UE Today September-December 2009 (Updated) by James Trinidad

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UE Christmas 2009 Schedule of Activities Christmas 2009 Messages to the UE Community By Chairman Lucio C. Tan • Vice Chairman Jaime J. Bautista The President’s Corner: Christmas 2009 Message By President Ester Albano-Garcia

UE Manila is Now Autonomous! Go Right: Red and White I Dreamt of Jamie By Dean Estellita D. Bello

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Congratulations, Engr. Danny R. Supnet and the Electrical Engineering Licensure Exam Passers!

Congratulations, Engr. Ian Wildon A. Dizon and Mechanical Engineering Licensure Exam Passers!

Congratulations, LET Topnotchers and Passers!

Dr. Josefina R. Cortes Passes Away Eulogies for Former UE President Josefina R. Cortes By Pres. Ester Albano Garcia • Dr. Jesusa J. Dacumos • Prof. Ma. Lourdes C. Sanchez • Prof. Erwin B. Bermillo

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Library Assistant Director Helen Jamin Passes Away

Missing Two Good Men of UE Caloocan By Engr. Norberto V. Francisco

Mining the Success Story of Oscar L. Jornacion By Bert B. Sulat Jr.

First UE Alumni Global Reunion!

UE Red Warriors Men’s Basketball Team: Fighting the Fight of Their Lives By Bert B. Sulat Jr. The Long Ride of Coach Lawrence Chongson By Rick Olivares

It’s a Six-peat for the UE Red Warriors Boys’ Volleyball Team! By Angelo M. Vergel de Dios

Memoranda of Agreement/Understanding Signed with PICPA, Top Accounting Firms, First Place Inc., Saudi Arabia’s King Saud University, and Metrobank Foundation Inc. and Fluor Daniel, Inc.

UE Weightlifters are National 5-in-1 Champs for the Seventh Straight Year By Bert B. Sulat Jr.

UE Red Warriors Junior Table Tennis Team Regains Lost Glory By Angelo M. Vergel de Dios

The Joy of Teaching By Dean Estellita D. Bello My Father the Teacher By Abegail A. Rebong

UE at 63: Remembering, Celebrating, Envisioning UE at 63: A series of quotes from some of the University’s top officials UE’s 63rd Foundation Anniversary Celebration: A Photo Gallery

2009 UE Model Management Employee Henry Dyke A. Balmeo By Dean Eleanor R. Javier 2009 Model Rank-and-File Employee Rowena P. Calo By Angelo M. Vergel de Dios “Acknowledging Our Work and Worth” By Dr. Brenda S. Dey “Remembering, Celebrating and Envisioning Your Service to Lualhati” By Mr. Jaime J. Bautista The UE Service Awardees 2009

Scenes from Balik-tanaw kay Lualhati

UE Alumna Imelda A. Papin: Jukebox Queen and Public Servant of the Philippines By Bert B. Sulat Jr.

“Hard Work, Commitment, Character” By Lt. Col. Ferdinand F. Llantero Introducing Dr. Norma Reyes-Ayap By Dr. Brenda S. Dey “Your Graduation Has Placed Greater Responsibility Upon You” By Dr. Norma Reyes-Ayap “Education Gave Me the Knowledge to Compete” By Mr. Oscar L. Jornacion

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UE CCSS Student Represents the Philippines in Global Initiatives Symposium By Angelo M. Vergel de Dios

A Successful ‘Shortcut’ By Prof. Mary Kathleen G. Javillonar

Secrets to Becoming an Outstanding Teacher By Prof. Mary Kathleen G. Javillonar

The UE Community Helps in the Midst of Calamity

Work-Life Balance By Dr. Ma. Victoria Q. Caparas

Should Students of English Sound Like Native Speakers? By Prof. Paulo T. Danduan

The SY 2009-2010 UE-Tan Yan Kee Foundation Inc. Scholars Speeches from the UE-TYKFI Recognition Program By President Ester Albano-Garcia • Ms. Richelle Therese A. Lu • Mr. Jackson R. Bacabac • Ms. Genalin O. Colina • Mr. Jaime J. Bautista • Dr. Lucio C. Tan

Infrastructure Report By Atty. Antonio M. De Guzman

Capital Expenditures By Mrs. Felicidad R. Delgado

Glimpses By Dean Eleanor R. Javier

2009 UE Model Teacher Rhodora Hernandez-Luciano By Dr. Farina Vida-Randolph

Thank You, Chancellor Antonieta Fortuna-Ibe

Why I Love UE By Prof. Ma. Victoria Z. Godinez

UE Today September-December 2009

Christ mas 2009

Messages to the UE Community

Warm greetings to everyone in the UE community in this muchanticipated season of “Giving, Loving, Celebrating”! As the events of 2009 have shown, it seems that year after year, greater and greater challenges come our way, no matter our station in life— resulting in increasing levels of uncertainty and fragility towards various aspects of our lives. Yet thankfully, one thing has remained constant: we are able to celebrate Christmas in our respective ways, able to take a pause, put things in perspective and reflect on what really matters most to us and to our loved ones. In this particular Yuletide season, in which the words giving, loving and celebrating resonate with more significance than ever, let us indeed find a way to truly give of ourselves, express love for not just our family and friends but for our fellowman, and celebrate by counting our blessings and embodying the joyful meaning of this season. From my family to yours, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Lucio C. Tan

Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer

It is with warmth and pleasure that I greet everyone in the UE community with the glad tidings of another Christmas season! No matter how difficult or daunting this year has been, no matter how uncertain the year ahead would be, and no matter how many events of the recent past and the unfolding present may incite in us apprehension and anxiety, let us be guided in peace and with confidence towards the light of enlightenment, the path of hope and the road to opportunity. Like the three wise men who came to see the Savior in the stark simplicity of a manger, let us seek to be humble yet wise about what truly matters most in this life. Let Christmastime be our inspiration to never be overcome with hopelessness and despair, and let the Nativity be our heartwarming reminder of what it truly means for all of us to be “Giving, Loving, Celebrating,” Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon sa Ating Lahat!

Jaime J. Bautista Vice Chairman of the Board

UE Today September-December 2009

The President’s Corner By Ester A. Garcia, Ph.D.

President and Chief Academic Officer

This is again that season of the year when we take time out to greet everyone. I would like to take this opportunity also to make a report on what we have done over the year and to thank everyone—the faculty, staff, students, alumni, the Board, and the academic and administrative officials—for the support you have willingly given for all the tasks we had to perform during the year. The biggest and most rewarding news of the year is the grant of autonomous status to UE Manila. As most of you already know, this was part of my promise to the late Chairman Panfilo O. Domingo, to take all the necessary measures so that UE would be granted autonomy by 2012. Because of all the hard work of everybody, especially the Accreditation Committee headed by Dean Justina Evangelista, we are three years ahead of schedule! Now we have to turn our attention to UE Caloocan so that they may also gain deregulated status in the shortest possible time and eventually become autonomous also. For UE Manila to become autonomous, we had to advance the accreditation status of the Liberal Arts programs of the College of Arts and Sciences and the BSBA programs of the College of Business Administration to Level III, while maintaining the Level II accredited status of Dentistry and Computer Science. By the way, the College of Computer Studies and Systems is also a Center of Development. Moreover, UE was also declared a Good Teaching Institution by CHED last year, one of the criteria for autonomy. Meanwhile, the Graduate School and most of the programs of UE Caloocan were also given Level I accredited status. UE Caloocan is now waiting for the visit of the Institutional Quality Assessment, Monitoring and Evaluation (IQUAME) team, hopefully by early 2010. Accreditation and positive results of the IQUAME visit are recognitions of the improvements that we have put in place in the University relative to instruction, research, extension and Total Student Care. Autonomy, deregulation and accreditation will not mean anything unless this is shown in the improved performance of our students. I am pleased to report that 10 students were topnotchers in the different board examinations (Accountancy, Dentistry, Education and Engineering) and our overall passing percentages are improving. There are, however, some programs that still need improvement in their licensure examination results. We are working closely with the faculty in these programs, determining the cause of the problems and, hopefully, providing solutions. Policies on admission and retention have been tightened for this purpose and special interventions such as faculty retooling and special board review classes were implemented. Seminars, lectures, conferences and colloquia were held to improve faculty competencies and to open the eyes of our students to national and international developments that will impact on their lives and future professions.

Several academic circulars were promulgated or revised to improve services to the students especially in relation to the grading system, reporting of grades and submission of record books, stricter implementation of prerequisites and subject loads, and the implementation of on-the-job training. Hopefully, these measures will remove some of the irritants between the faculty and the students and between the students and the administration. Cultural and sports events were held for a well-rounded education. The UE Chorale, the UE Silanganan Dance Troupe and the UE Drama Company are now recognized nationally and internationally and have been invited to showcase the talents of the Filipino artist. Our athletic teams continue to shine as shown by the 1st Runner-up trophy of the UE Warriors, the six-peat championship of the Boys’ Volleyball Team, the championship of the high school Table Tennis team, Unigames Badminton (men), the Weightlifting Team national championship and other sports competitions. The Office of Extension and Community Outreach and the National Service Training Program should be commended for organizing massive relief efforts during the calamities that beset the country, from “Frank” to “Ondoy” to “Pepeng,” while delivering on their regular community outreach projects. Our efforts at improving the research capability and expertise of the faculty and staff are now bearing fruit. More faculty members in various disciplines are now undertaking research projects, publishing and presenting papers here and abroad. More students are involved in research projects and sharing their results with fellow students. One of the benefits of this research effort is the completion of studies that relate to University activities, such as graduate tracer studies, evaluation of University services and development of innovative teaching strategies. The results of these studies were part of our accreditation exhibits, showcasing the upgrading of the research culture in the University. Our enrollment continues to increase due to our marketing efforts, the improved performance of our students and our graduates, and the visible improvements in our infrastructure. This has improved our financial viability and our capability to implement more projects to continue enhancing the performance and image of UE. For all of these I want to thank you and I offer my Christmas prayers for you and your families. My special prayers go to our faculty members, staffers and students and their families who experienced difficulties due to the calamities our country experienced this year. It has been a difficult year for our country, but we are a resilient and resourceful people and I know we will prevail and beat all the odds. MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A BLESSED NEW YEAR! FOR OUR NON-CHRISTIAN BROTHERS AND SISTERS, I OFFER A PRAYER FOR PEACE AND PROSPERITY FOR THE COMING YEAR! MAY 2010 BE A BETTER YEAR FOR ALL!

UE Today September-December 2009

UE Manila Granted Autonomous Status

by CHED

The University of the East Manila Campus has been granted the Autonomous Status by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED)! In his letter to UE President Ester A. Garcia dated October 14, 2009, CHED Chairman Emmanuel Y. Angeles wrote that the upgrading to the Autonomous Status “has been approved by virtue of Resolution No. 013-2009 for a period of three years effective October 6, 2009 to October 5, 2012.” The Autonomous Status is the highest recognition that the CHED can grant any private higher education institution in recognition of the awarded institution’s accomplishments, adherence to quality assurance, and commitment to public responsibility and accountability as a higher-education provider. This raises UE Manila from its previous Deregulated Status, which CHED had initially granted in 2001, extended in 2006, and renewed twice: in November 2007 and in March 2009. As an autonomous private higher education institution (PHEI), UE Manila can now enjoy several institutional benefits that can help the University expand and grow as a whole. These include the entitlement to grant of subsidies and other financial incentives or assistance from CHED, whenever funds are available; the privilege for the Manila Campus, without the need for CHED to monitor, evaluate or grant permits, to determine curricular programs and offer new courses or programs in the undergraduate level, provided these meet minimum standards; the opportunity to establish branches or satellite campuses and to offer extension classes and distance education courses or programs. CHED’s granting to UE Manila of the Autonomous Status comes after several academic achievements involving the Manila Campus. Last August, the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration program of the College of Business Administration-Manila (CBA Manila) and the Liberal Arts programs of the College of Arts and Sciences-Manila (CAS Manila) were granted the Level III Accredited Status by the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation (PACUCOA). Following the visit in SY 2008-2009 by CHED’s Institutional Quality Assessment, Monitoring and Evaluation (IQuAME) team, the Manila Campus was declared a Good Teaching Institution [level A(t)]. Likewise contributing eventually to the Autonomous Status of UE Manila are the PACUCOA Level II accredited

UE Today September-December 2009

status of the University’s Doctor of Dental Medicine and Bachelor of Science in Computer Science programs of the College of Dentistry and the College of Computer Studies and Systems (CCSS), respectively, both of which are in the Manila Campus. The CCSS’ status as a CHED-certified Center of Development for Information Technology, effective June 2007 up to March 2010, was no less a factor, as is the College of Dentistry’s consistency not just in producing Top 10 successful examinees—with some landing in 1st Place—in every Dentist Licensure Examination but also in ranking No. 1—such as in the June 2009 exam—among dental schools nationwide that field 26 to 99 candidates in the exam. CHED, in a previous memorandum order dating back to 2001, had stated that it “recognizes the enormous contribution of [PHEIs] in the growth and prominence of tertiary education in the country and in the Asia-Pacific. CHED is also cognizant of their consistent committed service through quality education, research and extensive work…. [There are] 1,200 PHEIs under [its] supervision, with a total of almost 2.6 million students enrolled in some 978 academic programs in the undergraduate and graduate levels… [Since the task of supervising these PHEIs is] formidable and demanding… the Commission on Higher Education rationalizes its supervision of [PHEIs] by granting autonomy or deregulated status to deserving private colleges or universities.” Bert B. Sulat Jr.

New University Colors and Corresponding Rules and Guidelines Issued

Go Right: Red and White! The University of the East has undergone a visual makeover by way of changing its official University colors: from the former blue and gold, UE’s official colors are now red and white. This shift in hues was approved by the Board of Trustees under Board Resolution No. 2009-0652 dated June 18, 2009. The change in corporate colors is expected to help foster a stronger sense of identity for UE and consolidate the marketing efforts of the University. Along with the change, an ad hoc committee chaired by Executive Vice President Carmelita G. Mateo was formed to draft the implementing rules and guidelines on the use of the new University colors. The final copy of the report was submitted last September 14 and was approved thereafter by President Ester A. Garcia. The report covers the use of the new University Colors on the University Seal, and the University Flag as well as guidelines on the College Pennants, the Academic Gowns, the UE ID and the Corporate Seal. The red-and-white University Seal was launched at the unveiling of the exhibit for UE’s 63rd Foundation Anniversary on both the Manila and Caloocan Campuses. The University Seal’s design remains similar to its blue and gold incarnation: a circular design with two main concentric circles, with the words UNIVERSITY OF THE EAST in Gothic-type letters on the top of the outer circle and “PHILIPPINES” in the same letter type. The inner circle has a shield on which rests an open book, a feather and a burning torch with five concentric circles radiating from the burning torch; at the bottom of the shield, a ribbon is shown inscribed with the number “1946.” In the new version of the seal, the formerly blue elements are colored red: mainly the text “UNIVERSITY OF THE EAST” and “PHILIPPINES” in the outer circle, and the background of the inner circle. The former yellow areas of the seal, such as the background of the outer circle, are now white. As always, the size of the seal, whether in enlargement or reduction, should always be done in such a way that its parts would remain proportional. The University Seal will be used commonly in official documents, publications, office supplies, items of clothing, banners and flags. Also covered by the new directives are the University

Flag, which shall be in the official colors as well. The cloth to be used is satin or any comparable material with a size of 36 inches by 69 inches. The design of the flag shall consist of a red background with a 22-inch University Seal in the middle. On the upper part, in Roman-type four-inch letters, shall be inscribed “UNIVERSITY OF THE EAST.” The flag shall be bounded by a white tassel. The flag shall be commonly used for ceremonial purposes such as commencement rites, conferment of honorary degrees, investitures, convocations, intramurals and inter-university games, and other official rites of the University. In fact, the red-and-white UE flag was seen onstage during this November’s three midyear graduation rites at the UE Theatre. College Emblems/Pennants are still to follow the official colors of the College but in combination with red and white. Like the University Flag, they are to be made of satin or similar materials; the size shall be 36 inches by 69 inches. The design of the College Pennant shall be: on the upper portion of the pennant, the words “UNIVERSITY OF THE EAST” are inscribed in Roman-type four-inch letters; on the lower portion, the name of the College (or of the Graduate School) in the same letter type. In the center of the pennant is the logo of the College (or of the Graduate School) displayed in concentric circles, with the outer circle bounded by a scallop. In no way is the pennant to be used as a University Seal. The College Pennant shall be used for ceremonial purposes only and together with the University Flag. With regard to the Academic Gown, the official colors of the Academic Gowns to be used by the University Officials for graduation and conferment of honorary degrees shall always be followed. The UE ID shall also undergo a makeover, and the new design, as approved by the Vice Chairman, shall be issued to and worn by the Officers of the University, academic and administrative teaching and non-teaching personnel, and students. The Corporate Seal shall follow the design of the University Seal. Based in part on the memo of President Ester A. Garcia dated October 22, 2009

UE Today September-December 2009

I distinctly recall what I said in my closing remarks in last year’s testimonial dinner in honor of the new CPAs which turned out to be a prophecy: “The best is yet to come!” Today the UE College of Business AdministrationCaloocan has produced its best student in the person of Jamie Ann Datol. I am proud of her achievement and hopeful that like TOSP’s No. 1 student and now CPA, Professor Richardson Navor, she will help me push the College of Business Administration to greater heights. I dreamt of Jamie. Yes, you heard me right, I dreamt of Jamie. When I was called in 2006 by a former classmate in UE, former Dean Eduardo Trinidad, my predecessor, to apply for and occupy the post he was vacating, I was reluctant at first. Reluctant because I never had a formal teaching assignment and did not imagine myself qualified for the prestigious job. But deep within, I felt something which excited me and that was the chance to finally share my knowledge with many young people who wanted to improve themselves, their families and their clans through education. I remember writing something in the Dawn’s December 1971 issue which was a piece I showed my classmate, former PRC Commissioner Avelina De La Rea, who was then Features Editor of the student paper. She liked what I wrote and published it. The article was entitled “Education is not a grade.” When I look back, I realized that the article too was quite prophetic as I was led to becoming a dean whose preoccupation is exactly that. The Girl with the Warrior Spirit Jamie Ann Datol is a beautiful, intelligent but humble student. She is the second of four girls to parents Fernando and Nilda Datol. Her eldest sister Jennylyn graduated from UE with a BSA degree last year. Her younger sisters, Joanna Marie and Janine Rose, are third- and first-year students in BSA, also in UE Caloocan. All four girls are good in class but they concede that Jamie is the best among them. Jamie almost made it to the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines search for the National Capital Region. There were only 20 who were chosen and she ranked 21st. The reason: her leadership quality was not very evident because she did not figure prominently in

school organizations. But Jamie is not complaining because she gave Jesus and Mary higher priority in her young life. She was more active in church activities. She was a UE CCPian. Her philosophy in life is “Nothing is impossible with God.” Despite her meek looks, Jamie is a very competitive person. She joined every competition that opened up to her. She was a consistent winner in intra-school contests and in inter-school competitions of the Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (JPIA). She came back with a medal or a plaque every time she joined a competition. She even won as a runner-up in the Mr. and Ms. JPIA Ambassadors of Goodwill contest. Jamie’s face is quite a familiar one. She appeared on the cover of the latest UE Student Manual together with Jonathan Mandon, another Batch ’09 graduate and BTOP scholar. And she was headlined by the Dawn last September 11 after she topped the REZA mock board examination. It was a preview to the national prominence she earned last October when she bagged the 4th place in the CPA Board exams with a grade of 91%. As soon as people learned about Jamie’s feat last October, job offers came streaming her way. The big firms tried every enticement to get her to say yes. But the one who got her was Isla Lipana, the firm who awarded her with a medal of excellence when she graduated at the PICC . Jamie attributes her success to God and to many people— her family, friends, mentors, the Christian Communities Program family, UE, the UE Accounting Alumni Honors Club, Inc. the REZA family, and those who consistently prayed for her success. She considers the following teachers as her favorites: Prof. Perla Sia in Accounting, Prof. Cynthia Deauna in English, and Prof. Rosalia Arao in Mathematics. She is grateful to all her teachers and school administrators for all the support and inspiration she got while in UE. Jamie is a good role model for UE students. Adversity made her strong. Her focus and “warrior spirit” developed her to become the champion she is now.

f o t m a e r D I

e i Jam By Dean Estelita D. Bello UE College of Business Administration-Caloocan

UE Today September-December 2009

Proof That I Am “Home” Indeed, the story of Jamie is a very interesting one. She was not a class valedictorian in high school. In UE, she was not a UE-Tan Yan Kee scholar. She was neither a Business Top Student scholar. She was just an “ordinary” student taking up Bachelor of Science in Accountancy (BSA) and discovered after her freshman year that she could become the best student if she wanted it. She developed the conviction to do her best as soon as she realized that her OFW father was not going back to Saudi Arabia and be separated from his family again. She realized that the family had to tighten its belt to make ends meet. She wanted to relieve her parents of the financial burden that the education of four daughters had imposed and so she challenged herself to study harder in order to earn a scholarship from the University. She succeeded in doing that and since then consistently kept her scholarship (more on this below). In May 2009, she graduated Cum Laude and a College Distinguished Graduate awardee. When I was new in UE, I heard about the story of Jamie. She was the classmate of my College Secretary’s son, Janus Aries Simbillo. College Secretary Lilian Simbillo was all praises for Jamie. She told me her story and recommended her to me as a possible scholar for the group led by my friend, Mr. Elrey Ramos, who I was tapping for scholarship grants. I heard many stories of young students wanting to study but hampered in this aspect by the inability of their parents to pay the tuition fees. I knew I have many friends who came from families with simple means but became successful through hard work and perseverance. I was impressed with Jamie’s story and wanted to help her financially, so I recommended her, including a few others, for the scholarship. Elrey Ramos, a UE CBA 1971 graduate and one of the Top 60 Diamond Jubilee awardees of the University in 2006, was very impressed with her and awarded her the Accounting Honors Alumni Association, Inc. (AHAAI) scholarship. The award consisted of half the tuition fee, book and uniform allowance of P2,500 per annum and P3,000 in monthly stipend. Continued on page 9

University of the East Colleges of Business Administration

congratulate all the UE graduates turned new CPAs, led by

Jamie Ann D.C. 4th Place (91%),

Datol

October 2009 CPA Licensure Examination UE BS Accountancy Graduate, Cum Laude and College Distinguished Graduate, SY 2008-2009 University Scholar and Accounting Honors Alumni Association Inc. Scholar Nominee, Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines 2008

The UE Caloocan graduates turned new CPAs:

The UE Manila graduates turned new CPAs:

Angelica Sales BADAJOS Rachel Anne Gallardo BATARA Maricar Dela Cerna CAYA Jamie Ann Dela Cruz DATOL (4th Place: 91.00%) Carlo Aquino DE JESUS Ryan Randall Pilapil ESQUILLO Herlyn Andrea Cardente EUGENIO Angel Riza Trinidad GONZALES Rachelene Tabuna GRANADA Mary Ann Miranda GUANZON Margarete Bernadine Tarala JAYO Odette Marie Sales LAGRAN Faye Esmerald Soriano LEE Jamaica Joyce Rolluqu LLANES Lilybeth Tenorio LLANTO Jonathan Cabali MANDON Jonalyn Sanchez MARTIN Kimberley Malanum PALAROAN Katrin Angelica Alegado REYES Christian Santos TAGULAO Julie Anne Dacillo TURING Lorraine Marcial VEGA

Mark Christian Magana ABABA Shiela Flores ADOBAS Jeofeline Reyes AGUILAR Mary Joy Barbosa BARTOLINE Rechelle Anne Colobong BUGAYONG Christopher Pecson BUNGUBUNG Araceli Enriquez CABARLES Jennie Ayson CATACUTAN Leila Manarondon DARAPA Romera Feliciano DE JESUS Carlito Delos Santos ESMERIZ JR. Princesa Joy Ginez FLORENTIN Richard Son Domingo GANAPÁN Jo Ann Bartolomé GOTIANGCO Rose Marie Malig-on KUA John Reyward Aguillera LAMANO Marie Abegail Guevarra LIWAG Jestoni Quetua LOMIBAO Maria Rochelle Pagsuyuin MABBAYAD Mark Noel Rapsing MACAPAGAT Vanessa Donnabel Fuentes MANITO Don Vincent Lou Tampil MATE III Mark Jeffrey Misagal MATUTES Jade Narciso MOLO Michael Jan Figueroa MONTANCES Elnor Faith Ann Salvador PAGUIRIGAN Josefino Vergel PALERMO Genielee De Guzman PASCASIO Nathaniel Onrubia PERALTA Maisie Anne Torres PIROS Juan Paolo Fronda PUA Rachel Cabal PUNZALAN Joana Caras QUIAMBAO Janice Ballares RAMOS Marvin Ryan Icban RAYOS Syrem Liwanag REGUNA Ronamarie Vitug ROQUE Kristopher Kaiser Sangalang SALAMAT Maria Connie Ballesteros SAMULDE Leah Dellomas SANTOR Dayrelle Soringa SERVIDAD Daryl Tomas UY Feyne Angela Nahiwan VARGAS Rommel Talosig ZIMARA

The testimonial dinner for the UE graduates turned new CPAs was held on November 19, 2009 (Thursday), 6 p.m., at Century Park Hotel in Malate, Manila.

UE Today September-December 2009

University of the East-Caloocan Campus College of Engineering congratulates the UE graduates turned new Electronics and Communications Engineers, led by

Engr. Danny R.

Supnet

2nd Place (90.50%) October 26 & 27, 2009 ECE Licensure Examination

UE ECE Graduate, Cum Laude, SY 2008-2009 University Scholar and College Scholar

Congratulations,

New Electrical Engineers! The UE Colleges of Engineering congratulate their graduates turned new electrical engineers who passed the Electrical Engineering Board Examination conducted by the PRC on September 12 and 13, 2009.

The successful examinees of the College of Engineering-Caloocan are:

The successful examinees of the College of Engineering-Manila are:

Jairus Russell L. Bautista Elijah Blues S. Chua Rolando A. Cultura Dannie Rei G. Daquigan Jay Rald M. Mariano Raymond L. Ostras Gerald B. Salonga

Ludovico S. Camba Jr. Christer M. Colarina John Michael C. Galat Lester M. Macalipay Joey F. Ramos

The College of Engineering-Manila’s passing rate: 62.5% (5 out of 8) The College of Engineering-Caloocan’s passing rate: 42.14% (7 out of 16) The National passing rate: 42.13% 8

UE Today September-December 2009

CPA topnotcher Jamie Ann Datol flanked by Dean Estelita Bello (at right) and CBA Caloocan’s ACLAT Chair, Prof. Emeteria Dalisay

I Dreamt of Jamie Continued from page 7 She enjoyed this scholarship until her graduation. Her sister, Jennylyn, a recent graduate of UE Caloocan, financed her CPA review at REZA. The story of Jamie is not unique. I have two more students enjoying the AHAAI scholarships and they are Niño Mar Santos and Beverly Raposas. They are both in their fifth year and will graduate next year. I dreamt of Jamie because when I was considering Dean Ed’s idea of my becoming dean. I thought of poor but intelligent students who merely need financial support and inspiration. I knew I was good at inspiring people because I am gifted with empathy. Because of my own life experience, I can easily put myself in the shoes of others. I lost my father in a PAL DC-3 plane crash in a virgin forest in Occidental Mindoro in 1966 when I was barely 15 years old. Since then I knew I was facing a difficult life ahead because I have four siblings, and at that early age I already knew the head of the

Jamie Ann with some of her fellow CBA Caloocan graduates turned new CPAs and some of their mentors at the thanksgiving reception tendered by the College last October 21 at the Tan Yan Kee Academic Building

family ought to be me. I foresaw that I would send two sisters to school when I started working. When I decided to agree to become the dean of UE Caloocan College of Business Administration, I made a vow to do my best to help poor students become their dreams— successful and useful citizens of the Philippines. I vowed to share everything I know and every experience I have to inspire them and others who may want to profit from my stories, but only with this thought in mind: “Lord, you have given me so many gifts and I have developed and nurtured them one by one; lead me where I am needed.” I dreamt of Jamie. Now I can say, the dream has been realized. JAMIE: Jesus and Mary Inspire Excellence. I am a dreamer. And a doer as well. I will continue to dream and continue to do for the betterment of the future where Jamie and many more young people will lead. My little contribution will be the work I have done and hope to continue to do in the future. I thank God for leading me back to UE. UE is where I was educated and did not just get the grade. UE is my home.

UE Today September-December 2009

University of the East-Caloocan Campus College of Engineering

UE Today September-December 2009

University of the East congratulates its TOPNOTCHERS and other successful examinees in the National Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) given on October 4, 2009

Noemi Ruth A. ASISTIO 5th Place (87.00%)

Rachel Anne D. DECLARO 7th Place (89.20%)

LET-Elementary Level UE Bachelor of Elementary Education, Major in Home Economics, April 2009

LET-Secondary Level UE Bachelor of Secondary Education, Major in English, April 2009

UEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s LET-Elementary Level passing percentage: 46.67% National Passing Percentage: 19.93%

UEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s LET-Secondary Level passing percentage: 47.27% National Passing Percentage: 28.20% The UE graduates turned new secondary-level teachers are:

The UE graduates turned new elementary-level teachers are: Noemi Ruth A. Asistio (87.00, 5th Placer; Specialization: Home Economics and Livelihood Education) Mae Ann A. Aplasca Dohna P. Baylon Jenny P. Cruz Syra B. Mombay Melissa L. Paulino Regine Marie C. Solante

Rachel Anne D. Declaro (89.20, 7th Placer; Specialization: English) Mona Lisa G. Sabaneco (84.40; Math) Cheryl Ann. A. Boado (81.80; English) Maristel O. Gomez (81.60; Technology and Livelihood Education Jennet C. Haling (81.40; Values) Rowell R. Fabreo (80.80; Values) Mark Angilo S. Alceso Vicky Amata Merly N. Baja Mary Mae P. Baylosis Cheryly Joan A. Boado

Emilio R. Dollete Salvador C. Galindo II James Bryan V. Garcia Mario M. Hernando Jr. Marah P. Juanillo Hannah C. Manahan Mark Alvin C. Ocampo Rosauro L. Palenzuela Maria Romelyn C. Perez Jenina Christine D. Quillang Pamela A. Rigor Reyes Jerome M. Sahagun Lucy P. Santiago Christian John L. Tentia Marie Jane S. Umali Redenta A. Ungria Caprice Katrine Villaflores

UE Today September-December 2009

Former UE President Josefina R. Cortes Passes Away

Dr. Josefina R. Cortes, 1928-2009

Dr. Josefina Rian Cortes, the ninth President of the University of the East, has passed away. Born on June 18, 1928, Dr. Cortes was 81 years old when she succumbed to a lingering illness on October 12, 2009. Dr. Cortes, who had devoted her professional career mainly to the education sector and to research, was President and Chief Academic Officer of UE from July 1998 to June 2003. After retiring from her work at the University of the Philippines, and upon the invitation of then UE President Rosalina S. Cajucom, Dr. Cortes joined UE in 1994 as Dean of the Graduate School. In 1995, she was appointed Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs. In 1997, she was appointed Acting President. Her investiture as UE’s ninth President took place on October 8, 1998, at the UE Theatre. While she was UE President, Dr. Cortes was also a Trustee/ Board Member of UE, of the UE Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center Inc. (UERMMMCI), and of the UE Foundation for Research and Advanced Studies Inc. (UE-FRASI). Under Dr. Cortes’ presidency, UE undertook improvements aimed at restoring its academic luster among the universities not just of the University Belt but of the country. During what was a nine-year stint in all, she spearheaded the improvement of or innovations in UE’s academic programs (towards attaining accreditation), faculty development, responsive academic services, investment in research initiatives, alliances with institutional peers and relevant companies, intensification of outreach programs, and other endeavors—all of which have contributed to UE’s resurgence as a student-friendly environment. Dr. Cortes was likewise a Trustee of the Foundation for Upgrading the Standard of Education (FUSE). She was also an officer or member of professional organizations such as the National Research Council of the Philippines, the Philippine Society for the Advancement of Science, the Comparative and International Education Society, Pi Lambda Theta Philippines, the UP Research Organization for Better Education, and the Philippine Association of Graduate Education (or PAGE, of which she was a Board Member and was the Chairperson of the Committee on Research). Dr. Cortes was a 1951 Bachelor of Science in Education graduate, Cum Laude, of UP. She later earned two postgraduate degrees in the USA: Master of Arts, Major in Southeast Asian History from the University of California in Berkeley, and Ph.D. in International Development Education from Stanford University. She was later on a recipient of several scholarships and fellowships, including the Fulbright-Smith Mundt Grant and the International Peace Scholarship. At UP, Dr. Cortes taught graduate courses in educational

UE Today September-December 2009

administration and became the first Director of the UP Education Research Program, holding that post from 1990 to 1993. At the UP College of Education, she had been the Director of the Office of Research and Development, Director of the Office of Graduate Studies, and Acting Chairman of the Department of Educational Administration. She held the Professional Chair in Development Education from 1978 to 1986, and the Professorial Chair in Educational Research from 1991 to 1993. She retired from UP, as Professor of Educational Administration of its College of Education, in 1993. She had been a consultant, researcher or resource person of major national studies in Philippine education, some of which were the Presidential Commission to Survey Philippine Education in 1970 and the UNESCO-funded research on Higher Education in the Philippines. For the Congressional Commission to Review and Assess Philippine Education of 1990-1991, she was Chair of the Panel of Consultants for Area I: Education and Manpower Development; the findings and recommendations of the panel’s “EDCOM Survey” became the basis for the reorganization of the Philippine educational system in 1995, which in turn led to the creation of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), as well as the laws on the creation of Centers for Excellence for Teacher Education, the Professionalization of the Teaching Profession, and several administrative reforms concerning education. Dr. Cortes was also an author of several books, book chapters and articles published in local journals and international publications, most of which concerned higher education in the country. Her doctoral dissertation on “Factors Associated with the Migration of High-Level Persons from the Philippines” was acknowledged as a pioneering research on the socio-psychological factors associated with the exodus of professionals from developing countries, giving rise to further studies on the Philippines’ “brain drain” phenomenon. A native of the town of Libon in Albay province, Dr. Cortes was the eighth of ten children of the late Julian Cortes and Amanda Rian. She had also served as Chairman of the Libon Historical Committee and was an active member of the Board of Directors of Santiago de Libon Inc., an organization that has undertaken civic, religious and educational projects for her hometown. Dr. Cortes’ remains lie in state at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish on Mahinhin Street in Diliman, Quezon City from October 12 to October 17, 2009. The University will host a necrological mass for the eternal repose of her soul on October 15, 2009, at the Parish. A final mass will be held for Dr. Cortes on October 17, 9 a.m., after which her remains will be brought for cremation to the Arlington Crematory on Araneta Avenue, Quezon City. Dr. Cortes is survived by her nephews and nieces. The UE community condoles with the family of its ninth President, Dr. Josefina R. Cortes. Bert B. Sulat Jr.

