Naga View Connection / Naga View Alumni International Blog

Latest News: Naga View's New President

2008-03-19T04:31:00.000-07:00

Dear Naga Viewers,

I am happy to announce that Naga View has a new president in the person of Salvador Molina. He was the immediate predecessor of Pastor Nestor Dayson. He had been on educational leave to upgrade his educational credentials.

More news to follow! Please forward all news to Nitz at nagaview@gmail.com.
She is one of the editors of the Naga View Connection, and the coordinator for the next issue!

Marhay na aldaw sa indong gabos!

Danbar

Dear Friends and NVAC Alumni Worldwide,

Christian Greetings to all!

Last week, March 13, 2008, the Board of Trustees of Naga View Adventist College met in the campus to discuss important matters. One of those is the election of NVAC president. After the meeting I was called to appear before the BOT and was informed that I was elected as the new president.

My friends, I accepted the challenge with the single purpose in mind to help NVAC through my little experience as administrator. I am very much aware of the reality that I cannot do the work by myself but I need the support of everybody the students, parents, faculty and staff, fellow administrators, BOT and most expecially the NVAC ALUMNI. My friends, I must confess that the main reason for the success of most, if not all private educational institutions here in the Philippines is because of the full support of their alumni. My dear alumni and friends how I wish it will also happen to our dear NVAC.

Last Monday night we had a faculty meeting and I presented to them the status of Naga View in terms of: finace, enrolment, course offerings, graduates. passing rate in government exams, etc. based on a ten year period. We discussed the implications of those data in relation to the operation and future of Naga View. My friends, I believe that all of us in that meeting understood clearly the message of those data that we need to do our best whatever our task is, be united, and do something to change the status of Naga View. We want to see Naga View grow and developed into its full stature as an educational institution but we need the support and help of everybody. Unless we do something, the future of Naga View is in danger.

My friends, I am an average person but with God's grace I would like to give my best for the sake of our dear Naga View. We would like to work with transparency and we are open to any suggestions, questions and scrutiny of anybody. We are more than willing to show you our records anytime you come to Naga View. And most of all, we would like you to be our partners in helping Naga View grow.

If you will ask me about the status of Naga View at present, I would honestly say that after 43 years of its existence since it was established in 1965, Naga View is still an infant. It's not a very welcome assessment but that's the truth. My friends, I know that many of you have good plans for Naga View and more than willing to share your blessings. Many of you have already started giving and helping but we need the support of everybody. Let us emulate the example of Pastor Dan Smith, an american, not an alumnus of Naga View, not related to any of us biologically, but because of his love to Naga View he tried his best to look for funds, contacted everybody and share his dreams and burden of making a diffrence in the life of our students.

Our dear alumni and friends, we would like to appeal to you. Let us work together harmoniously and let us continue to share our blessings for the growth and development of our dear NAGA VIEW ADVENTIST COLLEGE. God bless. Mabuhay and Naga View. Please continue to pray for us.

Praying for you all,

Pastor Salvador Molina

Dear Pastor Molina,

Thank you for your prayer and encouraging words of comfort during my bereaved time. Congratulation for being back to NVAC as the President. I know the Lord is blessing you with knowledge and wisdom ready to serve Him effectively and efficiently, with in your capacity.

Art Alcorin

I congratulate you Pastor S. Molina for being elected as the new president of Naga View Adventist College. I'm Erwin Pajares, brother of Mrs. Venus Tanay who is teaching in Daet multi-grade school of SDA-Church. I discern your sincerity in serving the school institution and just like any great leader hoping for the progress not only for the physical make-up of the institution but for its moral balance.

We are all familiar with the wisdom of king Solomon and as a leader the first move that he did was making the creator of the universe his own consultant on how to serve his constituents. Your appeal to us is very similar to king Solomon's humility and honesty and I appreciate it. My current information reminds me that NVAC is an independent college, you have your own 'BOT' and therefore at least part of your first public petition for support made it clear that your college is open for suggestions, questions, and even scrutiny. My piece of unsolicited advice may not be conventional to your BOT and may not even be acceptable to many and I don't know any SDA board or committees have tried it before probably because of "cultural exclusivism" in our Church as a whole. That SDA institutions must be managed by "SDA brains" alone plus prayers. But let's try to be Biblical:

First: when Moses had a hard time managing his people God allowed his father in-law to advise him (Exo.18:1-27). Although Jethro thought to be converted to Israel because of his sacrificial acts in verses 9-12, the fact was that Jethro was a priest of Midian (non-Israelite), whom Moses the fugitive met in his Escapes to Midian from Egypt,(Exo.2:15-25), and therefore his managerial wisdom must have been based in his own leadership as a priest in Midian. Why not NVAC adopt this pattern of leadership? why not try to hire some consultants (non-SDA managers or developers) whose expertise is for the development of private school institutions?

Second: NVAC is very rich in water supply. why not come up to a project like bottled water to be distributed around Bicol region and to the whole Philippines? Why not ask the alumni abroad to share for the construction of the project and make them as the co-owner of the project? I believe if there's a good-earning-project alumni members will buy the idea. I like to quote Benjamin Whichcote he said, "He that never changed any of his opinions, never corrected any of his mistakes." I believe depending on the traditional financial support like sending and receiving money without a visible earning project did not work in the past how can it work for the present and the future?

Kuya Badong I don't have money now and I think others have the same feeling but if the BOT will come up to a feasible project alumni members will take notice of it.

Thank you and may God bless your leadership.

