NVC - Second Issue: Latest News - Naga View Alumni Comes Home

Latest News

NAGA VIEW ALUMNI COMES HOME

The Alumni Association of Naga View Adventist College (NVAC) convened on February 8-10, 2008 at the beautiful campus of NVAC for its General Alumni Homecoming. Scattered throughout the Bicol Region, Southern Tagalog and Metro Manila area, alumni members came to be reconnected with their former classmates, teachers and friends. A few from abroad were also present.

The weekend activities which coincided with NVAC's 43rd foundation anniversary, commenced with the Friday morning Medical-Dental Outreach conducted at the College Auditorium by 17 alumni physicians, dentists, med techs, nurses and volunteers. Mrs. Melgie Paez, the College nurse, disclosed that 205 patients from the nearby community were served.

The heavy rainfall that Friday afternoon, the Sabbath morning drizzle, plus the cold breeze of Mt. Isarog made Naga View more real to the alumni, instead of being hampered by it.

"This is it", an alumnus said. "This is what I miss at Naga View", referring to the cold, fresh air.

"Wow! Naga View is still a lovely campus and a relaxing place to be", a former faculty member exclaimed.

The Adventist University of the Philippines' Canticlaires, whose many members were either former students or faculty members of Naga View Academy, now NVAC, graced the vesper's worship service with their uplifting music to God. Meanwhile, the Manila Adventist Medical Center Church Choir, joined by the NVAC Chorale, featured Handel's Messiah on a concert held on Sabbath afternoon.

The Sabbath School, hosted by Lhalaine Ciron-Alfanoso, was so emotional that some shed tears when paper hearts were pinned by alumni to somebody who once touched their lives. Former directors and presidents present echoed their warm memories of Naga View. In his hour of worship message, Pastor Nestor D. Dayson, former NVAC president and chairman of the NVAC Board of Trustees, pointed out that NVAC is like the victim in the parable of the Good Samaritan. A victim of neglect. With the theme "AIM HIGH ALUMNI", Dayson challenged the alumni to be a "Good Samaritan" to their Alma Mater.

Dr. Adolfo B. Valenzuela, NVAC'S first president, gave his keynote address during the Saturday evening's banquet and the alumni president, Pastor Dave G. Awa, gave the response. Engr. Jenehlo O. Frias challenged the alumni to "aim high" by presenting a way on how alumni can do something for the progress of Naga View. Engr. Frias is a former NVAC alumni association president and currently serves as NVAC's Alumni Relations Officer. Together with the officers, he was behind the success of the affair.

The homecoming activities were concluded Sunday morning with a relaxing "hot spa" at the Panicuason Hot Spring Resort, more or less two kilometers away from the campus. The next homecoming will be on 2010 in time for NVAC's 45th foundation anniversary.

Reported by:

Karen Portugal-Bajo

PIO, NVAC