The Link- 4th AUP Joint Convention 2014

THE L INK T he Off icial Publ icat io n of PU C/AU PAlumni of Wester n Nor th A mer ic a

Summer-Fall 2014

4th AUP JOINT CONVENTION AWESNA, EASNAC and AACNA-ST

August 29-31, 2014 at Hilton Lake Las Vegas, Henderson, Nevada

Unite and Ignite

THE LINK

PUC/AUP Alumni of

Western North America

(AWESNA)

BOARD OF OFFICERS

Elmer Bangloy,DMD- President

Lita Laoyan, RN- Vice President

Eppie Manalo,PhD - Secretary

Ella Alcaide - Treasurer

Rene Donato- Auditor

Edwin Araba,MD- PRO

Spiritual Advisers

Pastor VicLouis Arreola,III,PhD

Pastor Dale Barizo,

Pastor Jose Manalo, Ed.D

Pastor Simeon Rosete, Jr.,DBS

CHAPTER PRESIDENTS

Roger Rodriguez Alberta,Canada

Rachel Pedernal Cascadia,BC

Ephraim Roxas Pacific Northwest

Emily N. Garcia-Greater Northern CA

Noli Poblacion-Greater Central CA

Loida Miguel-Greater Los Angeles

Letty Banaag-Glendale,CA

Marjorie Reyno Loma Linda,CA

Miguelito Fernando, MD La Sierra

Cristuto Genobaga-Las Vegas, Nevada

Ric Calla-Hawaii

Cris Anunciado,PhD- San Diego,CA

Pastor Geoffrey Tio-Young Alumni

AWESNA PAST PRESIDENTS

George Atiga, DMin. +

Celedonio Fernando,M.D. +

Romulo Valdez,M.D.

Eliseo Bautista,M.D. +

John Tulio, Esq.

Honesto Pascual,Jr., M.D.

Ulysses M. Carbajal,M.D.

Alfonso Miguel,Jr., M.D.

Alberto Bagingito, CPA

+ Deceased

Volume 45 Issue 2 Summer-Fall 2014

AWESNA

2 THE LINK /

TABLE of CONTENTS Finding Inspiration From the Manalo family. The well-rounded family now comprises a Pastor-educator father, a musician-English major mom, a financial executive daughter, lawyer and doctor sons. We praise God for such an inspiration coming from this wonderful family! 5

AWESNA Convention Speaker Pastor Mike Tucker is the speaker/director for the Faith For Today telecast, is frequently heard on Voice of Prophecy broadcasts. Until early 2009, he was senior pastor of the 1900-member, Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church in Arlington, Texas. 20

Chronicles from Cascadia: The Cascadia Alumni Chapter at Vancouver, British Columbia has been greatly blessed last June 27-29, 2014 with the visit of our AWESNA president, Dr. Elmer Bangloy with his wife Lorie and with their team . 18

AWESNA AWARDEES 2014 . Ottis C. Edwards, Ed.D. and Rene U. Donato. Dr. Ottis C. Edwards ministry embodies the life of a disciple of Christ, unselfishly serving where God has called him. Rene U. Donato has exemplified servant-leadership in all his multi-faceted roles in alumni, church, and community affairs. 22

In Retrospect: AWESNA at a Glance: Promoting AWESNAs theme, UNITE and IGNITE, the organization has endeavored to plan and has resolved to commit to implement programs aimed at achieving its goals..Within the ten months after the new set of AWESNA Offi-cers assumed office, the organization has witnessed positive signs indicating renewed and continued interest in AWESNA affairs. 12

A QUANTUM Leap for AWESNA . God is the Creator of the universe and He should be the center of our lives ...Those who will put on the whole armor of God and devote some time every day to medita-tion and prayer and to the study of the Scriptures will be connected with heaven and will have a saving, transforming influence upon those around them. 6

PUC ALUMNUS,MED TECH PIONEER RECEIVE LLU AWARDS. Praise God and congratulations to Ben Siapco, Jr. and Willa Hedrick, PUC alumnus and former Medical Technology head, respec-tively, who received distinguished awards from Loma Linda University during the June 15, 2014 commencement exercises of the School of Allied Health Professions. 10

THE LINK / Summer-Fall 2014 3

Message From the President:

At the board of officers meeting on November 16, 2013, shortly after the Las Vegas Chapter rally, one of the items considered from the Agenda was the theme for the forthcoming Mega Convention. Pastor Arreola, one of our spiritual advisers, proposed the theme Unite and Ignite, which was met with much enthusiasm and ratified unani-mously. Thus, I present to you the in-spiration for this theme.

Our organization AWESNA PUC/AUP Alumni of Western North America has embarked into a new era. It is an era of Oneness; a spirit of unity amongst the alumni of Adventist University of the Philippines. This spirit was exempli-fied, deliberated, and focused as a theme during our First International PUC/AUP Alumni Association Con-vention in Tagaytay, Philippines in 2013. There was no doubt that on that day that we , and to this day, are ONE!

Today, we start our journey as leaders of AWESNA with a new theme: "Unite and Ignite." It is a motto that will re-mind us that, with unity fired with dedi-cation, we can make a real difference on our journey to keep our organization alive with determined success. It will remind us of the prayer of Jesus before He ascended to heaven, that his disci-ples and followers will be ONE as His Father and the Son are ONE.

During the birth of the Christian Church, when the disciples of old gath-ered in Jerusalem, the Bible clearly narrated to them to gather together in Unity while awaiting the Holy Spirit to come into their lives, to be made bolder in their witness as they spread forth the message of hope from Jerusalem around the world. As they forgave one

another, and as the spirit of love and unity began to bind them, tongues of fire visibly appeared on the tops of their heads. These flames were Ignited by God, representing how the Holy Spirit had entered them, to give them power as started their journey of leadership in birth of the Christian Church.

AWESNA can use this example of the early Church in its own organization as a call for unity, which can be best exem-plified in these truths:

Unity is founded in relationships.

God places the highest value in unity.

In the Bible, there is complete unity in the Godhead as our example.

When AWESNA comes together in unity behind a common vision, it is a beautiful and powerful thing.

Being one, combining into one, as something that is whole will bring harmony to stand together for success!

As an AWESNA organization: We need the fire to ignite a passion for a powerful vision:

To ignite the spirit of commitment.

To ignite the spirit of volunteerism.

To ignite the value of service.

To ignite the passion in return, how generously we can contribute to the needs of our alma mater!

To ignite the need of Jesus and the Holy Spirit in our lives that will ignite another Pentecost in all of us, AUP alumni of Western America. With this our reasons to serve will not be in vain.

So how do we, as leaders, find a way to inspire others? I believe that we must begin first by searching within, to dis-cover how we inspire ourselves. What drives us? What ignites our passions and fans the flames of our hearts? What gives our lives meaning and pur-pose? And as each of us stands in intro-spection, I believe that we will find a commonality at the core of each of our passions: God.

God Himself came to Moses, not as a small flame, but a burning bush. And even though Moses was resistant to fol-lowing God at first, he let the Holy Spirit spark inside of him. And God used Moses gifts to accomplish His will. It is only through God that we can ignite the engines of our abilities to do good and to do Gods will. I am reminded of this fact every time my son and daughter sing in the La Sierra University Octet, when they sing the song Moses. The last words of this powerful song always stir me to emotion. The last verse is sung:

What do you hold in your hand today?

To what or to whom are you bound?

Are you willing to give it To God right now?

Give it up. Let it Go. Throw it down.

And I think that verse simply summa-rizes the key to finding that flame within. We must first give ourselves, our very lives, over to our Savior, to whom we owe everything. Only then can we influence the actions of oth-ers. Just as a tiny spark can result in a roaring fire, so too can we create passion and creativity via the inspiration that is God, and then pass it on to others.

Dr. Elmer Bangloy, D.M.D. ,D.Hum AWESNA President

Unite and Ignite

4 THE LINK / Summer-Fall 2014

PUC/AUP Alumni of Western

North America (AWESNA)

CHAIRS & STANDING COMMITTEES

Bangele Alsaybar Jr.,PhD History and Archives

Eppie Manalo,PhD Honors and Awards

Oscar Pablo Finance & Projects

Wilma Dauglash Membership

Annielie Enalen-Madigan Convention

Carmelita Laoyan ,RN Community Affairs

Gladys Araba-Roman Social Events

Roy Mananquil Constitution & By-Laws Commission on Constitution

Pastor Vic Arreola,III,PhD Pastor Dale Barizo Pastor Jose Manalo ,Ed.D Pastor Simeon Rosete,Jr. DBS Spiritual Advisers

Ernie Banaag,MD COMELEC

Ben Cuizon,MD Scholarship and Aid Program

Alfonso Miguel,Jr.MD Endowment Fund

Crisamar Anunciado,PhD Continuing Education

Jethrone Prince Rolle Sports and Recreation

Immeldo Afenir Honor Classes

Ruth Ranchez Guest Relations

Visit our website at:

www.awesna.org

Each of you possesses gifts that God can use to serve AWESNA. I know that there is a spark inside each and every one of you! It is a spark that only God could have granted you. Do not deny it! It is so easy in these cynical times to resist the call to action; to ig-nore and hide our passion for God from others. But I implore you to let your light shine! To lead others you must be unafraid to display that unbridled love of God. And from positive attitude causes an explosion; a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events, and outcomes that will inevitably inspire others to follow your lead.

Yet, there is one more element that can truly catalyze ones actions. When people of like-minded goals join to-gether, it can truly be a powerful force. Henry Ford, a man who literally drove us toward the future, once said, Coming together is the begin-ning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success. We have completed the first step today by com-ing together, yet our work is still ahead of us and will require harnessing our individual flames into one collective fire. And with that fire we can provide the light that guides the way for the future of AWESNA. I have no illu-sions about this process, as it will take time and endurance to see it through. But as an Indian proverb states, It takes one thread at a time to make a blanket. We should keep this in mind to help us endure the difficult times.

