Night of Dances – University Week 2014

Night of Dances – University Week 2014

A snap of an arm there, a wave of a body here, and the crowd goes wild.

 This University Week’s Night of Dances is certainly different than the last’s Intramurals. Last year, the participants used foreign music to move their body into, but this year, they used our very own Original Pilipino Music (OPM) songs. Not only that, but our participants managed to incorporate a story into the steps that certainly captured our attention until the very end of their performance.

It never ceases to amaze us that whenever a song is interpreted, we not only hear the message but we see it with our own eyes and the emotion goes somewhat deeper into our core, all the more that the song is in Filipino. Therefore we can relate to it more than the foreign songs we love because it is in our own language.

Just like when you say ‘I love you’ to another person. When you say ‘Mahal kita’ instead of the usual ‘I love you’, it sounds more heartfelt and sincere.

Back to the subject at hand, there were two types of dances that our participants participated in. The lyrical pop dance, where they danced and interpreted the song of their choice, and the Latin dance, where they showed that they can move and groove even with heels and almost-no-rest type of competition. Kudos to the ladies who wore killer heels while still managing to look graceful under the pressure at their feet and thank you gentlemen for supporting our ladies all the way.

As usual, the colleges screamed their voice hoarse in cheering for their representatives and clapped their hands whenever they did something splendid. We cannot stress the word ‘support’ enough for these colleges. The judges must have felt their rebounding energy too.   

Like always, we want the first place, but not everyone can fit in the platform.

Missed the announcement of the results?

Lyrical Pop Dance

Champion – Business College

1^st Runner up – College of Education and Health Sciences

2^nd Runner up – College of Engineering and Technology

3^rd Runner up – College of Arts and Sciences

Latin Dance

Champion – College of Education and Health Sciences

1^st Runner up – College of Arts and Sciences

2^nd Runner up – Business College

3^rd Runner up – College of Engineering and Technology

Who will amaze us the most next time?

Who will take the crown for themselves and be called the champion?

“Great dancers are not great because of their technique; they are great because of their passion.” ― Martha Graham

Jini Jane Prado

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Colleges battle in Filipino Speech Fest ‘14

Competitors from College of Engineering and Technology, College of Education and Health Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences and Business College participated in the Speech Fest ’14 on February 11, 2014 at Bro. James McKnight Auditorium. The speech fest includes Photo Interpretation, Talumpati (speech), and Dramatic Dialogue using the Filipino language.

Photo Interpretation

Each participant were given a moment to take a glance on the photo displayed on the screen, they then gave their interpretation based on their own understanding. “Ang posteng ilaw ay nagsisilbing ilaw ng determinasyon ng bawat tao”, uttered Jezrell Claire Acha on her interpretation. Ms. Acha of CET won 1^st place in the competition.

Mr. Michael Roy Malaluan from CEHS won 2^nd place; he described the photo as the light of each person to look back to his/her roots.

Meanwhile, third place was awarded to Ms. Kristine Cabidog who represented CAS. She described the image as hope of the people despite the problems that tthey may encounter, while Jeraldine Anne Koo of BC got the 4^th place.

Story Telling

            Each college had their own unique way of telling the story “Alamat ng Kabayo” (The Legend of Horse). Ms.Rica Ghea  Villarico, CAS won the said competition as she creatively told the story with her voice that varies on every character. On the other hand Ms. Rendell Ann Cabaguing (CEHS) took 2^nd place, followed by Mr. Robert Doronila (CET) 3^rd place and Ms. Irene Joy Manaul got the 4^th place.

Speech (Talumpati)

            The participants of Talumpati had their own choice of speech for the said event that was based on the theme “Marista: Pagyamanin ang kakayahan sa kasalukuyan upang makulay at matagumpay na kinabukasan ay makamtan”. Ms. Karen Claire Sitjar (CEHS) stand out among other colleges. Mr. Jon Leo Licayan (BC) took 2^nd place and Ms. Ella Espinosa took 3^rd place.

Dramatic Dialogue

            Each team had their own way of sharing the message of their stories through acting their own created stories. Green Hornets defended their title as champion on the said competition, it was participated by Ms. Christine Lapidez and Ms. Agnes Salada whose story was about the sisters who lost their parents and tried to move on as the elder works for their living and the younger sister longing for time and attention from her elder sister... 

Ms. Marylyn Hoyla and Ms. Karel Joy Bilbao who represented Red Lions got the 2^nd place whose story line was about the two’s friendship.

