Awarding Ceremony 2012

TEN OUTSTANDING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PUPILS OF ILOILO AY 2011-2012





TEN OUTSTANDING SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS OF ILOILO AY 2011-2012

Awarding Ceremony

TEN OUTSTANDING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PUPILS OF ILOILO FOR AY 2011-2012


TEN OUTSTANDING SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS OF ILOILO for AY 2011-2012

TOESP and TOSSS Awardees with OSCI Founding Members
(click photos to enlarge) @

To Whom Much is Given, Much is Expected

by: Miguel Lorenzo L. Ildesa, Most Outstanding Elementary School Pupil of Iloilo for AY 2011-2012

To the audience, organizers, my fellow students, teachers, guests, and parents, a pleasant day.

Another school year is about to end and at the same time my elementary years are drawing to a close. As this journey is about to end, another journey will begin: my high school life. And this journey I will look forward with excitement in the same way that my elementary years I will remember with fulfilment. And one of the greatest fulfilments I have is to be of service to others and serve as a good example to the students.

To be chosen as the Most Outstanding Elementary School Pupil of Iloilo is indeed a great fulfilment. And this moment I will remember not only with humility but with gratefulness as well. For the honor and the achievement also belongs to my school, classmates, and especially my parents. To my mom and dad, it has been a great journey. Thank you for the guidance, for showing me the right directions. And now I have arrived and found my fulfilment as the Most Outstanding Elementary School Pupil of Iloilo.

The Most Outstanding Elementary School Pupil Award is a special recognition, as it does not only measure the students in one field of proficiency. It gives weight not only to the students’ academic achievements but to their extra-curricular activities as well. It sees the students as individuals with varied intelligences and capabilities. Students who vie for this recognition are encouraged, and challenged, to participate in more activities and to excel in them – always making sure that they deliver their best at each endeavour - striving hard in the pursuit of excellence.

To the organizers, thank you for this opportunity. To our dear parents, we thank you all for the untiring support and unconditional love. You have all done well in rearing your children. We hope you do not get tired in guiding us for you are our primary educators. Please continue to direct us not just in our academic endeavours but more so in building our characters as this is of greater consequence and more long-lasting.

To my dad Russel, mom Tess Ildesa and sister, Pat, thank you for the support and love. In fact, this award belongs to you. You are the best blessing I received from God. I love you Dad, Mom and Pat.

To our schools, thank you for believing in us. And to my school PAREF Westbridge, thank you for the mentoring and support, for guiding me to be a man of integrity, a Westbridge gentleman. To Mr. Ronnie Gilles, our Executive Director and Mr. Gerard Eugene Lacaya, our Elementary Principal, my greatest respect and admiration to the two of you. Thank you for producing rounded Westbridgers like me.

To our teachers and mentors, thank you for your patience and untiring support. The love you have shown inspired us to do more and be serious in all our endeavors. To Mr. Laurence Soteo, our student affairs officer and student council adviser and Mr. Gerard Bhel Bionat, our Science Club adviser, no words can suffice how grateful I am to your motivation and for believing in my capacities. I would not have been here without your help. To my sirs and older brothers, I share this award to you.
To my fellow awardees, let this recognition serve as our inspiration to be more diligent in our studies and conscientious in all our undertakings whether in school or outside the school, whether we are graded or not, whether we are being watched or not.

Let us consider this award not as a mere acknowledgment of our achievements but more of a reminder of our responsibility to our families, schools, communities, our country, and to God, the source of all our talents and intelligence.
As we continue our journey, we will meet more challenges and opportunities. And we cannot hurdle them without the aid of God and whatever fulfilment we had and will have, let us abandon it to Him and exert all our humanly efforts not for personal gain but rather to serve others.

“To whom much is given, much is expected.”

And as my high school journey begins I will take into heart all the lessons you have imparted to me. And the fulfilment I had in my elementary years will serve as my inspiration in the long road ahead and I hope that my fulfilment would be an inspiration to others also.

Now, some of you may be wondering or curious enough to know what makes me an achiever.