Today, Let me remind you again what the letters of AWESNA stand for: Alumni Who Enriches Someone Now and Always!

Today is the beginning. Im looking forward to the progress. And I am ex-cited to work together and all the suc-cess that AWESNA can do by us, United!

Yes, I challenge you to "Unite and Ignite!" Let us be One and Shine, On Dear AUP!

DEATH ANNOUNCEMENT In Loving Memory,

Victoria Basit Salvador Victoria Basit Salvador, B.S.C. 67 PUC passed away on August 5, 2014 at her home in Los Angeles, CA. She was 70 years old. Right after graduation from Philippine Union College she was hired as an accountant at the Cagayan Valley Sanitarium and Hospital in Santiago, Isabela, Philippines. She worked there for five years where she met her hus-band, Jeremias Salvador. They were married on July 16, 1972. They migrated to California where she worked at the California Adventist Federal Credit Union for 30 years. While working at the Credit Un-ion she also taught basic accounting at the Glendale Adventist Academy on a part time basis. The couple have 2 children and 2 grandchildren. (Reported by Philip Trilles, [email protected] )

VALENZUELAS CELEBRATE 50TH

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

Dr. Mel Valenzuela, M.D., Premed PUC 57 and Amy Baloyo-Valenzuela, RN, BSN PUC 60 celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary on August 10, 2014 at the John P. Eliopulos Center in Lancaster, California.

Mel and Amy were married on Aug. 9, 1964 in Newark, NJ at the Newark Seventh-day Adventist Church, Newark, NJ. Dr. Valenzuela took a year internship and 2 years general practice residency. They moved to California in 1967 and went thru another residency at the Long Beach VA Hospital and at the UC Irvine Medical Center, Irvine, CA.

In 1979 they moved to Lancaster, CA where Dr. Mel joined a medical group where he practiced his specialty Internal Medicine. Here they also busied themselves in community services specially at the local Adventist church where they became active members.

Dr. and Mrs. Valenzuela retired in December, 2013. They live in one of Californias high desert communities: Lancas-ter, about 65 miles northeast of Metro Los Angeles. They have a son and a daughter and 2 grandchildren. Happy Anni-versary, Dr. and Mrs. Valenzuela!

ALUMNI NEWS


uring the early days of the Adventist churchs history young people were leading out- Ellen and James White were young when God called them to do His work. In this day and age we need role models for our younger generation. Ben Carson was a young, gifted pediatric

neurosurgeon when he started at the world-famous Johns Hop-kins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. We dont even have to go any further to find inspiration. The Manalo family is living up to its name and we can find inspiration from them. Manalo in Eng-lish means to win. They are indeed sure winners for God! Pastor Jose Manalo, current senior pastor of Loma Linda Fili-pino Church and president of FAMMANA (Filipino Adventist Ministers and Members Association of North America), is a gifted educator and minister. He teaches and preaches with clar-ity. It was easy for me to choose him as one of the best Bible teachers in college at PUC. I was privileged to be one of his students. He earned his M.A.in Religion from PUCs Far East Theological Seminary, now called AIIAS and his M.Ed. and Ed. D. (Educational Administration) from the University of the Phil-ippines. Maam Eppie, as I usually call her, is a multi-talented musician who also taught English and Music classes at PUC/AUP. She received her Ph.D. from the University of the Philip-pines. Currently, she is associate director at the LLU Office of Academic Publications. Both served not only as faculty but also vice presidents of AUP. Two genetically-gifted parents produced three wonderfully tal-ented prodigies- Pong, Angela and Carlo. Jose Pong Manalo, Jr., AUP B.S. Accountancy 1998 and Angela Manalo Lalas, B.S. Accountancy 2001, were senior class presidents at AUP when they graduated. They both worked at Deloitte and Touche before working in Loma Linda University. Prior to coming to the United States to take his M.B.A.in 2005, Pong served as faculty in the AUP College of Business, then worked at Philip-pine National Bank and later was auditor at the General Confer-ence Auditing Services based in the Southern Asia Pacific Divi-sion (SSD). Pong , a former compliance manager at Loma Linda University Medical Center, is a Certified Public Accountant (C.P.A.) and earned his M.B.A.in 2007 at University of Califor-

nia, Irvine. He graduated with a degree of Juris Doctor (J.D.) on March 22, 2014 from one of the US top law schools, Co-lumbia University College of Law, New York. Pong recently took the bar exam and will be working as a Corporate Law-yer at the Manhattan office of Akerman LLP starting in Sep-tember 2014. Angela Manalo Lalas is a Certified Public Accountant (C.P.A.) and earned her Executive M.B.A with highest honors from the Peter F. Drucker and Masatoshi Ito School of Management, Claremont University. She currently serves as Vice President for Finance at Loma Linda University Adventist Health Sci-ences Center (LLUAHSC). Angelas husband, Dr. Serafin Lalas, graduated last June 22, 2014 from his Fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at University of Southern California, Los Angeles. He is back to Loma Linda University Behavioral Medicine and Behavioral Health Institute as faculty and attending physician. The couple is blessed with an equally gifted seven-year-old child, Anna Sophia, a second grader at Loma Linda Academy. Not to be outwitted by his older siblings, Carlo Manalo, M.D., LLU School of Medicine class 2011 the youngest of the Ma-nalo children, is a Radiology resident physician at Loma Linda University Medical Center. A member of PUC Academy class 1999, he was AUP Student Association president in 2002-2003. He earned his B.S. Biomedical Sciences from La Sierra University in 2007. Recently, he was awarded by the Radiol-ogy Department as the 2014 Rookie of the Year. His wife Domilyn (nee Gonzales), R.N., is an AUP B.S.N. 2004 alumna, and currently serves as a nurse at the LLU Behavioral Health Institute. All three siblings are likewise gifted with music talents.

The well-rounded family now comprises a Pastor-educator father, a musician-English major mom, a financial executive daughter, lawyer and doctor sons. We praise God for such an inspiration coming from this wonderful family!

Finding

Inspiration

from the

Manalo Family By Edwin Araba

Alumni Family Profile

D


he amazing universe has always been a fascination to a thoughtful mind and just the mere sight of the heavenly stars is a thrilling and moving experience. All the

treasures of the universe will be open to the study of Gods re-deemed , according to Ellen G. White. The vastness of the uni-verse is mind-boggling. The God of a universe so vast we can hardly begin to comprehend. When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars which thou hast ordained; what is man that thou art mindful of him?, and the son of man that thou visitest him? Psalm 8;3-4 . If the universe is too big to measure then the love of our Creator God for us is truly beyond our imagination. Unfettered by mortality, they wing their tireless flight to worlds afarworlds that thrilled with sor-row at the spectacle of human woe and rang with songs of glad-ness at the tidings of a ransomed soul With undimmed vision they gaze upon the glory of creationsuns and stars and sys-tems, all their appointed order circling the throne of Deity.(From Gods Amazing Grace, Page 368). God is the Creator of the universe and He should be the center of our lives. And the years of eternity, as they roll, will bring richer and still more glorious revelations of God and of Christ. As knowledge is progressive, so will love, reverence, and happi-ness increase. The more men learn of God, the greater will be their admiration of His character... Those who will put on the whole armor of God and devote some time every day to medita-tion and prayer and to the study of the Scriptures will be con-nected with heaven and will have a saving, transforming influ-ence upon those around them. E.G. White , Pr 22. Our godly influences have rippling effect upon others to follow. A quantum leap for AWESNA is a quantum leap for God. Ser-vice , volunteerism, Unite and Ignite is the theme and battle cry to every chapter rally attended. Through the leadership of AWESNA President, Dr. Elmer Bangloy, he made a big, giant leap in reaching the goals that were set at the beginning of his term. He stated, Let us all therefore work together in unity as a

team for this is the glue that will keep our endeavors solid and bring to accomplish. Actions speak louder than words. His first year term itineraries evidently surpassed beyond expecta-tions. With more than seventeen chapter rallies and events attended in a shorter period of time, it is unprecedented. It shows his commitment, strong leadership, dedication, and de-termination to achieve the goals. The immediate goals are - support for AUP College of Medicine, AUP Working Student Project, Fundraising Events to finance AWESNA Projects. The long-term goals are- Endowment Funds, Medical-Dental Mis-sion to the Philippines, Reaching out non-active members, and local chapters enrichment and development. A summary report is outlined in his report , In Retrospect: AWESNA at a Glance. As your leader, it is my vision and conviction that these goals and dreams can and will be realized, said Dr. Bangloy. Let us have faith with determined mind set in realizing the elu-sive dream of having AUP College of Medicine thru the lead-ership of Dr. Francisco Gayoba and Dr. Doris Mendoza. We , the alumni, can work together with them for the advancement of AUP. Let us continue to strive for excellence - for Gods glory. A quantum leap for AWESNA is a quantum leap for God, who fueled us by His grace and mercy. The leadership of this alumni organization is strong ...because the God of the universe is the center of this organization. Although some may say that AWESNA is not solely a religious organization major-ity, if not all of us, are religious and deeply rooted upon the school of the prophets, the school that trains for service. We are a service- oriented alumni organization. The new theme: "Unite and Ignite" is a motto that will remind us that, with unity and dedica-tion, we can make a real difference on our journey to keep our organization alive with determined success. With UNITY we can be ONE that can IGNITE the burning desire to SERVE upon those who are around us.

A Quantum Leap for AWESNA By Edwin Araba, MD

God is the Creator of the universe and He should be the center of our lives ...Those who will put on the whole armor of God and devote

some time every day to meditation and prayer and to the study of the Scriptures will be connected with heaven and will have a saving, transforming influence upon those around them.

