FIRST POWER. THEN POMP. The glitter and pageantry of the 85th NCAA Season last Saturday June 27, Araneta Coliseum, was a hard feat delivered by the host – San Beda College around the area, despite A (H1N1) threat, audiences, participating athletes, school officials, and their students, braved it. The parade went smooth, despite a small fire in the audience area that was immediately solved.

Philippine Star’s Bill Velasco wrote: The lavish opening day program of the 85th NCAA season looked like a massive stage production or International awards program, and opened the college basketball season in style. Velasco continued: The 3 new teams - EMILIO AGUINALDO COLLEGE, Angeles University Foundation, Arellano University – will be feeling their way around, and the established schools will be loathe to lose to the rookie squads. That leaves the incompletes Jose Rizal University, and the retooled Colegio de San Juan de Letran on more stable footing.

As expected, these guest teams also want to make an impression in the oldest varsity league.

US Ambassador KRISTIE KENNEY graced the opening ceremonies and did the ceremonial toss.

"You have a great responsibility to show sportsmanship and courage in defeat," Amb. Kenney said in her speech, donning a green dress for said affair.

This must boasts the morale of women basketball teams of all participating schools.

It can be said that the presence of a female ambassador to do the toast, is indeed gender-sensitive and this will give clarity and power on gender ethics, the issue in the global arena of sports.

In likewise manner, EAC President Dr. JOSE PAULO E. CAMPOS, in a high-spirited mood, said in an ambush Magdalo interview by Mark Serrano, that: The strategy is always to outplay and outthink the opposition… but of course… the idea also is to play under the spirit of Camaraderie... this is a friendly competition.

NCAA Rector - President Fr. Mateo J. de Jesus, OSB, of San Beda announced that the NCAA will introduce Olympic disciplines akin to boxing, fencing and archery as demonstration sports.

This resonates the advocacy of NCAA International President Myles Brand, that: It is weaving athletics into the fabric of education. -- (News Plus / AEParas)

With reports of increasing number of students infected with the A(H I N I) flu virus in different colleges and universities in Manila, the Emilio Aguinaldo College have taken steps to address the threat of the virus entering the EAC campus. In consultation with the Doctors and Nurses of Medical Center Manila the school has introduced information dissemination, temperature reading of students entering the campus, and procedures for handling students with fever.

Inspite of the precautionary measures taken by the school administration, it is still likely possible that individuals belonging to the EAC community will get infected with the AH1N1 virus. When such a situation occurs, the institution will be required by the Department of Health to declare no classes and close the school for a period of 10 days.

In anticipation of such an event the school is rushing to update the E-Learning Facility. The E-Learning Facility includes lesson modules, announcements, exercises, reference links and assignment modules. If the school closes, school lessons can continue through the E-Learning Facility and students can view and interact with their professors. According to Dr. Socorro Rodriguez, EAC Research Director, “E-Learning is a major advantage for EAC students. In a quarantine situation the student continue their schooling by downloading lesson modules, assignments, and announcements uploaded by their professors. After accomplishing their assignments, these can be uploaded again for submission to their professors. Tutorial and small class teaching are also possible through the EAC E-Learning Facility.”

The E-Leaning Facility of Emilio Aguinaldo College began two years ago under Dr. Rodriguez and as of this time 90% of the lessons taken by the students have been included in the E-Learning library. The E-Learning Facility is a boon for the students especially at this time when we are under the threat of a Pandemic. They can continue their learning even during this type of situation.

MANILA, Philippines — Citing the A(H1N1) threat, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) announced Saturday the postponement of the opening of classes in colleges and universities to June 15.

CHED Chairman Emmanuel Angeles said the one-week period will give enough time for self-quarantine for students who came from abroad.

“Ang dahilan dito ay marami tayong foreign students na nag-aaral sa ating bansa na nanggagaling sa iba't ibang bansa na merong mga swine flu victims (The reason for this is that there are many foreign students and students who came from countries that are exposed to swine flu)," Angeles said on government-run dzRB radio.

He said the rescheduling of the classes will give them time for self-quarantine.

Earlier, De La Salle University suspended classes for one week after some students tested positive for A(H1N1). The A(H1N1) threat also prompted other universities to postpone classes.

Angeles said a second reason for the postponement is the inclement weather in past days.

He said a third reason is that many parents of college students could not raise enough money to pay tuition. June 15 falls on a pay day and may give them time to pay tuition.

“It will not adversely affect the schedule of classes," Angeles added. - GMANews.TV

With the afternoon graduation march at the Tanghalang Yamang Lahi Theater EAC-Manila, last April 28, 2009, headed by Dr. Jose Paulo E. Campos, EAC President, Mr. Keith P. Jones AIS Superintendent, Mrs. Lileth Cuaresma, AIS Principal and the 4th year Aguinaldo International School graduates formally concluded its 8th Commencement Exercises with the theme: Education: Laying the Foundation for Success.

Dr. Fortunato Gabon Jr., an Emilian and currently the Dean of the School of Radiologic Technology of South East Asian College, delivered the Commencement Address. In his message Dr. Gabon stated:

It is practically Emilio Aguinaldo College who has given me all the wisdom, the knowledge and everything, so I would like to thank EAC for I am so grateful that I am one of its graduates. I share with you graduates the joy of this momentous occasion, four years of patience and hard work has just passed, yet, dear graduates your tasks have not yet started, you merely invested your time, money and effort in your pursuit for learning, but still the returns are yet to materialize. You have only sown the seeds, but the fruits still remain to be harvested. So, today as you mark another milestone in your lives, let me remind you, that this is just the beginning, the future lies ahead of you. It is bright and full of promises, whatever will come of it remains in your hands. You will soon start college and you will then be facing much greater responsibilities and good opportunities.

Choose a profession that is selfless and with humanitarian service to our countrymen and the whole mankind. Dream big and look ahead to a far vision. Make your dreams come true by building your strengths not your limitations. Don’t be afraid to ask people for help, work hard, read, a lot, let us break the cycle of smallness.

Even the bible is very consistent, whatever a man thinks so he is, whatever you think becomes of you. So, if you think of smallness, you become small, but when you enlarge your vision there is no telling how far you can go as far as human accomplishments is concerned.

In laying the foundation of success let me share with you three of my secrets; first; is the power of focus, for this means concentration to reach and finish your goal, however it should be coupled with hard work and diligence, keep your eyes on the finish line. Second, the power of confidence, this means having conviction that you will achieve your goal. It is coupled with perseverance, you’ll develop confidence by improving your personality, your ability, your capability for your work through life long study and learning and the fortifications of your character. Confidence is not pride; humility is the mark of confidence. The Third is the power of commitment; it is a pledge that binds you to do the best you can as a person, as an individual, as citizen, and as a creature of God. Commitment urges each and everyone of you to improve quality of life for our countrymen and the human race. Commitment is expected of you in your choice of profession, and your future clients. Always place a high value on morals, ethical and spiritual principles and personal integrity in your practice of everyday life; commitment is expected of you.[+/-] Read more...