I read with gusto the latest blog at Galewynand'@.multiply.com, on this schoolyear's JS prom, to be held in February, 2009.
I was a parent in the same institution, so I have a gut feel of the parents' opposing points of view re: the venue for the affair. Most of the parents prefer to have it in the town (Isabel), rather than in one of the hotels in Ormoc, which was their venue for the past years.
The Junior-Seniors Promenade is one of those milestones in the life of students. The beautiful memories of an enchanted evening is one that they would go back to over and over again, for the rest of their life. The prom is not all glamour and display of excesses. One primary reason for proms is the concreting of social graces and proper grooming, which are taught to them in school. What could be a better place to apply them than in a formal social event in a fitting venue? At least they would experience, first hand, proper decorum when they are in a hotel or similar venues during social functions.
I agree with the reasons of economics and safety raised during the parents' meetings. They are real concerns nowadays.
Let me start on the parents'apprehension on their children's safety. I was a teacher before, so I know how eagle-eyed teachers could be, when students are entrusted to them. Students' safety is a great responsibility that teachers take very seriously, in and out of the classrooms.
Economics - times are really hard. It is in times like this, however, when children could be taught resourcefulness and entrepreneurship. Here's a golden opportunity for the children to find ways to partly finance their JS Prom.
By the way, were the juniors consulted on the matter of venue choice? If they were and they chose to hold it in the usual venue (Ormoc hotel), the parents could have set a ceiling on the amount that they are willing to spend for the affair, then let the children raise the difference, through some money-making or fund raising ventures. That would be an excellent working experience for them.
The gowns - oh yes, the gowns. There are many ways to have them at lesser expense. "Let me count the ways."
Cocktail dresses - They are the latest in fashion. Long gowns are out, even for the wedding entourage. Besides, the young ladies can move more freely and dance the night away in comfort, in short cocktail dresses than in long, flowing gowns. Short dresses come out cheaper, because smaller fabric is needed and dressmaker's labor cost is relatively lower. The parents and the children could agree on everyone wearing only cocktail dresses to the prom. In that way, aside from makakatipid, mababawasan pa or mawawala ang pabonggahan. Maybe the same thing could be imposed on the mothers, too? Do I hear 'human rights' clamor? Hehe!
Rent - So many party dresses could be rented not only from the gown rental establishments, but from the parents who spent a fortune on their children's gowns before. I'm sure they would be very happy to recover a part of their 'investment' , rather than let the gown rot away in their closet.
Borrow -- Be ultra-friendly and nice, and chances are you will be able to borrow from your friends.
Recycle/ Remodel - Squeeze your creative juices. Add appliques and accessories to old party dresses. Beading materials are very cheap at Aizylym in Ormoc. (free ad),
No need to buy signature, and definitely very expensive RTW dresses. Browse over fashion magazines where you can find pictures and sketches of beautiful party dresses. Buy inexpensive materials in beautiful color. Go to one of our local dressmakers (Delia and Jay, to name two). They are highly skilled and they charge very reasonably.
The boys' attire is not a problem per se. They usually borrow coat and tie from their father, or uncles, or from the numerous unrelated titos in the place. Many prefer to wear long sleeve shirts and necktie, which are available in the many ukay-ukay stalls in the town.
Scout for other venues in Ormoc. Tip: Give a hint on the many discounts and freebies being offered by the other hotels. The marketing people have the tendency to outdo each other to get a booking.
Here's hoping that the parents, the children and the teachers will come to a compromise on this matter, so EVERYBODY WILL BE HAPPY.
