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AWESNA CASCADIA CHAPTER RALLY REPORT
by Lorena Donguines, PRO, CASCADIA CHAPTER
September 13, 2008
When a particular group decides to hold a retreat, convention or rally for that matter, the group leader and its officers are faced with the daunting tasks of planning and organizing an important event. What could a leader do under such circumstances? Well, you can only guess what the leadership was capable of.
Initially, the Cascadia Chapter of AWESNA considered the Youth Hill of Camp Hope as the venue for three-day retreat scheduled for September 12-14, 2008. However, through series of meetings the Hope venue turned out to be unacceptable by the majority of AUP Alumni membership due to distance and expense involved.
Therefore, on an eleventh hour of decision, so to speak, the Cascadia Chapter leadership decided to hold the rally in Vancouver Filipino Church as a viable alternative, albeit, the space presented a huge challenge for all…the church was simply too small to accommodate the attendees. Nevertheless, as expected the Filipinos rose up to the occasion even shoulder-to-shoulder; inch-by-inch of bench space was occupied. People spilled out into the corridor of the building including the basement!
It couldn’t be more joyful and with great anticipation than God’s people gathered into the house of worship to offer praises, glory and honour to His name. The worshipful expression of the Vancouver Choir, Oakridge Youth leading out the Praise Team and the talented Jojo Alfeche rendered his excellent dual piano and singing reverberated throughout the church.
The Sabbath School program was presided by Persy Arnesto, Cascadia Chapter Secretary, followed by the Sabbath School lesson study conducted by Abner Olit. Then Dr. Alfonso Miguel, President of AWESNA was given the podium to highlight the many program activities of the morning.
The Hour of Worship was presided by Moises Talento, Cascadia Chapter President, who warmly welcomed the AUP alumni gathered, their families and friends, as well as visitors from various churches of the BC Lower Mainland. The Scripture reading and prayer offertory were given by Mrs. Loida Miguel, then followed by Romi Talento who introduced the main speaker, Pastor Simeon Rosete. He spoke about the theme of the AUP AWESNA rally: “Destination Heaven” emphasizing the goal of every Christian to know where they’re going as they sojourn on this earth.
The day before, for Friday evening Vespers service, Pastor Rosete spoke on the general theme of the rally which is Commitment. He developed his topic on David's conquest of Goliath, emphasizing that each of us has our own Goliath to conquer and that we should be committed to the task. The service was led by the Fraser Valley alumni under the leadership of Louisa Yap.
The afternoon session revolved around the AWESNA Presentation with Annie Ibarra Madigan, the AWESNA Endowment Fund promoter who delivered an encouraging series of financial figures as follows:
The Endowment Fund had an initial fund of $10,000. With various fund raising activities by the PUC-AUP Alumni, the balance grew to a current approximate amount of $240,000. An ongoing campaign of raising $1 M toward the academic advancement of the Alma Mater is still being achieved with all the cooperation of each alumna. The Endowment Fund Committee under the leadership of Dr. Alfonso Miguel has impacted the growth of the AUP by which three important accomplishments have been achieved: the first $1,000 donation has been granted in initiating some building projects; followed by the second grant of $4,000 toward the continuing improvement of AUP programs and lastly $5,000 for Research Programs.
Dr. A. Miguel corroborated the report by stating that he recently had an audience with the current AUP President, Dr. Gladden Flores in which he discussed the Faculty Accreditation, thus more funds are necessary to enhance the standing of AUP as an excellent institution for academic training. He stated with a sense of pride that AWESNA is considerably a viable organization which has the capacity to: a) promote the academic advancement of AUP and its service to the community. He emphasized that both alumni organizations EASNAC and AWESNA are not solely focused on the erecting of the infrastructures, but for the over-all programs of AUP, although he informed the audience that by 2107 AUP will turn 100 years, and certainly there will be buildings to be built—11 to be exact, b) through Endowment Fund each chapter will have their own goals to achieve either through Fund Raising Event as an example to establish AUP Hospital, School of Nursing; School of Dentistry, or Medical Centre.
In his final address, Dr. A. Miguel encouraged each one to donate gifts to Endowment Fund especially for the September 2009 combined convention. With concerted efforts by each alumna the goal of $1 M would not be difficult to achieve.
