Crosscurrent Nov 2014 - May 2015 by filipino web

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

EDITORIAL BOARD EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT

his January, we begin a three-year celebration of our beloved institution’s 75 years of continuing education and service. To look back to its history is to see the many challenges the institution had to hurdle, and the many accomplishments, little or grand. All these mark and edify our identity as a Catholic institution of learning. Now, we are at a remarkably pivotal point in history. I find it auspicious that we celebrate SSC-R Manila’s 73rd Foundation Anniversary at a time when the Order of Augustinian Recollects also reviews its educative charism, with the intent of standardizing the core values governing all processes and endeavors of all Recollect schools in the world. This move would definitely propel the institution to new heights so it may be able to face more confidently the challenges and demands of the times, and so it may be at par with educational institutions here and abroad. This is a time when our institution establishes itself more firmly and more deeply on Augustinian paradigm of education as we prepare it for the ASEAN integration much-discussed in the movement towards the K to 12 program mandated for educational institutions such as ours.

It is an exciting time to get involved, when Identifying, Defining, and Edifying the Sebastinian Identity becomes, for us, a source of inspiration, motivation, and strength to move on and face the next challenges that lie ahead. Let us brace ourselves then, not with fear and anxiety for the unknown, but with excitement and anticipation.

We are ready.

REV. FR. CRISTOPHER C. MASPARA, OAR President

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Editor-in-Chief Mr. JOEY G. VARGAS Associate Editor Dr. MARIO H. MARANAN Art Editor Mr. LLOYD ZAPANTA Publication Coordinators Mr. ALVIN RAY RAMOS Ms. GREY-AN KEITH PASCUAL Mr. DAVID EMMANUELLE L. TORRES BUSINESS DEPARTMENT Publisher Rev. Fr. CRISTOPHER C. MASPARA, OAR Associate Publisher/Circulations Manager Ms. MARYGRACE A. AC-AC Finance Manager Rev. Fr. WILLIAM C. VILLAFLOR, OAR Content Strategist Ms. JAIVIE L. DEL SOCORRO Publications Consultant Rev. Fr. LEANDER V. BARROT, OAR is published by the Office of Corporate Communications with office address at the Saint Sebastian Building, San Sebastian College-Recoletos, Recto Ave., Manila. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without the express prior approval of Corporate Communications. All comments regarding the content of this publication shall be addressed to the Editor-in-Chief.

EDITORIAL

his year, we have more aggressively organized various concerned individuals to draft and plot the courses of actions we will take as we comply with the mandate coming from the Department of Education to transition from the 10-year basic education program to the K to 12 curriculum. Among other reasons, this is touted to assist the country in being at par with the education given in other parts of the world. Differing evaluations and opinions about said educational movement have been openly presented, and now, we are at this stage when we must brace ourselves for the challenges this transition will pose. This comes at an auspicious time for San Sebastian College – Recoletos Manila. Internally, within and among the circles comprising the SSC-R Manila constituents, we have allowed to surface and float the question regarding the institution’s direction. This direction may only be clear if we are able to concretely define our identity. There surfaced a conscious examination of the Vision, Mission, and Goals of the school; and a conscious review of the core values advocated by our Catholic institution.

This consciousness led to – and is also heightened by – the decision to more officially learn about the Sebastinian identity; thus, the theme for this year’s foundation anniversary reads, Seeds of Humility: Identifying, Defining, and Edifying the Sebastinian Identity. In formal and informal meetings, members of the community more openly discussed thoughts about their understanding – or lack of it – of the institution’s identity. Externally, among the ranks of the priests and brothers of the Order of Augustinian Recollects in the world, a movement begins to be felt towards the edification of the Recollect education, especially

towards establishing and clarifying the Recollect perspective on the Augustinian paradigm of education. This is very significant because the results of said edification will decide the unification of educational strategies employed in the many campuses ran by the Order of Augustinian Recollects. This will result to a sense of pride among members of the Recollect academic community. Ultimately, these movements will more conceretely define the attributes a Recollect graduate must have; defining the mission of the institution and passing this mission to its students as members of society. At this juncture, we begin a three-year preparation to the celebration of the College’s 75th Foundation Anniversary in 2016. This, ergo, fills us with much excitement. Even now, we feel as if we are preparing for a grand ballroom in which to introduce a young lady as a mature member of society; this young lady: SSC-R Manila. For three years, we will celebrate the College’s role in education and the society, proudly claiming in the general theme: Greatness awaits one who recollects! For the first year of celebration, we focus on Seeds of Humility: Identifying, Defining, and Edifying the Sebastinian Identity. For the second year, Roots of Creativity: Retrospection, Redefinition, and Revitalization of Sebastinian Education. Finally, on the third year of celebration, Fruits of Greatness: The Manifestations of Love are the Threshold of Wisdom. Let us, therefore, keep our hearts excited. Like those young women with lamps mentioned in the Gospel, let us keep our lamps ready; make sure that we have enough oil, so that when the time comes, we may fully benefit from our preparation and long wait.

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CONTENTS COVER STORY SSC-R NEWS FEATURES LITERARY

ABOUT THE COVER

73rd-75th Foundation Anniversary Celebrations Logo

onsidering the 73rd Foundation Anniversary celebration as the first in a 3-year celebration leading to the institution’s 75th Foundation Anniversary, a logo was created to encompass these three years. The most prominent image in the logo is a stag with golden yellow ears and beard, and flaming red antlers (seven antlers on each side). On the face of the stag appears what looks like a tree seemingly planted on a vessel. Behind the stag is the institution’s acronym, SSC-R, with one inverted S and inverted C. Below the stag’s head, seemingly jutting out of its beard, is the number 1 formed where the inverted letter C and letter R meet. Below this central image is the year 1941using Roman Numerals characters. Below the year is written: Greatness awaits one who recollects. Continue to P. 14

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COVER STORY

Identifying, Defining and Edifying

The Sebastinian Identity

Mr. Joey G. Vargas

lot of the constituents of the San Sebastian College – Recoletos Manila institution would use the phrase “Sebastinian identity”. One definition of identity reads: “The collective aspect of the set of characteristics by which a thing is definitively recognizable or known.” To edify this, there is a necessity to scrutinize the institution’s history and its symbols. This article shall attempt to identify, define, and edify the Sebastinian identity by looking at the institution’s various symbols. STAG San Sebastian College – Recoletos Manila brands itself as the home of the stags. A stag surfaces among Christian symbols. Psalm 42 reads: As a deer longs for running streams, so my soul longs for you, o God. My soul thirsts for the living God. Perhaps because of this, the stag is considered a symbol for piety and religious aspiration and longing. Following this, if every Sebastinian is a stag, then every Sebastinian longs for the Living Water, God. It is faith in God that nourishes every Sebastinian. “A Primer to Catholic Symbolism” published in the Boston Catholic Journal presents: His freedom of mobility captivates our imagination and speaks to us of the freedom of soul we would like to have. His fearlessness in combat is what we would like to imitate in our encounters with evil. An online site containing discussions about medieval bestiary discusses: The stag is the enemy of the snake.

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When the stag discovers a snake, it spits water into the hole where the snake hides, draws the snake out with its breath, and tramples it to death. If the stag is ill or old, it draws the snake out of hiding and swallows it. The stag then finds water and drinks large amounts of it to overcome the poison, and is renewed. When the stag is renewed it sheds its horns. This may simply be a myth but the imagery concretely captures the Christian concept of the fight between good and evil, and also touches on allusions about renewal. The water taken by the stag may be considered a symbol for the Spirit; thus, this may be an allusion to baptism, which, for Christians, means a renewal.

The same site continues: The stag is a symbol for Christ, who tramples and destroys the devil. As the stags crossing a river help each other, so should the Christian crossing from the worldly life to the spiritual life help others who grow weak or tired. As the

stag is renewed and sheds its horns after drinking from the spring, so those who drink from the spring of the spirit are renewed and shed their sins.

RED and YELLOW In San Sebastian College, onewould hear the phrase Red and Gold mentioned a lot of times, referring to the school colors. A lot of the members of the institution would wear shirts displaying the phrase. One would wonder, though, about its meanings, and whether these people understand these meanings. Let us subject this phrase to scrutiny: red is a color; gold is an element. That is just unparallel and, therefore, inconsistent. Let us think, therefore, of the line: flaming red, golden yellow. With that,we get two pairs of imagery: red and yellow, flame and gold. Con’t. on P. 10

SSC-R MANILA NEWS

SSC-R Manila Research Center holds Conference

73rd Foundation Exhibit: Journey on a Wall

Dr. Jerica Liza C. Baculod

January 24 – San Sebastian College – Recoletos Manila through the efforts of the Research Center conducted the 2014 Research Conference in Teaching and Learning. The event was graced by three distinctive speakers: Dr. Erlinda Navarro, Dr. Mila Arias, and Mr. Roderick Aguirre.

January 2014 – SSC-R Manila celebrated its 73rd Foundation Week with the theme “Greatness Awaits to One Who Recollects.” With this theme in mind, the SSC-R Exhibit Committee presented the 73-year journey of the institution.

Plenary and parallel sessions were held in different venues of SSC-R Manila. The event accommodated participants from inside and outside the institution. The event was indeed a sign that SSC-R Manila is now making its presence felt in the research community. Alongside this gesture of increasing research awareness, the SSC-R Manila Research Center also initially launched and started to develop its official website which will contain the electronic publications of the Research Center.

The exhibit presented the milestones of SSC-R Manila from 1941 to present. Found on the wall of the exhibit were different frames that reminded its viewers of the different situations encountered by the institution through the years. The frames in different colors, texture, and directions represented the ups and downs of SSC-R Manila. These represented the humble beginnings of SSC-R Manila until it reached its structural beauty and academic status in the heart of Manila.

The event that indeed gave the student participants a new experience of research learning through the discussions and workshops presented and conducted by the guest speakerslasted until 5:00PM.

The exhibit lasted for a week. The Religious Administrators decided to have it permanently placed on the wall of the stairway at the lobby of the Bulwagang Diego Cera where the lights were directly located.

CCA collaborates with Neo-Catechumenal Way

n support of the Redemptoris Mater Seminary of the Neo-Catechumenal Way Communities in Manila, the SSC-R Manila Center for Culture and the Arts assisted in and hosted a concert entitled Voices in the Wilderness,which was held at the Bulwagang Diego Cera of San Sebastian College – Recoletos Manila. Staged on the Second

Sunday of Advent, which was also the feast of the Immaculate Conception, the concert featured performances of the San Sebastian Recollect Dance Troupe, SSC-R Manila Singers Ensemble, SSC-R Manila Guitar Ensemble, COC Ensemble of PUP, and members of various Neo-Catechumenal Way communities. The seminarians and priests of the Way also performed

some songs to the delight of the audience. This marked the second time said Catholic community collaborated with the SSC-R Manila CCA as both worked together to stage a Valentine’s Day concert at Casa Manila in Intramuros on the 14th of February this year entitled: To Love and To Be Loved.

Research Center, Keeping Research Ablaze Dr. Jerica Liza C. Baculod November 22 – San Sebastian College – Recoletos Manila through the efforts of the institution’s Research Center conducted the 2013 Faculty Research Forum at the institution’s Little Theater. The aforementioned forum featured several ‘faculty researchers of the institution, who had successfully published their research work in The Academician, SSC-R Manila’s

official research journal for the academic members of the institution. Regardless of the cultured and complex reception of research, the event was still able to present informative findings to its participants. The question and answer portion of the event can be compared to a boxing match wherein academic research enthusiasts battle for knowledge and principles;

therefore, providing that research in the SSC-R Manila community is still alive and burning. The institution’s faculty research forum absolutely kept the research culture of the school community ablaze and would always be in pursuit for more academic knowledge.