T


2014 AWESNA House of Delegates Representatives & AWESNA Officers Hilton Lake Las Vegas Resort, Nevada, August 29-31, 2014

AWESNA OFFICERS 1. ELmer Bangloy 2. Carmelita Laoyan 3. Eppie Manalo 4. Elenita Espiritu 5. Ella Alcaide 6. Rene Donato 7. Edwin Araba CHAPTER PRESIDENTS 1. Crisamar Anunciado 2. Letty Banaag 3. Ric Calla, Jr. 4. Miguelito Fernando 5. Emily Garcia 6. Cristuto Genobaga 7. Loida Miguel 8. Noli Poblacion 9. Marjorie Reyno IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT: Alberto Bagingito STANDING AND AD HOC COMMITTEES 1. Bangele Alsaybar, Jr. 2. Wilma Dauglash 3. Annie Madigan 4. Roy Mananquil 5. Oscar Pablo 6. OctaviusQuijada 7. Eduardo Gonzaga 8. Ernie Banaag 9. Ben Cuizon 10. ElfrieCuizon 11. Ruth Ranchez 12. Gorden Farinas 13. Jethrone Role 14. ImmeldoAfenir CHAPTER REPRESENTATIVES CASCADIA CHAPTER 1. Miriam de la Cruz 2. Noel Abuel 3. Belle Abuel 4. Nelson Decena 5. Lorna Decena GREATER LOS ANGELES CHAPTER

1. Lily Bascon 2. Pat Bascon 3. Alfonso Miguel 4. Felcar Morada 5. Mely Morada 6. Marina Sapigao 7. Samuel Sapigao 8. Ruth Suban 9. Raymond Suban 10. Luz Ulanday 11. Manny Ulanday 12. Ceres Gurango GREATER NORTHERN CHAPTER 1. Myrna Malqued 2. Bernard Malqued 3. Esther Tan GLENDALE CHAPTER 1. Fil Alcaide 2. Robert Arguelles 3. Arlene Ferrolino 4. Aida Ordas 5. Raquel Maranan 6. Don Ferrolino CENTRAL VALLEY CHAPTER 1. Mike Mariano 2. Coty Mariano 3. Joe Esposo 4. Carel Esposo 5. Judie Osena 6. Letty Lachica 7. Rene Lachica 8. Jubi Gaje 9. Ben Abriol 10. Emmie Abriol LAS VEGAS 1. John Acang 2. Edie Sandro 3. Susan Acang 4. Arlene Gayares 5. Richard Barruga 6. Norma Barruga LA SIERRA CHAPTER 1. Lucy Fernando

2. Teresa Sajid 3. Nap Alinsod 4. Ralph Tigno 5. Erlinda Alinsod 6. Betty Tigno 7. Romeo Torres 8. Tita Torres Alternates: 1. Gloria Luib 2. Wences Luib LOMA LINDA 1. Cynthia Fuchs 2. Elvira Camilon 3. Nemy Imperio 4. Rose Imperio 5. Cecille Cabanada 6. Yolanda Bagwell 7. Miriam Ico 8. Pastor Jose Manalo 9. Meljorie Castelo 10.Amy Galang 11. Jocelyn Belonio 12.Ben Cuizon 13.Elfrie Cuizon 14. Sarfraz Inderias 15, Glenna Sabalboro PACIFIC NORTHWEST 1. Ardina Wang 2. Remy Scott SAN DIEGO 1. Al Quesada 2. Connie Mirasol 3. Dagohoy Anunciado 4. Fem Ramirez 5. Ernest Pablo 6. Evelyn Pablo 7. Gemma Banaag 8. Josie Apilado 9. Lina Quesada 10. Nelly Alamo YOUNG ALUMNI 1. Liberty Olive Macias 2. Armand Fabella, Jr. 3. Gladys Roman


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Adventist University of the Philippines Alumni of Western North America. Please send news articles, photos

and comments to: The Editor, 9600 Flame Tokay Way, Elk Grove, CA 95624.

EDTORIAL BOARD Ella Alcaide

Elmer Bangloy, DMD Edwin Araba,MD

Copyright 2014

All rights reserved

THE LINK STAFF

Editor- in- Chief Edwin Araba,MD

Editorial Assistants Emily N. Garcia Kathy Laberinto Jean Samaniego

Writers/Reporters All Chapter PROs Arlene Ferrolino

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Josie Nicolas Sta. Ana Tessie Sajid Ralph Tigno

Layout & Design

E.Dale Araba

Circulation Manager Ruth Ranchez

Photographer Roditha Pablo

Publisher

Rene Donato

Advisers Eppie Manalo, PhD

Alfonso Miguel, Jr. MD

Email: [email protected]

n his address to the General Confer-

ence session attended by church lead-

ers worldwide on October 22, 2012, Presi-

dent Ted Wilson called for the congregation

to consider the health and unity messages as

two important inter-related burdens of

Christ and burdens of mine, and I hope

yours.

He quoted from the book of Matthew, as well

as the writings of church co-founder Ellen G.

White, to state that medical missionary work

and health reform are an integral part of

mission to the cities, and that there is a

great need for selfless unity in Christ to

proclaim the Three Angels messages.

In response to this call, the AWESNA/LLFC

medical team launched a two-week medical

missionary journey to the Northern Philip-

pines particularly in Itogon, Benguet and

Bangar, La Union on March 18-30, 2014.

Congratulations to all participants who

sacrificed their time, money, and effort to

AWESNA 2014 Mission

to Benguet and La Union By Edna Domingo, PhD

share the good news of the gospel in those

places. Others who could not join gave their

donations so that the mission can achieve its

mission.

The journey started with a symposium in

Nursing, Dentistry, and Medicine at Adventist

Medical Center of Manila( former MAMC) .

Dr. Abdul Rajagukguk (AMCM) and Edna B.

Domingo (USA) coordinated this professional

growth program. AWESNA president,

Dr. Elmer Bangloy and Dr. Jean Bautista from

MAMC coordinated the well-attended

dental symposium with the participation

of Metro Manila Dental Association.

Dr. Tota Shimizu, a professor at the Dental

Department at UCLA, Dr. Elmer Bangloys

friend, presented a topic on Microscopic Endo-

dontics. He also joined the medical mission in

Itogon, Benguet. On the other hand, the nurs-

ing symposium was coordinated by Edna B.

Domingo (USA) with Adventist Medical Cen-

ter, Manila through Dr. Abdul Rajagukguk and

Evanette Batista, vice president for Nursing

I


leaders and nurse educators at AMC. Bella

Almario, nurse manager at Portland Medical

Center shared her wealth of experiences in

nursing management to the nursing leaders.

Likewise, Carmelita Laoyan, AWESNA vice

president and nurse manager at Arrowhead

Regional Medical Center also shared her

knowledge and experience in nursing man-

agement. Edna Domingo, who also was a

nurse manager at Loma Linda University

before settling in academics, also shared her

wealth of experiences in nursing manage-

ment, as well as critical thinking components

of management.

Gemma Banaag, CNO at Paradise Valley

Hospital was greatly missed. She contributed

much to the content of the presentations. Drs.

Eduardo and Alma Gonzaga were contribu-

tors that enriched and added more concepts to

the nursing symposium from physicians

perspectives. The medical luncheon sympo-

sium on Medical Ophthalmology was pre-

sented by Dr. Eduardo Gonzaga to members

of the medical team including the physicians

at AMCM.

The attendees and outreach team were treated

by AMCM to a sumptuous meal that pre-

pared them for their trek to Baguio City.

Pastor Levi Payoyo, president of Mountain

Provinces Mission arranged for an air-

conditioned bus which took the team to their

destination. Accommodation and nutritious

meals were arranged and provided by the

mission coordinated by MPM first lady, Jose-

phine Payoyo.

Nancy de los Reyes, MPM nurse made sure

that the venue and other needs were ready

prior to the 3-day services. Meals were well

prepared with snacks prepared by the com-

munity, which included freshly cooked

yellow sweet potatoes that were nicely

peeled and ready to eat. The mayor of

Itogon welcomed the team. USA team was

blessed with the cooperative help from the

Benguet Dental Association through the

coordination of Dr. Elmer Bangloy, the

NGO, and the local RHU team.

Two days medical services were conducted

in Itogon, Benguet and the last day (Friday)

was in Tublay, Benguet, and a more remote

place that gave the team a better worldview

of service. Mr. Ralph Laoyan was the best

interpreter for his people. Total number of

patients seen that included, dental, surgical,

circumcisions, medical check-up including

blood sugar & optical were 1, 750.

It was amazing to work with the team who

came from different places in the USA. On

Friday vespers at the Pines City church, Dr.

Quion, a practicing physician in California

was asked to speak. He related his experi-

ence with his health that seemed to be the

end of his life. He survived and saw Gods

hand telling him to serve God with the tal-

ent the Lord had given him. That was the

impetus for his joining this medical mission.

His experience was a witness of how great

God is! He decided to bring his wife along

with him next time. Clarita Siapco, a retired

nurse, shared her husband and family ex-

periences being missionaries. No money,

but did not ever go wanting. Gods won-

drous mercies had always been their strong-

hold.

Sabbath morning, the members of the team

were divided to join the different churches

around Baguio City. Frans Santos gave the

message to the congregation at La Trinidad

church while Efren Domingo conducted the

Sabbath School lesson study. Dr. Romulo

Tabo was also the speaker at Pines City

Church while Edna Domingo was the speaker

at Bokawkan Seventh-day Adventist church,

the mother church in Baguio City. That church

was where her husband and she were married.

She found many of the old members still wor-

shiping in that church. It was a great reunion!

Sunday was a tour to the Cannon Road, Philip-

pine Military Academy, Camp John Hay, and

Mines View Park. After the tour, the team

must have missed shopping so everyone went

to SM Shoe Mart, the building used to be

Pines Hotel on top of the hill in the City of

Baguio. Monday was swimming day! The

team went to Asin Hot Spring. Awesome

views! Beautiful landscapes along the hot &

cold swimming pools with scenic mountain

views surrounded by tropical fruits, and plants.

We were treated with very cheap young coco-

nuts. These two days were Sabbath and relaxa-

tion days that prepared the team for the second

missionary journey.

