Two days of unforgettable celebrations, reunions, and memories, by returnees and for returnees all over the world.

Such would describe the 50th Anniversary of AFS in the Philippines on August 17 – 18, where AFS returnees from countless batches, volunteers, artists, and fellow believers in the call for peace came together in a once-in-a-lifetime golden celebration of intercultural exchange and global understanding. From the present movers of the nation to the young generations of student leaders, AFS scholars gave life to the celebration and heeded the call “We Are One!”

Gala Night

The strong winds and showers of typhoon Egay could do little to hinder the grand celebration of AFS at the One Esplanade in Pasay City, fronting the beautiful Manila Bay sunset view. Clad in their stunning gowns and suits and filled with excitement for the night, AFS returnees, current foreign students, and guests poured in from different parts of the country.

After listening to the inspirational, cozy, and lively songs of Norodin Justine Draper and Lloyd Young and Cathy Castañeda, everyone gathered for a ceremonial toast led by Ms Lina Winebrenner (Batch 1), Atty. Romeo Santo Tomas (Batch 13), and Don Michael De Leon (Batch M-4).

“[AFS Philippines] has survived against all odds, triumphed over adversities, and succeeded in producing a long list of achievers,” said Winebrenner, to which Santo Tomas added, “AFS is not resting on its laurels. AFS is looking into the future, aiming to surpass the achievements of the first 50 years.”

“AFS will continue to survive, triumph and succeed as long as we all work hand in hand to fulfill its mission and vision. So here’s a toast to 50 years of accomplishments and to a commitment to stay the course for the next 50 years!” De Leon concluded.

The program began with the opening prayer “Dakilang Maylikha” interpreted by the CAP College Silent Choir. Following the prayer and remarks by AFS-IPP President Bonnie Guerra (and to everyone’s delight) foreign male students braved the stage and performed their own version of the Maglalatik dance. Stunning performances by Andy Bais, Arnel De Pano, Dance Fusion, and the University of the Philippines Singing Ambassadors captivated everyone’s delight as the celebration went on.

In recognition of their noteworthy contributions to the growth of AFS Philippines and to the betterment of the country, Tony Meloto, Art Valdez, and Dr Manuel Canlas were lauded with the first AFS Mabuhay Awards for Service.

AFS International president Tachi Cazal then gave his inspirational remarks and words of congratulations to AFS Philippines, and was immediately followed by world-class performer Robert Seña, who enthralled the whole audience with an outstanding rendition of famous Broadway songs.

To cap off the Gala night, Andy Bais, Arnel De Pano, Robert Seña, and Don Michael De Leon, together with the UP Singing Ambassadors, sang the AFS Song “We are One!” lyrics by Ed Dames and music by Arnold Buena.

Family Day

Of course, the the 50th Anniversary Celebration did not end without a great fun-filled day of unconventional team-building games and activities participated in by no less than Tachi Cazal, Ton Monwong, and the whole AFS Family! Here are some snapshots of the Family Day, August 18th.

Photography by Raphael Dimacali (AFS YP ‘03, Oregon) and Don Michael Acelar De Leon