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SSC-R MANILA NEWS

Naresuan welcomes San Sebastian SSCR links with NARESUAN University International Center (NUIC)

an Sebastian College, Manila establishes an academic linkage and collaboration with the Naresuan University and particularly with the faculty of International Studies. The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) paved the visit of the Vice President of Academic Affairs (Fr.Leander Barrot, OAR), the Dean of College of International Hospitality Management (Dra. Corazon Reyes) and the Area Chair of Tourism (Ms.Caluza) to NARESUAN University, Phitsanulok , Thailand last March 19-23, 2014. The delegates from San Sebastian were warmly welcomed by no less than the President of the University Professor Dr. Sujin Jinahyon, together with his other Vice Presidents –Suchart Muangkeow, Ph.D. Vice President for administrative Affairs, Prof. Dr. George A. Hickman, Consultant to the President for International Institution Cooperation, Asst. Prof. Dr. Manupat Lohitnavy, Vice President for International Affairs. In a morning conference, the president underscored the need to diffuse bad perceptions even among ASEAN nations through academic interchange activities, to develop leadership programs for the young generations and to engage in research collaborations to address issues relevant to curriculum development and ASEAN integration related concerns. In the afternoon, a more focused discussion on the specific areas of collaboration were threshed out-student academic and cultural exchange program were considered; faculty exchange and research collaborations were also discussed. Details of the common interests between two academic institutions, very much conscious of the challenges and opportunities of the ASEAN 2015 integration, will be crafted through a MOA. The Meeting with the President and other Administrative Officials of Naresuan University

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It was a great privilege for the San Sebastian delegation to have been welcomed by no less than the President of the University and other Vice Presidents. The conference was held in the official hall to welcome delegates in the building of the President of the University. It started at 10:00 and lasted almost an hour and a half. During the conference with the administrative officials, the president of the university underscored the following points: a. To make the collaboration between Naresuan and San Sebastian College a very active one that the Moa will not only be on the level of paper signing but to find ways to make both institutions collaborate and grow. b. To collaborate specifically on the areas of student and faculty exchange program and on research endeavors. c. To give more opportunities

to students or collaborative leadership trainings and cultural exposure experiences. d. To create a specific branding for the collaboration with the two institution. e. To give faculty members international exposure particularly since they have a great need of English speaking faculty professors. f.

To pay a visit to SSC-R Manila on the month of June as the president is scheduled to be on Manila with an appointment with Imus Institute.

The conference with the administrative leaders of Naresuan ended with the ritual of the exchanges of tokens of gifts and memorabilia and the photo ops. Welcome Naresuan University… Bravo Baste! Con’t. on P. 19

SSC-R MANILA NEWS

5-Year Development Planning Held Mr. Joey G. Vargas

n February 13 this year, the Presentation and Critiquing of the Institutional 5-Year Development Plan for the San Sebastian College – Recoletos Manila was held at the Philippine Columbian Association building in Paco, Manila. The first day began with the lauds, which was started at nine o’clock in the morning. In attendance were religious and lay administrators, or their representatives, led by the Father President Cristopher Maspara, OAR.

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International Benchmarking and Linkages of all the Major Courses and Departments Pursuance of the Goal to Become Centers of Development and Excellence Continued Improvement of Services and Facilities Enhancement of the Employees and Student Development Programs Through the Infusion of VMCO of the Institution Promotion of Recollect

To officially begin the planning proper, the Property Administrator, Rev. Fr. Excel Saycon, OAR led the opening prayer, followed by an opening remarks delivered by the Vice President for Administration, Rev. Fr. Don Besana, OAR. Fr. Besana disposed everyone for the task at hand by focusing on a discussion of a concept of family, and the desire for the institution to grow, so that it may respond to the needs of the society. He also reminded the administrators of the work as disciples and missionaries of the educational apostolate entrusted by the church and by the Recollect Order. A review of the planning framework was done, simultaneous with the presentation of the school board’s thrusts for Academic Year 20132014. Said thrusts are the following: 1. Increase of Enrollment in all levels 2. Development and Implementation of Comprehensive K-12 Program 3. Enhancement of the College of Law and Institute of Graduate Studies 4. Promotion of Engaging, Relevant, Probing, and Innovative Researches 5. Strengthening of Local and

Social Responsibility 10. Strengthening of relationships with the Parents Association and Restructuring of the Alumni Association Dr. Rodrigo Ponce, the Office of Accreditation, Planning, and Development Director facilitated the planning that ensued. He began with the presentation for the cluster under the Office of the President (HRDC, CCD, CCA, Religious Affairs, Security Office). Ms. Mary Grace Poblete, Head of the Human Resource Development Center, supported Dr. Ponce in this presentation. Rev. Fr. Leander Barrot, OAR then presented the plans of the cluster under his office, VP for Academic Affairs, followed afterwards by the presentation of plans for the cluster of Student Welfare and

Development facilitated by Atty. Ernesto Salao, the Director for Student Affairs. Prof. Ana Lissa C. Oconer, the Accounting Manager, discussed about plans regarding finance matters. The President Rev. Fr. Cristopher C. Maspara, OAR gave his message that also served as closing remarks after the discussions that followed the abovementioned presentations. The President centered on a question he posed at the beginning of his speech: What type of family are we? He pointed out that SSC-R Manila adheres to Augustinian values, and imparts and hands these down to all its constituents. “We should not forget who we are and what we do. We should be grounded,” Fr. Maspara admonished. “Pope Francis says that Catholic institutions must evangelize. All our programs must evangelize; if not, we cease to be a Catholic institution. What we do primarily as a Catholic institution is to evangelize,” he continued. three

He went on to present things to consider: Ownership – the school board’s thrusts must be renamed: SSC-R Manila thrusts. Commitment – to commit to plan is to commit to change. Begin –let us begin to work. He ended by saying that “San Sebastian will continue to soar with this family.” The Vice President for Finance and the Prior of the San Sebastian Parish, Rev. Fr. William Villaflor, OAR gave the blessing that signaled the end of the 5-year development planning.

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SSC-R MANILA NEWS

CAS Week to CAS Day by Dr. Mario H. Maranan

he College of Arts and Sciences’ tradition of week-long celebration of its Foundation Anniversary was capsulized in just a day celebration after the school administrators decided last year to shorten the celebration of the Foundation Anniversary of all colleges in San Sebastian. The rationale of the decision is to shorten the days of disruption of classes caused by the traditional bulk of activities intended to be executed for a period of one week. Likewise, the respective head of every department agreed that the said move was deemed the most practical way of celebrating the founding anniversary simultaneously with the foundation of San Sebastian as an academic institution. Despite this, the College of Arts and Sciences managed to utilize effectively the day allotted to them to celebrate the foundation anniversary as part of the foundation anniversary of San Sebastian as an academic institution. The celebration was centered on the main theme, “Greatness Awaits One Who Recollects”. The Areas of Mass Communication, Political Science, and Psychology spearheaded seminars pertinent to their academic tracks last January 13, 1-2 pm. The Area of Physical Education spearheaded the 4th edition of STAGSRUN with this year’s theme: “Run for Charity”.

The Area of Mathematics took charge of the motorcade as part of the opening salvo of the celebration. The first PinakaTALENTADO Ako was organized by the Areas of Languages and Humanities. On Islamic Politics and Culture The Area of Political Science through the leadership of its Area Chairman, Mr. Francisco Riodique, organized a seminar with the theme: “Islam on Philippine Politics and Culture”. A notable sociologist and an alumnus of PUP, Ateneo, UP and Vrie University in Amsterdam, Mr. Hadje C. Sadje graced the seminar as the resource speaker.

Sadje emphasized that the distinctive characteristics of Islam in the Philippines is its being tribal in nature. On Human Resource Management Meanwhile, the Area of Psychology also organized a seminar focusing on Human Resource Management with Dr. Consuelo Malaluan as their keynote speaker. The seminar was held at the San Sebastian Coffee shop simultaneously with the seminars of Mass Communication and Political Science. According to Dr. Malaluan, “People are the most important element in an organization”. Con’t. on P. 22

Mass Comm Student receives Quill Award by Karl Sonio (with revisions from Hannah Untalan)

ast November 11, a Mass Comm student won a plaque of merit in the prestigious Philippine Student Quill Awards at the Crowne Plaza Galleria Manila, ADB Avenue Corner, Ortigas Avenue, Quezon City for the category 5 – Communication Creative.

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named Chelsea M. Liao, fourth year, received the award. Her entry, “Huwag Mo Nang Itanong” is a music video prepared and created also by the same San Sebastian College- Recoletos AB Mass Communication Batch 2014 presented by the “Good Vibes Production”

directed by Issa Marie Ronquillo. The Philippine Student Quill Awards is the junior version of the Philippine Quill Awards that recognizes outstanding communication work by undergraduate college students from different provinces and regions throughout the country.

SSC-R MANILA NEWS

CIHM celebrates college day

he College of International Hospitality Management (CIHM) celebrated its CIHM day last January 15, and several academic activities were created to let CIHM students involve and actively participate in various activities. The event started with a sponsored mass at the San Sebastian Basilica that CIHM students attended, followed by the Parade of Young Hoteliers, Chefs and Travel Professionals as part of the ingress. The said parade was attended by the students representing each year level with their designated courses and specialization. The Regional Dance Competition, Bartending, Cake Decorating, and The Food & Travel Expo were held right after the parade. The Regional Dance Competition was designed for first year BSTM & BSHM students who are currently enrolled in Philippine Geography and Tourism Law subjects; while the Food & Travel

Expo is designed for second year students currently enrolled in Tourism and Restaurant Entrepreneurship subjects. These events showcased their talents and skills in understanding the regional cultures and gastronomy. Meanwhile, the Bartending Competition and the On-the-Spot Cake Decorating were held at the HRM Coffee Shop and the Hot & Cold Kitchen, respectively. Invited Chefs from various hotels and Beverage Managers of reputable bars and restaurants also witnessed the event. The said activity was done simultaneous with the activities at the quadrangle. The CIHM faculty members were assigned to supervise and spearhead specific events according to the subjects assigned to them. Prizes were given to the winners of each competing category as well as certificates of participation to all the participants of the various events.

The Students Night Celebration Mr. Elmer German P. Garcia

he Students Night Celebration was part of the activities of the 73rd Foundation Anniversary of San Sebastian College – Recoletos Manila last January 16. The program gave a wonderful night for all the students. The Students Night emcees were Mr. RJ Ledesma and Ms. Monique Contacto. The program started with an opening prayer led by Ms. Michelle Hernandez, followed by the National Anthem by Ms. Blezzy Gelle Perez. The Welcome Remarks was delivered by Mr. Jarvin Tamayo, the SSG President.

Tamayo’s speech was followed by an opening number from the Papas Brothers of G-force Dancers. The Grade School Pupils then gave a song number, followed by a song and dance number by our high school alumnus, Mr. Marc Carlos De Leon (Iñigo of ABS_ CBN’s Be Careful with my Heart). The Nocturnal Dance Company and the Terpsichorean Club of the high school department then performed. Ms. Ma. Luisa Kasandra Binayug, also from the high school department presented a song. The READS Overload gave a song and dance number.

The crowd grew livelier when Kris Lawrence performed followed by a mini concert of Spongecola. After the last song of the Spongecola, the students and other visitors were treated to a fireworks display to mark the said celebration. The Students Night event was well attended by the students from the Elementary to College Departments, Alumni, Parents, and Visitors. It was not only well-attended and well-supported by the school, but also by its students as well as students from other schools. CROSSCURRENT

COVER STORY Identifying, Defining and Edifying The Sebastinian Identity Con’t.