March 25, 2014 was the trip to the next mis-

sionary journey to Bangar, La Union, and the

hometown of Edna Vacate Domingo. Pastor

Levi Paolo of Mt. Provinces Mission together

with his team extended their support to bring

the team to La Union, an hour drive from Ba-

guio City. Through the contact of Dr. Elmer

Bangloy to his former classmate in Dental

School, Dr. Nice, a dentist practicing in San

Fernando La Union and the sister-in-law of the

Vice Governor, the team was very much wel-

comed in La Union. She treated the team with

a warm welcome at her beach home for dinner

with hearty generous meals and at her restau-

rant operated by her twin sons for lunch. She

took the team for a tour to the Capitol Hill

( TO BE CONTINUED ON PAGE 20)


AWESNA Clinical Laboratory Scientists News

PUC Alumnus, Med Tech Department Pioneer

Receive Loma Linda University Awards

Praise God and congratulations to Ben Siapco and Willa Hedrick, PUC alumnus and former Medical Technology head, respectively, who received distinguished awards from Loma Linda University during the June 15, 2014 commencement exercises of the School of Allied Health Professions.

(The following bios were reprinted with per-mission from the Loma Linda University Of-fice of Academic Publications.-Eppie Manalo)

Laboratory Technical Consultant, Adventist Health International B.S. Philippine Union College (Adventist University of the Philippines) 1965 M.S. Loma Linda University AH 1971 Medical technologist certification, American Society for Clinical Pathology (MT-ASCP) Specialist in Microbiology, American Acad-emy of Microbiology (SM-AAM)

Best Cytology Research Award, Los Angeles County-University of Southern California Medical Center Most Outstanding Alumni Award, Adventist University of the Philippines 2003

Benjamin J. Siapco, Jr., was born in Manila to Adventist parents. The eldest of seven sib-lings, he struggled as a self-supporting student at Philippine Union College (PUC), now Ad-ventist University of the Philippines (AUP), to meet the financial obligations of his under-graduate education. Following graduation, he joined the staff of Manila Sanitarium and Hos-pital (MSH), now Manila Adventist Medical Center (MAMC), as a medical technologistwhere approximately a year later, he was ap-pointed laboratory manager. He was also re-cruited after graduation to the faculty of PUC School of Medical Technology, where he taught courses in clinical microbiology, clini-cal chemistry, and parasitology. Sponsored by his employers, Mr. Siapco enrolled in 1969 as a student at Loma Linda

University. Upon completion of the masters degree program in microbiology, he returned to the Philippines to resume his responsibili-ties at the hospital and the college. In addi-tion, he provided consultant services to five Adventist hospital-based clinical laboratories scattered throughout the country. In 1980, Mr. Siapco accepted a call to serve as clinical laboratory manager of Taiwan Adventist Hospital and as director of the School of Medical Technology in Taiwan. He held that post until 1986. During this time,in addition to learning to speak Mandarin Chi-nese, he also became professionally involved in several non-Adventist mission projects on the islandserving as director of the Clinical Laboratory Enhancement Program for the Taiwan Christian Hospital Association, and as consultant for the Mennonite Christian Hospital at Hualein and for Kaoshiung Medi-cal Clinic. In 1984, Mr. Siapco continued his training in the field of cytotechnology at Los Angeles County-University of California Medical Center. He relocated in 1986 to the Inland Empire, where he worked in various posi-tions, including senior clinical laboratory scientist, generalist, and senior cytotechnolo-gist. He joined the Microbiology Department of Loma Linda University Medical Center in 1999, serving concurrently on the faculty of the Department of Medical Technology in the School of Allied Health Professions. Throughout his career, Mr. Siapco has been involved in international endeavors: Hang-zhou, China, where as Loma Linda Univer-sity consultant to Sir Run Run Shaw Hospi-tal, he developed the microbiology laboratory of this 700-bed facility; Kabul, Afghanistan, where as Loma Linda University consultant to Kabul Medical Institute and to Wazir Akhbar Khan Hospital, where he helped develop a pathology laboratory and a microbiology laboratory, respectively; Uni-versity of East Africa at Baraton in Kenya, where he established the School of Medical Technology and in collaboration with Mrs. Willa H. Hedrick, developed a curriculum leading to the B.S. degree in medical technol-ogy using Malamulo Hospital as the base for clinical training; Port-au-Prince, Haiti, where he served as an Adventist Health Interna-tional consultant to Hopital AdventistedHaiti (HAH) to help clear a citation issued by the Centers for Disease Control to the clinical laboratory; Manila, Philippines as consultant to the PUC/AUP School of Medical Technol-ogy (CLS) upgrading project, and to MSH/MAMC as coordinator for a cytotechnology

workshop that hosted technologists, educa-tors, residents, and pathologists nationwide; consultant to an international array of SDA hospitals in the Philippines,Venezuela, Belize, Sierra Leone, and Liberia. Mr. Siapco holds a number of professional licenses, is a member of several professional organizations, and is a contributing re-searcher and author. Since his retirement in 2012 from Loma Linda University Medical Center, Mr. Siapco has served as laboratory technical consultant for Adventist Health International. In this capacity, he visits and helps establish or de-velop laboratories in Adventist hospitals. His travels take him to approximately twenty-three countries annually. As a committed Seventh-day Adventist, Mr. Siapco places the values of God and family above all others. He has been happily married for forty-five years to Clarita (Espelita), a retired nurse. They are blessed with three children who have followed in their fathers footstepsall alumni of Loma Linda Univer-sity and all involved in medical mis-sions,using their own resources. For his exemplary service and invaluable contribution to global health and the practice of cytotechnology in particular, the School of Allied Health Professions is pleased to pre-sent the SCHOOL DISTINGUISHED SER-VICE AWARD to Ben Siapco. This award will be presented at the Conferring of De-grees for the School of Allied Health Profes-sions.

B.S. College of Medical Evangelists (CME), now Loma Linda University 1946 Wright State University M.A. 1973 Medical technologist certification, American Society for Clinical Pathology (MT-ASCP)

Brynes Scholarship 1968 Registry of Medical Technology Education Award 1968 Warner-Lambert Graduate Scholarship Award 1971

Benjamin J. Siapco, Jr. Distinguished Service Award

Willa Hedrick Alumna of the Year Award


Willa Hilgert Hedrick had an outstanding and-colorful professional career as an innovator and leader in medical technology (CLS) education that spanned more than three decades. She is widely recognized as the founder of the School of Medical Technology at Philippine Union College (PUC)now Adventist College of the Philippines (AUP)the pioneer school of its kind in the country when it was established in 1953. Willa was born in Portland, Oregon, to Pastor William and Cathy Hilgert. Her father was as-signed to the Pacific-Northwest (Washington and Oregon) of the United States. She attended Walla Walla College (now Walla Walla Univer-sity) prior to transferring to the College of Medical Evangelists (CME, now Loma Linda University) to complete her undergraduate edu-cation in medical technology. She served for one year after graduation as a supervisor in the Hematology Department at White Memorial Hospital (now White Memorial Medical Center) and as an instructor in hematology in CMEs medical technology program. In 1952, Willas husband, the late Dr. Elvin Hedricka medical internist and alumnus of CME was called to serve as a missionary in the Philippines at Manila Sanitarium Hospital. Willa and her husband, along with their two young childrenMeredith and Priscillarelocated to the Philippines. James, her young-est child, was born there. Elder Merritt Warrenthen president of North Philippine Union Missionalong with Dr. Ruben Manalaysaypresident of PUC and undisclosed director of the Philippine govern-ment's Bureau of Private Schoolsformally requested that Willa start a School of Medical Technology in the Philippines. So just a year after our arrival in Manila, she recalls, the approved school opened with its first student, Jesse Umali, in the fall of 1953. For ten years (1953-1963), Willa served as supervisor of instruction at the school. In 1964, a year after returning to the United States, Willa was appointed supervisor of in-struction (1964-73). She next served as program director at Kettering Medical Center School of Medical Technology in Dayton, Ohio (1973-77). From 1972 to 1977, she directed the NIH-supported research project for laboratory task analysis and developmental ladder curriculum for medical laboratory careers. She was also director of the W.K. Kellogg na-tional pilot demonstration ladder curriculum project (1975-77). Willa often comments on the epidemic in her family, which refers to the careers chosen by her children and their families that are very different from her own: Her older daughter, Meredith, is an attorney in a corporate estate company; and Priscilla, her younger daughter, is married to a lawyer. James, her son and now a grandfather himself, is also a practicing attor-ney working in a real estate company. Willa praises God for all the wonderful things

in her life and she gives Him the credit for all of her accomplishments. Reflecting on her life journey, she says: The Lord worked so many miracles that became the real foundation of my faith. In recognition of her indelible contribution towards pioneering medical technology work in the Philippines -- translated into excellent academic programs, which have been recognized locally and internationally, the School of Allied Health Professions is pleased to name Willa Hedrick ALUMNA OF THE YEAR. This award will be presented to her at the Conferring of Degrees for the School of Allied Health Professions.


romoting AWESNAs theme, UNITE and IGNITE, the organiza-tion has endeavored to plan and has

resolved to commit to implement programs aimed at achieving its goals. Within the TEN (10) MONTHS after the new set of AWESNA Officers assumed office, the organization has witnessed positive signs indicating renewed and continued interest in AWESNA affairs.

CHAPTER RALLIES: AWESNA Leader-ship has likewise been responding to invita-tions to rallies from different chapters, which aim at reviving interest of members and encouraging active participation in the organizations programs and projects.

MY SINCERE APPRECIATION and THANK YOU TO ALL AWESNA OFFICERS AND CHAPTER OFFICERS FOR THEIR DEDICATION AND UN-CONDITIONAL GIVING OF THEIR TIME, ENERGY, TALENTS AND RE-S O U R C E S T O A C C O M P L I S H AWESNAS GOAL AND OBJECTIVES.