While the story of half sisters who were not in good terms were portrayed by Ms. Salades and Ms. Sipe of the White Eagles, they won 3^rd place. And followed by Mr. Bryan Royeca and Ms. Fretzelly Mae delos Santos of the Orange Foxes on 4^th place.

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#Justiceforcindyrosevillena

The NDDU Community condemns this bestial act of killing a young lady with big hopes for herself and the family. We pray for the repose of her soul. We condole with the bereaved family. And we continue to seek for justice as we urge the authorities to exercise their powers to bring the perpetrator(s) to the arm of justice. I urge the administrators, faculty, personnel, students, alumni to plan an "ACT OF SOLIDARITY" to ensure that we cannot remain silent, indifferent and helpless. If we don't do our share to make our communities as safer place, we "die" with Cindy and other victims of violence and injustice in our country today.

-Bro. Manuel de Leon-
NDDU President 

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The tragic death of Cindy Rose Villena, 18 years old - 3^rd Year Mass communication Student of the institution saddened the NDDU community especially the Mass communication Students as well as the College of Arts and Sciences.       

With this, the NDDU community gathered as one to have a Solidarity Procession and Prayer Service for Cindy Rose last January 29(Wednesday) and was enjoined to wear white shirt with black ribbon tied on the right arm to condole, express sympathy, outcry and search out for justice for the death of their fellow Damean.

The solidarity procession started around 5:00 pm from NDDU Open Field-Roxas Avenue-OLPGV-Ramon Magsaysay Memorial College-Pendatun Avenue and back to NDDU Open Field. Then, followed by the prayer service with the sharing from Justin Dominic Cayanan(Mass Communication Student/Friend of Cindy), followed by Professor Salvador Bagaan and then Ms. Charish Lyn Villena, older sister of Cindy Rose.

“She is a good and nice girl na maraming gustong ma-achieve”, as what Justin would describe Cindy Rose. He also added about the signature “wedge sandals” that Cindy would usually wear every Wednesday. Professor Bagaan on the other hand describes Cindy  as “Retouch Queen”, who usually retouch and holds mirror at class, “Kahit na paminsan-minsan napapagailtan ko yan, masakit para sa akin na makita na bakante na ang upuan ni Cindy”. Professor Bagaan also quoted “Protect the People and Serve for Justice” in the last part to end his sharing.

And then, Cindy’s sister shared that even if they are siblings they aren’t that showy with each other but they really do love and care for each other. “Kahit na masungit ang kapaitd ko malambing siya, smilling at jolly, talented din sya.”, says Ms. Charish Lyn.

Lastly, Bro. Manuel utter a message to everyone that what happened to Cindy Rose serve as a lesson to all and that life is fragile and he world is surrounded by either kind or violent but still the justice of God will forever prevail. 

April Mae A. Tizon

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The Voice attends 15th NTC Press Con

In celebration of General Santos City’s Tuna Festival, the 15^th National Tuna Congress was held at SM City General Santos Trade Halls on the 6^th and 7^th of September with the theme “Celebrating 15 years of Advocacy, Partnership and Collaboration.”

A press conference was held in the morning of the first day which was attended by the The Voice Publication of Notre Dame of Dadiangas University as a part of the private sector which would promote out the Tuna Industry in productive collaboration with government agencies, political leaders, industry leaders and experts.

During the conference, questions were raised on some of the 14 resolutions presented, and one was regarding the passage of the law creating the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.

According to Mr. Joaquin T. Lu, President of SFFAII, the Department, being on the secretary level could participate in international conferences and through its creation, the government could give more attention and immediate action to the needs of the fishing industry which clearly provides more benefits and advantages than the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.

The Typhoon Pablo incident was also recalled. Mr. Dominic R. Salazar, Chairman of the Program and Resolutions Committee said that advance monitoring of the weather as well as of the condition of the high seas is essential wherein speculations of a perfect storm could be made. Mr.Marfenio Y. Tan, Chairman of SAFI Group of Companies added that people should accept the drastic change of weather patterns (climate change). Specifically, he also mentioned that fishing is banned during typhoon season for safety.

Aside from the fishing industry, there was also a resolution regarding the development of the General Santos City airport. It is briefly said that the airport is strategic in nature and the government is aiming for its improvement together with its facilities for it to be globally competitive.

Other matters addressed through follow-up questions concerned fishing boats, the International Labour Organization Recommendation 199 and the minimumwages.