Erwin Pajares

From the Alcorin Family

2008-03-19T04:17:00.000-07:00

From the Alcorin's Family,

Thank you very much for the inspiring and comforting words. All of us will go towards that direction, because God is in control of our lives. What we do is to pray for one another, so that we will be able to meet Him in the clouds of heaven when He comes and live together, joyfully in that heavenly kingdom that is prepared for everyone of us.

Art (Castor) Alcorin

Condolences to the Alcorins

2008-03-19T04:08:00.000-07:00

Dear Sir Castor, Inee and Nenet,

In behalf of the Palmeros, your sadness is our grief. We look forward to the "loud trumpet and the voice of the archangel" then Mam will be indeed ready with us to meet the loving Savior.

Maam Alcorin will always be my dearest mentor who helped me frame my highschool worldview and put right lenses on my myopic gaze. She never deprived me of counsels in my formative years as I navigate the obstacles of the academe. She did push me to accommodate extreme loads of extracurricular to prepare me for wider future role. She initialed "ESA" to most of my written pieces, with margin notes of critic and a mentor. Her counsels chiseled my thoughts on student politics and held me to practice caution on dispensing argument and debate. I remember her whenever my articles where published in journals and other media. I thought about her whenever I climb the peaks in front of me and also when I find myself looking for my way down. If I cannot shed a tear, I will indeed celebrate her life.

Sleep my mentor: Dr. Erlinda S. Alcorin to your family- thanks for sharing her to us. We might not be what we are if her kindness did not touched our lives before.

Goodbye...

Ephraim Palmero, MD

Dear Sir Alcorin, Inee and Nenet,

When I opened my email this morning I was surprised to see some news about the passing away of Ma'am Alcorin. I was one of her teachers in her Sabbath School class when they were still at AUP. We always had a lively discussion and Dr. Linda was indeed very active in leading her group.

It is impossible for us at this time to be with you physically but rest assured that our prayers are with you. In behalf of the the whole Naga View Adventist College family we would like to express our deepest sympathy. We will continue to pray for the whole family that the Lord be close to you in a very special way during this saddest moment in your life.

Pastor Molina and NVAC family

In behalf of my mom, Judith, and my brother and sisters, I would like
to express our families' heartfelt sympathies to the family of Ma'am
Alcorin.

And as representative of the Naga Alumni in North America, please
accept the same.

May God's warm embrace surround and comfort you in this time of
sorrow. We are praying for you!

God Bless,

Nevin Napod

Dear Sir, ate Inee, and Nenet,

Nakikiramay po ako.. Nagkita-kita pa tayo Sir, di ba, kasama n'yo po si Ma'am last year sa MVC-Alumni Reunion sa Dallas? Ikinalulungkot ko po ang pagpanaw ni Ma'am. Alam ko pong mabait na tao s'ya, ang una kong conversation with Ma'am, was when I was teaching in Balayan SDA Elem. Sch. sa Batangas. We invited her to speak in one of the Education Sabbaths sa aming district. I had a very good conversation with her, ininterview ko po s'ya actually, kasi, noong nasa Naga View pa ako, magagandang bagay ang narinig about her, at ang iba doon, ay gusto kong gayahin, kung may chance pa - just like nag-leave muna daw si Ma'am for -was it 7, or 8 years, para s'ya mismo ang mag-alaga kina ate Inee and Nenet while they were growing up.

Our next meeting was yung sa Dallas.

Nakikiramay po ako sa inyong pamilya. 'Could your eyes be opened, you would see your heavenly Father bending over you in love; and could you hear His voice it would be in tones of compassion to you who are prostrate with suffering and affliction. Stand fast in His strength; there is rest for you" (IHP 272).

With you in Christ,

Lolita A. Catibog (Naga View Alumna '99)

We're saddened to hear the passing of Ma'am Alcorin. May the memories of her life bring comfort and strength to the family and all the friends she left behind.

Sir Alcorin, on behalf of my family, please accept our sincere condolences.

Potch Sauro

Mr. Alcorin and Family,

THE DOOR THAT NEVER CLOSES

There's a door that never closes, though it opens but one way-
It's the door that leads to Heaven at the end of life's long day.
It's the threshold of forever where the heart is always glad,
It's a respite for the weary and a comfort for the sad.

May you find comfort in knowing that your loved one is resting in God's arms
And it won't be long when we shall see and embrace our loved ones once again.

Sincerely,

Fil & Ella Alcaide

Isarog Wisdom: Erwin Pajares, DMin - The Evolutionary Model of Creation: Myth, Fact or Theory?

2008-03-19T03:59:00.000-07:00

What caused the universe to exist? The chicken and egg problem is the key so we could arrive to the real argument. No matter how enjoyable for children to discuss whether the egg came first or the chicken; this time we ask, ‘what caused the chicken or egg to exist? So where did we come from? How did we get here? Why are we here? What is the purpose of life? And what happens when we die? These are the vital questions that demand explanations, sad to say modern-politically motivated science [Darwinian science] can’t provide.

Atheism: atheist Quentin Smith claims that ‘the most reasonable faith is that we came from nothing, by nothing, and for nothing.’1

Evolutionary science: Human beings and other life-forms were just self-assembled (by chance or accident) over billions of years.2

Biblical creation: Life, human beings and other life-forms were made, created purposely, by a supernatural-higher being, Christians call him God.3

Atheism is relative to the self-assembled universe belief system. We use to hear the term spontaneous generation in high school. It means the universe and everything in it appeared as if by accident. There was no reason or explanation for this appearing of the universe; it “just happened.” The problem with this theory is that it violates all laws (scientific or otherwise) of logic, reason, and common sense. The first law of thermodynamics (the conservation of matter) says the matter cannot just come into existence. In other words, matter cannot create itself. The second law of thermodynamics (the decay of matter) says the universe and everything in it is in the contrast process of disintegration. In other words, matter does not last forever.

