Grades 9 and 10 students ramped in their Modern Barong and Filipiniana at the Jose D. Aspiras Hall, DMMMSU-SLUC, Agoo, La Union on March 22, 2024 in their Sonallupen 2024 (JS Prom) themed Mirror of Us. 

The celebration commenced with Dr. Nona M. Rivera, Dean of the College of Education, who graciously welcomed the attendees. 

Prof. Jan Kenneth R. Laguardia, Principal of Laboratory High School, introduced the guest speaker, Dr. Ringo George D. Querrer. He also explained that the word Sonallupen is derived from two Ilokano terms, “sonata,” meaning song, and “allupen,” meaning to invite someone for a dance – intentionally crafted to help promote appreciation of the Iloko language and cultural heritage among the LHS students. 

In his speech, Dr. Querrer, an alumnus of the Elementary Laboratory School and Laboratory High School, reminded attendees of the symbolic nature of mirrors, emphasizing that while they reflect the physical appearance of an individual — it is the internal qualities [of a person] that is most important. 

One of the highlights of the promenade and ball was the symbolic transfer of the Key of Responsibility from Jen Micah L. De Vera, Student Body Organization Press Relation Officer, to Ma. Eunice V. Orencia is a promising grade 9 student leader. This symbolic gesture underscored the LHS’s commitment to nurturing leadership and a sense of accountability among its students.

Parts of the program include the candlelight ceremony, the cotillion, the promenade song, and the reading of the Class Will and Testament by Aneia Margarithe O. Cosico. 

Another highlight of the prom was the awarding of sashes to the students who stood out during the celebration. The awards and the recipients are as follows:

Best Cotillion Dancers:  Aneia Margarithe Cosico

                                        Seph Jovid Estrada

Best in Barong:            Yuan Brent Fjords Gatchalian

Best in Filipiniana:      Angella Giane Peralta

Stars of the Night:       Raustin Mckyle Ting

                                      Ma. Eivana Olie Panis

Prom Princess:           Geraldine Lopez

Prom Prince:               Rhygelio Laron

Prom Queen:              Mary Frances Kim Pandes

Prom King:                  Daveen Raphael Peñaranda

Also present was Dr. Joanne C. Rivera, the Chancellor of the South La Union Campus, who lauded the LHS faculty and staff for their efforts in organizing Sonallupen 2024. 

Ma. Eunice V. Orencia and Richard Allan C. Patacsil hosted the ball. Sonallupen 2024 was more than just a promenade; it was a celebration of unity, and culture, and the enduring spirit of the LHS community. As attendees departed, they carried with them memories of a night that mirrored the best of the LHS and themselves. (By John Mark Lachica)