by Marienne Galima
A Testimonial Banquet was held at the Coffee Shop last May 29 to honor the achievement and success of SSC-R Manila CPA Board Passers, Mr. Veejay P. Radovan, who ranked 9, and Mr. Raphael T. Bacani. This event is one of the most historic and memorable events of the Collage of Accountancy, Business Administration, and Computer Studies.
Rev. Fr. Leander Barrot, OAR, Vice President for Academic Affairs, gave the opening remarks, congratulating the CPA Passers and beamingly declared that indeed, Basta Baste, hindi basta basta.
Mr. Thomas Zamora, President of SSC-R Manila Alumni Association, shared a story about a person who succeeded in life to inspire thepassers to continue what they have started and reach their goals in life. Zamora also announced that the Association actually committed to grant a monetary reward to whoever makes it to the top 10 passers. Radovan becomes its first recipient.
The College President Rev. Fr. Cristopher Maspara, OAR, assisted by Dr. Lolita de Guzman, CABACS Dean, presented tokens of appreciation to the CPA Passers.
An alumnus of SSC-R Manila, Mr. Bernardo Umali, then delivered congratulatory words obviously filled with joy and pride. He landed on the 13th spot when he passed the CPA Board Examination during his time, and now works as the Vice President for Corporate Affairs and Administrator Division of Mitsubishi. He then expressed his gratitude to Radovan for fulfilling a collective dream. To Radovan, he gave a Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas commemorative coin and a cash gift. He also gave some gift certificates to Bacani.
Ms. Sherlita Mendoza, one of the mentors of the CPA Passers, gave a touching message to the two passers. She said that as a professor, she was very proud and glad of what her students have reached. The Comptroller of SSC-R Manila, she also mentioned that the institution is also giving a cash gift to Radovan as reward for his hard work that brought him to the top 9.
After the presentation of the awards to the passers, Mr. Veejay P. Radovan had the chance to speak of his gratitude to all the people supported him. Getting emotional in some parts, Radovan spoke of his family is his inspiration to pursue his dreams. He wanted to make his family proud. He also affirmed his trust in prayers. He ended his speech with conviction: “We can be a home of topnotchers! Let’s claim it!”
Fr. Maspara gave his inspirational closing message, expressing his pride and joy brought by what Sebastinian students accomplished. He extended his warmest gratitude to the area chairs and the faculty members of every department, most especially the CABACS department.