So if the laws of physics aren’t enough to convince you then how about a Latin lesson? Here’s a little phrase you can use to impress your friends at parties: Ex nihilo, nihil fit. That means, “From nothing, nothing comes.” If you have nothing to begin with, you can’t get something. All you get is nothing.4

Evolution and its miracle: The Darwinian story of creation is one hundred eighty degrees opposite to Biblical story. They call it the greatest story ever told. In the ‘Natural History magazine, Neil de Grasse Tyson began the story; “Sometime between 12 to 16 billion years ago, all the space and all the matter and all the energy of the universe could fit on the point of a pin. The temperature was so high that the basic forces of nature that collectively describe the universe were unified. For reasons unknown, this teeny-weeny cosmos began to expand.5 For the proponents of evolution the process are simple. Nature began the process of creation all by itself through impersonal, blind, purposeless chance. Humans are part of the Darwinist’s Creation story, too. But we aren’t an intentional part of it. We are just an unplanned cosmic accident. There is no reason for us being here. It just happened. Accordingly, we aren’t accountable to anyone because no one is responsible for our existence, [Bruce & Stanz, p.305].

John C. Merriam, former president of Carnegie Institution which became effective in 1904 to promote ‘Evolution and the Big-bang universe,’ but what is surprising is what Merriam claimed, “Science had contributed very largely to the building of basic philosophies and beliefs,...Merriam then managed to turn the Darwinian evolution into a kind of religion.6 I would say ‘Evolution is just a religion without God.’ As philosopher Michael Ruse remarks, ‘evolution is a religion. This was true at the beginning, and it is true of evolution still today.’7 Even both Roman Catholic Church and most protestant denominations alike expressed their agreement to the Darwinian dogma of evolution.8 This pseudo-science religion made the public schools the churches of humanism; that there is no God, no creator and we are alone in this universe. It’s not only influential but powerful because the congress is the director behind the curtain mandating the national academy of science on how to carefully manage the Darwinian science including the textbooks and even teachers has been instructed to tell the students that no scientist rejects evolution.9 However, there are five misconceptions about evolution: (1) Evolution has never been observed. (2) Evolution violates both the first and the second laws of thermodynamics. (3) There are no transitional [intermediates] fossils. (4) The theory of evolution says that ‘life originated, and evolution proceeds by random chance, and (5) Evolution is only a theory.10 Harvard’s renowned professor Stephen Jay Gould ‘argues that Darwin’s theory is inherently anti-plan, anti-purpose, and anti-meaning; (in other words, is pure philosophical materialism.’11

In a nutshell; evolution remains to be a ‘theory.’ It exists because of institutional authorities not because it was proven true. It exists in the textbooks but not in reality.

Note: The scientific model of creation will be the next article, then the Biblical creation model.

Endnotes:

1. William Lane Craig and Quentin Smith, Theism, Atheism and Big Bang Cosmology (Oxford Clarendon Press, 1993), 135.
2. Helen Curtis and N. Sue Barnes, Invitation to Biology, p.74, and 1994.
3. Christian Bible
4. Bruce Bickel and Stan Jantz, Guide to How it all Began (Eugene, Oregon: Harvest House Publishers, 2001), 30.
5. Natural History, March 1998, vol.107, p.82.
6. Forbidden archeology Erwin
7. Monkey Business Erwin
8. The Press Democrat: February 1, 2006 and January 19, 2005,
9. Ken Ham, Did Eve Really Have an Extra Rib? (Green Forest, Arizona: Master Books, 2002), 162-168.
10. http://www.trueorigin.org/isakrbtl.asp
11. Carl Wielard, in www.answersingenesis.org/creation/v14/14/darwin.asp

NVC - Second Issue: Financial Endowment

2008-03-19T03:57:00.002-07:00

Financial endowment: Are we ready for the next leap?

A financial endowment is a transfer of money or property donated to an institution, with the stipulation that it be invested, and the principal remain intact. This allows for the donation to have a much greater impact over a long period of time than if it were spent all at once.

I have the impression that if this endeavor has given enough due consideration by all alumni will provide a more formal and organized channel of financial assistance to NVAC. An endowment fund with tax shelter status and being professionally managed by Alumni designated fund manager will be fiscally managed and project more transparency than ad hoc transfer of donations to NVAC routine needs. Endowment funds if properly managed are the financial instrument that can sustain long term development of educational institutions such as NVAC.

A time will come when an Alumnus will donate a property to NVAC (who knows?) and the mechanism of doing it is more complicated than we perceived specially if the property is outside of the Philippines- this is the solution. Tax deductible donations? This is the solution. Just imagine that some of us are paying more than $12,000 as federal tax per year when deductibles can provide some cushion effect to this government extraction. We should find a way how to establish this kind of avenue to ensure future development of our institution. This option also provide protection for our donated assets plus the impression of accountability is appropriately practiced. Most of us wants to participate but receipts that can be tax deductible is a real help in times of recession.

College and university endowments in the United State can be over one billion dollars at many of the richest universities. However, each educational institutions typically has numerous endowments, each of which are frequently restricted to funding very specific areas of the college. The most common examples are endowed professorships (also known as named chairs), and endowed scholarship or fellowships. At colleges, typically 5% of the endowment's assets are spent every year, with any excess earnings reinvested to augment the endowment and to compensate for inflation and recessions in future years.

Restricted endowments. Endowment revenue can be restricted by donors in numerous ways. Professorships and endowed scholarship/fellowships are the most common restriction on large donations to an endowment.