The report was followed by a question and answer mode. The Musical Festival graced the audience with various participants contributed to each melodious music ranging from solos, to piano rendition, Filipiniana instrument called Angklung, to adult and children’s choir, then the program was finalized by an inspirational devotional talk by the main speaker, Pastor Simeon Rosete. What couldn’t be a more successful event such as AWESNA CASCADIA Chapter Rally without the buffet supper and Social entertainment and games? Indeed, the shorter version as opposed to the three-day affair rally turned out to be well-attended and enjoyed by everyone. See you all next year for the mother of all alumni gatherings, the 2nd Joint AWESNA-EASNAC Convention right here in Richmond (next door to Vancouver), beautiful British Columbia.
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AUP NEWS
by Johnny Guyo, jguyo@yahoo.com
AUP MedTech Students Placed 2nd in National Quiz Show by Ferdinand Mendoza
An all-girl team of AUP Medical Technology interns namely, Yanna Yvonne Macayan, Jessica Febrina Wuisan, and Shamirdana Angeles, won second place in the 27th PAMET-PASMETH Interschool Quiz Show held at the Trinity University of Asia last September 18, 2008. The event is considered as one of the most awaited in the yearly National Medical Technology Week celebration where colleges and universities from around the country meet to showcase their top students.
The quiz show is designed to give everyone a fair chance in winning the top spot. There are no elimination rounds and whichever team garners the highest points after 30 questions is hailed champion. After the first half, AUP was on top sharing the spot with University of Santo Tomas (UST) and Trinity University of Asia (TUA) with 12 points each. During the second half, both schools slowly trailed behind while Angeles University Foundation (AUF) only missed one point in the next 15 questions overtaking AUP, who missed 4 points. In the end, AUF was hailed champion, AUP won 2nd Place, and the University of Perpetual Help was 3rd after winning a tie-breaker round against UST. 24 schools participated in the event.
AUP is recognized as one of the leading contenders in this event every year, for having won 3 championships and placing 2nd and 3rd several times in the past years. The faculty of the medical technology department feels it is important to join the yearly event because it builds camaraderie and loyalty among the students and serves as an inspiration for the rest of the students to strive for excellence in their studies.
One of the students who represented AUP said they could not have won without the prayers of everyone even citing that family and friends have been praying for them as far as Indonesia. Indeed, ALL TO THE GLORY OF GOD!!! —
"English Empowers" for English Week
Oliveth Tolentino
The English Department celebrates English week from Sept. 15-19 with the theme “English Empowers!” Various competitions were held such as essay writing, spelling, impromptu speaking, declamation, and oration.
The ‘Play for Pay’ game was coordinated by Mrs. Catalina B. Santiago and Sherwin F. Fiedacan. The contest started 3 weeks ago, and College of Education (COE) got the second runner-up award with P2,000 cash. Today, COB and COD will compete for championship and first runner-up, respectively.
In her message during the special mid-week meeting at PIC, Jee Eun Kim, a senior BSE student, emphasized how the English language has empowered her life. She said that she can now relate better with her schoolmates because she can understand and speak English. “And I cannot only communicate to my Fellow Koreans, but can also reach people of different nationalities who speak the language of the world,” Kim stressed.
The English Department, chaired by Prof. Nora Tambaoan-Pulido, has 12 faculty members serving not only the English majors but all the students taking English as minor. The English department expresses its heartfelt appreciation to the following sponsors: the Administration, Vincent and Mary Anne Bangloy of Ontario , Canada , and Youn Ju-il, senior AB English student.
Adventist University of the Philippines English Department celebrated this year's English Week on the theme it has worked on for years now: "English Empowers."
The week-long program was a potpourri of activities meant to remind the community of the importance of the language considered the lingua franca of the world. There were spelling, essay writing, impromptu speaking and oratorical contests. To add fun to the festivities, the different colleges participated in the play for pay. The College of Business and the College of Dentistry competed for the championship.
The Midweek Service featured testimonies from AB English and BSE majors among them Lonela Carmen Witzig, Marvie Javero, and Jee Eun Kim. Deomilyn Rivamonte recited the classic "The Road Not Taken," by poet Robert Frost.
