St. John Colleges of Calamba Alumni Foundation Inc.
(formerly St. John Academy)
Resounding Success for Bingo Social 2024!
Published October 22, 2024 1:39am
The highly anticipated Bingo Social 2024, held on October 19 at the Central 2 Auditorium, proved to be a smashing success. Starting promptly at 1 PM, the event drew an impressive crowd of approximately 500 to 600 attendees. The seamless organization of the event was a testament to the hard work of the Alumni officers, with special recognition to the Fundraising Committee chaired by VP Dra. Doreen Sales and supported by Assistant Auditor Ms. Cora Caldozo and Asst. Secretary Dra Nory Nevalga, along with the assistance of 10 SJA faculty members and 8 scholars, including 2 from the Student Council.
The faculty members managed key aspects such as bingo card verification, distribution, and raffle draw preparations, while the scholars and student council members took on the role of spotters throughout the games.
The venue buzzed with excitement, with attendees enjoying refreshments from the food stalls Bebelyn’s Halo-Halo, BingGotohan, Nerie’s Merienda, and Erik’s coffee. 
The event was hosted by the charismatic duo, Alumni Auditor Levi Visaya and Alumni Mel Suzara from class ’76, who kept the energy high throughout the program.
The day began with the singing of the National Anthem, followed by an opening speech from the Alumni President Magtanggol Gatdula, and a briefing on house rules from Assistant Auditor Ms. Cora Caldozo. The bingo excitement kicked off with the 3rd prize game, where a single winner claimed ₱20,000 in cash.
Between the major games, there were two special bingo rounds with cash prizes of ₱3,000 and ₱6,000, respectively. Between these rounds, several raffle draws added to the excitement, with attendees vying for a wide range of prizes, including 25 sacks of 10kg rice, an oven toaster, a food steamer, ₱3,300 in cash, 4 electric fans, 2 rice cookers, a microwave oven, and a mini refrigerator, all generously sponsored by the Alumni officers. The top raffle prize, a 55” QLED 4K TV, was donated by the SJC President Ms Cynthia Meneses alumni Class ’67, while Alumni Class ’72 Ms Bessie Lim Reyes contributed a multi-function pressure cooker and ₱10,000 in cash came from the private Morales-Bercasio Commercial Center.
The 2nd prize bingo game worth ₱30,000 was shared by six winners, who each took home ₱5,000. The grand prize of ₱50,000 in the final bingo game was won by two lucky gamers, splitting the amount with ₱25,000 each, closing the event on a high note.
The program concluded at 4:45pm, leaving attendees thrilled by the day’s events and looking forward to the next Bingo Social. With its well-executed planning, exciting prizes, and lively atmosphere, the Bingo Social 2024 was undoubtedly a resounding success. Congratulations to all the winners and heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to making the event unforgettable!
Alumni Board Meeting Highlights: Morales Hills, Brgy Paliparan, Calauan Laguna
Date: July 20, 2024
The 3rd monthly Alumni Board Meeting at Morales Hills in Brgy Paliparan, Calauan Laguna, convened with robust discussions and strategic planning aimed at enhancing alumni engagement and organizational efficiency. Here are the key highlights from the meeting:
- SEC Renewal and BIR Audit Preparation
- The board deliberated on the renewal process with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the ongoing preparation of the auditor’s report covering the years 2004 to 2023. Ensuring compliance and transparency were key focal points of the discussion.
- Scholarship Selection and Funding
- Significant progress was made in refining the scholarship selection criteria and discussing strategies for sustainable funding. The board emphasized the importance of supporting deserving scholars while maintaining rigorous evaluation standards.
- Policy on Solicitation
- A policy limiting solicitation using the foundation to any politicians was established, except alumni of SJA/SJC. This decision aims to preserve the foundation’s integrity and impartiality in its activities.
- Calendar of Activities Until Feb 2025
- Planning for upcoming events until February 2025 was a pivotal agenda item. The board outlined activities such as design contests, memorabilia creation, and thematic T-shirt designs to engage alumni and foster community spirit.