Endowed professorships. An endowed professorship (or endowed chair) is a position permanently paid for with the revenue from an endowment fund specifically set up for that purpose. Typically, the position is designated to be in a certain department. The donor is allowed to name the position, which typically takes the format: First-name Last-name professorship of Department-name. Endowed professorships aid the university by providing a faculty member who does not have to be paid entirely out of the operating budget, allowing the college to either reduce its student-to-faculty ratio, and other institutional evaluations, or direct money that would otherwise have been spent on salaries toward other college needs.

Endowed scholarship/fellowship. An endowed scholarship is tuition (and possibly other cost) assistance that is permanently paid for with the revenue of an endowment fund specifically set up for that purpose. It can be either merit-based or need-based (which is only awarded to those where the college expense would cause their family financial hardship) depending on NVAC policy or donor preferences. Some colleges will facilitate donors meeting the students they are helping. Given the cost of college, finance is frequently a factor when students decide where to go to college. By offering them money, colleges are sometimes able to lure students away from other universities. The amount that must be donated to start an endowed scholarship can vary greatly.

Dr. Ephraim Palmero, MD

NVAC- Second Issue: NVAC Europe Alumni

2008-03-19T03:57:00.001-07:00

NVAC Europe Alumni

We are aware of significant number of Alumni based in London and other major cities in Europe, with the advent of internet communications it will be a tremendous gain for the Alumni association if an organized chapter will be inducted in London. The London chapter should be the chartered organization for Europe based alumni. We will be delighted also to have somebody to volunteer as section Editor of Naga View Connection until a position of PIO of the chapter is present.

NVAC- Second Issue: Second NVAC Reunion

2008-03-19T03:54:00.000-07:00

Second NVAC Reunion

"Together Again" is the theme of the second Naga View Convention/Reunion scheduled for August 22-24 in Camp Wawona located in the picturesque Yosemite National Park where one can see majestic water falls, towering granite mountains and, within its nearly 1200 square miles, one can find deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient sequoias, a vast wilderness and much more.

Once again we have a chance to relive the idyllic times we spent at Naga View and reminisce the good time we spent at our alma mater. Dr. Ernesto Gutierrez, a long-time professor of theology at Naga View and Pastor Dan Smith, Senior Pastor of La Sierra University and an ardent supporter of the school had been invited as the keynote speakers for the convention. More details to follow.

Your Association officers, together with your President-elect Nevin Napod, and officers of Western USA sub-chapter, headed by Mariel Tindugan Estipona, are working hard to make this event a fun and memorable one for all.

Make your reservations now by calling or emailing the following people:
Nevin Napod at nevin@napod.com. Tel. 760-583-3992;
Mariel Tindugan Estipona, mestipona@ci.glendale.ca.us;
Daniel Barizo at byinstantly@myactv.net, 301-824-3132.

Registration fee is $30.00 per person, $50.00 per couple which includes automatic 2-year membership dues. After May 30, 2008 the registration fee will go up to $40.00 per person and $60.00 per couple. Please make checks payable to Naga View Association, and mail them to:

NVANA West USA chapter,
c/o Blair Napod-Testa

Treasurer,
937 E. Main St. Suite 203, Santa Maria, CA 93454.

For Lodging information and reservation please email Nevin Napod at nevin@napod.com. Or call him at 760-583.3992. Plan your holidays now to coincide with our biannual gathering.

Section Advertisements for Souvenir Program for 2nd Convention

Alumni interested to promote personal and business advertisement in the printed Convention/ Reunion Program are encourage to get in touch ASAP with Fil Alcaide, Jr. prior April 30.

Fil Alcaide, Jr.

P.O. Box 11053

Glendale, CA 91226 Email: falcaide518@yahoo.com

Tel. (818) 240-2086 Cell: (818) 640-3257

NVC - Second issue: Latest News - English Icon Passes Away

2008-03-19T03:52:00.000-07:00

Latest News

English Icon Passes Away

Dr. Erlinda S. Alcorin, PhD, former English professor of PUC-NVC now NVAC has finally ended her long battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her family on her last moments. More then half of NVAC Alumni will admit that their English resource have been mentored by this initials, “ESA”. Dr. Alcorin was survived by loving husband Mr. Castor Alcorin and daughters Inee Alcorin- Ellacer and Nenet Alcorin-Icban.

The following bulletin posted in AUP Cyberlink.

Please announce the passing away of Dr. Erlinda Sumalnap-Alcorin on Tuesday, March 11, 2008 at 7:30 AM (DST) here is San Jose, California. We will give you the details once the family has made arrangements for her memorial and funeral services.
(Dan Botabara) Member
PUC/AUP Alumni Association Greater Northern California Chapter

It is with deep sadness that we make this Special Announcement to all AUP and MVC alumni of the passing of Dr. Erlinda Sumalnap-Alcorin. Dr. Alcorin was a former faculty of AUP. She was the Dean of the College of Education when she retired and left for the US with her husband, Mr. Castor Alcorin, former Director of the AUP Health Services.
Johnny Guyo

The Naga View Association of North America would like to express its condolences and sympathy to the family the late Dr. Erlinda Alcorin. Dr. Alcorin's passing away comes in the heels of the death of another beloved English teacher, Dr. Ananita Cebrian. Both of these English icons have made lasting impressions on their students, helped cultivate their appreciation of literature, and the arts in general, and helped hone their student's skills in the use of the English language. Their deaths demonstrate to us the fragility of life and points us to the Blessed Ressurection when we will meet and see our loved ones again.

