Maria Saria Gerano M.D.'s Thanksgiving Party --- March 2011

It's very Filipino to celebrate thanksgiving when there is something special to be thankful for. One of such is when someone passes a licensure examination which of course comes after years of hardwork and sleepless nights just to finish a particular degree and eventually get a license through a government examination.

Uncle Jr, Tatay's younger brother, and his wife Auntie Salome threw a party for their unica hija, Ma. Saria, after she had passed the 2011 Physician Licensure Examination given in Metro Manila and Cebu on February 25, 2011. It was a luncheon party attended by close relatives, family friends, and Inday Saria's classmates at the College of Medicine of Central Philippine University.

The Physician Licensure Examination is one of the most difficult exams given by the Professional Regulation Commission ( PRC ). Hence, hurdling it is enough reason to celebrate. It is administered twice a year - August and February.  The examination takes four days and covers such topics as Biochemistry, Anatomy, Histology, Microbiology, Physiology, Legal Medicine, Medical Jurisprudence, Pathology, Surgery, and many more. 

The luncheon party was catered by Miguel Cordova of Esca's Garden Restaurant and Afriques Gourmet Pizza, Pasta, Steaks and More.

Rumpelstiltskin Operetta 2011 --- St. Anne's Hall, Assumption Iloilo, February 2011

Every year, the Faculty and Staff Club of Assumption Iloilo sponsors a year-end concert or show at the St. Anne's Hall. Usually, this is staged in the last week of February after the Integration Days.

In 2011, the Faculty and Staff Club, together with the school administration, decided to stage 'Rumpelstiltskin', an operetta which was also staged at the St. Anne's Hall in the 1990s.

Rumpelstiltskin is the protagonist of a fairy tale that originated in Germany. The tale was collected by the Brothers Grimm in the 1812 edition of  'Children and Household Tales'. 

Basically, Rumpelstiltskin is a story about a man who lies that his daughter can turn straw into gold to make himself seem important to the king. Eventually, through the help of an imp-like creature, she is able to successfully turn the straw into gold.

Rumpelstiltskin 2011 was directed by Mrs. Beth Espinosa. Mrs. April Gustilo-Ga took care of the music while Mrs. Nila Claravall-Gonzalez of the Claravall-Gonzalez School of Classical Ballet did the choreography.

The operetta had three runs - two runs for Assumption Iloilo students and personnel and one for Assumption Iloilo friends, parents, alumni and outsiders.