RED When we trace the symbolism of red, we get various concepts considering its meanings for various cultures and fields: love, action, confidence, courage, dynamism, vitality. It is also associated with loyalty, honor, success, fortune, fertility, happiness, passion, and summer. Red is the color most commonly associated with love so that whenever a heart (believed to be the seat of love) is depicted, it is colored red. This brings us to another association, that of blood; which, in turn, brings us to war and martyrdom. In Christianity, red symbolizes martyrdom and sacrifice. Because of this, perhaps, red also is associated with courage. This may remind us of the Christian concept of courage. In a nutshell, when a Christian faces danger or temptation, he/she does not bravely face the enemy and fight. Instead, a Christian would run towards God so God may defend him/ her against the enemy. This courage, therefore, is very much associated with the Christian concept of Kenosis. Here lie a lot of paradoxes:kenosis would present an act of emptying so one may be full, dying so one may live. One does an act of resignation, so one

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may do an act of courage. To die for one’s faith is not death, but to live eternally; to run towards God from the enemy is not cowardice, but an act of faith and courage. In Christianity, martyrdom (death) becomes a reason for celebration and ceremony. We, therefore, see red as symbol for joy. Red is also the color most commonly associated with passion and heat. In art, fire is often shown as red even when flames are usually yellow, orange or blue. THUS: flaming red. YELLOW In Christianity, yellow and white together symbolize Easter, rebirth, and Resurrection; i.e., the culmination, or end, or fruit of Kenosis. In medieval European symbolism, red symbolized passion, blue symbolized the spiritual, and yellow symbolized reason. Interestingly, considering the colors of San Sebastian College – Recoletos Manila, it is also said that yellow combined with red symbolized heat and energy. This then leads us again to the imagery of the flame. In art, sunlight – which shoots forth from that body of flames called sun – is presented as colored yellow; thus, yellow is also

associated with warmth. If we push through following this direction of inquiry, we will inevitably be led to a syllogism that since yellow symbolizes light, and light symbolizes knowledge and wisdom (thus, development of such word as enlightenment); therefore, yellow symbolizes knowledge and wisdom. In the academic field, yellow is the color of reason and research. Searching for yellow’s symbolisms would also immediately lead us to its association with gold, which was considered to be imperishable, eternal and indestructible. If we trace the etymology of the word ‘gold,’ it will give us aurum, which means yellow. In some cultures, the yellow color of gold also symbolizes wisdom. THUS: golden yellow. These associations of red and flame to love and passion; yellow and gold to wisdom and reason are curiously significant and interestingly fitting to San Sebastian College – Recoletos Manila considering the institution’s Augustinian principle: Caritas et Scientia. Con’t. on P. 15

FEATURES

On Apoleia: Kawala sa Kawalan Mr. Joey G. Vargas

ince I started working with the San Sebastian Recollect Dance Troupe, we worked towards fusion of hip hop concepts and theories with other arts theories, and even take concepts from other disciplines. This process seemingly led to a sort of hip hop dance theater performances. And as in all art forms, the dance works produced in these creative processes center on human experience. This year, I chose to work on the Greek concept of Apoleia, which may mean simple loss. More importantly, though, this covers spiritual loss, perdition, among other concepts. In this particular concert, staged on the 21st of February this year, we look at various human conditions, and how individuals handle experiences of loss. These may be loss of faith, loss of love, loss of self-respect, loss of hope, among others. These experiences seemingly become shackles or fetters that restrain,

even paralyze, individuals. The show begins with “Apotheosis,” which essays temptations of self-glorification and pride that human beings experience. One tends to deify oneself. In the end, one realizes there can only be One who is greatest, the Giver of all gifts: God. The first dance, therefore, becomes an act of lifting up everything to God, an act of dedicating the concert and all that the troupe does to Him who is Himself the source of all: the supreme apotheosis. This is followed by various dances that tackle various concepts such as two sisters that exude sinister vibrations (Maevel Lynne Magbanua’s“Tale of Two Sisters”); a daughter who seeks lost attention from a mother lost to technology (Samantha Danille Navarro’s “Techy Love”); a woman who loses self-respect because of a perceived need to meet standards of beauty (Rymarc Bersalona’s“Insecurities

vs Confidence”); a woman seeking for a long-desired relationship (Bersalona’s “Leering”); a perfect relationship marred by a loss of life (Jose Venkar Gabayeron’s “The Interpretation 2”); a relationship that has long been fought for, yet surrendered and lost (Magbanua’s“Turning Tables”); and a childhood lost because of domestic issues (Carl John Aquino’s “Child’s Play”). Rumi, the Persian poet, theologian, and mystic, says about dance: “Dance, when you’re broken open. Dance, if you’ve torn the bandage off. Dance in the middle of the fighting. Dance in your blood. Dance when you’re perfectly free.” In this concert, we talk about our losses, only so we may set ourselves free from the pain these losses inflict; so we may gain freedom from loss: Kawala sa Kawalan.

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TRIBUTE TO

MRS. CRISTINA MOLINA ALIWALAS by Dr. Juliet M. Baltazar things that anyone could possibly dream of.

San Sebastian High School pays tribute to a lady who has contributed 41 years of her life to the welfare and interest of the High School community. Most of us know her as the prim and proper elegant-dressed, soft-spoken and (really, really) fair-skinned Principal who would always meet you with a smile even when everyone is having a bad hair day. God-loving that she is, she seldom talks down on people and instead lifts everyone’s spirit with her motherly countenance. Yes, a mother that she is, we know her as Ma’am Cristy, or Ate Cristy, or on a more formal setting: Mrs. Aliwalas. Ma’am Cristy came to San Sebastian in June 1973 as a young and idealistic fresh graduate of St. Louis University, Baguio City, with a degree in BS Education, Major in Gen. Science and Chemistry. She is a loving wife of Mr. Antonio Aliwalas and is blessed with four adorable children – Anthony, Jeffrey, Dorothy, Anne and Cristy Diane – all of whom are now successful in their own fields of choice. The family hails from Abra, which makes a mockery of the usual concept that Ilocanas are dark-skinned and really tight-fisted (frugal?) when it comes to money issues. Her generosity is among her greatest virtues, and many people who know her personally can truly attest to that. This trait, among the many, got her endeared to a lot of friends who have nothing unhealthy to say about her. She is, after all, blessed with all the good

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Ate Cristy loves education as her next-of-kin. Her passion for knowledge only complemented her wisdom and intelligence (she finished College under Academic Scholarship, by the way). As an academician, she has always been respected not only by her students, but by colleagues, as well. With her post-graduate degree in Educational Leadership which she gloriously earned from De La Salle University, she fortified her grounds in the field of education which she used intensively in her post as principal and as a PAASCU accreditor. Her soft voice did not prevent her from letting her ideas known to those who deserve them. Elegance, after all, gains higher patronage than rowdy demeanor. The authority in MRS. ALIWALAS did not come on a silver platter. In 1996, as

her predecessor, MR. RAMON L. AVELINO left the SSC High School Department, she was named principal. Challenges came with the package. Having been appointed to the top-most position from being an ordinary classroom teacher and an Accreditation Coordinator since 1993, she struggled to win the respect of her colleagues and constituents, but only for while. Her short stint with her new office gained her an image of humane but law-abiding authority that no one could question her decisions to be a partial

and/or unlawful. Her every move was calculated and anchored on facts. And while people with opposing personal intentions would not always agree, they could not argue with her judgment as being for the good of the majority. Likewise, her personal relationship, while treasured,did not alter her authority as personal bias. She was a fair principal as she is fair as a person, an epitome of kind-heartedness who did not use her authority for vendetta even on those who rudely opposed her. She respects every individual’s uniqueness and has only a few words to those who challenged her position: hayaan mo sila. She is never quick to judge even on the most serious offenses, for she is always cautious not to hurt the offender. Mrs. Aliwalas’ numerous contributions to the SSC High School Department became most evident during PAASCU Accreditation (and reaccreditation, as of lately). From 1995, when the school initially gained accreditation, she carried out a rule of excellence in terms of quality instruction (she was, after all, the best Physics teacher before she assumed office). She also has been a PAASCU Accreditor since 1999, and has since made 37 visits to different schools in the Philippines. Now as she vacates her post to Dr. Juliet Baltazar as the High School Principal, the SSC High School Department pledges a vow of respect and gratitude to THE LADY who shared a good number of her years to the betterment, not only of the department, but of the institution as well. The knowledge that she has unselfishly shared with every individual (especially to the students who came back for a great tribute) will always be cherished. The High School Department says “THANK YOU” to the friend, the mentor, the mother and the administrator who set foot and left the portals of San Sebastian College with an image as immaculate as her faith. And while others have many good names to call her, for us, she will always be MA’AM CRISTY.

The Chronicle of the Silent Minion:

FEATURES

When Paradigms Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Meet Dr. Jerica Liza C. Baculod

n a very busy day of November 2013, in the bustling halls of San Sebastian College â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Recoletos Manila, I have witnessed two different paradigms of frames of minds which I think are some of the root causes of certain epic ambiguity. First, the paradigm of the fervent; second is the paradigm of the dormant. Unpleasant as it may sound, nothing more can be true in the statement, truth hurts. If reading this would make its readers feel uncomfortable or would make them react to reflect, therefore, the constant observations and experiences in all probability make sense and are somewhat true to its nature. If we are to compare the paradigm of the SSC-R Manila community with the paradigm of other institutions, it is fair to say that there is a need to look into and to consider the attitude of its stakeholders. Indeed, people are different from each other and there is no one of equal qualities with another; however, the idea of having stakeholders who value their time, duties,

and responsibilities would sound more pleasant than to see dormant stakeholders. From the perspective of other individuals this can be interpreted as something that is too idealistic, but when put into action and context, implementation can be very simple for every individual; and that is to acquire self-discipline and passion for work. Logically speaking, if a person is not interested in a certain job or task no matter how big or small, it is assumed that this person is not an asset of a company or an institution. Thus, staying in a certain company is useless. Let us put the picture in the world of Business Process Outsourcing industry. People who are considered liabilities in the industry do not last for a long time and are automatically terminated because of low work performance. These are people who just come in and out of work according to their work schedules and just to receive their salaries. On the other hand, in the academe, the stakeholders are expected to be more

passionate in doing their duties and responsibilities. Being in an academic industry would entail passion and dedication in all aspects of teaching and learning. However, if passion and dedication are missing, it can increase the growth of a dormant community. The same notion of the aforementioned goes to the enhancement of the research skills. Research seminars are conducted to enhance the research knowledge and skills of everyone. It is an avenue for new knowledge, inquiry, innovation, and development. When stakeholders give themselves value and respect in terms of personal learning, passion, dedication, and selfdiscipline easily come in and make them think that they need to further enhance their knowledge and skills. With all of these, the only question now is, which paradigm do you believe in and put into practice?

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SSC-R MANILA FEATURES

73 -75 rd

Foundation Anniversary Celebrations Logo Con’t. from P. 3 The significance of the symbolism of the stag, and the yellow and red for SSC-R Manila is discussed in another article (see Identifying, Defining, and Edifying the Sebastinian Identity). For this particular logo, the stag’s golden ears symbolize a Sebastinian’s contemplative spirit, constantly attentive to the Word of God and the bidding of the Holy Spirit. Its golden beard symbolizes a Sebastinian’s ascent towards spiritual maturity. The antlers symbolizethe seven gifts of the Holy Spirit and the seven virtues (theological and cardinal). The tree on the face of the stag (appearing where the brain and the eyes of the stag must be) is an allusion to the symbolism of the tree of knowledge and wisdom. The vessel on which the tree stands appears on the part where the mouth of the stag must be. This stands for a Sebastinian’s mission to evangelize and to educate, to speak about the works of the Lord. The two letters S – with one inverted –seemingly form a figure of the heart coming out from the

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back of and above the stag’s head. This must be a reminder that a Sebastinian considers love or charity with utmost importance. Charity begets wisdom; wisdom safeguards charity. The connection of the inverted letter C and the letter R form the Arabic number 1. This must be seen to represent the Sebastinian’s desire for excellence, and for the institution’s thrust to mould its constituents as holistic individuals. The SSC-R acronym is coloured black gold to symbolize the institution’s firm foundation on truth and the solidarity found among its various units and members. It shall also symbolize strength and fortitude. The year 1941 is the year SSC-R Manila was founded. The institution, being a Recollect community (it is run by the Order of the Augustinian Recollects),sets its directions and motives as guided by the conviction that Greatness awaits one who recollects.

* Jose Michael Evangelista (a student of SSC-R Manila) and Joey G. Vargas (Artistic Director of SSC-R Manila Center for Culture and the Arts and the 73rd Foundation Anniversary Festival Director) conceptualized and designed the logo.

