STI-ESG Christmas party 2013

The Newbies open the Program with

a medley of songs 

The featured show band 

provided the entertainment

during dinner 

 The theme had us wear our 

COWBOY and COWGIRL Outfits

The STI College Ortigas-Cainta 

Faculty members and staff

wow the crowd 

with their special number

Robin Ildefonso and friends

played great music 

It's more fun in STI

GO GIRLS!!!

Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra rocks STI

The Philippine Philharmonic 

Orchestra Rehearsing

A closer look at the PPO

The Maestro waving his baton

Yours truly enjoying the music

Ala Maestro

Thanks to our partners

in ushering the people in

Staff, Faculty and Students

of STI College Ortigas-Cainta

A few minutes before the event

The Maestro in action

Once again, the Maestro 

Olivier Ochanine

All is well that ends well.

Officemates pose with the Maestro

Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra performs at STI College Ortigas-Cainta

HIMIG NG PASKO: CELEBRATE THE HARMONY OF CHRISTMAS. Watch out for the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of revered Maestro Olivier Ochanine as they perform for the people of Cainta on December 19, 2013, 6:00 pm at the STI Academic Center Ortigas-Cainta along Ortigas Extension.  "Himig ng Pasko" tickets are at P 500.00 only! This is your chance to watch the renowned orchestra that will feature 77 musical instruments and help some people in the process since proceeds of the concert will go to the Typhoon Yolanda victims. For ticket reservations and inquiries please call (02) 230 -0100.  For a map of the STI Academic Center please click here

Blunited for Others - Ateneo Alumni Homecoming 2013

Singing the Alma Mater Song

The Ateneo High School Batch 1988 set high targets for this year's annual Ateneo Homecoming and their goal is to raise 8.8 Million Pesos to give back to the Ateneo. Ateneo de Manila University President Fr. Jett Villarin told their batch "Are you crazy?" Eventually come December 7, Fr. Jett, with a big smile on his face told AHS 1988 "Thank You for being Crazy!" The Ateneo High School batch 1988 was excited for this year's homecoming because they not only reached their goal but helped a lot in the process.  

The check posted by Caloy Coronel in his FB account

Ateneo High School Batch 1988 homecoming head, Alejandro "AL" Neri thanked his wonderful batch mates as he said " That however good your leaders are, if your followers do not cooperate you wont reach your goal!" This statement is a testament to the batch's resiliency as they eventually donated that amount together with other batches that donated millions to the Ateneo. Their beneficiaries include the Tulong-Dunong perpetuity fund which will help TD Scholars with their miscellaneous expenses, the P.A.G.S.I Ateneo HS Teacher's fund for the development and assistance of AHS teachers past and present that they may continue to learn, educate and inspire generations of Ateneans, the Jesuit Aged and infirm fund to help our beloved Jesuits in their twilight years and the Yolanda victims.

Al Neri thanking his batchmates

BLUNITED for others. This year's homecoming was all about coming back to the place where it all started for most of us. For starters the entrance fee was very affordable at P 88.00! As Al Neri said it they wanted their homecoming to be intrusive rather than exclusive as the venue was packed not only by Batch 88 but by other Jubilarians and non-Jubilarians as well. The event was presented by the San Miguel Corporation while lots of other sponsors pitched in to help out the event.

And the winner is....

The event had so many highlights. Besides the bountiful donations, there were so many raffle items for grabs.  Imagine winning either and HTC or Lenovo phone. At the same time, would you want to own one of the three Beer Below Zero Freezers that were up for grabs. The highlight of the raffle was the Toyota GT-86 which at first was the centerpiece of the One Big Shot but unfortunately the 20 guys who got picked to take the shot never got the shot in. Eventually someone was picked at the end of the event to win the other Toyota GT-86.