“Dr. Cortes Had Never Really Left UE” By Dr. ESTER A. GARCIA This was the eulogy for former UE President Dr. Josefina R. Cortes by UE President Ester A. Garcia on October 15, 2009, Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Diliman, QC. The eulogies printed on pages 14 to 16 in this issue were likewise delivered that evening. Dr. Josefina Rian Cortes has left us, but only physically. I would rather believe that, especially for those of us in UE and in the academic sector per se, she continues to be with us in spirit. What do I mean? Let me get to that shortly. Anyone who would read Dr. Cortes’s three-page, articlestyle résumé, which she had written and last updated in 2005, would notice that, besides her name, there is one word that is often repeated about her academic background and professional career. That word is “education.” For one thing, her college course, taken at UP Diliman, was Bachelor of Science in Education. Her Ph.D., which she earned from Stanford University, was in International Development Education. Before joining UE, she had held various positions, including Professorial Chairs in Development Education and in Educational Research as well as Professor of Educational Administration, at the UP College of…Education. Dr. Cortes had authored books concerning education and had written articles or chapters that were published in journals and other publications here and abroad, including in the International Encyclopedia of Higher Education. She had been a consultant, researcher or resource person for major studies on Philippine higher education. For the Congressional Commission to Review and Assess Philippine Education, she chaired the Panel of Consultants for Education and Manpower Development; the Panel’s findings and recommendations became the basis for the reorganization of the Philippine educational system in 1995, which led to the creation of the Commission on Higher Education or CHED and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority or TESDA—two institutions that remain vital to our country’s academic sector. Dr. Cortes was likewise a scholar, a fellowship holder and, for several years, a high school teacher. She was also an officer or a member of a variety of relevant organizations, such as having been a Trustee of FUSE or the Foundation for Upgrading the Standard of Education, the Chair of the Committee on Research of the Philippine Association of Graduate Education, and a Member of the Research Board of Advisers of the American Biographical Institute. At UE, she started in 1994 as the Dean of the Graduate School, before becoming Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs in 1995, then Acting President in 1997, until formally becoming UE’s ninth President and Chief Academic Officer in 1998 up to her resignation in 2003. As UE President, Dr. Cortes was also a Member of the University’s Board of Trustees, and was a Trustee as well of UERMMMCI or the UE Ramon Magsaysay Medical Center Inc.; she remained a Trustee of both institutions up to 2007. She had also been the President and a Trustee of UE-FRASI or the UE Foundation for Research

and Advanced Studies Inc. All told, this is why even long after she bid UE farewell, President Cortes had never really left the University, so to speak. The many reforms and projects she had instigated in UE that have led to its academic resurgence in the 1990s and early this millennium, not to mention the many reforms and endeavors she had spearheaded or been a crucial part of for education itself on a national, and even international, scale—these continue to influence and redound upon all of us who are part of the country’s academic community. And that is no matter if we are administrators, teachers, employees or, most of all, students. Education, and the development of education, was clearly foremost in President Cortes’s heart and mind. I suspect that, having acquired topnotch education—which also included a Master of Arts degree in Southeast Asian History from the University of California at Berkeley—she wanted as many of her fellow Filipinos as possible to have quality education, the kind that is not only intrinsically sound but is also in step with global trends and developments. And so she wound up devoting practically her entire life to education and educational development. Of course, despite the immeasurable amount of time and energy President Cortes had devoted to education, she likewise was at the forefront of or gave her full support to many other endeavors or matters, including subjects such as the migration of workers from the Philippines and her own beloved hometown of Libon in Albay. That we do not have the luxury of time here to delve into all that she had done in her highly productive career attests to how big—even colossal—her collective impact has been not just to the individuals and organizations she had worked with but also to the countless beneficiaries of all the studies, researches and recommendations she had helped bring to fruitful fruition. To Dr. Josefina Rian Cortes, as well as to her family, colleagues and close friends who had kept her company, especially in the last days of her Earthly life, we at UE say, Thank you very much. We know that “Thank you” is just a two-word phrase and, even if we say it now to her with utmost sincerity, respect and gratitude, it is still heavily dwarfed by all that President Cortes had achieved—not just in UE but in all her eight full decades with all of us. So here is what we propose: Whenever we in UE would remember President Cortes—be it in the quiet of our respective offices or in the din of celebrations, be it as we go about our hectic work or as we commemorate a milestone here and there—our hearts and minds would always say, “Thank you” to her. And we would like to think and hope that every time, President Cortes would always hear us and wear that smile of hers that we shall never forget.

UE Today September-December 2009

Eulogies for Former UE President Josefina R. Cortes

“I Will Treasure Our Fond Memories” By Dr. JESUSA J. DACUMOS Dr. Dacumos was UE’s Vice President for Academic Affairs.

President Cortes, flanked by Chairman P. O. Domingo and VPAA Jesusa Dacumos, at her investiture in 1998 at the UE Theatre.

I’ve known Dr. Cortes way back in the ’80s when she was still with the National Science Development Board (NSDB) and in UP. She was then invited as a guest speaker in a conference sponsored by the defunct Bureau of Higher Education, now the CHED. According to Dr. Cortes, education is both a right and a privilege, and being such, one is obliged to share whatever it is he has received with the rest of humanity. Dr. Cortes’ stint in the field of education started way back in 1951, when she was employed as an Instructor at the Albay Normal School. Afterwards, she opted to transfer to the local public school where she stayed until 1955. She then went to the University of California in Berkeley, where she earned her master’s degree in 1956. She returned to the country and worked as Technical Assistant for Education at the NSDB, where she spent the next 17 years of her life. While at the NSDB, she was granted an International Development Fellowship under the USAID program, which prompted her to go on study leave for her doctoral degree at Stanford University, USA, which she earned in 1969. After several stints in research and consultancy, she heeded the call of her alma mater, the University of the Philippines, to return to the academe. After 19 years with UP, she rose to become a professor in educational administration teaching graduate courses, and at the same time holding several chairmanship and directorial positions. While at the State University, she became a recipient of various awards;

UE Today September-December 2009

many of these awards were given by UP, the Department of Education and other instrumentalities. Such is her love and dedication to learning and teaching that, shortly after her retirement from UP in 1994, she accepted the offer of then UE President Dr. Rosalina S. Cajucom to be the Dean of the UE Graduate School. Recalling her remarks during a program organized by some of her UP colleagues at the eve of her retirement, she said, “Well, I’ve fought the good fight and now, I’ve reached the finish line.” “I wonder,” she said, “Is there life after UP?” Bravely, she continued, “I think there is, for God will provide!” And indeed, the good Lord has provided for the petite lady who has been a giant in the teaching profession to become the Second Woman President of the University of the East. Dr. Cortes was invested as the ninth President of UE on October 8, 1998. She was a devotee of Our Lady of La Naval, which is celebrated every year during October; now, she died on October 12, 2009. We may say that it’s a coincidence, but putting all these dates together, I would say that the month of October is perhaps very significant in her life. Ma’am Pin, as she was fondly called, was truly a friend and a confidant. She was a woman of action. I will indeed truly treasure the fond memories we spent together in UE. I really will not forget those happy days that we spent in UE. We often had lunch at her office especially when we travelled together in different Asean countries as guest speaker, as a resource person or a participant of the ASAIHL (Association of South East Asian Institutions of Higher Learning). Those happy days will surely stay in my mind and in my heart, Ma’am Pin! Before I end my short tribute, I would like to share these words to live by. “A day is no less glorious because it gives way to night; a glowing career is no less satisfying because you finally join your Creator peacefully; a relationship that once brought you happiness is no less wonderful because it finally came apart in the end. Happiness is the dividend of a well-invested life. Continue planting good seeds and the Good Lord will give them back to you a lifetime.” “Goodbye, Ma’am Pin, and ’til we meet again, pero huwag pa sa ngayon.” Kailangan pa ako ng aking limang anak at 18 na mga apo. Thank you. Dear Lord, we pray for the eternal repose of the soul of our beloved Dr. Cortes. She died peacefully with you, oh Lord, and so we commend her soul to you. Take her in your loving care in Heaven. All of these, oh Lord, we ask you in Jesus’ name. Amen.

“She Shared Precious Lessons in Life” By Prof. MA. LOURDES C. SANCHEZ Prof. Sanchez was the Director of UE’s Textbooks Evaluation and Publishing Office and University Relations Officer. Saying “goodbye” is never easy…especially not to someone who has touched one’s life in a rather endearing way. But, as immortalized in Ecclesiastes III, “To everything there is a reason and a time to every purpose under the heavens.” For Dr. Josefina Rian Cortes of Libon, Albay, the time to move on to life eternal has come. My dilemma, when EVP Lita Mateo telephoned to ask me to take part in this necrological service, was how to capsulate 14 years of my relationship with Ma’am Pin Cortes in a more or less five-minute talk. Thus, my hesitancy to comply with the EVP’s request. But then, I can never say “no” to the very persuasive EVP and her disarming approach. Part of my hesitancy was the knowledge that remembering bygone days would trigger a sense of nostalgia which could pain the heart. Dr. Josefina Cortes came to UE as Dean of the Graduate School in 1994 upon the invitation of then President Rosalina S. Cajucom. But not until she was appointed Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs in 1995 and Acting President in 1997 did I get the chance, as TEPO Director, to work with her. Interviewing her for a newspaper publication in connection with her investiture as UE’s ninth president was my first rather lengthy interaction with her. As time rolled on, I realized more and more that truly, “Precious gifts come in small packages.” Indeed, she was Divine Providence’s gift to UE. For this petite, genteel and soft-spoken lady—after accepting that there could be life after UP, contrary to her initial apprehensions—was determined to steer UE towards becoming one of the best universities in the country. The work ethic and the devotion to duty she manifested in her attempts to attain her goal was evident to those who worked with her. She showed by example, more than by words, the seriousness of her purpose. She would always come to her office on time and stay on often after office hours when the need demanded so. I know, for I sometimes rode home with her. Time and again, she would tell me that UE had grown on her, so to speak, and had stirred in her a consuming passion to work for academic excellence. Obviously, she had learned to love UE. When she asked me to keep her company during lunch

Pres. Cortes and TEPO Director/URO Head Ma. Lourdes Sanchez dancing at the post-Christmas 1998 program reception at the Briefing Room.

hour and to eat with her, I sensed that it must really be lonely at the top. So I gladly complied and this daily routine led to a lifelong friendship. Although during lunch hour, she was not the Big Boss and I a mere underling; there was a tacit understanding that when it came to matters pertaining to our work, no privileges, no concessions would be accorded to me. Many a time though, I turned to her when frustrated or disappointed. Ever generous with consoling words and practical advice, she was a compassionate and understanding confidante and did not begrudge sharing with me precious lessons in life gleaned from her experience and which could assuage my hurts. By her actuations and through enlightening conversations, she showed me that in the autumn of one’s life and with winter about to tiptoe in, life could still be beautiful, if we retain a child-like curiosity and awe at anything wonderfully new, and a genuine delight at the unexpected niceties which could make the remaining years still pleasurable. In the regrettably infrequent telephone conversations we had after leaving UE, we would remind each other not to forget “to smell the roses” and not to relegate to the mists of time that zest for life and living which makes one ever young at heart. I am glad that I did not miss attending her birthday celebrations from the time she left UE until this year. I know this pleased her very much. Ma’am Pin, I’d rather not say “goodbye,” but “till we meet again in a happier place.” However, as my classmate Maur Aquino Lichauco said at President Cory’s necrological service, not so soon, please. Thank you for listening and for bearing with me.

UE Today September-December 2009

Eulogies for Former UE President Josefina R. Cortes “She Transformed My Outlook in Life” By Prof. ERWIN B. BERMILLO Prof. Bermillo is currently the Executive Assistant to the UE President and a CAS Manila professor. He was the Executive Assistant to the President during Dr. Cortes’ term and is a former Admissions Director of the University. My coming to this place this evening is soaked in nostalgia and sorrow for two reasons. First, it was in May 1985 when I initially set foot in this church when I entered Claret Seminary, together with 39 other seminarians. At that time, we occupied the part of the church upstairs, near the altar, as a choir—fighting off the vapors of sleep in early morning and in the wee hours of the night. For some reasons—completely fallacious, in my case—the Claretian priests at that time seemed to have believed that sound voices lurked in sound minds. Second, after 24 years, I humbly accept, that I am back in this very place to deliver a eulogy and to mourn the loss of our beloved former President of the University of the East, Dr. Josefina R. Cortes. I will always remember Dr. Cortes in three contexts that reveal her character more than anything else. First, my acquaintance with Dr. Cortes was such a twist of fate. She was then the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs when she invited me to be her Technical Assistant. But prior to my appointment, somebody was already considered for the position. In fact, the appointment was already approved and confirmed by the Board of Trustees. Armed solely with guts, and not even with the basics of office etiquette, I hesitantly accepted her invitation with a deep sense of caution that if I fell short of her expectations, I would always be ready to accept my fate. But Dr. Cortes was such a kind and dedicated mentor that, for her, nobody was too dumb to learn the rudiments of office work. I could still recall the first letter she asked me to draft. It was a reply letter to the late Sen. Raul Roco. I was so downhearted because she practically edited my work, flooded it with red marks, except for the periods and the commas. The second letter I composed was even worse: she dropped all the paragraphs I scribbled, except for the greetings and the closing. I was so upset that something was already prowling in my mind: that is, I was doomed to fail. However, despite my shortcomings, she never vented any ire on me. On the contrary, she made me grasp the meaning of perseverance and hard work. In her most polite manner, she would offer a piece of advice, hone my writing skill and crafted it to near perfection. After a few years of working together, our work became more seamless and working with her became such great fun. Although at times, in all her candor, she was brutally frank, she nevertheless paid special attention to the small successes we achieved in the office. She never ran out of snatches of sweet praises that were quite pleasing to our ears, such as “With you in the office, no job is insurmountable.

UE Today September-December 2009

Thank you and keep up the good work.” Second was when I could not finish my graduate studies in UP because I was so immersed with my work in the office that I forgot the writing of my thesis. Dr. Cortes seemed to be in such great anxiety about the state of my academic endeavor that she tried to find ways so I could finish my studies. She lobbied to our beloved late Chairman P. O. Domingo, who was then the Executive Director of Tan Yan Kee Foundation Inc., to finance my studies. She was also concerned with the family affairs of her staffers in the office. During days of trials and anxiety, when my wife and I felt as if the earth had opened up and swallowed us whole due to the demise of our newborn baby, she stood out among those whose generosity became our source of strength and inspiration. She helped us bear our pains with joyful resignation to the eternal plan of God. For Dr. Cortes, there were no reasons or excuses not to attend simple family affairs of her staffers. She dined with her office assistant during the christening of the latter’s son at the UP Chapel. She was with her secretaries when they tied the knot and exchanged “I do’s” with their respective hubbies. And she was with my wife Judith and I to grieve for the loss of our little angels. Indeed, Dr. Cortes’ unselfish and unconditional sharing of her gifts, has transformed my outlook in life. I am pretty sure that there are many other people in this place who had likewise experienced the blessings of learning from her. Finally, despite all her accolades and achievements, she remained simple and humble up to her passing away. Her humility was anchored on her deep sense of religiosity. She never advertised her religious conviction; she kept it to herself. A fellow Bicolano, she was equally anxious about the state of my soul. Every time I went home to Bicol at that time, she would ask me if I paid my visit to “Ina,” which is how Bicolanos call Our Lady of Peñafrancia. She would often remind me that no one might be too busy to attend to the affairs of Heaven. But how strange life is, this place where I started to dream about life 24 years ago would be the same place I would pay homage to the person who taught me about life. Either fate, or God, must love to play tricks on people or there are just many ways of circumnavigating the globe. That we would meet somewhere at one point in time and understand each other’s journey, that is the wonder of it, that is the magic of it. Ma’am, I would not be what I am now and where I am now today had it not been for you. With all humility, “I could now fly higher than an eagle, for you are the wind beneath my wings.” “Thank God for YOU, the wind beneath my wings.”

Libraries Assistant Director Helen Jamin Passes Away

rs. Helen Punsalan Jamin, a longtime employee of the UE Department of Libraries most recently serving as Assistant Libraries Director, passed away due to complications of an illness on October 13, 2009. She was 61 years old; born in 1947, she would have marked her 62nd birthday last October 21st. Mrs. Jamin first came to UE in 1972, when she enrolled at the Graduate School. A 1968 alumna of the University of Santo Tomas with the degree of Bachelor of Science in Education, Major in Library Science, she took up Master of Arts in Teaching, Major in Library Science at the UE Graduate School, eventually completing all of the academic requirements. Her professional career began in 1968 as a librarian of the Marikina School of Arts and Trades, a post she held up to 1970. She then became a teacher librarian for four schools in Manila: E. Aguinaldo High School (1970-1985), Division of City Schools (1970-1988), C. Arellano High School (1985-1986) and R. Magsaysay High School (1986-1988). From 1988 to 1992, she was the Supervisor of Libraries for the High School department of the said Division of City Schools in Manila. Mrs. Jamin “returned” to UE as a faculty member of the College of Arts and Sciences-Manila, working as such from 1990 to 2004. Within that period, she became the Chairperson of the CAS Manila’s Department of Library Science, from 1995 to 2003 and, moreover, was the Assistant Director of the Department of Libraries based in UE Manila, at the

main library at the P. O. Domingo Center for Information Technology. Still as Assistant Director, she got assigned to UE Caloocan, specifically to the Benjamin G. Chua Jr. Library at the Tan Yan Kee Academic Building, which serves as the main library on the Caloocan Campus. Mrs. Jamin dedicated her professional life to the pursuit of excellence in the library profession, having attended over 30 conferences, seminars or forums that were mostly about enhancing competency in library work. She was also a member of seven associations in line with her profession: the Philippine Librarians Association Inc. (of which she was a lifetime member), the Children’s Literature Association of the Philippines, the Manila Public Secondary School Library Association, Philippine Association of Teachers of Library and Information Science, the Philippine Association of Academic and Research Libraries, the Philippine Association of School Librarians, and the UST Library Science Alumni Association. A native of Victoria, Tarlac, Mrs. Jamin was the first of two children of Federico A. Punsalan and the late Luz G. Ancheta-Punsalan. Mrs. Jamin is survived by her husband Ramon, their son Raymond, her father Federico and her younger sister Zenaida P. Badavi. Mrs. Jamin’s remains lay in state at the La Funeraria Paz on Araneta Avenue, Quezon City, before the interment on October 17, 2009, 10 a.m., at the Eternal Gardens Memorial Park in Balintawak, Quezon City. Bert B. Sulat Jr.

Replacing Mrs. Jamin as Assistant Director assigned at UE Caloocan is Mrs. Flordelina A. Manzalay. Mrs. Manzalay has actually been the Assistant Director for UE Manila of the Department of Libraries from 2005 until her lateral transfer to UE Caloocan starting October 23, 2009. A UE alumna twice over—earning her BS Education, major in Library Science degree in 1979, and her Master of Library and Information Science degree in 2007 from the UE College of Education and Graduate School, respectively—Mrs. Manzalay began serving UE as a working scholar in 1977 and has been employed since 1978. Apart from her now three-decade service to UE, she was awarded as the University’s Model Rank and File Employee in 1999, when she was still the Librarian of the College of Law.

UE Today September-December 2009

Missing

Two Good Men of

UE Caloocan

By Engr. Norberto V. Francisco Faculty Member, Department of Mechanical Engineering, UE Caloocan

Two other UE Caloocan employees passed away this year: Mr. Jose Tungol Cortez and Mr. Dionicio De Luna Censon, who both belonged to the College of Engineering-Caloocan. • Mr. Cortez was an Evaluator for the College when he passed away on January 19, 2009 at age 59, while Mr. Censon held the rank of Academic Records Clerk III when he passed away on June 7, 2009, at the age of 55. Mr. Cortez hailed from Arayat, Pampanga, while Mr. Censon hailed from Nueva Ecija. Both were longtime UE workers: Mr. Cortez, who is a UE alumnus (BSBA major in Finance, 1985) had logged in 31 years of service to UE and was the Model Rank and File Employee in 2007; Mr. Censon was with the University for over 20 years.—Ed.

Mr. Dionnie Censon

Mr. Censon or Dionnie to us in the Mechanical Engineering Department in UE Caloocan was like a big brother. He was always there to assist us since we started teaching in UE Manila. He was the one who constantly reminded us of due dates for DTR, LFR forms, memos and birthday blowouts in the Dean’s Office. We know of him as always ready to help those who were in need during lean times. To the students he is Tito Dionnie, always willing to help students with problems on enrollment, grade evaluation, and LFR removal. Bubbly and always with a nice smile on his face, he was a very nice person to talk with. He was likewise a coach to the Engineering Men’s and Women’s Volleyball Teams and to the College’s Men’s Basketball Team. He loved good food and would eat to his fill. We were like brothers and sisters to him—more of little brothers and sisters. He would remind, advice and sometimes reprimand those whom he thought went wrong. We miss him. Here’s hoping there would be another Dionnie around.

UE Today September-December 2009

Mr. Joe Cortez

Joe had brought up his children well, respectful, responsible and diligent just like him. We would like to think of him whenever he was around as a playful person. Although faculty members as well as students found him “suplado” and strict to policies—which partly explains why he became the UE Model Employee of 2007. Whenever we were gathered together, his favorite topics were all about problems affecting students with their evaluation, grades, etc. He was most concerned, just like Mr. Censon, about student care. A loving father and husband, he made sure that he had some extras, something nice, to bring home to his brood. I know because he would ask my opinion for it. He is a friend we will miss.

The UE team happily huddles at midcourt after winning against FEU in the Final Four on Sept. 24

The UE Red Warriors Men’s Basketball Team, UAAP Season 72 1st Runner-up

Fighting the Fight of Their Lives By Bert B. Sulat Jr.

No matter how the whole thing concluded, this year’s UAAP Men’s Basketball tournament was nothing short of amazing for the UE Red Warriors and us, their supporters and spectators. Kicking off at the start of 2009 with a rookie coach—Mr. Lawrence T. Chongson, who actually marked his return to the Warriors mentorship, this time as Head Coach—and winning a slew of pre-UAAP games as well as training at the Joe Abunassar Impact Basketball Camp in the USA, not to mention clinching the Easter Showcase championship in Las Vegas, Nevada, against American teams, things for UE’s male basketball squad had shaped up to a simmering momentum as Season 72 drew near. Also appointed as new Team Manager was Dr. Jesus T. Tanchanco Sr., chiefly the Executive Director of UE’s Marketing Department, who took on the task after it was relinquished by the longtime Team Manager, Executive Vice President Carmelita G. Mateo, who nevertheless remained supportive of the entire team. In addition to matters directly affecting the squad, this year also saw two major milestones: the reference to all of the University’s sports teams as UE Red Warriors (for a more unified front and also to boost UE further in the public consciousness) and the sudden passing of beloved P. E. Director Rolando “Brenn” S. Perez on the very eve of the opening of UAAP 72. The Red Warriors’ floor plan, so to speak, turned out to be the so-called run and gun, an essentially loose technique credited, in positive and negative ways alike, to Coach Chongson. In addition, two years down the line, the Red Warriors’ elimination-round performance back in 2007—the era of “14-0”—still haunted the team this year, with some observers signifying relief that not sweeping the two elimination rounds meant that the “reverse sweep” in the Finals two seasons ago would not be replicated this time.

Indeed, early in the elimination round, the Red Warriors were a hit-and-miss ensemble, still bearing the tag of underdog yet were nevertheless a dynamic group that was not about to get stuck in the cellar. (At the end of the first round, they had a 4-3 win-loss card; see page 21 for the game-by-game tally.) By the second round, however, the UE squad was on a roll and gained the proverbial momentum—momentum being an acclaim that Coach Chongson, with dagger-sharp focus on each game, coolly downplayed in interviews so that none of them would rest on laurel after laurel as the tournament wore on. The Red Warriors wound up winning six straight games in the second round—their overall elimination-round standing: 10-4—as they went into familiar terrain: the Final Four. Going into the 2009 Final Four as the third-seeded team versus the second-seeded Far Eastern University Tamaraws— whose school was the UAAP 72 host—the UE Red Warriors proved further that they were a revelation this season. Despite the Tamaraws’ having the twice-to-beat advantage, they indeed got twice beaten by the insatiable Red Warriors— stunning everyone with twin wins (84-74 in the first game, 78-72 in the next one) that marked the Warriors’ first Final Four victory ever in 11 years. (They were exempt from Final Four action in 2007 for having swept the elimination round.) As a result, the excitement became even more palpable: the Warriors have made it to the Final Round, emerging as the one glorious bunch able to mow and plow its way through the field to face an old archenemy, the first-seeded Ateneo De Manila University Blue Eagles. (The last UE-ADMU Finals tiff was in ’88.) On the side, there was some delicious factual garnishing to the Warriors’ plate as they entered the Finals, their latest Finals stint since 2007: the UE Red Warriors became the sixth third-seeded team in UAAP men’s basketball history

UE Today September-December 2009

UE Red Warriors Men’s Basketball Team SY 2009-2010 The Coaching Staff: Coach Lawrence T. Chongson Assistant Coach Renaldo R. Baena Assistant Coach Reonel S. Parado Assistant Coach Josemmanuel L. Palapal Statistician Alexander G. Magsino Physical Therapist/Trainer Andrei Alexei P. Tolentino The Players (in alphabetical order): Kenneth Dale P. Acibar Hezy Val B. Acuña II John Ray G. Alabanza Garrick Glenn J. Ayala Fhadzmir J. Bandaying Erwin M. Duran Elmer T. Espiritu Jairold T. Flores Paul John D. Lee Rudy B. Lingganay Jr. Narciso G. Llagas Jr. John Michael D. Noble Raphael Carlo D. Reyes Jhon Rey C. Sumido Lucas B. Tagarda Paul Christian C. Zamar to win twice against a second-seeded squad; the UE team ranked a high third in field goal shooting (40%); and three Red Warriors—the formidable triumvirate of Elmer Espiritu, Paul Lee and Pari Llagas—were in the tournament’s Top 10, the most number of Top 10 players for any competing team. Moreover, the team had a shot at ending UE’s 24-year title drought in UAAP men’s basketball and just might get a hold of that 19th championship trophy to go with the 18th one earned way back in 1985. The entire team, including Mr. Bong Tan (far right), engage in thankful prayer after Game 2 of the Finals on Sept. 24

UE Today September-December 2009

By then, it was undeniable: UE’s red army was red-hot. Such was the Warriors’ impact that, as the Finals finally unfolded starting October 1—skipping a few days following the devastation wrought upon the land by tropical storm Ondoy on September 26—the Blue Eagles pretty much pulled out all the stops to cool the Red Warriors’ streak, such as by their fans swarming the Araneta Coliseum and rendering the Big Dome a sea of blue. Not that it could not have been an ocean of red; numerous Red Warriors fans were more than willing to pay for tickets, yet somehow the Blue Eagles followers got to score majority of them, such that even on the “UE side” of the Finals audience, there were Ateneans galore. Once again, their earlier eight-game winning streak aside, the UE Red Warriors entered into the Finals as the underdogs—a mark that stayed with them up to Game 1’s end, bowing to a 78-71 clawing by the Blue Eagles. People suddenly remembered that, during the elimination round, the Warriors were twice beaten by the Eagles. And then came Game 2. Before the match-up got cooking anew, the UAAP awards were given out, and two Warriors—Paul Lee and Elmer Espiritu—were heralded as part of the UAAP 72 Mythical Five, UE being the only school with more than one player in that plum top-five roster. In what turned out to be one of the most beautiful Sundays this year, the UE Red Warriors pummeled the blue shirts into submission, mounting a suffocating clog-the-middle defense to complement their run-and-gun restlessness. And what a happy ending it was for us: an 88-68 black-and-blue beating of the Eagles that shocked pretty much everyone who had still thought little of the Red Warriors. Not only was this Game 2 victory the biggest winning margin in the Final Four since the 25-point rout by De La Salle University against FEU (7247) in the 1988 showdown (DLSU eventually took home the tournament crown itself), it was also the worst ever defeat for the Ateneo Blue Eagles under coach Norman Black since losing to DLSU, 60-78, in 2005. That game was so great that many of us even watched its replay that October 4 night.

Thus, there was to be a rubber match, a winner-takeall battle, a sudden-death face-off. And by that time, the UE community could practically smell and feel complete victory such that, for one thing, I myself and several other UE folks armed ourselves with banners declaring, among other things, that “The Warriors Will Win!”—those “www” initials actually doubling as a play on and a promotion of the UE website. My Game 3 seatmate, Office of Extension and Community Outreach Director Rogelio I. Espiritu, brought his own confident streamer, which said, “We Are Here to Win!” Already dancing in my head were thoughts of the many things we would have to make in line with what seemed an impending victory, such as commemorative publications and print ads. Moreover, there managed to be an increase in the UE audience in this deciding game, not just in number but also in prominence, what with the presence of no less than Philippine Vice President Manuel “Noli” S. De Castro Jr., former Senator and PBA star Robert S. Jaworski, Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim, former Supreme Court Associate Justice Dante O. Tinga, former Red Warriors Allan F. Caidic, David “Boyzie” D. Zamar, James Yap, Paul Artadi, Niño Canaleta, Ronald Tubid and Paolo Hubalde, among many others—UE alumni all. As Game 3 went on, however, something seemed amiss. The jolly good time and fiery scoring frenzy that marked Game 2 seemed to be absent. We shouted ourselves hoarse and waved our banners to exhaustion even when a mid-game downturn was unraveling. Yet whatever enthusiasm there was surrounding the b-ball court, it was a different story altogether on the floor. In the end, the final score pretty much spoke for itself: 71-58. The fact-based prophesy that whoever wins Game 1 of the Finals goes on to become champion held true yet again, with the record now at 12 out of 16 times. (I even half-wondered: Did Roger and I jinx it?) All told, however, this has been a huge, huge season for the UE Red Warriors Men’s Basketball Team, given the many feats mentioned above. The 1st Runner-up finish itself is not without honor or trophy, which was received from the UAAP Board right after Game 3 by Mr. Bong Tan, who has avidly supported the current crop of Red Warriors from Day One. And as we put it in the congratulatory banner made in the

The UE Red Warriors Men’s Basketball Team at UAAP 72, July-October 2009 First Elimination Round 1st game: Saturday, July 11: UE (65) vs. DLSU (46) 2nd game: Thursday, July 16: ADMU (72) vs. UE (57) 3rd game: Sunday, July 19: UE (73) vs. NU (59) 4th game: Sat., July 25: UST (92) vs. UE (88) 5th game: Sun., August 2: UE (95) vs. AdU (91) 6th game: Thurs., Aug. 6: UE (77) vs. UP (69) 7th game: Sun., Aug. 9: FEU (76) vs. UE (72) Second Elimination Round 8th game: Thurs., Aug. 13: ADMU (80) vs. UE (75) 9th game: Sun., Aug. 16: UE (60) vs. AdU (56) 10th game: Sun., Aug. 23: UE (87) vs. FEU (72) 11th game: Sat.: Aug. 29: UE (66) vs. DLSU (64) 12th game: Thurs., September 3: UE (81) vs. UP (72) 13th game: Sat., Sept. 5: UE (70) vs. NU (58) 14th game: Thurs., Sept. 16: UE (77) vs. UST (67) End-of-elimination-round standing: 10-4 (third-seeded) Final Four Game 1: Sat., Sept. 19: UE (84) vs. FEU (74) Game 2: Thurs., Sept. 24: UE (78) vs. FEU (72) Finals Game 1: Thurs., October 1: ADMU (78) vs. UE (71) Game 2: Sun., Oct. 4: UE (88) vs. ADMU (68) Game 3: Thurs., Oct. 8: ADMU (71) vs. UE (58) team’s honor soon after the tournament’s end, we say that the Red Warriors remain No. 1 in Our Hearts. We still feel that way. And we look forward to their renewed commitment, determination and restive spirit once the UAAP beckons anew.