4 CARDINAL VIRTUES PRUDENCE JUSTICE FORTITUDE TEMPERANCE

3 THEOLOGICAL VIRTUES FAITH HOPE CHARITY

SPIRITUAL GIFTS WISDOM UNDERSTANDING FORTITUDE COUNSEL KNOWLEDGE PIETY FEAR OF THE LORD

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Identifying, Defining and Edifying The Sebastinian Identity Con’t. CARITAS ET SCIENTIA ERGO: We learn from the Book of Ecclesiasticus, “…gold is tested in the fire….” This metaphor is repeated in various books in the Bible (Wisdom 3:5, 1 Peter 1:7, Proverbs 17:3) used to refer to man’s faith that must be tested by humiliations and afflictions. This is an interesting analogy as flames do not destroy gold, but purify it. Flames destroy the impurities. What remains is the purest gold. [This may also be considered parallel with symbolism presented in the water taken by the stag that causes shedding of its horns, and ultimately, a symbolism of Christian baptism.] If red is to flame, flame is to love (charity); and yellow is to gold, gold is to wisdom (scientia); then we say that caritas – and all its burning flames – is necessary so that scientia may reach its purest form or that it may reach its fulfillment. In order for one to reach the summit of the search for wisdom, one must first seek to learn how it is to truly love. Before the acquisition of wisdom, there is that requisite: love. Let love burn in the heart of one who seeks wisdom. This epitomizes a Sebastinian: a seeker of wisdom, yes; but one who, first and foremost, is imbued with love. This means love in the measure of the cross. This means being truly humble so as to be ready to pass through ontological deaths or various degrees of kenosis. Wisdom is given to and dwells only in a heart that is humble and full of love. This is not to say that love and wisdom are two separate entities. One realizes, if one finally learns to love, that one – in that moment of epiphany – has already gained wisdom. Love safeguards wisdom; and wisdom safeguards love. They are inseparable. One comes first only so the other may be gained, but the first cannot exist without

the other. This reminds me of the only full example of love: that of the Father’s Love fulfilled in the Paschal Mystery of the Son, from which shoots forth the Spirit of Wisdom. THUS: Caritas et Scientia; Love and Wisdom. All these mentioned may be encapsulated as manifested in the lives of saints, such as Saint Sebastian. SAINT SEBASTIAN Let us – for the sake of following the direction this article takes in presenting various symbols significant for the Sebastinian community – take the popular image of Saint Sebastian as a symbol. This image shows the saint at that point when he was tied to a tree and shot by arrows. If, for instance, a statue must be made of this particular depiction of Saint Sebastian to serve as symbol for the institution, it must be seen thus: The eyes, looking upwards to heaven, must have a look of prayerful joy and expectation. It should mean that a Sebastinian does not value worldly life more than what is prepared for him in heaven. Head is tilted towards heaven, rightwards. This must mean that a Sebastinian upholds that which is just and right. His nakedness must symbolize openness to learning and must symbolize a Sebastinian’s firm foundation on truth. The arms must look firm and toned considering that Sebastian was a soldier, but must also look relaxed, symbolizing self-surrender. Behind his back, wrists tied by a rope, the hands must be clasped together, symbolizing a Sebastinian’s trust in prayer. A Sebastinian must be a man of prayer. The rope and arrows must symbolize the challenges or issues – spiritual, academic, and

social – that a Sebastinian faces, receives, acts upon. The tree must symbolize a Sebastinian’s unity with the crucified Christ. The feet must look as if one is on top of the other with an arrow piercing them. This, obviously, is an allusion to the Crucified Christ and must remind every Sebastinian of that call to follow Our Lord much like what Saint Sebastian did. The cloth covering his waist must also similarly serve as an allusion to the image of Jesus Christ on the cross. The entire statue must be a symbol of an invitation to martyrdom, which may be interpreted figuratively or literally. A Sebastinian – in any area he/she is – must be a witness, a Christian. He/she must uphold that which is right, true, and just. This must also, therefore, mark a willingness among Sebastinians to give himself/herself for the service of others. He/she, therefore, must be exposed to social issues and must develop critical thinking and a sense of unity with his/her fellowmen. A Sebastinian believes that in order to gain life, one must lose it. In order to gain knowledge, one must undergo a certain degree of ontological death. This may mean the death of ignorance or the death of intellectual pride or arrogance. In order to gain wisdom, one must strip oneself of biases that mar the process of education, like gold losing its impurities in fire or a stag shedding its horns after drinking water from the spring. This, as discussed earlier captures the Christian concept of Kenosis. It is only proper that those who call themselves Sebastinians – and those who would like to find their identity – must look at the image of this saint, and find that said identity has already been identified, defined, and edified in that very same act of faith and martyrdom.

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COVER STORY 2

St. Augustine’s

Caritas et Scientia Written by Rev. Fr. Julius Marcos, OAR & Reviewed by Fr. Enrique Eguiarte, OAR

Originally published in 2011 in the Vision, Mission, Values, and Objectives (VMVO) booklet of San Sebastian College - Recoletos de Cavite

n his search for happiness, St. Augustine sought out the truth that could fully satisfy what his mind endlessly yearned for. It was in Jesus, through the reading of the Scriptures, that Augustine found the true knowledge (Scientia). He also discovered that living the perfect love of Jesus (Caritas) was his heart’s and man’s absolute happiness.

To guide the people of his generation to find the Truth, as revealed in the Scriptures and contained in the Catholic faith, Augustine produced numerous writings through scriptural exegeses, apologetic articles, books, lectures, treatises (tractates), sermons and letters. His writings have influenced as well the succeeding generations up to the present time.

What is Knowledge (Scientia) for St. Augustine? In the book Confessiones (Confessions) of St. Augustine, written from 397 to 401 AD, he described that true knowledge consists in the acquisition of or the ascent of the mind to the truth (veritas) that is both “immutable and eternal.” The Truth is no other than God, who alone is both immutable and eternal (Confessiones, 7.10.16-11.17; 7.17.23; 10.22.32-33; 10.24.35; Crouse, 1999: pp. 486-487). It can be deduced from his explanation in his book De Doctrina Christiana (On Christian Doctrine, written between 392 to 426) that knowledge (Scientia) is a state when a man learns the truth about God’s immense love for man in Christ as revealed in the Scripture, and the truth about man’s obligation and failure to reciprocate God’s love (Doctrina Christiana,2.7.10). All creations, on the other hand, for Augustine are finite and changing as St. Paul regarded them: “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Cor 4:18; De Moribus Ecclesiæ Catholicæ, 20.37; CROSSCURRENT

Letter 18.2). However, all are good in themselves since they are all created by God (“Thou didst make all things good, nor is there any substance at all that was not made by Thee… individually they are good, and altogether very good, because our God made all things very good”) “itaque vidi et manifestatum est mihi quia omnia bona tu fecisti et prorsus nullae substantiae sunt quas tu non fecisti… quia singula bona sunt, et simul omnia valde bona, quoniam fecit deus noster omnia bona valde” Confessiones 7.12.18) and they all exist in Him (“they were all bounded in Thee… Thou holdest all things in Thine hand in truth” “in te cuncta

finite… sed quia tu es omnitenens manu veritate” Confessiones 7.15.21). Thus, all knowledge about creation are temporal truths (“all things are true in so far as they have a being” “omnia vera sunt in quantum sunt” Confessiones, 7.15.21; “all thought which is thus varied is mutable, and nothing mutable is eternal” “omnis porro intentio quae ita variatur, mutabilis est” Confessiones, 12.15.18). True happiness is not temporal happiness but only what lasts forever which cannot be found in the knowledge of temporal things but only in God (Confessiones 5.4.7).

To find the Truth is to find God: “For where I found truth, there found I my God, who is the Truth itself” (“ubi enim inveni veritatem, ibi inveni deum meum, ipsam veritatem”. (Confessiones, 10.24.35). To rejoice in the Truth (God) is to live in happiness: (Confessiones, 5.3.7) “And the happy life is this,— to rejoice unto Thee, in Thee, and for Thee; this it is, and there is no other” (“et ipsa est beata vita, gaudere ad te, de te,propter te: ipsa est et non est altera”) (Confessiones, 10.22.32); “For this is joy in Thee, who art “the truth,”863 O God, “my light,”864 “the health of my countenance, and my God” (“hoc est enim gaudium de te, qui veritas es, deus, inluminatio mea, salus faciei meae, deus meus”) (Confessiones,10.22.33). God the Truth is present in man’s heart (“Behold, there is He wherever truth is known.. He is within the very heart” “ecce ubi est, ubi sapit veritas: intimus cordi est,sed cor erravit ab eo.,” Confessiones, 7.10.16). Thus, to arrive at the knowledge of God, man has to “return to the heart” (redite… ad cor) and to look deeply inside himself with the eye of the soul (“I saw with the eyes of my soul” “vidi qualicumque oculo animae meae” Confessiones, 7.10.16). The human mind requires the aid of righteous faith (De Trinitate, 1.2.4), which nourishes and guides it to the truth. But man can only see this never-changing and never-ending Truth when God enlightens man’s soul. (“Thou liftedst me up, that I might see there was that which I might see… pouring forth upon me most strongly Thy beams of light” “tu adsumpsisti me ut viderem esse quod viderem, et nondum me esse qui viderem… radians in me vehementer” Confessiones, 7.10.16). Augustine acknowledges different branches of learning such as language, the art of communication (rhetoric), history, numbers and natural science (Doctrina Christiana, 2.1-37). The learned on these things are regarded as wise by Augustine if God is acknowledged, praised and

loved as the ultimate source of his intelligence (cognitio). Otherwise, one may be learned but not wise at all. (Doctrina Christiana, 2.38.57). To be wise (Sapientia), knowledge is required which is the fourth of the six steps to reach wisdom. Knowledge comes after the fear of God (Dei timor) as the first, and piety (Pietas) as second. A characteristic of this is humility that will lead the person to the fourth – “strength and resolution (fortitudo) – in which he (man) hungers and thirsts after righteousness.” At the top of all this is Wisdom (Sapientia), which is a

state of endless joy and tranquility of man brought about by having detached completely from temporal things, by purifying himself from “base desires,” exercising diligently the love of neighbor including his enemies, as described in the fifth step, called counsel of compassion (Consilio misericordiae) and finally in the sixth step, the purification of the heart (iam ipsum oculum purgat), by loving God more than anyone else and oneself (Doctrina Christiana, 2.7.9-11; Confessiones, 7.17.23). Through love that is conformed to Jesus, the Eternal Truth, man becomes completely united to God. (“It is through love, then, that we become conformed to God” “Fiet ergo per caritatem ut conformemur Deo” De Moribus Ecclesiæ Catholicæ,13.22-14.24).

What is Charity (Caritas) for St. Augustine? In his book De Moribus Ecclesiæ Catholicæ (On the Morals of Catholic Church) in 388 AD, love for Augustine can be simply described as doing good in accordance to Christ (11.18 – 28.58). Augustine enumerated four kinds of things that man ought to love: “first, that which is above us (God); second, ourselves; third, that which is on a level with us (our neighbors or fellow humans); fourth, that which is beneath us (our body)” (Doctrina Christiana, 1.23.22). He said loving ourselves is a common experience to everyone. Man should provide proper care for his body, to preserve its health and protect it from harm (De Moribus Ecclesiæ Catholicæ, 27.52). However, he emphasized that it should be controlled by the soul so that man may not do anything that may harm the soul thereby becoming a slave of the body. Man should give more importance to the soul than the body since the immortality of the body depends on the immortality of the soul (Doctrina Christiana, 23.23 & 28). When man loves his neighbor, he should do good to his neighbor both body and soul (De Moribus Ecclesiæ Catholicæ, 27.52-28.56). One expression of love of neighbor is generosity, which consists of helping and not harming anyone (De Moribus Ecclesiæ Catholicæ, 26.49). Compassion is another expression of loving the body of the neighbor by delivering them from evils and sufferings (“those who seasonably and wisely supply all the things required for warding off these evils and distresses are called compassionate” “Quare illa omnia, quibus huiuscemodi malis incommodisve resistitur, qui officiose atque humiliter praebent, misericordes vocantur” from De Moribus Ecclesiæ Catholicæ, CROSSCURRENT

St. Augustine’s

COVER STORY 2 Loving the soul of the neighbor is done through discipline, “What benefits the body is called medicine; what benefits the soul, discipline…. by which the health of mind is restored, without which bodily health avails nothing for security against misery (Ad corpus quod pertinet, medicina nominata est, ad animam autem disciplina… per quam ipsi animo sanitas instauratur, quae si absit, nihil ad depellendas miserias salus illa corporis valet).” Discipline, as the medicine of the mind (quae animi medicina est), consists of restraint and instruction so that persons may develop fear and love of God respectively. (De Moribus Ecclesiæ Catholicæ, 27.52, 28.56) However, one very important thing to note about loving one’s neighbor is to help him reach the highest good. “For you do not love him as yourself, unless you try to draw him to that good which you are yourself pursuing (Non enim eum diligis tamquam teipsum, si non ad id bonum ad quod ipse tendis, adducis).” And the highest of good of one’s neighbor is “that he may love God with a perfect affection (etiam ipse perfecto amore Deum diligat).” To achieve this, one should start by being benevolent which means not harboring evil thoughts and intentions against anyone. (De Moribus Ecclesiæ Catholicæ, 26.49) But above all, in his book Enchiridion (Handbook on Faith, Hope, and Love, 421 AD) the love of God must be more than the love of man and of oneself. When man has perfected the love of God, his soul will rest in God since God is love (Handbook on Faith, Hope and Love 31.117-32.121; De Moribus Ecclesiæ Catholicæ,15.25).

REFERENCES: Augustine, Saint, Bishop of Hippo. (1886). The City of God (M. Dods, Trans.). In P. Schaff, (Ed.), A Select Library of the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church (Vol. 2). Buffalo, NY: The Christian Literature Publishing. Available Online from Christian Classic Ethereal Library: http:// www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf102.txt. Augustine, Saint, Bishop of Hippo. (1886). The Confessions of St. Augustin (J.G. Pilkington, Trans.). In P. Schaff, (Ed.), A Select Library of the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church (Vol. 1). Buffalo, NY: The Christian Literature Publishing. Available Online from Christian Classic Ethereal Library: http://www. ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf101.txt. Augustine, Saint, Bishop of Hippo. (1890). The Enchiridion, Addressed to Laurentius; Being a Treatise on Faith, Hope and Love (J. F. Shaw, Trans.). In P. Schaff, (Ed.), A Select Library of the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church (Vol. 3). Buffalo, NY: The Christian Literature Publishing. Available Online from Christian Classic Ethereal Library: http:// www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf103.txt.

