Simply Gratitude! (OVPLS Memo)

“Even after all this time the sun never says to the earth, 'You owe me.' Look what happens with a love like that. It lights the whole sky.” -  Hafiz

The sun shone with delight. The rains fell with recklessness at times. But the Loyola campus was bustling with students in their academic regalia, unmindfully tolerant of the temperament of the skies. They hurried to their lines, some distraught from suddenly discovering having lost the sole or heels of their shoes (but, alas, the shoe repair booth in the covered courts came to the rescue!).

Despite encumbrances of varying kinds, our graduates were all in their best selves marching down the aisle. And as their names were called, they walked up the stage and bowed to the cheering audience of batch mates, friends, mentors, parents, husbands, wives, families, and other significant others alike. We salute that crowd!

For three days we repeated the ritual with unfailing attention to detail that would make each solemn occasion one of a kind.  Our esteemed faculty – a motley crowd of colorful robes – whose presence was much appreciated and applauded, buoyed up the morale of our graduates and gave them courage and steadfast support. Kudos to you all!

From sunrise to sunset, during those three days, the smiles never faded even if the limbs were exhausted. There was an awesome wonder to all that experience of ritual and tradition.  

We in the Loyola Schools are simply grateful!

Votes of Thanks

The marathon of events would never have been as organized and as impressive as it was without the dedicated and joyful assistance of a huge team from the academic and administrative offices in the Loyola Schools as well as from offices in Central Administration and the Basic Education unit.  They all regaled the covered courts in their elegance and finesse.

While I’m afraid to attempt to name all of the characters of this weekend drama – lest I’m unable to name them all – still I dare name a few and some groups, in no particular order, and to whom we say ‘Many, many thanks!’

Joy Salita and her Graduation Committee who soldiered on the rigor of planning the three days (with backups for rain/storm scenarios and other contingencies)

Jojo Hofileña and Anne Plaza with the OADAA staff; Anne Candelaria with Ellen Abrantes and the OADGP ladies – who painstakingly combed through all the names of undergraduate and graduate students in preparation for the grad program book and provided the necessary support at the events

Rina Simpas with Joey Mercado and the Campus Ministry team for organizing a prayerfully solemn Baccalaureate Mass

Leland De la Cruz, the ever dependable Chief Marshal, and his team of marshals – who kept the audience in tow at the sound of their voices, at their deft hand gestures, and by the look in their eyes. Cholo Mallillin and JC Capuno, in turn, did their ‘stage direction’ shoulder nudge for students on stand by for their names to be called. Chris Castillo and his Campus Events Management crew for their vigilance that the ceremonies went smoothly and well.

JG Advincula with Tonette Delica and their team of ushers whose warm smiles were a delightful distraction from the oppressive humidity. The Assistants to the Deans and Department/Program Office Sectaries/Staff – who sashayed down the corridors with style in their lovely Filipiniana.

Tinay Garcia and the OVPLS fun bunch: they made humor their ready medicine in challenging situations – from tediously sorting out medals, programs, and invitations to managing the distribution of togas, to looking out for students who couldn’t find their parents in the crowd, to assisting in the donning of medals for those who were wanting.

Sio Marquez and his medical team with the LS office of Health Services sheltered us from needless health anxiety while Nhoy Almosera and the CSMO squad secured the crowd.

Do you know whose magic it was that transformed the covered courts into one great celebratory hall? No other than Ely Pan and Allan Prado through Mike Canlas and their CFMO experts. Marvin Cruz, thank you, for the lovely flower arrangements that adorned the stage.

Did you notice those LEDs on the stage and the wonder they did?  Thanks to Matec Villanueva and the UMCO creatives who did many other types of help behind the scenes.

MM De Leon with Dindin Sandrino and the Registrar’s Office guarded the diplomas with their might and managed the distribution in their usual quiet patience.

 Dennis Cariño for welcoming the new graduates to the Ateneo Alumni Association

The Honor Guards who carried their duties with dignity and pride and kept us attentive to the colors and what these symbolized.

Jonny Salvador and his team from the Ateneo Junior High School: thank you for allowing LS to take over all your spaces.

Many thanks to Deans/OICs Jonathan Chua, Paeng Guerrero, Bopeep Akpedonu, Louie Dumlao, Nandy Aldaba, Fr. Francis Alvarez – who took turns at the stage party duties and never lost their sense of humor while awaiting each ceremony to finish. Glenn De Leon and the Office of the President for gently assisting the stage party. To the EMCEES: Rofel Brion, Benjie Tolosa, Niño Leviste, Jerry Respeto, and Pindy Mendiola for leading the ceremonies well. Momok Barbaza for that beautifully written citation to introduce Atty. Leni Robredo.

We give thanks to Fr. Bobby Yap who stood it through because he said this was the least we could do for our graduates in this first face-to-face ceremonies of a milestone in their lives. Thanks to Fr. Jett Villarin who graciously officiated the ‘alumni reunion’ of Batch 2020. Thank you Fr. Jun Viray for invoking God’s grace and benediction. Thanks Bern Siy for gladly gracing the occasions to bring in the support of the Ateneo Board of Trustees.

Many congratulations!

We congratulate our Valedictorian, JB Bejarin, for making us see what it means to push back so we can move forward!

We congratulate, Dr. Merimee Tampus-Siena, for representing the graduate students through her moving speech!

We congratulate, most of all, Dr. Maria Leonor G. Robredo, Doctor of Philosophy in Economics, Honoris Causa, for her sterling leadership and inspiring speech!

Go Forth!

Many congratulations graduates! You made us proud of your achievements.  You walked in the Light that dispelled the darkness. God speed into the way of Love and Life.