During the singing of the UE Hymn at the end of Game 3 on Oct. 8 Photos by Cesar Latoja/Lyric Studio

UE Today September-December 2009

T H E L O N G RI D E O F C O A C

April 2009 Lawrence Chongson is used to long rides. The 16-hour flight from Manila to Los Angeles taxed his University of the East Red Warriors team, but the infectious enthusiasm of the newly appointed head coach was like a rush of adrenaline before a big game. They were in the United States for a 17-day basketball training camp in California and to participate in the Easter Showcase tournament. Chongson, who lived in California for a while and knew his way around, drove the hour’s stretch from LAX to downtown and straight to the Staples Center—home of the Lakers, Clippers and ice hockey’s Kings. For many of his players, it was their first time abroad, more so inside an airplane, and Chongson served as an impromptu tour guide to this new experience. Outside the famed arena, the Red Warriors tripped all over themselves as they poured out of the bus for a photo-op in front of the statues of Angelino sports greats Magic Johnson, Oscar de la Hoya and Wayne Gretzky. In the meantime, the coach drove around Figueroa Street and Pico Boulevard a couple of times until his players were done. “I’m used to driving,” explained the 46-year-old coach. “I’m used to doing odd jobs and the dirty work.” This is a reprint of Businessmirror columnist Rick Olivares’ Bleachers’ Brew column on October 11, 2009; this particular text’s original title was “Chongson’s Long Ride.” Reprinted with permission. Businessmirror’s Publisher is Amb. Antonio Cabangon-Chua, one of UE’s 60 Most Outstanding Alumni. Photo above by Ike Sulat; photos on page 24 by Cesar Latoja/Lyric Studio.

UE Today September-December 2009

As an assistant coach with the Tanduay Rhummakers in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), Chongson drove for Rudy Hatfield, was asked to pick up game tapes, uniforms and just about everything. “My working hours were like a convenience store’s—24-7,” quipped the long-haired coach who has always deflected life’s harsh realities with a sense of humor. “It was degrading and humiliating. But sige lang....” When he moved on to become head honcho for the Pangasinan Waves in the Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA), it was still the same—night trips, boat rides and latenight long drives to get from one playing venue to another. Chongson never saw himself as an office manager, an accountant or a salesman. Basketball consumed him as a youngster and he knew that this was going to be his life. Even when he was cut during tryouts for the De La Salle Green Archers team under Derek Pumaren, it did not deter him from pursuing his goal. October 2009 Two days after his Red Warriors were defeated by the Blue Eagles in Game 3 in the Season 72 University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Finals, Chongson was still feeling lost and hurt by the loss. He was thinking of going to Boracay, Hong Kong or Thailand—he needed to withdraw from the game that he and his wards had given their heart, body and soul for seven long months. Unintentionally that morning, he picked up a red Adidas shirt that read in front: “Louisville [the American school] is a brotherhood.” Two days after the loss, he still wore his heart on his sleeve like a badge of courage. Chongson plopped down on a cushioned seat at UCC Vienna Café along Connecticut Street in Greenhills still

Coach Chongson standing his ground amid a sea of Blue Eagles fans during Game 3 at the Big Dome on October 8, 2009

CH LAWRENCE CHONGSON looking every bit the morning after. He picked up a broadsheet and immediately scanned the sports pages. There he spied a full-page ad by Gatorade congratulating the victorious Ateneo team, and the hurt metastasized. “That should be us in that ad,” he said in a drained voice. Chongson reads everything that is written about him in the papers or online sites. Just as he can name every single National Basketball Association and PBA No. 1 overall pick through the years, he can recite the litany of shots and criticism leveled at him by every journalist and pseudo-sports writer in the country. But if it hurts him, it’s double for his son Dale Martin, who absolutely adores and loves his father. So the father has to hide his pain and be strong for his son. You have to hear both the good and the bad, he would tell Dale repeatedly. “That’s life.” Besides, he uses the criticism as fuel for his drive to succeed in basketball and in life. He began his coaching career in his mid-30s, late by any standard. Many say that he only got his opportunity because of his longtime friendship with Bong Tan Jr., the son of taipan Lucio. Chongson will credit his friend for opening the door, but he underscores that he has paid his dues by coaching in the MBA, the Southeast Asian Games, the National Basketball League with Air Philippines Bacolod, and in the Philippine Basketball League (PBL) with Bacchus Energy Drink, the Mail and More Comets, and the Burger King Whoppers. His PBL teams have finished third on three occasions while his Allied Banking Corp. team has won several Bankers Athletic Association crowns. “That may not sound much, but for every successful coach, how many do not even win a title or two?” he reasoned out.

Season 72 is actually his second go-around with UE, as he previously served as an assistant to Itoy Esguerra in 2001. Now at the helm, he’s been lambasted for playing a run-and-gun style that did not win anything for the Denver Nuggets, Sacramento Kings or Phoenix Suns, the modern game’s proponents. “But the Lakers and Ginebra have won with that style,” he quickly countered. “I analyzed what the team did right under its previous head coach and kept what worked and changed what did not. The alley-oop play is [former UE mentor] Dindo Pumaren’s. Everything else is not. I went with the strengths of my players. If I had a Rabeh Al-Hussaini, obviously I would not use that style.” The one thing he changed was the regimented style of the previous staff. He ate with his players and hung out with them. Andrei Tolentino, the long-time UE trainer who has served under three head coaches, offered an insight why Chongson got his team to play the kind of ball it did in the past season and defied odds by topping long-time nemesis FEU and DLSU en route to the finals. “Si coach, he speaks the language of the players.” Elmer Espiritu, the high-flying forward-center who cracked the Mythical Selection for the first time in his career, concurred, “The results speak for themselves if you’re referring to Coach. He maximized our potential.” Paul Lee, the season’s Most Improved Player, was also named to the Mythical Five, and a third Red Warrior, Pari Llagas, nearly made it as well. October 2008 and 2009 The fallout of UE’s stunning power failure in Season 71’s Final Four, where they were run off the court by a powerful Ateneo team en route to its fourth UAAP crown, saw

UE Today September-December 2009

swingman Val Acuña dismissed from the team. The sensitive player out of Isabela had his scholarship removed and was told to find a job. A distraught Acuña approached Chongson for help. Chongson at that time was happily coaching in the PBL. He gave the forward some money to enroll and finish out the semester. “You could use a diploma if your basketball career does not pan out,” he told the player. A few months after that, Pumaren resigned and Chongson, to his surprise, was named head coach over former Recto icon Jerry Codiñera. He immediately reinstated Acuña. The appointment was controversial and Chongson heard every brickbat hurled his way. The criticism had become even personal. It wasn’t just his lack of credentials or championships but also the long hair he wore. “Dindo, Glenn [Capacio] and Pido [Jarencio] had no previous head-coaching experience, but they were given the benefit of the doubt but I was not accorded the same. I guess I just had to work hard to prove them wrong.” He was driven not just to earn a living to provide for his son, but also to give his players a title. “I’d be a liar if I said I didn’t do this also to gain respect. But my team and I are in this together. We believed in one another and carried one another to the Finals.” He believed in fate as well and felt that nine was their lucky number this Season 72. He was the ninth head coach of UE after Roel Nadurata, who led the school to its last titles. This year was the school’s 63rd anniversary of its foundation, and the numbers six and three when added up equals nine. He was 45 years of age, and four plus five tallied nine. Gunner James Martinez wore jersey No. 9 that Espiritu later switched to before the season got under way. And to top it off, his UAAP official’s ID had the serial number “072.” “What a coincidence, huh? But we still had to go out and win it,” he said. With a 4-4 record in the early goings of Season 72, the calls for his head in Recto grew louder, but Chongson knew that his team would come back. There was a precedent after all. That summer in the US, the team competed in the Easter Showcase and was 4-0 heading into the title game versus the Arizona All-Stars, a team of prep and juco stars who, although younger than the Filipinos, were significantly taller and more athletic. The Warriors stormed back from a 16-point deficit to tie the game

UE Today September-December 2009

with time down to 20 seconds and the ball in the American team’s hands. During one last time-out, Chongson had his team switch from man-to-man to a zone for the first time that game. The move threw the opposing team in a quandary upon resumption of play. Acuña was able to swipe the ball, race downcourt and hit a running bank shot at the buzzer to win the game and the title. So even with Ateneo up by 18 points in Game 3, Chongson still believed that his team could come back. They rallied to nearly upend both FEU and Ateneo early in the season, and they held to a glimmer of hope. But it was not to be. As he made his way to the UE dugout after the singing of the school hymn, Chongson was fighting back the tears when Allan Caidic, who led the University to its last pair of titles in 1984 and 1985, caught up with him. The Triggerman congratulated him and the dam broke. Both men cried, and when Chongson entered the locker room, it was as if they were at a wake. Acuña gave his coach a tearful hug. No words were spoken. Lawrence Chongson is used to long rides, but the one from Araneta Coliseum to Recto after Game 3 seemed interminable. Once they arrived in UE, there were some 200 to 300 faculty members, students and supporters on hand to greet them. “It’s hardly consolation, but we were still better than six other teams,” texted Bong Tan to Chongson. In the aftermath of falling short of the ultimate goal, the accolades came not just for Espiritu and Lee, who had career seasons, but also for Chongson, who received glowing marks for his performance from fellow coaches and members of the media. And it left the coach one final thought: “I wanted to win for the school, for the boys and for myself. I wanted to be respected by my peers. But at the end of the day, I guess, it didn’t boil down to what others said but what we achieved, and we have to be grateful for what was given. Not many even reach this level.” His mobile phone rang and it was Philippine Patriots manager Erick Arejola. He asked if he could get Acuña to suit up for them. Two days earlier, Lee was named to the Smart Gilas roster. Chongson said over a cup of coffee at UCC, “This should keep the boys and me hungry for another ride.”

UE RED WARRIORS BOYS’ VOLLEYBALL TEAM Back row (from left): Coach Ahweng Pascual, Von Kenneth Marin, Kim Relcopan, Morissey Garcia, Angelone Soria, Brendon Santos, Karl Roque, Coach Rodrigo Roque Front row (from left): Darren de Dios, Evander Monsanto, Jerome Cyril Eugenio, Edmarson Baylon, John Kenneth Bayking, Reuel Asia

The University of the East Red Warriors Volleyball Teams, especially the Boys’ Team, spiked out the competition in their respective UAAP Season 72 tournaments. UE Red Warriors Boys’ Volleyball Team: A Historic Six-peat! The prediction from the last Boys’ Volleyball Team article here in UE Today has come true! The UE Red Warriors Boys’ Volleyball Team scored an epic feat as it captured this year’s UAAP Boys’ Volleyball Championship via a sweep of the elimination round, defeating the University of Santo Tomas Tiger Cubs last September 19 at UE Manila’s Gym 5. In doing so, they made history by being the second boys’ volleyball team to

senior, was awarded Best Blocker while SLS senior Jerome Cyril B. Eugenio was hailed as Best Libero. SLS Senior Brendon Joseph B. Santos was also recognized as the Best Setter. The Boys’ Volleyball Team is mentored by PE Department Assistant Director and Officer in Charge Rodrigo M. Roque and by Assistant Coach Ruel M. Pascual.

s r o r-u i e n r n ! r Ru t m s a 1 a s W d e n T d La e m l R l ea T ’ a s E l r b Gi e U y h t e r o l f t l a o e p V x ’ i S s a y s ’ It Bo win the UAAP Championship six consecutive times, tying De La Salle-Zobel’s record. Along with the top prize, the Junior Red Warriors also took home a bevy of special awards from their UAAP tournament. Morissey Claude F. Garcia, a senior at the UE Secondary Laboratory School, was adjudged Most Valuable Player of the tournament. MVP Garcia was also adjudged the Best Spiker of the tournament. Angelone T. Soria, also an SLS

UE RED WARRIORS GIRLS’ VOLLEYBALL TEAM Back row (from left): Asst. Coach Mark Anthony Santos, Princess Kaye Leal, Krysel Cueva, Eillen Vergara, Eunique Chan, Noelle Evangelista, Coach Bobby Celso Front row (from left): Pauline Paron, Mary Jane Alzo, Nina Baltazar, Rowena Rodiriz, Joanalyn Triste, Nesbilyn Lagman, Shiesa Nebrida, Pia Sarmiento Not in the photo: Jean Diola

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UE Red Warriors Girls’ Volleyball Team: A Bridesmaid’s Finish On the other hand, the members of the UE Red Warriors Girls’ Volleyball Team came close to getting their own championship, but fell short against their UST counterparts, who took home the UAAP Season 72 Girls’ Volleyball Championship. The UE girls, however did not go home empty-handed as some of them received special awards last September 26, 2009 at UE Manila’s Gym 5. SLS senior Shiesa S. Nebrida was recognized as the tournament’s Best Attacker. Her teammate, SLS sophomore Eunique D. Chan, was the Best Blocker of the tournament. The Girls’ Volleyball Team is mentored by Coach Roberto S. Celso and Assistant Coach Mark Anthony G. Santos. Angelo M. Vergel De Dios

UE Today September-December 2009

UE Weightlifters are National 5-in-1

Strong Red Warriors Also Win Two Interschool Championship Titles

Champs for the Seventh Straight Year

The University of the East Strong Red Warriors Weightlifting Team successfully defended its title as National Collegiate Champion during the National 5-in-1 Weightlifting Championship held on November 5 to 9, 2009, in Tagbilaran, Bohol. The tournament, an annual collegiate competition of the Philippine Weightlifting Association (PWA), found UE’s weightlifting student-athletes scoring a total of 42 points to win the event’s overall title. They bested the respective contingents of Universidad de Zamboanga (which landed in 2nd Place with 36 points), Guagua National College (3rd, 16 pts.), the University of San Jose Recoletos (4th, 12) and the University of Cebu (5th, 7 pts.). The UE squad brought home a total of 23 medals from this tournament: seven gold medals, eight silvers and eight bronzes. UE’s seven new gold medals were won in three different divisions: four in the Collegiate division, two in the Junior division and one in the Youth division. The four Collegiate

UE Today September-December 2009

division medalists were Hansly P. Casile (who was under the 56 kg. category), Edrew S. Cardano (69 kg. category), Jerby D. Deriada (85 kg.) and Paul Adrian A. Pangilinan (105 kg.). Deriada also won a gold medal in the Junior division, as did Ecatarina S. Cardano (53 kg.). Jimson M. Montefalcon (12 Years Old category) won the University’s gold medal in the Youth division. The eight silver medals were earned in all of the tournament’s six divisions. Jayvee Sarabia (105+ kg. category) won two silvers, one each in the Open and Collegiate divisions. Also winning two silvers was Judea P. Canlas (77 kg.), in the Collegiate and Junior divisions. Pangilinan also won a silver in the Open division; Sammy Y. Bondad (44 kg.) won one as well in the Secondary division. Emmanuel M. Montefalcon (48 kg.) and Johnvic T. Yuga (12 y.o. category) each won one silver in the Youth division. The eight bronze medals were won across the five divisions as well. Edrew Cardano won one in the Open division. Ecatarina Cardano won a bronze in the Collegiate

UE’S HEAVY WEIGHTS The victorious UE Strong Red Warriors pose for a group shot with some of their recent trophy and medal hauls at the UE-Tan Yan Kee Garden on October 29, 2009. Foreground, from left: Edrew Cardano, Johnvic Yuga, Jamil Joseph Sebastian, Darryl Ann Ancuelo, Sammy Bondad; standing, from left: Judea Canlas, Johnnel Man-on, Raven Jonathan Arias, Hansly Casile (with cap), Charles Justin Cardano, Emily Racelis, Princess Estrella, Jayvee Sarabia, Coach Edmundo Cardano, Eriel Cardano (in front of Coach Cardano), Paul Adrian Pangilinan, Nestor Redulla (with cap), Emmanuel Montefalcon and Jimson Montefalcon. Photo by Joel Pelonia/Lyric Studio

division. Princess D. Estrella (48 kg.) won two bronzes, one each in the Collegiate and Junior divisions. Emmanuel Montefalcon bagged a bronze in the Secondary division, while Sammy Bondad, Raven Jonathan A. Arias (56 kg.) and Eriel S. Cardano (11-under division) got one bronze each in the Youth division. Raven Jonathan Arias also emerged in 4th Place in the Collegiate division, while Charles Justin C. Cardano was ranked 4th in the Youth division and 6th in the Collegiate division. Not Just One, But Two Powerlifting Championships The UE Strong Red Warriors also won two Championship titles and earned a 2nd Place finish in the Powerlifting Association of the Philippines’ Philippine Interschool Powerlifting Championships. This was held at the College of Human Kinetics Gym of the University of the Philippines on September 12 and 13, 2009. Winning the championship in their respective divisions were our High School Boys’ Team and the Women’s Team, while the Men’s Team got 2nd Place in their tournament. The entire UE contingent of student weightlifters brought home a total of 15 individual medals from the entire competition: seven gold, three silver and five bronze medals. Winning a gold medal each in some of the various categories were the following: one in the 82.5kg category: Nestor Redulla Jr. (High School division); one in 56kg, Johnnel Man-on (Men); three in 52kg: Ecatarina Cardano (Women), Jerome Ranged (Men) and Emmanuel Montefalcon (High School); one in 48kg: Rochelle Santiago (Women); and one in

44kg: Princess Estrella (Women). The three silver medals were in as many categories: 67.5kg: Edrew Cardano (Men); 56kg, Charles Justin C. Cardano (Men); and 52kg: Sammy Y. Bondad (High School). The five bronze medals were likewise in as many categories: 110kg: Paul Adrian Pangilinan (Men); 90kg: Kristoff Garcia (Men); 67.5kg: Mary Grace Giling (Women); 60kg: Raven Jonathan Arias (Men); and 52kg: Zebedee Buagas (Women). In addition, Ecatarina Cardano was adjudged the Best Lifter in the Collegiate Women’s division. She lifted 80 kilograms for back squat, 27.5 kilograms for bench press and 100 kilograms for the dead lift event, for a total of 207.5 kilograms, giving her the title of Best Lifter among the female college student-athletes in the competition. Moreover, she set a new Philippine collegiate record in the dead lift event in the women’s 52-kg. weight category: 100 kg., up from the previous record of 97.5 kg. Elementary, High School Weightlifters Win Seven Gold Medals Two pre-teen girls, three elementary-age boys and three high school-level boys—all studying at the UE Elementary and Secondary Laboratory Schools—among the UE Strong Red Warriors also took part in the PWA’s 1st Basic Weightlifting Skills Clinic and Boys and Girls Weightlifting Techniques Tournament held from April 15 to May 15, 2009, at the Weightlifting Gym of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila. The participants hailed from various elementary and high schools in Metro Manila.

UE Today September-December 2009

Adjudged Most Outstanding Lifter and winning a gold medal was seven-year-old Preparatory student Eriel S. Cardano, who lifted 17 kg. in the snatch event and 22 kg. in the clean and jerk event, for a total of 39 kg. UEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s four other elementary student-weightlifters also won a gold medal each: 11-year-old Grade 6 student Darryl Ann A. Ancuelo (35 kg. total: 10 kg. snatch, 15 kg. clean and jerk), seven-year-old Grade 2 student Jamil Joseph D. Sebastian (35 kg. total: 10 kg. snatch, 15 kg. clean and jerk), 11-year-old Grade 6 student Johnvic Yuga (45 kg. total: 20 kg. snatch, 25 kg. clean and jerk) and 12-year-old Grade 6 student Jimson Montefalcon (45 kg. total: 20 kg. snatch, 25 kg. clean and jerk). Among the high school level participants, 15-year-old Sammy Bondad (70 kg. total: 30 kg. snatch, 40 kg. clean and jerk) and 14-year-old Emmanuel Montefalcon (65 kg. total: 30 kg. snatch, 35 kg. clean and jerk), both high school juniors, won a gold medal each. Capturing a silver medal was high school senior Raven Jonathan Arias (65 kg. total: 30 kg. snatch, 35 kg. clean and jerk). Ecatarina Cardano and Princess Estrella are 1st-year Dentistry proper students of the UE College of Dentistry. Enrolled at the College of Business Administration-Manila are Rochelle Santiago (BSBA major in Financial Management or FM, 3rd yr.), Mary Grace Giling (BSBA major in Business Management, 2nd yr.), Kristoff Garcia (BSBA FM 4th yr.) and Jerome Ranged (BSBA FM, 3rd yr.). Four other collegiate weightlifters are students of the College of Arts and SciencesManila: Zebedee Buagas (AB major in Legal Management, 2nd yr.), Raven Jonathan Arias (AB Broadcast Communication, 1st yr.), Judea Canlas (BS in Hotel and Restaurant Management, 3rd yr.) and Jayvee Sarabia (BSHRM, 3rd yr.). Three others are College of Computer Studies and Systems students: Edrew Cardano (BS in Computer Science, 4th yr.), Paul Adrian A. Pangilinan (BSCS, 4th yr.) and Chris Jay Cardano (BS in Information Technology, 3rd yr.). Three of the athletes are College of Education students: Charles Justin Cardano (BS in Nutrition and Dietetics, 1st yr.), Hansly Casile and Jerby

Ecatarina Cardano and her Best Lifter trophy

Deriada (both are BSED in Physical Education, 2nd yr.). Johnell Man-on is a 3rd yr. BS in Civil Engineering student of the College of Engineering-Manila. Zebedee Buagas, Kristoff Garcia, Mary Grace Giling, Jerome Ranged and Rochelle Santiago are members of the UE Red Warriors Judo Team who cross-train with the Strong Red Warriors for strength and training. Nestor Redulla, who is also among the powerlifting gold medallists, is in 3rd-year high school. The UE contingent is under the mentorship and guidance of UE 2007 Master of Arts in Teaching graduate Edmundo Jose G. Cardano, who is likewise the coach of the Philippinesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; weightlifting team in the upcoming, 25th Southeast Asian Games to be held in Laos, Cambodia. Bert B. Sulat Jr.

Action shots galore

Sammy Bondad

Ecatarina Cardano

UE Today September-December 2009

Paul Adrian A. Pangilinan

Nestor Redulla

Johnell Man-on

Top row (from left): Jasper Kelly Morelos, Kaimo Mangulabnan, Coach Rogelio C. Ponte Jr., Patrick John Flores, Daryll Fradejas Bottom row (from left): Donna Marie Gamila, Gretel Mae Gonzales, Lyreden Leyva, Jaezel May Inginiero

UE Red Warriors Junior Table Tennis Team Regains Lost Glory

Far from the maddening crowd of the basketball euphoria, the UE Red Warriors Junior Table Tennis Team demolished the competition and brought home the championship in the Table Tennis Tournament of the University Athletics Association of the Philippines Season 72. The competitions were held last September 21, 22 and 26, and October 1 and 2 at Ateneo de Manila University’s Blue Eagle Gym. (Sept. 26, the day Ondoy hit Metro Manila, found the team temporarily marooned at the said gym.) For Coach Rogelio C. Ponte Jr., this is the start of the throwback to the UE Table Tennis Team’s glory days 15 years ago, when they were the team to beat in the UAAP competition. Aside from the championship, Daryll Fradejas, a fourth-year student of the University’s Secondary Laboratory School, was heralded as the league’s Most Valuable Player. The win further cemented the UE

team’s status as a force to reckon with. Our team, competing as Team NCR, earlier won the championship against the defending champion, Team Calabarzon, in the recently concluded Palarong Pambansa, held in Leyte in July 2009. The Junior Warriors, represented by SLS sophomores Jaese May Inginiero, Donna Marie Gamila and Lyreden Earn Leyva, won the Gold Medal in the Secondary Girls’ Table Tennis, while Daryll Fradejas got 2nd Place in the Individual Secondary Table Tennis Competition. With the back-to-back wins on their belt, the Table Tennis Team hardly saw rest as they went on to train for and compete at the Manila Meet last November 16-20, 2009, a qualifier for the next Palarong Pambansa wherein they hope to defend their title. With their fighting spirit and determination, they are on course to bring back the UE Red Warriors Juniors’ Table Tennis Team to great heights. Angelo M. Vergel De Dios

UE at 63: Remembering, Celebrating, Envisioning

UE’s 63rd Foundation Anniversary became a way of Remembering the University’s humble beginnings and storied past, through such activities as the general exhibit featuring milestones in UE’s living history (which the Anniversary’s theme as the exhibit’s own thematic guide), the Thanksgiving Masses, the UE Alumni Homecoming (which had “Balik-tanaw kay Lualhati” as its own theme) and more. The Anniversary was likewise a means for Celebrating UE’s continued existence and development via an array of activities such as the annual Fun Run, variety programs like the UE Pop Idol competition, the Salo-Salo, the University Service Awards, and more. The Fun Run itself was a symbolic way of kicking off not just UE’s 63rd Anniversary festivities but also a new year of service as an academic institution. And this Anniversary was a venue for Envisioning UE’s future, by way of the “Free CET” days, the Tagisan ng Talino, the Research Presentation, the Job Fair, and other activities— all attuned with UE’s eternal vision of producing “morally upright and competent leaders in various professions, imbued with a strong sense of service to their fellowmen and their country.” The following pages document some of the highlights of UE’s eventful 63rd Foundation Anniversary. 30

UE Today September-December 2009

Remembering

ne of my fondest memories of having studied in UE was when the Philippine College of Commerce and Business Administration (PCCBA) got elevated to university status in 1950, transforming into the University of the East. It was a momentous and glorious occasion, underscored by the color and splendor of the inaugural ceremony as conceived by then President Francisco Dalupan. It was likewise symbolic of UE’s reason for being: to transform the youth of the land—and now, even of other nations—into better, educated and professional versions of themselves. I should know: I am proud to be an accomplished son of Lualhati!

Jesus T. Tanchanco Sr. Executive Director, Marketing Department UE Bachelor of Business Administration, 1953

UE at

: Remembering, Celebrating, Envisioning

Romeo Q. Armada University Registrar

Remembering

enior ‘Warriors’ like myself have countless, precious memories of UE’s shining glory through the years, but some stand out and can never be forgotten: the record-setting enrollment of 69,657 students in the first semester of SY 1977-1978, when the College of Business Administration alone had 29,650 enrollees and, as Assistant Registrar, I had to prepare over 100 freshmen block classes; and the succession of announcements in the leading dailies declaring, ‘UE Tops CPA Board Exams!’ ‘UE Tops Dentistry Board Exams!’, ‘UE Tops Engineering Board Exams!’, ‘Atty. Nicanor Padilla Jr., 1st Place in the 1975 Bar Exams!’ as well as the Red Warriors’ 18 UAAP men’s basketball championships, including seven straight victories from 1965 to 1971. Such events make us remember UE’s greatness and work for more greatness for UE in the present and for always.

UE Today September-December 2009

Celebrating

Antonieta Fortuna-Ibe Chancellor, UE Manila Campus Co-Chair, UE 63rd Foundation Anniversary Steering Committee UE Bachelor of Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude, 1966

: Remembering, C

Celebrating

UE at

hat UE is marking her 63rd year of service to youth, country and God; that the University of my own youth continues to mold aspiring, would-be professionals into future leaders, achievers and champions; that my Alma Mater has opened her arms to the developments in the various fields of endeavor, to the technology of the times, as well as to students from outside our shores; and that she has produced such accomplished alumni, a good number of who, such as myself, have gone on to return the favor and serve her backâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;these are but a few of the over 63 great reasons for the University of the East to celebrate today!

UE Today September-December 2009

or firmly holding on to our DREAM, for relentlessly BELIEVING that there are opportunities amidst the financial crisis that has hurt the whole world, and for the undying commitment to EXCELLENCE that we have shown time and again as a TEAM, our beloved UE is now on its headway towards GREATNESS and PROMINENCE! This is what our celebration is all about!

Fedeserio C. Camarao Chancellor, UE Caloocan Campus Chairman, UE 63rd Foundation Anniversary Steering Committee

Lucio C. Tan Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer

Envisioning

he University of the East has come a long way since I got involved with it through Dr. P. O. Domingo nearly two decades ago. I am gratified to see that UE—which was, back then, on the brink of shutting down—has not just picked up the pieces but has thrived through the ensuing years, and I am very happy to have played a part in it. In my view, UE’s future means there’s no turning back. We should remain strong and ever vigilant not to be undone by familiar or new challenges. More important, despite the differences in our responsibilities, we all must keep the University’s best interests in our heart and in our work. That is our common aim, and if we play our respective parts right, I can foresee an even brighter future for our UE.

Celebrating, Envisioning

Jaime J. Bautista Vice Chairman of the Board

Envisioning

he University of the East began as the dream of a group of accomplished pioneers who had a splendid vision for the youth of the nation and the good of the country. Not only has this dream become such an extraordinary reality, this dream—now the University of the East—has helped hundreds of thousands of individuals fulfill their own dreams of a fruitful, richer, better life. I trust that, having learned the lessons of her own history, and through the cooperation of the entire UE community, the University will continue to stand the test of time, conquer whatever challenges the future may bring, and help countless more young men and women realize their own dreams of becoming fulfilled professionals and productive members of society.

UE Today September-December 2009

Envisioning

envision a truly high-caliber University, with quality academic programs, producing graduates who will serve not only the needs of the country as responsible citizens and professionals but are also in tune with the needs of a globalized environment. By 2020, UE would be one of the top five universities in the Philippines, delivering excellent service to the country through its reinvigorated instructional, research and extension programs.

President and Chief Academic Officer

: Remembering, Celebrating, Envisioning

Envisioning

UE at

Ester A. Garcia

UE Today September-December 2009

am optimistic that, in 10 years, the University shall have approximated the fullness of its growth and maturity, in the pursuit of its institutional objectives and in the excellence of its quality of education and physical facilities. And as much as we in UE have kept providing, year after year, thousands of youth—from all over the country and around the world—with quality education, I share in the hope that UE would be able to serve an even greater number of students at a time as the years go by. Indeed, Tomorrow Begins in the East—and I wish for our beloved Lualhati to remain eternally young, to serve the young eternally!

Carmelita G. Mateo Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer UE Bachelor of Business Administration, 1961

Day 1 Day one rd Foundation

A n n i v e r s a r y

“Pugay Silangan” Dance Competition

Sept. 20, Sunday

Fun Run / CCP Complex 5 a.m. — Assembly 6 a.m. — “Pugay Silangan” 7 a.m. -10 a.m. — Fun Run proper Sportsfest / UE Manila Gym / 10 a.m.-onwards Coastal Cleanup 2009 / Manila Bay, Roxas Boulevard (from the back of the US Embassy to across Rajah Sulayman Park) / 1 p.m.-5 p.m. (September 21, 2009, Monday, is Eid’l Fitr, a non-working holiday.) Photos by Lyric Studio

“Pugay Silangan” Parade

Coastal Cleanup 2009

Fun Run

UE Today September-December 2009

rd Foundation

A n n i v e r s a r y Sept. 22, Tuesday

Battle of the Bands

Free CET & Open House tours for high school seniors / UE Manila and UE Caloocan / 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thanksgiving Mass / UE Manila Chapel, UE Caloocan Chapel / 9 a.m. Campus Parade / both Campuses / 10 a.m. Opening of the Main Exhibit-Manila Campus / Dalupan Lobby, UE Manila / 11 a.m. Opening of College Exhibits, Students Booths & Bazaars-Caloocan Campus / UE Caloocan / 11 a.m. “PaCHESSlaban” Chess Tournament / Men in Board (MiB) office, UE Caloocan / 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Library Open House / Benjamin G. Chua Jr. Library, UE Caloocan / 11 a.m. Chefs on Parade / UE Caloocan Study Area / 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Salo-Salo / both Campuses / 12 p.m. Teachers’ Day / CAS Manila Faculty Room / 12 p.m. Opening of the Main Exhibit-Caloocan Campus / Main Lobby, Tan Yan Kee Academic Building, UE Caloocan / 1 p.m. Opening of College Exhibits, Students Booths & Bazaars- Manila Campus / 1 p.m. Launching & Opening of the Alternative Learning System Centers of UE Caloocan / Rooms TYK 309 (TYK Academic Bldg.) and EN 304 (College of Engineering-Caloocan) / 1:30 p.m. Symposium on Job Opportunities and MOA Signing / Multipurpose Hall 1, College of Engineering, UE Caloocan / 2 p.m.-5 p.m. Faculty Development Seminar on Computer Hacking: CounterMeasures, Ethics, & Forensic Investigation / Briefing Room, College of Engineering-Caloocan / 2 p.m.-5 p.m. Cake Festival / UE Manila Quadrangle / 2 p.m.-5 p.m. Seminar on Mechatronics by FESTO / Mechanical Laboratory, College of Engineering-Caloocan / 2 p.m.-5 p.m. Campus Tour of the Life-Changing Concert / UE Caloocan Gym / 2 p.m.-4 p.m. Sportsfest 2009 continued / UE Manila Gym / 3 p.m. Student Bands Concert / UE Manila Quadrangle / 4 p.m.-9 p.m. Battle of the Bands / UE Caloocan Center Stage / 4 p.m.