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

2008-03-19T03:49:00.000-07:00

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

The Naga View Connection Second issue - Coordinated by Ephraim "Butch" Palmero

2008-03-19T03:47:00.000-07:00

March 2008

The Naga View Connection

An electronic newsletter of Naga View Alumni and Friends around the world
Email address: nagaview@myactv.net, naga_view_alumni@yahoogroups.com

Web Address: http://www.nagaviewconnection.com

Welcome to the second issue of the Naga View Connection, the newsletter of your organization, The Naga View Association of North America, Inc. This newsletter is intended to disseminate information that is deemed to be of interest to alumni and friends of Naga View world-wide. We welcome news items about alumni and friends world-wide.

Please send news items, announcements, literary works, etc. to the following NVC coordinators:
Dan Barizo: byinstantly@myactv.net
Nitz Alcaide: nagaview@gmail.com
Ephraim Palmero: drpalmero@msn.com
We also welcome additional volunteers who would serve as coordinators.

HOMECOMING 2008 - Congratulations and Big Thanks

2008-02-12T13:21:00.000-08:00

To the officers of the Naga View Adventist College Alumni Association and Homecoming organizers:

I wish to congratulate you for a job well done. 'Twas a successful event. Congratulations Dave for taking the challenge seriously.

To all alumni who came and celebrated with us, a BIG THANKS to all of you. The event would never be called a success without your presence. The number we have in the registry book is just about a quarter of those who came but just the same thank you for coming.

Special thanks to those who came from far provinces, you surprised us with your presence and to Jun Rimitera for coming home from abroad, and to those who extended their financial help so that the program will be successful. To those who participated in the Medical-Dental Outreach, some of them are not members of the alumni but I know their heart is for Naga View and for the less fortunate, thank you so much! To our guests who added color to our program, thank you very much. To those people who might not been recognized but have helped in making the event a success, thank you very much.

And to the One who guided us and supplied our needs, praise and honor we return to our Lord God Almighty!

I am hoping that your breif stay in the campus have rekindled your love for our alma mater. Aim High Alumni!

AIM FOR 2010 HOMECOMING!

JUNEH FRIAS
NVAC, Alumni Relations Officer

Hello everybody,

I know you are waiting and probably excited to know what has transpired over the weekend right here at the campus of Naga View. Please bear with us, we have not consolidated yet the reports from the different committees due to our other responsibilities here. We will do it tonight. Personally I still have "hangover" of the preparations and excitement of that big event. Besides, I promised Dr. Palmero to submit to him the report for publication in the Naga View Connection soon.

As what mentioned by Engr. Frias in his partial report, the homecoming was really successful. May I thank my fellow officers, chairs and members of different committees who worked hard in the preparation and implementation, donors and advertisers, to Engr. Jenehlo Frias who was our "dynamo" to keep the ball rolling, and to everybody whose name I can not mention one by one but contributed to the success of that reunion. To all registered and unregistered alumni who came, thank you for your support. Let us continue to live up our Homecoming's theme: AIM HIGH ALUMNI! til Jesus comes. God bless you all!

DAVE G. AWA
NVAC-AA President

From Lani Cruzata
To the Alumni Officers:

Salamat na maray saindo gabos sa pag-organize kang reunion na ini.. We really enjoyed it. Susuportaran mi ang sunod na reunion kang Naga View..God Bless.. Congratulations kuya dave..

Special thanks from:

Batch 1996
Don Arizabal - mga nalingawan (sorry donsky, tungka pa ako kang nagpost ako kaya nalingawan )
Christopher Cleofe - saro sa nalingawan..
Win Pasamba
Lanie Cruzata
Grace Serillano
Boom Pili
Chime Joy Romo
Cyrus Venida

Late Comers:
Richard Omadto
Rodel Bue

Visitors
Jen Ramos - from NLAC
Red Feliciano - from NLAC
MJ - from NLAC
Jullian - from NLAC
Friska - from Indonesia
Peggy - from Indonesia
Martha - from Afric

Adventist to Testify Before U.S. Congress on Sabbath Rights

2008-02-12T13:13:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends of Freedom,

Next Tuesday, February 12, 2008, is a historic day. For the first time in a generation, a representative of the Seventh-day Adventist Church will be testifying before Congress in support of the rights of Sabbath keepers and other people of faith in the workplace. It is a historic opportunity-but to capitalize on it, we need two things in advance.

First and foremost, we earnestly seek your prayers. We know we are weak, we know the odds are firmly against us, and we know just how vulnerable we are. But we also know we serve an all-powerful God who listens when His people call upon Him. Second, and very importantly, we need our church to raise its voice to Congress like we've never done before. Send your letters now at www.religiousliberty.info. In under two minutes you can send a letter from www.religiousliberty.info. There's even a letter there already written for you to use. If you prefer, you can write your own letter on the site and have it sent.

Two minutes is a small price to pay for freedom! What if you've already sent a letter? Take a minute to send another letter to keep this vital bill fresh before Members of Congress. And please pass on this note to your family and church friends, so they can raise their voices, too. This is our chance to stand up and be counted in a very real way for religious liberty. Let's not let it pass us by.

But don't stop there! This Sabbath, make sure an announcement is made in your church calling for prayer and letters in advance of the hearing. And please forward this note to your church friends and family to get the word out. This is real. This is happening right now. And it is up to us to seize this moment God has entrusted to us. To confirm the facts in this e-mail and for more details, visit www.religiousliberty.info.

Friends, make no mistake about it. Our brothers and sisters in the faith are suffering because of bigotry in the workplace. As the law stands now, employers can refuse to give us time to worship our God without any good reason. Like Pharaoh of old, who arbitrarily refused the Israelites time to worship their God, today many employers presume to arbitrarily stand between faithful Adventist men and women and the worship of our God. This cannot stand in a nation conceived in liberty. The Workplace Religious Freedom Act is a commonsense, reasonable bill that simply requires employers to show they have a good reason to refuse time off on Sabbath before they fire a Seventh-day Adventist. It is not a lot to ask.

