SM Scholars Aspire to Share the Gift of Education

"I desire to become an educator not just to fulfill a dream but also to be a blessing to the next generation." 

These inspiring words come from 18-year-old Princess Eunice Motel, an SM scholar currently pursuing her education at the Philippine Normal University. She is one of two children of Hildajane, an on-call factory re-packer, and Richard, a set man, hailing from Caloocan City. 

 

Princess' dream of becoming a teacher has been a lifelong aspiration, deeply rooted in her heart and mind since her childhood. This calling became even more pronounced when she embraced her Christian faith. 

SM Scholar and aspiring educator Princess Eunice Motel

 

"My unwavering commitment to becoming a teacher is directly inspired by the Kidz Life Ministry, a cherished initiative of our church dedicated to teaching children about God's word. I aspire to be a vessel for sharing knowledge, instilling hope, and nurturing a brighter future for the next generation," she said.

 

To pursue her dreams, Princess has chosen to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education at the Philippine Normal University, her dream institution. "PNU is renowned for its ability to nurture exceptional teachers," she remarked. "As I aspire to become an educator, I also strive for greatness and excellence, and there's no better place to achieve that than at PNU."  

Following in her mother's footsteps, Jhona Bolinas is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Education with English as her major. Born in Baliuag, Bulacan, she passed entrance exams at other universities but opted to enroll at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela due to its proximity to her family.

 

Despite considering other career paths, Jhona opted education, drawing inspiration from her mother, who is also an educator. "Watching, observing, and listening to her, I learned the basics," she shared. Driven by her love for reading and writing, she also chose to specialize in English. 

 

When asked if she plans to work abroad after graduation, Jhona keeps her options open, recognizing it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. "But right now, I want to ensure that my mother enjoys a good life before making such a significant decision," she explained.  

 

Another aspiring educator is Krissa May Oquindo. Her father, a cable technician, is the family's sole breadwinner while her mother dedicates her time to caring for the family. Krissa completed her senior high school education at the Universidad de Manila. She applied to four State universities and ultimately chose to enroll at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), known for producing graduates highly sought after by employers, as per a recent survey. 

 

SM scholar Krissa May Oquindo (right) aspires to be a teacher for her family and community.

When asked about her motivation to become a teacher, Krissa responded, "Being an educator has always been my passion. From the moment I set foot on a school campus, the idea of standing in front of students and sharing knowledge excites me." She has selected Science as her major to deepen her understanding of the subject and to enlighten others about it. 

 

Krissa has no plans to teach abroad. She believes that while there is demand for teachers overseas, the same holds true in the Philippines: "My passion for teaching is rooted in caring for the next generation, especially for the youth of our country."

  

Through the years, the SM college scholarship program has empowered 3,791 graduates who have enrolled in over 120 partner colleges and universities across the nation. These scholars enjoy full tuition benefits, monthly allowances, part-time work opportunities during semestral and Christmas breaks, job offers from the SM Group upon graduation, and engaging activities and enrichment programs. 

 

Additionally, SM's tech-voc scholarship program has produced 4,669 graduates, further contributing to the development of skilled professionals in various fields.

Miriam College Ensures Continued Education during Pandemic via Part-Time Enrollment, Flexible Tuition

Miriam College now offers a part-time enrollment scheme at the tertiary level to let students with financial challenges enjoy flexible tuition payment by enrolling in less subjects per semester.

Under the new scheme, a student may opt to enroll for a full semester of 6 to 8 subjects or avail of the new relaxed scheme that offers 3-4 subjects on a 9-week cycle. Students may also enroll in less subjects than the regularly required number of units so they and their families can further lessen tuition expenses during the pandemic.

A brainchild of Miriam College president, Ambassador Laura Quiambao-del Rosario, the new scheme aims to assist families whose incomes were severely affected by the pandemic, and students who may have taken on part-time jobs to help their families at this time, so they can manage their schedules and resources better.

“Under this scheme, students are ensured of continuing their education despite the economic disruptions caused by the pandemic”, Amb. Quiambao-del Rosario said. Miriam College has also not increased its tuition for School Year 2020-2021 and has reduced miscellaneous fees.

