To recognize the efforts and achievements of graduates in various fields who continue to give honor and spur the development of the country and the Lasallian community, 32 alumni were awarded by the University in this year’s One La Salle Night of Excellence held last April 27 at The Verdure, fifth floor of Henry Sy Sr. Hall.
Spearheaded by the Federation of La Salle Alumni Associations of the Philippines (FLSAAP) and the De La Salle Alumni Association (DLSAA), the event showcased the perpetual excellence of the vision of St. John Baptist De La Salle, as DLSAA President Dr. Nelson Arboleda Jr. said. “Like De La Salle, we should not give up on our youth, and all we need is the alumni’s success for countless hearts and lives to be transformed,” he furthered.
Being of service
Three notable alumni were awarded the FLSAAP-DLSAA Distinguished Lasallian Award for their international and national accolades. They were Br. Victor Alonso Franco FSC, businessman Enrique Razon Jr., and Associate Justice Andres Reyes Jr.
“Those who have served and waived the banner of La Salle, we will fade and pass away. [But] I hope that DLSU will continue its service to the Filipino people,” Reyes said.
Meanwhile, 14 alumni were given the FLSAAP-DLSAA Lasallian Achievement Award for their distinct achievements in their lines of work. The awardees were Marcelo Ang Jr. (Robotics), Edwin Bautista (Banking and Finance), Ishwar Chugani (International Trade), Roberto Claudio (Entrepreneurship), Cezar Consing (Banking and Finance), Ernest Lawrence Cu (Telecommunications), Mariano Gemora Jr. (Theater), Jimmy Go (IT distribution), Emmanuel Maceda (Management Consultancy), Lubin Nepomuceno (Petroleum), Jose Luis Ocampo (Music), Rowena Patricia Romulo (Food Service), Carlos Rufino (Real Estate), and Norman San Agustin (Medicine).
“We have an obligation to the development of the community through the Lasallian values of Religio, Mores, Cultura,” Bautista noted. Cu, meanwhile, shared to the audience that the education he obtained from the institution helped him excel and spur the development of the telecommunications sector in the Philippines through his company. He currently serves as the Executive Director, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Globe Telecom Inc.
The event also recognized Jose Kalaw Jr., who was conferred the FLSAAP-DLSAA Br. Benedict Award for his 25 years of service as a DLSAA board of trustee, having served the association since 1993.
Recognizing athletes
On the other hand, six former Lasallian athletes who brought honor to DLSU in their respective sports and have represented the country in international events were inducted into the FLSAAP-DLSAA Sports Hall of Fame. Those inducted were Lady Paddler Ian Lariba; Green Booters Roberto Defino, Vicente Revilla, and George Rickard; Green Jin Benjamin Magsino; and bowling athlete Virgilio Sablan.
It was noted during the ceremony that Lariba’s induction was an exceptional case, as she did not meet the graduation or last play requirement. The rules stated that an inductee must have last played for the University at least 20 years prior to induction. Her nomination, however, was recommended by the sports committee and was approved by the alumni board of trustees.
“We competed with honor for God, De La Salle, country, and family,” Revilla said in his message on behalf of all the sports hall of fame awardees.
Eight former Lasallian athletes were also given the FLSAAP-DLSAA Lasallian Sports Achievement award for their achievements in their chosen sports. They were Green Woodpusher Irwin Aton; Lady Jin Rinna Babanto; Lady Spikers Mary Joy Baron and Dawn Nicole Macandili; Green Batter Francis Gesmundo; Green Paddler Ryan Jacolo; Lady Shuttler Nikki Therese Servando; and Wushu athlete Agatha Chrystenzen Wong.
“We will always play with animo pride,” Macandili stated in her short message on behalf of all the awarded athletes.
