A Night of Stars

CEBU, Philippines - July 3, 2016, was an overcast day; the sun hesitated to come out the whole time. And when night came, there was not a single star in the sky. But as one stepped into the Magellan Ballroom of Shangri-la’s Mactan Island Resort and Spa, the whole place glowed with the gathering of the brightest stars.

The 25th annual reunion of the University of the Visayas College of Nursing Class ’91 had the Hollywood glam of the 80s for its theme. True enough, everybody came in their most stylish 80s Hollywood outfits. The men were dashing in their suits – the ladies glorious in their gowns.

But the high fashion and the revels were just the froth that topped the real substance of the activities. It was an occasion to give recognition to the top achievers and supporters of UV Nursing Class ‘91. They were the ‘stars’ of the night.

Officers and staff of the UV College of Nursing were given plaques of appreciation, special gifts from batchmates, and customized souvenir items from Mrs. Nena Gullas. They were former assistant dean Shirley Alinsonorin. former dean Jessie G. Empaces, current dean Yvonne M. Sevilla, and clinical instructors Yvonne Peñan, Ma. Isabelita Abellanosa, Jessica Selloria, Fe D. Mahinay, Brenda Manguilimotan, Santos Templado, Catalina Seno, Alma Ludalin G. Naboya, Paz Kiunisala, and  Josephine Alo. School bus driver Reynaldo Baguio and office staff Carmelita Villegas were also given plaques of appreciation for their dedicated service to Batch ‘91.

Among the batch mates, four were given awards by UV vice-president Jose R. Gullas and wife Nena: Mary Ann Laput-Padilla for Excellence in Nursing Service Administration, Eliza Germano-Kintanar for Excellence in Research and Community Service, Luz Nanette V. Rica       for Excellence in Nursing Education, and Dr. Joseph D. Tariman for Excellence in Nursing Service, Nursing Education and Nursing Research.

Batch ’91 also showed appreciation for the Cebu organizing committee for its effort that resulted in the success of their three-day homecoming event this year. The batch particularly cited the initiative of their batch mate Nena Bagcat-Gullas and the rest of the committee, namely Jessica Estrella-Ba-a, Mercil Noval-Binoya, Ida Leyson-Borgonia, Gina Espinosa-Cabo, Dennis Moreno,Claire Ann Alesna-Ortiz, Susan Lacida-Pacifico, Connie Lanorias-Bongbong, Rene Mercado, Noravil Lumapat-Ramirez, Anthony Colina, Edgar Guaren, and Sharon Rose Palanca- Cabaluna.

The Shangrila affair was graced by UV executive vice-president Jose R. Gullas as guest of honor. World-class entertainment numbers were provided by the famous UV Chorale, the JRG Visayanian Orchestra, and the UV Filipiniana Dance troupe. It was the 25th annual reunion of the UV Nursing Class ‘91. (FREEMAN)