1) October 5, 2013, Saturday, 5:45 p.m., Loma Linda Filipino SDA Church

INDUCTION OF NEW SET OF LOMA LINDA CHAPTER OFFICERS Devotional and Prayer by Pastor Nepthali Manez, AUP Board Chair Remarks and Induction of Officers by Dr. Elmer Bangloy.

OFFICERS: President Majorie Reyno Vice President Armand Zabala Secretary Clarita Siapco Treasurer Fenina Garaza Auditor Mar Velasco

2) NOVEMBER 9, 2013 SATURDAY, SAN JOSE FIL-AM SDA CHURCHCHURCH ERVICE/YOUNGALUMNI RALLY/SOCIALS Morning Service Speaker Pastor Jym Tayag Afternoon Service Speaker Dr. Elmer Bangloy Coordinated by Gladys Roman and Liberty Olive Bautista (Young Alumni Chapter President) AWESNA OFFICERS AND CHAPTER MEMBERS PRESENT: President Elmer and Lorie Bangloy Fil and Ella Alcaide, Treasurer Edwin Araba, PRO Odette and Oscar Pablo, Chair Finance & Projects (members, Northern CA Chapter) Pete and Cherry Dela Cruz (LA Chapter) Ernie and Emily Garcia, President Northern CA Chapter, Jose and Carol Esposo (members, Central CA Chapter) and San Jose SDA Churchs Pastor Dan Botabara.

3) NOVEMBER 16, 2013 SATURDAY, LAS VEGAS FIL-AM SDA CHURCH CHURCH SERVICE/AFTERNOON RALLY /ELECTION AND INDUC-TION OF OFFICERS Morning Service Speaker Dr. Vic Louis Arreola Afternoon Service Speaker Dr. Elmer Bangloy Induction of Officers Dr. Elmer Bangloy Las Vegas Chapter, led by Cris Genobaga , began the series of chapter gatherings on November 16, 2013. The AWESNA lead-ership team participated in the church ser-vices. It was also during this time that a new choral group was born: the AWESNA Officers Choir, which had their debut performance during the afternoon service. Elected Las Vegas Chapter officers are: Cris Genobaga, President; Johnny Acang-Vice President; Edie Sandro-Secretary; Susan Acang- Treasurer; Arlene Gayares-PRO; Oscar Fauni- Auditor; Pastor Villamor-Meriales, Advisor. AWESNA OFFICERS AND MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE: Elmer and Lorie Ban-gloy, Alfonso and Loida Miguel, Rene and Imelda Donato, Octavius and Cely Quijada, Bert and Violy Bagingito, Annie Madigan, Meldie Ward, Lita Laoyan, Eppie Manalo, Edwin Araba, Fern Kin-tanar, Fe Asuncionmaking a total of 16 from Los Angeles and Loma Linda. Em-phasizing AWESNAs theme, Unite and Ignite, the President encouraged the alumni to unite and volunteer for His ser-vice and for our alma mater .

In Retrospect : AWESNA at a Glance By Dr. Elmer Bangloy, D.M.D., D.HUM

President, AWESNA

P


4) NOVEMBER 24, 2013, SUNDAY, RANCHO MIRAGE, PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA. INVITATION OF MARILYN VILLANUEVA-BARTOLOMEW ( HO-TED BY TED AND BETH MALAGAR). PLAN TO REORGANIZE THE CHAP-TER. OFFICERS IN ATTENDANCE: 1)ELMER (PRESIDENT) AND LORIE BANGLOY 2) LITA (VICE PRESIDENT) AND RALPH LAOYAN 5) JANUARY 5, 2014, SUNDAY, LOMA LINDA FILIPINO SDA CHURCH MEETING OF THE COMMISSION ON CONSTITUTION ON THE PRO-POSED AMENDMENTS TO THE AWESNA CONSTITUTION This meeting was led by Roy Mananquil, Chair , Commission on Constitution.

Proposed amendments were discussed and voted on by the Commission on Constitu-tion to be presented to the House of Dele-gates for approval and ratification.

6) FEBRUARY 21-23, 2014 RESI-DENCE INN-MARRIOTT AT RIVER RIDGE, OXNARD, CALIFORNIA SPIRITUAL RETREAT/BOARD OF OFFICERS/HOD MEETING An overwhelming positive response from members translated into more than SRO (standing room only) attendance from Ves-pers to the afternoon service. About 250 attended the weekend event. Also noteworthy is the participation of all age groupsYoung Alumni to Seniors, in both spiritual and social activities. Above all, attendees were treated to a feast of Gods Word from all four (4) of the organi-zations spiritual advisers. Sabbath School Promotion Dr. Elmer Bangloy presented the AWESNA LOGO which encapsulates the organization theme UNITE and IGNITE

Speakers: Friday Vesper Pastor Vic Arreola Sabbath School Lesson Study Pastor Jose Manalo Hour of Worship Pastor Dale Barizo Afternoon Devotional Pastor Simeon Rosete, Jr. Proposed Amendments to the AWESNA Constitution from the January 5 COMCON were voted on and ratified on February 23, 2014 by 56 House of Delegates representa-tives. Such amendments will enable the organization to function efficiently and ensure better interaction and participation among the members. Commendation goes to the Chair of the Commission of Constitu-tion, Roy Mananquil. 7) AWESNA PRESIDENTS PARTICI-PATION AS SPEAKER AT THE AUP ACADEMY GRADUATION ON MARCH 23, 2014, PHILIPPINE IN-TERNATIONAL CHURCH, PUTING KAHOY, SILANG, CAVITE CLASS PHLOSOPHY: SUI GENERIS- WITH UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS 8) MARCH, RP 2014 MISSION OUT-REACH -CME/MEDICAL- DENTAL MISSION MARCH 19, MANILA ADVENTIST MEDICAL CENTER: Dental-Medical-Nursing Symposium. This years out-reach program to the Philippines reeled off with a symposium led by Several members of the outreach team served as resource persons: Elmer Bangloy, Eduardo Gonzaga, Edna Domingo, Lita Laoyan, Bella Litvin and a guest lecturer, Dr. Tota Shimizu, a Japanese endodontist specializing in microscopic Endodontics at Glendale, California. Speakers shared their expertise to the doc-tors, nurses, dentists and medical profes-sionals at the Adventist Medical Center-Manila (AMCM), formerly Manila Advent-ist Medical Center (MAMC). The team then proceeded to the following venues and served about 4,000 patients:

ITOGON, BENGUET, BAGUIO (March 19-21) BANGAR, LA UNION March 26-28) 9) AWESNA PRESIDENTS PARTICI-PATION AS SPEAKER DURING THE NATIONAL ALUMNI CHAPTER BANQUET, MARCH 24, 2014; 3:00 p.m. AUP, Silang, Cavite THEME: HANDS FOR SERVICE 10) APRIL 26, 2014 CENTRAL VAL-LEY CHAPTER CENTRAL VALLEY CHURCH ANNIVERSARY/ AWESNA RALLY/ CHAPTER ELECTION OF OFFICERS Central Valley Chapter, led by Noli Pobla-cion held their Chapter Rally in the after-noon during their church anniversary cele-bration. In his devotional message, AWESNA President Elmer Bangloy, com-mended the Chapter for active involvement and underscored the value of volunteerism and unity towards achieving the goals of the organization and eventually contribut-ing significantly to Gods work through the training ministry of AUP. Election was held and the Chapter Officers are: President- Noli Poblacion Vice Presidents: Fresno-Joe Esposo; Hanford-LettyLachica Bakersfield- Juvy Gaje; Visalia-Clarita Dalida Secretary Merilyn Pimentel Asso. Secretary- Andy Tuazon Treasurer Geminiano Sulit Asso. Treasurer- Edgar Federico PRO Judy Osena Auditor Julith Batulayan Advisors: Pastor Abel Pangan Mike Mariano AWESNA OFFICERS PRESENT: 1) Elmer and Lorie Bangloy; 2) Alfonso and Loida Miguel; 3) Rene and Imelda Donato; 4) Bert Bagingito; 5) Lita and Ralph Lao-yan; 6) Ed and Alma Gonzaga; 7) Ernesto and Miriam Banaag; 8) Fern Kintanar; 9) Fe Asuncion, (10) Eppie Manalo. Total AWESNA Attendees from Los Angeles,Glendale, and Loma Linda-16.

11) MAY 2 - 3 , 2014 HAWAII Honolulu Fil-Am SDA Church WORSHIP HOUR SPEAKER- Dr. Elmer Bangloy Fulfilling Life of Service AFTERNOON CHAPTER RALLY Speaker- Dr. Elmer Bangloy Volunteerism, Unite and Ignite HEALTH LECTURE Lita Laoyan ELECTION OF OFFICERS: President Ric Calla Vice President Melba Arreola Manzano Secretary Brenda Cababa Dolormente Treasurer Moises Medrano PRO Elmy Ann Cordova Peralta Auditor Romy Villoso Advisors Vic Arreola David Madrid Alfred Reyno Gilbert Agir AWESNA OFFICERS IN ATTEN-DANCE: Elmer and Lorie Bangloy; Lita and Raffy Laoyan 12) MAY 18, 2014 Rose Bowl Park, Pasadena, CA 10 a.m.-5 p.m. LOS ANGELES CHAPTER PICNIC-GAMES, FOOD and FUN! Hosted by LA Chapter President, Loida Miguel, attended by about 50-75 members and officers including surrounding Glen-dale, Temple City, White Memorial and Pasadena SDA church members. 13) MAY 24, 2014 Bakersfield, CA- YOUNG ALUMNI RALLY and WORSHIP HOUR SERVICE IN ATTENDANCE: Lita and Raffy Laoyan MAY 24, 2014 -Reche Canyon, Colton, California MEETING OF PHYSICIANS WITH COLLEGE OF MEDICINE FOUNDING DEAN, DR. DORIS MENDOZA Organized and coordinated by Dr. Alfonso Miguel, the meeting was held at Drs. Wil-son and Mariclen Laos residence. Present at the meeting were: Dr. and Mrs. Alfonso Miguel, Dr. and Mrs. Elmer Bangloy, Dr. and Mrs. Felcar Morada, Dr. and Mrs. Tavy Quijada, Drs. Ed and Alma Gonzaga, Dr. Benny Banaag, Dr. and Mrs. Miguelito Fernando, Dr. and Mrs. RomuloTabo, Don and Gladys Roman, Fe Asuncion and two

other doctors from the Philippines. A sumptuous dinner was served, and a sun-down devotional preceded the two- hour meeting on updates on the AUP proposed COM. 14) MAY 31, 2014 SAN DIEGO FIL-AM SDA CHURCH SAN DIEGO CHAPTER WORSHIP HOUR/CHAPTER RALLY Organized by Crisamar Anunciado, SD Chapter President Hour of Worship Speaker Pastor Limuel Liwanag Afternoon Rally Speaker- Dr. Elmer Bangloy Topic: Unite and Ignite Present were: Elmer and Lorie Bangloy, Lita and Raffy Laoyan, Ella and Fil Al-caide, Rene and Imelda Donato, Bert and Violy Bagingito, Annie Madigan, Ruth and Danny Ranchez, Fern Kintanar, and Fe Asuncion.