UE Today September-December 2009

Chefs on Parade

Day Day TWO2 Campus Parade-Manila Campus

Library Open House

Cake Festival

The Main Exhibit at the Manila Campus Free CET & Open House tours for high school seniors

Campus Parade-Caloocan Campus

UE Today September-December 2009

rd Foundation

A n n i v e r s a r y Sept. 23, Wednesday Job Fair / Dalupan Hall near Admissions Office, UE Manila; Old Academic Building, UE Caloocan / 8 a.m.-5 p.m. “Singko Para Tres” Extra Challenge / UE Caloocan Field, UE Caloocan / 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Bridge-Building Competition / Briefing Room, UE Caloocan / 8:30 a.m.- 5 p.m. Convocation on “Work-Life Balance” by Ma. Victoria Q. Caparas, Ph.D. / Conference Hall, UE Manila / 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Public Speaking Challenge / Briefing Room, UE Manila / 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Chefs on Parade / UE Caloocan Study Area / 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Research Presentation: “Showcasing Completed Faculty Researches of the University of the East” / Conference Hall / 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Seminar on Hybrid Cars by Toyota Motors Philippines / Mechanical Engineering Laboratory, College of Engineering-Caloocan / 1 p.m.-5 p.m. UE Pop Idol 2009 Grand Finals / UE Theatre / 2 p.m.-6 p.m. Youth Gig / Main Lobby, Tan Yan Kee Academic Building / 2 p.m.-4 p.m. Bum Fashion Show / UE Caloocan Center Stage / 4 p.m. onwards

University Convocation

Bum Fashion Show

UE Today September-December 2009

Day 3 Day Three UE Pop Idol 2009 Grand Finals

Youth Gig

Public Speaking Challenge

Bridge-Building Competition

Research Presentation

UE Today September-December 2009

rd Foundation

A n n i v e r s a r y Sept. 24, Thursday

“Math-talino” Quiz Bee

Job Fair / Old Academic Building, UE Caloocan / 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Free CET & Open House / both Campuses / 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Pa-CE-katan / Briefing Room, UE Caloocan / 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. “UElympics” / UE Caloocan Field / 8 a.m.-12 p.m. “Math-talino” Quiz Bee / Multipurpose Hall 1, UE Caloocan / 8 a.m.-12 p.m.

Lecture by FPPF Photographers

IHM Exposition / UE Manila Admissions Lobby / 8 a.m.-12 p.m. e-Learning Seminar-Workshop for HS Teachers & Principals & MOA Signing with Feeder Schools / Room CLR 3B, Tan Yan Kee Academic Bldg. / 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Chefs on Parade / UE Caloocan Study Area / 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Red Comedy / Conference Hall / 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Sportsfest 2009 Championship / UE Manila Gym / 1 p.m. onwards

Job Fair

English Proficiency Seminar for UE Caloocan Faculty Members / Multipurpose Hall 1, UE Caloocan / 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Shortcut Film Showing and Recognition / Room MMR 3A, TYK Academic Bldg. / 1:30 p.m.-3 p.m. Lecture by FPPF Photographers / Room TYK 503, TYK Academic Bldg. / 2 p.m.-4 p.m. Law Quiz Bee / Pre-Bar Review Room, Dalupan Bldg. / 2 p.m.-3 p.m. Car Show / Parking Lot in front of the College of Engineering-Caloocan Building / 3 p.m.-6 p.m. Impromptu Speaking Contest / Pre-Bar Review Room, Dalupan Bldg. / 3 p.m.-4 p.m. Musical Variety Show / UE Theatre / 4 p.m.-6 p.m. Law Debate / Pre-Bar Review Room, Dalupan Bldg. / 4 p.m.-5 p.m. “O ’Di Ba” 10 / UE Caloocan Center Stage / 4 p.m. onwards

UE Today September-December 2009

Law Quiz Bee

Day 4 Day Four “O ‘Di Ba” 10

Musical Variety Show

“UElympics”

Car Show

UE Today September-December 2009

rd Foundation

A n n i v e r s a r y Sept. 25, Friday

“Ree Vamp” Fashion Show

Job Fair / Old Academic Building, UE Caloocan / 8 a.m.-5 p.m. CAS Fun Games / UE Caloocan Field / 8 a.m.-5 p.m. EHSD Mini Olympics, Talent Show & Interpretative Dance (Elementary and High School Dept., UE Caloocan) / UE Caloocan Field / 8 a.m.-12 p.m. ESLS Fun Games (Elementary and Secondary Laboratory Schools, UE Manila) / UE Manila Quadrangle / 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Tagisan ng Talino 2009 / UE Theatre, UE Manila; Multipurpose Hall 1, UE Caloocan / 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Career Counseling / Multipurpose Hall 2, UE Caloocan / 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Chefs on Parade / UE Caloocan Study Area / 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Personality Development Seminar / Multipurpose Hall 2, UE Caloocan / 1 p.m.-3 p.m. UE 3-R Fashion Show / Main Lobby, Tan Yan Kee Academic Bldg. / 1 p.m.-5 p.m.

Free Concert

“Speyleeng Vi” / Room EN 107, College of EngineeringCaloocan / 1 p.m.-5 p.m. “Henyo” Quiz Bee / Room MMR 3B, TYK Academic Bldg. / 1 p.m.-5 p.m. University Service Awards 2009 / Conference Hall / 2 p.m.-4 p.m. Experiencing the World Presentation by ICEP USA / Multipurpose Hall 2, UE Caloocan / 3 p.m.-4 p.m. Mr. & Ms. UE 2009 / UE Theatre / 4 p.m. onwards Free Concert / UE Caloocan Center Stage / 4 p.m. onwards Lecture on “A Survey on the Latest Cases in Remedial Law and Legal Ethics” / Pre-Bar Review Room, Dalupan Bldg. / 4 p.m.-6 p.m. Lecture on “A Survey on the Latest Cases in Commercial Law and Taxation” / Pre-Bar Review Room, Dalupan Bldg. / 6 p.m.-8 p.m. “Ree Vamp” Fashion Show / 2nd Floor, South Entertainment Mall Pavilion, SM Mall of Asia / 6 p.m.-9 p.m.

UE Today September-December 2009

Mr. and Ms. UE 2009

DayDay Five 5 Tagisan ng Talino 2009

University Service Awards 2009

UE Today September-December 2009

In the Wake of Tropical Storm Ondoy

The UE Community Helps in the Midst of Calamity By Angelo M. Vergel De Dios Photos by Lyric Studio and the UE Office of Extension and Community Outreach September 26, 2009, Saturday: a date that will forever be etched in the minds of the residents of Metro Manila and its surrounding provinces. It was the day that Tropical Storm Ondoy (international name: Ketsana) dumped heavy rains on the city, and in the process caused floods and unprecedented opening of dams, resulting in the submergence of nearly half of the metropolis. In its wake, the storm left almost 400 people dead and thousands homeless. Days following Ondoy’s wrath, the country bore witness to the spirit of charity, with our countrymen offering whatever help they could to ease the suffering and pain of those affected by the calamity. The UE Community was no exception. As early as September 26 itself, the University opened its doors as a place for refuge, especially to students, employees and faculty members stranded by the deluge and even to outsiders. Specifically, the Office of Extension and Community Outreach (OECO), under the directive of President Ester A. Garcia and Executive Vice President Carmelita G. Mateo, and in coordination with the different Deans and Directors, was tasked to take care of the necessities of 517 individuals holed up inside the UE Manila premises. Meals were ordered from the nearby Jollibee branch to provide dinner, midnight snack

UE Today September-December 2009

and breakfast. The UE Medical Team and some BS Nursing students of the UE Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center Inc. (UERMMMCI) were on hand to assist while they themselves were stranded in the Manila Campus. (That day, UE’s Medical Team had a medical outreach earlier, while the Nursing students were having NSTP classes.) The University also opened its doors to its neighboring residents, as some sought shelter inside UE’s halls and classrooms. In the following days, as the damage brought about by Ondoy unraveled, the UE Community mobilized action to see what they could do to help. By September 30, EVP Mateo, acting as the operations’ officer-in-charge, convened the Deans and Directors (at least those who were not severely affected) to organize the relief distribution to the victims of the storm, especially affected UE students and employees (faculty members and personnel alike). As OECO Director Rogelio I. Espiritu reports, the focal point of that meeting was the creation of four committees to have a smoother flow of relief operations, namely: Lists (tasked with compiling the names and addresses of affected students and employees), Purchasing (in charge of buying relief products), Packaging, and Distribution. Aside from the purchase of goods, they also welcomed donations from various sectors: students, officials,

faculty, employees and other good-natured citizens who were fortunate enough to have been spared calamitous damage. By 5 p.m. that Wednesday, the first batch of relief goods left UE and were distributed at UE Village in Cainta and Provident Villages in Marikina—two of the hardest-hit flooded areas. Over the next few days, members of the UE contingent visited affected areas such as Bulacan, Valenzuela, Malabon, San Mateo, Quezon City, Pasig and Manila. Upon the resumption of classes on October 5, following a general suspension of classes on all levels from September 28 to October 3, relief centers were also established in the UE Manila Briefing Room and the UE Caloocan Admissions Office, for flood victims who were unable to get relief donations from University to do so. In addition the University Management extended a calamity loan to affected faculty members and other personnel of both Campuses, totaling P6,112,000.00, soon after its approval by Vice Chairman Jaime J. Bautista was issued to all UE offices on October 5, 2009. Shoetech General Merchandising, a footwear-merchandising firm based in San Roque, Marikina City, donated 1,000 pairs of assorted shoes amounting to P5,000.00. The distribution of these shoes started last October 20 under the program “Libreng Sapatos Laban sa

Leptos,” in reference to leptospirosis, a deadly disease spread via exposure to contaminated floodwater and whose victims grew exponentially in the immediate days following the twin wraths of both Ondoy and the succeeding week’s typhoon Pepeng (international name: Parma). To date, over 300 shoes have been given away to affected UE individuals. It is also interesting to note that some of the pairs of shoes were given to members of UE’s adopted communities, such as Barangays 401 and 402 in Sampaloc, Manila, and Barangay 1, Zone 1, District 1, Barangay 3, Zone 1, District 1, and Barangay 73, Zone 7, District 2 in Caloocan City. To date, the OECO is still accepting relief donations for typhoon victims and is continuing to mobilize volunteers for relief operations. The University has reached out to communities in the Camanava Area, Manila, Bulacan and as far away as Botolan, Zambales, to offer aid to those affected. At times of disaster, it is noteworthy that the spirit of bayanihan is very much alive among us. In the wake of Ondoy, we saw how the UE Community came together as one and reached out to those who lost a lot, many losing almost everything. Times such as these prove that we truly are a community.

UE Today September-December 2009

Work-Life Balance By Ma. Victoria Q. Caparas, Ph.D. (UE BSBA 1987, Summa Cum Laude) This was the lecture of Dr. Caparas at the University Convocation held on September 23, 2009, 9 a.m., at the Conference Hall. The Convocation was part of the celebration of UE’s 63rd Foundation Anniversary. (More about Dr. Caparas on page 56.) A pleasant good morning to everyone. It is both an honor and a pleasure to come back to my alma mater, and to speak to you today about work-life balance. I will take you through work-life balance issues around the world, in Asia, and most especially in our country. I will share insights about the steps that local firms are taking to help their employees manage their work and life demands more effectively. I will also expound on some strategies employed by many working parents to earn a living, raise kids and still keep sane and healthy. I will take you through interesting initial results of my research on college students and what they say about their parents’ work-life balance. I will round up my speech with concrete strategies to have greater balance between professional, personal and family lives. Work-Life Balance Around the World and in Asia Recent years have seen dramatic changes in the intersection between professional and family lives. Many employees are simultaneously juggling paid work and unpaid family tasks in dual-earner households, single-parent families, and families caring for elderly people. Many work-family conflicts have arisen, meaning the frequent incompatibility of the role demands in both domains. Many studies have identified causes of work-family conflicts in time commitment (e.g., 24/7 work schedule), family and household demands (e.g., care for children and the elderly), and the organizational culture (e.g., a supervisory style that looks positively on those who always work overtime and taking them for “loyal employees”) Research by the Families and Work Institute in the US reports that dual-earner couples have increased, men are more involved in child care, both men and women are downshifting their career aspirations, and younger employees are more family-focused than older ones. Fewer employees are having children. Countless research studies agree that work-life balance programs result to lower family conflicts, reduced employee turnover, reduced stress, higher loyalty, increased job satisfaction, and enhanced productivity. Balancing work and family is a significant and relevant concern in Asia. The family takes precedence in its highly collectivistic societies, but paid work is also very crucial to ensure decent lives for family members, or at least to make ends meet. Working hours encroaching into family time is

UE Today September-December 2009

most pronounced in Asia. What is calling more attention to work-life balance in Asia is its aging population brought about by rising life expectancies and falling fertility rates. These trends become a much greater challenge for societies when viewed in the contexts of urban migration of the younger generation in search of jobs, and the increased participation of women in the labor force. There are less people to look after the elderly at homes. Work-Life Balance in the Philippines We Filipinos are very family-centric. Our customs and traditions show how much we value close family ties. The family is our inspiration to do a good job, our reason for working hard. Family needs and wants take center stage when we make decisions. When pay is the universal motive for work, money is our particular bridge to a better life and a stable future for the family. We are also a workaholic society. Three out of four managers I surveyed believe they work in a workaholic environment. Two out of three believe they are expected to bring work home every now and then. The national census says one out of every five Filipino workers works more than 50 hours a week. When the Boss Knows the Employee has a Life and a Family Best practices can come only from companies who truly consider their people as their most valuable resource. We have seen the numerous options these companies offer to their employees. Since individual circumstances vary, the companies also offer varied solutions to enable greater workfamily balance. IBM leads the way in offering a FlexBen program as well as an online employee resource and referral tool. It also provides flexible work options in telecommuting, part-time work, personal leaves arrangements, etc. IBM is also one of the few multinationals that provide a daycare center. Intel has a vacation bank program, an option to substitute maternity leave for paternity leave for extraordinary reasons, an employee discount program, an onsite gymnasium, and benchmarking of childcare solutions across Asia. Johnson & Johnson underscored its communication Continued on Page 54

For school year 2009-2010, there are 48 new UE-TYKFI freshmen scholars. A total of 25 are enrolled at the College of Business Administration (20 in UE Manila, five in UE Caloocan); six are at the College of Engineering (two in UE Manila, four in UE Caloocan); 12 come from the College of Dentistry (eight are in Pre-Dentistry, four are in Dentistry Proper); two come from the College of Arts and Sciences; and three from the College of Computer Studies and Systems. Dr. Lucio C. Tan and wife Carmen K. Tan with the current crop of freshmen and continuing UE-TYKFI scholars and grantees at the annual recognition program held at the Century Park Hotelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Grand Ballroom last September 18

UE Today September-December 2009

Nattassia V. Adriano Manila

Phoebe Anne S. Flores Manila

Ullycris P. Bagtas

Manila

Hazel M. Gebilaguin Manila

Karl Marvin G. Genosa

Grace Santa S. De Asis

Zyrill Mae C. Aguirre

Emerson T. Pe単alosa

Manila

Pre-Dentistry

Caloocan

UE Today September-December 2009

Caloocan

Marvin V. Belina

Ma. Jessica J. Belen

Caloocan

Louis Clyde C. Bautista Pre-Dentistry

Justine Luke G. Ang

Manila

Necel Jay L. Lovete Manila

Cassandra Ivana F. Bermudez

Manila

Geraldyn P. Mantillo Manila

Manila

Adrian G. Marcellana

Iris Ma Mend

Manila

Man

Janine Kristel M. Rita Isabelle A. Monique Arielle E. Irene Giselle U Ong Gonzalez De Leon Dolatre Pre-Dentistry

Myron M. Perez Caloocan

Dentistry

Elfred S. Pineda Manila

Pre-Dentistry

Ailu Rozelle R. Ponce Caloocan

Pre-Dentistry

Anna Luz T. Tio Caloocan

Justin S. Cacayan Manila

ae C. doza

nila

Honey Claire A. Comaling

Caloocan

Kathryn Macy C. Ong

Catherine Joy M. Sangil Manila

Rydni B. Pastor Pre-Dentistry

Jessa Marie E. Bernardo

Gelaine Imee S. Cruz

Manila

Clyde M. Salloman

Dentistry

Harold P. Cortero

Caloocan

Glenn Rose G. Solinap Manila

Jonathan Carl V. Ragas Dentistry

Maynard Angelo O. Itable

Mikhail Justin A. Cua

Rachel Louise C. Tequil Manila

Anna Patricia Jo Y. Ra単ola Pre-Dentistry

Monica A. Labbao

Ivy Angel G. Estrella

Manila

John Paul R. Trinidad Caloocan

Renelie P. San Jose Dentistry

Manila

Michael Angelo A. Villanueva Manila

Ma. Zamantha Ysabel M. Tinio

Ma. Lihra M. Daza Manila

Pre-Dentistry

Jerald R. Tablan Manila

UE Today September-December 2009

hrough the University of the East, Dr. Lucio C. Tan is fulfilling his promise to provide quality education to the masses. UE is and will always be a leading educational force in the fields of Accountancy, Business Administration, Dentistry and Medicine. More recently, the University expanded its competency to the fields of Information Technology, Engineering and Fine Arts. To fulfill its vision of delivering quality education, the University laid the groundwork for expansion by investing in state-of-the-art facilities in its various Campuses. The University of the East holds the distinction of being among the top institutions in the country in terms of IT infrastructure. It is, in fact, recognized as one of the most wired universities in the Philippines. UE is not only run by a competent academe of trained educators and qualified teachers but also by a professional management team responsible for what is perhaps the most remarkable corporate turnaround in Philippine history. It is backed by an independent Board of Trustees composed of businessmen and professionals with strong links to the University, who are elected to committees that monitor and evaluate all UE programs. UE BOARD OF TRUSTEES DR. LUCIO C. TAN Chairman of the Board and CEO MR. JAIME J. BAUTISTA Vice Chairman

he Tan Yan Kee Foundation, Inc. was established in 1986 by Dr. Lucio C. Tan in honor of the Tan family patriarch, the late Tan Yan Kee. Committed to the corporate social responsibility of the Lucio Tan Group of Companies, the Foundationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s principal projects are in support of education, culture and sports, research, health and social welfare, and manpower development. As a young man, Dr. Tan was greatly inspired by his father, who instilled in him the value of education and the virtues of hard work, humility, perseverance, filial duty, and love of God and country. It was out of a deep respect for his father and foremost mentor that led Dr. Tan and his siblings to organize their most cherished foundation in his memory. A full-fledged non-government organization, the Tan Yan Kee Foundation receives its income primarily from donations of Dr. Lucio C. Tan and his group of companies. The Foundation is governed by a 15-man Board of Trustees; its day-to-day affairs are managed by an Executive Director and a team of professional staff. The Foundation is a member of the League of Corporate Foundations (LCF) and the Association of Foundations (AF). It currently enjoys the status of being a certified donee institution, registered under the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). TYKFI BOARD OF TRUSTEES DR. LUCIO C. TAN Founding Chairman and President Joaquin G. Bernas, S.J. Frank C. Chan Shirley T. Chua Andres R. Narvasa Marixi R. Prieto Gabriel C. Singson Washington Z. SyCip Carmen K. Tan Tan Eng Chan Harry C. Tan Mariano C. Tanenglian Tan Hui Bin Cesar E.A. Virata

DR. ESTER A. GARCIA President and CAO David O. Chua Corazon S. De La Paz-Bernardo P. Siervo Dizon Carmelita G. Mateo Andres R. Narvasa Jose Ngaw Cornelio T. Peralta Wilson T. Young

THE UE-TYKFI SCHOLARSHIP

he Tan Yan Kee Foundation, Inc. and the University of the East established the UE-TYKFI scholarship program in 1998 to provide free quality education to deserving UE undergraduate students and faculty members. Over 840 students, including 12 faculty members and 51 grantees have benefited from the program. For the past 11 school years, TYKFI has spent no less than PhP55 million for the program, covering book allowance, uniform subsidy, transportation allowance and monthly stipend. On the other hand, UE has spent PhP71 million for tuition and other school fees. The scholarship is renewable every semester provided that the scholar meets the grade requirement and finishes his/her course within the prescribed period. The scholarship program for regular faculty members covers

UE Today September-December 2009

a book allowance and monthly stipends (including study leave pay, tuition and other school fees) for two consecutive years for a masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree or four years for a doctorate degree. Both degrees may be pursued at the UE Graduate School, or in another university if the field of specialization is not offered in UE. The undergraduate scholarships are in selected fields considered relevant to the needs of the Philippines for high-level manpower, namely Engineering and Information Technology, Mathematics and the Sciences, Accountancy and Dentistry. To qualify for a student scholarship, applicants must meet a set of criteria. For further details, interested parties may call 735-5471 local 398 or 399 or 735-8577 (UE Manila), 367-4787 or 367-4572 (UE Caloocan) or 816-5520 to 22 (TYKFI).

The 2009 UE-Tan Yan Kee Foundation Inc. Recognition Program “Our Modest Contribution to Our Country’s Need”

“We Will Give Our 101%”

The following were the Welcome Remarks of Dr. ESTER ALBANO GARCIA at the 2009 UE-TYKFI Scholars Recognition Program. Dr. Garcia is the President and Chief Academic Officer of the University of the East.

This was the message of Ms. richelle therese a. lu on behalf of her fellow current UE-TYKFI scholars, at the 2009 UE-TYKFI Scholars Recognition Program. Ms. Lu is a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy sophomore at the College of Business Administration-Manila.

We are gathered here this afternoon to present the new and continuing UE-TYKFI scholars and grantees to the Board members of the Tan Yan Kee Foundation, the Board of Trustees of UE, academic and administrative officers of the University of the East, and to our guests. This is the 12th year that this ceremony has been held— and every year has been an occasion to re-dedicate our efforts and resources to a project which we believe will be our modest contribution to our country’s need for young men and women who will be serving our country and people with integrity, professional competence and loyalty, for we strongly believe that this kind of human resource is the answer to our quest for national progress. The University of the East considers this scholarship program both a privilege and an obligation. A privilege, because through this program, the University is attracting graduates of high schools throughout the country; an obligation because it requires the University to improve its admission processes and enhance the quality of its curricular offerings. The UE-TYKFI Scholarship Program started in 1998. There are already 840 scholars and grantees awarded from SY 19981999 up to the present. This year there are 48 incoming freshmen (who graduated from public and private high schools in Luzon and the Visayas: 15 from different provinces of Luzon, two from the Visayas, and 31 from Metro Manila) and 145 continuing scholars and grantees. Thirty-one are now in their senior year and will hopefully graduate at the end of this school year. I would like to encourage all our scholars to stay on with this program until you complete the degree program for which you were awarded scholarship. If all of you survive the four to five years of your chosen degree program within the prescribed period, you are sure to follow other former Tan Yan Kee scholars and graduate with Latin Honors, thereby attaining the UE-TYKFI goal of producing the best graduates under this scholarship program. Some of you will also garner top honors for the University and yourselves by topping the board examinations, just like your predecessors. May I remind our scholars to exert their best effort and to observe self-discipline in order to continue enjoying the benefits offered by the Tan Yan Kee Foundation scholarship grant. On behalf of the University of the East, I would like to congratulate our new and continuing scholars and grantees and wish them success, and thank the Tan Yan Kee Foundation, most especially Dr. Lucio Tan, for providing this generous support to our students.

Our Honorable Chairman of the Tan Yan Kee Foundation, Inc., Dr. Lucio Tan; our University President, Dr. Ester Garcia; Members of the Board of Trustees; Deans; faculty members; parents and fellow Tan Yan Kee scholars and grantees: Good afternoon. It’s been a year since I became a UE-Tan Yan Kee scholar, and I feel proud and blessed at the same time that I am still one. I am sure this is also how my co-scholars feel. It has always been my dream to become a scholar in college because I know of the prestige and honor it comes with. Towards the end of my fourth year in high school, my grandmother found a newspaper clipping of this scholarship and she showed it to me. I did not think twice since I heard of UE’s academic excellence, particularly in BS Accountancy. I asked my mother to accompany me to the University of the East. Luckily, I passed the entrance exam, qualified for the UE-Tan Yan Kee scholarship exam and was chosen from the long list of qualified examinees. To the University of the East and the Tan Yan Kee Foundation Inc., we promise you that, as present Tan Yan Kee scholars, we will give our 101% to maintain our scholarships until the day we graduate—and expand the glory that our University already has. As future professionals, we promise to always be mindful of this great favor. In return, we will support our University and the Tan Yan Kee Foundation in their common goal of helping the future generations. So, on behalf of my co-scholars, we thank our benefactor, Dr. Lucio C. Tan. Sir, thank you so much for inspiring us to work hard in our studies and to follow in your footsteps in helping our country prosper. To the deans and administrators of UE, who have aided us to continue our status of being UE-Tan Yan Kee scholars, we express to you our heartfelt gratitude. To our parents, thank you for your endless support and love. To our Almighty Father, who has always been there to guide, protect and bless us in our lives, we praise and thank You. And to my fellow Tan Yan Kee scholars and grantees, let us strive harder to do our very best. Let us finish our degrees with flying colors and continue making the University of the East Number One!

UE Today September-December 2009

The 2009 UE-Tan Yan Kee Foundation Inc. Recognition Program

“Your Kindness Brings Hope” This was the message of Mr. jackson R. bacabac, on behalf of his fellow parents of UETYKFI scholars, at the 2009 UE-TYKFI Scholars Recognition Program. Mr. Bacabac is the father of UE-TYKFI scholar Jedidiah Noskcaj S. Bacabac, a BSA sophomore at the CBA Manila.

Dr. Lucio Tan, President Ester Garcia, Members of the Board of Trustees, Deans, Parents, Scholars, Ladies and Gentlemen: Good afternoon. In old Anglo-Saxon, to be “thankful” meant to be “thoughtful.” Thinking of one’s blessings should stir one’s gratitude. With that, I sincerely express my joy and gratitude to Dr. Lucio Tan, a famous philanthropist; to the Tan Yan Kee Foundation and to the University of the East, its faculty, for their fervor and unselfish dedication to extend help to less fortunate but deserving and aspiring students. Your kindness brings hope to the future of these young dreamers. Your passion to ensure quality education has inspired and challenged many aspirants. Your concern for the sustenance of quality training for the future molders of our country has motivated not a few to strive and reach their goals. Your life has been a channel of blessings to our sons and daughters. Indeed, I praise God because He has created and sent men and women like you who generously continue to serve. It is my prayer that God will continuously bless yo u a n d m a k e your life more successful as it becomes more meaningful.

“Scholars, Set Your Goa

This was the message of Ms. Genalin o. Colina on behalf of her fellow UE-TYKFI scholar-alumni, at Colina graduated from the UE College of Engineering-Caloocan in April 2009 with the degree of Bachelor of

Dr. Lucio Tan, the Board of Trustees of the Tan Yan Kee Foundation Inc., the University of the East and the UE Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Center Inc., Deans of the different Colleges, other members of the University administration, parents, scholars and grantees, guests, and friends: a pleasant afternoon to all of you! Today, I am both honored and flattered to have been asked to speak before you on this wonderful occasion. First of all, I would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to the Tan Yan Kee Foundation, for giving me a chance to prove that I am worthy of a better college education, for giving me hope that regardless of my status in life, I still deserve to receive the highest academic achievement and, most important, for helping me get closer to my dreams. I want to stress that this Foundation made me realize that, truly, nothing is impossible in this world. Of course, I would also want to thank the University of the East for making me into the person I am now. UE played a big role in the formation of my individuality, personality and character, which I am very proud of. If not for TYKFI and UE, I may not be here standing in front of you. I remember four years ago, it was my first time to attend a Recognition Program like this. I was with my mom. At that very moment, we were both inspired and full of aspirations. We knew that it was the start of the fulfillment of our dreams. And every day since, I promised myself that I would do my best to reach my goal—to make it to the

UE Today September-December 2009

finish line and give my family a better life. I knew it would be a tough and rough road, but I did not give up. I lived everyday of my college life keeping that goal in my mind. Four years after, with all my hard work and perseverance, at the age of 19, at last, I graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. Yet I could not have imagined a few years back, when I was only dreaming with my mother, that I would now stand and speak before you as the representative of all of the UE-Tan Yan Kee alumni scholars who have graduated and have also made it to the finish line. On behalf of all the alumni scholars, thank you, Tan Yan Kee Foundation. Thank you, Dr. Lucio Tan. At this point, I’d like to congratulate each of you, scholars, and your parents. You are all truly deserving to be where you are right now. But scholars, bear in mind that it is not everyday that we are given a rare opportunity such as receiving a prestigious scholarship. So please do not waste this golden chance and blessing. Study hard and always strive for success. But how can we achieve success? Well, one of the answers to this tough question is simply goal-setting. If you would ask me the importance of goal-setting, my answer would be as simple as: You cannot go anywhere if you do not know where you want to go.

als in Life”

the 2009 UE-TYKFI Scholars Recognition Program. Ms. f Science in Information Technology, Summa Cum Laude.

With goals, we create the future in advance. With goals, we literally create our destiny. However, my advice, dear scholars, is that when you set goals, set a target that is way beyond your present abilities and position in life. Describe your ideal life without any inhibitions or restrictions. Do not just set an objective, but rather set compelling goals or those that will drive you to grow, expand and develop yourselves towards what you want from and for your lives. That’s exactly what I did. After attending my first recognition day, before my mother and I stepped out of this grand ballroom, I already set my compelling goals. Therefore, scholars, I would like for all of you to set your goals in life, for all successful people have goals and objectives that give their lives direction and purpose. This is why goal-setting is so important, and why it is a skill you should take time to master if you wish to be successful in life. Scholars, we all know that a wonderful future awaits you if you can also make it to the “finish line.” And so, that is one of the compelling goals that I would like for all of you to set. Set your goals now, and make your dreams come true. But remember: “Life is like a computer: When it fails or hangs up… just restart!” Once again, congratulations to all the new and continuing scholars! Good afternoon, everyone!

“His Life Best Demonstrates Values” This was the introduction to the Keynote Speaker by Mr. jaime j. bautista, at the 2009 UE-TYKFI Scholars Recognition Program. Mr. Bautista is the Vice Chairman of UE.

It is always a pleasure and an honor to introduce someone who has practically attained icon status both in business and social responsibility. Today is, therefore, one of those numerous times where his presence perfectly fits the occasion. Our Keynote Speaker’s résumé is too long to read here, but it is his life that best demonstrates the values of hard work, dedication and the importance of education. He worked his way through school and worked even harder at excellence in the countless business enterprises he chairs. It is to scholars like you that he feels most committed to, because his concern for education is a priority. Ladies and gentlemen, the man who actually needs no introduction—Dr. Lucio C. Tan.

“Don’t Forget to Share a Part of Your Success” The following is an excerpt from the Keynote Speech by Dr. lucio c. tan at the 2009 UETYKFI Scholars Recognition Program. Dr. Tan is the Founding Chairman and President of the Tan Yan Kee Foundation, Inc. and the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the University of the East.

I see dreams waiting to be fulfilled; I admire your faith and determination to do well and earn a bright future. I see everybody here works and studies hard. That is why we at UE and the Tan Yan Kee Foundation are honored and proud to have you as scholars. We came to UE 20 years ago not to make money. We came in to restore its old glory. A portion of the University could have been converted into a shopping mall, but instead we built a garden so students will have an environment conducive for their studies. The temperature is now remarkably lower within the Manila Campus thanks to the UE-Tan Yan Kee Garden. Our efforts to upgrade the standard of education are paying off. Consider this: We have not only board topnotchers but also a high number of board passers. We will continue to strive to produce more outstanding and competent graduates that can truly excel in their chosen careers. I am also very proud that UE is drug-free, which to me is a very important achievement. I am equally happy to note that many UE graduates who now live and work in the United States, Europe and other countries have remained proud of their Alma Mater. As you seek a better future for you and your families, don’t forget your social responsibility of giving back and sharing with society a part of your success. Make sure though that you make it happen with hard work, focus and integrity. Congratulations!

