Rotary Club of Metro Iloilo: Tribute to Valedictorians
The human brain, according to Webster, is the two-lobed mass of nerve tissue within the skull, the center of consciousness, of thought, and of muscular control. Once a doctor in our Neurology class mentioned that only 1% of our brain is used throughout the lifetime. Does it mean that Einstein and Newton consumed 1.99% or more? Or maybe their prefontal cortex were grotesquely huge? The rationale is unknown. The only definite fact is that amidst the present economic pandemonium there are hundreds of young geniuses who are deprived of the opportunity to excel. Sadly, these young generation is our future.
Last Tuesday afternoon (March 28, 2006), the Rotary Club of Metro Iloilo together with the Rotary Club of Itako and the Rotary Club of Downtown Manila honored the High School Valedictorians of Iloilo City. The young intellectuals from the private and public schools in the city of Iloilo and their parents gathered for a humble lunch at the Boracay Function Room of Sarabia Manor Hotel. Frank Andrada, President of the Rotary Club of Metro Iloilo for the year 2005 to 2006, commenced the program. Director Tony Kon offered a simple prayer while PP Francis Dela Cruz lead the National Anthem. Prior to the induction of new members, Secretary Jessraf Palmares delivered a warm message. President Elect Ronnel Quiñon gladly welcomed the parents, valedictorians and guests.
The program also served as the launching of the new scholarship project: Metro Iloilo Rotary Academic and Leadership Excellence Scholarships (MIRAcLES).
"MIRAcLES is a scholarship given to deserving high school valedictorians. Getting into College is a big problem for the public and private students alike due to financial problems. Rotary Club of Metro Iloilo has identified this problem. The scholarship is open to all valedictorians in Iloilo City. The poor are prioritized. They can enroll in any school and they should maintain their grades. We will give them specific amount for their specific needs," Dr. Paul Francia said in a brief interview.
Francis Te introduced the guest speakers - Miss Therese Badoy and Mr. Noel Cabangon. Miss Badoy, a cool teacher and founder of the Rock Ed Philippines, communicated with the Ilonggo brainy teens by telling them inspirational stories and parables. After which, the guests listened to the relaxing and soothing environmental songs of the phenomenal Filipino composer and musician Noel Cabangon. The modern-day Einsteins swayed and sang with Noel's famous single "Kanlungan," a song that made an impact after it was used in a food chain commercial.
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas, who was said to have pledged financial help for Rotary Club's MIRAcLES, expressed a brief speech while Dr. Erlinda Gencaya reminded the valedictorians about their roles in the society by phrasing Spiderman's popular line: Great power comes with greater responsibility. President Frank Andrada, assisted by Miss Therese Badoy and Dr. Erlinda Gencaya, handed out Certificates of Excellence and medals to the academic prodigies of today. Indeed these creams of the crop were worthy to be exalted for the countless sleepless nights and for the multitudes of candles they've burned.
Miss Richelle Lyn Tiu of ICCHS, on behalf of the valedictorians from the private schools, and Mr. Saer Martin Tunguia of INHS, representing the public schools, expressed their gratitude. Gift certificates from Krua Thai and Al Dente Restorante as well as prizes from Absolute Feeds and Iloilo Society Commercial were given away.
Of course, The News Today's Chris Montero, a past president of the Rotary Club of Metro Iloilo, was present. The program was adjourned by President Frank Andrada. PP Cyril Regalado was the moderator for the day.
The following valedictorians were awarded: Ada Marie Kristina Gabanes of Assumption Iloilo, Paulette Gayle Tesoro of WVSU ILS, Ma. Soriel G. Sorel of Bethany Life Center, Felix S. Panado of RG Hechanova, Maria Jilyn Calaor Almendros of Colegio De Las Hijas de Jesus, Joshua Empedrad of Bo. Obrero NHS, Princess Angela Crisostomo of Doane C.A.F, Ma. Lorfel Casipe of Fort San Pedro HS, Angelo Alpareche of Holy Rosary Acedemy, Alora Grace Bartonico of Jalandoni NHS, Kathrina Joyce Lozano of Hope Bapstist Academy, Elysha Marie Huervana of La Paz NHS, Richelle Lyn Tui of ICCS (Iznart), Michael John Escalante of Jaro NHS, Hans Edwin Dequina of Iloilo Metropolitan HS, Kaye S. Young of Buntatala NHS, Lessel Ann Sejob of Lawa-an Sacred School, Chantal Primero of INHS - ARTS, Trechelle Lyn Ras of ICCS (Ledesco), Ryan Magbanua of Mandurriao NHS, Neil Andrew Llorente of Ateneo de Iloilo, Ma. Josefina Ocana of ICNHS Special Science, Jomari Binas of CPU, Herli C. Penaflorida of Melchor Nava NHS,Phylla Lynne Magallanes of PSHS WV, Jay Ann Magnipis of A. Avancena NHS, Johanna Oropel of JB Lacson CF, Saer Martin Tunguia of INHS Special Science, Aelar May Laspinas of UIHS, Paul Angelo Libunao of INHS Regular Class, Jarra Rose Martin of Angelicum, Paolo Rafael Lim Po of Westbridge, Chusuey of Sun Yat Sen HS, Josie Mae Lindero of CPU, Henry Gomez of WVCST, Renelyn Sumogat of De paul College, Kristine Demafelis of Colegio de San Jose, Jennifer Gallego of CSCJ, Serren Lor Gallinero of University of San Agustin.
It was an afternoon of newly-found hope and of pure intellect. Congratulations to the valedictorians and to their parents as well as to the Rotary Club of Metro Iloilo!