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Caritas et Scientia Caritas et Scientia (Charity and Knowledge) He said, “let knowledge therefore be used as a kind of scaffolding by which may be erected the building of charity (Sic itaque adhibeatur scientia tanquam machina quaedam, per quam structura caritatis assurgat quae maneat in aeternum, etiam cum scientia destruetur).” (Letter 55, to Januarius, 21.39) He continued saying, “knowledge, if applied as a means to charity, is most useful (quae ad finem caritatis adhibita multum est utilis).” (Letter 55, to Januarius, 21.39) He wrote this statement in the year 400 AD as a bishop of Hippo in response to the letter of a certain Januarius, who was seeking for the truth on various practices of the Catholic Church, such as on the frequency of the reception of the Holy Communion; the scheduling of the Holy Sacrifice on Holy Thursday; the reasons for not having a fixed specific date for the yearly celebration of the Holy Week; and other superstitious or pagan practices. Using his keen reasoning and excellent communication skills, Augustine explained all these extensively and sufficiently in his two reply letters to Januarius, as he cited the Scriptures, the teachings and practices of the Apostles and the pronouncements of the Catholic Church authorities. Januarius highly regarded him for being very knowledgeable, but then Augustine humbly claimed that he was still ignorant of countless things, like the Scriptures, even if he was already a bishop and produced numerous writings on the Scripture.

therefore be used as a kind of scaffolding by which may be erected the building of charity (Sic itaque adhibeatur scientia tanquam machina quaedam, per quam structura caritatis assurgat quae maneat in aeternum, etiam cum scientia destruetur).” (Letter 55, to Januarius, 21.39) Likewise, Augustine warned Januarius that if the latter would not use his knowledge for charity, then his knowledge would be useless and may even be destructive to others and to himself: “knowledge, if applied as a means to charity, is most useful; but apart from this high end, it has been proved not only superfluous, but even pernicious (quae ad finem caritatis adhibita multum est utilis; per se autem ipsa sine tali fine, non modo superflua, sed etiam perniciosa probata est).” (Letter 55, to Januarius, 21.39) Augustine is obviously enlightened by God in the words of St. Paul: “And if I should have prophecy and should know all mysteries, and all knowledge, and if I should have all faith, so that I could remove mountains and have not charity, I am nothing.” (1 Cor. 13:2) Later between 406 and 430 AD, in his Tractates (treatise or essay) on the Gospel of John, Augustine wrote this similar statement: ““knowledge puffeth up (inflates).” Then, ought we at once to hate knowledge? Far from it! And what means “Knowledge puffeth up (inflates)”? Knowledge alone, without charity… “but charity edifieth (builds up).” Therefore… add to knowledge charity, and knowledge will be profitable, not by itself, but through charity.” (Augustine, Tractates 27 no. 5)

As the last piece of advice to him for having an inquisitive mind, Augustine strongly stressed to use his knowledge in the loving service of God and humanity: “let knowledge

Thus, building knowledge (Scientia) to improve one’s love of God and fellow human beings (Caritas) is the goal of learning.

Augustine, Saint, Bishop of Hippo. (1886). Letters of St. Augustin (J. G. Cunningham, Trans.). In P. Schaff, (Ed.), A Select Library of the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church (Vol. 1). Buffalo, NY: The Christian Literature Publishing. Available Online from Christian Classic Ethereal Library: http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/ npnf101.vii.html. Augustine, Saint, Bishop of Hippo. (1886). On Christian Doctrine (J. F. Shaw, Trans.). In P. Schaff, (Ed.), A Select Library of the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church (Vol. 2). Buffalo, NY: The Christian Literature Publishing. Available Online from Christian Classic Ethereal Library: http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/ npnf102.txt. Augustine, Saint, Bishop of Hippo. (1886). On the Trinity (A. W. Haddan, Trans.). In P. Schaff, (Ed.), A Select Library of the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church (Vol. 3). Buffalo, NY: The Christian Literature Publishing. Available Online from Christian Classic Ethereal Library: http:// www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf103.txt. Augustine, Saint, Bishop of Hippo. (1890). Writings in

Connection with the Manichaean Controversy (R. Stothert & A. H. Newman, Trans.). In P. Schaff, (Ed.), A Select Library of the Nicene and PostNicene Fathers of the Christian Church (Vol. 4). Buffalo, NY: The Christian Literature Publishing. Available Online from Christian Classic Ethereal Library: http://www.ccel. org/ccel/schaff/npnf104.txt. Crouse, R. (1999). Knowledge. In A. D. Fitzgerald (Ed.), Augustine Through the Ages: An Encyclopedia (pp. 486487). Michigan: William B. Eerdmans Publishing. ADDITIONAL ONLINE SOURCES: Augnet. (2010). URL: http://www.augnet.org/. Augustinian Resources. (2003-2004). Retrieved from Ad Limina Apostolorum: http://www. ratzingerfanclub.com/adlimina/ augustine_ resources.html. The Confessions of Augustine: An Electronic Edition. (1992). Retrieved from The Stoa Consortium: http://www.stoa.org/hippo/.

SSC-R MANILA NEWS

Conâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t. : Naresuan welcomes San Sebastian Conference with the Director and Deputy Director of Naresuan University International Center (NUIC) In the afternoon of the same day (March 20, 2014) a conference with Director Watana and his Deputy director was conducted. It started at 1:30 and finished almost at 4:00 pm. The conference started with the introduction of both institutions. Director Watana through his deputy introduced to SSC-R delegates his faculty on International Studies. They presented the history, the programs, achievements and future plans. On the part SS-R, Dean Reyes introduced the Hotel and Restaurant Management and Tourism programs of her departments. She mentioned the various linkages with industries and government agencies, the different training opportunities of the students and specially the various â&#x20AC;&#x153;hatcheriesâ&#x20AC;? or the laboratories where students get their first hand experience before these are deployed to actual industry practices. The various areas of collaboration between the International Center and SSC-R are the following:

A. Student Academic Program.

cultural and Exchange

1. Two forms of student exchange programs are possible to be entered into: a short-term which could last for twothree concentrating on cultural exposure and language trainings; and a long-term which include the taking of regular subjects of students. The details of the collaboration will be spelled out in a MOA. 2. The

short-term

exchange program may be conducted on the months of June and July or October and November from the part of Naresuan since on these month students are on vacation and our students are in class. The long-term or semestral program will have to be done within the semestral offering of the accepting institution. 3. Since the MOU of SSC-R with Naresuan is on the university level, the area of collaboration will not be limited only to the Faculty of International Studies (although this faculty has courses generally held in English language) but may be extended, in the near future, with other faculties. Likewise, the collaboration with SSC-R will not only be limited to the CIHM department but also with other departments of our institution. 4. On the part of NUIC, students will decide which courses to take (business, taxation, law, arts, culture, etc.) with SSC-R as these will be credited as elective courses. 5. On the part of SSC-R there is a need to examine the curriculum offerings and see the possibility where our students may get the training and educational exposure and these be credited to the student academic unit load.

qualifications process. The NUIC intends to send their fourth year college students, while for SSC-R it will be dependent upon the result of the curriculum pairing. 7. As to the financial concern, this will be spelled out in the MOA. During the meeting there were possibilities presented: A. Enrollment fee will be paid to the institution of origin. B. Enrollment fee will be paid to the accepting institution. C. All other expenses will have to be declared in the program offering.

8. On the Faculty Exchange Program: a. This is an opportunity for both faculty members to get some international teaching exposure. This venture may be entered into after the pairing of the curriculum so that specific lecture areas and time may be determined. For the part of SSC-R faculty members this will be an added features particularly for faculty development and accreditations purposes 9. On the area of research, much has yet to be done Tandem research, much has yet to be done. Tandem research maybe conducted: but as to the publication of researches there is a need for both institution to have the research journal accredited as referred one.

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SSC-R MANILA NEWS

SIDELINE! An amazing interest with San Sebastian Ms. Gina Boa, a professor of Naresuan University, was herself intrigued of the particular interest of the administrators of the University with the SSC-R delegation. She commented that it was her first time to have witness and heard that the President himself and the Vice Presidents who, despite their busy schedules, took time— almost an hour and a half time— to meet the delegates. Normally, this is delegated to the Director

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Con’t. : Naresuan welcomes San Sebastian

of the Faculty concerned. Likewise, the director of the NUIC was very handson in the treatment with the delegates from San Sebastian. He spent time to have lunch and dinner. But of particular interest was his presence in the airport both of welcome the delegates (10 o’clock am-Saturday!) Normally, these are delegated duties to his deputies or drivers with other previous institution representatives.

A Prospect toward 2016 If 2016 offer a financially scary scenario because of the implementation of the Senior High School (SHS) program at the national level, I believe, this linkage and other probable ASEAN linkages are potential fallbacks to cushion the financial catastrophe that would be brought about by the absence of college students enrollees beginning 2016 and three years onwards.

SSC-R MANILA NEWS

Sebastinians collaborate for sports clinic The San Sebastian College – Recoletos Supreme Student Government (SSG) of 2013-2014 – withthe collaborative efforts of the College of Arts and Science (CAS) family, the Sebastinian Outreach Foundation Incorporated (SOFI), the STAG Basketball players and the ROTARACT officers – hadtheir annual Basketball Clinic with the Brgy. 393 of Nepomuceno St.,Quiapo, Manila last March 13at the college gymnasium. The outreach program aimedat encouraging and developing among the youth, sportsmanship, discipline, leadership, camaraderie, as well as fun activities in order to divert their young minds

from any negative influence or other untoward activities in our society today. The community partner, Barangay 393 Nepomuceno St. in Quiapo, Manila, was given 12pcs of brand new basketball balls, 24pcs of towels donated by the CASFaculy, headed by Dr. Winston Sirug. The SOFI also donated five hundred pesos (500php) for energy drinks; while the ROTARACT club, headed by their President Edward Mapula, provided free food and drinks for all the participants.

to develop the participants’ skills in passing, dribbling, and shooting the ball as well as the techniques, safety and discipline in playing basketball. Said activity was assisted by the STAG Basketball players headed by team captain JovitDela Cruz. An exhibition game between the barangay leaders headed by their Chairman Gutierrez Go against the SSCR volunteers, namely, Prof. Pagala, Prof. RiodequeIII, Prof. Francisco, Prof. Gonzales, Prof. Valderrama, Prof.Purto, and Prof. Lira headed by Coach Dr. Sirug ended the sports clinic outreach program.

The sports clinic was the first part of the one-day outreach program that aimed

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SSC-R MANILA NEWS Con’t. : CAS Week to CAS Day PinakaTALENTADO Ako 2014 goes to V.Mapa High School Fresh from their victory as the Pasiklaban Champion 2013, the Victorino Mapa High School once again proved that its academic institution is home for magnificent talents, as their representative instrumentalist Jeulo Madriaga bagged the title as the first PinakaTALENTADO Ako last January 13 at the Bulwagang Diego Cera. With his rendition of Mexican instrumental songs, Mr.Madriaga obtained the unanimous votes from the panel of judges, mostly from the field of performing arts. Mr. Madriaga was teary-eyed when his name was called as the winner of the said talent contest. He received the prizes amounting to Php 10,000, a trophy and a certificate.

Meanwhile, group A and B of the Paco Catholic School were emerged as the 1st and 2nd runner ups respectively. Showcasing their artistry using their hands to interpret a religious song, group A of Paco Catholic School managed to wow the judges and audiences. The hand mime emphasized the importance of fidelity in building the community of Christ. The judges had chosen the hand mime of Paco Catholic as the third placer considering the uniqueness and precision they showcased during the competition. Immediately after receiving the trophy and cash prize, group B of Paco Catholic School was then again called as the winner of the second prize, receiving Php 7000, a trophy, and a certificate.

Musica Sacra Festival 2014:

Laity Strengthens Church As the Year of the Laity is celebrated, the part of the lay people in building the Church is reaffirmed with the action taken by the 13 choirs, four solo performers, and rondalla group that gathered and shared their gift of music to promote the conservation of the San Sebastian Basilica in a festival of sacred music dubbed as Musica Sacra Festival last May 29-31 at the Basilica Minore de San Sebastian, Manila.

