Celebrating
Hard Work and Achievements:
The JGSOM Testimonial Dinner 2005
More
than 220 student leaders, student representative to various competitions,
parents, faculty, administrators, and luminaries from the business sector
attended an intimate and well-received dinner held last March 15 at the
JGSOM Gardens.
The annual event, referred to as Testimonial Dinner, provides students an opportunity to celebrate their achievements and hard work during their stay in the Ateneo. In addition, a guest speaker is invited to encourage them to further what they have learned and embody the ideals of the Ateneo.
This
year, Mr. Aurelio Montinola III (BS ME '73), President – Bank of the
Philippine Islands, addressed the students. In his speech, Mr. Montinola
described his experience as a graduate particularly the ones that helped
and prepared him for his career. He also gave his advice on what possible
things graduates can do that will help them achieve their goals. He was
joined by his wife, Mrs. Gizela Gonzalez Montinola.
Meanwhile,
Kenneth Chua (BS Mgt '05, Magna Cum Laude and Departmental
Awardee) spoke in behalf of the students. He said, "We go down the hill
humble and fearful but we march on with strong convictions and with a
stronger faith, ready to face the battles that lie before us. The
time we have spent in these hallowed halls has equipped us and molded us
and we are determined to commit our lives to using this extraordinary gift
of formation for our country and ultimately, in the words of the great
mystic and soldier, St. Ignatius of Loyola, for the greater glory of
God."
One
of the highlights of the event was the arrival of Mr. John Gokongwei,
Chairman Emeritus – JG Summit Holdings, Inc., with his wife Elizabeth
and other members of his family. It was the first time that the
well-respected tycoon graced such occasion. His son, Lance Gokongwei, was
last year's guest speaker. Fr. Bienvenido Nebres, President, Dr. Anna
Miren Gonzalez-Intal, Vice President for Loyola Schools, Dr. Leovino
Garcia, Dean -- School of Humanities, also attended the event.
Mr.
Montinola and Mr. Gokongwei were presented with gift baskets containing
products created by the different SOMBA business teams. Some of the
products were also served as appetizers, drinks, and dessert. Marianne
Delantar (III BS Mgt), Michelle Ferriols (III BS LM), Jake Fragada (III BS
MCT), and Karl Villuga.(III BS Mgt) serenaded the guests.
Even
after the dinner came to a close, students, parents, and faculty members
lingered on and reminisced the years that were.