Adjusted years of residency

Dr. Jasmin-Nario Galace, MC Vice President for Academic Affairs explained that a student may enroll as many as four times in a school year under the new scheme but may have to graduate at a later date. “We have adjusted our maximum residence policy for this purpose,” she said. “Knowing the consequences of the pandemic, we thought that limiting the number of subjects in what we call a cycle will be best for the students’ physical, mental and emotional health.” she added. To date, parttime enrollees make up around 35% of the total enrollees.

Enrollment for the second cycle of the part-time enrollment scheme is ongoing. Parties interested in the new scheme or who may want to inquire regarding enrollment for the next semester that begins in January 2021 may do so at the Miriam College Registrar’s Office.

Palawan Express Pera Padala gives back to UP through the Fighting Maroons

From a single pawn brokering shop in Palawan in 1985 to the fastest growing and leading pawnshop and money remittance network in the Philippines, Palawan Express Pera Padala strongly identifies with the UP Fighting Maroons.

For more than three decades, UP’s performance in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) has been sub-par, with only one basketball championship to boast of in the post-war era. For many years, there were winless seasons, empty galleries, less than spartan team funds.

But last year, the University of the Philippines defied expectations by carving a storybook finish in the premiere collegiate league. There were no more tears shed from three different seasons of dismal 0-14 win-loss records. No more lack of team supporters. Against all odds, including a doubtful 1-3 start, the Maroons finally found a way to start winning. They suddenly barged into the semi final round of UAAP Season 81 with hard work, big hearts and a little bit of luck. In fact, the Maroons surprised even themselves when they eliminated twice-to-beat Adamson University from finals contention. And found themselves in the UAAP Finals for the first time in 32 years, against the mighty Ateneo Blue Eagles in the most surprising Finals scenario in ages.

Viewing parties at different campuses were hosted. The UP community rallied behind their soldiers on-court, win or lose. UP fandom grew to phenomenal numbers and the once lowly UP Fighting Maroons became the Cinderella team of Season 81, the darlings of the crowd.

Logistical support for the UP Fighting Maroons reached an unprecedented height in Season 81. The Maroons’ performance in the UAAP seemed to be a Thank You from the team to its partners and supporters for their faith and unconditional love.

In Season 82 even more support came in. Palawan Express Pera Padala (PEPP) came on board as a platinum sponsor to provide not only financial support to the UPMBT, but more importantly to give back to the University, recognizing that helping the UPMBT brings together the UP Community. The founders of PEPP Bobby and Angelita Castro have deep roots in UP and all of their five children are UP alumni. To the family who are certified UPMBT fans, this is more than a sponsorship. This is becoming a part in UP’s quest for the championship.

Alumni and ardent supporters of the UP Men’s Basketball Team all over to the Philippines and around the world could use the PEPP platform to send in donations to the UPMBT through its local and international remittance transactions. For alumni based abroad, PEPP has partnered with 50 international money transfer companies (IMTC) to enable it to payout the money remittance transactions based on IMTC’s instructions. An instant rebate of Php5 is given to the beneficiary when an international remittance is claimed at PEPP.

UP Fighting Maroon Season 82 team captain Noah Webb said, “We would like to thank our sponsors like Palawan Express Pera Padala and the entire UP community. You guys don't know how much we appreciate each and everyone of you and your presence at the games. I know what it's like to see the stands empty and I'm extremely grateful that now they are always full. Thank you for your help in and out of the games. We are grateful for your support.”

The UP Fighting Maroons and Palawan Express Pera Padala officially inked their partnership before the start of Season 82.

STATS Performance Apparel is official UP Fighting Maroons Outfitter and Merchandise Company

STATS Performance Apparel, an athleisure brand under Januarius Holdings Inc. (JHI), expanded its support for the UP Fighting Maroons Men’s Basketball Team (UPMBT) for University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 82. Besides the official on-court and off-court wear of the basketball team, STATS will also produce the official merchandise of the UP Fighting Maroons. JHI Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) JJ Atencio (left-most), JHI Chief Operating Officer Marcy Venezuela (right-most), STATS Performance Apparel CEO and Art Director Edrin Panganiban (second from right) officially sealed their partnership on Wednesday, April 24 with Nowhere To Go But UP Foundation (NTGBUP), a volunteer group of UP alumni supporting UP’s varsity programs led by its President, Atty. Agaton Uvero (center) at the Bahay ng Alumni, UP Diliman. Also present at the signing ceremony were UP Head Coach Bo Perasol, UAAP Season 81 MVP Bright Akhuetie, Janjan Jaboneta, Noah Webb, and the Gomez de Liaño brothers, Juan and Javi.

