO SOCSARGEN family. The retired officer gave out an inspiring account of his life of service and commitment with NSO that was well-applauded by the assemblage. A Plaque of Appreciation was then received by the retiree that was presented by RD Manulon and PSO Abaro. Afterwards, the hall was filled with heartwarming melodies of the yuletide season as everyone was all ears to the creative chorale presentations rendered each by the regional office and three (3) provincial offices.
To uplift the spirit for the rest of the evening party was the showcase of talents. After a week or two of tough practice and preparation, once more, each one entered the hall in varying outfits for the folk, modern and ballroom competitions and also the identified singers for the singing sensation contest. Fretful as anticipated for a few who will dance for the first time, feelings of anxiety stripped off gradually as the program ensued. Serving as the judges were Professor II Berlita Y. Disca of Mindanao State University-General Santos City and the venue’s administrator.
Awesome production numbers from the Regional Office, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and SOCSARGEN, respectively, were seen and well applauded. Folk dancers were the first in the row of performers. This segment was led by the Regional Office troupe of four who danced the Pandanggo sa Ilaw. Though it was not picture perfect, said dance gave a humorous atmosphere for the night’s contest and ease for the next array of dancers that slip-ups were part of the game plan. Then the group of dancers from NSO Cotabato led by PSO Belinda R. Penuela came next who flaunted the stage in their vibrant, floral yellow costumes. They illustrated the Tiklos dance. Graceful movements were next given by the NSO Sultan Kudarat artists. Men and women performers dressed in white-pink combination of barong and Maria Clara attires, have hilariously entertained the assembly by its Sayaw Panasahan moves. Finishing off the display of folk dancing was the entry from NSO SOCSARGEN. It was an innovative Maria Clara dance where a mix of Spanish and Asian gracefulness was demonstrated.
Next set of unraveling of talents was the modern dancing. Oomph and varied dance styles overflowed the room. This section of the night carousing was a sure fun! Starting the ball rolling was the masterpiece from the Regional Office. Spearheading such surprise was RD Manulon, who cheerily joined the rest of his co-dancers to the chorus of medley dance songs. Spicing up the floor even more was NSO Cotabato’s Christmas dance shindig with their Santa caps and unique dance routine. Then the performers and choreographers from NSO Sultan Kudarat have given their entire prowess in the dance floor. And not one had been bored to death to await the last contender which came from NSO SOCSARGEN. Having sought different ways to express themselves, the dancers led by SCO I Galia and the rest of her CRS personnel, had conveyed a deep meaning, drama, and unique theme in their bops and hops.
The battle of exquisite leg action or the ballroom contest jazzed up the late evening merriment. This was so because everybody was amazed to the proficiency of the four set  of contenders. Taking the limelight first was the Regional Office pair of dancers who portrayed their dance dexterity to the assortment of ballroom styles---cha-cha, swing, and tango. A bit harder and fabulous performance then followed by the single duo dance artists from NSO Cotabato. In gold-dominated attire, Statistician II Moscoso and Senior Bookkeeper Deticio gave an impressive number as if performing before a professional competition. It was a big wow! Keeping the trail of intense dance clash was NSO Sultan Kudarat’s performance. The lone pair made up by SCOs I Fornan and Ganayo, who appeared in black dress got a pretty good collection of fine moves and twists of ballroom dancing. Final punch was NSO SOCSARGEN’s breathtaking entry from Statistician II De Asis and SCO I Superlativo. They knocked out the challenge with a demonstration of creativity, synchronization, exhibitions, and the rhythm of leg action.
Last of all was the Search for the New Singing Sensation. Utilizing the office’s Magic Sing, the singers after having drawn their song codes, gave out their individual interpretations, acrobatics and musicality to their pieces. Statistician II Moscoso achieved the highest accolade for rendering best the Hotel California song. Cheering him was his other contenders namely, PSO Abaro, SCO I Ganayo, and Admin Assistant Buencamino, who respectively garnered the rest of the awards for the said category.
RD Manulon was called on the stage to render a song number in order not to ravage the time as the judges were then having hard time identifying the winners for the above contests. With RD Maq’s serenade, sleepiness swiftly drifted away as PSO Sambrano, the Mundo couple, and a few staff rocked the floor with their affectionate dance steps.
Surprise citations were then announced by RD Manulon. Heralded as Female and Male Stars of the Night were the ballroom experts from NSO SOCSARGEN. Statistician II De Asis and SCO I Superlativo showed their best pose before the crowd during the awarding. Then the announcement of winners by Professor Disca ensued.
Still, surprises took the limelight of the affair. Awarding of Plaques of Recognition for loyalty of service to NSO were given to PSO Sambrano, SCO II Doria, SCOs I Dato-on, Colango and Miranda, AA IV Sabute and Administrative Aide III Vicente. Also, PSO Abaro of NSO SOCSARGEN received in behalf of his staff a modest cash gift worth Php 5,000 as the region’s recognition of their outstanding performance for the 2008 Field Awards Cycle by landing on the fifth rank from among the 80 NSO provincial offices in the country. And with the generosity of RD Manulon, coffee mugs especially printed with the event’s name were distributed as souvenirs and Christmas gift to everyone.
Finishing off the party was the gift giving segment handled by AO Officer Sumalpong and BO Omictin. Though physically drained and sleepy, each one happily gave and received their presents from their kringles. Without further ado, PSO Sambrano delivered a very concise yet inspiring closing message. “What transpired is the best Christmas party ever for NSO SOCCSKSARGEN. Talents were revealed. It is with great hope that another General Assembly, as happy as this, will be held next year.”
The year-end activity turned out a jubilant affair as expected where it brought back together camaraderie and enjoyment after a challenging year of work and service to clients. With all jollity in the faces and within, each one slept at the comforts of the hotel by almost past 2 o’clock dawn. All cheers for a splendid year that was and hopes for year 2009! Go, go, go NSO SOCCSKSARGEN! |