- Bingo Updates
- Updates on the ongoing Bingo sessions were provided, highlighting their success in fundraising and community involvement. Attendance and revenue metrics were reviewed to optimize future sessions.
- February Golf Tournament
- Detailed preparations for the February golf tournament were discussed, with specific details to be finalized in the next board meeting. The tournament is anticipated to serve as a key fundraising event and an opportunity for alumni networking.
Meeting Conclusion: The meeting concluded on a celebratory note with the Board of Trustees commemorating July birthdays, reinforcing a sense of unity and camaraderie among members.
The Alumni Board looks forward to implementing these initiatives and fostering continued growth and engagement within the alumni community. Stay tuned for more updates as we progress towards our goals.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended the alumni meeting on July 13. It was truly wonderful to see different batches come together, sharing memories and creating new ones. Your presence made the event a resounding success.
Thank you for your continued support and engagement. We look forward to many more reunions in the future.”
– SJCC Alumni Foundation Inc. (Formerly St. John Academy)
July 13 Alumni Class-Batch Presidents, Officers and Representatives Meeting at SJC Quadrangle: A Successful Event
The alumni meeting held on July 13, 2024, at the SJC Quadrangle was a resounding success. The event saw attendance from various class batches, including 1962, 1964, 1965, 1967, 1968, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1992, 1994, 2007, 2014, and 2022. A special kudos to the batch of the 1970s for achieving perfect attendance.
Welcome and Introduction
- Invocation: A heartfelt video invocation opened the event.
- Introduction of Attendees: Class presidents and representatives were introduced and recognized.
- Welcome Remarks and President’s Report: Retired General Magtanggol Gatdula welcomed everyone and discussed alumni accomplishments over the past three months, including two board meetings, the dissemination of new alumni IDs to the Class of 2024 (with more to follow), and the launch of the alumni website on June 8, 2024. He also outlined upcoming plans and activities and announced the formation of the Alumni Council
Overview of Meeting Objectives
- Presentation of Different Committees: An overview of the various committees was provided.
- Meeting Agenda and Objectives: The meeting’s agenda and objectives were presented.
- Appointment of Members to Various Committees
- Creation of the Alumni Council
- Annual Alumni General Assembly
- Planning for the 75th Diamond Grand Alumni Celebration (2026)
- Alumni Activities and Projects
- Fundraising Initiatives
Auditor’s Report: Levi Visaya discussed renewal of the foundaiton’sSEC registration and open cases subject for data fixing.
- 177 cases – Unfiled return (IT/1601C/1601E)
- 159 cases – Approved request for data fixing
- 18 cases – To be filed (Income Tax Returns)
Treasurer’s Report: Bebeth Bercasio provided details on cash turnover, expenses, cash donations, and cash on hand.
Communications and Membership Committee’s Report: Tolitz Deniega discussed the functionalities of the new alumni website and highlighted the alumni’s social media accounts, including a Facebook page, YouTube channel, and TikTok. He requested attendees to help share content and encourage more memberships.
Alumni Activities and Projects: Current and future alumni activities and projects were reviewed.
Fundraising Initiatives: Dra. Doreen Andrade Sales discussed the Bingo Social 2024 fundraising initiative, scheduled for October 19, 2024, at 1 PM at LLC Auditorium (Central 2) in Calamba City.
Distribution of Bingo Tickets
- Schedule of Remittance:
- 1st Remittance – August 17, 2024
- 2nd Remittance – September 21, 2024
- Last Remittance – October 12, 2024
- Payment GCASH – c/o Cora Caldozo (0917 500 4909)
Questions and Answers
An interactive Q&A session provided attendees with the opportunity to engage with the speakers and clarify any concerns.
Lunch
The meeting concluded with a lunch, offering meals and a networking opportunity for all attendees.