UP Maroons' Inspirational Rise to be Chronicled in New Book

The University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons surprised pundits by barging into the UAAP men's basketball finals just four years after finishing the annual tournament with just one win—and now one of the rising young sports journalists in the county is going to explain how UP's alumni engineered this amazing turnaround. 

To be penned by columnist Naveen Ganglani, who has extensively covered the Fighting Maroons and the UAAP since 2009, the new book will provide readers with an in-depth look into the events leading to the humble beginnings of Nowhere to go but UP (NTGBU), a group of UP alumni volunteers who dared to believe that they could reinvigorate UP's resource-challenged sports programs. 

"I’m incredibly lucky and grateful to the members of Nowhere to go but UP group, who have given me the opportunity to tell this amazing story," said Ganglani.

The writer, an alumnus of De La Salle University who roots for his Alma Mater’s Green Archers, nonetheless acknowledges that "the rise of the Fighting Maroons in the past five years leading up to their trip to the UAAP Finals is nothing short of phenomenal."

"As an outsider looking in, I hope to convey how the story of a rival school is incredibly inspiring, even to those who do not bleed maroon. I hope to do justice to their story by writing an accurate, comprehensive, well-researched book that will answer many questions about the rise of the Maroons," added Ganglani.

"What were the early challenges the group faced as UP tried to rehabilitate its reputation as one of the UAAP’s cellar-dwellers? What was the motivation behind the bonfire during a one-win campaign which was celebrated in Diliman, but mocked outside of the university’s walls?"

"What led to UP hero and legend Paul Desiderio nearly missing out on the chance to wear the school’s name across his chest? How was a once-in-a-generation talent like Juan Gomez De Liaño brought into the fold? Why was it so important for UAAP MVP Bright Akhuetie to leave a legacy at UP that he chose the school over other suitors? These are just some of the questions the book hopes to answer," shared Ganglani.

Aside from covering the UAAP, Ganglani has also written features and done on-camera reports on the NBA, PBA, FIBA, Philippine Superliga, and many other leagues. In 2015, he was chosen by Nike to be a representative of Southeast Asia to interview Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant in his final NBA season. Ganglani also has his own web sports show – Beyond the Sport w/ Navs – and runs a printing business in Manila with his family.

For Ganglani, writing this book on the UP Fighting Maroons’ incredible rise will be the most important project of his career.

“As a sports journalist, my ultimate goal to write a story that can inspire others to rise above themselves, which is what the Fighting Maroons did the last five years with help from the dedicated and passionate UP community. Chronicling that special journey, one that was filled with many unforgettable memories, will be the perfect way to do so,” said Ganglani.

The book, which will be published by the Nowhere to go but UP Foundation, will include exclusive interviews with UP’s coaching staff and players, as well as key alumni from the UP community who helped augment the state university's athletic programs. 

According to NTGBU Chairperson and UP Maroons Manager Atty. Agaton Uvero, "the goal really is to produce a tome that will be enjoyed not only by UP alumni and fans of the Fighting Maroons, but also by those who are looking for motivation to strive for something bigger."

UP Maroons coach Bo Perasol echoed Uvero's sentiments, stressing that "the story of the Maroons is still being written as we speak."

"Nonetheless, UP is in a unique situation as the only state university in the UAAP. As such, its varsity teams face circumstances far different from their counterparts in private schools," said the former Maroon, who graduated from UP Diliman in 1994. 

"It's a very interesting story, and we hope that it will inspire those who face enormous challenges in the pursuit of their ambitions. Nakakaiyak, nakakatawa, nakaka-inspire. Which is why I and the rest or the team are really excited about this project."