15) JUNE 7, 2014 GREATER NORTH-ERN CALIFORNIA WORSHIP HOUR/CHAPTER RALLY - Emily Garcia, Chapter President Hour Of Worship Speaker Dr. Ed Gonzaga Walk Across The Room Greetings on behalf of AWESNA Dr. Elmer Bangloy Afternoon Rally Speaker Dr. Elmer Bangloy Volunteerism-- Unite and Ignite AWESNA Mission Report Lita Laoyan Emily Garcia pointed out that the Chap-ters main focus is helping the working students of AUP, especially the majority who are financially-challenged, and made an emotional appeal for help. AWESNA officers present were: Elmer and Lorie Bangloy, Lita and Raffy Laoyan, Ed Gonzaga Special Projects committee member, Edwin Araba, Oscar Pablo, and all Greater Northern California Chapter officers.

16) JUNE 27-29, 2014 CAMP HOPE, VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA CASCADIA CAMP MEETING/CHAPTER RALLY (Rachel Ching Pedernal, Chapter Presi-dent) Present were: Elmer and Lorie Ban-gloy, Alfonso and Loida Miguel, Marjorie Reyno, Fe Asuncion, Fern Kintanar, Rich-ard and Wilma Dauglash. Morning Manna Speaker Dr. Alfonso Miguel Reaching Together in His Service Afternoon Health Lecture Dr. Alfonso Miguel Osteoporosis Afternoon AWESNA Promotion Dr. Elmer Bangloy 4th Joint Convention; Volunteerism, Unite and Ignite Sunday Afternoon Dinner given by the Cascadia Chapter. It was not only a treat to meet with the Cascadia Chapter; extra treat was eating very rare fruits: lanzones, jackfruit, atis, guyabano, santol, etc. As chapter President Rachel (Ching) Pedernal summed it up, Our togetherness may seem quick and hasty, but the memories created has rekindled in us the desire to unite and ignite.

This convention culminates the first year of this term and ushers in future, challenging years of productive service for AWESNA, Alma Mater, and our LeaderGOD!


17) AUGUST 29-31, 2014HILTON LAKE LAS VEGAS HOTEL, HENDERSON, NEVADA The 4th JOINT AWESNA-EASNAC-ACCNA-ST CONVENTION


The study of Biblical spirituality has flooded the Christian world during this last decade. The focus is on how to live a sanctified life. Many have failed in their journey because it has become a ritual, a

spiritual exercise rather than a faith experience. We can begin today by having the mind of Jesus in our lives and experience salvation from the power of sin. The Scripture says: And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, and that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:16).

With this thought:

Quit magnifying your problems. Quit exaggerating the power of the devil. Plan for victories with Jesus. Start emphasizing the power of God. Start testifying about the greatness of God. Start planning tomorrows victories.

If we plan to cultivate the mind of Jesus in us.... let us daily look unto Jesus as the Lords messenger penned: When the mind dwells upon self, it is turned away from Christ, the source of strength and life. Hence, it is Satans constant effort to keep the attention diverted from the Savior and thus prevent the union and communion of the soul with Christ.Commit the keeping of your soul to God, and trust in Him. Talk and think of Jesus. Let self be lost in Him!Steps toChrist, pp. 71-72. We need to look constantly to Jesus, realizing that it is His power which does the work. . we must also take time for meditation, for prayer, and for the study of the Word of God. Only the work accom-plished with much prayer and sanctified by the merit of Christ will in the end prove to have been efficient for good. Desire of Ages, p. 362.

In our spiritual journey, let us have the mind of Christ.(I Corinthians 2:16).

A Minute Meditation:

By Dr. VicLouis Arreola,III

HOW TO HAVE THE MIND OF JESUS

HAWAII CHAPTER OFFICERS

President: Ricardo Calla II Vice President: Melva (Arreola) Manzano Secretary: Brenda (Cababat) Dolormente Treasurer: Moises Medrano PRO: Elmy Ann (Cordova) Peralta Auditor: Romy Villosos Advisers: Victor Arreola David Madrid Alfred Reyno Gilbert Agir

HAWAII CHAPTER HOLDS RALLY

In response to the call for Hawaii Chapter to reorganize, Ric Calla called for a rally on May 3, 2014 held at the Honolulu Fil-Am SDA Church, Honolulu, Hawaii. AWESNA President Dr. Elmer Bangloy with wife Lorie and AWESNA Vice President Carmelita Laoyan with hus-

t age 13, I became an orphan and there were 5 other siblings after me, the youngest was just 2 years old. This was the beginning

of my challenges in life. When I was intro-duced to Jesus, I accepted Him, and got baptized through the influence of my favorite Elementary teacher, Ms. Maria Tumangday. I was determined to over-come many lifes challenges by Gods help.

PURPOSE DRIVEN CONTINUES ON PAGE 29

PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE IN GODS HANDS

A

By Fem A. Ramirez, RN,PHN, MA

band Rafael attended and participated during their Hour of Worship and afternoon program. Lorie Bangloy was the pianist, Carmelita Laoyan gave Children's Story and health lecture, and Dr. Elmer Bangloy gave the Message "The Fulfilling Life of Service" and presented the associa-tion's theme "Unite and Ignite". To end the afternoon pro-gram, the alumni elected their new set of officers followed by an Oath Taking conducted by Dr. Elmer Bangloy.


Significant Event he Cascadia Alumni Chapter at Vancouver, British Colum-bia has been greatly blessed last June 27-29, 2014 with the visit of our AWESNA president, Dr. Elmer Bangloy with

his wife Lorie and with their team including our former AWESNA president Dr. Alfonso Miguel, Jr. and his wife Loida who is serv-ing president of the Los Angeles Alumni Chapter, Marjorie Reyno, president of the Loma Linda Chapter, Fe Asuncion, Fern Kintanar and the ever faithful Alumni Roster-in charge, Wilma Dauglash and her husband Dick. It was our first time to see some of them personally and made our meeting more meaningful, creating stronger bond of friendship and ties developed during the 31st Filipino Camp Meeting at Hope, BC. Participation and Purpose Dr. Alfonso Miguel, Jr. was given the privilege to be the speaker of the Sabbath morning manna and to share his knowledge about osteoporosis during the afternoon seminar workshop. Dr. Elmer Bangloy was also privileged to present and promote the AUP

AWESNA vision, gatherings and projects. He emphasized the soon-coming mega convention theme To Unite and Ignite and the importance of volunteerism. He felt that the chosen theme was not coincidental but truly providential synergizing with the theme at the camp meeting, Reaching Out To-gether. Some great lessons learned developed into a lovely creed that when we contribute and serve, we can stay younger and healthier preventing osteoporosis, and when we volunteer, we can stay energized and happier. We were able to distribute invitational brochures for the Las Vegas joint convention this coming August 29-31, 2014. Rep-resenting our Cascadia Chapter for the said rally will be Mir-riam dela Cruz, Noel Abuel and his wife Belle, Nelson and Lorna Decena. Response For Sundays dinner, we organized a small gathering of fam-ily, friends and alumni, and served fresh lanzones, halo-halo and other delicacies. We shared some fun, laughter and few poses for photo shots. We were fortunate to be covered by an alumnus, Noel Abuel, for his media business. Our together-ness may seem quick and hasty, but the memories created has rekindled in us to Unite, Ignite and Volunteer. We love you all.

Vancouver and BC

Chronicles of Cascadia: CASCADIA CHAPTER REPORT 2014

By Rachel Varona-Pedernal President, AWESNA Cascadia Chapter

Vancouver and B.C.

T


In Memoriam Date of Death August 14, 2013 Dr. Celedonio A. Fernando October 29, 2013 Lydia Vigilia October 30,2013 Annie Cristobal Stubblefield November 6, 2013 Rachel Gayoba Polston December 21, 2013 Angelina Jimenez Flores January 30, 2014 Dr. Rolando Valdez Arafiles February 3, 2014 Esther Miguel Peralta February 14, 2014 Evelyn Domingo Teh March 9, 2014 Pastor Crisanto Alcaide March 12, 2014 Pastor Victor Cabansag April 9, 2014 Julio Tabiolo April 13, 2014 Oscar Fauni April 25, 2014 Priscilla Atiga Catalon May 4, 2014 Avelino Oliva June 18, 2014 Edwin Vidal Arafiles June 25, 2014 Rhody Santos Dalusong June 30, 2014 Pastor Florencio Arrogante July 4, 2014 Agnes Montiel Paragas July 8, 2014 Dr. Valerie Lenette M. Reyes July 15, 2014 Bernardina M. Loyola at 106 years

GNCC CHAPTER RALLY REPORT Emily Nimo Garcia,

AWESNA GNCC President

The Greater Northern California ( GNCC) had a chapter rally at the Stockton Fil-Am Church on June 7, 2014 with delegates from AWESNA . The Hour of Worship speaker was Dr. Ed Gonzaga, presenting his theme on health topic, Walk Across the Room. AWESNA President, Dr. Elmer Bangloy, delivered the welcome

remarks on behalf of AWESNA and set the tone for the rally which was readily received by the congregation with warm enthusiasm. Special music ren-dition from the San Jose choir and String duet by Dale and Stanley Araba. The chapter

rally continued in the afternoon with mini concert, a message from AWESNA President, Dr. Elmer Bangloy on Volunteerism, Unite and Ignite. AWESNA Vice President, Lita Laoyan reported the

AWESNA Medical Mission. GNCC president, Emily Garcia em-phasized that , Our main project is to assist financially working students at AUP who have financial difficulty. The officers members responded with monthly pledges in support to this project.


