PAGHABI

In life, as reflected in literature,
there are numerous concepts floating around in our subconscious.
Once in a while, something happens that coalesces these concepts to form a pattern,
and we experience a moment of truth, a realization, an epiphany.
The seemingly disjointed meaningless pieces come together
and we see a significant whole, a truth, and we say, Ah so!
It is called an Aha Moment.

The theme of this homecoming—-“Paulinian Paghabi”— as envisioned by the host batch,
High School 1974, is very close to this concept. The threads that are used in weaving are colourful,
but by themselves, they are meaningless; but when they are woven together,
a pattern emerges and we see a beautiful design.
Related to this is the single adjective that each jubilarian batch is asked to describe
themselves. The adjectives, like the threads, are colourful—such as resilient, thankful, courageous,
charitable—but by themselves, they may be short of meaning; but woven together,
they form a pattern, a picture, and we realize a significant truth and have an epiphany:

Ah so, that is the Paulinian!

– Marionette O. Martinez (MOM)
SPCM HS 1954