PRESIDENT PNOY: DR.JOSE RIZAL PERSONIFIED?
By Lydia Prado Urbaczewski, Sydney Australia
President Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" Aquino III visited two cities in Australia: Canberra and Sydney, which culminated in Sydney on October 26.
The President's first visit to Australia was a time to foster closer ties between the Philippines and Australia, as well as extend himself to the Filipinos living in Australia. The visit was very timely because the number of Filipino migrants in Australia is growing in multitude, as the Philippines is among the top 10 source countries fro recent migrant arrivals in Australia totaling about 224,000 Filipinos.
Warmly welcomed by a huge sector of the Sydney-based Filipino community in the suburb of Campbell-town there were also dignitaries, Australian politicians and the Philippines Consulate Officers in Sydney present during the ceremony.
Pnoy (as fondly called in the Philippines discussed his achievements and the developments in the country. His vision to change the Philippine political system for a better future, was imminent in his talk and mentioned what awaits ex-President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, ex-Chief justice of the Supreme Court Renato Corona, as well as other ex-government officials who were proven to have abused their offices.
After his talk, he unveiled the 5-meter bronze statue of Jose Rizal, holding in his hand his book "Noli Me Tangere". Among the crowd was Rizal's great grandson Enrique Reyes (through Rizal's sister Saturnina).
Rizal's statue carved and donated by well-known sculptor Eduardo Castrillo, is symbolic of PNoy's love of reform and freedom, just like Rizal; the only difference being, "Pnoy has the power of the spoken word and Rizal had the power of the written word", as Australian NSW Premier Barry Farrell claimed.
Pnoy and Rizal, both highly educated, came from a well-heeled family. Both have upheld the same values of freedom, change, and love for the country. A slim difference between them being, PNoy is referred to as "a man of the masses", Rizal was an elitist, but both an emancipator of the oppressed.
PNoy has courageously proven his zest to reform the Philippine governmental leadership to rebuild the nation. He is popular and well-respected by Filipinos back home and all over the world.
There is very little doubt, if any, that he can achieve his vision for a better nation, for after all, he comes from a generation of great political figures in Philippine history (his great grandfather General Sevillano Aquino (a revolutionary leader), grand father Senator Benigno I (a legislator and member of the Quezon Cabinet), father Benigno Aquino II (senator and opposition leader) and mother President Corazon Aquino.
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Mar R. Estioko, OLLA '68/Elizabeth Duzon, UCHS '72 Section Editors
Josefina Caringal-dela Cruz donates $10,000 to UCHS
On behalf of the late Josefina Caringal de la Cruz, Oscar de la Cruz presented a check for $10,000 to the UCNHS Alumni Association in November 2012 at the Urdaneta City National High School, fulfilling her wishes of donating $15,000 to her Alma Mater. Josie graduated in the Class of UCHS 1964 as their valedictorian. Josie has always been a loving and caring person. She has consistently supported her philanthropic associations in the United States. But, what is most gratifying act for her is supporting The Original Urdanetanians (TOU) and her high school. The alumni association officers welcomed Oscar de la Cruz at its innovative project, the Balay ti Alumni building. The alumni association president, Virgilio Pasion, has said that a plaque to remember Josie’s magnanimous gesture to her Alma Mater will grace a wall of the 2nd floor of the Balay ti Alumni. Upon the request of Josie’s family, Oscar, Cecile and Cris, the wordings inscribed will say, “Donated by Josefina Caringal de la Cruz, 1948-2011, UCHS Valedictorian, Class of 1964, Learning is a precious commodity “.
Some of the reactions and comments of fellow alumni and Urdanetanians:
Elpidio Reasonda Estioko, UCHS ’65, “That is the single most noble act I have ever heard. Investing in education or donating to educational cause is great! May your tribe increase! Wow, thumbs up for the Caringals and dela Cruz families!” Alfredo Benito, UCHS ‘66, “Jun, thank you and to your whole family for all the kind help you are extending our "kailians". This kindness will always be remembered and ingrained in our hearts”! Feliciana Sarga, UCHS ‘65, “Nice to hear of the good deeds of fellow alumni”. G Don Arellano, OLLA ’66, “Bless her heart”! Lydia Prado Urbaczewski, UCHS ’67, “Manang Josie was my idol”!
TOU's SCHOLARSHIP AWARD RECOGNITION By Jenn D E Virina
Sunday, September 9, 2012 in Lakewood California, U.S.A
HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL – Graduates with Honors, Scholastic Achievement, Sports and Related School Activities
AP - Advance Placement for College and University Level 4.0+ GPA
Chrisley Anne Eugenio Magalnoc -- AP Straight A’s, 4 years of Merit Scholar, ASB President of Lakewood High School , National Honor Society ,Principals honor roll award,outstanding student of all AP Classes,Tennis player ,4 years of AP scholar and other related scholastic achievements.
Michael Kevin Caringal -- Valencia High school Val Tech Academy, AP scholar, California Scholarship Federation, All-Male Hip-hop Dance Team Captain and Choreographer.
Jerald Casey Eugenio Virina -- 4 years of Merit Scholar, 4 years of AP scholar, Outstanding Student AP Biology and AP Anatomy, Principals honor roll award, Lakewood High School- 4 years of Varsity Lancer Football Offensive linemen with Varsity Football Award to both Sport & Academic "The John Ford Award,".
Aneela Oliver Mandviwala -- Pacifica High school
Kirstie A. Delos Reyes -- Temecula Canyon High school, Valedictorian with 2 B’s/ AP and A’s.
SECONDARY 4.0
Gina Marie Eugenio Magalnoc -- 6th Grader Straight A’s, with Honors@ Hoover Middle School, Honors Program,President’s Education Awards program with outstanding academic excellence, Principal’s Honor roll award,Outstanding student in all related subjects.
Myron J. Caringal- 6th Grader – Tynes Elementary School – Graduated Elementary
Alifia Oliver Mandviwala- 7th Grader - Straight A’s
Rollie Baltazar Padilla -- 7th Grader
Rhen Baltazar Padilla -- 8th Grader
Lauren Parayno -- 8th Grader @ St Dorothy school with Straight A’s, Scholarship Award from James Blake Memorial $500, Scholarship Award $500 from St. Lucy Priory High School. Scholarship Award $350 from Parent teacher Organization
Janna M. Lopez -9th Grader – Poly High school
Stars of the Urdanetanian Youth proudly show their certificates of excellence in academics!
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