Adventist Evangelist Dan Smith conducted a series of messages to the University faculty on April 1, 2 and 3 at the Finster Hall. He emphasized on Adventists being at the center of a Christ-centered, grace oriented ministry and how the school should reflect the character of Christ as in the parable of the prodigal son. The meetings were held at 7:30-9:00 a.m for three days instead of a full week, the reason for the term “half week”. His meals were scheduled with different groups and departments, where Pastor Dan could share more experiences on a more informal tone.

Dan Smith was also the baccalaureate speaker during the graduation week-end of the University.

The CHED Calabarzon Research Council (CRC) held a research capability-building seminar on March 6, 2008 at AUP. The seminar is the fourth of the series of regional sessions offered by the CRC, most especially to beginner researchers and for those HEI’s who plan to establish their own research center. The seminar was sponsored by AUP and the De La Salle University- Dasma-rinas. Again, the participants coming from different HEI’s CRC members in the Calabar-zon area had enjoyed the aura and ambiance at AUP and hoped that future similar event will again be held at AUP.

Once again Her Excellency President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (PGMA) chose to land her helicopters on AUP soil. It has been the usual drop point of the President of the Philip-pines whenever she had a speaking engagement in nearby Camp Castaneda at the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) Graduation Exercises as keynote speaker. This time she was met down the chopper by Dr. Robin Sabam AUP president, Mr. Melchor Balbuena, Head of the AUP Security Dept, and Mr. Leomer Batulayan, AUP PR Officer, and a couple of generals who were heads of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) and PNPA She was then escorted to the car that would take her to the PNPA camp.

After an hour the president returned to the campus along a convoy of fancy vehicles. From the presidential limousine she was met by Elmie Lynn Lagajino, Academy Principal, with other members of the faculty and staff. She shook hands with all those who met her as she walked back to-wards her helicopter. She looked warm and pleasant in her all red attire as she waved good bye at the door of the helicopter to the AUP well wishers.

Prior to her arrival, the entire area especially the academy vicinity was checked and secured by the PSG and the Special Action Force (SAF) from Camp Sto. Domingo and the PNPA of Camp Castañeda the two camps bordering AUP. They came aboard one air-con bus, several types of vehicles and two heavy armored tanks. They stayed in the classrooms and offices of the academy the whole morning while waiting. They cleared the area one hour after the helicopters have finally left.

The first time a Philippine president dropped by the soccer field was in 1999 when Erap Estrada was President. For President GMA this is her fourth; the first time was in 2003 and she had a tour around the campus, had a dialogue with the students and teachers and gave a donation to the University. The third time was last school year 2007

After the Academy band exhibition at the Water Park Leo Ari, AUP Academy Alumni president declared the Aca-demy alumni homecoming open; then the band continued to play “Mabuhay” as colorful confetti rained all over the amphitheater. That was on March 20, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. The seats were full and the open air venue was SRO. In a few moments Academy alumni grouped themselves by batches, some had uniform T-shirts too such as class 2007, 2003, 2004 etc. Animated emcees of the night were Dr. Romeo Barios, Curator of the Archives and Director of the University Research Center; and Alivir Perez Pido, Chair of the Accountancy Dept. of the COB. Featured during the “Gabi ng Musika at Saya” were Music groups affiliated with AUP Academy. The performers were the Academy Strings, the Academy Band, the Academy Choir, the Young Envoy Strings, The Soli Deo Gloria , the Canticlaires, the Young Voices, and the Philippine Male Singers. As an added attraction a komedya directed by Dr. Barios which is a Filipino version of “Why Women Wash the Dishes” was presented. The first komedya ever presented in the amphitheater sent the audience rolling with laughter and Bill Galang, Academy batch 72 who is the project chair of the amphitheater was delighted to witness the play in the right venue. Thespians of the komedya starred faculty and staff coming from various departments on campus.

Another feature that added fun was the trivia questions, in between musical numbers about PUC/AUP Academy History and current events. The alumni among the audience were asked about their respective batches and why they considered them-selves the best. Instant prizes were awarded to trivia winners. All performers were given framed certificates of appreciation through Elmie Lagajino, Academy principal. After the program the audience were treated to some native food such as pancit, puto, kuchinta, and others. Sponsors of the night were ePLDT promoters of Smart Bro, My DSL and PLDT through the coordination of Mr. Emmanuel Dizon, First Vice President of ePLDT. Manny is a 1978 alumnus of PUC Academy, and is also one of the Outstanding Academy Alumni awardees. Coordinators of the event were Naicy Sanidad, AUP Academy Librarian and Mae Sales, PUCA 1997 and staff of the Medical Technology dept.

