UP Law alumni, students and faculty gathered for an evening of festivity and community at the 2024 Grand Alumni Homecoming held last November 22 at the Grand Hyatt BGC.
The Silver Jubilarian Class of 1999 hosted the celebration led by its President and UP Law Dean Darlene Marie Berberabe. In keeping with the homecoming theme of gratitude, the event was aptly titled “WaSaP: Walang Sawang Pasasalamat, UP Law!”
Nostalgia filled the air as the host batch showed off their musical prowess in a dance number they last performed as freshmen law students 29 years ago at Malcolm Hall. Not to be outdone, the Golden Jubilarian Class of 1974 also entertained the audience by dancing to a medley of dance hits from the 1970s.
Lawyers Dennis Edaño and Divina Pedron, both from the Class of ’99 also displayed their musicality in their respective duet performances with celebrity singers Bituin Escalante and Ogie Alcasid.
Highlighting the theme of gratitude, guest speaker Robina Gokongwei Pe delivered a speech citing the Gokongwei Group’s sponsorship of the UP Men’s Basketball Team as a way of giving back to the UP community.
The homecoming also paid tribute to the Class of 1974, with the Class of 1999 giving the Golden Jubilarians tokens of recognition for their contributions to the legal profession. Likewise, the Class of 1999 gave thanks to former and present deans, professors, and staff of the College.
Towards the end of the program, the host batch bestowed the Gawad ng Dangal, Husay at Paglilingkod awards to three outstanding UP Law alumni: Education Secretary and former senator Juan Edgardo Angara, former Senate President Franklin Drilon, and retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Francis Jardeleza. The honorees were recognized for their exceptional service to the country as public servants and government leaders.
Finally, UP Law Dean Darlene Marie Berberabe closed the program by unveiling the Class of 99’s legacy projects for the College, first, a revolving fund to cover the medical needs of UP Law’s non-legal staff, and finally, the construction of two pocket wellness parks inside Malcolm Hall.
This year’s homecoming was truly a night to remember.