UE Today September-December 2009

Work-Life Balance Continued from Page 46

approach to work-life effectiveness in its employee portal and town hall meetings. Like IBM, J&J also has a daycare center. Like Intel, it has an onsite gym with a fitness instructor. J&J’s unique solutions can be found in its health and safety programs, a cafeteria that offers free lunch and diet tips, and lastly a summer program for kids that really addresses a significant concern for working parents during school vacations. The companies earn these benefits of work-life effectiveness: reduced stress and healthcare costs, improved job productivity and satisfaction, increased retention, decreased absenteeism, and increased loyalty and commitment to the company, greater satisfaction with jobs and lives, and improved quality of work. The IESE Business School’s Family-Responsible Employer Framework For a number of years, I have been analysing work-life balance in the Philippines using the IESE Business School’s (Spain) comprehensive framework of a Family-Responsible Employer (FRE). Each element of the FRE model provides information that will enable a company to diagnose its level of work-family balance and its performance over a period of time. Present and future employees will also find the FRE model useful in determining if a company’s work-family initiatives are supported by an adequate management structure and corporate culture. Let us look at the four basic elements of a FamilyResponsible Employer (please see the diagram above—Ed.). The organization’s results reflect a flexible and responsible culture. These results cannot be achieved solely by implementing formal policies. These policies, as well as the whole workfamily balance program, must be supported by certain facilitators, which are essential to bring about a real cultural change. During this change, there will be certain hindrances and promoters of the organization’s culture, which must be identified, monitored and improved. In the third year of the IESE Family-Responsible Employer

UE Today September-December 2009

(IFREI) study in the Philippines, I have gathered survey responses from 184 companies. This significant amount of data has allowed me to analyze the industry-level differences in work-family balance policies and practices. The survey results show that the automotive industry is the most family-responsible. This capital-intensive sector may not enjoy flexible work hours, but its employees enjoy aboveaverage wages and benefits that redound to the welfare of their families. The automotive industry tops all other sectors in policies such as replacement of staff in long leaves of absence, professional counseling, and personal and family counseling. It shares the top place with the information & communication and the pharmaceuticals industries for providing health care plans for the employees’ family members. Keeping the Dads in the Picture Work-family balance for fathers-cum-career men? This may sound like a new paradigm since women are the ones traditionally associated with combining domestic roles with employment outside the home. It is usually the woman who attends to the children and concerns of home during office hours, while the man remains focused on being the breadwinner. But is this still the case? Research shows that men are beginning to be more concerned about parenting without compromising their role in bringing home the bacon. While research is discovering the new types of working dads, the workplace doesn’t yet seem to love having them around. In Britain, a term has been coined to refer to the ways in which fathers have taken to fathering without going public about it: “stealth parenting.” Stealth parenting is resorted to by a new generation of men whose older male bosses completely left parenting to their fulltime, stay-at-home wives. Examples of stealth parenting are scheduling a business meeting outside the office to coincide with a child’s school activity, asking for telecommuting work arrangements without mentioning family concerns as a motive, or simply sneaking out of after-office drinking sessions ostensibly for reasons unrelated to children or wife.

Stealth parenting also comes in when the work environments do not provide work-life balance programs for men. Why are men left out of these HR programs? Perhaps they need the job so much they will continue to work regardless of how they are treated as fathers (whether or not they are granted paternity leaves, provided with daycare center benefits, etc.). Men are expected to provide for the family and, hence, they are under great pressure to maintain their jobs. They risk incurring career penalties when they do not accept late-evening meetings or out-of-time assignments. If they express or admit concern about family issues, they might be stereotyped as not being serious about their careers and thus would not be considered for promotion or advancement. Sometimes men are left out in work-family balance programs because they often do not speak up. They seem reluctant to admit parenting responsibilities. Parenting is not their usual turf. It’s not among the things they would normally brag about or be openly confident with. An exceptional approach to help working men who are involved fathers is to present high-profile role models. Thus, when the British government became concerned about family stability, media started to focus on Tony Blair as the first British prime minister to take a paternity leave and to schedule state lunches instead of state dinners to allot him time for his family. When Scandinavian governments included father-friendly policies in their agenda to promote child welfare and gender equality, the pioneering illustration was provided by Finnish Prime Minister Paavo Lipponen, who took a paternity leave twice. When Moms Have a Family and a Career Today, Filipino women outnumber the men in all levels of education. As managers and executives, women outnumber the men as heads of private elementary schools and other private education establishments. They head health and social work establishments such as hospitals, medical and dental practices. They make up half of the managers and executives in banks and other institutions engaged in financial intermediation. Filipino women hold 58 percent of all senior, executive and managerial positions. Compared with the rest of the world, we top in the United Nations’ gender empowerment measures.

Unfortunately these glowing statistics do not capture the negative experiences of women as they establish their footing in the world of work. The workplace often demands uncompromising focus and total dedication, so the woman who combines career and family is often not relied on to do the job as much as another woman who has all the time for her career. Our society expects women to prioritize the family as much as it expects the men to bring home the bacon. So what happens to women who combine work and family responsibilities without little difficulties is that they are bypassed for possibly challenging assignments, they are not promoted, and they are not even hired. Sometimes, though, the women themselves take the initiative to quit their careers when faced with environments that are neither women-friendly nor family-friendly. Ask the Children I also got interested in how children view their parents’ work and fulfil their family duties. The main objective of my research in this area is to help improve the way parents work, minimize the work-family conflicts and to foster the healthy development of families. This research draws inspiration from the landmark study Ask the Children by the Families and Work Institute in the US (Galinsky, 1999). I find that some parents tend to spend more time and energy in the work domain if they value the tangible rewards it offers. If children are formed in the materialistic values of their parents, they will find their parents’ working too much as a way to get more material compensation for their absence in family life. In the same light, these children will not find their parents as giving more priority to family over work. However, the good news from my research is that majority of children wish for time with their parents, more than money. As the popular quote says: Your children need your presence more than your presents. But considering the strong demands of work (where there are performance standards and regular evaluation), it can happen that parents may be present at home but their minds are in their work. An author referred to this as “absent presence.” There are parents who may be available (ready to accommodate and be of help to their children) but may actually not be accessible (out of reach and cannot be of real help and does not provide secure emotional support). Dr. Caparas gets a helping of appreciation from UE, her Alma Mater, via UE Caloocan Chancellor Fedeserio Camarao and Dentistry Dean Brenda Dey, respectively the 63rd Anniversary Chairman and 63rd Anniversary Convocation Chair.

UE Today September-December 2009

Strategies for Greater Work-Life Balance I end with a few tips for greater harmony between work and personal life (wherein family plays a very significant part). Top of my list is something of great relevance to the Filipinos: Live within your means. When we get into the habit of comparing ourselves with wealthier neighbors, no matter how much we possess, we will always feel deprived relative to the neighbors who have more. I totally support the view that “being happy is not having what you want but wanting what you have.” As a nation, we need to eradicate poverty but at the same time, be well-grounded in what really constitutes happiness. Use your time well. Eight hours is usually enough for a day’s work, after which there are diminished returns. Why should your work take more time? If it is taking a lot of time, there must be something wrong with the way you work. Take the time to rest. The popular saying goes: God always forgives, man sometimes forgives but nature never forgives. Don’t you see any relationship between the huge amount of work stress and the increasing number of cancer cases? We harm ourselves when we don’t follow the natural pattern of life. If there is time to work, there must be time to rest. We are not machines that can go on operating for 24 hours with hardly any negative consequence. Just say no! Don’t take in too much work to the detriment of your family life. Clarify with your supervisor your key result areas, and review them when more work demands come in. Ask yourself: Is this part of my deliverables? Re-channel the time you would spend on those additional tasks to your family. It’s your family who will take care of you until the end. You just can’t expect your company to visit your grave every November 1st, no matter how much dedication and commitment you put into your job. Learn to say no to your children. Don’t deprive them of the great satisfaction of spending from their own earnings. Make them love to wait. Giving them everything because you are guilty for not spending time with them is simply setting them up for failures in life. Conclusion It is possible for men and women to have a successful career and a successful family life at the same time. Their employers play a decisive role in their quest to make it happen. The willing employer will facilitate the balance between work, personal and family demands, not because employees want it but because they need it. Work-family balance is not only a nice-to-have perk, but a must-have program for organizations and individuals alike.

“

Brief Bio

MA. VICTORIA Q. CAPARAS, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of the Master of Sciences in Management Program of the University of Asia and the Pacific, and the author of WorkLife Balance: Best Practices of Family-Responsible Employers and Executives and three other books on work-life balance. She graduated in 1987 from the UE College of Business Administration-Manila with a BSBA degree, Summa Cum Laude, and the College Distinguished Graduate Award. That year, she was also awarded as an Outstanding Accounting Graduate by the Association of CPAs in Education and soon earned the 20th Place in the 1987 licensure examination for CPAs. She earned her MBA, Diploma in Imperial College, from the Imperial College Business School in London, UK, in 1992, and her Ph.D. in Management from the IESE (Instituto de Estudios Superiores de la Empresa) Business School of the University of Navarra, in Barcelona, Spain, in 1999, where he doctoral thesis was rated Sobresaliente cum laude (excellent with honors). Dr. Caparas is a Trustee and Member of the Foundation for Professional Training, Inc., and a Member of the Academy of Management, Boston College’s Sloan Work and Family Network and IESE Cross-Cultural Management Network of the IESE Business School, among present affiliations.

Majority of children wish for time with their parents, more than money... As the popular quote says: Your children need your presence more than your presents. But considering the strong demands of work (where there are performance standards and regular evaluation), it can happen that parents may be present at home but their minds are in their work.

UE Today September-December 2009

The 2009 UE Model Teacher

Rhodora Hernandez

LUCIANO By Dr. FARINA VIDA-RANDOLPH President, UE Dental Faculty Club

Professional, knowledgeable, best, patient… Adviser, researcher, teacher, dentist… dedicated, kind, helpful, learned… Wife, Model Teacher… This is Dr. Rhodora Hernandez-Luciano. She was born to alumni of the UE College of Business Administration. Her parents, Robert A. Hernandez and Monserrat R. Isidro, knew that their only daughter would pursue her dental ambition in their Alma Mater, although she would eventually focus on a dental teaching career. Dang, as she is fondly called, considers herself average as a UE College of Dentistry student but admits to having done her best to study hard and balance clinical work with the academics. After all, she had to keep up with her competitive classmates in what was considered as the “cream of the crop” section. A dental student’s life means a lot of difficulties but, with her patience and perseverance, she succeeded, getting her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from UE in March 1985. (She passed the dentist licensure examination also in 1985.) Though she went on to practice her profession, teaching was never far from Dr. Luciano’s heart. Inspired by her father, who taught for nine years, and strongly influenced by two aunts of hers who are teachers by profession, she first ventured into teaching at Centro Escolar University, teaching undergraduates of Dentistry and Dental Technology. She also wasted no time, pursuing her Master of Arts degree in Teaching in her two-year stay in CEU. November 2009 would be her 20th year of teaching at the University of the East since she joined the faculty of instruction of the College of Dentistry during the 2nd Semester of SY 1989-1990. Dang believes in good values and quality education and in instilling it back to the students. Teaching is both a profession and vocation. It is a profession because it needs a person who is knowledgeable, possesses skills and has specialized training. It is a vocation because it is a way of life. And this is exactly how Dr. Luciano practices teaching: professionally and devotedly. Dr. Rhodora H. Luciano pursued her doctorate studies in Japan at Nagasaki Graduate School of Dentistry in 1995 to 2000, obtaining her Ph.D. in Dental Materials. It was also then that this pretty and hardworking dentist rekindled her relationship with her now husband, Dr. Christian Noel

Luciano, who was also on his postgraduate studies in Japan at the time. The couple involve themselves with students during classes, clinic hours and beyond for at least five months per semester, both being active in student activities. Teachers are very powerful persons because, unlike other professionals, they give an opportunity to make a difference and mentor individuals, thus contributing to the improvement of the world. Dr. Luciano finds happiness in the thought that she has helped mold individuals intellectually and emotionally. She finds contentment in helping individuals achieve their dream of becoming a dentist. Indeed, there is nothing more gratifying than having a student absorb the knowledge that you are trying to impart on them and use such for their betterment. Teaching is not an easy profession: You do not know what will happen on any given day so you should always expect the unexpected. Though a teacher may have planned her lesson and class activity for the day, she should always be prepared for possible challenges, especially us dental professors who deal with living patients. There is no greater benefit that you get from teaching than the satisfaction of a student or graduate coming back to you and thanking you for everything that you’ve done. Their success is your success. In terms of financial compensation, Dr. Luciano knows that there is not much money in teaching. But at this point in her life, she finds pleasure in the company of her colleagues/ co-faculty members and looks forward to seeing them, spending time and sharing life with them. Her sincerity and dedication has commanded respect not only from the studentry but also from the faculty of instruction as well. If teachers are considered second parents, the Dental Faculty Lounge serves as a second home, there is love and warmth. Dang has been the Dental Faculty Club President twice already, for SYs 2003-04 and 2006-07. And we salute you, Ma’am, for truly being our “Mama Rhoda!” She considers her teaching job as service to mankind but she has not limited her work to the College of Dentistry alone. She has extended this selfless service outside the premises of the University, to the mother dental organization, the Philippine Dental Association, being a member and the Chairman of the Philippine Dental Association’s Council

UE Today September-December 2009

on Dental Materials; also as a member of the Philippine Association of Japanese Ministry of Education Scholars (PHILAJAMES); and being the President-elect of the Philippine Prosthodontic Society. Dr. Rhodora H. Luciano likewise helps out during enrollment and advises during Foundation Anniversary activities and intramurals. But other than these extracurricular activities, she still finds time for research in dental materials: She was a visiting researcher to Japan in 2001 and 2008. She has also co-authored articles published in international journals, namely: • Kunihiro Hisatsune, Takanobu Shiraishi, Yasuko Takuma, Yasuhiro Tanaka, Rhodora H. Luciano (2007): Two different types of age-hardening behaviors in commercial dental alloys, J Mater Sci: Mater Med 18:577-581; • Rhodora H. Luciano, Takanobu Shiraishi, Kohichi Udoh, Yasuhiro Tanaka, Kunihiro Hinihiro Hisatsune (2005): Microstructures and coherent phase diagram for the pseudobinary system (AuCu)1-xPdx with x <0.10; Journal of Alloys and Compounds 392: 142-148; • Htain Winn, Y. Tanaka, T. Shiraishi, K. Udoh, E. Miura, R. I. Hernandez, Y. Takuma, K. Hisatsune (2000): Coherent phase diagram of Au-Cu-Pd ternary system near and within the two-phase region of Au3Cu and AuCu I ordered phases; Journal of Alloys and Compounds 308: 269274; • Htain Winn, T. Shiraishi, Y. Tanaka, k. Udoh, E. Miura, R. I. Hernandez, Y. Takuma and K. Hisatsune (2000): Characteristic Microstructures associated with orderdisorder transition in Au-Cu-Pd ternary alloys; Scripta mater 43: 313-317; • H. Winn, Y. Tanaka, T. Shiraishi, K. Udoh, E. Miura, R. I. Hernandez, Y. Takuma (2000): Two types of checkerboardlike microstructures in Au-Cu-Pd ternary alloys; Journal of Alloys and Compounds 306; 262-269; and • Rhodora I. Hernandez, Koh-ichi Udoh, Yasushiro Tanaka, Yasuko Takuma, Htain Winn and Kunihiro Hisatsune (1999): Phase Transformation Mechanisms in (AuCu)1xPdx Pseudobinary Alloys by Direct Aging Method; Dental Materials Journal 18(3): 235-247. Teaching is a noble profession and a vocation as well whose most important benefit is job satisfaction. If a teacher finds students who are hardworking, industrious, attentive, eager to learn and appreciative of their work, that will be more than enough reward. This is what every good teacher looks for. Being sincere, selfless, dedicated, devoted, hardworking, dutiful, strict but reasonable, approachable, patient and helpful are just few of the many descriptions students have of Ma’am Luciano. She is truly appreciated in UE and the College of Dentistry for a job well done. Dr. Rhodora Hernandez-Luciano, who currently holds the rank of Professor A at the College of Dentistry, says with deep humility that she would like to extend her sincerest gratitude for being chosen 2009 Model Teacher. Asked until when she would teach, she said, as expected of a good teacher: as long as you know you can still impart knowledge to the students. We are proud of you!

UE Today September-December 2009

From top: Dr. Luciano (center) with aunts (from left) Imelda, Raquel and Lilian, and her mother Monserrat (far right); with the members of the UE Dental Faculty Club; and with her husband and fellow UE College of Dentistry professor Dr. Christian Noel Luciano.

The 2009 UE Model Management Employee

Henr y Dyke A.

Balmeo

By Dr. ELEANOR R. JAVIER Dean, College of Arts and Sciences-Caloocan Don’t give in to fear. Replace negative thoughts with positive ones: I am able. I am equipped. I have what it takes to accomplish my dreams. I will not fail; I will succeed. These are the words of our UE Model Management Employee for 2009 which have guided him from the time he entered college. They have been his philosophy in life in a way, and judging from what he is now they, indeed, have served him well. Henry, as he is known to his friends, bested seven other nominees from the different units of the University who were equally deserving. What earned him the nod of the board of judges was his fluency and alacrity in answering questions ranging from the significant to the trivial. For a young man his age (now 41 years old), he showed maturity in viewing life from different angles. Our awardee comes from a big family, the eighth of 10 children—not surprising because his parents are Bicolanos, who are generally known to love having big families. Henry’s parents, Rosauro and Nieves, all college degree holders, were successful businessmen in Labo, Camarines Norte. It was from them that all his brothers and sisters acquired the knack for business. “I remember that we were given specific tasks in managing our business. That’s why we were kept busy dividing our time between our studies and work,” he muses happily, considering that they did not experience being short in their financial needs. His parents did not forget to instill in Henry and his siblings the value of education and work. When it was time for his brothers and sisters to pursue their college education in Manila, his doting mother saw to it that they had their own house in Pasay City, to make sure that all of them would finish their studies. All of them did not fail their parents. Each one proudly has a college diploma and each one is successful in his chosen career. Henry is a graduate of Adamson University, where he finished his Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering in 1991—at a time when computer technology was still in

relative infancy, which explains why many students were attracted to any course in computer science. How did he happen to land a job in our school? It was pure luck, he said, because when he saw an ad in the Manila Bulletin related to his course, he immediately sent his application letter without knowing that it was UE, which was looking for computer operators for the MISD office. Henry describes himself as hardworking, dependable and passionate in his work. In 1994, he started his work in UE. He saw many possibilities here. Restless if he did not keep himself busy, he thought of further improving himself by enrolling in our Graduate School. After all, regular employees enjoy free tuition and miscellaneous fees as part of the benefits given by the University. In 1994, he finished his Master in Business Administration and then thereafter enrolled in the doctoral program. He said that he is determined to be a holder of a Ph.D. Henry does not want work that is confined to the office. He knows he can share his knowledge in computer technology with students in a class, so he taught part-time with the College of Computer Studies and Systems and later with the IT Department of the College of EngineeringCaloocan when he was transferred to the Caloocan Campus to work in the Department of Registration and Records Management here. Today, Henry, who is a Computer Operator at the DRRM office in UE Caloocan, seems to be a very fulfilled man. He is happy with his work and his family. He has found indescribable bliss with his former classmate whom he married, Maria Lourdes Sebastian, who works in a wellknown company. They are blessed with three children, all studying in UE Caloocan. Their eldest, Hendrick Von, is a second-year engineering student at the College of Engineering; Henrich Troy is in second-year high school and Henriel Faye is in grade two, at the Caloocan Campus’ Elementary and High School Department. Henry still has many dreams. But today he is contented. “I am blessed,” he says.

Left: Mr. Balmeo with his wife, Ma. Lourdes. Right: Mr. Balmeo’s children (from left): Hendrick Von, Henrich Troy and Haniel Faye.

UE Today September-December 2009

The 2009 UE Model Rank-and-File Employee

Rowena P.

CALO

By ANGELO M. VERGEL DE DIOS

“I owe my success to UE.” So says Rowena P. Calo, who is the latest and, age-wise, one of the youngest ever recipients of a UE Model Employee award. Yet her relative youth, not to mention her relatively “young” stint in UE so far, is beside the point. She believes that she has poured in the same dedication, competence, loyalty as her fellow nominees, even if she has been with UE for just 15 years so far. A three-time Model Rank and File Employee nominee, Rowena or Weng, a Senior Clerk at UE Manila’s Guidance and Counseling Office (GCO), finally emerged as this year’s awardee. She describes the feeling of winning as surreal since she was not really expecting to bag the award, given that there were other, more senior nominees than her. But luck proved to be on her side. Weng found out she was “it” when she received a call from one of the staffers of the DHRD asking for a picture of her to be sent to the University Relations Office. The Model Rank and File Employee award is a testament to how passionate and dedicated she has been to the job that she landed serendipitously. The second of five children— all degree-holders—Weng was born on May 7, 1970 to Gloria, a housewife and former teacher, and Restituto, a local government officer of the Department of Interior and Local Government in Caliraya, Laguna. She would describe her growing up years in Sta. Cruz, Laguna, as somewhat normal. She was a consistent honor student during her elementary years, and was sent to compete in various quiz bees around the province. In high school, she remained studious and was part of the honors section. As a child, Weng dreamed of becoming a doctor; thus, after her graduation, she took an examination to study in Russia. She passed and was qualified to take up Medicine. However, upon learning that she would have to spend eight years overseas without seeing her family, she turned down the offer. Not giving up yet on her dream of becoming a doctor, Weng enrolled in the University of the East, where she was an entrance scholar. She took up BS Zoology as her preMedicine course. Upon graduation in 1992, however, her father suggested that she put off her further studies until all her siblings finished college, since Medicine was an

UE Today September-December 2009

expensive course. She understood her father, and put her dreams of becoming a doctor aside. In 1994, while attending a friend’s wedding in Tarlac, Weng met a UE official who stood as a principal sponsor in the event. She asked Weng if the latter wanted to work for the University. She agreed, but thought nothing of it since they were just newly acquainted. Also, Weng was working as a medical representative for a pharmaceutical company. A few months later, her friend told her to go to UE where there was a job opening. She went to UE Manila and was accepted as a casual employee at the Student Affairs Office. Three months later, an opening for the Guidance and Counseling Office came. She applied and was transferred to the latter, where she has stayed since. Despite the mismatch between her educational backdrop and current work, Weng has come to love her work at the GCO. The GCO, in turn, loves her as well. Mrs. Ma. Leonila V. Urrea, the Director of the Guidance Office, even encourages her to pursue further studies so Weng could be promoted and become a Guidance Counselor. She had taken Master of Arts in Guidance units in the UE Graduate School, but she had to stop since the course was discontinued due to lack of enrollees. Fate took a different turn for Weng since, while enrolled in the UE Graduate School, in came the opportunity for her to continue her Medicine studies. She has degrees in Master of Arts in Teaching, major in Biology (finished in 1997), as well as in Master of Public Administration, major in Human Resource Management (finished in 2005). She also has 18 units in Education (supplemental course), also from UE. Currently, she is finishing her Doctorate degree in Education, again courtesy of UE. She explains her multiple degrees as part of achieving her goals and aiming high. As Senior Clerk, she describes her duties in the GCO as exciting because she deals more with students, parents and teachers, aside from paperwork. There are times, however, that she also acts as a “Guidance Counselor in training” as she sometimes assists in counseling and other duties when the guidance counselors have their hands full. To her it is a fulfilling and rewarding task since she loves the environment, especially her co-workers. As she shares: Great people make Continued on page 63

“Acknowledging Our Work and Worth”” This was the Response of the UE College of Dentistry Dean, Dr. BRENDA S. DEY—one of the 2009 Service Awardees for 35 years of service to UE— on behalf of all the Service Awardees, at the University Service Awards on September 25, 2009, 2 p.m., at the Conference Hall.

Vice Chairman of the Board, Mr. Jaime Bautista; President and Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Ester Garcia; Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, Mrs. Carmelita G. Mateo; Chancellor Fedeserio C. Camarao, Caloocan Campus; Chancellor Antonieta F. Ibe, Manila Campus, Deans of Colleges; other officers of the University; University and fellow Service Awardees, my co-workers in UE, faculty members, distinguished guests, friends, ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon! When I was first requested by Department of Human Resources and Development Director Annie J. Villegas Tuesday this week to give the Response on behalf of the Service Awardees, I immediately begged off the task. I knew that I did not have time to prepare a good speech because of a lot of committee work to attend to for the Foundation Anniversary. About a week earlier on, I received the letter from the DHRD informing me that I will be a Service Awardee this year, and it never occurred to me that I would be asked to give a speech. So I had my mind set to just simply sit back, relax and enjoy the program as one of the Service Awardees. But having said that, I must also hasten to say that it is certainly my profound pleasure and honor to echo all the gratitude on behalf of the 2009 batch of University and Service Awardees this afternoon. And so I have nonetheless acceded and, honestly, I did not know how to refuse the task offered by Dir. Villegas. Be that as it may, here I am as a true soldier to deliver my thoughts in line with the anniversary theme, “Remembering, Celebrating, Envisioning.” With the kind indulgence of everyone, permit me to start with the present. Celebrating! For my task for and on behalf of my fellow awardees, I would like to extend our profound appreciation to the Administration starting with the Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Mr. Jaime J. Bautista, the UE President and Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Ester A. Garcia, and to all the administration people behind this event, and above all, our dear God, the great spirit that makes things happen. We thank you all for this memorable moment in our life as awardees. Being a Service Awardee connotes a substantial period of time in the service of the University. What makes this occasion meaningful is the continued effort of the

University in providing this golden opportunity, where the institution publicly acknowledges the work and worth of its loyal personnel, focusing the spotlight on the reward and recognition to those who have given 20 , 25, 30, 35, 40 and 45 years of service to Lualhati, which is good reason to celebrate. This afternoon, I proudly join the group of 55 warm bodies of very loyal men and women who are 2009 UE Service Awardees, in a collective expression of both happiness for the recognition bestowed upon us today and perhaps sadness for some who would think that this could be their last hurrah. We are truly very happy that in all these many years of togetherness, we were given golden opportunities to render service to a great institution. We have enjoyed beautiful moments with lovely people in UE all these years. Remembering! I believe that on this occasion, it is appropriate to give a few reflections on what UE has meant to me and why I have chosen to stay here for the best years of my life. At this point, I would like to tell everyone that actually I have been in UE for more than 35 years. Why or how is this so? To reminisce: 35 years in the College of Dentistry, another eight years as a UE school dentist and another four years as a student of Dentistry proper (my Pre-Dental education was at UP Diliman)—therefore, a total of 47 years behind me in this institution of higher learning. So looking back, I have indeed spent the most productive years of my life in loyal service to Lualhati, just like all of us Service Awardees at this 63rd Founding Anniversary celebration of our beloved UE. On a personal note, Siguro sobra talaga ang pagmamahal ko sa UE… Bakit nga ba hindi eh dito ko na-meet ang aking Prince Charming na si Mr. Venancio Dey, BSBA graduate of UE, the former Assistant Director of the University Relations Office in the ’80s before he went to government service in 1986. At this point, allow me also to report that we are blessed with four children: a daughter, Grace Ellen, a Dentistry graduate of UE; and three sons, namely: Cromwell Oliver, a Mechanical Engineering graduate of Toyohashi University in Japan; Victor Ariel, MA in Public Administration from UP and of Victoria University in New Zealand; and Joven David, the youngest, an entrepreneur. Completing my family are our two daughters-in-law, and two very lovable and adorable grandchildren. Continued on page 63

UE Today September-December 2009

“Remembering, Celebrating and Envisioning Your Service to Lualhati” The inspirational message of Vice Chairman Jaime J. Bautista at the 2009 University Service Awards, September 25, 2009, 2 p.m., Conference Hall, UE Manila.

President Ester Albano Garcia; Executive Vice President Carmelita G. Mateo; Chancellor Antonieta Fortuna-Ibe; Chancellor Fedeserio C. Camarao, who is the Chairman of the Steering Committee of this year’s Foundation Anniversary; the different committee chairpersons and members of the University Service Awards and the other 63rd Anniversary events, other academic and administrative officials, fellow UE workers and, most of all, to the Model Employees and Service Awardees, along with their relatives and friends here today—a very good afternoon to you all. Thank you. I repeat: Thank you. This in essence is what the annual University Service Awards is all about: It is a formal way of thanking each and every one of you who has exemplified passion and dedication in your respective work here in UE. The University Service Awards is a big thank you for investing your time, energy, skill and wisdom in the work that you do—work that ultimately impacts everyone else on the Manila and Caloocan Campuses, and even beyond, and contribute to the good of the UE that we love and serve and to which we remain loyal. The theme of UE’s 63rd Foundation Anniversary is “Remembering, Celebrating, Envisioning”—a three-word phrase that encompasses the past, present and future of the University. And among the many activities lined up last Sunday up to next week, the University Service Awards is one of the events to which our latest anniversary theme fully applies. For starters, the Service Awards is a way of “Remembering” or, better yet, keeping in mind every one of you who are this year’s Model Employees and Service Awardees. Given the myriad concerns in the business of

UE Today September-December 2009

running an institution as large as UE, the Service Awards gives us the chance to refresh our collective memory of the individuals and individual units that comprise the organization. I believe we would not have the confidence to keep promoting UE via the slogan “Tomorrow Begins in the East” if not for all of you. Of course, the Service Awards is likewise a way of “Celebrating” the work that you have been rendering for Lualhati—work that we further recognize today via your Model Employee Award or Service Award. We celebrate the fact that not only have you stayed and stuck it out with us, through ups and downs, for 20, 25, 30, 35 or even 45 years, you have also done well in your respective endeavors as UE workers, led by those among you who are this year’s Model Teacher, Model Management Employee and Model Rank and File Employee. Conversely speaking, the work of all of you, all this time, for the University also allows us to celebrate 63 years of service to youth, country and God. And the Service Awards helps us in Management to do some “Envisioning” for the UE that is our second home. That is, through the work and the work ethic that you have exemplified for the University, we have the confidence to look further, make plans and chart the course to which UE should be headed. Certainly, we do not fully know what the future truly holds for us, as individuals or as members of the UE community alike. Yet, through the service that you have given to UE, not only can we conceive an even brighter future for Lualhati and her wards, but we can likewise create the right conditions and utilize the right tools to ensure that we, and UE, can continue to be of service, directly or indirectly, to the country and even to the world. Maraming salamat at magandang hapon sa inyong lahat!

MODEL RANK-AND-FILE... from page 60

a great organization. This does not exempt her, however, from getting burned out with work at times. She shares that it is normal and part of the working experience, but she finds the strength to go on from the people around her, who motivate her to do so. When not at busy at work, Weng likes to chill out with friends, most of whom are fellow UE employees. She also likes going to band gigs, though she does not favor any particular

band. Also, she’s an avid fan of UAAP basketball. Though still single, she is not that much in a hurry since she still has her future ahead of her. She dreams of traveling around the world, and has so far been to Dubai and Singapore. Her dream destination is Canada, and is hoping one day to move there with her family. That day, however, may be in the distant future as she vows to stay in UE for as long as she can serve the UE community. Weng says she finds fulfillment in helping students via the GCO. It establishes a relationship with the members of the community. Weng gets a natural high being with students because it makes her feel young. She is also an NSTP teacher on Saturdays. She has attended several community outreach programs of the University since she derives pleasure from extending a helping hand to those in need, especially those who are affected by the recent calamities. Indeed, sharing blessings is a deed we can do without asking for anything in return. In closing, she shares a quote by William J.H. Boetcker, which has become some sort of personal mantra: “That you may retain your self-respect, it is better to displease by doing what you know is right than to temporarily please by doing what you know is wrong.” Ms Calo (bottom right) with her family: (clockwise from top left) sisters Regina and Riza, brother Restituto Jr., (bottom), mother Gloria and sister Ruth.

“ACKNOWLEDGING YOUR WORTH ...” from page 61

Likewise, a number of very significant academic and career milestones of my life were in UE, including the Cum Laude Latin honor award when I graduated from the College of Dentistry. Another is the scholarship to study abroad when I topped the Dentist Licensure Exam in June 1965, which was awarded by no less than then UE President F. T. Dalupan Sr.—which brought me to another continent to pursue my graduate studies at no less than the University of Sydney in New South Wales, Australia. Indeed a very privileged opportunity, dahil bihira pa noon ang nakakapag-abroad para mag-aral. I must confess that I relied on educational benefit and financial assistance for my college education because there was no way that I could have gotten to any university in those days without financial assistance. To continue: Upon my return to the Philippines in 1968, I began to work as a UE school dentist. However, in 1974, I joined the UE College of Dentistry as an Instructor, rising from the ranks such that, in 1983, I became College Secretary—for five years in all, eventually—and appointed, in 1988, as Associate Dean, a position I held for 19 years, and now the Dean since 2007 to the present of, they say, the best dental school in the country. As you might see now, I have worked under all the 11 Presidents of UE from the time of the late Francisco T. Dalupan Sr. to our current President, Dr. Ester A. Garcia; served under two former Deans of my College; participated in countless committees for this and that activity of the University… Of course I could go on and on to tell you more of those untold chapters in the 47 rewarding years I spent in UE but then I have to wind up the remembering part and move on to the envisioning part. Baka i-switch off na itong microphone.

Envisioning! I can say that UE has been fortunate to have had visionary leaders who have led this great institution not only through significant changes but through turbulent times as well. I would say that the current status of UE is to a large extent a consequence of their visionary leadership and commitment. Let us therefore hope and pray that UE will continue its noble mission of service to youth, country and God, of being a non-elitist institution of higher learning—that UE will continue to accelerate its momentum towards attaining the stature of a world-class university, strong in quality instruction and research as a result of its formidable, dedicated team of educators, the competent members of the faculty of instruction. Recently two of UE’s Colleges, CBA Manila and CAS Manila, were awarded the Level III Accredited status and hopefully soon, UE would be well on its way to the Autonomous Status by 2010. (CHED would later grant the Autonomous Status to UE Manila last October 2009.—Ed.) What better legacy can we leave behind to those who will come after us, you, our juniors in the UE workforce, who will be future awardees when your own time comes? We would like to share with you the luxury of our loyalty and sincere commitment. We know that with you around we will be leaving Lualhati in good shape and in good hands. Once again, from all the Awardees, from the bottom of our hearts: Sa inyong lahat, mga Kapamilya, Kapuso at Kabarangay sa hanapbuhay, para sa kaunlaran ng Pamantasan ng Silangan, maraming salamat! Mabuhay tayong lahat! We love you all! God bless! Long live, UE! Thank you, UE!