Well, my journey towards success begins at home with my parents. And they have taught me that nothing, I repeat, nothing beats hard work and discipline. At my young age, the choice between watching a favourite TV program or studying my lessons is always clear. To prioritize my studies and let go of the TV program strengthened my will and gave me a worthy definition of myself as a student. Prioritizing, knowing what matters most and acting on it, is one of the greatest contributions my parents gave to me.



And this contribution is strengthened in school. As my teachers and mentors reach out and organize activities like the Father and Son Camping and the School For Parents, Studying becomes a family endeavour. Yes. Westbridge has a school for parents. In our school, when your son is enrolled, the parents are also enrolled. Through a program of seminars, Parents are taught about how to raise children into mature and active citizens of the community. Parents are made to realize that in the nourishing of their son’s mind and soul, in the guiding of their son’s future, the burden and the responsibility is shared by the school. The Parents are always welcome to talk to the teachers, and to God through the recollections and retreats organized by the school. A holistic home-school collaboration, a collaboration between my teachers and my parents, makes me who I am right now. A man of integrity. A student blessed with talents, given the opportunity to be a good example to others.
Ladies and gentlemen, a person becomes a great leader not just because of what he has received, but more importantly, of what he has given.

Because great ambition or dream without contribution is without significance.
In Westbridge, we believe that our best contribution to the community, to the nation, and to the world is the gift of well-formed and principled people. And forming principled people begins at a young age, begins with us, the young leaders of Iloilo.

To the audience, organizers, my fellow students, teachers, guests, and parents, it has been a pleasant day, a memorable one. In behalf of all the young leaders of Iloilo, Thank you so much for believing in us. As we all look forward to reach our dreams, we will always remember that these dreams were inspired by this very momentous occasion. God bless everyone. Carpe Diem! @

An Epic Cram

by: Rey Philip J. Gallos, Most Outstanding Secondary School Student of Iloilo for AY 2011-2012

To the organizers of this activity, members of the Outstanding Students Circle of Iloilo, my fellow awardees, teachers, friends, and guests, a pleasant afternoon! If there's one thing high school has made me realize, it's that nothing in this world is impossible. Back in my elementary days, I only dreamed about being half the person high school has molded me to be and now here I am, on this stage. Until now, the very thought that I was chosen as the Most Outstanding Secondary School Student hasn't even sunk in yet. To tell you the truth ladies and gentlemen, the MOSSS...is just a title; but the thing that makes it so special, so beautiful, is the fact that it takes a person four years of determination, hard work, patience, sleepless nights, sacrifices, and passion to get it. Not only that, a person would have to surpass three filters - the portfolio, the written exam, and the interview to earn it. What made it even more challenging for me, however, was the fact that I had to go through these three stages of evaluation cramming. When I was compiling the certificates as well as the needed information for the portfolio, I had several outputs and long tests the next day, so you guys would imagine the night of beauty sleep I had to give up to join this contest. Of course, I was extremely surprised when the committee informed me that I qualified. Next came the written exam - January 20, 2012, on the same day the Metrobank Math Challenge or MTAP written exam was held. I was the school's contestant so I had to take both exams. Talk about cramming! After taking the 2-hour exam, my math adviser called to ask where I was, so I ran all the way to INHS from St. Clement's to take the MTAP exam for another 2 hours. I arrived physically and mentally exhausted but still, I strived hard to do well on both exams. Again, you don't know how surprised I was that I qualified for the interview. The interview - February 15, 2012. I thought nothing would interfere, but guess what, ladies and gentlemen, our prom had been scheduled on the 16th and the MTAP Division Team Finals on the 17th. After the interview, I ran all the way to school to practice for the program the next day and review for the MTAP on the day after. This, my friends, is why it gives me such joy to receive the award...because I had to go through thick and thin to get it. By the way, ladies and gentlemen, today is the awarding ceremony of the Top Outstanding Elementary School Pupils and the Top Outstanding Secondary School Students, obviously. This morning, I came from INHS because I joined the MTAP Regional Finals. If there's one phrase I could use to describe the entirety of my TOSSS experience, it would be "epic cram". It's just like a cram, but epic. But seriously, anyone can accomplish anything despite the endless work and the obstacles as long as they have the determination and the perseverance to do so. I would always hear my classmates complain about school work, about never having breaks, about the never-ending projects...but if they could only feel what it's like to be Rey Philip Gallos for a day, they would definitely realize how free their schedule is. High school has been extremely torrential. The cramming, the pressure, the stress, but looking at the brighter side, we see friendships, free periods, laughter, you know...the little things. It is the aggregate of these little things that altogether make the beauty of the high school experience. The same is true about success. It is the combination of the traits we possess that create the success we deserve. If we want to make it out in this world as winners, we have to radiate positive energy despite all the negativity and pessimism. Through observation, however, most teenagers lack the hope and motivation as well as the resiliency to do so. The technological advances have crippled most of us to a carefree lifestyle which is why I'm really happy to see all my fellow awardees right now who serve as examples that despite the flow of the status quo, we stand firmly, clutching the values of hard work and perseverance in the hope that someday bringing honor and pride to ourselves, our school, and the nation as well. Even right now, we've taken the first step in doing so. By being examples of brilliance, we show that there is hope for the country and that there are still individuals who aim to excel and who strive to be virtues. You know, I'm very happy that the OSCI exists to give praise to these...endangered species, and to show to the world these people who might someday make their marks in history as individuals who changed the world with their vision, values, and integrity. I'd also like to take this opportunity to thank Iloilo National High School - Special Science Class, the faculty and staff, for imbuing me with such idealism. They've become a vessel for me to start the reform for change. I'd also like to thank the OSCI for seeing me fit for this extremely high honor. Also to my parents who never ceased to make a way for me to continue my education and for supporting me all the way. The parents and teachers who have molded these young faces to be the pride of their schools and of the community. And most of all, to God Almighty for always being there as a guide who helped me through it all. To Him, I am eternally grateful.