Another highlight of the night were the entertainers that performed. Ateneo High School Batch 1963 took us to the music of the 60's with Titus Santiago leading his group. Next in line was the 70's music of AHS 1973 which was led by popular singer and songwriter Joey Ayala. These two bands rocked the crowd which was eventually mellowed down by the sentimental number of College 73 Jubilarians Jim Paredes and Boboy Garrovillo who sang the Awit ng Barkada song together with their original Apo Hiking Society barkada.  Then came the guest bands, the new Freestyle band that sang cover songs,  the SIDE A band and the night was capped off by the energetic 80's performance of Juan Miguel Salvador.

Noli Lorenzana said to Joey G. 

"Tell Me!"

For me, being asked to be one of the hosts of the Homecoming is again an honor. Joining me were ABS-CBN Umagang Kay Ganda host Andrei Felix, Ateneo courtside reporter  Selina Dagdag and former Lady Booter and now a budding ABS-CBN Talent, Tata Garcia-Long.  It was a blast being a part of this year's homecoming. I am just proud of the accomplishments of Batch 1988 and I hope that there will be more blessings to come Ateneo's way. Blunited was really a great way to come back home to the Ateneo.

Selina Dagdag, Andrei Felix, Tata Garcia-Long

and yours truly - BLUNITED as one!

Fastbreak 2 a big success

Comedians Vhong Navarro & Jose Manalo

about to fight

Ateneo Blue Eagle’s superstar Kiefer Ravena showed what being an Atenean is all about. Kiefer spearheaded Fastbreak 2 a basketball game that featured College Stars, known personalities and television stars to raise funds for the Typhoon Yolanda victims.  This is not the first time Kiefer did this since he was also the one who started the Fastbreak 1 event last January for the victims of Typhoon Sendong in Cagayan de Oro.  The big event was held yesterday November 30, 2013 at the Blue Eagle Gym and just like what they say, when you build they will come as a lot of people came in to support the event. 

The College & HS Stars came to play (L-R)

Bobby Ray Parks, Thirdy Ravena, Chris Newsome, Jake Pascual

The event started with an anticipated mass celebrated by former Ateneo High School Prinicipal Fr. Tito Caluag S.J.  After the mass, the event was opened by a dance number by the Company of Ateneo Dancers. Two bands then played their brand of music after that and then the players came in at 3:00 pm. Pitching in as commentator is former PBA MVP Willie Miller who introduced both team members.

The Stars came to play also (L-R)

Cesar Montano, Vhong Navarro, XIan LIm, Jim & James Salas (UMD)

Most notable college players from the UAAP were 2 time MVP Bobby Ray Parks, Ateneo’s Chris Newsome, Von Pessumal and Thirdy Ravena while the NCAA had their own players in San Beda’s Baser Amer and Jake Pascual while Gilas Pilipinas cadet players Kevin Alas and Matt Ganuelas also showed up together with former Ateneo and Gilas guard Chris Tiu. 

Billy Joe Crawford shows his moves
CLICK HERE

On the other hand, some big names in the showbiz industry came to play with Kapamilya stars Cesar Montano, Xian Lim, Vhong Navarro, Billy Joe Crawford, Luis Alandy, Derek Ramsay and Gerald Anderson while Kapuso star Jose Manalo was there as he brought the house down with his antics.  Eat Bulaga’s Jose Manalo provided the day’s laughs as he brought with him a referee’s whistle and helped his team get into contention by calling silly fouls while shooting, while his team mates are shooting and even faking a fight to distract his opponents. Multi-tasking as player and referee worked wonders for the comedian as no one remembers the score but will go home remembering what he did.