The English Department has 160 majors from both the Bachelor of Science in English and the Bachelor of Arts English. Luz Barayuga, Lydia Celestre, Sherwin Fiedacan, Benneth Huera, Belle Manlapig, Michael Naida, Nancy Oblimar, Judy Poblete, Juliet Reyes, Lina Santiago, and Oliveth Tolentino comprise the English faculty. The English Department, a service department of the university is chaired by Nora Tambaoan-Pulido.
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AUP COLLEGE OF DENTISTRY
AUP College of Dentistry (COD) received excellent rating from Board of Dentistry The country’s Board of Dentistry and Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) have recently evaluated the AUP College of Dentistry with an excellent rating of 84%.
Dr. Miriam Narbarte, VPAA, said, “This is phenomenal because the rating was more than seven points higher than its last evaluation which was 77.9% in 2005.”
The final periodic evaluation was conducted on September 18, 2008 with Hon. Rosita C. Nisce, Board of Dentistry Chairman, with Hon. Norma Reyes Ayap, board member, and a representative from PRC.
COD is now on its fifth year of existence and currently has about 150 students, one-third of which are foreigners. In its first two board examinations, the college had a 100% passing rate performance. COD is now affiliated and has active partnership with the Loma Linda University School of Dentistry in California.
“Our efforts are now being rewarded,” Dean Marissa Virgines said. “We thank God for this and we hope He will continue to lead our College in the future.”
The AUP College of Dentistry has been improving its academic performance and is ready to face more challenges in the future.
Ambassadors Perform at Andrews University and Surrounding Churches
(By: Cynthia Mae Helms, helmsc@andrews.edu, Public Relations Officer, EASNAC)
The Ambassadors had a full weekend on Sept. 18-23, 2008 when they came to Andrews University (AU), Berrien Springs, Michigan. Sabbath morning found them going from one church to another giving the churches a sampling of their religious songs. The congregations at the Pioneer Memorial Church, Michiana Fil-Am Church, All Nations Church, and Village Church enjoyed their music on Sabbath morning. In the afternoon, they presented a religious concert at the Village Church (Berrien Springs) which was highly commended by an attendee who happened to see me later that day.
On Sunday morning, they sang at the Riverview Park Christian Church in St. Joseph, Michigan. The Howard Performing Arts Center was the venue for the Gala Concert on Sunday evening, September 21. Admission was by ticket ($10.00). The choir’s repertoire was broken down into three sections: Musica Sacra – five songs, Musica di Monda – seven songs, and Filipiniana – nine songs. They performed so well that they received an encore at the end of their last song. It was a wonderful opportunity to showcase Philippine culture through their talents, costumes, and music. There were over 300 people in attendance. After the concert, while the choir members were selling CD’s and meeting new and old friends, I had the opportunity to meet with Director Ramon “Bojo” Lijauco, Jr. He was in conversation with Dr. Claudio Gonz ales (Associate Professor of Music) and Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Buck (Mrs. Elsie Buck is a musician and former member of the Andrews Board of Trustees), all of whom were eager to understand how this newly-formed, eight-month-old choir could perform so well. When asked if the choir would be back next year, Director Lijuaco said that they would not because they are scheduled to perform at the Carnegie Hall in 2010.
Before they left Michigan, the Ambassadors took a trip to Battle Creek to see Seventh-day Adventist historical landmarks. In one of the old meeting places, they made the wooden benches and walls vibrate with their resounding voices and leave a positive impression in the mind of their tour guide who happened to be former medical director of Manila Sanitarium and Hospital Dr. Clarence Ekvall. I heard about this one week later when my husband and I took some friends (Ray and Leni Puen and Zeny Mupas) to Battle Creek where we were surprised to have Dr. Ekvall and his wife Reatha as our tour guides.
We wish the Ambassadors Godspeed as they continue to represent Adventist University of the Philippines through their music. We thank the hosts and hostesses of Berrien Springs for housing the Ambassadors, chauffeuring them to their various appointments, preparing their meals, and organizing potlucks. Another word of thanks goes to the former Ambassadors residing in Berrien Springs who made the initial contacts for their performances.