UE Today September-December 2009

Imelda Arcilla Papin is one of the most popular Filipinas in the history of our country’s pop culture, having been a singing sensation since the late ’70s—the same decade when she was a UE college student. Yet part of her personal background is a down-to-earth beginning that we have practically come to expect about UE alumni who start small and end up in the big time. Born in Barrio Bitaogan in the town of Presentacion in Camarines Sur province, Ms. Papin is the second of nine children of Lagonoy-born Rosendo Papin Sr. and Buhi-born Justina Arcilla-Papin—the former a politician for 20 years who had been Vice Mayor and Acting Mayor of Presentacion. In a quick UE Today interview last September at the Marketing Department office, Ms. Papin emitted a fairly largerthan-life radiance yet was nevertheless approachable. She admits to having dreamt “of being a star even as a young child.” And she had the guts and the talent to back it up: she could sing. Soon enough, she joined the Bicol version of the immortal Tawag ng Tanghalan singing competition, rendering songs like Connie Francis’s “Siboney” and The Carpenters’ “There’s a Kind of Hush” and where she was a champion for several weeks before landing in 4th Place in the regional finals. “My dad kept promoting me, introducing me to people and motivated me a lot,” Ms. Papin enthuses.

Quirino, a TV show that gave shine time to pros and newcomers alike. “Whenever I would walk into the UE campus, I would hear whispers of, ‘Ayan na si Imelda Papin…’ from other students. This made me self-conscious and I ended up being shy and quiet in the classroom.” It was grueling time for the young lady in a more serious way as well: “I would be at school at 8 a.m., then I would be at work by 8 p.m. up to 3 a.m., accompanied by my aunt to my gigs. It was hard but a good experience that helped me cope later on.” Ms. Papin professes that she “learned so much in UE. I had good teachers and I learned about manners and personality development here.” (When asked for her childhood ambition, she said she had wanted to become a doctor or a lawyer. “I know how to fight,” she asserts after mentioning the latter.) Later in 1975, the burgeoning diva landed a regular gig at the Chin-Chin Bar of the Hyatt hotel in Hong Kong—after an RPbased Hyatt Vice President saw her sing at the Boulevardier club of Hotel Intercontinental. She was in Hong Kong for a year and a half, and was even a regular at the HK TV show Enjoy Yourself Tonight. After her HK stint, she landed a gig in Bangkok, doing hotel singing and TV appearances as well within two years. Yet before these offshore commitments, Ms. Papin had already begun her recording career on our shores. “I initially

Meeting Superstar Alumna Imelda A. Papin

ukebox Queen and Public Servant of the Philippines

By Bert B. Sulat Jr.

Sometime later, when she was 12 years old, as Ms. Papin recalls, came an unforgettable episode in her young life. “Our family had a little restaurant at the time and one day, an old woman came over and told my mother, ‘Sisikat ang anak mong ito. Magdadala siya ng suwerte sa pamilya mo.’ We have been looking for that old lady ever since,” the pop star recalls. “Maybe she was the Virgin Mary.” Ms. Papin had studied at Bitaogan Elementary for her elementary studies and at St. Bridget’s School for her high school studies. She then left Bicol to explore her options in Manila, where she initially lived with a father-side aunt together with the young Imelda’s elder sister. To continue her secondary studies, she enrolled at National Teachers College in Malabon and then at the Dalubhasaang Epifanio De Los Santos in Recto. “I was one of the top students in high school,” she relates. The would-be singing superstar then enrolled in UE, to become a BSBA student at the College of Business Administration-Manila from 1976 to 1979. “I picked UE for it was renowned as a prestigious school,” Ms. Papin says, “and very popular among the middle class. The standard is high here, and many professionals have hailed from UE.” She had gained some fame by then, not only from singing Shirley Bassey hits and other tunes in cocktail lounges at night but also for appearing in the now-defunct Seeing Stars with Joe

UE Today September-December 2009

put out a 45-rpm recording entitled ‘Isang Panaginip’ under Villar Records,” back when music was available on vinyl records and when a song or “single” is put out first before a full album. “That single was not promoted well and for two years, nothing happened to my career,” she recalls. The Papin family decided to venture on their own, waxing a cover of Vicky Carr’s 1971 single “Six Weeks Every Summer” and Shirley Bassey’s 1972 hit “I’ve Never Been a Woman Before” via the family’s Sound International Recording Company. It was not until 1979 when her recording career finally took off, marked by a string of hits that would go on to include “Babaeng Makasalanan, Lalaking Salawahan,” “Kutob,” “Huwag,” “Bawal,” “Lalaki, Ikaw ang Dahilan” and “Pag-ibig, Bakit Ka Ganyan”—all theme songs of movies bearing the same title and originally written by the late great songwriter George Canseco, himself a UE alumnus. Her debut album Kutob, which was released by Wonderland Records, included the songs “Mahal, Saan Ka Nanggaling Kagabi?” by Pablo Vergara and “Bakit (Kung Liligaya Ka sa Piling ng Iba)” by Jon Manalili. While “Bakit” may be her most enduring song ever, “Mahal, Saan Ka…” itself was made into a movie, featuring the late Fernando Poe Jr., his wife Susan Roces and Ms. Papin herself. She would go on to release, by her count, over 50 albums, through Wonderland Records, Alpha Records, Vicor Records, Ivory Records, Concorde Records, Papin

Records, Universal Records and the USA-based 618 International Records. Ms. Papin’s has been a constantly active career that has kept her in the limelight and a household name. For much of the ’80s and the ’90s, Ms. Papin’s emotive singing and professional moxie resulted in international performances, including shows at Caesar’s Palace in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and at Bally’s in Las Vegas, Nevada, as well as concert tours in Europe, Australia, Asia and other major US cities—her viewers ranging from regular folk to heads of state and members of royal families. She also became the first Filipino talent to host a three-hour telethon in Los Angeles, California’s Channel 18. Based in Las Vegas for the last three years, she regularly performs at that city’s Orleans Hotel and Casino, where she is also the only Filipino artist to be featured in the venue’s celebrity lobby, among mostly American artists such as Kenny Rogers, Kenny G, Paul Anka, Boyz II Men, Melissa Manchester, Gladys Knight and many more. She also currently hosts Imelda Papin in America on LA 18 in Los Angeles, California, and the two-hour radio show Imelda Papin: Voice of the Heart on KLAV 1230 AM (Talk of Las Vegas). Moreover, she recently recorded and released a new album in the USA, entitled Voice of the Heart, under 618 International Records and distributed by Warner Music Group.

The concert’s audience, young UE college students and notso-young others alike, had a hearty sing-along time such as when Ms. Papin delivered her 1995 blockbuster “Isang Linggong Pagibig” and 1979 top tunes “Babaeng Makasalanan” and “Bakit.” Her energy level was up throughout, honed by years of demanding, showstopper performances in Vegas and elsewhere. The concert was likewise a preview of sorts of her upcoming concert at the PICC Plenary Hall this December 19—actually a double bill with her ’70s peer, the American singer Melissa Manchester. (The two had first performed together at the Orleans Hotel and Casino’s Showroom for three nights last July 31 to August 2). As an international icon, Ms. Papin has received the State of Nevada’s Senator, Congresswoman, and Governor’s recognition awards and is furthermore a Multi-Awardee as a four-time Hall of Famer. As always, she has been the Ambassadress of Goodwill for the Filipino people in all parts of the world through her singing career. Many of our compatriots abroad would say, “You’re not a Filipino if you do not know the name Imelda Papin.” But many of her countrymen back here in RP would remember her as well for following in his father’s footsteps and going political. Ms. Papin was elected Vice Governor of Camarines Sur, a post she eventually held from 1998 to 2004—her endeavors as such later on earning for her the Outstanding Vice

Ms. Papin with the UE Chorale on Oct. 9 at the UE Theatre (this photo) and with Melissa Manchester at the Orleans Showroom last August

(In the Philippines, the 14-track album is entitled I Love You and distributed by Viva Records.) The album is predominantly in English save for a few stanzas of “Contradiction/Ganyan ang Puso Ko,” and features a cover of the Archies’ ’60s chestnut “Sugar Sugar” as a duet between Ms. Papin and the song’s original singer Ron Dante. Even more interesting, while this CD’s playlist features a bevy of remakes of international hits by American singers, it is spiced with new material, including three tunes written by American songwriters and Filipino composers alike. Ms. Papin was able to showcase some of these new songs as well as her standard showtime fare and at least three of her timeless hits in a “Grand Concert of Song and Dance” in the evening of October 9 at the UE Theatre. (The show was originally slated for September 26, during the peak week of the University’s 63rd Foundation Anniversary, but got postponed due to the damage wrought all over Metro Manila by tropical storm Ondoy.) The gig also featured the UE Chorale and the UE Silanganan Dance Troupe and, moreover, was her first UE homecoming concert; this 2009 concert also came three years after her Alma Mater recognized her as one of its Distinguished Alumni Achievers, during the University’s Diamond Jubilee celebration in September 2006.

Governor of the Philippines award. Eventually, she also put up the IAP Foundation, through which proceeds from her concerts and recordings go to her humanitarian projects. She has served about 300,000 malnourished children through her Milk Feeding Program. In fact, at the time of this interview, she was happy to announce that two dialysis machines had just arrived from the United States, through her efforts enjoining the support of world boxing champ Manny Pacquiao and UE alumnus Oscar Parel, the CEO of 618 International Entertainment, Inc. and the producer of her concerts and latest CD—to help and provide free dialysis treatments to indigent patients. Reflecting on her success, Ms. Papin—who is mother to Maria France, who has her own family as well—notes that “I believe in destiny, na nakaguhit ang ating kapalaran, but that we must also use God’s gifts to us to think, to act.” Perhaps she likewise believes that she is destined to go back into politics, given that early this December, she filed her certificate of candidacy with the Commission on Elections to run for Senator in the May 10, 2010 elections. Could she become the first UE alumna turned Senator of the Republic? Despite facing stiff competition from other political veterans, we can rest assured that Ms. Papin will keep on fighting the good fight—not to mention being soothing to the ears.

UE Today September-December 2009

“Hard Work, Commitment, Character” By Lt. Col. FERDINAND F. LLANTERO This was the commencement speech of Lt. Col. Llantero to the UE Caloocan graduates of the Colleges of Business Administration, Arts and Sciences, Engineering, and Fine Arts on November 25, 2009, 9 a.m., at the UE Theatre. Lt. Col. Llantero is a UE Caloocan alumnus (UE BS major in Civil Engineering, October 1987) and a soldier in the US Marines Corps for the last 20 years. He was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel last July 1 at a formal ceremony in the US Embassy in the Philippines; he was featured in the December 2006 issue of UE Today. The President of University of the East, Dr. Ester Albano-Garcia; Chancellor of UE Caloocan, Dr. Fedeserio Camarao; Deans of all the Colleges; faculty members, graduates, parents, and guests… Magandang umaga po sa inyong lahat. I am both honored and flattered to have been asked to speak on this wonderful occasion. First, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate each of the graduates for a job well done—your achievements are being honored here this morning, completing all requirements to earn your diplomas and degrees; for the parents, thank you for your inspiration; and faculty members, thank you for your patience. An honor such as this is a wonderful way for the school and community to recognize and celebrate the choices and sacrifices you have made. But I believe that what should make you and your parents the most proud is not the actual honor itself, but what you had to do to get it. Any recognition is just the icing on the cake, not to be expected but definitely to be enjoyed. However, I challenge you not to rest on your diplomas or degrees but to continue to strive towards even loftier goals. Each individual has characteristics they value most to achieve success in their lives. I have three and I would like to share these to you: these are hard work, dedication and character. At some point in your life, you have demonstrated some of these characteristics. I believe they are the core of a fulfilled and fulfilling life. The most important thing to remember is that each of these characteristics is the sum of many individual decisions. They embody a positive attitude backed by purpose, and the only way to achieve your purpose is to take small actions everyday. In the end, they all add up. My hope for you is that you will cultivate this attitude backed by purpose in your own life. First, hard work…

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Most people will do what’s easiest and avoid hard work— and that’s precisely why you should do the opposite. The superficial opportunities of life will be attacked by hordes of people seeking what’s easy. The much tougher challenges will usually see a lot less competition and a lot more opportunity. Great challenge is commonly connected with great results. Sure you can get lucky every once in a while and find an easy path to success. But the questions you have to ask, will you be able to maintain that success, or is it just a fluke? Will you be able to repeat it? Once other people learn how you did it, will you find yourself overloaded with competition? I can tell you that when you discipline yourself to do what is hard, you gain access to a domain of results that are denied everyone else. Remember, the willingness to do what is difficult is like having a key to a special private treasure room. Secondly, commitment… Most of the time, commitment works hand in hand with hard work. What is commitment? Commitment is the spirit of determination and dedication found in all of you. It leads to the highest order of discipline for individuals. It is the ingredient that enables 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week, 365-days-a-year dedication to anything you do in the future. It inspires the unrelenting determination to achieve a standard of excellence in every endeavor. Finally, character… If there is any one thing that is evidenced by your daily choices it is your character. I truly believe what Thomas Macaulay said: “The measure of a man’s real character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.” What do you do when no one’s around? The answer to this question is the key to your true character. While being honest and honorable when others are watching is important, being true to yourself is tantamount. And in the end, these private day-to-day decisions will eventually reveal your true character to the world.

Before I close, I would like to encourage every one of you to find a way to give back to your community through community service/volunteerism. Many see community service/volunteerism as a means to an end. Some might see it as a way to get service points while socializing, while others may view it as unfortunate and often inconvenient. True community service/volunteerism is an attitude. You have to do it for the right reason. What I’m talking about is that in the end you can look back and realize that you did something worthwhile, that you helped your fellow man in some way. In closing… All in all, are making the tough choices worth it? Yes. “There is no security on this earth—only opportunity.” This world we live in does not offer lasting security. It can’t.

“

What it does offer is trials, challenges and a whole lot of opportunity. While it would be easier to slide through life without a purpose, without a code, it would not be fulfilling. One final thing: Only by setting difficult goals and achieving them can we find true self-worth. But keep in mind that each person’s goals are different, and what comes easy to one may be difficult for another; therefore, do not squash others’ dreams. I congratulate you for this honor. You are truly the best of the best. Enjoy yourself and always remember, “The price of success is responsibility.” Magandang umaga at maraming salamat po.

Most people will do what’s easiest and avoid hard work—and that’s precisely why you should do the opposite.

”

UE Today September-December 2009

Introducing Dr. Norma Reyes-Ayap This was the introduction to Dr. Norma Reyes-Ayap by Dr. BRENDA S. DEY, the Dean of the College of Dentistry who, like Dr. Ayap, is a UE Dentistry alumna. President and Chief Academic Officer Ester Albano Garcia, Deans of the Graduate School, College of Law, CAS, CCSS, Officers of the Administration, Faculty Members; Prof. Mercy Candelaria, President of the UE Alumni Association, Inc.; our dear Graduates, Parents, Friends, Ladies and Gentlemen: Good afternoon! I was assigned to introduce our Guest Speaker. Our commencement speaker this afternoon is one of the precious gems of Lualhati, our beloved Alma Mater. She took up her Associate in Arts (Pre-Dentistry) here at the University of the East and managed to be a University scholar. Maintaining an outstanding academic record, she became the very first dental recipient of a scholarship grant of the South East Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO) under the Department of Foreign Affairs and graduated from UE with the degree of Doctor of Dental Medicine, Cum Laude, in 1962. She took and passed the Dental Board Examination in May 1963, after which she opened a dental clinic to practice her profession. Perhaps it is providential that I did not get a copy of the complete curriculum vitae of our guest speaker so that her speech today would not be overshadowed by reading to you the kilometric strings of accomplishments she has earned over the years. Therefore, at this point allow me to just mention some highlights of the professional background of Dr. Norma Reyes-Ayap: She worked as company and/or retainer dentist in numerous industries in the country such as the Crispa Floro, Pasig City, in 1963-1967; the Pacific Equipment Corporation (PECORP) in 1967-1971; the Floro Blue Printing Inc. in 19721987; Mariwasa-Honda in 1978-1984; a School Dentist of Tahanan Nursery School at Moonwalk Village, Parañaque City, in 1975-1977; Dental Consultant and later Chief of the Dental Department of Waterous General Hospital, San Juan, 1978-1984. In 1975, at the height of a lucrative dental practice, she was offered to teach at the UE College of Dentistry; she was appointed the Section Head of the Pediatric-Orthodontics Department. She was a lecturer of Pediatric Dentistry, in Pediatric-Orthodontics Special Studies and Dental Nutrition. She was with the academe for 30 years, which was capped with an outstanding recognition award when she was selected as the Outstanding Teacher during UE’s 57th Foundation Anniversary celebration in 2003. In 2005, another significant milestone in the professional

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life of our guest speaker occurred when she had to leave teaching; she was appointed as a Member of the Board of Dentistry of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) by the President of the Republic of the Philippines, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, on April 29, 2005. Early this year, she became the Chairman of the PRC Board of Dentistry. The sterling professional career of our guest speaker also includes numerous awards of recognition such as: Outstanding Daughter of Pila, Laguna, in 1962; Outstanding UE Alumnus, in 2000; Outstanding Teacher, UE College of Dentistry, in 2003; Outstanding Chapter President (NCRParañaque Chapter) of the Philippine Dental Association in 2002; Outstanding Professional in the Field of Dentistry by PRC in 2004; a UE Distinguished Alumni Achiever Awardee in its Diamond Year Celebration in 2006; and Natatanging Pileño awardee by the Municipality of Pila, Laguna, in 2007. She is also a Life Member of various dental organizations such as the Philippine Dental Association, the Parañaque Dental Chapter, the San Juan Dental Chapter, the UE Alumni Association, Inc. and the Philippine Association of Professional Regulatory Boards. She is likewise an active member of honorific international dental organizations such as the Academy of Dentistry International (ADI), the International College of Dentists (ICD) and the Pierre Fauchard Academy. At present, aside from performing her duties as Chairman of the PRC Board of Dentistry, she is still in private practice, She is also the Chairman and President of a security agency, AMRRB, and an appointed Member of the Pangkat level of the Mediatory Board of Brgy. Moonwalk since 2004. As for her personal life, our guest speaker hails from Pila, Laguna, and is the third child among six children of the late Dr. and Mrs. Honorio Reyes Sr. She is married to Engr. Artemio G. Ayap of Batangas City and blessed with three children: Artemio Gerard, a UE Fine Arts graduate; Ma. Kristine, UE BS Psychology graduate; and Ma. Isabel Caridad, AB Consular Diplomatic Affairs graduate of De La Salle College of St. Benilde; and three grandchildren. Ladies and gentlemen, I take pride and am very pleased to present to you a Hall of Famer in the dental profession, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a godmother, a career woman, an achiever, former college professor, hospital dentist, school dentist, company dentist, private dental practitioner, a politician and now a public servant with great faith in God Almighty, the Honorable Chairman of the Board of Dentistry, Dr. Norma Reyes-Ayap.

“Your Graduation Has Placed Greater Responsibility Upon You” By Dr. NORMA Reyes-Ayap This was the commencement speech of Dr. Ayap to the UE Manila graduates— of the Graduate School and the Colleges of Law, Dentistry, Arts and Sciences, and Computer Studies and Systems—on Nov. 26, 2009, 4 p.m., at the UE Theatre. Dr. Ester Albano Garcia, Pres and CAO; Deans of the different Colleges; Prof. Mercy L. Candelaria, Pres. UE Alumni Association, Inc.; proud parents, members of the faculty of instruction, my dear graduates, ladies and gentlemen, a very pleasant good afternoon. This afternoon’s occasion is one full of meaning and recollections. Many of you may be recalling your memories of the hardships in your school life and the happiness you have enjoyed. Today, you find yourselves in a new threshold of existence. Your graduation is a stepping stone to a new life that, I sincerely hope, will be both glorious and happy. Fortyseven years ago, I also graduated from a very good university, our very own beloved University, the University of the East. Like you, I wanted to be successful in the future; we dream to be somebody, but there are challenges in life we have to face without hesitation and hope to meet them with success that will crown you in your undertaking. You must realize that this is not the end of your education, for the search for knowledge is infinite. The more you are trained and being taught, the more you are of service to your country and your fellowmen. Soon, you will choose your job to apply what you have learned from college. You now have your own potential, talent and skills, intellectual capacity, aptitudes and dreams. Always choose a job where you will be happy and contented. You need complete preparation wherein patience, endurance and will power shall play important parts. In your life struggles, you must beware of temptations for these are evil. Be possessed of a greater self-control and stronger resolution to withstand tempting influences. These will spurn you to the kingdom of knowledge and success. My heartfelt congratulations to all of you for reaching the ultimate stage in a person’s student life, and that is Graduation. You have to prepare now to face the realities of life beyond the perimeters of this campus. Your graduation has placed greater responsibilities upon you. Wherever you go or in what gainful occupation you may be engaged in, I hope each of you will still be true to the guiding principles of our beloved institution. I appeal to you to be proud and loyal to our Alma Mater and to the ideals which the University of the East stands for. Forever salute to our dear Lualhati. My sincere congratulations to your dear parents, who shed blood, sweat and tears, and money to send you to college. Now I can see how happy they are and proud of you. They

were able to attain a very great achievement in their lives, to give you the best education, the most important treasure that cannot be bought by money. They now all cherish every moment of this momentous event. Congratulations also to the entire faculty of instruction in producing good students like them. I know alluring phrases and plausible allusions cannot suffice to describe their patience, cooperation and sacrifices for imparting to the students your invaluable knowledge. You have established a filial relation between you and your students, and I feel that your victory is their victory also, but their failure is not your failure because I consciously believe that they are the cause and they are to blame. Graduates, I hope their teachings will never fade from your hearts; please give your sincere gratitude with an affectionate farewell. This afternoon is the turning point in your student life. After this day, another imposition of duty will be laid upon your shoulders. You should always be willing to accept the challenge. You should be a thinking and acting generation. Always avail yourselves of opportunities. I would rather advise that from the beginning, you have to boost your optimism and have self-determination to improve your life. Take it from me; I never thought of negative situations because I believe that these will not increase your chances of success and will not help to forget your setbacks, disappointments or even tragedies. Whatever job you might enter into, always think not only of prosperity and prestige, but how to preserve your honor, our name, ideals, dignity and integrity. Know how to accept your faults and weaknesses. Meet every obstacle with a smile and don’t dwell on them. Accept criticism; it will help you to strive more and don’t take defeat personally. Look for the good in yourselves, your strengths, your accomplishments and continue to learn, acquire more knowledge involved in research, so that you will be professionally fit and globally competitive wherever you will go. When you make a mistake, correct it and move on. Make room in your life for many things and the more challenging, the better, like in your work, family, friends, community services and in your daily activities in life—as long as there is a way to get you as a person to improve. Nobody is dumb, lazy and stupid, because I believe everybody has a talent. He doesn’t only know how to use it in the proper place and time. You need only motivation, patience, interest, perseverance and self-confidence. When you have reached your goal in life,

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continue to grow as long as you live. Try to cope with changes that come with passing in outlook, skill and in physical energy. Becoming successful in life doesn’t happen by accident or overnight; it takes competence, character and commitment on your part. Have the courage to persevere, come back from defeat again and again. If you are truly committed and you truly believe in yourself, success surely will follow and you will meet all challenges in life not with a heavy heart. Avail yourselves of opportunities wherever possible. Don’t be self-conceited under any circumstance. You can do something good but it would mean hard work and cost self-denial. Prove to the world that you will be equal to the coming tasks and that you will work out your moral, physical and intellectual salvation. I know there is a potential force in each of you that is hidden. Your talents must be asserted and use them as an advantage. If you fail, blame yourself. You are your own problem. Nothing but yourself can hold you back. Try to make things happen for you by being aggressive, especially in this busy and extremely competitive world. Work hard; never stop learning new things and new ideas because what will sustain your success is not luck but hard work. Strive to learn everything that you can, about the new job you are aiming for. Equip yourselves with proper knowledge. Always have the virtue of preparedness. Present yourself with total honesty, putting your best foot forward without adding any unnecessary adornment. Try to be persistent also; this is another key to career success. Practice the high standards of ethical conduct. Now you have finished your respective courses by having serious studies, hard work and dedication, always present your ideas in a constructive and positive way. Conduct yourself in an ethical, well-mannered professional way. Be trustworthy and always maintain confidence and humility. If you fail, never give up.

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UE Today September-December 2009

No one who reaches the top is a stranger to failure. Learn to take adversity in stride. When you encounter roadblocks, look for new paths; turn the endings into new beginnings. Soon, you may become productive citizens in one country. Get further education in order to make you professionals that are socially competent and personally independent. Now more than ever, dear graduates, you need the guidance of righteous life ideals. The good old virtues imbibed in your childhood from your parents and the qualities and teachings by your mentors are to be cherished. Dear graduates, do not depend on them for support. Be an economic asset to them rather than an economic liability. How? You must now perfect your work habits and always try to improve your mode of life. There should be less superficiality, more depth; less vanity, more seriousness; less extravagance, more thriftiness; less indolence, more industry—these are what you all need. When the right time comes and you have reached your goal and become successful in all your endeavors, when you are always receiving blessings, then it is your turn not to forget to thank your parents, the people who have helped you, the University and the teachers who molded you and gave you the basic foundations of your education and your knowledge and most especially, our dear Divine Creator, for without Him, we are nothing. If you want to be successful, stay close to Him. Our obligation to God consists not in exhibiting the hypocritical ceremonial rites of religion, but in offering to the Divine Creator the best sermon of humanity—a good deed to our fellowmen. Congratulations once more, dear graduates, I want to see and hear from you in the future, that you have achieved your goal with flying colors. Good luck! God bless! I salute all of you! Mabuhay!

No one who reaches the top is a stranger to failure.

”

“Education Gave Me the Knowledge to Compete” By Mr. OSCAR L. JORNACION This was the commencement speech of Mr. Jornacion to the UE Manila graduates of the Colleges of Business Administration, Engineering and Education on November 26, 2009, 9 a.m., at the UE Theatre. Mr. Jornacion is also featured in an article starting on page 76 of this issue.

Thank you for having me as guest speaker today. I accepted the invitation because the University of the East is an important part of my life. I travelled thousands of miles from Los Angeles, California, to be with you today. I will talk about my life and entrepreneurship only because of this main reason: If I can inspire you to achieve more or if I can inspire you to become entrepreneurs, especially the younger ones, in building your own careers, then my trip is all worth it. I was born to a poor family in the small barrio of Sto. Rosario, San Juan, La Union. My mother was a housewife and my father worked in a mining company in Baguio. I am the second to the youngest of a family of five boys and three girls. There was not enough food on the table. We often shared whatever little we had. Breakfast consisted of one or two eggs shared by everyone. When I had awards and honors in the elementary grade, I remember my mother would borrow a barong Tagalog for me to have decent clothes to wear during the ceremonies. Some of my brothers and sisters did not even graduate because our parents could not afford to send us to school at the same time. Sometimes, I wonder if this hardship actually was the main catalyst in my excessive desire to succeed. Let me tell you that even at the early age of five, I already had that obsessive desire to succeed; but at that time, success only meant money to me. I remember hearing stories of the hidden treasures of Yamashita, so I started digging our neighbor’s backyards, which also resulted to nothing. Later in life, I slowly and began to realize that the gold I was searching for could be found in education. While in high school, I learned how to do business and took business opportunities. At that time, during athletic competitions I noticed that small stores were selling snacks and drinks outside of the bleachers and people had to leave their seats just to buy their snacks or drinks, possibly losing their seats. I then convinced all the stores to consign their goods to me and charged two times the asking price, and I brought the drinks and snacks to the people at the bleachers. I made more money than the store owners. I then realized, if I was able to make more money than the store owners without capital, and this I did at a very young age, that I could do anything.

It was also in high school that I learned to be smart. I remember, during that time Coca-Cola and Pepsi Cola had promotions of having a free drink for every case. So, I bought one case of Coca-Cola and analyzed the free Coke compared to the other bottles. I then analyzed that free Cokes have a darker color than the others. So, I convinced the owner of the store that I can identify all bottles that were free. During lunchtime, I would be at his storage room segregating all the free bottles. The store owner gave me 50% of all free bottles. If you were buying your drinks at the store, there was no way you would have gotten a free Coke, because I got all of them. In college, I developed the attitude of wanting to always be first. “First is first and second is second” had been my motto, and that happened to also be the motto of my fraternity. I started topping in most of my classes and eventually graduated Magna Cum Laude. I developed my management skills because I participated in the student government. I was the Grand Lord Chancellor of the Beta Epsilon fraternity, an honor fraternity, and was the President of La Union Varsitarians at the University of the East. After working for nine months with a CPA firm, I migrated to the United States through the petition of my mother. I worked for a CPA firm for two years and then my client hired me. I was not an ordinary employee. After finishing my job, I asked for more work. After learning my job functions, I requested my boss to add more responsibilities. The only problem with that is the company fired my boss and promoted me to his position as accounting manager in four weeks. At the age of 24, I became the youngest executive of Ticor Mortgage Insurance. I found myself with a big office and at least 100 employees reporting to me. Being young and a minority, I had problems managing the whites and the blacks. I inherited an old black secretary. My first instruction for her was to change her filing system and she answered back in front of my employees, “I have been doing this before you were born.” The following day, I fired her. After that, all my subordinates were afraid of me. My subordinates were six-footers in height and I am only 5’4”. At the age of 30, I got bored with my job. The company treated me well. I got my MBA through a scholarship from them. I resigned anyway because I wanted to build my own empire. This proved to be true when I built my other

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businesses at a later time. Going into business is not easy. It was hard and very challenging. I decided to go into the media business because of the influence that goes into the media business and my exposure to journalism in high school. My first project was the Filipino directory that would be the first in the United States. The business opportunity that I saw proved to be right. I would have lost my shirt because starting a new concept, a new business, was very risky and unproven. I have to go full-time because, in the first six months, nobody bought advertising space. Working seven days/16 hours a day was a normal routine for me. I had to go out and be a salesman to be successful. I then realized I was better as a salesman than as a CPA. The strategy worked very well and I made money the first year and used that money to buy my first commercial building located in Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles. After one year in the business, I started a high-end newspaper, California Examiner. I dominated this business sector after a few months. When my competitors started to lower their rates to compete with me, I decided to put out a lower-end newspaper, World Reporter, to compete with my California Examiner. California Examiner and World Reporter were the most dominant newspapers in the community. That strategy worked perfectly and all our competitors went out of business. I put up another newspaper in Las Vegas, Nevada Examiner, and another newspaper, The San Diego Examiner, as well as the Radio Manila radio station and the PhilippineAmerican Expoâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;thus, completing my media empire. Media business is a good business but it is also a volatile business, because business slows down during a recession. With that in mind, I decided to invest heavily in real estate. While the values go up and down, real estate is still the best investment because if you chart the real estate values in Los Angeles, it is increasing in a diagonal way. Today, I own various commercial/residential properties: the Philippine

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Village Building, the Tri-Media Building and the Nevada Examiner Building, including other properties in California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Texas, Florida and the Philippines. The latest companies that we just built are the Everlasting Adult Day Health Care and Fast Track Nursing School. These health care businesses will stabilize our business empire. Yes, you can achieve this too. From a small boy from barrio Sto. Rosario, San Juan, La Union to a publisher and businessman. Lastly, to become successful: First, you have to have a dream. Second, you must have a passion to succeed and never to worry about failure. Third, you must work extremely hard. Fourth, never take shortcuts; a business is like a baby, you need to nurture it for years. Fifth, never commit fraud, especially in the United States. Sixth, you need prayers. I want you all to remember this: Do not accept no for an answer, and one of the first steps to success is failure. The $100 bill pocket money that I had when I immigrated to the United States had now become a multimillion-dollar net worth. Before I close, let me thank the University of the East for my education. That education gave me all the knowledge and weapons to compete in the real world. You should be thankful too for your education that you received from the University. Moreover, I want to thank the University of the East for realizing one of my dreams today. During my graduation in 1973, I promised to come back to be the commencement speaker and that dream is realized today. Ladies and gentlemen, thank you and have a pleasant morning.

During my graduation, I promised to come back to be the commencement speaker; that dream is realized today.