I leave you with the words of Larry Bird. "A winner is someone who recognizes his God-given talents, works his tail off to develop them into skills, and uses these skills to accomplish his goals." To the younger generation, especially to our elementary awardees, I hope you guys realize that there's more to you than you think. I hope you realize your talents and use these to improve yourselves, the country, and maybe even the world. Once again, thank you everyone and good day! @

2012 Solicitations

Media Partner ▪ GMA TV6

Main Sponsor ▪ Angelina Bakeshop ▪

Full Page ▪ Atty. Leo S. Sombiro & Family ▪ Daisy A. Altamera, DDM & Shari A. Altamera ▪ Damires Hills ▪ Dr. Ithra A. Altamera & Dr. Stahl A. Altamera ▪ JC Tiampong / Hilltop Realty ▪ Jethro Aramis V. King ▪ Jo Jan Paul 'JP' Penol ▪ Landbank ▪ MEJ Print ▪ Metro Psych Facility ▪ Mr. & Mrs. Florencio Deypalubos, Jr. ▪ Mr. & Mrs. Ruel Romarate and Family ▪ Municipal Officials of New Lucena ▪ Plaza Libertad Medical Specialists ▪ Solomon Integrated School de Iloilo ▪ TMX Travel and Marketing Experts ▪

1/2 Page ▪ 2nd Engr. Robert Cheng & Mrs. Gina Magno ▪ Anonymous ▪ Ashere Nisseth Equina ▪ Bryan Cerebo & Brian Mejorada ▪ Chiefmate Sherwin A. Magno & Mrs. Necil C. Magno ▪ Dr. Ronnie A. Magno & Dr. Genelyn J. Magno ▪ Engr. Robert Cheng & Mrs. Nenita Grace M. Cheng ▪ Florence Aguilar Celisio ▪ Good Hope Baptist Church ▪ Jinna Mae Villanueva ▪ Mercedes Delfin Diestro ▪ Pangasinan (Family) Home Care Clinic ▪ Raoul R. Canonero, MD ▪ Rex Muyco, MD, FPCP, FPCMO ▪ Simplicio M. Capileno, MD, DPAMS, FICS ▪ Wood Fashion ▪

