Events

AUTUMN IN NEW ENGLAND 2023

Reunion 2019, Seattle, Washington, USA

The Seattle Space Needle towered over the city that early spring of May 2019. The peonies and rhododendron around the seaport of 737,015, population (as of 2020), greeted 200+ Notre Dameans to the largest city in the state of Washington and the Pacific Northwest region of North America. Even Mt. Rainier, visible from the Hilton Courtyard where the association was billeted seemed to say, “Welcome to Seattle”. With its quaint tourist offerings – Pike Market, the Museum of Flight, Boeing Factory, Chihuly Garden of Glass and fields of tulips within the shadows of Mt. Rainier – our members came away with memories like no other.

The International themed Welcome Party was well attended, the General Meeting and Election of Officers proceeded smoothly, and the Gala Night highlighted the event as advertised. Two buses transported the group on the official tour of the Museum of Flight and the Boeing Factory where they witnessed the jaw-dropping sight of a 787 Jumbo Jet being constructed before their eyes. 

 The members voted for Boston/New England as the next venue. But due to COVID the 2021 Biennial Reunion was postponed. The venue was moved to Rhode Island. Please click the chyron (streaming text on top of the landing page of our website) to join the reunion. Your Executive Officers and the Members of the Board is looking forward to your visit.

Reunion 2017, Las Vegas, NV USA

“Viva Las Vegas!” became a familiar refrain for the Notre Dameans who came from six countries – Canada, Malaysia, Italy, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, and 17 states of the United States. This event was the 3rd time that the organization chose Nevada as its host state. Known for its affordable five star hotels, its awesome buffets, and the tourist offerings on the strip, it has become a magnet for international events and destination. The Notre Dameans converged in this city that never sleeps for a Notre Dame brand of camaraderie – they had been here before in 1995, in 2003 and 2017. The association’s history will show that the election was contentious, the end result being the split of the association into two. However, the original NDGSCAA Association leadership positively viewed the split because it gave birth to another Notre Dame Association in the United States. This is solid proof that the number of graduates of Notre Dame from General Santos City residing in the United States and Canada has considerably increased, kudos to our alma mater! 

This reunion broke the records on Gala Night attendance with 361 guests – the highest ever. Thanks to the tireless efforts of President Carlito Ferrariz and his administration in recruiting new members domestic and abroad. Launching the event June 22-25, 2017 event was the official tour of the Grand Canyon on a Friday. Everything grand followed after. The Welcome Party was unlike any other with the Fashion Show and Dameans showing off their talents. The alumni showed up in their best suits and gowns during the “Black and White” themed Gala. A scrumptious lunch at the nearby park served as the exclamation point to a fun-filled long weekend! 



Seattle was voted as the host city for 2019!

Reunion 2015, San Antonio, TX USA

“Remember the Alamo” was something that the Notre Dameans only read about in school when they were growing up in General Santos City. On May 14-17, 2015, they immersed themselves in everything historical about Texas, the largest state in the lower 48 states of USA. (By landmass, Alaska is the largest, Texas and California follows respectively). San Antonio’s River Walk was hiking distance from the host hotel, La Quinta and offered a convenient destination for alumni during their free time. There was fine dining, shopping, and excellent entertainment on a boat ride down the river in the heart of the city. 

The officers led by President Leilanie Zerrudo Gammon, opted for the most novel destination for the official tour – The Natural Bridge Cavern in San Antonio is one of Texas’ largest underground attraction. It took 65 alumni the most spectacular part of the caverns 180 feet underground. The mother lode of underground majesty and wonder: Natural Bridge Caverns. Chamber displayed endless gigantic towering columns, emerald pools, delicate crystalline stalagmites, and stalactites resembling huge soda straws. All living and still growing. The U.S. Parks Service has designated it as National Natural Landmark. The Welcome Party was themed “Western” of course, and displayed the Notre Dameans theatrical talents, followed by a Masquerade Ball that highlighted the dancing prowess of the pair Carlito Ferrariz and Lulut Palacios Chan. It also showcased Allan Palacios Chan, Tenor who wowed the audience with his rendition of the Music of the Night from the Phantom of the Opera. The Sunday Mass was officiated by Bishop Michael Pfeifer, OMI and concelebrated with Fr. William M. Antone and Notre Dam Alumnus Fr. Santiago Hoyumpa.        The reunion was a HUGE success as they do everything in large scale in Texas!

Reunion 2013, General Santos City
"Balik Damean"

The Eleventh Grand Reunion
May 19-26, 2013
General Santos City, Philippines

Sons & Daughters of Matutum and Sarangani
May your dreams compare with the height and grandeur of Matutum
And
May your feelings match the serenity and depth of Sarangani.
Anastacio M. Hoyumpa, M.D., NDL 54
San Antonio, Texas

With those well-wishes from Dr. Hoyumpa, Notre Dameans from 13 countries, 17 states of
America and numerous provinces of the Philippines, arrived in their beloved hometown.
Matutum and Sarangani Bay welcomed them like long lost friends.
As it always did and as it always will.

The 11th Grand Reunion in Gen. Santos City, Philippines, without any doubt, measured up to its billing as being the “reunion of a lifetime!” No amount of words, or pictures, could adequately capture the joyful images of countless friends, classmates and schoolmates meeting for the first time in 20-30-40-50 years. The statistics paint an impressive testimony to the success of this week-long event.

• Grand Homecoming Parties at NDD University and ND-Siena College Campuses in one week
• 40+ Marists Brothers and Dominican Sisters in attendance
• 13 countries and 17 states of the US were represented
• 17 Members for Most Represented Family
• Collective 130 for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd for Most Represented Class
• 1100+ Attendees for the Gala Night
• 1000+ Attended opening and closing mass
• A Welcome Party attended by 600
• More than a mile long motorcade

One who was there can only offer snippets of Kodak moments.
One who wasn’t can only imagine.
All we hope can enjoy the gallery of photos.
And join in the fun at San Antonio 2015.

Reunion 2011, Arlington Virgina

The Tenth Grand Reunion, June 23-26, 2011

Reunion 2009, San Diego CA/Mexico

The Ninth Grand Reunion, June 19-25, 2009

Reunion 2007, Vancouver, Canada

The Seventh Grand Reunion on June 23-26, 2005

Reunion 2005, Orlando FL

"Reunion at Disneyworld"

The Seventh Grand Reunion on June 23-26, 2005

Reunion 2003, Las Vegas, NV

"Back to the '50s"

SIXTH REUNION: TUSCANY SUITES OF LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

Reunion 2003, General Santos City, Philippines

"Uwi Na, Damean!"

SIXTH REUNION: GENERAL SANTOS CITY, PHILIPPINES

Reunion 2001, Anaheim CA

"Reunion at Disneyland"

JUNE 23rd, Gala at Disneyland Hotel

Reunion 1999, Secaucus NJ

(adjacent to) "The Big Apple"

FOURTH REUNION: CROWN PLAZA HOTEL OF SECAUCUS, NEW JERSEY

Reunion 1997, San Francisco CA

"The City By The Bay"

THIRD REUNION: EMBASSY SUITES OF SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA

Reunion 1995, Las Vegas, NV

"Hurrah At Harrah's"

SECOND REUNION: HARRAH'S OF LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

Reunion 1993, San Diego CA

"The Uniform Still Fits!"

FIRST REUNION AT MARRIOTT OF SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

"The Uniform Still Fits!"