A few months ago, I was thinking whether I should back out or go ahead and attend my school’s junior prom at Edsa Shangri-La, my first prom ever. A few months later, I was considering attending not only one prom, but two—to be held the Saturday after the first at La Salle Green Hills.
At one point, I was overcome by jitters as I counted down to the day of my Immaculate Conception Academy prom, themed Luce Stellar. Many people tell me their prom is one of the most memorable and treasured nights in their lives. After deciding to go and attend my own prom on Feb. 16, which turned out to be a pleasantly eventful night, I realized that the event passed so quickly.
What made it even more memorable, and utterly surreal, if you like, was when my friend Michael James Gaborni and I were the first ones to arrive in the venue, knowing we had beaten the sunset, though we weren’t really intending to. Naturally, we were hand-picked Mr. and Ms. Punctuality. Wow. I had no idea there were awards like these at proms!
We ascended the stage and were suddenly bathed in the glow of the spotlight. Michael and I were given sashes, golden trophies and a few other freebies. We glided off the stage and ballroom feeling enthralled.
But this night was more than just about being recognized. It was about a youngblood’s “rite of passage,” where one could learn so much about social graces, etiquette, refinement and proper decorum. Also, how to get on with that slow dance with grace, poise and elegance.
The colorful parade of gowns, the bright flash of cameras, the performances, the sumptuous meals and the friendships made and nurtured truly defined this magical evening.
‘Eiffel Tower’
The magical evening didn’t stop there. It carried on through to next Saturday’s junior prom with Michael at the La Salle Green Hills’ St. Benilde Gym, themed Paris a Voyage.
A massive wooden replica of the Eiffel Tower greeted us right at the entrance. Soon, the buffet table was ready for dinner. As we ate sumptuous food from Zaide Catering, the La Salle Airforce Dance Troupe and world-famous Kundirana entertained us.
Unlike the ICA Prom, club-party music was all the rage at the La Salle prom. At one point, everyone was on the dance floor, busting random moves and jumping to the beat. Michael and I did not reprise our Mr. & Ms. Punctuality award this time, but we did get to cart away keepsakes in remembrance of this special night.
I don’t regret ever having attended my first prom, then saying yes to attending a second. If we have something like this again as seniors, I’d happily go through it all over again!
So if you’re a sophomore going into your junior year, don’t even think about it: Just go! Trust me, the event will be one of the most memorable things you would have done for yourself in high school.