It would normally cost around 300 pesos per diem for seminar fee and about 3-5K per hour each for resource person’s honorarium add to that the air fare from USA to the Philippines. It would have been such an expensive Seminar. Not so with Sam and Jedd Villanueva, founders of EASNAC and Cyberlink. Their services were purely for the love of AUP Academy. On March 18, the Academy faculty listened to the informative lecture of two academy alumni Sam about enrichment in Oral English as the faculty did a couple of workshops on the short and long I sounds, and other problematic vowel and consonant sounds that turned the teachers into instant radio announcers. Jedd on the other hand presented insights on student management and the teachers moved about like high school students in the work-shop over a container of chocolate candies provided by the lecturers. The two-and a half hour seminar-workshop served as enrichment for the teachers in facilitating class-room instruction and class-room management. The resource persons were handed Certificates of Appreciation signed by Elmie Lagajino, Academy principal, and then they proceeded outdoors for picture taking in front of the Academy building with 28 faculty and staff in attendance. The Academy looks forward to more similar seminars from our alumni in the coming school year. Before lunchtime Sam and Jedd left a big box of clothing and stuff for the 14 working students assigned in the Academy. It was such a heartwarming sight to see the students beam with enthu-siasm and delight when they opened, tried on and carried away their goods as they said thank you to the generous donors. “This is my first time to receive so much clothing and stuff” most of them said.

Later Johnny Guyo arrived at the Academy. Then there was a mini reunion of three Cyberlink editors: Johnny, Sam and Elmie. They all had lunch at the special cozy nook in the University Cafeteria.

Yellow ribbons tied around every tree on campus, gigantic tarpaulin displays from the entrance gate announcing programs, champions, and board exam passers and achievers along the road to the central mall, “banderitas” of sponsors, confetti; the music and musician, balloons, photo- graphs and videos, gift items, flowers of all varieties and scents, hot air balloons; crafty set designs, creative souvenir programs and yearbooks fresh out of the printing press; reverberating PA systems, fancy vehicles, traffic aids, catering services, and lots and lots of food! Yes, seems like the campus has suddenly come alive once again. It is Fiesta, only in AUP!

The month of March has certainly become the grandest month on campus, more festive than Christmas or New year’s Eve. We don’t’ pay homage to any patron saint but the preparations, and activities could beat any festival in the country. And it doesn’t happen only for three or four days, not even for one week but two weeks and even more. This begins with the University alumni homecoming (March 14-16), followed by the Academy homecoming (March 20-22), next comes the Academy graduation (March 21-23). The Elementary follows (March 25) along with that of the preschool; then the dedication programs by colleges throughout the week and finally the University graduation week-end (March 28-30). Add to these a couple of weddings of AUP faculty and staff.

In all these occasions food was in abundance. Imagine groups and families hopping from one house to another, from one banqueting table to another, some even with take-out bags in their hands. It’s that time of year when dieting is no longer in the vocabulary, when vegetarianism is put to the test and when pounds are added so quickly in just a matter of two weeks, “Eat all you can… bukas may bayad na yan!” however, if not well monitored it is also the time when all the cash slips so quickly out of the hands, the wallets, the ATMs and bank accounts. as blood sugar and blood pressure rise along with the hot and humid summer temperature.

Yes, this is fiesta the AUP version; when loved ones and long lost friends are reunited, when misunderstandings are set aside for a while in favor of smiles and laughter, when jobs come to a sudden halt, and deadlines are finally met; when gratitude to God and tribute to parents, mentors, the alma mater and friends fills the air, when once presence becomes so important and those who have finished their tasks have all the reasons to celebrate and rejoice in the Lord always.

Such was the excitement and fun in AUP last March…. If there would be only one month in heaven, could it be March?