Academy Thanks Donors and Supporters
By elagajino@yahoo.com
AUPAcademy Student Government (SG) headed by Leonyl Arit, president, and the faculty wish to thank all the donors and supporters of the recently concluded Acrobat show for Academy Gym project on September 7, at the University Gym. Despite only one week in promotion the show grossed over 100 thousand pesos from ticket sales and sponsorships. Proceeds will all go to the roofing of that part of the Academy gymnasium that has to be completed to prevent rain water from setting into the basketball court. As soon as the SG has completed its report they will recommend immediate construction of the project, says Mrs. Nera Valdez, SG adviser. According to Leonyl, they understand that the fund raised will not be enough so the SG and Academy will still have to find more fund raising activities to keep the construction on going. The activity will be disclosed in the next few days. Major sponsors were Globe Telecoms, Pete and Lou Lagaurdia, Irene Barrientos, Biocare, Mrs. Ester Palomero, Kapitan Marquses of Barangy Puting Kahoy, PUCA batch 78, Gintong Aral Publishing, Leo and Lyn Arit, the PE department, University Store, Meldz and Sonny Batocabe, HSA, and Lj Photoshop
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Alumna Sponsors Faculty Delegates to the 15th International Congress of Dietetics
Inherla Hernando Rivera, DHSc, MS, RDn, former chair of the Nutrition and Dietetics Department and Food Service director, a BSND graduate of AUP, paid all expenses for the participation of five AUP faculties to the 15th International Congress of Dietetics in Yokohama, Japan.
The 5 faculty delegates were coming from the College of Health- Nutrition and Dietetics Department and from the Food Service Department. They were part of the 3,000 delegates coming from 58 countries that attended the congress from September 7-11, 2008. Dr. Miriam Razon Estrada, dean of COH, and head of the delegation says: “Thanks, Dr. Inherla Hernando-Rivera for supporting the university through the professional growth of its faculty… paying all the expenses (registration fee, hotel accommodation, international and local travels, meals, shopping, terminal fee, etc) which even include some money for shopping”.
Dr. Estrada further relates that the “entire experience has contributed to our personal and professional growth. We endeavor to contribute more to the progress of our departments/college. Our “pasalubong” to the university are recent nutrition/health journals and books which we collected from the exhibits for use in our departments and the university library.”
Dr. Rivera is currently the Acting Chief, Administrative Section of Nutrition & Food Services, VA Loma Linda Healthcare System in 11201 Benton Street Loma Linda, CA 92357. Dr. Estrada said that Dr. Hernando had also sponsored her first attendance in this international congress in Chicago in 2004.
Delegates: Divinia Alon, Asst. Prof. Nutrition and Dietitics Dept., Margeta S. Apalat, Director, Health Foods, Miriam R. Estrada, Dean, College of Health, Dr. Inherla Rivera, Lumen L. Fajardo, Supervisor, Food Service Dept., Villa G. Plandes, Director, Foodservice Department
Sponsoring a Working Student
It is quite a big question to most readers because the writer, as of this writing, has not received any donation for our working students.
In the recent Naga View Association Convention and Reunion where Dr. Ric Salamante was the speaker, he stressed his point how helping one poor, worthy college student can make a lot of difference in the World. He said that the greatest enemy of our people is poverty, ignorance and disease. As a public health authority, he speaks from a standpoint of authority and we can only agree with him if we watch our countrymen on Philippine news and documentaries.
Dr. Salamante said, "If we can help one poor, working student finish his studies and then he sends another student to finish his/her studies and so on, and so forth, there will be a network of professionals in various fields in no time at all." Sponsor a student who hopes to be an educator someday and think of the many lives he would be able to reach and influence. Dr. Salamante as we knew him as Director of Philippine Union College, Naga View Campus in the early seventies has practiced what he preaches.
Your donations to the Worthy Students Scholarship Fund will be acknowledged with tax deductible receipts and proceeds will be earmarked as scholarship for those who really are struggling hard in their studies due to lack of family or other financial resources.