AWESNA 2014 Mission ,From Page 9

and in to the beautiful sceneries in San Fernando, La Union. Praise God

for beautiful people with kindred spirit that even if NOT Seventh-day

Adventists, showed no discrimination, and poured their support to this

noble cause. The team finally arrived at the medical mission site in the

evening. It was quite difficult to distribute housing as the streets were not

well lit and streets were narrow for Van to pass through. Everyone was

distributed to relatives of Edna Domingo (uncles, aunties, niece, and

mayor). The medical team in Banger La Union was coordinated through

the Governor and mayors of two towns with the help of the provincial

health officer and the municipal doctors of Banger and Sudeten, La Un-

ion. The weather in La Union was quite different from Baguio City that

has the cool breeze although it is along the coast of China Sea. In spite of

the heat and humidity, the team continued working. The medical section

was swamped with patients attended by

Drs. Gonzaga, Dr. Tabo, and Dr. Cath-

erine Catolico of Condon who also came

to help. Members of the team did their

job and found joy serving and learning

about the people in the community. Mr.

Lachica mingled with patients and parents while Mr. Sabalboro learned

to become a surgical assistant as Dr. Quion did non-stop doing minor

surgeries. The Dental team was also graced with the dental group in La

Union. On the last two days of medical mission, many children came for

circumcision after school ended. Three tables served circumcisions, Dr.

Olpindo, Mr. Vigilia, Dr. Liongco, and Edna Domingo while Mrs.

Vigilia assisted and served as the pharmacist. Mr. Domingo and Glenna

Sabalboro did blood sugar checks. Carmelita did optical while Fely,

Arlegie, Letty, Erlinda took charge of main pharmacy. The local doctors

also helped with patient consultations as well as workers of the RHU.

The NLM mission nurse, district pastor, and the local pastor gave their

assistance and support to this three day medical mission. Meals served

were authentic native cooking from produce of the local area. The two

mayors of Bangar and Sudipen provided some of the meals and snacks

as their gesture of support to this noble

cause of serving the health care needs of

their people in the community. We

praise God that the mission was success-

ful. The total number of patients seen

was approximately 2, 010. To God be

the Glory! Balaoan, La Union church prepared a farewell program to

the medical team on their way back to Manila. It was prepared by the

La Union District coordinated by Pastor Steve Sencio, district pastor

assisted by church members and elders. It was a grand hearty dinner!

Praise God from whom all blessings flow. We pray that Gods glory

and the gospel truth were magnified as we mingled with the people.

This was what Jesus did in His ministry. He did more healing than

preaching. His way of sharing His Gospel of love and mercy was

more openly received when those healed witnessed and proclaimed

the message of the gospel truth. Sharing the gospel through the heal-

ing ministry is the joy of service. +

About the Speaker: Pastor Mike Tucker, AWESNA convention speaker, is the speaker/director for the Faith For Today telecast, and is frequently heard on Voice of Prophecy broadcasts. Until early 2009, he was senior pastor of the 1900-member, Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church in Arlington, Texas. He has previously served as a Christian High School Bible teacher, youth pastor, and chaplain for medical and psychiatric facili-ties. He holds a masters degree in counseling and has served as a Pastors Pastor for ministers in his denomination. Pastor Tucker has authored several books, including Journal of a Lonely God; Jesus, Hes All Youll Ever Need; Every Good Thing; A Time for You; The Irrefutable, Irrevocable, Unalterable Laws of Dating; Ten Keys to a Happy Marriage; and Meeting Jesus in the Book of Revelation. Pastor Tucker was the speaker for NET 2007, HeartQuest: Finding the One Who Has Loved You All Along. Mike hosts Faith For Todays flagship program, Lifestyle Magazine, the most recognized Adventist broadcast in Amer-ica. Mike lives in the Dallas area with his wife Gayle.


THE LINK / Summer 2013 19

AWESNA Glendale Chapter AWESNA Glendale Chapter

Letty Banaag Chapter President

GLENDALE CHAPTER REPORT August 31, 2014, Henderson, Nevada

lendale Chapter is an active chapter espe-cially in its participation in church activities. The Chapter joined efforts with the Glendale

Filipino Church at the latest medical-evangelism mis-sion work that was held in the beautiful island of Romblon, Philippines. Together, the members of the Chapter and the Church continue to do annual Christmas visits, pre-sent a program and distribute quilts to the residents of the Walter Hoving Home. Foremost in the activities where the Chapter mem-bers are active are participations in most, if not all, church activities, such as - assisting and being a strong support to the Pastors; leadership in the differ-ent church departments; leadership in church pro-grams, actively participating in the singing band visi-tations at the different nearby convalescent homes and hospitals, which are almost every Saturday after-noon; participation in literature distributions; assist-ing and giving generously where financial help is needed; helping out in the different spiritual and so-cial activities of the church, and many others as the needs arise. At the most recent gathering of the world-famous AUP Ambassadors alumni at White Memorial Church last June, it was joined by the Glendale Chap-ter Ambassador alumni and other voices from other churches - in a spiritual concert that was directed by Ray Puen and a special performance by the Ambassa-dors directed by their own Bojo Limjuaco. It is a pleasure to report that four of our Chapter members (Ernie, Ella, Gorden, and Wilma) are active officers of the Mother Chapter. We are also happy to report that Raquel Maranan, ("welcome Raquel") formerly from the Florida Chapter, is now our new Secretary, taking the place of Ella Alcaide, who had been, for many years, a very active and dependable Secretary ('thank you Ella"). We welcome the two

most recent additions to our membership - Raquel and Windell Maranan. In addition, the Glendale Chapter gave its support to the publication of AWESNA's 2014 Convention souvenir pro-gram by subitting many greetings and advertisements to the AWESNA Convention Souvenir Program. It is a joy, and with praises to the Lord, that as alumni and frinds of PUC/AUP, we have been blessed and fortunate to have been educated and trained in a school known to be "the school that trains for service" - service to God and mankind. Long live AUP, and the different alumni chapters that com-prise AWESNA and EASNAC. Submitted by: Letty Banaag, President, Glendale Chapter

G


Administrator, educator, missionaryDr. Ottis C. Edwards ministry embodies the life of a disciple of Christ, unselfishly serving where God has called him. His passion for mission work began when he was six years oldwatching his church pas-tor accepting a call to Borneo and reading a poster from the General Conference showing Jesus with outstretched arms, as if He was

directly speaking to Him to go into all the world. Since then, he resolved to follow where His Master leads him. Born in 1929 (the year of the stock market crash in the United States) in Wenatchee, Washington, Ottis childhood years were marked by constant struggles. At eight, his father died of cancer, leaving his mother to raise eight children on her own. However, no obstacle could deter him from pursuing his goal. With Gods help and his unflinching determination, he paid his school bills doing odd jobsworking on the farm, caring for chickens, serving as dormitory monitor in the evenings, assisting with food preparation in the cafeteria. During the summer after graduating from Upper Columbia Academy, he worked on the construction of the new boys dormitory. It was late in summer that year that he met Dottie Womack, whom he married during their college years at Walla Walla College (now Walla Walla University). With unwavering determination Ottis completed his Bachelor of Theology with minors in Education and English in 1952; earned his Master of Education from Walla Walla College/University in 1960; and later his Doctor of Education from University of Southern Cali-fornia, Los Angeles in 1968. Prior to his engagement in the field of education, Dr. Edwards served in the United States Armyan assignment he considered strenuous. As a conscientious objector who did not participate in rifle practice, he spent innumerable hours doing KP (kitchen preparation). Anticipating his deployment to Korea, he enrolled in medical training courses. However, teaching beckoned him, two weeks before the end of his medical training, as he was asked to teach medic classes for the next group of new recruits. This was followed by more intensive involvement in educational leadership and classroom teaching: Principal, Toledo SDA Church School, Oregon(1952-53); Instructor, United States Army Basic Training Facility, Corpus Christi, Texas (1953-55); Principal, Roseburg Jun-ior Academy, Roseburg, Oregon (1955-57); Principal Eugene Jun-ior Academy, Eugene, Oregon (1957-59); English Instructor, Walla Walla College Academy, College Place, Washington (1959-60). While busy serving as administrator and teacher in the United States, his dream for missions was realized when on October 22, 1960, he, Dottie, and adopted daughter, Londa, flew to the Philip-pines after accepting a call from the General Conference to teach at Philippine Union College. The warm welcome from then PUC President Ruben Manalaysay and the faculty signaled an enjoyable episode and lasting relationship with Philippine Union College,

where he first served as chair of the English Department and advisor for the College Voice (1960-64). This four-year rendezvous with PUC, however, was temporarily halted when the Far Eastern Division called him to serve as aca-demic dean at Mountain View College in the South Philip-pines. There he was also English Department chair and Act-ing President (1964-65). Although establishing relationships and adjusting to the new assignment posed a big challenge, Dr. Ottis and his family gained lasting relationships to form part of fond memories of the School of the Light. It was during Dr. Edwards furlough that he had the oppor-tunity for postgraduate studies at University of Southern California. This however, was the time when Dottie had developed rheumatoid arthritis. Would we be able to return to the Philippines? ran through his uncertain mind. After his dissertation defense, several options presented them-selvesaccept the call to be academic dean at Southeast Asia Union College; or request the GC for him to be al-lowed to return to Philippine Union College. Shortly after, the last option crystallized, but the specifics were not clear. Still, without hesitation, he answeredYes we will go to PUC!

