New leadership ignites the Thomasian spirit

The new leadership of the Philippine Embassy in Brunei (PEB), UST Office of Alumni Relations (UST OAR) and UST Alumni Association in Brunei (USTAAB) ignited the Thomasian spirit during the 4th USTAAB Annual Meeting and Induction of Officers and Members held at The Capital Residence Suites on 26 October 2019.

New Officers with Asst. Prof. Fredeswindo R. Medina and His Excellency Ambassador Mr. Christopher B. Montero

His Excellency Mr. Christopher B. Montero, the new Ambassador-Designate of the Republic of the Philippines to Brunei Darussalam, graced the said occasion as the Guest of Honor. The program kicked off by listening to Ambassador Christopher B. Montero’s address highlighting the importance of quality over quantity of membership to achieve success and significance in serving the Filipino community in Brunei Darussalam. Being married to a Thomasian lawyer, he urged the Thomasians to continue supporting the initiatives and advocacies of the Philippine Embassy in Brunei.

His Excellency Ambassador Mr. Christopher B. Montero

To carry on the mission of the Association, the new officers and members were installed by Ambassador Christopher B. Montero’s and Asst. Prof. Fredeswindo R. Medina, MACHS, the new Director of UST OAR. The USTAAB officers for Fiscal Year 2019-2020 are: Maria Theresa Cordova (President), Joji Languido-Castillo (Vice President), Ennali Alcantara (Secretary), Lucy Velez (Treasurer), and Renz Generales (P.R.O.). Karen Carla Samson is the newly inducted member and she is entitled to all privileges as indicated on the Association By-Laws.

As Past President Carol Abacan reported the accomplishments during her term, New President Maria Theresa Cordova also shared how the Thomasians can keep the Association active by collaborating to support the Adopt-a-Tiger Programme of UST, visit the elderly at the Bethany House, and help assist the orphans of DANA. Likewise, she presented the Calendar of Activities for Fiscal Year 2019-2020 which includes a Family Day, Music Camp, Caroling for a Cause, Year-End Gathering, Feast Day Celebration of St. Thomas Aquinas, A Night of Music, Sports Clinic, Car Boot Sale, Community Outreach, Badminton Tournament, and Bowling Tournament.

Carol Abacan, Past President

Maria Theresa Cordova, New President

Asst. Prof. Fredeswindo R. Medina together with Carla Romina G. Ricarte (UST OAR Alumni Cultivation and Engagement Officer), and Kathleen Mae. N. Agustin (UST OAR Office Bursar, Procurement and Sponsorship Officer) flew to Brunei to witness the Induction Ceremony. Part of their Chapter Visit is to reconnect the alumni with their alma mater by encouraging them to register their profiles at UST OAR Alumni Information System (https://ais.ust.edu.ph/) and applying for a Thomasian Alumni Card to enjoy perks and privileges.

Joji Catillo, Carla Ricarte, Kathleen Agustin, Asst. Prof, Fredeswindo Medina, Theresa Cordova

Recent developments happening at the UST, particularly the Thomasian Alumni Center and 22-storey Senior High School, were presented by Asst. Prof. Fredeswindo R. Medina. He also gave updates on the academic achievements of the Faculties, Colleges, Institutes and Schools which made the alumni feel a sense of pride in their beloved university. Awarding a silver Jubilee medal to Dominic Cordova and singing the UST Hymn concluded Asst. Prof. Fredeswindo’s speech.

Asst. Prof. Fredeswindo R. Medina, UST OAR Director

To spark more loyalty and excitement from the alumni, the UST OAR gave away freebies such as planners, umbrellas, and sports bags after the closing remarks of the newly inducted Vice-President of USTAAB, Joji Languido-Castillo. She rekindled the purpose of her membership by going beyond the common ground of the alumni association and establishing new family and friendships. Her relationships with fellow alumni inspire her to do meaningful activities not only for USTAAB but as well as for the community.

Joji Castillo, New Vice President

This annual event would not be a successful and memorable one without the participation of the Filipino Association in Brunei, Carl Benson Carreon as the emcee, and Recoinnassant as the guest band. Recoinnassant consists of Francis Bautista, Jen Oliverio, Dominic Cordova, Clinton Amaro, and Merf Viray. Likewise, the supportive families and friends turned the night into an extraordinary moment.

The Filipino Association

Carl Benson Carreon , Emcee

Recoinnassant , Guest Band

Thomasian Families and Friends

Truly, the new leadership of the Ambassador of PEB, Director of UST OAR, and President and Vice President of USTAAB fired up the Thomasian spirit to be more competent and compassionate professionals committed to the service of the Church, the nation, and the global community.