BANDED 2 (JUNIOR JAM!)

Chapter 11 (Prom!)

On the next day, Tuesday, January 31, 1995, the students went to the Auditorium in the morning for the awarding ceremonies of the two plays. As usual, the emcees were…

“Miss Fely! Good morning!” said Sir Man.

“Good morning to you too, Sir Man!”, Miss Fely said in a very jubilant voice but many noticed that she looked a bit distressed. In truth, she hasn’t talked to Robbie at all since the weekend.

“Well… we’re here to announce the best in the presentations of Noli Me Tangere and Macbeth!” Sir Man said. “Are you excited folks?!”

“Yes!!” was the general response, although there was an added “I love you, Sir Man” from some girls.

“I love you too”, said Sir Man, and they screamed.

“Anyway… Sir Man”, said Miss Fely, “let’s announce the winners… for Noli Me Tangere first… we have as the best actor, Mr. Ernesto Salcedo of 3-A, who played Crisostomo Ibarra!!”

Even Ernie was surprised, but then the audience showed their appreciation by uproariously applauding him. Many girls screamed (the same ones rooting for Sir Man earlier). He went up the stage and accepted his little trophy.

This would surely end up in the Ernesto Salcedo Museum again, but hey… this is one award I’d really be proud of…

He raised the little trophy and the audience cheered.

The girl from 3-B won as Maria Clara, and also, surprisingly, 3-C won for the best performance, due to the dramatic (and a little comedic) performance of Kris and Paolo as Basilio and Crispin. They were nominated for the best scene. The best director went to 3-C as well. However, this year proved that the school had become really ready for innovation because the best scene was… 3-D’s Ibarra’s alley fight scene (which was so not in the novel hehehe…)!! Noy proudly took the award to the cheers of his 3-D gang and of course, the BANDED gang. 3-A also won for best sounds, lights and props.

And then, we go to Macbeth. The best Macbeth was of course the one from 3-B. His dagger speech from Act 2 was one of the best the school ever heard. Kim won as Lady Macbeth as well, another victory for 3-B. Many cheered of course, especially the BANDED gang and JC. However, there was a special award for Macbeth, which was for Best Acting. The judges were so moved by Nancy’s Lady Macduff from Act 4, especially when she tried to protect her ‘son’. She proudly took her trophy.

3-C won for best action scene, for Banquo’s murder scene and so Kris, Paolo and the other three took the trophy. The best props, lights and sounds went to 3-A again. 3-D didn’t win an award this time. Apparently, the judges for Macbeth were more serious…

And so, the awarding ended but afterwards, Nancy returned to the stage and spoke.

“Umm… people, please don’t leave yet…” she said, and again, a lot of people noticed the absence of her glasses and that she’s even prettier and blooming. “I was asked by the principal to say a few things, to announce the activities for the next month. As you all know, we’ll have the Junior-Senior Prom on February 18… so, you junior and senior boys better find someone now hehehe… I wonder who will ask me, hmm…?”

The audience teased her, and she looked sweetly in Kris’ direction even if he had asked her already. Kris returned the look in the same manner.

“And also, there would be the annual overnight juniors’ retreat, which would be in Tagaytay on Feb. 25-26. The seniors would have theirs too, but it would be in early March right before they graduate… Of course, for all of us, there is the annual Intramurals which would be held on the week of Feb. 27 – March 2. The date for the sign-ups for the games would be announced. And… of course, there is the cheering competition, so wait for our announcement on when we would start practicing! Well, that is all, and a good morning to all of you! And also… Happy New Year to my fellow Filipino-Chinese!! (Jan. 31 was Chinese New Year for 1995)”