Galing Pinoy Acrobats Amaze Audience
By elagajino@yahoo.com
Galing Pinoy Acrobats a group of 26 professional performers from Pasig City mostly composed of talented SDA young people performed some of the most daring stunts and extreme balancing routines on Sunday, September 7 to astonish an audience of all ages at the University Gym. The performance was for the benefit of the roofing of the Academy gym. Among their repertoire were the spontaneous pyramid builiding, wire-walking and wire-monocycling, high pole climbing, hand standing on lose blocks, suspended ladder routines, the well applauded diving and somersaulting over human obstacles, balancing on rolling tubes and chairs; diving through a ring of fire, clown acts, magic tricks, and the most awaited basketball game on monocycles with heights 3 ft, 8 ft and 12 ft. Those who witnessed the show got their money’s worth for there was never a dull moment; every minute was full of amazing and breath-taking activity. Asked how the members of the group keep themselves in top shape to endure long performances Their manager Mr. Bernie Yparaguirre, a former student of MVC, has this to say: “They practice everyday; they don’t smoke, they don’t drink; they don’t do drugs, and most of all before we go out there to perform we seek the help of God through a circle of prayer.”
In the afternoon before the show the acrobats paraded around the campus on their monocyles announcing their arrival and to invite those who still have not bought tickets to watch the show. They were led by the Academy band and the Student Government officers and marshaled by Mr. Rey Gelladuga, Technolgy and livelihood teacher who was also in charge of the PA system. Ms. Rowena Agagas, Math teacher led the accommodation committee and was kind enough to allow the performers to use her homeroom. Mrs. Rhody Morada, office secretary together with the Academy working students took care of their meals in coordination with the AUP cafeteria headed by Mrs. Villa Plandes.
Dr. Romeo Barrios, AUP PR director gave the welcome remorks, Leonyl Arit, Acadeny Student Government (SG) president, presented the the explanation of the project a the start of the program. Ms. Beth Casel, director of Phlanthropic support gave the closing remarks as Elmie Lagajino, Academy Principal together with the SG officers and advisers ad\cknowledged the sponsors, awarded the certificate of appreciation to the performers and drew raffle prizes. The major prize was an i-pod courtesy of Globe Telecoms, through the PR office. The lucky winner was Jasper Daguplo, a second year high school student who is also a member of the celebrated Young Voices.
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The Meaning of A. U. P.
By Ulysses M. Carbajal, M.D.
Introduction:
August 27. Loma Linda Church. Here, Dr. Gladden Flores, the newly appointed President of AUP, rendered his maiden report on AUP before the alumni in attendance prior to the forthcoming AWESNA Annual Reunion-Convention in Central California. Thanks to Pastor J. Manalo for making the arrangement.
The enrollments this year and the year before were compared, showing a slight decrease despite the hard times. The report was augmented with the use of projected pictures and tables. His presentation was well received, for it was studded with new concepts. Personally speaking, what struck me the most was his projection on the meaning of A U P:
A for Advancement;
U for Unity;
P for Progress.
May I contribute a few thoughts on this. Based on what I had previously learned from teachers like Ruth La Sage, Irene Wakeham and Dorothy Comm, maxims or themes would be more effective if verbs, rather than nouns, are used. Moreover, the maxim must be brief, striking, and to the point, avoiding redundancy and ambiguity. (Simple and down to earth.) In later years as I pursued theology, I became more Bible-centered. That is, the language of the Bible should be used as much as possible.
Verbs rather than Nouns. Verbs, indicating action, not just status. In the Hebrew concept, a few verbs (like halakh, to walk) indicate not only action but also a trait of character - to walk with God is to live the life of God. So instead of using advancement, use the verb advance
Avoid Redundancy. Advancement and Progress convey about the same concept -direction: to advance is to progress; both indicate results as well as action. In order to avoid redundancy, replace the noun advancement with he verb acknowledge.
Climactic Arrangement of Ideas. Unity precedes advancement. We cannot advance unless there is unity. More importantly, before action comes to reality, there must be a springboard or a foundation for action: a basic philosophy for guidance in all actions. Hence the verb acknowledge will have to replace the noun advancement.
Biblical Parlance. Advance and progress appear to be more indicative of success. In the Bible, the word prosper is used to indicate success. Thus, in 3 John 2: Prosper in health as well as in the soul. Even in Ps. l:2. The concept of success is spelled out in prosper.
Accordingly, may I suggest the following as the meaning of AUP.