UE Today September-December 2009

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Mining the Success Story of

Oscar L. Jornacion By Bert B. Sulat Jr. Having heard oldtimers’ tales of supposed hidden gold in La Union, a six-year-old boy decided to dig for treasure in his backyard. Not finding any, he dug in the neighbor’s backyard, reaping nothing but resentment from his parents. He did not become a miner or got into the mining industry, yet Mr. Oscar Lictaoa Jornacion did prosper later on—not just in the material sense, and all via a combination of hard work, guts, intelligence and vision. A native of San Juan, La Union, “Oca” or “OJ,” as relatives and friends fondly call him, is the seventh of eight children of Eleuterio, a ship site supervisor (who also, alas, dabbled in mine-selling in La Union), and Consuelo, a housewife. Theirs was a poor family with a hand-to-mouth existence, but the young Oca grew up ambitious and indomitable, even graduating in the Top 3 of his class at the La Union High School in 1969. Going into college, he thought of being both a certified public accountant and a lawyer—the former to nurture his burgeoning business acumen, the latter for having “the ability to argue.” In fact, it was in high school when he made his initial foray into the realm of business. “Back then, sari-sari stores were far from the venue of the [National Collegiate Athletic Association] games, so I engaged with those stores for me to sell their wares directly to the audiences of the NCAA games,” Mr. Jornacion relates in an interview with UE Today. “Since then, I was thinking ahead and doing things like analyzing, say, the under-the-tansan promos of softdrink manufacturers.” Getting into RP’s Top Business School Consequently, the young Oca had no other choice for his college—specifically business—education but UE, enrolling in 1969 as the University’s graduates were on a roll in terms of CPA licensure board examination performance. Excelling in his studies, Oca the UE student enjoyed an academic scholarship which allowed him to get even smarter with handling money. “I had a deal with my mom then,” Mr. Jornacion recalls, “that if I got the scholarship, I get to keep whatever money I had left from it. And so I was able to open my very first bank account.” The young Oca was an honor student in UE and even kept himself very busy with extracurricular work. He was the President of the La Union Varsitarians in 1971, and, in 1972, was the Grand Lord Chancellor of the Beta Epsilon Sigma Fraternity—the latter “an honors society fraternity where members ended up as Latin honor graduates,” he explains. Indeed, the young Oca ultimately earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree, Major in Accounting, in 1973, Magna Cum Laude. Migrating to the Land of Milk and Honey Soon after taking the 1973 CPA board exam, Mr. Jornacion became a junior employee at Joaquin Cunanan & Co., the local

affiliate of PricewaterhouseCoopers, for nine months. The brief tenure was because he was petitioned by his mother, by then already based in Los Angeles, California, with some of his siblings. “I had to be convinced about moving to the US, that I could take my master’s degree there,” he relates. Mr. Jornacion even remembers the exact date of his arrival in the USA: September 4, 1974. Before his flight out of the Philippines, he learned that he passed the CPA board exam. Mr. Jornacion recalls that, once he was in LA, adjustment to the new place and culture was relatively easy. “I did not have friends at first, but soon it was okay.” Almost immediately, he was hired as a staff accountant by PricewaterhouseCoopers. After two years in that public accounting firm, he joined Ticor Mortgage Insurance Co., a private corporation where he would work for six years, rising from the position of an Accounting Manager until he became the entire company’s Director of Accounting. Through a scholarship from Ticor, Mr. Jornacion got to work for, and earn, his Master of Business Administration degree from Pepperdine University in 1983 (his thesis: A Comparative Study of Executive Careers and Entrepreneurship). He also got to take, and pass, California’s CPA board exam. As Ticor’s Director of Accounting, not only did Mr. Jornacion have the distinction of handling a company-wide position for what was an 8,000-employee outfit and was a signing authority for checks and such, he was likewise just 24 years old at the time and was the only Asian among the company’s executives. Still, he had a few frustrations, among which was that “I was seeing a lot of money but it wasn’t my money,” he says. Moreover, “I wanted to eventually become the president, the topmost person in the organization, but was told that due to my ethnicity, it wasn’t going to happen.” On his sixth year at Ticor, “OJ” parted ways with the company. Enter the Entrepreneur in Him While still with Ticor, Mr. Jornacion had the foresight to get started as a self-made businessman. “I had no substantial experience to speak of and so I analyzed the community and its needs,” he remembers. “I realized that there was no Filipino-American phone directory in LA. So I went for broke. I resigned from Ticor and put up the Filipino Directory of California in 1982. I started small, hiring Fil-Ams as salespersons. I learned things that I didn’t get to learn at school; for one thing, I had no marketing background and had to learn the basics as I went along. Being my first entrepreneurial venture, it was hard.” The annual publication eventually paid off, earning an average of $500,000 in ad revenue and even spawning copycats. Mr. Jornacion could afford to sell that business because, by then, it was not his lone entrepreneurial endeavor. Having become an ad salesman for (along with being a distributor of) his Los Angeles/Fil-Am version of the Yellow Pages, he gained confidence in ad sales. With that, coupled with his

UE Today September-December 2009

Mr. Jornacion as seen in the 1973 UE Panorama yearbook (above), at the 2008 UE Alumni Homecoming with UEAAI President Mercy Candelaria and Vice President Ed Arcilla (below), and with the UE Red Warriors and a few UE officials at the team’s dugout at the Araneta Coliseum last Oct. 4.

UE Today September-December 2009

observation that Filipino-American newspapers in LA were being run by writers, he established the California Examiner in 1983, a weekly Class A newspaper, featuring news about Fil-Ams and about other minorities in the City of Angels. Despite the existing competition, California Examiner became a hit because it was free to all its readers—a distinction he could afford because “our markup for the ad payments made up for that.” And he had the prescience to invest in his own printing machines, whereas his competitors had to have their printing outsourced. The success of California Examiner—“After our first year of operation, I was able to buy a building”—inspired Mr. Jornacion to establish a succession of other papers: World Reporter in 1985 (a Class B daily that competed with newspapers with cheaper ad rates), San Diego Examiner in 1988 and Nevada Examiner in 1993. Not stopping with print, he ventured into broadcast media as well, setting up KPSC Radio Manila in 1985 in Southern California. Out on cable radio, Radio Manila aired music, news and even dramas from the Philippines, exchanging material initially with ABS-CBN, later on with the GMA network, and currently with Radio Veritas and Radyo ng Bayan. (Mr. Jornacion recalls the program transmitting, in 1990, a news patch about the earthquake that hit Baguio City from fellow UE alumnus Noli L. De Castro Jr., then still a full-time ABS-CBN broadcaster.) Also in 1985, Mr. Jornacion founded the Phil-American Expo, an annual trade fair for promoting businesses from his homeland, such as real estate, to LA citizens, replete with side shows such as beauty pageants and performances by the likes of Gary Valenciano. In 1989, “OJ” established his printing press, Ace Printing & Graphics. In 2002, he put up the Philippine Village Center, a big building that can accommodate up to 30 tenant offices and offers space and facilities for Fil-Am events. (“The Center initially met resistance from ‘earlier’ minority groups in LA, such as the Italians and Mexicans,” remembers Mr. Jornacion. “But the politicians knew I had the legitimate paperwork and good intentions for this.”) In 2004, he put up Everlasting, a state-funded adult day health care center that, among other tasks, takes some 400 senior citizens—“99% are Fil-Ams,” he notes—to the Philippine Village Center for meals and activities. All told, Mr. Jornacion has what people would generically call an empire; he preferred to give it a formal name: The First Tri-Media Group of Companies. To date, all of his said outfits, all based in LA, are part of this conglomerate (after having dominated its market, it was fused in the year 2000 with California Examiner) and the Filipino Directory of California (which he sold in 1992). He also has real estate investments in a number of locales across North America. And with his immense success as a businessman, Mr. Jornacion gladly let his old dream of becoming a lawyer fade away. Looking Back, Giving Back, Staying Grounded How did he become so successful? “I always had a strong drive to succeed, and this distracted me from thinking of whether I could fail,” Mr. Jornacion relates, ironically in a soft-spoken manner that belies your typical driven individual. He adds that, “I am a seven-days-a-week workaholic. When things were hard, I never thought of quitting. The ambition to make my mark on Earth kept motivating me.” It is noteworthy

as well that, given his affluence, he remains modest in appearance and demeanor, opting for a simple wardrobe without any “bling,” as kids say these days. “I never wore jewelry then, I still don’t now,” he points out. Apart from the basic inclination to do business and earn, Mr. Jornacion, at this point a fairly young multi-achiever at 57 years old, points out that “My businesses are all based on needs”—adding that, “More opportunities come about when you’re successful.” In fact, he had hoped to put up even more businesses until he was advised to stop by his wife Gilda, a specialty nurse for heart patients whom he married in 1980 and who is now President of Everlasting Adult Day Health Care Center. Still, it’s not just all about earning for the man who remains President and Publisher of The First Tri-Media Group of Companies as well as Everlasting’s Chairman of the Board, among his many titles. Having grown up poor and later on having to acclimatize himself with a whole new country and establish his livelihood therein, he has also epitomized altruism in myriad ways. In Los Angeles, Mr. Jornacion, a Catholic and a Republican, is able to help Fil-Ams with housing problems or needing legal services (to his benefit, such philanthropic assistance is tax-deductible) as well as give advice on how to get started in the city that once had been a stranger to him, too. Given the ongoing recession that has battered the US economy, but which has had minimal effect on his resilient and diverse businesses, he has also helped individuals or organizations, even churches (even non-Catholic ones), stay proverbially afloat. Moreover, he has a number of generosity-exemplifying endeavors here in RP. In his hometown of San Juan, he put up a health center named in honor of his now deceased parents and sponsors scholarships to his alma mater, the La Union High School. In Iloilo City, he put up a community center equipped with a library. In Metro Manila, he also has a private

foundation that benefits residents of Payatas in Quezon City. “It’s good to be in a position to help,” he enthuses. Forever a UE Alumnus Mr. Jornacion the husband is likewise a family man to his and Mrs. Gilda’s two mid-20s sons: Grant, who works in Hollywood, and Gary, a musician. “We’re training our two sons about being in business but starting from the bottom, with them doing manual labor.” He remains good friends with, among others, fellow UE alumnus and Beta Epsilon Sigma Fraternity brother Andrew L. Tan—himself a massive success on the opposite side of the Pacific Ocean as the Chairman and President of Megaworld Corporation. “My old friends are still my friends,” Mr. Jornacion underscores, adding that “There are many UE alumni in LA.” Moreover, the UE graduate turned US success story—one of the select few Distinguished Alumni Achievers during the University’s Diamond Jubilee Awards in 2006—has remained loyal to his collegiate Alma Mater, exercising generosity and hospitality to sons and daughters of Lualhati where the opportunity exists. Most recently, he spearheaded the hosting of a dinner for and giving of a few perks to the UE Red Warriors Men’s Basketball Team when the athletic squad went to the USA last April for basketball training and to compete (and win) in the Easter Showcase in Las Vegas, Nevada. And lately, he has undertaken the enormous task of being the Overall Chairman of the 1st UE Global Alumni Reunion, to be held at the New Orleans Casino in Las Vegas on July 3 to 6, 2010. “‘Real treasures’ can be unearthed through education. I loved my college years; they were the foundation of my business career. Indeed, what I am now, I owe to UE,” he says. “So if I were to say something, in a nutshell, to UE’s current students, I would say that I am proof that you may be poor, but if you have a dream and work hard for it, you can achieve.”

UE Today September-December 2009

Eight Memoranda Signed with PICPA, Top Accounting Firms To bolster its partnership with the key players in the accounting profession, the University of the East signed memoranda of agreement with the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) and some of the country’s top accounting firms at the Briefing Room in UE Manila on August 11, 2009. The memoranda are geared towards UE’s continued contribution to the accounting profession by means of training of accounting faculty and students. UE and PICPA’s memorandum is for the continuation of the UE-PICPA Accounting Lecture Series, an event that the University has been hosting with PICPA’s support since the series kicked off in January 2008, debuting with a lecture by SGV & Co. Founder Washington SyCip—one of many efforts to provide for an exchange of ideas to enrich the curricula of the BS Accountancy program so that the program matches the needs of the industry. Invited to the Lecture Series are accounting faculty and students of accounting schools, and accountants from government agencies, private firms and accounting firms and practitioners. Representing PICPA at the signing were its National President for 2008-2009 Protacio T. Tacandong and National President for 2009-2010 Antonio

P. Tecson. The University also inked a memorandum with PICPA’s Metro Manila Regional Council to establish linkages with its chapters, as well as for future project tie-ups between the two institutions. PICPA Metro Manila Regional Council Chair Ms. Violeta J. Josef was on hand to sign the memorandum along with the Presidents of the four Metro Manila chapters: Ms. Felisa C. Lim (Northern), Mr. Henry M. Tan (Eastern), Ms. Ma. Teresita Z. Dimaculangan (Southern) and Ms. Cynthia A. Molina (Western). Linkages as well as on-the-job training for the University’s accounting students were the primary rationale behind the memoranda between UE and the accounting firms Alba Romeo & Co. (a member firm of BDO International), Constantino Guadalquiver & Co. (Baker Tilly International), Isla Lipana & Co. (Pricewaterhouse Coopers), Punongbayan & Araullo (Grant Thornton International Ltd.), SyCip Gorres Velayo & Co./SGV & Co. (Ernst & Young) and Villaruz Villaruz & Co. (Morison International). Signing on behalf of the accounting firms were Alba Romeo & Co. Chairman and Managing Partner Romeo C. Alba, Constantino Guadalquiver and Co. Managing Continued on page 82

UE’s academic officials and officials of PICPA, the PICPA Metro Manila Regional Council, PICPA Metro Manila chapters and top accounting firms pose for this group shot following the signing of eight memoranda of agreement between the University and PICPA, the said chapters, and accounting firms. Shown are the signatories: seated are Villaruz Villaruz & Co. Director Rosalina Ong, PICPA Metro Manila Regional Council Chair Violeta Josef, PICPA 2008-2009 President Protacio Tacandong, PICPA 2009-2010 President Antonio Tecson, UE President and Chief Academic Officer Ester Garcia, UE Executive Vice President Carmelita Mateo, then UE Manila Chancellor Antonieta Fortuna-Ibe, Isla Lipana & Co. Managing Partner Judith Lopez and SGV & Co. Country Managing Partner Cirilo Noel; standing are Constantino Guadalquiver Managing Partner Jerome Antonio Constantino, Punongbayan & Araullo Managing Partner Ma. Victoria Españo, PICPA Northern Metro Manila President-elect Ligaya Co, PICPA Southern Metro Manila President Ma. Teresita Dimaculangan, Alba Romeo & Co. Partner Leticia Tagle, UE CBA Caloocan Dean Estelita Bello, PRC Board of Accountancy Chair Eugene Mateo, then UE CBA Manila Dean Veronica Elizalde, PICPA Eastern Metro Manila President Henry Tan and UE- Manila ACLAT Chair Angelito Descalzo. The agreements—signed on August 11, 2009, at the Briefing Room in UE Manila—were established mainly to enrich the BS Accountancy program so that it will meet the needs of the accounting profession.

UE Today September-December 2009

From left: UE’s Chancellor Ibe and President Garcia, and First Place Inc.’s Mr. Dapul and Mrs. Dapul, and Ms. Duffin; at the back (partly hidden) is UE GCO Director Urrea.

MOA for Work and Travel/Cultural Exchange Program Signed A memorandum of agreement was signed between the University of the East (UE) and First Place, Inc. (FPI) for a work and travel/cultural exchange program. First Place prides itself in being “frontrunners in research, systems, training and placement.” The signing was preceded by a long process of inquiring about the said latter company and its program for our college students, after the program proposal was endorsed to then UE Manila Chancellor Antonieta Fortuna-Ibe in October 2008—not to mention the inquest that UE President Ester Albano-Garcia herself did to other universities availing of First Place’s services. To introduce the Work and Travel/ Cultural Exchange Program to our college students, several orientation activities were allowed to be facilitated by FPI directors. These were participated in by UE students of the Hotel and Restaurant Management (HRM), Business Administration, and Computer Science courses. Moreover, the parents of the HRM students had the chance to be familiarized Eight Memoranda Signed... Continued from page 81 Partner Jerome Antonio Constantino, Isla Lipana and Co. Managing Partner Judith V. Lopez, Punongbayan & Araullo Managing Partner Ma. Victoria C. Españo, SGV & Co. Country Managing Partner Cirilo P. Noel, and Villaruz Villaruz and Co. Managing Partner Normita L. Villaruz. Signing on behalf of the University were President and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Ester Albano Garcia and then UE

UE Today September-December 2009

with the program. The MOA signing was realized last August 25, 2009 at the Briefing Room. The principal signatories were President Garcia and Mr. Santi Dapul, the Managing Director of First Place, Inc. Likewise present to witness the signing were Chancellor Ibe and Mrs. Rosanna R. Dapul, the Director for Business Development of FPI, as was Ms. Carye Duffin, the Director for Partner Sales of Council on International Educational Exchange, the cohort agency of FPI in the United States. Also present were a number of UE Deans and directors. This MOA was spearheaded by the UE Guidance and Counseling Office, headed by its director, Ma. Leonila VitugUrrea. This undertaking’s primary objective is to open the opportunity to our college students to experience to work and travel or to have their internship in the US, Canada, Europe, or Australia, which will help in boosting their credentials in the future.

Manila Chancellor Antonieta Fortuna-Ibe. Among those on hand to witness the event were UE Executive Vice President Carmelita G. Mateo, Professional Regulation Commission Board of Accountancy Chair Eugene T. Mateo, UE CBA Manila then Acting Dean (now Dean) Veronica N. Elizalde UE CBA Caloocan Dean Estelita D. Bello, CBA Aclat (Accounting, Law and Taxation) Department Chair Angelito C. Descalzo, and a number of UE’s other academic officials.

Entrepreneurship MoU Signed with Saudi Arabia’s King Saud University

Dr. Ahmed A. AlShumaimri, Director of KSU’s Entrepreneurship Center, and UE President Dr. Ester A. Garcia

The University of the East and King Saud University (KSU) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding at UE’s Manila Campus Briefing Room. The MoU, which was signed on July 23, 2009, was reached to share the best practices in teaching entrepreneurship in both institutions, specifically to promote the entrepreneurial spirit among college students. Established in 1957, King Saud University is the first institution of higher education in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is also recognized as the number one international university in the Arab world, the Middle East, the North African Region and the Islamic world according to the

International Spanish Webometrics ranking system. UE President Ester A. Garcia and Dr. Ahmed A. AlShumaimri, the Director of the Entrepreneurship Center of King Saud University, signed the MoU. Present to witness were some of UE’s academic officials, including Dr. John S. Bala, the Graduate School Dean; Dean Veronica N. Elizalde of the College of Business Administration (CBA)-Manila; Dean Estelita D. Bello of CBA Caloocan; and Prof. Jayme C. Ignacio, the Department Chair of the Entrepreneurship Program of CBA Manila. Core faculty members handling entrepreneurship courses in the Graduate School and the undergraduate level were also present. UE’s and KSU’s respective entrepreneurship programs were presented at the signing. Dean Bala introduced a new course offering, the Master of Business Administration Entrepreneurship Program. Prof. Ignacio encapsulated the set-up of the entrepreneurship program in the undergraduate level, while Dr. Al-Shumaimri gave an overview of how the entrepreneurship program is being implemented at KSU. The guests were toured throughout CBA Manila’s Entrepreneurial Venture laboratory, where mini-companies operate. The guests witnessed how the students manufactured products and were impressed with the finished goods on display at the showroom. They also saw the various sections of the entire EV site. A brief roundtable discussion was conducted toward the end of the program, which concluded with Dr. Garcia and Dr. Al-Shumaimri expressing words of appreciation.

College Scholarship Program Forged with Metrobank Foundation and Fluor Daniel, Inc. Philippines The Metrobank Foundation, Inc., and Fluor Daniel, Inc. Philippines recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the University of the East for the FluorMetrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) College Scholarship Program. The Program aims to provide scholarship grants to Engineering students of UE Manila beginning school year 2009-2010. The photo shows Fluor Daniel, Inc. Philippines general

manager Dan Spinks, Metrobank Foundation President Aniceto M. Sobrepeña and UE President Dr. Ester A. Garcia (5th, 4th and 3rd from left, respectively). Joining them are (from left): Fluor Daniel, Inc. Philippines Controller Medy P. Camba; UE College of Engineering-Manila Dean Engr. Dominador S. Pagbilao; Metrobank Foundation, Inc. Executive Vice President Elvira Ong-Chan; Metrobank-Filinvest Corporate City Branch Manager Leilani C. De Guzman; and Fluor Daniel, Inc. Philippines Project Manager Tony R. Soria.

UE Today September-December 2009

I worked in the private sector for 30 years in various companies and various industries before coming over to the UE Caloocan Campus on May 2, 2006. I started as a junior research and training staffer in SGV & Co., served as Assistant Editor in Asian Finance magazine and subsequently Research Director for its two books, served as Technical Assistant to the PAL-ALPAP Pilots Retirement Board (administrator of the biggest private retirement plan then), went back to the mainstream of business by joining Filinvest Land (a real estate developer) and ended the employment phase of my life in Philippine British Assurance Co., a nonlife insurance company. I tried my luck at entrepreneurship by setting up a small home office in January 2004. I was engaged as external auditor by two religious organizations and a medical doctor. In late 2004, I was tapped by a well-known US footwear company to perform a royalty audit of its licensee in the Philippines. It was a most fulfilling engagement for me. The self-employment phase was interrupted after a year and a half when I was invited to join the University of the East. Reluctantly, I submitted my résumé to President Ester A. Garcia, met and shook hands with the late Chairman P. O. Domingo six days after, and the rest is now history. Many of my friends have often wondered what drives me to try different kinds of work. One wondered where I draw my energy—maybe the better word is courage—to start a new career each time, as each company is unique and so are the industries where they belong. Someone even commented something which implies that I seem rather unsure of what I want, which is why I have been moving from one company to the next. What many people do not know is that I took on a challenge hurled by my social studies high school teacher to develop a well-rounded personality. I have a passion for learning. My thirst for knowledge is unquenchable. When my learning starts to become marginal, I become unhappy. I also have a scrupulous conscience. When I am made to do something unethical, and I know that doing it is not the will of God, I leave, never mind the high salary and perks that go with it. I always want

UE Today September-December 2009

The Joy The Joyof Teaching of Teaching By Dean Estelita D. Bello College of Business Administration-Caloocan

to expand my horizon. I would like to be in touch with the world, to know what is new and how it impacts on my life. My curiosity is boundless. I cannot stand being with people who are conversing while I am beside them silently listening and watching their animated discussion in awe. I want to participate in discussions and contribute my bit in building knowledge. I believe in the power of knowledge so much and the freedom it brings to the ones who possess it. I challenge myself each time an opportunity arises to learn something new and something different. I remember that when I was appointed to head the Insurance Department in 1999, I was sent to the Insurance Institute of Asia and the Pacific (IIAP) and I topped all three examinations much to the surprise of the insurance industry. I did not come from the insurance industry. I was just its client trying to learn the rudiments of insurance. This also explains why at quite the late age of 57, I dared teach the beginner’s course in Accounting—Accounting 1 & 2—for the first time in the first semester of SY 2008-2009. I did not plan to teach but my Chancellor, Dr. Fedeserio C. Camarao, compelled me to do so. He said that I am a very intelligent dean and I will not be credible to my faculty when I speak to them about their teaching if I myself do not teach. It was a most difficult decision to make as I am Dean and I am enrolled at the Graduate School in a doctoral program at the same time. I am doing so many things and there are still so many more to be done. But since I am an obedient follower, I followed his advice and so my teaching career began. Teaching is a most challenging task for it entailed waking up as early as 4:30 a.m. and staying up late at night in order to prepare my lessons and correct papers. It was a punishing schedule. Oftentimes, I felt very exhausted at nights. However, in spite of this terrible feeling, I felt a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment everyday. I knew that somehow I had influenced one young person to learn something new that will empower him to become somebody someday.

I have always dreamed of teaching but did not come close to doing it because my mercenary spirit was overwhelming my missionary spirit. I have known people who were average students but were earning more than their more intelligent classmates who joined the academe. That scandalized me and I did not want to be counted among the exploited intelligentsia. Fortunately for me, after 29 years, that mindset has changed. After working for so long, I felt that I wanted to share everything that I learned. So when a former classmate in the Accounting Honors class, then CBA Caloocan Dean Eduardo M. Trinidad, called and encouraged me to try and become the Dean at the College of Business AdministrationCaloocan, I decided it may be time to join the academe and do what I have been wanting to do. It is not easy to teach for two hours every Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; administer a College from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; and study on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at the UE Graduate School in Manila toward a DBA degree. It is not also easy to teach Accounting 1 & 2, which dealt primarily with the basic principles and concepts of Accounting. Students who did not know anything about the subject matter will hear things about the “language of business” for the first time. The challenge of the teacher is to introduce to students an entirely new vocabulary and teach them new skills. The teacher presents the subject matter in a more appealing way so that the students will appreciate it, solve problems and exercises, and use it. But there are some other requisites to the study of Accounting and that is it requires conformance to certain international financial reporting standards and a prescribed code of ethics. Accounting is a multi-dimensional field of study. It is based on economics, business, the law, taxation and social sciences. It is based on standards. I tell my students they cannot see accounting in Korean “telenovelas” or in blockbusters like the Harry Potter movies. I was referring of course to the basic distractions that keep students from Dean Bello (front, 6th from left) with the other academic officers and her fellow faculty members of CBA Caloocan

UE Today September-December 2009

learning. I tell my students that Accounting is English and this invited quizzical looks from them. Accounting books are in English. Test questions and problems they answer, their quizzes and departmental examinations are all in English. How can a student answer a test question, or read and understand the lesson, unless he is good in English? Accounting is also practice. No student can ever learn Accounting if he does not spend time solving the exercises and test materials in the textbook. So I explained to them the qualities they must possess if they wish to become good certified public accountants (CPAs) in the future. I tell them that good Accounting students should acquire the two Ps: patience and persistence. At the start of the course, we had lectures on the historical background of Accounting. I had to introduce Luca Paciolli, the inventor of modern accounting which was based on the equation Assets = Liabilities and Equity (or A=L+E). Then, I had to excite them about the uses and users of accounting in order to build up the discussion on the profession and the code of ethics. The Conceptual Framework is not a very easy topic, but it had to be explained patiently one by one so that students can grasp it. Professional ethics, the sanctity of the client’s trust, which is the ethical basis of confidentiality, should be emphasized so that the need for ethical conduct will be appreciated. To keep my students interested in an otherwise boring subject, I had to open and close the class with a prayer specifically offered in their behalf so that the students may be aided by the Holy Spirit—to understand the difficult concepts, principles and terminology. I had to intersperse my lecture with advice and counsel on the need to study hard, read the textbook and references so they can follow the class discussion. While the preliminary period was full of theoretical knowledge, the midterm had a different thrust. There were practice exercises done. The students were taught the step-by-step accounting cycle. From the start-up of a company, the students were led into the use of special journals to facilitate the recording of transactions. Then we discussed the most difficult part, which is the adjusting of entries. We also had to close the books, after preparing the basic financial statements, prepare the postclosing trial balance, rule and balance the accounts, and finally reverse some entries. How can a faculty member derive joy in teaching Accounting? How will the students find joy in a subject that requires them to spend endless hours at night and on weekends solving the long simulated cases? How will the students find the practice set, which I asked them to solve manually using worksheets and then submit their group report in MS Excel format and using the Philippine Financial Reporting standards?

The psychic reward that I got as a teacher are the little signs that my students are learning and applying what they learned in the exercises I assigned to them. The joy came toward the end of the course when my students would come to my office as a group and express their awe on being able to sit in my sofa like they are my most important guests and ask questions like where I live, what I did before becoming dean, where I took up my MBA studies, and if my DBA studies is a difficult one. I could sense in their questions a curiosity and a desire to know more about the profession I chose. I sense a desire to know what lies ahead if they choose to pursue this career. I felt happy to answer their questions and chat with them. These young people are looking for clues, searching for something that can probably assure them that they can pass the course and that they can aspire to become CPAs. It is the rare opportunities like this to talk to them face-toface and person-to-person, to encourage them that they have the potential to go ahead and succeed. The joy of teaching lies in the simple questions, in the simple gestures, and in the curious looks that I get when I give them my personal insights into the profession and the correct values and attitudes they must possess if they wish to become good CPAs. I derived the joy of teaching when I saw how my students were able to produce their practice set in Excel and PFRS formats. I was happy that I was able to raise the standard of achievement higher by integrating the use of Excel (a powerful tool of the Microsoft Office suite) so that they know early on how accountants do their work in offices and how an otherwise tedious accounting work has been made easy because of the use of the computer. The joy comes in the realization that freshmen who did not know anything about Accounting are now familiar and conversant with accounting lingo after 17 weeks of study. I know there are nine more semesters to tackle but at least I was able to ease their way into the profession and convinced them that they have chosen a good profession: one that promises fulfillment and a high pay, one that can empower and enable them to help raise their family’s social status, and one that can help the country move forward. After teaching for one semester, I discovered that I too can become a good faculty member. My students gave me high marks: not Outstanding but Very Good, which means that there is still room for improvement. I am a dean, a student and a faculty member. The challenges are many wherever I turn my head. But the greatest challenge lies in the hearts and minds of students who come to class each day in search of knowledge that a teacher alone can synthesize for them and deliver in a language they understand, in a mode that they will remember and a manner that will inspire them to develop focus and excellence. I have laid bare my heart. Therein lies the joy of teaching.

“The greatest challenge lies in the hearts and minds of students who come to class each day in search of knowledge that a teacher alone can synthesize for them and deliver in a language they understand, in a mode that they will remember and a manner that will inspire them to develop focus and excellence.”

UE Today September-December 2009

My Father the Teacher By Abegail A. Rebong This piece was originally published in The Philippine Star on October 5, 2009, in line with World Teachers’ Day. Reprinted with permission. The subject of this article is Engr. Antonio C. Rebong (shown in these 1980s and 2007 photos), a 1981 UE BS Electrical Engineering alumnus who has been a faculty member of the UE College of Engineering-Caloocan for the last 27 years. There’s so much more to being a teacher than making lesson plans and grading test papers. In his 27 years of teaching, my father showed me how hard work, patience, dedication and sacrifice are all part of being a teacher. My father never really planned on becoming a teacher. In fact, the opportunity came to him as a bit of a surprise. He took a year off after graduating from the University of the East in 1981 and was just scouting for job prospects as an electrical engineer when his alma mater called to see if he was interested in taking a teaching position, at UE’s Engineering Department. Knowing my dad, who’s not much into public speaking, I was curious about what it was like on his first day, especially since he wasn’t even that much older than his students. He admits to having first-day jitters as he was still trying to get used to how things were done but eventually, he said, things became easier. The first two classes that he handled were Applied Mathematics and Hydraulics—two subjects that I am definitely happy not to have taken up in college. I guess this is also one of the things that I admire most about my father: in spite of being a goofball, he’s very knowledgeable about a lot of things. While I’m actually the one who has piles and piles of books at home, my dad, who’s not really a bookworm, makes use of his spare time to review for his lessons—as evidenced by the library books that he has lying around the house. In spite of his penchant for corny, recycled jokes, my dad is pretty serious when it comes to work. Growing up, I was used to seeing my dad work long hours at home checking test papers, computing grades and scrambling every morning just to get to work on time. While my dad’s almost always tense and stressed out, he’s still not one to just give up and look for another job. Stressful matters aside, my father does love his job and his alma mater. Even though he doesn’t show it much, it becomes pretty obvious during the UAAP season whenever he hogs the TV to watch UE’s games over and over, and over again—no exaggeration. It’s a good thing that I do not really watch a lot of television shows even during weekends because if it were

possible, literally the only thing that we would watch are UE’s basketball games. Add to that his relentless play-byplay commentaries, even though my mom and I do not even know who the players are. My mom says that I shouldn’t complain about it, because aside from Manny Pacquiao’s fights and KFC Krusher, watching UE’s basketball games is one of the few things that help my dad de-stress after a long week at school. To those whose fathers have regular office jobs, having your dad around every day during the summer break can be kind of weird. But that’s not really a big deal. I am proud to say that my father is a teacher, someone who devotes his time to help young people become future professionals. As for his teaching style, I’m not really sure about that as I only have one recollection of seeing him at work—and I was only five years old at the time. To be honest, I’ve always been afraid to ask him to help me with my assignments/review for my chemistry, physics, algebra, geometry, finance (basically subjects which involve numbers) classes as he’s pretty strict; and as working on equations is really not my forte, it can get pretty stressful. I remember one time when my eyes were starting to well up because I couldn’t solve some of the equations that he’d prepared and I was scared that he’d get mad at me. While my father has the tendency to be strict, he’s not a monster; he’d always find a way to make things seem easier and make sure that I learn. I asked him if he’s the same with his students, given that teachers are considered as second parents by their students. He shrugs and says that he’s just doing what he can. He admits that one of the challenges that come with his profession is to be able to get the students to understand the topics—no matter how hard the subjects may seem to be. If that’s not enough, he says that they also have a “counselling hour” in school wherein his students can go to him in case they want to clarify some things about the lesson. It’s been 27 years since my dad’s first class in UE and ’til now he says that he can’t see himself doing something else. This is because at the end of the day, even though he’s still always rushing to meet his morning classes and spends his nights checking test papers, my dad has never had any regrets about his serendipitous turn as a teacher.

UE Today September-December 2009

UE CCSS Student Represents the Philippines in Global Initiatives Symposium Michael Y. Santiago, a fourth-year Information Technology student at UE’s College of Computer Studies and Systems, was chosen as one of only three Filipino delegates in the 1st Global Initiatives Symposium (GIS) Taiwan 2009, held last July 6 to 11 at the National Taiwan University in Taipei, Taiwan. The symposium, organized by students studying at the National Taiwan University, aimed to gather present and potential future leaders of the world to share their forwardlooking, concrete and innovative ideas and awareness on both regional and global scales. Delegates to the GIS were selected via an essay-writing screening on the topic “Challenges and Opportunities, the Global Economy in the Transition Phase”—with three choices for subtopic: “Bliss or Misery? Contemplating the Engagement at Cultural Forms and Economic Progress”; “Rethinking of Corporate Social Responsibility and Social Entrepreneurship”; and “Find the Next Wave to Ride On: New Business Strategies in the Changing World.”