Indeed, as Congress has worked to give rights to many groups in the workplace, it has left Sabbath keepers and other people of faith far behind. Today, the ACLU and its friends on the fringes are working tirelessly to ensure that the Workplace Religious Freedom Act is defeated. We cannot let them remain unchallenged. Go to www.religiousliberty.info and send your letters now. Forward this note to your family and church members and invite them to send in their own letters.

I want you to know that your religious liberty team is doing all we can here in the nation's capital and across this great land to ensure the promise of religious liberty is a reality for our members, and for all other people of faith. But, friends, we cannot do it alone. Please uplift us in your prayers. And please send your letters now from www.religiousliberty.info. This is our opportunity. By the grace of God, let's seize it.

May God bless you,
James Standish

GET INVOLVED THE LIBERTY BLOG RESOURCES ISSUES FELLOWSHIPS ABOUT NARLA LINKS NARLA CHAPTERS CONTACT US NARLA HOMEPAGE (Submitted by Art Alcorin)

Johns Hopkins on Chemotherapy (Cancer Update)

2008-02-12T13:02:00.000-08:00

AFTER YEARS OF TELLING PEOPLE THAT CHEMOTHERAPY IS THE ONLY WAY TO " TRY " ( " try " being the key word ) TO ELIMINATE CANCER, JOHN HOPKINS IS FINALLY STARTING TO TELL YOU THERE IS AN ALTERNATIVE WAY!!

Cancer Update from John Hopkins:

1. Every person has cancer cells in the body. These cancer cells do not show up in the standard tests until they have multiplied to a few billion. When doctors tell cance r patients that there are no more cancer cells in their bodies after treatment, it just means the tests are unable to detect the cancer cells because they have not reached the detectable size.

2. Cancer cells occur between 6 to more than 10 times in a person's lifetime

3. When the person's immune system is strong the cancer cells will be destroyed and prevented from multiplying and forming tumors.

4. When a person has cancer it indicates the person has multiple nutritional deficiencies. These could be due to genetic, environmental, food and lifestyle factors.

5. To overcome the multiple nutritional deficiencies, changing diet and including supplements will strengthen the immune system.

6. Chemotherapy involves poisoning the rapidly-growing cancer cells and also destroys rapidly-growing healthy cells in the bone marrow, gastro-intestinal tract etc, and can cause organ d amage, like liver, kidneys, heart, lungs etc.

7. Radiation while des troying cancer cells also burns, scars and damages healthy cells, tissues and organs.

8. Initial treatment with chemotherapy and radiation will often reduce tumor size. However prolonged use of chemotherapy and radiation do not result in more tumor destruction.

9 When the body has too much toxic burden from chemotherapy and radiation the immune system is either compromised or destroyed, hence the person can succumb to various kinds of infections and complications.

10. Chemotherapy and radiation can cause cancer cells to mutate and become resistant and difficult to destroy. Surgery can also cause cancer cells to spread to other sites.

11. An effective way to battle cancer is to starve the cancer cells by not feeding it with the foods it needs to multiply.

CANCER CELLS FEED ON:

a. Sugar is a cancer-feeder. By cutting off sugar it cuts off one important food supply to the cancer cells. Sugar substitutes like NutraSweet, Equal,Spoonful, e tc are made with Aspartame and it is harmful. A better natural substitute would be Manuka honey or molasses but only in very small amounts. Table salt has a chemical added to make it white in color. Better alternative is Bragg's aminos or sea salt.

b. Milk causes the body to produce mucus, especially in the gastro-intestinal tract. Cancer feeds on mucus. By cutting off milk and substituting with unsweetened soya milk cancer cells are being starved.

c. Cancer cells thrive in an acid environment. A meat-based diet is acidic and it is best to eat fish, and a little chicken rather than beef or pork. Meat also contains livestock antibiotics, growth hormones and parasites, which are all harmful, especially to peo ple with cancer.

d. A diet made of 80% fresh vegetables and juice, whole grains,seeds, nuts and a little fruits help put the body into an alkaline environment.About 20% can be from cooked food including beans. Fresh vegetable juices provide live enzymes t hat are easily absorbed and reach down to cellular levels within 15 minutes to nourish and enhance growth of healthy cells. To obtain live enzymes for building healthy cells try and drink fresh vegetable juice (most vegetables including bean sprouts)and eat some raw vegetables 2 or 3 times a day. Enzymes are destroyed at
temperatures of 104 degrees F (40 degrees C).

e. Avoid coffee, tea, and chocolate, which have high caffeine.Green tea is a better alternative and has cancer-fighting properties. Water-best to drink purified water, or filtered, to avoid known toxins and heavy metals in tap water. Distilled water is acidic, avoid it.

12. Meat protein is difficult to digest and requires a lot of digestive enzymes. Undigested meat remaining in the intestines become putrified and leads to more toxic buildup.

13. Cancer cell walls have a tough protein covering. By refraining from or eating less meat it frees m ore enzymes to attack the protein walls of cancer cells and allows the body's killer cells to destroy the cancer cells.

14. Some supplements build up the immune system (IP6, Flor-ssence,Essiac, anti-oxidants, vitamins, minerals, EFAs etc.) to enable the body's own killer cells to destroy cancer cells. Other supplements like vitamin E are known to cause apoptosis, or programmed cell death, the body's normal method of disposing of damaged, unwanted, or unneeded cells.

