Liceo de Cagayan University alumni homecoming '11

By Chef Ed Dychauco, RN
Wednesday, March 2, 2011

AN ANNUAL activity of the Liceo de Cagayan University Alumni Association Inc. (LdCUAA) is the Homecoming Festivities held at the University Gymnasium inside the school's campus.

Instead of holding it on the last Sunday of February, it was changed instead to the last Saturday of the month this year to give way to the many alumni who normally couldn't make it on a Sunday.

A Holy mass was celebrated early in the afternoon before all the other activities started. Fun and games kicked off the festivities joined by several groups of graduates of different colleges after all the welcoming notes.

I came in late because I was with a group of other "local celebrities" having the fun of our lives enjoying river rafting along the famous Cagayan de Oro, courtesy of 1st Rafting Adventure and Ardison Arsua, marketing manager and image consultant, earlier that day. The sun was hiding so it was really nice, minus the sunburn after the thrill ride. Finally, I dipped into the river for the very first time and the water was cool and clear. It was just awesome!

As I made it into the gymnasium, old (no pun intended) and young graduates were having so much fun with games ably hosted by Ms. Arlen May 'Amber' Baqui. I didn't get to see it because I was already having my own fun meeting and bonding with friends, classmates, schoolmates and acquaintances. And of course, taking pictures!

Several song and dance numbers were presented by the different colleges and delighted everyone present. I tried to tour the campus but it was drizzling so I really didn't get to take more photos as planned. At any rate, there were more talking, as expected, and exchanges of notes and other stuffs, just what an alumnus would do in events like this. Election of 15 new board members for years 2011-2013 was held with Ms. Evangeline Cabe as in charge.

Later in the evening, the formal get-together finally kicked off with more songs and dance. Dr. Mariano Lerin, University President, was around and gave a brief talk. Honorable Congressman Rufus Rodriguez was our guest speaker for the evening and charmed everyone with his charisma! Almost everyone had their share of photo opportunity with the Congressman which I am sure they will treasure for a long time!

Two scholarship grants were given by the congressman to the University with the contract signing done by him and Dr. Lerin.

Congressman Rufus also promised to give another scholarship, care-of his brother, Maximo Rodriguez Jr. through Abante Mindanao.

The newly elected board members also had their oath-taking and were sworn into office by no less than the Congressman himself.

With the 4th ID band providing the music, Congressman Rufus, who is a graceful dancer himself, also gamely danced with the alumni. Several gift packs and prices were raffled off. Top prizes included electric fans and a television set. The night affair was hosted by another nurse, Ms. Jean Tulang, who now works in the media.

On my part, I was so glad to have attended this affair because I was able to reconnect myself with my alma mater and several classmates and friends. Being a nursing graduate of this institution, I also had the chance to teach here in the college of nursing, school of midwifery and health aide many years ago.

Actually, I should mention these three people who were present but are now working abroad: Ms. Rosanna Navarro-Udasco (Nursing Class '78) - Chief Nurse in one of the hospitals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mr. Bodol (sorry I can only remember his nickname) and his lovely wife, Ms. Agnes Paluga-Ceballos (Nursing Class '90) - Nurse in London, England.

And of course, the several pioneering graduates of Nursing (Class '77), who will be celebrating their 35th year next year, and the nurses of Class '78 in 2012.

A once-a-year affair, it would always be nice to party with classmates and the like and also visit your alma mater which has grown so much in terms of structures, amenities, offerings and many others throughout the years. For those who haven't been at the Liceo lately, why not drop by and see the changes yourself?

See you all again next February 2012 and let's have fun! (Website: www.potsnpans1976.weebly.com; email: potsnpans1976@yahoo.com)

Published in the Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro newspaper on March 03, 2011.