To unite members of Best Buddies Philippines, Best Buddies Benilde (BBB), an organization that advocates one-to-one friendships with kids with disabilities, spearheaded the second special prom for people with intellectual development disorders at the School of Design and Arts (SDA) Campus Cafeteria on May 25.

BBB’s faculty adviser and Center for Inclusive Education (CIE) learning support case manager Nica Mombay formally opened the event, which was titled Luce Della Notte or “Light of Night,” with the recognition of BBB as one of the top-performing organizations during the second trimester of the academic year, according to the Benilde Committee on Student Involvement.

In an interview with The Benildean, Mombay said they wanted the event to be an opportunity for members of Best Buddies Philippines to be acquainted, and eventually form deeper and meaningful friendships.

“The special prom is a way for us to help the students, [and] even for the members of Best Buddies Philippines from the different chapters to be able to experience this kind of event,” she said. The event was also a way to celebrate the year-ender of the organization.

Chapter leader and Fashion Design and Merchandising student Tricie Mendoza talked about her journey in BBB during the turnover ceremony, saying “BBB has taught me so much and most importantly the essence of true friendship and leadership. Being a chapter leader is more than just the responsibility […] it’s also about redefining and solidifying the meaning of friendship with inclusion.”

Meanwhile, as the new chapter leader, Culinary Arts student Jamie Javier emphasized that “This [BBB] is not just an organization, it’s a sense of passion.”

Martin Romero, also BBB’s adviser and a CIE learning support case manager, closed the event with a speech focusing on the importance of inclusion.

“I know it might be hard to understand at first, but I promise you once you see the smile on their face and [hear] their stories, it will all be worth it,” he said.

BBB gave special awards to the following participants presented by BBB Advisers Mombay and Romero:

Special Recognition Awards: Andrea Beatrice Aguila and Maria Antoinette Gabrielle Santos

Rookie of the Year: Mariela Guerrero and Carmela Niña Gonzalez

Buddy of the Year: Christopher Alejandro Sebastian Fanega

Project of the Year: Blaze-it-a-ok

Breakthrough Performance of the Year: Jamie Miguel Javier

Officer of the Year: Maureen Luminario

Best Buddy of the Year: Roberto Carlos De Larrazabal

Early Bird: Joaquin Batungbacal

Star of the Night: Thamara Pacursa

Pair of the Night:  Joaquin Aldeguer & Sharina Salcedo

Prom Prince: Kyle Cuenca

Prom Princess: Maureen Luminario

Prom King: Andy Cruz

Prom Queen: Vell Baria


The special promenade, in partnership with Guild of Rising Interior Designers, Benildean Industrial Designers, and Benilde Student Envoys, included performances by DLS-CSB students Isa Madero, Taniel Francisco, MJ Guingon, and University of Asia and the Pacific students Iñigo Gonzalez, Julia Huang, and Kaith Espinosa.