After setting up the field for the Academy Graduation on March 23 under the scorching heat of the sun until five minutes to four in the after-noon a sudden downpour delayed the 4:00 p.m. event. This time the rains continued forcing everyone including all those in charge of the deco-rations to transfer from the soccer field to the Philippine International Church in coor-dination with PIC Senior Pastor Joe Orbe and PR officer Leomer Batulayan. The Church served as a haven and savior of the event. The program started at 6:30 p.m. instead and ended at 9:30 p.m.

The change of venue, however did not get in the way of, the smooth flow of the program and the message prepared by Dr. Edward Pan of class 56 for the graduates to live up to the character of the theme “Eminence”. It was evident that all speeches gave a reminder on how to behave in church as Dr. Pan expressed his admiration on how the high school graduating students were able to adjust their behavior to the sudden change of venue.

Dr. Ray Pueñ also of class 56, who was baccalaureate speaker introduced the guest speaker Dr. Pan. He also awarded four scholarship grants in behalf of class 56, who were unable to stay by because of a scheduled class reunion and the delay of the program. Awarded were Analeen Frances Labrador, 4th year 10,000 pesos; Milcah Matira, 3rd year 5,000 pesos; Grachiene Banuag, 2nd year 5,000 pesos; and Jan Jerone Datoy, 1st year 5,000 pesos. Ray Puen took the place of Norma Tulio Amoguis, coor-dinator of class 56, who was guest speaker during the Recognition program on Thursday. Other highlights of the event were the marching in of the graduates underneath the swords of the elegantly uniformed Saber Escorts from the Philippine National Police Academy, and flags of all nations, the special number of the Young Voices (composed of AUP Elementary and Academy students) NAMCYA National Champion; conducted by Joel Punay, the Soli Deo Gloria ensemble (composed of Academy and elementary students) playing for the processional and recessional conducted by Prof. Ramon Lijauco Sr. The reading of the heartwarming class history and the presentation of the vibrant class prophecy, the presen-tation of class gift: burgundy colored graduation gowns with caps which replaced the traditional black one without the cap. And the flying of 8 hot-air balloons at the end of the graduation program. Conferred their diplomas were 145 graduates for 2008.

Some of the records set were: the first graduation delayed by the rain, and to transfer venue, just before the start of the program, the first time for the graduates to wear burgundy colored gowns with caps, the first time the class prophecy was presented during graduation day, and it should also be interesting to note that in 1978 the Academy gradua-tion speaker was Prof. L. L. Pan. This year 2008, exactly 30 years after his son Dr. Edward Pan is the Academy graduation speaker, further-more, also in 1978 Elmie Lynn V. Lagajino was an academy graduate, This year, 2008 she is the principal. At the helm of the organized pandemonium were the Senior class officers headed by Geuel Royce Peñalosa, and their advisers, Joy Guillermo, Lyneth Masuring and Nera Valdez and the Academy faculty and staff headed by the principal.

For those who are visual learners and will not settle for news in text form, click on the flicker gallery to view the following photos of Academy events from March 20-23, 2008: Academy recognition programs, opening of alumni homecoming at the AUP amphitheater, Sports Fest, Consecration Service, Sabbath School, Baccalaureate Service, Tribute to Parents, Alumni banquet, Commencement Exercises. Photographers of the events were Jeruel Ibañez, Peter Datoy, Eliy Lagajino and Danny Bosito.

It was the first Academy alumni banquet on campus, and “the attendance was simply overwhelming”.

“Our apologies to those who were not able to join the banquet due to lack of seats; provisions were good only for 300 guests. It was the first so we can probably do better next time”, were the words of Mrs. Elmie Lagajino, Academy principal when she spoke to give her reports. March 22, 7:45 p.m. the program started despite the long queue at the registration table. “We did not expect this sudden turn out, many did not confirm their reservations”, Fely Barrientos San Diego, secretariat and Jean Olarte Espelita, asst. secretariat said. Some batches came over just to see their classmates but since they did not have reservations they just reported and proceeded to Paseo de Sta. Rosa for their own reunion, that night after the welcome remarks af Dr. Robin Saban, AUP president, Leocadio Arit, Academy alumni president and the message of the keynote speaker.