A - Acknowledge (Basic philosophy)
U - Unite (Action)
P - Prosper (Result)
Now let us come to further details:
ACKNOWLEDGE
God to Be Acknowledged. "Acknowledge him in all thy ways and he shall direct thy paths." (Ps. 3:6). Hence, may I suggest that before unity and progress are attained, there must be the basic philosophy of recognition, of acknowledging the leadership of the Master Teacher, as our Father in heaven, giving all the credit and honoring him as Sovereign. (Matt 6:9-13.)
Through the years, we have acknowledged the leadership of God in our Alma Mater-- PUC-AUP. Her journeying from Pasay to Baesa and finally to Silang have unquestionably been directed by God.
We moved away from Pasay primarily because we wanted to distance ourselves from the influence of the world. Secondly, we wanted a wider space for progress. As time flew by swiftly, our school in Baesa began to be surrounded by the world, so to speak. Gangsters began roaming in the neighborhood. Moreover, the 27 hectares were gradually becoming too limited for the work program of our growing PUC. Hence, there was an urgent need to move to Silang-almost 200 acres of virgin land. How God guided our leaders in this venture appeared to some of us like a puzzle. Many mourned over why the site of the school would become Eternal Gardens for the dead. Much more so when the purchasers flagrantly delayed the proper payment for some time.
But God eventually intervened and wondrously pulled PUC-AUP out from a quagmire. Yes, we must renew our trust in God, and acknowledge His leadership.
Acknowledging the Contribution of Previous Leaders and Presidents. For a while, the leadership of Dr. Alfonso Roda was not acknowledged properly. In fact, not a few believed that he died with a broken heart. I will never forget the bitter confrontation of NPUM/FED leaders with the student body, having then acted as a moderator-referee. Following Dr. Roda's demise, other leaders took over to save the institution. Unfortunately, again, they had not been given the full credit for their endeavors, placing (instead) more emphasis on their mistakes.
Tribute to whom Tribute Is Due. And there was the failure of the administration, in several instances, to duly recognize people who have contributed their knowledge and goods for the benefit of the School. Thanks to the late Pastor Alsaybar for working towards this goal, by initiating the Mirroflect and Archives, where the works of our people would be recognized and may serve as an inspiration to the present and future generations. Again, big donors have been given recognition, but smaller ones sometimes have been inadvertently neglected. In order to attain progress or prosperity (success), PUC-AUP must take time to acknowledge!
UNITE
Strength in Unity. How true it is that in unity there is strength! This lesson was inculcated in my heart when, together with my wife Jovita, I visited the famous Golden Kyoto Temple in Japan, many years ago. Pointing to the huge golden beam supporting the roof, the Japanese guide related to us how this had been finally lifted into its proper position. He said that many kinds of rope had been tried, even maguey from the Philippines, but all failed, miserably! What succeeded finally was the rope produced when all the women in Kyoto contributed hair to be intertwined into a huge rope to lift the ponderous beam up. Moments later, he showed to us the dust-covered coiled rope inside a cage, just outside the temple. I fingered a few protruding fibers and found them now brittle.
"Yes," the guide explained, "a hair-fiber is weak but with all the hair woven together, the rope proved strong enough to make the impossible, possible."
Biblical Portrayal of Unity. The quality of unity is especially stressed in the book of Psalms. "Behold, how good and
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pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" (Ps. 133:l). And in the New Testament, Paul gives the exhortation on coming "into the unity of the faith." (Eph. 4:13). And Jesus demonstrated His unity with the Father and prayed for the disciples to emulate the same. (John 17:20, 21)
We can argue and discuss even heatedly, but ultimately let us arrive at a consensus. And what a happy coincidence! While Dr. Flores was stressing UNITY in his presentation, the Democratic Party in Denver was demonstrating UNITY. President Bill Clinton, as well as the Democrat Vice-President Nominee Joseph Biden, led out in the process of forging unity in the party, preceded the night before by Hilary's inspiring message on working together. It is anticipated that the Republican party will also emphasize the same theme during its forthcoming Convention.
PROSPER
Prosperity and Success. In the Bible, prosperity is oft used interchangeably with success. This was shown when the beloved Apostle wrote, "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth." (3 John 2)
PUC-AUP will be enabled to finish her projects-building a music complex, a college of theology building, a medical center, and other projects if she invites God to be her co-partner, uniting with Him and exhorting all alumni to work harmoniously together among themselves as loving and loveable people. Our Alma Mater has to succeed not only in terms of buildings but more so in the quality of her products-future workers of God in the great vineyard. Thus prosperity (success) will be assured.
