November 10, 2004 -- The Association of Shrine Rectors and Promoters of Pilgrimages of the Philippines had its 13th annual assembly in Macau Island, with the Diocesan Shrine of Nuestra Señora de Aranzazu accepted as its new member. Attended by 86 pilgrims from the Philippines, the annual meeting with the theme “Shrines: Unity and Encounter ‘Responding to Religious and Social Realities’” has aimed to initiate the promotion of pilgrimages and shrines.

Cardinal Hamao of Macau spoke, “Shrines are often places where families express their devotion and celebrate their most important events; events that emphasize a culture of integral life: life as God’s gift of love, communion and solidarity of God.” The conference took place at the Macau Pastoral Center. Some of the activities made during the whole gathering were talks about the socio-cultural realities of China, as well as social realities in Asia and the Philippines. After the forum, the acceptance ceremony of new members ensued.

The Diocesan Shrines of St. Anne in Malicboy, Pagbilao, Quezon, and Nuestra Señora de Aranzazu of San Mateo, Rizal, were formally accepted as new members of the said association. There to witness the ceremony were Msgr. Mariano T. Balbago Jr., and his 19-man delegation composed of NSDAPS faculty and staff as the shrine promoters. The assembly formally ended with a concelebrated mass with Msgr. Peter Cañonero, the newly elected president of the association, as the main celebrant. See more details in the Director’s Cut.

December 2004 -- Developing students to be achievers, the English Department has been conducting contests. Earlier this year, the HS Department competed in the literary and academic contests.

The fourth year students triumphantly rejoiced as they bagged the first place in choral recitation category. III-St. Clare’s pride Lourdes Bacud, with her convincing declamation of “I Demand Death”, made her the champion. Spelling top scorers Jan Czar Muncal of IV- St. Theresa and Dino Mari Testa of II-St. Ezechiel Moreno both won the title in the Seniors-Juniors and Freshmen-Sophomore categories, respectively.

With his persuading speech, Paul Cuay delivered his stand to ban bold films in cinemas. His confidence and projection won over the judges’ decision in declaring him the winner.

Another project of the department was on December 14. It was the launching of Book Fair exclusively sponsored by Scholastic Books. It aims to put up a mini-library in each classroom to develop students’ interest in reading.

Preparing the seniors for their college education, the HS Guidance and Counselling Center conducted this year’s first career talk at the 2nd floor Function Hall last Oct. 18, 2004, having nine participating schools. The program started at 8:00 a.m. Representatives of each school gave their talks to 168 fourth year students, orienting them about what their respective schools offer.

These schools were St. Bernadette of Lourdes School, Mapua Institute of Technology, Technological Institute of the Philippines, Miriam College, World Citi Colleges, Centro Escolar University, FEU, East Asia College, and St. Joseph’s College. The HS Guidance Counselor, Ms. Rhea Sta. Maria organized this program to give utmost assistance to graduating High School students in their decision making and career planning.

Each of the colleges and universities had 30 minutes to discuss information about its academic programs, application processes, scholarships, and financial aids. The second installment of the career talk is scheduled to take place earlier next year.