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Now on its second year, Musica Sacra Festival took a different light as it was done in a 3-day festival of concerts and talks and choral workshop. Upholding the teachings of the Mother Church, the event aspired to share religious music as a prayer, as an essential aspect in a Christian’s life,

Utilizing the talents of all male dancers, participants from group B of Paco Catholic School captured the hearts of the judges and audiences by emphasizing the importance of “Dapat Tama” in all endeavors in life especially when it comes to politics and leadership. The organizers of this competition accepted multiple entries from San Sebastian College-Recoletos, Manila, Paco Catholic School, Manila Cathedral, and V. Mapa High School. Meanwhile, the organizers also welcomed participants from the elementary department. The 8 year old belter,Audrey Magpantay, emerged as the sole winner.

by Ms. Grey-An Keith P. Pascual

and as a way to spread the good news. The more active and passionate involvement of the lay people in this journey is also highlighted in this year’s festival. A growing number of groups and individuals offered their time and talent to make the event possible. The Festival opened on the 29th of May with a Eucharistic Celebration, followed by a lecture on liturgical and sacred music from Rev. Fr. Manuel Maramba, OSB. The first day ended in a good note with a concert showcasing various choirs and individuals serving in the parish and other guest choirs: San Sebastian Basilica Children’s Ministry Choir, Tipanan Vocal Ensemble, San Sebastian Chamber Singers, San Sebastian Parish Rondalla, Chorus Vocales, and ALab

Vocal Ensemble. The second day of the festival was also commenced by a Eucharistic Celebration. A media exhibit and sharing of the conservation and development of the Basilica was also done by Rev. Fr. Rene Paglinawan, OAR, and Ms. Tina Paterno, Chief Conservator and Executive Director of the San Sebastian Basilica Conservation and Development Foundation, Inc. The talk was followed by performances from visiting choirs and resident solo performers from San Sebastian: Voces Amicorum, Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene Music Ministry Chorale, Vox Amigos, Jay Merwin Madrid, Eden de Chavez, Mafe Tingocia, and Kim Nemenzo.

SSC-R MANILA NEWS

Con’t. : CAS Week to CAS Day Mr. Elimar Ravina of the Languages and Humanities Department was the head of the PinakaTALENTADO Ako 2014. PinakaTALENTADO Ako 2014 goes to V.Mapa High School Fresh from their victory as the Pasiklaban Champion 2013, the Victorino Mapa High School once again proved that its academic institution is home for magnificent talents, as their representative instrumentalist Jeulo Madriaga bagged the title as the first PinakaTALENTADO Ako last January 13 at the Bulwagang Diego Cera. With his rendition of Mexican instrumental songs, Mr.Madriaga obtained the unanimous votes from the panel of judges, mostly from the field of performing arts. Mr. Madriaga was teary-eyed when his name was called as the winner of the said talent contest. He received the prizes amounting to Php 10,000, a trophy and a certificate.

hearts of the judges and audiences by emphasizing the importance of “Dapat Tama” in all endeavors in life especially when it comes to politics and leadership. The organizers of this competition accepted multiple entries from San Sebastian College-Recoletos, Manila, Paco Catholic School, Manila Cathedral, and V. Mapa High School. Meanwhile, the organizers also welcomed participants from the elementary department. The 8 year old belter,Audrey Magpantay, emerged as the sole winner. Mr. Elimar Ravina of the Languages and Humanities Department was the head of the PinakaTALENTADO Ako 2014.

Con’t. : Musica Sacra Festival 2014: Laity Strengthens Church Moreover, a choral workshop facilitated by Prof. Lester Delgado was conducted on the 31st. Choristers and music enthusiasts around Manila attended the choral clinic to better appreciate the gift of faith, arts and sacred music and to further hone their talent and service. The Eucharistic Celebration was attended by the participants and performers. The last day, which was also in celebration of the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Elizabeth, was devoted to an assembly of other

choirs coming together for a gala concert: PUP COC Ensemble, Shrine of Jesus Children’s Choir, Samahang Banal na Mag-anak Chorale, The Orféon Singers, and the Lighter Side Movement. The festival which aimed to stage a show that will continue to preserve, protect and promote the wonderful treasure of San Sebastian Basilica through the gift of faith, arts and sacred music, was spearheaded by San Sebastian Basilica Conservation and Development Foundation, Inc. and was supported

by San Sebastian College – Recoletos Manila, Linear Graphics, Lytz-Wil Enterprises, Mega Source Scientific Supplies, New A-Plus Personnel Services Corporation, Speedworld Business, Globesco Incorporated, Mcdonald’s Philippines, Sen. Cynthia Villar, Ms. Hayley Ao Tai, Ms. Trina Davies, Ms. Letty Tayao, Bai & Baby Abutin, Ms. Didi Canlas, Ms. Olga Paguia, Mr. Charito Florendo, Timbol Family, and San Sebastian Convent.

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SSC-R MANILA NEWS

SSC-R Manila celebrates 73rd Foundation Anniversary Mr. Elmer German P. Garcia

arious departments organized various activities to celebrate the 73rd Foundation Anniversary of San Sebastian Recoletos-Manila with the theme, Greatness Awaits One Who Recollects, last January 12 to 20. The opening day began with a celebration of the Holy Eucharist officiated by Rev. Fr. Lauro Larlar, OAR, the Prior Provincial in the Philippines. The solemn celebration was held at the quadrangle attended by the whole community. It was followed by an opening salvo, a fifteen-minute dance performance in line with the year’s theme that also signaled the beginning of the week-long celebration. This was followed by the opening of institutional exhibits mounted at the lobby of the Bulwagang Diego Cera. A motorcade ensued afterwards. Other activities were also showcased on the same day such as the following: Pinaka-TALENTADO Ako, an Inter-High school competition sponsored by the College of Arts and Sciences; a luncheon ceremony sponsored by the College of Accountancy, Business Administration, and Computer Studies (CABACS) honoring outstanding alumni who excelled in the field of business and finance; a number of simultaneouslyheld seminars organized by the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS); and the high school and college intramural games held at the Quadrangle. The consecutive daily celebrations always began with a Holy Eucharist sponsored and attended by respective groups or departments.

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The second day saw a volleyball exhibition game between SSC-R volleyball women’s varsity team and the University of the East volleyball women’s varsity team. The afternoon events featured the CABACSsponsored Cultural Dance Competition, participated in by students coming from the different courses under the CABACS department. A basketball exhibition game between SSC-R and University of the East male basketball varsity team ended the second day. The third day turned out to be the busiest day of the weeklong celebration as the College of International Hospitality Management held various activities also meant to celebrate their unit. Some of these activities were the Parade of Young Hoteliers, Chefs and Travel Professionals; a Regional Dance Competition; the Young Bartender’s Competition; On-the-Spot Cake Decorating Competition; Food and Travel Expo; CIHM Soup Kitchen; and the CIHM Free City Tour. The second day also saw the conduct of a Shootout Competition opened to all students and employees, organized by the Athletics Department. The Center for Culture and the Arts, with the assistance of the San Sebastian Recollect Dance Troupe, also held the 2nd Dance Syndrome: an InterHigh School Hip Hop Dance Competition that same day. Later during the day, the College of Law hosted its Alumni Homecoming in which outstanding SSC-R Manila Law Graduates were also recognized.

The fourth day was full of academically- and physically-related competition. The day started early with Galing Recoleto, a quiz show involving grade school and high school students, followed by the High School Intramurals, the CABACS Quiz Bee held at the Business Laboratory, and the Basketball Exhibition Game featuring Golden Stags Alumni. This started the first half of the day. In the afternoon, the much-awaited Tanghalang Sebastino was held at the Bulwagang Diego Cera, which was an inter-school competition that showcased presentations of various employees of the institution. The most awaited activity among students, though, was the Student Night. It featured a concert of showbiz personalities, which seemed to be a good way of ending the fourth day of the foundation week. The fifth day of the week was opened by the Inter-High School CAT competition, followed by the Alumni Varsity Exhibition, and a basketball game between the Recollect Fathers and the Law Faculty. The other half of the day saw a continuation of the CAT competition and a quiz bee among high school students held at the Diego Cera Hall. The day was capped with the Service Awards, a formal recognition ceremony meant to honor SSC-R Manila employees. The latter was held at the Philippine Columbian Association building.

Simultaneously, a field demonstration competition was held featuring grade school to college Physical Education Students. In the afternoon, a Basketball Game of grade school students’ parents versus high school students’ parents happened. The day was ended by the Alumni Night which was held at the quadrangle. It featured the Alumni Homecoming sponsored by Class ’64 and ’89 with their former teachers as main guests. The feast day of St. Sebastian happened after the weekend. It started with the Mass attended by grade school and high school students. It was followed by their games held at the quadrangle. Simultaneously, a Mass of the college students was celebrated. After which, Pistang Sebastino Games and kainan followed the Mass. The games featured traditional Fiesta Games for all and the kainan was a Fiesta lunch for all. After lunch, a Bingo Social was held at the quadrangle. The Closing Ceremony was done in the afternoon of this particular day, leading to the community’s participation to the Procession organized by the San Sebastian Basilica Parish. This activity officially closed the 73rd foundation anniversary of San Sebastian RecoletosManila. Truly, Greatness Awaits One Who Recollects.

The last day of the week started with the Community Involvement sponsored by the Sebastinian Outreach Foundation Incorporated, (SOFI), a Medical and Dental mission for the residents of Brgy. 390, 391 and 393. CROSSCURRENT

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Ako si Fred Isinulat ito ni G. Alvin Dela Torre batay sa balangkas na ibinigay ni Dr. Mario Maranan sa pag-aaral ng asignaturang Sining ng Pakikipagtalastasan sa Kolehiyo ng San Sebastian. May ilang bahagi sa akdang ito na pinakinis ni Dr. Maranan upang higit na maging masining ang pagpapahayag.

Disyembre, malamig ang simoy ng hangin sa lansangan. Sabi ng iba, ito raw ang pinakamasayang buwan ng taon. Bakit? Siguro upang gunitain ang nagdaaang araw ng mga taon lalo na ang mga masasayang pangyayari. Katatapos lang ng konsyerto ng isa sa mga pinakasikat na mangaawit ngayon. Ang totoo, hindi siya kasinggaling ng mga mang-aawit gaya nang kapanahunan ko. Masasabi na malayo ang agwat ko sa kanya. Ganito na siguro ang gusto ng makabagong henerasyon sa larangan ng musika, kailangan na may hitsura ang kumakanta, g’wapo baga: iyon lang! Pero kung ilalagay mo siya sa panahon ng dekada sisenta, baka hindi lang siya panisin at lalangawin ang kanyang konsiyerto; baka hindi man lang siya magkaroon ng pagkakataon para gumawa ng isa. Puro kapintasan ang pinanonood kong konsiyerto pero bakit ko nga ba pinapanood? Siguro, gusto ko lang makasaksi ulit ng pagtatanghal. May tatlumpung taon na rin yata akong hindi nakapupunta sa ganito. Nawalan kasi ako ng pagkakataon at oras para sa mga ganitong bagay. Mas mahalaga ang pinili kong buhay at ginusto ko iyon. Ayoko na mapako ang pagkatao ko para sa walang halagang bagay lamang. Naglalakad ako sa madilim na pasilyo ng teatro nang batiin ako ng isang g’wardya, “Kumusta na kayo Ka Fred,” wika niya. Napangiti lang ako at hindi nakasagot. Hindi na kase ako sanay makisalamuha sa ibang tao ngayon hindi katulad nang dati na kahit sabaysabay akong batiin ng mga taong nakasasalubong ko ay nakasasagot ako sa anumang salita na ipukol nila

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sa akin. Siyempre kung ikaw ang tatayo sa kalagayan ko ay parang napakaganda ng lahat ng naririnig mo. Iba na talaga ‘pag may ipagmamalaki ka. Basta, wala na naman akong pakiaalam sa nakaraan. Isa na akong bagong tao ngayon. May ilan man na nakakikilala sa akin ay binabalewala ko na lang. Iniisip ko na kaya nila ako nakilala ay dahil sa kaibigan ko sila o kaya naman ay malayong kamag-anak. Hindi naman masamang mag-isip ng hindi totoo!

“Hindi ko kasi akalain na nagtaas na ang tiket,” dagdag pa niya. Tinanong niya ako kung maganda raw ba ang napanood ko. Hindi na ako sumagot dahil baka hindi niya magustuhan ang sasabihin ko. Sana pala ay ibinigay ko na lamang ang tiket ko sa kanya. Siguro ay naging kapaki-pakinabang pa ang ipinambili ko noon dahil hindi naman talaga ako nasiyahan sa panunood. Sabay kaming naglakad.