SJA Class ’76 Conducts Successful Flu & Pneumonia Vaccine Project
In a proactive move towards community health, the SJA Class of ’76 organized a three-day Flu & Pneumonia vaccine project, commencing on June 26, 2024. The initiative aimed to provide essential vaccinations to residents of Calamba City, ensuring preventive healthcare measures were accessible.
Dates & Venues of Vaccination:
- June 27, 2024 (Thursday) @ 8AM: David Malihan’s Apt., Lourdes Apartment A, Manoto-Malihan Subdivision, Science Park Road, Brgy. Real, Calamba City.
- June 29, 2024 (Saturday) @ 7AM: Nory Nevalga’s Residence, #32 Arambulo St., Juliano Subd., Calamba City.
- June 30, 2024 (Sunday) @ 8AM: Lolita Tan-Gonzales @ Looc & Lolita Villanueva @ Sucol.
Vaccination Details: The project successfully administered Flu vaccines to over 170 individuals and PCV 13 vaccines to 9 recipients. The vaccines used included FLU- VAXIGEIP TETRA (SANOFI) Quadrivalent and PREVINAR 13 (Pneumococcal 13-valent), ensuring comprehensive protection against influenza and pneumonia.
Background: Initiated in 2016, this annual Flu Vaccine project has been a testament to the commitment of SJA Class ’76 towards promoting community health and welfare. Key individuals involved in the project include Dr. Norberto Arambulo, Dra. Nory Nevalga, Dra. Allyson Quicoy, Nurse Tez Tantengco, Nurse Eric Sibal, and the dedicated Volunteer Batch ’76 officers and batch mates.
This successful event underscores the dedication and proactive approach of the SJA Class of ’76 in fostering a healthier community and promoting preventive healthcare initiatives.
St. John Colleges of Calamba Alumni Foundation Inc. (formerly St. John Academy) Launches New Alumni ID
We are thrilled to announce the launch of the new St. John Colleges of Calamba Alumni ID, a significant milestone in our commitment to fostering a strong alumni community.
The Alumni ID prominently features essential information on the front, including the bearer’s Name, Alumni ID #, Class #, LRN #, Birthday, and Address, proudly adorned with the Alumni logo.
On the reverse side, each ID includes a space for the bearer’s signature and a statement certifying their membership in the St. John Colleges of Calamba Alumni Foundation Inc. This certification affirms their connection to our esteemed institution and their status as a valued member of our alumni community.
We are pleased to announce that the printing and distribution of these Alumni IDs have already commenced with the Class of 2024. Soon, these IDs will be made available to alumni from all batches and classes, ensuring that each member of our extended St. John Colleges family can proudly carry their Alumni ID.
This initiative aims not only to strengthen our alumni network but also to provide alumni with a tangible symbol of their connection to St. John Colleges of Calamba. We believe that these Alumni IDs will serve as a reminder of shared experiences and achievements, fostering camaraderie and lifelong connections among our alumni.
We look forward to seeing these IDs in the hands of our esteemed alumni and continuing to celebrate our collective journey as members of the St. John Colleges of Calamba community.
Highlights from the Second Alumni Board Meeting – June 8, 2024
The St. John Colleges of Calamba Alumni Foundation Board of Trustees, under the leadership of President Tanggol Gatdula, convened for their second monthly meeting at the SJC Alumni Center on June 8, 2024. The meeting was marked by significant developments and celebrations within the alumni community.
Generous Contributions: During the meeting, the Board gratefully accepted cash donations from two esteemed alumni groups:
- Class ’71, facilitated by Ms. Astrid Abary
- Class ’74, facilitated by Ms. Elizabeth Bacasio
These contributions reflect the ongoing support and dedication of our alumni towards advancing the Foundation’s initiatives and fostering a strong sense of camaraderie.
Key Agenda Items: Important discussions centered around:
- The imminent Launching of the Alumni Website to enhance communication and engagement among alumni.
- The renewal of the Foundation’s SEC registration to ensure compliance and operational continuity.
Upcoming Projects: Dra Doreen, Chairman of the Events and Program Committee presented exciting plans for:
- October 2024 Bingo Social, aimed at promoting social interaction and community spirit.