The University Gym was packed with a majority of young alumni, mostly coming from the 2Ks batches, along with class 56 and others. Highlights of the event were the eye-opening speech of Sam Villanueva, Key-note speaker (separate article), the principal’s report (separate article), the awardees and the musical numbers. Awarded that night were The Outstanding Alumni: Sam Villanueva for leadership in alumni affairs, Jedd Pastor Villanueva for Nursing and health Care, Dr. Ephraim De La Cruz Music and Community Service (in absentia), Angela Manalo Lalas Academics (In absentia). Emmanuel Dizon , Vice president and CIO of ePLDT for Leadership and Management in IT, Dr. Nelia Vargas Benito for Govt. service and Educational Research (In absentia), Judge Voltair Agas for Public Service, William “Bil” Galang for Denominational Service, and Ray Puen for Church and Minsitry.

Also recognized were the lifetime achievement awardees: Minerva Arit Penaranda as long time chair of the Music Dept and Ambassadors, Mrs. Rose Domocmat Pedernal as Academy principal who served the longest-13 years, Pastor and Mrs. Leopoldo and Gloria Pangilinan Baylon for Husband and wife team, Dr. Reuben Manalaysay as the longest living Academy principal and who also became president of PUC (in absentia). Recognized as well were The past principals of the Academy: Pastor Baltazar Diesta, Mr. Nimrod Salazar, Pastor Jimmy Celestre, Mr. Geraldine Narciso, Dr. Caezar F. Idaosos, Dr. Ruth Carillo, Mr. Antonio Arit andPastor Espiritu Guadiz. Many of the principals were not around to accept their trophies. Outstanding faculty who served the Academy for 15 years and above were Mrs. Sarah Merana Rosales, registrar and secretary since 1986 to the present and Marcelino “Bong” Dano who is now in the USA through the Visiting International Faculty Program. Both Mr. Dano and Angela Lalas were seen through webcam projected on the screen. Alumni with outstanding performances in Board and licensure exams were also re-cognized. The outstanding Batch was awarded to the Magnificent Class of 1956 for their constant assistance to the projects and cause of AUP Academy, extent of their projects and generous contributions to the community and their batch mates who are in need as well as their updated records of their classmates through their interactive website which was shone on the screen for all batches to emulate. A video of former lifetime achieve-ment awardee Miss Esther Manalaysay, the librarian during their time, was shone as well to congratulate the batch. One important detail as well is that the souvenir program featured the alumni roster from 1920-2008.

Musicians of the evening were the AUP Ambassadors and the Soli Deo Gloria who were both awarded outstanding group trophies for their international performances. Majority of their members are graduates of AUP Academy as well. At the end of the program which was emceed by Dr. Rex Diamante, Ms. Hannah Guerrero Marquez, Ms. Amie Rafael Fabroa and Mr. Ferdinand Esplana, two hot air balloons were released. Those who attended will be notified as to more details and plans in store for the alumni in the coming years. For updates the alumni is encouraged to log on to http://www.aupacademy.org/. were pictures and addresses of alumni may also be viewed.

Sabbath School and Baccalaureate saw some 150 Academy alumni signing up on the guest book upon entrance to PIC on Sabbath March 22. High-lights of the Sabbath School were the reading of the Litany of thanks by the Alumni, former faculty, principals, and the graduating class. The distribution of tokens and the presentation of Academy through yesteryears with God.

Highlights of the Baccalaureate service were the message of Ray Puen of class 56 as he brought out some surprising items for illustration from a baying. A mass choir conducted by Ramon Lijauco Jr. and composed of 5-6 chorale groups on campus sang "Rejoice the Lord is King" and "Onward ye Peoples" for the processional and recessional number accompanied by the Soli Deo Gloria.

During the AUP Academy Alumni Grand Homecoming Banquet held March 22, 2008, a program honoring AUP Academy’s Outstanding Alumni and Lifetime Achievement was held.

Special Awards for Faculty Leadership, Faculty Services, Outstanding Group, Outstand-ing Batch, Outstanding Alumni in National Contests and Professional Exams were also mentioned and will be covered in a subsequent article.

Honored with Outstanding Alumni Award are the following

They join other past Alumni Lifetime Achievement Awardees (1995): Carmen Ledesma Pan, Arsenio Poblete, Romana Cara Poblete, Quintina Geslani Tamayo and Leonore Enriquez Gensolin

Featured in this article are two Outstanding Alumni Awardees and two Alumni Lifetime Achievement Awardees Others will appear in sub-sequent article in next issues.