Rachel Daquis and Derek Ramsay beat out

Jheck Gionela & Jen Reyes and their partners 

in the Free Throw Game 

At the half the beauties came to play.  Former UAAP Volleyball queens Rachel Daquis, Michelle Gumabao, Jen Reyes, Mellisa Gohing, Jheck Gionela together with Lady Eagle Alyssa Valdez and Gretchen Ho took the court to add spice to the event.  The girls were paired off with the stars but for them to select their partners Kiefer’s mom Mozzy Ravena suggested them to play a game of musical chairs first. Then the pairings came to play as Rachel got Derek Ramsay, Jen Reyes had Jose Manalo while Jheck Dionella was paired with NCAA Juniors MVP Prince Rivero. DLSU Lady Spikers Melissa and Michelle drew Xian Lim and Gerald Anderson respectively while ADMU Lady Eagles Alyssa and Gretchen were paired with Rocco Nacino and Vhong Navarro.  In the end the best free throwing team were Rachel and Derek.

This just shows that Ateneans & La Sallians are one

when it comes to nation building

In the end, amidst the fun, the fans and the great basketball names the real  winner here is the town of Concepcion, Iloilo – the  beneficiaries of the event.  As Kiefer said that he has been to Concepcion many times and that he is happy that a lot of people came to help out. He and his mother Mozzy will be going there to oversee what needs to be done. To Kiefer, my hats off you are indeed a man for others. Congratulations to the success of Fastbreak 2.

Congratulations Kiefer. 

Hope to see more of this in the future!

19th NYC launched in Baguio City

The Deaf Association Students 

of STI College Baguio led the Invocation Hymn.

Do you really think before you post something? To rant at someone?  To post a hanging question that is addressed to someone? Have you ever posted a picture that eventually you regretted? How can you make the most out of Social Media? Here comes the STI National Youth Convention wherein three topics are discussed to STIers nationwide that will help them know the latest trends and more importantly help them plan for their future. STI has invited three revered guests as it launched the NYC in Baguio City last November 29, 2013 at the CAP-John Hay Trade and Cultural Center.  This year’s theme is Social Media and Me – Discover the real ife impact of every like, share and post. Here are some highlights of the their talks.

WE ARE WHAT WE LIKE – THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL MEDIA

MR. VINCENT "VINCE" TABOR

Google Business Groups Philippines Country Champion and 

GBG Baguio Community Manager

Vince tackled a emerging Social Media platform which is being used by 540 million people worldwide and has now overtaken Twitter with the most number of subscribers – Google Plus. What makes Google plus different from other social media platforms is that Google uses its own products to make your Google plus experience better. Highly recommended for your barkada is the Google Hangouts so go and check it out. Lastly, Vince showed a glimpse of the future here in the Philippines about a technology that is actually finished but is not yet available here – the Google Glass. The influence of Social Media is really upon us and its up to us to use it wisely or make it use us.

  

THINK BEFORE YOU POST – ACT AGAINST CYBERBULLYING

MR. SONNIE SANTOS

Social Business and Brand Strategist

Advocate of Social Computing  Privacy & Social Good

Sonnie said bullying has three components – the agrressor, the accomplice and the one being bullied! There are many situations that Sonnie described and most often times the aggressors are sometimes the ones being bullied themselves and they look for other means to refocus their insecurities.   What was very important in his talk was that one must really think first before you post any picture out in public specially the ones that might be easily manipulated in photoshop and videos that will haunt you in the future.  Lastly he mentioned that if you are cyberbullied by anonymous people there is a way to trace them through the NBI. So do remember to think before you post.

I CARE TO SHARE – RECRUITMENT & CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

EDWIN EBREO

President of Exeqserve,

Trainer and Organizational Development Consultant

One of the best ways to take advantage of Social media is to use some tools that would benefit you. One thing that STIers should do is to create their online portfolio.  First you can use an infographic resume to show off what you have and eventually build on it as the years pass by. If you are in first year, now is the best time to start while if you are in fourth year its never too late. Edwin, also discussed various characteristics  that employers look for in job applicants.  Lastly, Ed said that STIers should take advantage of various online job  sites most specially the I-CARES sites where STIers can apply and eventually get called to get a job. 

The three NYC Speakers

Ed Ebreo, Sonnie Santos , Vince Tabor

The 19th STI National Youth Convention is back!