- A Golf Tournament scheduled for February 2025, envisioned to strengthen alumni bonds and support future Foundation endeavors.
Celebrations: The meeting concluded with a joyful celebration honoring the birthdays of President Tanggol and Ms. Belencita Ng. The gathering featured a sumptuous spread of Filipino delicacies, underscoring the warmth and fellowship that characterize alumni gatherings at St. John Colleges of Calamba.
This meeting underscored the Foundation’s commitment to unity, progress, and celebrating the contributions of its members, setting a positive tone for future endeavors.
St. John Colleges of Calamba Celebrates Commencement Exercises
Date: June 11, 2024
Venue: SJC Hall Quadrangle
Theme: “Filipino Youth: Building a Stronger Future for a New Philippines”
The commencement exercises of the St. John Colleges of Calamba for the Senior High School and College Department were held with great pomp and circumstance at the SJC Hall Quadrangle on June 11, 2024. The ceremony was a celebration of academic achievement and the promising future of the graduating students.
The program began with a grand processional, led by the candidates for graduation, esteemed faculty, administration, staff, board of trustees, and honored guests. The entrance of colors, accompanied by the national anthem, set a patriotic tone for the event, followed by renditions of the SJC Hymn and the Calamba Hymn.
Highlights of the Event:
- Invocation: Judith Fortes, a distinguished member of the College faculty, delivered a solemn invocation, seeking blessings for the graduating class.
- Welcome Address: Eunice Tabernilla, BSA Magna Cum Laude, delivered an inspiring welcome address, setting the stage for the commencement ceremony.
Academic Achievement Awards: Outstanding students from both the College and Senior High School were honored with academic achievement awards, recognizing their exceptional performance.- Words of Gratitude: Alfred Kenji Palanas, SHS Valedictorian with highest honors, expressed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the Senior High School graduates.
- Guest Speaker Introduction: Portia Egken, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Principal, introduced the esteemed guest speaker, Teresa Juta Sanchez, Valedictorian of Class ’74, with eloquence and grace.
Guest Speaker’s Message: Teresa Juta Sanchez delivered a poignant message, reflecting on her journey and imparting wisdom to the graduating class, followed by the presentation of a plaque of appreciation.- Jubilarian Recognition: Members of the Silver (Class 1999) and Golden (Class 1974) Jubilee Classes were recognized with certificates of appreciation for their enduring commitment to the institution.
Confirmation of Graduates: Cynthia Meneses, SJC President confirmed the graduates, marking the culmination of their academic journey.
Distribution of Certificates: Cynthia Meneses, SJC President, and Ms. Adrienne Aguilar, Vice President for Administration, awarded certificates and special academic honors to deserving graduates.- Appointment and Turnover of Duties: Cynthia Meneses appointed Dr Portia Egken as the new Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dr Maria Dedumo as Dean of Colleges, formally acknowledging their responsibilities. Dr. Aliw Aldea, the former Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Colleges, was honored with a service award.
Alumni Foundation Induction: Newly elected officers of the SJC Alumni Foundation were inducted into their roles, symbolizing continuity and support for the institution.
- Pledge of Loyalty: Gen Magtanggol Gatdula, President of the SJC of Calamba Alumni Foundation, led the graduates in a pledge of loyalty, underscoring their commitment to alma mater.
- Closing: The ceremony concluded with the heartfelt strains of the graduation song, “A Million Dreams,” as faculty, administration, staff, board of trustees, and honored guests recessed from the quadrangle.
- Master of Ceremony: Marcedes De Los Reyes and Mr. Alipon Elec skillfully orchestrated the proceedings, ensuring a seamless and memorable event.
The commencement exercises of the St. John Colleges of Calamba were a testament to the dedication, hard work, and achievements of the graduating students, faculty, and staff. As they embark on new journeys, they carry with them the values instilled by SJC, ready to make a positive impact on society and build a brighter future for the Philippines
