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It was the first of a string of gatherings. The Rigodon Ballroom of the Manila Peninsula Hotel was buzzing from stem to stern by seven in the evening. Mingling wasn’t on cue. At around five in the afternoon, alumni dripped into the ballroom reception, some fresh from their f lights, some hitting the ground running and instantly chatting up old classmates. Others wandered first into school merch and registration. Every movement took the quality of a campus stroll with its ease and eagerness.

This is International School Manila marking its hundred years. The organisers didn’t have to break out the trappings of a rager. The drinks and canapé spread weren’t exactly wanting of bubbly and reds; there was a decent amount to go around. This is it, pancit! was the wholesome siren call to party.

The high of the