15. Cancer is a disease of the mind, body, and spirit. A proactive and positive spirit will help the cancer warrior be a survivor. Anger, unforgiveness and bitterness put the body into a stressful and acidic environment. Learn to have a loving and forgiving spirit. Learn to relax and enjoy life.
16. Cancer cells cannot thrive in an oxygenated environment. Exercising daily, and deep breathing help to get more oxygen down to the cellular level. Oxygen therapy is another means employed to destroy cancer cells.

1. No plastic containers in micro.

2. No water bottles in freezer.

3. No plastic wrap in microwave.

Johns Hopkins has recently sent this out in its newsletters. This information is being circulated at Walter Reed Army Medical Center as well. Dioxin chemicals causes cancer, especially breast cancer. Dioxins are highly poisonous to the cells of our bodies. Don't freeze your plastic bottles with water in them as this releases dioxins from the plastic.

Recently, Dr. Edward Fujimoto, Wellness Program Manager at Castle Hospital, was on a TV program to explain this health hazard. He talked about dioxins and how bad they are for us. He said that we should not be heating our food in the microwave using plastic containers. This especially applies to foods that contain fat. He said that the combination of fat, high heat, and plastics releases dioxin into the food and ultimately into the cells of the body. Instead, he recommends using glass, such as Corning Ware, Pyrex or ceramic containers for heating food. You get the same results, only without the dioxin. So such things as TV dinners, instant ramen and soups, etc., should be removed from the container and heated in something else.

Paper isn't bad but you don't know what is in the paper. It's just safer to use tempered glass, Corning Ware, etc. He reminded us that a while ago some of the fast food restaurants moved away from the foam containers to paper. The dioxin problem is one of the reasons.

Also, he pointed out that plastic wrap, such as Saran, is just as dangerous when placed over foods to be cooked in the microwa ve. As the food is nuked, the high heat causes poisonous toxins to actually melt out of the plastic wrap and drip into the food. Cover food with a paper towel instead. (Submitted by Art Alcorin)

I Love News Like This

2008-02-05T09:51:00.000-08:00

Hi mga katoganngan. My name is Erwin, my last name is Pajares. I'm 41 years old, married and we have only one son. My years spent in Naga View is only less than 2 years, 1981, and school year 1986-'87. Pastor Dave Awa and pastor Lanie Esteves were my classmates and colleagues. Me and my family live here in LA. I'm the author of a book "Bintana ng Katotohan" designed to help our laymens for sharing SDA major docrines to the non-SDA believers. This time I enjoy conducting seminars here in Southern California on Creation, Evolution and Dinosaurs. I'm a creationist advocate and I support the Genesis account of creation that the age of the earth is young (less then 10, thou years old only), contrary to the belief system of Darwinian science that our universe began to exist around 15-20 billion years ago. Staying here in US is very educational and I'm investing most of my time for research, teaching and writing while my wife is working as a registered nurse here in White Memorial Medical Center of East LA. Also, if anybody out there wants to hear and see some new perspective in live just let me know I'm willing to share them through the web. God bless everyone, my friends, colleagues and teachers of Naga View.

Hi Erwin,
God knows best, and may His message be preached thru you. Maybe, it might be good for all if you have a regular column or a blog in the Naga View Alumni website. I'm sure Nitz Alcaide will share a space for the New Biblical Perspective you enjoyed sharing through seminars. Besides, not only alumni, but anyone searching for truth in the internet worldwide. God bless your ministry.
Goodwin Burce

Pading Erwin,
In behalf of the batch we are proud of you! Welcome ka digdi sa satuyang pagiribahan. Dai ka tabi harayuon so pls come to the Alumni Homecoming in Yosemite we will need your wisdom there.
Ephraim Palmero, MD

Noy Erwin,
Can you submit an article for publication (a scholarly commentary about your research or presentation of your work perhaps?) for Naga View Connection, I hope we can organize another issue after this Alumni Homecoming next week in Phils reports filtered to me from Naga View. I can include this in the next incoming issue.
Ephraim Palmero, MD

Send Greetings for Naga View Alumni Homecoming on Feb 9, 2008

2008-01-24T12:53:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!
You can send your greetings to the alumni, your batch, friends, etc. and we will be flashing it on the screen during the alumni banquet on Feb 9, 2008. (NO FEE TO BE COLLECTED WHEN YOU REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE. IT'S ABSOLUTELY FREE!)
Thanks! Juneh

Sir Frias,
Kindly greet my batchmates (1996) especially Lanie, Boom, Emy Joy, Chime Joy, Andrew, Don, Win, Grace.
Thanks, Sharlene Atun

Hi Kuya Juneh,
Please give my regards to my batch, friends, and teachers.
Thanks, Eddie General

Mrs. Ananita Cebrian Has Passed Away

2008-01-24T12:41:00.000-08:00

Meditation

Dear Fellow Naga Viewers,
It is with great sadness to learn that Dr. Ananita Cebrian, a pioneer teacher at Naga View Academy (Now Naga View Adventist College) has died. Her husband was the farm manager at Naga View Academy when the school opened its doors in 1965. They lived in what was then the White House. She was known for growing beautiful roses which she shared with the boys on Friday afternoons to give to the the girls of their dreams. She was a beloved, and inspirational teacher who guided her students to appreciate, and love English prose and poetry. She was a professor emeritus at the Adventist University of the Philippines and was instrumental in putting the school on the map for her contribution to Philippine English literature. We wish to extend our sincerest condolences to the family.
Daniel Barizo

Please find below an announcement:
Reported by Erwin Michael Pedernal pedmiers@yahoo.com
AUP, Puting Kahoy, Silang, Cavite, January 24, 2008, 1:15 a. m. Cavite Time
Dear Relatives, Former Colleagues and Friends,
With great sadness in our hearts, please be informed that our beloved Dr. Ananita (Nannete to acquaintances) Gaño Cebrian has rested from her work some 12 hours ago at our hospital - Manila Adventist Medical Center (formerly MSH). She was taken to MAMC
two weeks ago. And last week, according to our church pastor, she was about to go back to AUP and to her students (she still teaches until now) when the unexpected happened. If I understand it right some complications did it. Her body was brought here at the Finster Chapel at 9:45 last night and the first Service was presented by the Barangay Matiyaga. Schedule of internment is not yet final since her children are still to arrive. Let us pray for Brother Larry Cebrian and the family.