UE CCSS student Michael Santiago (far right) with some of his fellow participants in a recent international symposium in Taipei

UE Today September-December 2009

Mr. Santiago wrote his essay on the subtopic of Rethinking Corporate Social Responsibility and Social Entrepreneurship. In his essay, Mr. Santiago wrote about the growing trend of adding a social dimension to private corporations as well as its limitations with respect to a company’s profitability. (His essay can be read here.) Mr. Santiago was one of a total of 78 delegates from various countries around the world who attended the conference, whose accommodations, meals and tour around Taipei were shouldered by the organizers. They spent six days listening to some of Taiwan’s most brilliant minds on topics in business economics, technology, terrorism and globalization. The participants also underwent workshops wherein they exchanged ideas and stands on current issues affecting the world today. The certificate of compliance received by UE’s entrant says, “GIS Taiwan 2009 deeply appreciates the efforts made by Mr. Santiago. Through his performance, the vision of this Symposium is most certainly furthered.” Angelo M. Vergel De Dios

U E Caloo can AB Co m m A r ts S h in e s in U P

A Successful ‘Shortcut’

By Prof. Mary Kathleen G. Javillonar Chair, Department of Communication Arts, College of Arts and Sciences-Caloocan Last August 6, 2009, despite typhoon “Kiko,” a UE contingent composed of faculty members of the CAS Caloocan Department of Communication Arts—headed by Prof. Mary Kathleen G. Javillonar and composed of Joel Esguerra, Concepcion Demausa, Paolo Doronio, Camilo Villanueva and Chadwick Sy Su— together with the two sections of secondyear Communication Arts students and some third-year and fourth-year students, attended the Pandayang Lino Brocka Political Film and New Media Festival held at Cine Adarna or the UP Main Theater from 1-6 p.m. We we r e s o p r i v i l e g e d a n d blessed that our fourth-year Comm. Arts students—a.k.a. “Team Vanilla,” composed of Rene Anselmo as director, along with Rene Angelo De Guzman, Paula Polintan, Jayme Ann Hernandez, Paolo Hernandez, Regine Adel, Jhoana Dela Cruz, Crystal Kaye David, Arphie Daguio and Maricon Reyes—made a documentary entitled Shortcut, about street children aiming their life’s hardships by working as traffic aides near a Valenzuela, Bulacan, public cemetery. It was their requirement for Prof. Olivia Alalayin’s class last semester on CA 312 or Audio-Video Procedures. Luckily, their documentary was chosen by Tudla Productions Group, Inc., an alternative, non-profit group of filmmakers, students and cultural workers that utilizes different media in drawing attention to the plight and struggle of marginalized sectors and issues of national significance, for Lino Brocka’s Political Film and New Media Festival. It was the first time UE Caloocan joined and was fortunately chosen among some 100 schools. (In fact, the Project Director, Lady Ann Salem, told me that they never thought that UE Caloocan existed; they only knew of UE Manila.) University of AssumptionPampanga and St. Scholastica’s College-Manila also supported their documentary that day, but the loudest

cheers and applauses were received by our documentary entry, Shortcut. Ms. Lady Ann Salem shared the following info on the process of selection for the entries to the film festival: First, they sent mailed invitation packages to almost 100 schools that have mass communication and allied courses throughout the Philippines. They even circulated the call for entries from April 25 to July 7, 2009, wherein the target participants were students, independent and even mainstream filmmakers and film groups or collectives. The criteria for selection of the films were based on conciseness and clarity, relevance, truthfulness and artistry. They created a rubrics/evaluation sheet. The first wave of screenings of the films was done among the members of Tudla. The films were ranked by theme and genre. Then, 45 entries were shortlisted from this screening. The entries were then programmed by our program partners in the various schools and communities, and the entries were grouped and screened based on theme. Moreover, Ms. Salem affirmed the following as the reasons why our very own Shortcut was selected: “Shortcut is among the very few works on children which has an interesting editing style and creates a strong impact in the opening seconds. It features a different milieu: a cemetery and the Camanava area.” Shortcut has since been shown as well at the UP Diliman Cine Adarna and Asia Pacific College and is expected to be unspooled at UP Los Baños. This event only proves that our Department of Communication Arts is truly a Red Warrior, beginning to shine among universities. Congratulations, Team Vanilla! Congratulations, AB Comm. Arts UE Caloocan! Our beloved UE Caloocan Chancellor Fedeserio C. Camarao gave recognition to Team Vanilla last September 24, at Multimedia Room 1 at the College of Engineering-Caloocan. Shortcut was likewise shown then.

UE Today September-December 2009

Secrets

to Becoming an

Outstanding Teacher Based from the Seminar “Teaching from the Noted Vantage Point” held on August 19, 2009, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., at the UE Conference Hall, Manila

By Prof. MARY KATHLEEN G. JAVILLONAR Chair, Department of Communication Arts, College of Arts and Sciences-Caloocan I am seven months pregnant then but I was still very blessed to have been able to attend this seminar (thank you, Dean Eleanor R. Javier) to know some strategies on becoming an effective, outstanding teacher like the brilliant guest speakers I listened to and admired that day. “Let us plant seeds of knowledge” said then UE Manila Chancellor Antonieta F. Ibe in her opening remarks. First was the very enlightening talk of UE College of Education Dean Evelina M. Vicencio, “Opening Salvo and Closing with a Bang.” I learned tips on how to capture more students’ attention, such as walking from the back portion of the room, establishing eye contact, stopping from talking when writing on the board, learning to “pause” in lecturing, and smiling to your students once in a while. Visual aids like pictures, posters, film, cartoons, listening to a song, even dancing were said to enhance students’ motivation, as do giving rewards or prizes. The second speaker was the smart, funny and sincere Dr. Teresita Pedrajas, who spoke on “The Learner in the Limelight.” She emphasized learning-centered activities; CAS Caloocan faculty members even role-played on the stage about a one-minute advertisement on looking for a teacher. Dr. Pedrajas encouraged teachers to think of student-centered activities that would enhance their skills like creating ads, dancing and singing. She also emphasized the pillars of universal education, like “Learning to know,” “Learning to do most of all,” “Learning to live together in peace and harmony.” Our topics must be modern, technologically geared, for our students are techno-savvy and spend a lot of their time on the Internet. She ended with this inspiring quote: “Let’s pray for God’s will in our work.” After a hearty lunch, Dr. Vicencio made us awake by some physical activities as she talked about “andragogy” or learner-directed (helping adults learn) instruction, whereas “pedagogy” is teacher-directed instruction. According to her, “We need to challenge students’ minds, not their behinds,” and most importantly, “A great teacher inspires.” The third inspiring lecturer was Dr. Tereso Tullao of De La Salle University-Manila. He discussed “Paghihimay: Susi sa Mabisang Pagtatambal ng Makabago at Tradisyunal na Teknolohiya sa Pagtuturo.” He clarified the advantages and disadvantages of using modern technology like Microsoft

UE Today September-December 2009

PowerPoint and traditional “blackboard” teaching. He said he proudly uses the Filipino language in teaching Economics to his students, and emphasized that “Writing lecture notes is still effective because there is internalization and teachers must use more ‘Why’ questions, which are more effective. He also claimed that “Harvard University cannot compete with the Internet” and advised us to “train the students to be critical thinkers.” The last, very energetic talk was from Ateneo De Manila University’s Dr. Ricardo G. Abad, who spoke on the “7 Habits of Super Teachers.” He mentioned the following aspects to become a Super Teacher like him: “Passion”; “Open up: show your feelings, be lively in your voice, body and mind”; “Teachers are like good actors: Teachers may perform with great generosity like Michael Jackson!” and the stage is our classroom; “Build rapport by staying on the right side of the room or center”; “Make learning enjoyable, not traumatic!” Dr. Abad also mentioned this inspiring, anonymous quote: “No one needs a smile as much as a person who fails to give one.” He also gave this activity: “Look at the person beside you and smile.” His other useful quotes were: Focus on the students. Be interested in others. Admire/Encourage students, so they would admire you. Make the voices expressive; speak in a conversational /heightened tone. Build enthusiasm by standing with a relaxed posture. Walk down the aisle every now and then, break away from the teacher’s desk and blackboard, change seat patterns, look near students’ notebooks—make classes a Wow! experience. Be creative. Show pride in teaching as a passion not a profession. He ended with Mahatma Gandhi’s words, “You must be the change you want to see in the world.” UE President Dr. Ester A. Garcia closed the event with gratitude to the speakers and the audience from different schools. All in all, the one-day seminar made me further appreciate my profession of being a teacher, who wishes to be outstanding too by transforming the lives of our students, caring for them like little sisters or brothers. Indeed, even simply smiling leads to learning, nurturing them like the flower in Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s The Little Prince: “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.”

Should Students of English Sound Like Native Speakers? By Prof. Paulo T. Danduan Department of English, UE College of Arts and Sciences-Manila Professor, UE Graduate School When we introduce and teach English, we need to be sure that our students can be understood when they speak. They need to be able to say what they want to say. This means that their diction and pronunciation should be at least adequate for that purpose. In our teaching, we want to be sure that the students can make various sounds that occur in the English language. We will help them to differentiate between these sounds, especially where such distinctions change meaning (“sheep” / i: / and “ship” / I / for example), and we will also help them to understand and use certain sound rules—for example, the different pronunciations of the -ed past-tense endings. Students need to use rhythm and stress correctly if they are to be understood. We will make sure that when they learn new words they know where these words are stressed. We will make sure that they are able to say sentences, etc. with the appropriate stress and we will show them how stress can be used to change the meaning of questions, sentences and phrases. Students need to be able to recognize intonation—at the very least they need to recognize whether the tune of someone’s voice suggests that the speaker is sure or uncertain. They need to understand the relationship between pitch and intonation. When we teach language, we will try and ensure that students use it with intonation that is appropriate. One issue that confronts us in the teaching of pronunciation is that of accent. In other words, how important is it for our students to sound like native speakers of the language? Should they have perfect British accents, or sound like Americans or residents of New Zealand, for example? Some teachers seem to think that students should aim for this ideal. It is worth pointing out, however, that some learners seem more inclined to native-speaker-like pronunciation than others. A lot depends, too, on their contact with native speakers. If they live in target language communities, they

are more likely to acquire the accent of that community than if they do not. So although a lot of time is spent on pursuing the elusive goal of getting students to have perfect pronunciation, to some extent this goal is in the student’s own hands. But anyway it may be an unrealistic and inappropriate one. Much more important, perhaps, is the goal of intelligibility and efficiency. In other words, our aim should be to make sure that the students can always be understood on what they want to say. They will need good pronunciation for this, though they may not need to have perfect accents. The teaching of pronunciation should, therefore, aim to give students communicative efficiency. In order to develop communicative efficiency in pronunciation, the students need to understand how sounds are made and how stress is used. This is something the teacher can tell them through explanation and example. They also need to hear the language used so that they can both imitate the pronunciation and also subconsciously acquire some of its sounds and patterns. One source of language they can listen to is the teacher, of course. And this source will be absolutely vital since, in so many ways, the teacher will be the language model for the students to aspire to. But it is also important for students to be exposed to other voices, which is why listening to tapes is so important. Of course, if students are living in a target language community, they should be able to find unlimited access to nativespeaker speech through personal contact as well as radio and television. Outside such communities it may be more difficult, however, and that is why teachers must ensure that they give students as much listening material as possible. The answer to the question that is this article’s title is that students should be given as much exposure to people speaking the language correctly as possible.

References: Hamer, Jeremy. 2006. The Practice of English Language Teaching. Longman Publishing: New York. Nation, I.S.P. 2007. Teaching and Learning Vocabulary. New York: Newbury House. ACCLAIMED HISTORIAN LECTURES AT UE Last Aug. 20, 2009, from 9 a.m. to 12 pm at Multimedia Room 1 in UE Caloocan, the College of Arts and Sciences Caloocan and Anvil Publishing sponsored a lecture of historian Ambeth R. Ocampo entitled “Re-reading Philippine History.” Prof. Ocampo is the National Historical Institute Chairman and a Philippine Daily Inquirer columnist. The lecture was very informative particularly about some of Prof. Ocampo’s discoveries and research on Dr. Jose Rizal. CAS Caloocan’s Departments of Social Sciences, Languages and Communication Arts faculty members and some History students of Prof. Ester Padilla attended the lecture. The event’s emcee was Prof. Emily Cruz of the Social Sciences Department, while Prof. Kat Javillonar introduced the guest speaker. Later on, Prof. Ocampo was so accommodating as he autographed faculty members’ copies of his published books like Rizal Without the Overcoat and his latest book 101 Stories on the Philippine Revolution. (Prof. Ocampo gave the same lecture on September 9, 2009, at the Conference Hall in UE Manila, in line with CAS Manila’s observance of History Week.—Ed.) Prof. Kat Javillonar

UE Today September-December 2009

INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT By Atty. ANTONIO M. DE GUZMAN, Director for Administrative Services

We are pleased to report the following accomplishments covering the period of September 1 to 31 October 2009.

COMPLETED PROJECTS

(Project Title / Total Cost / Handler/s) MANILA CAMPUS 1. Repair and Renovation at the CCSS Building, prePACUCOA accreditation / 521,000.00 a. Repainting of ground floor Laboratories/ entrance ribbon grain panel and 2nd- and 3rdfloor classrooms b. Installation of vinyl tiles, 2nd- and 3rd-floor corridors/hallways c. Repair/Renovation of the Dean’s Office comfort room and the 3rd-floor male/female staffers’ comfort rooms d. Renovation of the CCSS Office façade e. Purchase of two aluminum/glass bulletin boards f. Construction of cabinet/bookshelf and corkboard at the Thesis Consultation Room and shelves at the Stockroom 2. Renovation of the Department of Registration and Records Management office, G/F, Center for Information Technology building / P 2,335,000.00 / By the Administration and a specialty contractor. 3. Proposed two additional Computer Laboratory Rooms, 2/F, SFC Building / P1,122,000.00 / By the Administration and a specialty contractor. 4. Re-waterproofing of the Open Garden, 4/F, PODCIT building / P637,500.00 / By Rebtrade International Corporation. CALOOCAN CAMPUS 3. Proposed ECE/CpE Tool Room / P 531,000.00 / By the Administration.

RECENT/ONGOING PROJECTS (Project Title / Target Completion Date / Progress / Cost / Handler/s)

MANILA CAMPUS 1. Repair, Renovation and Conversion of Facilities at the College of Arts and Sciences, pre-PACUCOA Accreditation / 98.57% / P580,000.00 a. Conversion of the Communication Arts Department Chair’s Office into Faculty Consultation Room, G/F, CAS Building / 100% / by the Administration b. Renovation of the Department Chairs’ Room, 2/F, CAS Building / 90% / by the Administration c. Construction/installation of sink with splashboard at the CAS Faculty President’s Office / 100% / by the Administration

UE Today September-December 2009

d. Repair of tablet chairs / 100% / Tablet chairs available at the ESO storage e. Purchase and installation of aluminum/glass bulletin board / For delivery and installation by a specialty contractor f. Repair of cubicles at the CAS staff area / 100% / Completed, 30 July 2009 g. Selective repainting of walls/ceilings and hallways / Completed, by the Administration h. Provision of sliding glass doors with lock for the existing shelves in speech laboratory / Completed, 20 July 2009 by ERM i. Construction of ventilated Chemical Cabinets and Chemical Table for the Biological Storage Room, 4/F, Education Building / 80% / by the Administration (Administration work substantially completed. Remaining work: Supply and installation of glass doors by others.) j. Construction of built-in cabinets, 3/F, Education Bldg. (HRM Chinaware, etc) / 75% / Ongoing, by the Administration and a specialty contractor. 2. Repairs/Renovations at the College of Dentistry, prePACUCOA accreditation / 99.17% / P330,000.00 a. Relocation of the Patients’ Waiting Area, from the G/F Gastambide main lobby to the G/F Dentistry lobby / 100% / Completed by the Administration and a specialty contractor b. Transfer of folding partition, from 5/F AudioVisual Room (Room 509) to the 3/F, between Simulator Laboratory Rooms 301 and 303 / 100% / Completed c. Repainting of the Dental Infirmaries, classrooms/hallways and lobbies / 100% / Completed d. Repair of the vinyl tile floorings at the 4/F and 5/F classrooms / 100% / Completed e. Expansion of the Cadaver Dissection Room / 95% / by the Administration f. Relocation of the Dentistry locker room to the G/F, POD-CIT Building / 100% / by the Administration g. Construction of the transaction counter at the Dean’s Office / For schedule, RIV submitted on July 8, 2009 / by the Administration and a specialty contractor. 3. Construction of the Mechanical Engineering Laboratory, Stall No. 03, G/F, Engineering Building / Nov. 30, 2009 / 60% / P 380,000.00 / For schedule by the Administration and a specialty contractor. 4. Proposed Renovation/Upgrading Work, College of Engineering / 13.33% / P2,255,000.00 / by the Administration and a specialty contractor a. Renovation of the College of Engineering Office / For schedule

b. Expansion of the Engineering Library / For schedule c. Relocation of the Engineering Faculty/Library/ Library Relegation Rooms / 40% / by the Administration. 8. Construction of new facilities, SFC Building pre-PACUCOA accreditation / Nov. 15, 2009 / 99.6% / P232,500.00 a. Conversion of SFC 409-410 into a seminar room / 98% / Ongoing, by the Administration and a specialty contractor b. Conversion of the existing BA Student Council Office into the Faculty Consultation/Discussion Room / 100% / Completed

c. Relocation of the BA Student Council office to Room SFC 201 / 100% / Completed d. Construction of the Entrepreneurial Venture Kiosk, SFC 322 / 100% / Ongoing, by the Administration e. Construction of cabinets at the College of Business Administration office / 100% / Ongoing, by the Administration CALOOCAN CAMPUS 1. Proposed IQUAME Room / 70% / P 148,000.00 / Ongoing, by the Administration 2. Proposed Accreditation Room / 70% / P 110,000.00 / Ongoing, by the Administration

These photos show the opening of the Christmas 2009 celebration at UE Caloocan (left) and UE Manila. Atty. De Guzman is the Chairman of UEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Christmas 2009 celebration.â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Ed.

CAPITAL EXPENDITURES By Mrs. Felicidad R. Delgado, Budget Officer

I. The University spent a total of P2.279 Million in September 2009 for the acquisition of the following: a) P0.990 Million for books; b) P0.439 Million for air-conditioners (three package-type air-cons for the Management Information Systems Department-Manila and one window-type air-con for the College of Engineering-Caloocan); c) P0.050 Million for office/laboratory/ instructional furniture and equipment (17 fire extinguishers for the Security DepartmentCaloocan, and Venetian blinds and a gas tank for various Colleges/Departments/Offices); and d) P0.800 Million for major repairs/renovation of University facilities. II. For the six months ending September 30, 2009, an aggregate of P15.304 Million was allotted for:

A. Acquisition of the following assets: 1. Computers and Accessories > P6.306M 2. Books > P2.063M 3. Office/Laboratory/Instructional Furniture and Equipment > P2.963M 4. Air-conditioners and Other Appliances > P0.953M 5. Other Equipment > P1.030M Sub-total > P13.315M B. Major repairs and renovation of University facilities > P1.989M

TOTAL > P15.304M In addition, P9.763 Million was spent for the minor repairs and maintenance of buildings and other furniture and equipment for the six-month period (P1.433 Million for September alone).

UE Today September-December 2009

Glimpses

By ELeanor R. Javier

Dean, College of Arts and Sciences UE Caloocan Campus

The clock ticks inexorably fast. Here we are singing again an old refrain, “Christmas is around the corner.” Yes, as early as September we have been bursting with happy anticipation and hope as we celebrate once more the birth of Jesus Christ. And look forward to a better year. It’s barely seventeen days from now as I write this before it’s Christmas! ****** What we love about the month of December is that it makes us feel inexplicably happy despite past misfortunes, adversities, disappointments, frustrations and what-haveyou. It gives us reason to cast aside the unhappy past (if ever we had one) to look forward to a better year. ******* The University does not fail to bedeck its Campuses, Manila and Caloocan, with Christmas lights and beautiful decorations as a way of making everyone feel the spirit of Christmas. The trees all over the Caloocan Campus are filled with breathtaking cascading lights. The UE-Tan Yan Kee Garden in Manila is a sight to behold at night. The officials, students and rank and file welcomed Christmas as early as November 18. Thereafter, we have been holding programs and other activities until December 18, which is the last day of our classes before we go on a long break. We end the school year with a Christmas extravaganza at the UE Manila Quadrangle, which the University hosts for the entire UE community. ***** We just came from our annual strategic planning session, which was held this year in Tagaytay last December 3 and 4. There we assessed our accomplishments from September 2008 to October 2009 based on the 10-point agenda of President Ester A. Garcia, which she clearly spelled out when she took over the helm of UE in 2006. We were happy because we met almost all of our targeted objectives. Undeniably the biggest achievement which we had was saving the University from a perilous enrollment nose-dive. Despite the global economic turmoil, we even posted an increase in our enrollment. That’s why EVP Carmelita G. Mateo proudly reported that UE is in top financial shape. President Ester A. Garcia considers as the biggest achievement of her administration the grant of autonomy to UE Manila by the Commission on Higher Education. “I have fulfilled my promise to the late Chairman P. O. Domingo,” she would proudly say.

UE Today September-December 2009

Let’s Hope for Meaningful Change and Happiness in 2010 ****** We always look forward to our yearly planning session because it enables us to plan for the incoming new school year. We plan how to respond confidently, flexibly, proactively and in a timely manner to the changing political, economic, social and cultural environment. We are aware that cookbook remedies can only be superficial. A healthy discussion among all the University officials is very helpful in designing our new roadmaps. Besides planning for the coming year, we are also able to articulate our own college problems and other concerns. ****** “There is so much in nature against us. But we forget.” Robert Frost, a well-known English writer could not have said more aptly what nature could do to man when typhoon Ondoy caught everyone in Metro Manila by surprise on September 26, 2009. We were piteously unprepared and helpless to cope with the magnitude of the ravages brought about by the massive flood, which was accompanied by mud rolling down from the mountains. The destruction in terms of precious lives, crops, fishery, livestock, agricultural lands, private property and infrastructure defy description. ****** What we went through underscores the reality that even with man’s ingenuity resulting in mind-boggling inventions in the 21st century, he is still puny and helpless against the forces of nature. Many of us tend to forget this truth; that’s why some people have said, rightly or wrongly, that calamities are acts of God to remind us of our mortality. ****** And even as we in Metro Manila were reeling from the devastation brought by Ondoy, a week later typhoon Pepeng struck in Northern Luzon, damaging heavily in particular Pangasinan. The same scenes in Metro Manila were duplicated. We saw on our TV screens people fighting for dear life and desperately attempting to save their belongings. PAGASA says that there are more typhoons before the year ends which will enter the Philippine area of responsibility. So everybody is asking: Why are we suffering from rampaging typhoons and massive flooding even in times when we do not expect them? The answer that we read and hear is that this onslaught of nature is due to two reasons: climate change and environmental degradation. *******

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Let us hope that, since the election of our national and local officials is fast approaching, we will elect those who really have our welfare in their hearts, and reject corrupt and morally bankrupt candidates.

We do have in our curriculum an environmental science subject, which focuses on awareness in the changes in our climate and preservation of our environment. With what our students actually saw, if not experienced, their seeming lack of interest and apparent indifference to what we teach will, we hope, be replaced by keen interest, awareness and involvement. We hope that they will be involved in doing something to save our country, nay the world. And let us hope too, that since the election of our national and local officials is fast approaching, we will elect those who really have our welfare in their hearts. We should reject corrupt and morally bankrupt candidates. ****** We commiserate with a number of our officials, faculty, employees and students who were victims of the fury of Ondoy. Some of our officials who unfortunately lost so much of their personal property were University Registrar Romeo Armada, Dean Brenda Dey, Comptroller Feliciana Santos, HRD Director Annie Villegas, Finance Officer Anita Salvador, University Cashier Evelia Bueno and Caloocan University Physician Dr. Jonathan Reyes. Our elementary teacher from Malinta, Bulacan, Jonel Cawagas, stayed for two days on his house’s rooftop; Lolit Carpina and Jollo Vergel De Dios, the editorial assistants for UE Today, and my laboratory aide Teodora Esguerra, who are residents of the hardest hit Provident Village in Marikina, lost almost everything. It was a good thing that they were able to save their lives. We have heard of horrifying accounts from many faculty members and students who were caught by surprise by the

Editor in Chief Edilberto B. Sulat Jr. Editorial Assistants Lolita M. Carpina Jose Angelo M. Vergel De Dios Artist James Patrick P. Trinidad BOARD OF DIRECTORS Lucio C. Tan Ester A. Garcia Carmelita G. Mateo Fedeserio C. Camarao Jesus T. Tanchanco Sr.

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sudden rise of water in their residences that they were unable to salvage their belongings. One student even saw how their house was carried away by the rampaging floodwaters. ******

The University through EVP Carmelita G. Mateo lost no time in showing its concern for the members for our community. EVP Mateo mobilized the members of the Academic Council to help in the distribution of bags containing goods. The UE NSTP used some of its funds for the purchase of the goods that were distributed. The UE Alumni Association donated some cash. Even the members of the Board of Trustees also donated cash. In Caloocan, the Chancellor, deans, teachers, parents and students donated rice, canned goods, old clothing, noodles and others for the flood victims in Camanava. ******* An innately beautiful trait among us is this desire to help others in times of crisis and adversity. Once again this trait came to the fore when many nameless donors extended help. In my College, for instance, students donated slippers and soap, which we are going to distribute to the needy this December. ******* Let us hope the coming new year, 2010, will be a year of meaningful change and happiness for all of us. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

The Editorial Board and Staff of UE Today would like to know your views, comments and suggestions regarding this publication. Please let us know via a LETTER TO THE EDITOR University Relations Office We would like to 2/F Dalupan Building hear from you. UE Manila Campus 1008 Thank you. or e-mail <uro@ue.edu.ph>. Articles for UE Today may be submitted to the University Relations Office. Contributors are requested to send or email (via uro@ue.edu.ph) soft copies along with their manuscripts, and leave their contact number/s and/or e-mail address with the URO. The views of the contributors do not necessarily reflect those of the Board and Staff. • Registered with the Philippine Postal Corporation as Business Mail, entered as Third Class (PM), postage paid at the Manila Central Post Office, under permit no. PM-04-05-NCR valid until December 31, 2009.

UE Today September-December 2009

Thank You,

Chancellor Antonieta Fortuna-Ibe

Daily-life guidelines by Chancellor Ibe: 1. Work-related: Think out of the box. Work with passion and commitment and take command responsibility. Practice good governance: fairness, transparency, accountability. Be proactive and plan two steps ahead. Practice leadership by example. Set objectives; consider mileage, cost and benefit. There is a solution to every problem except when you are dying and there is no more medicine available to treat you. No one is indispensable. There should be nothing personal in work. 2. Personal : Be selfless. Work for the common good. Be a person of integrity with high moral values. Always make a difference. Always leave a legacy. Consider the interest of the institution, not personal vested interest. Always move on and do not harp on the past. God is always our anchor. 3. Community : Advocate responsible citizenship/love for country. 4. People-related : Train people for their future. Share with them all that you know so that they may benefit from your experience. We fail as an institution if the people who work with us (or our graduates, in the case of UE) do not do good when they go out of the institution. Show genuine concern.

The period of October 17, 2007 to October 15, 2009 was a colorful one for the University, especially for the Manila Campus, in part due to the stint of UE alumna Antonieta Fortuna-Ibe as Chancellor of UE Manila. Having had a wealth of experience derived from her volume of work and accomplishments in the business and government sectors, Mrs. Fortuna-Ibe assumed the chancellorship of UE Manila with the energy and spirit of a let’s-move, ontop-of-things go-getter that has marked her fruitful professional career. A 1966 Bachelor of Business Administration graduate, Magna Cum Laude, of UE, Mrs. Ibe went on to serve in the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) in the ’70s, became a Partner at SyCip Gorres Velayo & Co. (SGV & Co.) during the Corazon Aquino administration, was appointed to be a Member of the Professional Regulatory Board of Accountancy in 1996 before becoming the Board’s Chairperson in 1999 and ultimately, Chairperson of the Professional Regulation Commission itself from August 2001 to September 2004. As she herself has put it, being appointed by the then UE Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, the late Dr. P. O. Domingo, to be UE Manila Chancellor was her “payback time” to Lualhati, an opportunity to serve her Alma Mater. In the relatively short period of two years that “Ma’am Tonette” served in UE—which marked her first time ever to work within the academe—a wide array of projects came to life, such as the UE-PICPA Accounting Lecture Series. She took on such undertakings in her capacity as a UE academic official or even in the spirit of being a UE alumna—resulting in concrete or intangible benefits that were either on an institutional level or for the good of individuals, especially students. She had primarily kept in mind the 10-point agenda put forth by UE President and Chief Academic Officer Ester Albano Garcia and, given her established, contractual two-year term to contribute

UE Today September-December 2009

to this, she took on a pace that was nothing short of brisk, consequently rousing the Manila Campus into a flurry of activity. In an open letter that she circulated throughout the University dated October 10, 2009, Chancellor Ibe underscored a number of factors regarding the rapid tempo of her actions and instructions: “I came from an institution where every minute counts and should be productive—where goal-setting, teamwork, open communication, governance, advanced planning, open mindsets, risk management and risk reduction, cost and benefit analysis, and fast decisions constitute the dayto-day life…With [the timeline of two years that I stayed] in the University, I had to make sure that I would be able to share and contribute all I know and to the best that I can, to make a difference for our University and to ensure a better life for our students in the future. With the growing competition, the technological developments, the changing landscape in education, the focus for any agenda centered on stakeholders—and considering the 10-point agenda of the President, there seemed to be just so many things to complete within the period.” (More about Mrs. Ibe’s ethic with regard to life and work in the sidebar at left.) She concluded that letter by saying, in part, “thank you, all, for the support that you have extended during the last two years, and I encourage all of you to always do your best for the University! Remember that we carry the name of the University wherever we go!” The UE community, especially the Manila Campus constituency, hereby thanks Chancellor Antonieta FortunaIbe, for all the motivation, tutelage, inspiration, support, nurturing and drive that she had manifested upon all of us in her own unique way. Here’s hoping she shall remain connected to Lualhati even as she enjoys the comforts of her private life and busies herself with her current and future ventures from hereon. Bert B. Sulat Jr.

The first time I walked into the UE Caloocan Campus was to attend a graduation ceremony in 1987. As fate would have it, I went back to that very same place in June 1995 as an applicant for a teaching position in the College of Arts and Sciences. Strangely, while I was entering the Campus for the second time, it felt like I was coming home. And home it has been for me for the last fourteen years. In the book Repacking Your Bags by Lider & Shapino (2002), living a good life is defined as an integration of the key components of place, people, work and purpose. A well-lived life, according to the authors, basically means that a person has found his purpose and the significant people in his life, as well as that his work and his community enable him to live his life with this purpose. In retrospect, my decision to stay with the University is closely linked to my sense of purpose. Being a teacher by choice and not by chance, I need to be in an academic environment that allows me to grow in my profession, and I believe that the University has been this for me so far. My personal philosophy has also led me to embrace its mission and vision of providing quality affordable education to the mainstream Filipino. Coming from a humble middle class background myself, I have a strong affinity with my students whose dreams and aspirations can be realized through a good college education. I remember once telling a colleague that I’m proud that UE takes care of “rejects.” She found my remark quite odd but I explained that these students who were deprived of the right to a college education by other institutions of higher learning have found a home in the University. How much more Christian can that act be for a non-sectarian educational institution like ours? I also remember one of my conversations with a CAS Caloocan Professor, Ma’am Ester Padilla, when I said that perhaps the University should practice selective admission or retention so we can have “better” students. Her quick and honest response got me thinking: “Bakit, ’yung marunong lang ba ang may karapatan sa edukasyon?” In my quiet moments, I realized the verity of her response. Indeed, education is a fundamental human right and everyone—rich or poor, young or old, gifted or not quite gifted—deserves quality education. By giving every student from every walk of life, regardless of talent, creed and physical attribute, the opportunity to acquire college education, the University opens doors for personal growth. More importantly, it becomes an instrument in achieving the national goal of empowering citizens so that they may become productive and enlightened members of society. The University provides its students with a level playing field so that those imbued with the passion to excel and to make a difference can live their life’s purpose. Finally, my ties with the University have its roots in our family history. Both my father and my younger brother are proud alumni of Lualhati. My mother at one point in time was a student of the University’s Graduate School. Being a faculty member of the College of Arts and Sciences for the last 14 years, I too am a proud Warrior. I am neither green nor maroon. Red is in my blood. As UE celebrates its 63rd Foundation, the members of its academic community look back with fond reminiscence to its glorious past. However, this celebration is also an opportune time for everyone to reflect on how the University’s mission and vision should further define its character in the years to come.

Why

UE By Prof. Ma. Victoria Z. Godinez Department of Languages, College of Arts and Sciences-Caloocan