DWCU At 45

DIVINE WORD COLLEGE OF URDANETA CELEBRATED ITS

45TH YEAR FOUNDATION ANNIVERSARY

Divine Word College of Urdaneta commemorated its 45th foundation last February 16-18, 2012 with the theme, “DWCU @ 45: Upholding the SVD Core Values.” Through the different events held, i.e., Dance Showdown, Studefest 2012, Salu-salo, Divinians showcased their superb talents.

February 16, 2012- The morning activities included the basketball game fought between DWCU and DWAD. The hyped pressure was felt from the start of the match until the end. Both teams strained to defend the name of their schools. The friendly game ended with 50 points lead; game won by DWAD.

The Juniors-Dance Showdown Champion

February 17, 2012, at St. Michael’s Gymnasium- All year levels got stirred up while waiting for the competition to start. They sacrificed their time, exhausted their energy under the blazing sun, and funded a considerable sum for their grand costumes and props. The competition was tough. Everyone sacrificed to defend the honor of his batch. Finally, the Juniors won.

The highlight of this celebration: The search for Mr. and Ms. Studefest. The candidates

Mr. & Ms. Studefest 2012 Finalists

exhibited the beauty and intellect of a true Divinian. The gym was filled with hopeful cheers, pressure from the candidates, adversity of judging by the jury, and the vibrant spirits of the audience. At the end of the pageant, Denzel John Lagmay and Ruby Moreno (both from III-Genesis) were crowned as Mr. and Ms. Studefest 2012.

February 18, 2012, Saturday- Although student’s attendance evidently declined, the Salu-salo was still conducted productively. Teachers, students, and guests ate their sumptuous lunch under the mango trees at the oval. The DWCU spirit and solidarity was evident in the air.

In all, the 45th year Foundation Day Celebration was an event to remember. It was a manifestation of the true Divinian strength, hopes, and values. Soar high DWCU. Long Live!

Friendly match-up game between DWCU and DWAD

Memorabilias at DWCU Exhibit Room

DWCU Alumni at the Exhibit Room

DWCU Mr & Ms Studefest 2012 Finalists

DWCU awards Plaque of Appreciation to Batch '77

Educational Tour in Bangkok, Thailand

Fr. Gil Manalo,SVD & Fr. Elmer Loreto, SVD in Thailand

Last January 30 – Feb 1, 2012, Fr. Elmer B. Loreto, SVD and Fr. Gil T. Manalo, SVD, were privileged to join a bench marking tour of the Basic Education Schools at Bangkok, Thailand sponsored by Phoenix Publishing Company, and participated by more than seventy (70) Administrators and Principals of Basic Education Schools all over the Philippines.

Day 1 tour was a visit to Wat Benchamabophit (The Buddhist Marble Temple) and Gems Gallery. On Day two during morning time, they visited

Fr. Gil at Marble Temple, Thailand

Ratchawinit School, a public elementary school which originally was founded for the children of the King’s household helpers. In the afternoon, a visit was done to Potisarn Pittayakorn Secondary School which is also a public school. Day three was simply spent for our departure from Thailand and arrival back in the Philippines.

In both schools, patriotism is evident through their high respect and love for their King, awareness of their culture, and their drive to share their

Fr. Gil interaction w/ Thai pupils

knowledge for the growth and progress of their society/ country. Very evident also is their global thrust through the integration on their curriculum the development of industrial and technical skills, and so with communication skills through their English and other foreign languages elective.
On hind sight, it is good to have an experience of another culture so as to be inspired by it, likewise, to be thankful for our own culture and appreciate it all the more.

The Delegates from the Philippines and the Administrator and Staff at Ratchawinit School, Bangkok, Thailand

Fr. Gil Manalo, SVD w/ Mrs. Erlinda Sibal, Phoenix Publishing Company President

Welcome to Potisarn Pittayakorn School

F. Elmer Loreto, SVD at The Marble Temple