Meanwhile, at the same morning, the Trade Exhibit was also opened which featured products of different companies such as Citra Mina Group of Companies, Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation, Energitex Power Technologies Corporation, Dynamic Casting, Inc., Cebu Pacific Air, Unilab, Banco De Oro Universal Bank, etc.

The Congress proceeded in the afternoon until the next day wherein topics about the Tuna Industry were discussed, open forums were conducted and the 15^th NTC resolutions were developed.

Shandy Mae M. Pagco

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Dameans celebrate God's Creation

“Whatever you do to your environment, you do to yourself,” quoted Mr. Jose A. Guntalidad, as the guest speaker, during the culmination of a week-long activities for the Integrity of Creation Month Celebration. The program was held at the HR Lobby last July 31, 2013. It was organized by the Peace Partners and participated by several R.E. 111 classes and R.E. scholars.

“The wonders of creation reveal God's glory,” was the theme for this year's celebration. There were several Eco-trivias given and prizes awarded to the winners. A film strip entitled 'A Beatiful World' was shown before the delivery of Dr. Guntalidad's message. The celebration also marked the proclamation of NDDU as 'Eco-friendly University'.

Jessica Danielle G. Datoon

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Dameans Celebrate World Youth Day

“Go and Make Disciples of All Nations,” from Matthew 28:19 was the theme for this year's celebration of World Youth Day. The Youth Diocese of Cotabato, various parishes within Diocese of Marbel, and the Notre Dame schools such as ND Siena Polomolok, Notre Dame of Marbel University (NDMU), and Notre Dame of Dadiangas University (NDDU) sent young representatives to partake in the event which happens simultaneously with the celebration in Rio, Brazil. It was held at NDMU grounds on July 27-28, 2013.  The World Youth Day was packed with activities that aim to empower the youth and enrich their spiritual lives. “The World Youth Day is a rare opportunity as well as a worthwhile experience for any young individual who happen to participate in it,” says Charisse Marie Bartulaba, Peace Partners Secretary and participant of World Youth Day. 

Jessica Danielle G. Datoon

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Business College leads Enrolment at NDDU

A total of 3,762 students are enrolled at Notre Dame of Dadiangas University for the first semester of School Year 2013-2014.

According to the Enrolment Distribution Summary released by the University Registrar’s Office, the Business College has the most number of students enrolled with 1,749 or 46.49% of the total students’ population. The College of Engineering and Technology has the second most number with 929 students or 24.69%; followed by the College of Arts and Sciences with 467 students or 12.41%; the College of Education with 324 students or 8.61%. Meanwhile, the College of Health and Sciences consists of 293 students or 7.79% only.

The table below shows the Enrolment Distribution Summary in percentage for the First Semester, School Year 2013-2014:

Source: Registrar's Office, NDDU

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Revisiting the Past

History serves as the ties that bind the Notre Dameans through the years.  As introduced by Dr. Norma F. Segocio, with the theme “Balik-Tanaw,” the NDDU exhibits during the 11^th Biennial Reunion, simply aid visually to help trace back the past to the growth of the community.

This was a homecoming event held by Notre Dame of General Santos Alumni Association (NDGSA)- USA and Canada chapters in partnership with the Dominican Sisters of Sienna, Marist Brothers Community and University Community, in connection with the Diamond Jubilee Celebration of Notre Dame spirit of verification and solidarity.

The motorcade of the participating communities started in the morning of May 21^st from Notre Dame Siena College to NDDU-IBED Lagao where the program was conducted.

In his welcome message, Bro. John Y. Tan, FMS, executive assistant to the president said,   “We must keep paying forward. For whatever you sow you must reap. Never stop learning no matter how young you are. Never be afraid to make mistakes because even the most brilliant man makes it. What’s important is to learn from your mistakes. Never forget the Lord.”

Most displays from one side of the covered area were the history and citations of NDDU which include the activities, achievements and mission-vision statements of its departments namely: College of Engineering and Technology, College of Health Sciences, College of Education, College of Arts and Sciences, Business College and the Graduate School.

Celebrating its 50^th year, the VOX Publication had its yearbooks from 1963-2011. Outstanding Alumni, Alumni Today Publications, Alumni Art Works by Mr. Bueno Silva and Alumni Book launching and re-launching of Southern Heritage history books from the 13^th century by Dr. Santos and Mr. Jong Ramirez were also featured.

There also included was newly-launched Challenge 21, an educational strategy board game by Mr. Leonardo Mejia Yu.

In his speech, Mr. Chito de Guzman, PATA president proposed the alumni wall, two-classroom building at Maasim and library expansions.

