Your VOICES.

Berchmans D. Abejuela, a graduate from Ateneo, will be vying for the City Mayor title this coming May 2010. He stands out as the only true blue Atenean among seven candidates.

A lawyer/educator, Berchmans is running under the banner of the Liberal Party, together with polls leaders Noynoy Aquino and Mar Roxas. Needless to say, Berchmans Abejuela shares the same political ideals and platforms with the Liberal Party’s standard bearers.

As a young boy, Berchmans Abejuela lived in the old Dolores Street. His name, which sounds uncommon and unique for most people, was actually borrowed from a Jesuit missionary who is now canonized as a saint of the Church. That Jesuit is no other than John Berchmans.

Berchman’s parents, obviously strong believers of the Jesuit education, sent him to Ateneo de Cagayan to finish his degree.

Before pushing through his dedication for public service, this community organizer spent several years teaching at the Ateneo de Cagayan High School way back during the administration of Fr James O’Donnell.

Just like a true Atenean who is molded to become a man for others, Berchmans Abejuela went on and furthered his knowledge by studying law. After which, he entered the ferocious world of politics at a relatively young age. Bringing with him the youthful idealism he developed after spending years in the city’s famous Jesuit institution, Berchmans Abejuela won a seat in the local city council.

Intent on extending and maximizing his services to the Kagay-anons, Berchmans Abejuela decided to take his chances and run for city mayor of Cagayan de Oro. As always, he brings the same enthusiasm and dedication he brought into the city council, even while on the campaign trail.

-by Mara Tismo-

On the 15th of March 2009, the Catholic Church of Cagayan de Oro suffered the loss of Miguel Anselmo Azcona Bernad, SJ. What he left behind were his written works - history, travel essays, literary criticism and biography. Fr. Bernad, a brilliant teacher, will forever remain in the memories of his students.

Being born and raised in Mindanao, learning rich history, such as the tales from his forefathers, and literature, greatly contributed to what he had become, a Jesuit.

As a teacher, he was dedicated to instilling the great passions and themes of literature to his students. Competent, diligent and always prepared for class, he presented himself as one who had total devotion to literature as he would perform serious yet lively lectures touching on the moral and philosophical areas of the subject. A brilliant educator, he could quote from memory, illustrate the link between genres, as well as go into details on the history of literary themes and writers. No doubt, those who attended his lectures have grown to love art, live the humanities and appreciate books.

Fr. Miguel Bernad, who had long been a teacher at Ateneo de Manila and Ateneo de Cagayan (Xavier University) and other international schools such as Tamkang College of Arts and Sciences, the National Taiwan Univeristy and Taipei and Yale University, was over 90 years old when he died.

Apart from being a noteworthy instructor and who interpreted literary pieces, Fr. Bernad was into writing, reviewing and editing books. He was a ground breaking editor of reputable publications: Kinaadman of Xavier Univeristy and The Journal of Philippine Studies of the Ateneo de Manila University.

Fr.Bernad also wrote historical publications such as the four-volume Religious Revolutions in the Philippines, which he co-wrote with fellow Jesuit Pedro de Achutegui, SJ. The piece was a study of the religious movements in the country at the turn of the 19th century, considering its relation to the Philippine Revolution.

It is not easy for any Atenean to forget the name of Fr. Miguel Bernad, as he was one of the greatest contributors of the Ateneo University. A year after he passed on, he continues to serve as an inspiration in life for all those who have known him and those who have been moved by his works. He will continue to inspire more in the years to come.

-by Rose Anne Quirante-

The City of Golden Friendship has a lot of things to smile about, not only is it one of the country’s most progressive cities, Cagayan de Oro is also home to many talented locals just like Rudolf Pelaez Golez.

This talented Kagay-anon is a prizewinner at the very First ASEAN International Chopin Piano Competition in 2004. This is not a surprise, however, since this local virtuoso pianist hails from one of the most prominent families in Cagayan de Oro. He is the son of the very influential Dr. Rafaelita “Oche” Pelaez Golez.

Rudolf Caesar Pelaez Golez, who currently serves as the Vice President for External, Cultural and Alumni Affairs at Liceo de Cagayan University, came from a family of high profile educators. His mother, Oche Pelaez Golez is the chairman of the same school while his brother Alain Marc Pelaez Golez serves as the Vice President of Administration.

This homegrown talent has traveled far and wide to play for various audiences, like the Cebuanos. He was brought to Cebu by the Arts Council of Cebu, which regularly organizes world class performances and invites outstanding homegrown and visiting artists. Rudolf Golez’s piano concert in Cebu, “Rudolf Pelaez Plays Liszt” proved that the council never fails to bring only the best art events to town.

According to the people who have seen him perform, people who probably knew him personally, Rudolf Pelaez Golez is a charming man who, just like most virtuosos, exudes no sign of pomposity. His personality, combined with his skills, made him a darling among the Cebuanos that night.

For about two hours, Rudolf Caesar Pelaez Golez enthralled the crowd by playing the notes of Franz Liszt. The best thing about his performance is the fact that he was able to emulate the legendary Hungarian composer’s varying qualities without any note sheets or anything of that sort.

The gifted Kagay-anon pianist started tinkering with the keys of the piano at the age of four and just like the Hungarian legend himself, Rudolf Pelaez Golez shared the same “instinct for engaging showmanship.” Just like Liszt, Golez plays for a wide range of people. That night, he was able to mesmerize a number of Cebuanos from all walks of life, from music scholars to the city’s elite as well as to office workers, teachers and students.

-by Mara Tismo-
(Photo taken from artscouncilcebu.org)

A Filipino-American beauty by the name of Aileen Jan “AJ” Yap, who is currently based in Houston Texas, USA, was crowned as 2009’s Miss United States International during ceremonies held at the state’s Stafford Conference Centre on July 10, 2009. By winning the title, she got the chance to represent the US at the 49th Miss International beauty pageant, which was held in Macau, China last November 7th.

AJ is the daughter of Dr. Romeo Yap and Virgincita Valdehueza-Yap, from Balingasag and Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental. The 20-year old former Kagay-anon lass also has a 22-year old brother named Nathan.

After receiving the highest honors at Willis High School, AJ went on to junior college at Houston’s University of St. Thomas, where she is majoring in Biology. After her studies, she hopes to become a pediatrician.

In school, Yap is actively involved in different organizations. In fact, she is the president of the Filipino Student Association and is likewise a Presidential Ambassador. Her hobbies include reading, discovering different foods, dancing and volleyball.

Aileen is known for being a person who is caring. She is also someone with a passion to work with kids, as she finds it to be a rewarding act. Now that she is Miss US International, AJ hopes to be a role model for the youth, not only for those in the United States but also for those in other countries.

-by Rose Anne Quirante-
(photo from mindanaoan.com)