1/4 Page ▪ Beracah Pharma Phils. ▪ Caroline G. Arroyo, MD, FPCP, FPRA ▪ Emilio A. Gopio, Jr. ▪ Glenn Mana-ay, MD, FPCP, FPCC ▪ Jollimee A. Jamero ▪ Koi Herbal Liniment ▪ Mary Kay ▪ Melbert G. Divinagracia, MD; Ellamae D. Sorongon-Divinagracia, MD ▪ Mr. & Mrs. Warren French ▪ Mr. & Mrs. Wilfredo Mana-ay, Jr. and others ▪ Pedro Tingson, MD, FPCS ▪ Ramon Guelos, Jr. ▪ Ricardo M. Portigo, MD, FPCP ▪ Ronald Cabrera ▪ Rosario F. Aceron, MD, FPCP, FPSN ▪

Line ▪ Aris Jardiolin ▪ Bernadette Eslaban, MD ▪Lydelia Seribo, MD, FPOGS ▪ Martin Erick P. Gumban ▪ Sayson Family ▪

Others ▪ Dr. Anselmo Tronco ▪ Tibiao Fish Spa ▪

TOESP, TOSSS Awarding Ceremony March 16, 2012

The Awarding Ceremony for the Ten Outstanding Elementary School Pupils and the Ten Outstanding Secondary School Students of Iloilo is on March 16, 2012, 1:30pm at Monfort Hall, Department of Education, Division of Iloilo Bldg., Luna St., Lapaz, Iloilo City.

Attire is ‘Sunday best’ for ladies and barong and black pants for gentlemen.

Awardees are asked to come early for pre-program orientation. @



AWARDING PROGRAM

I Entrance of Colors / Processional … Led by the Iloilo National High School (INHS) CAT Corps

II Opening Prayer …………………….. Miss Jinnah Mae C. Villanueva, MOESP 2011

III National Anthem …………………… led by the INHS School for the Arts Choristers

IV Welcome Remarks ………………… Mr. Henry Bueron Caspe, TOSSS 1975
Chairman, OSCI

V Messages

Dr. Raymundo A. Lapating, Schools Division Superintendent, Dept. of Education, Division of Iloilo

Ms. Maura F. Pait, Asst. Schools Division Superintendent - OIC, Dept. of Education, Division of Passi City

Dr. Nelly H. Valerio, Schools Division Superintendent, Dept. of Education, Division of Iloilo City

VI Introduction of the Inspirational
Speaker ……………………………. Miss Threscia Grace S. Robles, TOSSS 2011

VII Inspirational Message …………… Dr. Ofelia O. Javellana, TOSSS 1975

VIII Presentation of Awards and Certificates

A. Elementary …………………. Engr. Dimpna Castigador, TOESP 1975

B. Secondary …………………. Mrs. Lynn Madera-Bautista, TOESP 1971

IX Presentation of Awardees …………. Dr. Ofelia O. Javellana, Dr. Raymundo A. Lapating, Ms. Maura F. Pait, Dr. Nelly H. Valerio, Mr. Henry Bueron Caspe

X Special Number ……………………… PAREF-Westbridge School Inc.

XI Responses

Miguel Lorenzo L. Ildesa, Most Outstanding Elementary School Pupil of Iloilo
for AY 2011-2012

Rey Phillip J. Gallos, Most Outstanding Secondary School Student of Iloilo
for AY 2011-2012

XII Closing Remarks ………………….. Dr. Japhet Gensaya Fernandez-de Leon
Chairperson, Screening Committee

XIII Recessional

Program Hosts: Mr. Raoul Danniel A. Manuel, MOSSS 2011
Miss Tiffany Marie A. Somes, TOSSS 2011
Mr. Bryan Cerebo, TOESP 2006, MOSSS 2010
Mr. Karl Vincent Abalajon, TOSSS 2007
Dr. Diadem Pearl Sonza-Equiña, TOESP 1975, TOSSS 1979