 Once again the 19th STI National Youth Convention is back and STI students are already excited to become a part of this spectacular roadshow presentation. This year the them centers on Social Media as students from all over the country will be treated with lots of additional knowledge and surprises during the event.  The theme is "Social Media and Me, Discover the real life impact of every like share and post. " You can interact with every NYC site by logging in at the STI NYC fan page, Twitter page, Google plus page, Tumblr and Instagram. See you at the NYC.

 INTERACT WITH US!

The Amazing Philippine Beauties 2013

This year's winners of the 

Ms. Amazing Philippine Beauties 

Ms. Nathalie Arcache and her court

Here are highlights from the Amazing Philippines' Beauties pageant. Definitely it was another banner year for them producing gays that you could mistake for women because of their astounding beauty. This year's batch have so many lookers and since the pre-pageant everyone took notice of their bets to win it all.  This also marked their launch of the new Amazing Theatre as the previous Manila Film Center got demolished from a fire last year. Congratulations once again to the organizers for another amazing year.

The beauties open the pageant in their Cosplay attire

Eventual winner Natalie Arcache 

shows her form,curves and beauty during the grandiose opening segment of the pageant

From Ms. Photogenic to other Sponsor's choice winners 

parade in front of the audience

The Amazing Beauties during the Swimwear competition

Radiant in a yellow gown 

is Iwa Simbulan

Iza Calzado look alike, 

Nicole Laforteza 

in her evening gown

The top 10 beauties during the evening gown competition

BLUNITED: ATENEO 2013 HOMECOMING

BLUNITED

If there is one thing I thank my parents for is sending me to the Ateneo de Manila University.   The things i have learned in that institution are priceless and the teachers i met helped become who I am now. If the Ateneo is community is my second home, the people are wonderful. I might agree growing up was difficult considering you have to always be at your best and more importantly not left out. As they say there is no room for mediocrity here. I survived a bit, picked up the pieces and is now content with what I have. The great thing there is that through out my journey, it was my friends from the Ateneo who helped me out in many different ways.

THE RAFFLE TICKET

Last year went fast as me and my High school batchmates celebrated our 25th year Silver jubillee. I must admit seeing most of my batchmates and other Ateneans from other batches was a blast and the stories on what we used to do in HS kept pouring on while the laughter was enough to make someone get a heart attack.  It was also nice to note that most of my batchmates are succesful in their own feild and have their own kids studying in the Ateneo Grade School and others in the Ateneo High school.  The Ateneo Alumni Homecoming is really a great venue to renew ties with people we have not seen for a long and more importantly it is a way to come home to where everything started.

READY TO COME HOME?

This year, the Ateneo High School 1988 play hosts to this year’s event which is entitled BLUENITED! True enough, coming home once again to the Hill is something a lot of Ateneans look forward to more importantly if the event is to eat, drink and be merry with fellow Ateneans.  This year, ticket prices are at P 88.00 only and everyone is invited to join the raffle with a chance to win a Toyota 86, Beer Below Zero Freezers, gadgets and various other prizes.  Imagine that, an evening to recount memories with sumptous food from Mercato outlets, booze courtesy of San Miguel and a chance to win raffle items. What more can you ask.

EVENT POSTER OF BLUNITED

Lastly, a true trademark of an Ateneo event is to where the proceeds will go to. In a way I am quite happy that Batch 88 has continued to support the Jesuit Infirmary and the Tulong dunong perpetuity fund. At the same time they added other beneficiaries as they included the Ateneo HS Teacher’s fund and the P.A.G.S.I Fund.  For tickets or more information kindly call the Office of Alumni Relations, Ateneo Loyola Heights Campus. The OAR is located at the 2/F Faber Hall, beside Xavier Hall. You can contact them through 426-6001 local 4088. You can also look up their Facebook page of the event at this url: https://www.facebook.com/blunitedahs88. 

See you guys, prepare for the One Big Shot and the One Big Night!!! See you guys and Congrats in advance to AHS Batch 1988.