Conclusion:
Based on the aforementioned statements, may I suggest that the initials of Adventist University of the Philippines-AUP-be given the following meaning:
A - to Acknowledge
U - to Unite
P - to Prosper.
(Note: The author does not intend that the current interpretation of AUP --Advancement, Unity, and Progress - be replaced. He only hopes to amplify it a little.)
To AUP for the Third Time
Dr. Gladden O. Flores hails from Tupi, South Cotabato, Philippines. He is married to Pinky Pingal, and has two children: Wayne Reinhard, 18, and Suzanne Pearl 17.
Dr. Flores served as Associate Education Director of Southern Asia Pacific Division from 2003 until his election as AUP President. He also had been an Education Director of South Philippine Union Conference, Dean of Academic Affairs & Bible Instructor of Mindanao Sanitarium College of Medical Arts in Iligan City, and had served in various capacities in the denominational work as administrator and leader.
Dr. Gladden O. Flores comes back to Adventist University of the Philippines (AUP) to serve for the third time. In May 13, 2008, while still serving his term as the associate director of education of Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, the Board of Trustees had unanimously voted him to be the 16th president of AUP which he humbly accepted as a call to serve. He is to be officially installed on July 31, 2008, during the university’s 91st foundation week celebration.
His educational career started right after his college graduation. With a degree of AB Theology and Public Health minor in Education from Mountain View College, he served as Bible Teacher, CAT Commandant, and Pathfinder Director of Matutum View Academy, his high school alma mater. After two years of work, he came to AUP for his graduate study. It is while he was yet studying for his master’s degree that he becomes connected with AUP for the first time. He worked as an assistant dormitory dean of the Molave Hall, the college residence for the male in the campus. Many young men under his care would remember him for his soft wake up song of “Morning has Broken” by Farjeon. Every 5 in the morning, his voice would echo in the hallway as he knocks to each door, beckoning the sleeping young men for worship service. During this time too, he become acquainted with Dr. Alfonso P. Roda, president of the college, the man who inspired him to pursue his goals of leadership.
After five years as associate dean of the men’s dormitory to becoming a theology professor in AUP, and after finishing his master’s degree in Educational Administration and Supervision, he begged to leave to further pursue his educational career on his own. In 1991, he received his diploma in Doctor of Education in Educational Management from Southwestern University, Cebu, Philippines, and for a year served as Guidance Counselor and Psychology Professor of Immaculate Conception University in Davao City. From there, he was called to serve AUP for the second time, as Guidance Counselor and Human Resource Director. After two years, a sister institution in the south made a call for a specialist in education, and Gladden accepted the call and served as Dean of Academic Affairs and Dean of Graduate Studies of Illigan Medical Center College. Fate found him working in Canada as a church pastor, but God has a thousand and one ways for his servant, so after six months he found his way back to the Philippines, to his family who had missed him much. For a while, he worked in their farm, and this time, he was truly in a greener pasture, close to nature that brought mysterious healing to his soul and best of all God’s voice is most audible. And a call came for him to serve as Director of Education of the South Philippine Union Conference of SDA Church which covers the entire Mindanao area. In just two years, he was again called to serve, this time, it’s the Division headquarters.
In 2005, during the quinquennium meeting, the Southern Asia-Pacific Division’s educational ministry, where Dr. Flores served as the associate director, had expanded to about 1,000 schools with more than 5,600 teachers and 100,000-plus students. The church has education programs in all of the division’s 17 countries except Laos, Vietnam, Brunei, and East Timor. The division also has 96 secondary schools and 884 primary/elementary schools1. His work therefore gave him very rich experience in Adventist education, both locally and internationally. He was also instrumental in establishing the Nelson Endowment Scholarship that has provided assistance to scores of students. His work and experience gained somehow created a longing to serve more; he prayed to God that if ever another institution would need his services, he would gladly accept. And the call to serve AUP came, though momentarily apprehension clouded his decision because of great challenges he would face he finally accepted the responsibility to become the 16th president of AUP. ---jgg
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