Bumaba ako ng hagdan at saka lumabas ng teatro. May nakita akong isang lalaki. Nakatayo siya sa tapat ng teatro at tinitigan ko ito. May edad na rin ang lalaking iyon. Pansin naman ito dahil sa humpak na ang kanyang mga pisngi at nakalubog na ang mga mata, may tira-tirang bigote at balbas sa mukha. Mukhang may kalabuan na rin ang mata dahil nakakunot na ang kilay niya na parang pinipilit na makita ang bagay na nasa harapan niya. Nakaberdeng pantaas at pantalon na may tastas sa laylayan ngunti nakabalat na sapatos. Mukhang galing din siya sa konsyerto na dinaluhan ko. Nilapitan ko siya ngunit hindi man lamang ako pinansin. Patuloy ang pagsuyod ng mga mata niya sa mataas na gusaling iyon na parang walang nakikitang iba. Ang atensyon niya ay parang idinikit na ng limang pakong bakya sa gusaling iyon. “Bakit ganyan ka makatingin diyan?” tanong ko sa kanya. Bigla siyang lumingon na para bang nagulat. “Hindi ko kasi napanood ang pagtatanghal; kulang ang naipon ko nang buong taon para bumili ng tiket,” wika niya.

Alfredo ang ngalan niya subalit kung tawagin daw siya ng nakakikilala sa kanya ay Tandang Edo na minsan ay ikinaiinis niya. Gusto raw niya na Fred ang itawag nila sa kanya. Hindi ko alam kung bakit subalit nang tawagin ko siya sa pangalang iyon ay saka ko lang siya nakitang ngumiti. Ang sabi ko nga ay Fred din kasi ang pangalan ko. Dahil doon ay nagsimula na siyang magkwento at ang sabi niya, “Tauntaon akong nanunood diyan dahil talagang hilig ko ang musika.” Naintidihan ko siya dahil hilig ko rin iyon dati. Ang totoo nga niyan ay naging buhay ko pa ang musika. Naging masaya ang paguusap namin. Ang pakiramdam ko nga ay matagal na niya akong kilala dahil palagay ang loob niya sa akin ngunit hindi ko naman siya kaibigan o malayong kamag-anak lamang. Sumagi nga sa isip ko na kahit ganito ako ngayon ay kaya ko pa rin na makisalamuha sa ibang tao.

Ako si Fred

CON’T.

Niyaya nga niya ako sa bahay niya at marami raw siyang gustong ipakita sa akin. Hidni naman ako maaaring sumama dahil medyo may kalaliman na ang gabi. Nagpasya kami na magkita na lang ulit kinabukasan upang makapunta ako sa kanyang bahay. Ang totoo, wala namang balak makipagkita sa kanya dahil sasayangin ko lang ang oras ko. Tinitigan ko siya habang naglalakad papalayo na parang may naiwan na isang malaking katanungan sa akin na hindi ko man batid kung ano iyon. Unti-unti siyang naglaho sa madilim na lansangan. Siguro, ang sandaling oras ko na gugugulin sa pagpunta sa bahay niya ay hindi masasayang. Magiging makahulugan ito para sa akin. Kinabukasan ay nagkita muli kami sa tapat ng teatro kung saan kami nagkita kagabi. Medyo umayos na ang itsura niya. Bagong ahit at nakapamada ang buhok ngunit ang suot niya ay ang suot niya pa rin kagabi. “Pasensya ka na kung ito pa rin ang suot ko. Malinis pa naman kasi,” ang wika niya. Ngumiti lang ako pero awangawa ako sa kanya dahil naisip ko na baka walang ibang damit ang lalaking ito kaya’t nagtiis na lang na magsuot ng isang damit sa loob ng ilang araw. Pumara siya ng dyip papuntang Quiapo. Sumakay kami. Ang akala ko ay pwedeng nang lakarin dahil nilakad lang niya ito kagabi ngunit medyo may kalayuan din pala. Kumuha siya ng barya sa kanyang bulsa: anim na piso. “Pakidagdagan na ng piso,” ang wika niya. Itinulak ko pabalik ang kamay niya at sinabing ako na ang bahala sa pamasahe. Lalo lang akong naawa sa kanya. Kulang na nga ang pera pero nakuha pa akong ilibre. May kalahating oras din nang makarating kami sa kanila. Pumasok ako sa pintuan ng bahay

niya. Talagang masikip sa loob subalit maayos naman.

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upang makabili ng tiket. Nakatutuwa talaga siya.

Natuwa ako sa kanya dahil kahit na tagni-tagning yero lamang ang kanyang bahay, ipinagmamalaki pa rin niya ito sa akin. Dali-dali niya akong pinaupo sa bangko. Pumanhik siya sandali at mukhang may kukunin. Habang wala siya, inilibot ko ang aking mga mata sa bawat sulok ng bahay at nakita na ang larawan niya. Marami rin iyon at may napansin ako. Ang suot niya sa mga larawan na nakita ko ay yaong suot pa rin niya ngayon. Ibang klase ang taong ito. Siguro naglalaba muna siya bago magpakuha ng litrato. Maya-maya ay bumaba siya na napakaraming bitbit. Nakatingin pa rin ako sa larawan niya tulad nang pagkatingin niya sa teatro kagabi. Nilapitan niya ako at ikinuwento isa-isa ang mga nasa larawan. Dati pala siyang may asawa subalit namatay ito matapos isilang ang kanilang anak. Dahil sa kapos Sila noon sa salapi ay hindi rin nakaligtas ang bata. Naik’wento n’ya rin ang kanyang mga karanasan sa kanilang probinsya sa Samar at kung bakit siya napadpad ng Maynila. Napakarami pa niyang naik’wento tungkol sa mga larawan at halos lahat ng iyon ay malulungkot. Naging interesado ako sa mga larawan niya sa may teatro kasama ang iba’t ibang sikat na mang-aawit. Nagsimula siyang magkwento tungko dito. Nalaman ko na doon pala siya dating nagtratrabaho bilang janitor. At pinili niya na doon malagay upang mapanood ang pagtatanghal nang libre kahit na sa likod lang siya ng stage nakapuwesto. Nakatutuwa ang lalaking ito dahil kahit sa trabaho ay dinala niya at sinunod niya ang pagkahilig sa musika. Natanggal siya sa trabaho dahil hindi siya nakapasok nang maganap ang trahedya na pagkawala ng kanyang asawa’t anak. Iyon din ang unang beses na hindi siya nakapanood ng kons’yerto sa teatrong iyon dahil naubos ang kanyang pera. Nang mga sumunod na taon ay nag-ipon na siya

“Bakit iisa ang suot mo sa larawan?” tanong ko. “Ang damit na ito ang sinusuot ko kapag may espesyal na okasyon,” sagot naman niya. Nagtaka ako kung bakit ito pa rin ang suot niya gayung makikipagkita lamang siya sa akin. Sinabi niya na hindi rin niya alam kung bakit niya naisipan na isuot iyon. Pakiramdam daw kase niya ay espesyal ang araw na iyon ay para sa kanya. Tiningnan ko ang mga gamit na kinuha niya sa itaas. Kinilabutan ako at hindi makapagsalita: mga lumang plaka at gitara na may pangalan pang Fred Marciano sa harapan nito. Fred Marciano, isang sikat na mang-aawit noong dekada sitenta, tinitingala at hinahangaan ng lahat. Paano ko nagawang talikuran ang lahat ng iyon? Ang lalaking ito na hindi ko kilala ay ipinakita sa akin kung gaano kahalaga ang musika na kay dali kong tinalikuran. Kinuhanan niya ako ng litrato. Isa raw iyong alAala ng pagkikita namin. Isinabit niya iyon sa puwang sa dingding kung saan dapat nakalagay ang larawan ng mang-aawit ng hindi niya nadalhang konsyerto noon. Hindi ko namalayan na gabi na pala. Nagpaalam ako sa kanya at nagpasalamat ng marami. “Kumpleto na,” ang sabi ko bago ako umalis. At lumabas na ako sa pintuan ng kanyang munting bahay na punung-puno ng alaala hindi lamang ng buhay niya kundi ng buhay ng iba. Kumakaway siya habang patuloy akong naglalakad. Disyembre, malamig ang simoy ng hangin sa lansangan. Sabi ng iba, ito raw ang pinakamasayang buwan ng taon. Tama sila dahil masaya ako ngayon na masilayan ang maganda ko palang nakaraan.

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SSC-R MANILA NEWS

SSRDT leads Dance Syndrome 2 Grey-An Keith P. Pascual

The San Sebastian Recollect Dance Troupe (SSRDT), under the direction of the SSC-R Manila Center for Culture and the Arts, organized the “Dance Syndrome 2,” an Inter- High School Hip Hop Dance Competition, held last January 15 at the Bulwagang Diego Cera, SSC-R Manila. In celebration of the 73rd Foundation of San Sebastian College - Recoletos Manila, the SSRDT spearheaded the 2nd year of the hip hop dance competition. Last year, though, the event began as an intra-school competition. This year, dance crews from different schools competed for the grand title: Behavior Crew from Our Lady of Sacred

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Heart School, GASI Dance Troupe from Guardian Angel School Incorporated, Hip – Hop Dance Company and Mapans yo1 from Victorino Mapa National High School, Street 101 and DOGZCOM from Paco Catholic School, Hiyas ng Sining from Manila Cathedral School and Lost Command from Doña Teodora Alonso High School. Locking, Popping, Bboying, Whacking, Vogueing, House Dance, Hip Hop Dance, Krump, Stepping, and Urban Choreography were showcased in the competing teams’ 3-minute dance routines. Behavior Crew got the 3rd place while Street 101 was

the 2nd. Hiyas ng Sining emerged champions of the event. Trophies, certificates, and cash prizes were given to the winners. The winning crew was also entitled to perform during the SSRDT’s concert, RE+COLLECTS on Apoleia: “Kawala sa Kawalan” scheduled on the 21st of February this same year. The Board of Judges were Former SSRDT President Paul John Sion; Yoji Esquillo, from the FEU Dance Company, BacBoyz, and VNGNCE Fam; Trizza Tolentino of UPSDC and The Crew; and Erik Javier of UPLBSJ, Urban Elite, and The Crew. Javier, a certified Hip-Hop International – Philippines Skills Judge, is also SSRDT’s current coach.

CABACS celebrates 60, awards distinguished alumni AGUTO, RONALD Jr., P.

he College of Accountancy, Business Administration, and Computer Studies (CABACS) of SSC-R Manila celebrated a milestone as it grandiosely looked back to and marked its sixty years of “continuing education and service,” as Rev. Fr. Lauro V. Larlar, OAR put it in his message to the college’s constituency, last January 13 of this year. Larlar, who is now the Prior Provincial of the Province of St. Ezekiel Moreno of the Order of Augustinian Recollects in the Philippines, also served as President of SSC-R Manila some years ago. In his message, he also posited that the college must look back, “to find source and reason (for you) to move on and continue (your) service to the school and society.” Reverend Father Cristopher C. Maspara, OAR, current SSC-R Manila President, mentioned that the college has “grown remarkably in terms of course offerings, quality of instruction, number of students, community service, standard of research and infrastructure.” He especially pointed out his joy about the college’s recognition of distiniguihed alumni in the areas of Accountancy, Public Service, Education, Business and Industry, and IT/Computer Science. “This is a great privilege for all of us here at SSC-R as we welcome them back, be informed of their success stories, and recognize their laudable achievements,” the President said. The criteria released stipulated that the recognition is given to graduates “who have exhibited excellence in their life and career, service and dedication to the San Sebastian College community and the Filipino people.” An awardee must: be a holder of SSC-R Business/ CS/Accounting diploma; have demonstrated excellent leadership, commitment, and dedication in serving the SSC-R community of the Filipino people; have unquestionable probity, competence and work ethics; and have epitomized the