            More activities were looked forward to for the rest of the year by the Notre Dameans to create a meaningful and productive 60^th year celebration of the institution.

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NDDU takes part on 2013 Elections

The Notre Dame of Dadiangas University participated as PPCRV (Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting) and citizen’s arm of Commission on Elections all throughout the 2013 Elections last May 13, 2013 at Sarangani and South Cotabato Areas.

        

The General Santos City (PPCRV) was headed by Bro. Manuel V. de Leon, FMS. A seminar was conducted and facilitated by Mr. Edwin Doyo and Mr. Edgardo Claudio weeks before the elections regarding the functions of PPCRV and they provided helpful information concerning the responsibilities and benefits of those estimated 500 NDDU students, alumni, personnel and staff who volunteered to be PPCRV members. The volunteers were assigned in different tasks such as poll watchers, VAD and etc., they were also allocated to different remote areas to observe and assure the just and fair duration of polls.

        

“Without the NSTP students that time, there will only be few volunteers who joined the PPCRV aside from the personnel, alumni and others. However, their participation was helpful in assisting the voters, collecting the votes and other functions assigned to those PPCRV volunteers,” said Mr. Doyo.

        

Indeed, the Elections 2013 was held successful. New leaders and new government will lead our country and the localities therein. The PPCRV and the NDDU did a great job in upholding an unbiased election of the Philippines as well as the areas of Sarangani and South Cotabato. 

Ramayana L. Parcon

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Summer Fest, Summer Fun

Photo taken from: https://www.facebook.com/NDDUSSG

As the heat of the sun rises, NDDU heats up summer as it celebrated Summer fest 2013 with the theme “SumMarista 2013: Keep calm and beat the Summer Heat through the Marist Spirit” on April 30, 2013 at London Beach Resort, Bawing, General Santos City.

The celebration started around 9 am with hosts, Mr. Jay Paul Binas, Ms. Tessa Mae Alejado, and Mr. Alvin Francis Ambe. The opening program kindled the heat when the PEHMA Society performed a dance number to welcome the newly-elected SSG officers who are present at that time, namely: James Astilla- SSG President, Louis Gwen Taborete- SSG Vice-President, Mark Adama- SSG Vice-President, Maria Fatima Kaye Reyes- Treasurer, Merajoy Tabal, Elaiza Feb Feleo, Patricia Sarmiento, Ian Kim Bancaerin, Maico Demi Aperocho, Mikaela Guerra, Mark Anthony Hatulan, Aries Pagaling, John Edward Ciocon, and Mary Anne Jude Hizoler. They facilitated this summer event by rendering their time in planning for the activities and did all the preparations. There were SSG volunteers, including clubs and organizations that extended their help to enact the program successfully.

In this year’s summer fest, four participating teams namely, red, green, yellow, and blue team, competed to different games such as Pinoy Tug of War in which the participants were blindfolded without knowing their competitors. This funny game allowed the audience to really enjoy the hot weather, especially when some participants continued to pull the rope which was tied in a coconut tree. It paved way to have fun despite the competition. As the temperature rose, each team showed determination to win in the following games: amazing race, eat all you can and sack race. At the end, it was the Red Team that grabbed the limelight for the games category.

While the students rested as they end up the tournament, other students enjoyed the warm weather while staying under their respective cottages delighted with the foods that they bought and prepared at lunchtime. To entertain them, there were successive intermission numbers from the NDDU Music Bands and Dance Groups like Zsoshie5 who performed Korean Pop Dances.

As the clock struck 3 pm, the heat continues as the summer showdown follows the scene for this year’s Mr. and Ms. Summer fest 2013. Each team is represented by 1 pair of candidates. Each team supported their bets as they ramp their best in their Summer Attire and showed that they had not only beauty, but also brains in the Question and Answer Portion which is divided into two; the informal and the formal. The Dameans applauded the contestants’ answers because of their sense of humor in the informal question and answer and their wit in the formal one. Finally, the pageant ended as the last year’s Mr. and Ms. Summer fest, Mr. Ricky Bustos and Ms. Hannah Sunico , both from the Blue Team, passed the crown to Mr. Rhyll Kearney Pilipil from the Yellow Team and Ms. Merabel Tumulak from the Blue Team who were declared as the Mr. and Ms. Summer fest 2013.

Based on the overall results, it was the Red Team that gained the big percentage in all games, so as also to be announced as the champion. 

MC Fajardo and JProngco

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