Multi-talented, active, with a good sense of humoryet unassuming and more of the behind-the scene leader, Rene U. Donato has exempli-fied servant-leadership in all his multi-faceted roles in alumni, church, and community affairs. A staunch

and loyal AWESNA member, he has served AWESNA as board member for six years before being elected auditor in 2010; thereafter serving as auditor (first term under Mr. Alberto Bagingitos administration) and currently in the same capacity; alumni souvenir program coordinator, pro-motions director, layout editor; audio-visual technician, and handymanyou name it, he performs it. In 2004, as AWESNA board member and co-chair of the Budget and Finance Committee, Rene was a key player in realizing the first joint AWESNA-EASNAC Convention in Houston, Texas. Rene likewise led Mountain View College Alumni Association as vice president and later, president (an office he performed for the longest term). Multi-

AWESNA AWARDEES DISTINGUISHED LEADERSHIP

OTTIS C. EDWARDS, Ed.D.

MOST OUTSTANDING ALUMNUS

RENE U.DONATO


talented, active, with a good sense of humoryet unassuming and more of the behind-the scene leader, Rene U. Donato has exemplified servant-leadership in all his multi-faceted roles in alumni, church, and community affairs. A staunch and loyal AWESNA member, he has served AWESNA as board member for six years before being elected auditor in 2010; thereafter serving as auditor (first term under Mr. Alberto Bagingitos administration) and currently in the same capacity; alumni sou-venir program coordinator, promotions director, layout editor; audio-visual technician, and handymanyou name it, he per-forms it. In 2004, as AWESNA board member and co-chair of the Budget and Finance Committee, Rene was a key player in realizing the first joint AWESNA-EASNAC Convention in Houston, Texas.

Rene likewise led Mountain View College Alumni Association as vice president and later, president (an office he performed for the longest term).

A product of Seventh-day Adventist Christian education, Rene completed his secondary schooling in Mountain View College. Later, in 1967, he graduated from Philippine Union College, now Adventist University of the Philippines, and was treasurer of the Golden Anniversary Graduating Class of that year.

During his undergraduate years, he participated in various co-curricular activities and held positions as business manager of Balintawak Memoirs and College Voice, the school annual and newsletter respectively; and later served as Student Association treasurer during the first half of 1967. In addition, he was presi-dent of the Business Students Club and led out in many student functions. Recognizing his exemplary leadership and out-standing academic performance, PUC offered him a teaching position in the School of Business right after graduation. After passing the CPA exams with flying colors after one take, he continued teaching accounting, auditing, and business math subjects at PUC until 1972.

Following the Biblical injunction that it is not good for man to be alone, Rene married the love of his lifeformer Imelda Miguel, a PUC alumna. In 1975, the couple and their son, Rick, immigrated to the United States, and settled for a while in Chi-cago, Illinois. Early in 1976, he received a call to work for the General Conference as accountant for the Institutional Ser-vices/Esda Sales, based in Riverside, Californiawhere he served until he was offered a Controllers job in 1979 by a hos-

pital in Baird, Texas. It was there where their daughter Aimee Lou was born.

Equipped with the needed experience in his field, he and his family returned to sunny California where he worked as Ac-counting Supervisor for the City of Corona; and his wife served at the Loma Linda University Medical Center. After his 18-year stint in City of Corona, he took an early retirement from government employment to pursue other opportunities in the private sector.

A member of the Loma Linda Filipino SDA Church in Loma Linda, California, the largest Filipino congregation outside of the Philippines, Rene has served as Sabbath School superinten-dent, associate treasurer, and treasurer till 2009, and continues to assist in church treasury work.

Generous with his services, Rene willingly shares his knowl-edge, talents, and skills and does so with a positive counte-nance. As an organization team player, Rene has exhibited the values that contribute towards AWESNAs philosophyUnite and Ignite, and is a living testimony to the fulfillment of the ideals of AUP, the School that Trains for Service.

(Above photo ) Jose Pong Ma-nalo, Jr. with his parents, Pastor and Mrs. Jose Manalo. (Left photo.) Jose Pong Manalo ,Jr. with Edwin Araba , taken during Washington, DC 2011 convention.

Congratulations to a new lawyer, Jose Pong Manalo, Jr.! - for receiving his Juris Doctor degree after he graduated from Columbia University College of Law on March 22, 2014. We will continue to pray for his success and may God bless him more for years to come !

UNDER THE MANGO TREE


An Exorcising Experience

Against My Better Judgement "Please come and exorcise an evil spirit from one of our stu-dents at Sampaguita Hall (Women's dormitory)," Dr. Delfe Alsaybar said. He, with three lady faculty members of Philip-pine Union College, came to our quarters one Friday evening. It was the school year 1979-1980 when the whole PUC popula-tion at the Baesa campus had just transferred to the new cam-pus at Puting Kahoy, Silang, Cavite. The faculty and students of the Seventh-Day Adventist Theological Seminary, Far East were among them. "But I never had the experience of exorcising the devil!" I told the group. I remembered a demon-possession incident when I was a student at PUC. A demon-possessed dormitory mate of mine displayed super-human strength. There were six of us but we could not hold him or pin him down. Much to my chagrin, my wife retorted, "But how can you have an experience if you don't try?" Then she followed Delfe's group to his van. Although very much against my better judge-ment I could not follow, too. Sampaguita Hall was up in a hill (The Lanbingan bridge had not been built at the time. Delfe let us out of his car at the bottom of the hill, closed the van's door, and drove away with the three teachers. He told me later:"Pasensiya ka na, Meniong , takot din ako!" (Pardon me, Meniong, I also was afraid!). Preparing for the Encounter I made slow and small steps as we climbed the hill. I was try-ing to prepare myself for the encounter. I remembered the counsels of the Apostle James. "Submit yourselves, then to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you... wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts..." (James 4:7,8). I tried to recollect all my recent sins, confess them, and sought forgiveness. I wanted nothing that would block or hinder the flow of Almighty Power to me. Exorcism in Action We knocked and entered the room of the afflicted student. We saw exorcism in action - a male student was holding the feet of the lady; another male student, her two hands; a lady student was pressing an open Bible on her face, and the dormitory dean was saying her prayers in a loud shrill voice. The student was struggling to free herself and cursing her tormentors to high

heavens. I told them to stop and let go of the lady because I recognized her. A Wrong Diagnosis A week before, I was on a passenger jeep on my way to visit the Baesa campus of PUC. A lady by my side said to me: "Sir, bayad na po kayo."(Sir, I already paid your fare). This was a Filipino practice - a less favored person doing a favor for a much favored person. I thanked her for her kindness. THAT LADY WAS THIS STUDENT! When she saw me, she smiled in recognition. We visited. I learned that she was from Baler, Quezon, that she was an only child, that this was her first time to be away from home, and that she was not only homesick and lonely but frightened to be in the company of strangers. Her strange and sometimes violent behavior was interpreted to be devil posses-sion. I requested the dean to bring her some food. the student ate with gusto, not only because she was probably famished but because the atmosphere had turned to be cordial and caring. She talked and smiled all throughout her meal and gave other evidences that she was normal and okay. Disappointed? The church at the time met at the cafeteria down below the Sampaguita Hall. The vesper meeting apparently had come to a close. We heard an announcement - "All ordained ministers please remain. We will do some exorcising!" A few minutes later we heard the rumble of many feet. I opened the door and saw 30 or more ministers, all equipped with Bibles and ready to do battle. I gently told them to go home as the battle had already been won. Disappointed? A few insisted to see the lady. they saw her sit-ting on her bed with a smile and rest-ing well. Did I have an exorcising experience? Probably not! But thanks to God and to my brave wife, since then I lost my fear to meet the devil face to face!

By Dr. Herman Reyes

Author, Dr. Herman Reyes


n 1953, forty seven ambitious students in their teens graduated from High School at Philippine Union College, now Adventist

University of the Philippines. Fifty years later, in the year 2003, eighteen class members attended their very first reunion in Covina, California. On this 60th Anniversary of our graduation, we thought of having a reunion one more time. Contacting classmates after 60 years was a real challenge and for some various reasons, they could not make it and thats understandable. However, twelve class members with their respec-tive spouses were able to attend the 42nd Annual AUP/AWESNA Convention in San Diego, La Jolla Marriott Hotel from August 30- September 1, 2013.

Most of us attended the week-end activi-ties. The speaker for the Friday Vespers program was a young Pastor Vic Louis Arreola IV, and the Sabbath Services by Pastor George Johnson. We were in-spired and blessed by the messages laced with beautiful musical renditions by dif-ferent individuals and singing groups. The mass Choir accompanied by the orchestra was spiritually uplifting. The Saturday evening Banquet was entertain-ing with music and magic. Being in an honor class, each one was presented a colorful badge direct from AUP.

Early Sunday morning, September 1, the group had breakfast in one of the confer-ence room of the hotel. The room was spacious enough for us to move around to socialize and laughed to our hearts content. As one could imagine, a lot of picture-taking took place. You see, we were trying hard to have the camera cap-ture a better, younger-looking class! Sixty years is a long, long time but amazingly, we all look great!

Experiences during high school days brought a lot of nostalgic memories. A classmate we have not seen nor heard from since graduation was not recog-nized till her name was mentioned. Despite our advancing years, its a sur-prise that nobody talked about their ar-thritic pains. In such gatherings, trou-bles seem to disappear. In fact, a class-mate still goes dancing as a form of ex-ercise-so she said. If anybody had a

problem seeing, theres the bifocal; and hard of hearing? We just talked louder and stayed closer to each other.

On the lighter side, Mariano Nabong led the group in a moment of silence, to re-member some classmates who have passed away. A prayer was offered in thankfulness to God for

Documents

The Link- 4th AUP Joint Convention 2014