Augustinian ideals of Caritas et Scientia and the Sebastinian values of community life, Marian Devotion, Moral integrity, and Passion for Excellence. This year, the Distinguished Business Graduates awards were conferred on NBI Cybercrime Division Chief, Mr. Ronald P. Aguto, Jr.; Pasay City Mayor, Hon. Antonino G. Calixto; Integrated Recycling Industries Philippines, Inc. General Manager, Mr. Lee Salvatore R. Echiverri; SimCorp Asia Pacific Regional Domain Manager, Augustus Caesar L. Gimao; SSC-R Manila Sports Moderator, Mr. Francisco P. Gusi; Product Development Regional Operating Headquarters, Infor (US), Inc. Senior Manager, Ms. Racquel L. Pagala; Managing Director/Head of the Forensic and Technology Practice of the FTI Consulting, Mr. Jose T. Tan, Jr.; and the Vice President of the Corporate Affair and Administrative Mitsubishi Motors Philippines, Mr. Bernardo R. Umali. RONALD P. AGUTO, JR. Aguto, born in Ivana, Batanes, pursued his tertiary education at San Sebastian College – Recoletos, Manila form 1990-1994, graduating cum laude under Bachelor of Science in Business Accountancy. He went on to complete his Masters in Public Administration in Greenville College, Pasig City, and is currently taking up Bachelor of Law at the Philippine Law School in Pasay City. The NBI Chief of the Cybercrime Division, who has attended various seminars here and abroad,joined the National Bureau of investigation in January 1999 as an Investigative Agent III under the Anti-Fraud Computer Crime Division that investigates financial crimes such as pyramiding scams, stock frauds, land frauds, and bank frauds. After five years, he assumed the Senior

ECHIVERRI, LEE SALVATORE R. Agent position in the same division. From May 2005 to April 2006, he was assigned on Temporary Duty (TDY) in the Innocent Images International Task Force of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Maryland, USA. In 2010, he was assigned as team leader in the National Capital Region (NBI-NCR) before he became the Chief of the Budget Division of the NBI. As Chief of the Budget Division, he studied and consolidated the annual NBI budget proposals from program directors and other units. In his time as Budget Chief, his Division was awarded “the best organizational unit” for two consecutive years. At the beginning of 2013, he was designated as Chief of the Cybercrime Division where he was tasked to oversee the operation of the Division. His new Division is responsible for the investigation of cybercrimes and cyberrelated crimes, and the forensic examination of digital evidence. He is also mandated to establish and monitor the Regional Cybercrime Centers. LEE SALVATORE R. ECHIVERRI Echiverri, who already gave lectures in various conferences abroad, graduated from the Philippine Science High School in Quezon City. A working student in college, he was the recipient of the SGV Award as the “Most Outstanding Accounting Graduate” of San Sebastian College – Recoletos, Manila when he finished his Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce, Major in Accountancyin 1987. Immediately after passing the CPA Licensure Examinations in 1988, he was hired as a parttime accounting instructor in San Sebastian College – Recoletos, Manila from 1989 to 1993, teaching financial and cost accounting subjects.

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SSC-R MANILA NEWS

TAN, JOSE Jr., T.

In 1993, Echiverri worked for the American Microsystem Inc., Philippines as an Accounting Manager, and became the Company’s Controllerafter a year. He transferred to Cypress Semiconductor Philippines in Gen. Trias Cavite as its Financial Director in 1986, and later as the Financial and Administration Director of Dalla Semiconductor Philippines, Cabuyao, Laguna in 1999. He was featured in GMA-7’s Reporters Notebook episode on Clean Electronics Recycling in 2005. He received in behalf of IRI the International Award for Excellence in Products and Services in Madrid, Spain in 2006, and the Frost and Sullivan International Technology Innovativeness Award I in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 2008. He returned to teaching in 2008 and is now a Part-time Instructor of San Sebastian College – Recoletos, Canlubang,Laguna. Currently, he is also the General Manager of Integrated Recycling Industries Philippines, Inc. in Calamba, Laguna where he is responsible for the over-all operation of the company, and charts its longterm direction.He is, at the same time, the Vice-President for Business Development of Reclaimtek (M) SdnBhd Penang, Malaysia. As VicePresident for Business Development, he establishes links with metal smelters and refiners to maximize value and recovery of metals from scrap materials while developing new multinational customers for the company. In 2013, he was appointed Member of the Board of the Inari-Amerton, an optoelectronics company.

JOSE T. TAN, JR. Tan has more than 22 years of experience in the fields of investigation and prevention, auditing, business intelligence, due diligence, forensic accounting, risk management, fraud diagnostic system, system design, review and analysis, policy manual development, financial analysis, modeling and internal controls, restricting work and other consulting services for the protection of propriety information and reputation, and ensuring controls and regulatory compliance. His experience includes engagements in various countries in Asia Pacific to a broad range of clients operating in a wide range of industries such as manufacturing, regional headquarters/offices, retail, mining, oil, banking, securities, real estate, telecommunication, automotive, high tech, distribution, leasing, hotel, resorts and leisure, statutory board and service industries. His clients have included multinational corporations, statutory boards and governmentlinked companies. He has worked on engagements in the Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan.

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Managing Director and the Head of the Forensic and Technology Practice Consulting in the Philippines, and is responsible for the development and delivery of services such as global risk and investigation, forensic accounting and advisory services, and technology or computer forensic services. Concurrently, he is a Shareholder and Director of KPS Outsourcing, Inc., a local business outsourcing solutions in the areas of general management, finance, accounting, human resources, internal audit and risk management; a retained Consultant for a restricting work for an existing distribution business of a multinational company in the Philippines; and a Part-time Professor/Lecturer at Miriam College and San Sebastian College – Recoletos, Manila on subjects such as Auditing Theory and Accounting information System. He is also a regular Speaker/ Lecturer on topics related to advanced financial statement analysis, forensic accounting/auditing, internal controls, risk basked auditing, fraud awareness, detection and prevention, risk management, and Sarbenes Oxley (SOX). He is also a Co-founder of the Philippine Chapter of Association of Certified Fraud Examiners.

Formerly, the Principal of LECG Hong Kong Ltd; formerly, the Senior Vice President of Hill & Associates Risk Consulting (Philippines), Inc.; and formerly, the Director of the Business and Financial Advisory Services of KMPG LayaMananghaya& Co. responsible for establishing and developing KPMG’s forensic practice in the Philippines, Tan is presently the

PAGALA, RACQUEL LADIERO

GIMAO, AUGUSTUS CAESAR “OGIE” L.

HON. MAYOR CALIXTO, ANTONINO G.

SSC-R MANILA NEWS

GUSI, FRANCISCO Jr., P.

AUGUSTUS CAESAR “OGIE” LOPEZ GIMAO Augustus Caesar “Ogie” Lopez Gimao has been an IT professional for more than 15 years who has specialized in financial industry (mainly in Back Office functions like Custody, Settlement, Fund Accounting and Administration). He is currently a Regional Domain Manager at SimCorp Asia. He is also a Senior Business Consultant who implements SimCorp Dimension (http://www.simcorp. com) to new clients with expertise in delivering integration and Reporting Solutions. Previous to his current roles, he was the IT Development Manager who supported the Fund Accounting Business of Deutsche Bank, A.G. (http:// www/gtb/db/com/) where he was based in the bank’s Asia Pacific Head Office in Singapore for almost eight years serving in various capacities as a Data Warehouse Architech, IBM Websphere Integration Specialist, COBOL and Unix Shell Script Developer under the AIX Platform. Ogie has completed his Bachelor of Science in Computer (BSCS) degree in 1998 from San Sebastian College – Recoletos, Manila. He was a Dean’s Lister (Academic Scholar), a Student Assistant (Working Scholar), and a consistent representative to various inter-college and external academic competitions. He has been awarded the Dean’s Honor Roll Award, Bronze Medal (3rd overall in the entire College of Commerce) on the 50th Foundation Day Program. One of the highlights of his term as the President of the SCSS was to host the National Junior Philippine Computer Society (JPCS) Congress in San Sebastian College – Recoletos, Manila. He pursued his Master of Science in Information Management (Msc. IM) degree at the Ateneo de Manila University’s Ateneo Information Technology Institute (AITI). He also performs in opera productions staged at the Esplanade Theatre with the Singapore Lyric Opera and with the premiere all-Filipino choir Singapore, the PsalmiDeo Chorale which stages sold-out concerts at the SOTA Concert Hall. He’s also a sought after classical concert recitalist. RACQUEL LADIERO PAGALA Ms. Racquel L. Pagala has 17 years of experience in IT industry, specifically in consulting, product development and manufacturing environments. She is currently a Senior Manager of Product Development in the Regional Operating Headquarter (ROHQ) of Infor (US), Inc., the 3rd biggest ERP company globally. She leads department related initiatives here in Manila, and reports directly to Executives in Denmark and in Sweden. Infor has acquired Lawson PSSC, Inc (ROHQ), where Ms. Pagala served as the Systems Development Manager for five years. Her main function includes management of software development organizational units on enterprise products, which include

research efforts prototypes, new technology development efforts, upgrades and extensions to existing ones, software maintenance, quality assurance and integration of acquired products and/or third party tools. From June 2000 until November 2007, she was the Systems and Procedures (S&P) Manager of Business Systems Group. She reported directly to global (S&P) organization in the Netherlands. Before her promotion to a managerial position, she served as a business process expert (BPE) who represented the NXP Philippines for global system implementation. She began her career in the field of Computer Science when she was hired as a Software Engineer on September 1997 to May 1999 by the Baan Business Systems in a joint venture with Leverage Systems Technology. She got involved on multiple and complex projects locally where she served as the lead developer and trainer to junior developers. Some of the local projects that she got involved in are as follow: JG SUMMIT HOLDINGS, INC., JOLLIBEE FOODS CORPORATION, ASTRA PHARMACEUTICALS, GOLDILOCKS BAKESHOP, INC., MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC CORP., ATLAS FERTILIZER CORP.,INC., CENTURY CANNING CORP., BATAAN POYETHYLENE CORP.,RIOFIL CORPORATION. Moreover, she graduated under Bachelor of Science in Computer Science on October of 1996 at San Sebastian College – Recoletos, Manila and earned units in MS Information Management at Ateneo de Manila. HON. MAYOR ANTONINO GALLARDO CALIXTO Mayor Antonino Gallardo Calixto was a recipient of Augustinian education and a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Commerce Major in Marketing in 1977 at San Sebastian College – Recoletos, Manila. He is happily married to Mrs. Edna D. Aguas-Calixto, and is blessed with three children: Mark Anthony, Derrick, and Charleen. As a public servant imbued with Augustinian spirit, he has been serving the constituents of Pasay City with dedication that made him outstanding, and garnered distinct awards such as Outstanding Implementer of National Literacy Programs, Most Outstanding Cooperative Development Office, Most Outstanding and Naturalist Local Government Official of the Philippines, and Anti-Red Tape Compliant Awardee for 2012. All of these recognitions may be attributed to his recognitions may be attributed to his untiring efforts to implement his programs and projects for the improvement and elevation of the lives of his constituents in different aspects such as infrastructure, health, employment, housing, water, education, justice, and business. MR. FRANCISCO PLANDEZ GUSI, Jr.

UMALI, BERNARDO R.

A batangueño from Pinagbayanan, San Jose,Batangas, Mr. Francisco PlandezGusi, Jr. obtained his Bachelor of Science in Commerce, Major in marketing at San Sebastian College – Recoletos, Manila in 1976. He also took courses related to Sports, Sports Administration, Olympic Solidarity at Ultra, Pasig City, and Sports Leadership at Dusit Hotel in Makati City. He also attended Sports Summits held at the Teacher’s Camp in Baguio City, and High Performance Leadership Skills Training at San Sebastian College – Recoletos, Manila. He is most noted for his active participation in the annual NCAA workshops and seminars. His exposure to sports included serving as SSC-R Manila Sports Moderator and being an active member of the NCAA Management Committee. MR. BERNARDO ROA UMALI Mr. Bernardo Roa Umali finished his Bachelor of Science in Commerce Major in Accounting in 1986, and Management in 1985 at San Sebastian College – Recoletos Manila as consistent Dean’s Scholar and cum laude. In addition, he was also a recipient of Carlo J. Valdez Gold Medal for Excellence in Accounting, and notched the 13th place in the CPA Board Examination on May 1988. His tracks of employment records show that he rose from clerical to administrative positions. Most recent to these is his post as the Vice President of the Corporate Affairs and Administrative Divisions of Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation. Reverend Father Leander V. Barrot, OAR, VP for Academic Affairs, shared: “The present religious administrators, beholden to the legacy of those who came before us, are simply grateful to have been in the right time and place to celebrate the tradition of success of the department.” Under the leadership of CABACS Dean Dr. Lolita A. de Guzman and the Executive Committee Chairperson, Mrs. Princess Arleen S. Zamora, MSCS, the CABACS 60th Anniversary, aptly entitled AnimnapungTaongPagbabalik-tanaw: ICOM to CABACS, Mula Noon HanggangNgayon–with activities that include seminars and competitions – coincidedwith the 73rd Foundation Anniversary celebrations of SSC-R Manila. De Guzman, in a short message, admonished, “as we move forward, let us face the challenges ahead with renewed vigor and determination.”

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