From Dave G. Awa:
Around two months ago, Ma'am and Sir Cebrian visited Naga View Adventist College. Both of them gave words of inspiration to our students during the AY program. They shared some of their precious memories of their pioneering days. Although they do not know me, I personally invited them to come back on Feb 8-10 for our Alumni Homecoming. Both of them were excited of the coming affair that they respond positively. In my understanding, they donated the floor tiles of a small SDA church in Panicuason barrio site (not the Bicol Church), and they are coming back to attend the reunion and to visit that church. In behalf of the local NVAC alumni, may I extend to the Cebrian family our deepest sympathy for the loss of a dedicated pioneer, teacher, mother, wife and friend. Her unexpected death once again reminds us of our temporary stay here on earth. We would love to see her again on that Great Reunion day because next month, she will miss our reunion here. May you feel God's presence in these moments of sorrow.
DAVE G. AWA
President, NVAC Home Alumni Asso.

To the Cebrian Family,
Indeed the family was close to us in Naga View 1968-1970, they were in the White House and we were in the bungalow. Ma'am was my teacher (English Literature) in Silang while Donna my classmate. We are in grief too with this passing. God however has a promise and we look forward for that. Condolence.
From the family of Pastor & Mrs EV Palmero Sr.
Drs. EC and Melba Palmero
Jonathan/ Sharon Palmero
Drs. Joseph & Ella Palmero
Emy Joy Palmero, RN, MBA

To Mr. Lauriano Brian & Family,
Heartfelt Condolence to Mr. Brian and family for the passing away of Mrs. Ananita Cebrian. What a dear friend, she was to us. She was kind thoughtful motherly and spiritual.
Art, Linda Alcorin & Family

Dear Sir Larry Cebrian & Family,
We join you and your family in mourning the passing of Mrs. Cebrian. We will see our loved ones and the the source of Life soon in the earth made new so hold on to His promise. We look forward together in the promise of Jesus that there will be no more death, nor pain, nor tears in his kingdom.
Filomeno (Boy) Alcaide, Ella, Christine Anne and Fil Brian

To Sir Cebrian & family,
I am very much shock & surprised upon reading the email on the blogspot. Actually, I don't really read all of them ...,but I was just interested to know what's up with Dan's last visit. I was so saddened upon reading it. Going back to our days spent at the whitehouse, way back year 1967-68 when I stayed with my Uncle Osing Rivera & Auntie Eunice, we were on the basement, while you were staying up on the next floor. There was only Mabel & son whom I knew, but I can hardly remember their faces right now. You & Ma'am Nita is one such lovely couple...Ma'am was my teacher in English I & LItarature. She's good & I can't forget that! In this time of grief, my family is conveying our deepest sympathy and condolences. Life on earth is not
permanent. We must rejoice for that great hope of seeing our beloved ones upon Christ soon return!
Annie Napod-Ranada & family

Friends,
Dr. Ananita Cebrian had never been my teacher in the academy or college but somehow she has touched my life. Probably it was because Ely my husband was just like a son to the couple beacuse he stayed at their "kubo" close to their house while he was working in the farm where Mr. Cebrian was the supervisor. When the couple came to Naga View campus to attend the 35th Foundation Anniversary Celebration, they looked for us and requested that they would stay at our house and eat with us from Friday to Sunday. He went to market with my husband and she helped me in the kitchen. We enjoyed their company so much and I learned a lot from her. She speaks so softly but smiles very sweetly. When they came in October 2007, I requested them to give inspirational message during the AY meeting. Once again we were privilege to have the couple with us for dinner that Saturday evening. On December 6, 2007 during our visit in Silang for the capping of our daughter, he invited us to have dinner and spend the night with them. We had long conversation especially on how they will help and support the Lord's work. They did not allow us to leave the following morning without taking the early breakfast which Sir Cebrean prepared for us. The Lord has blessed them not only with good children but with their age they have matured spiritually and obtained material blessings that they share in helping build churches. Sir and Ma'am Cebrian has invited us to stay with them every time we visit AUP especially during the graduation time. But now she is gone. My last visit with her was on December 16 when I delivered the Christmas letter. The news about her passing away was shocking to me but it's real. Her sweet smiles and friendship will never be forgotten. I know she will not sleep for a long time but will soon wake up to meet Christ on His coming. I am looking forward to that day. To Sir Cebrean, we join you in your grief. But it is our prayer that you will find comfort in God's promises that you will meet again.
Zeny

Sir Cebrian and family,
We are so saddened by the news about Mrs. Cebrian's pasing away. Please accpet our deepest sympathies. We will be praying for you as grieve your loss. Jesus is coming soon. We will all see her again, never to part anymore forever.
Dan Botabara and family

To The Cebrian Family:
Late in 1969 Mr & Maam Cebrian was the first Naga Viewers who greeted me with a welcome to Naga View. They housed me to the warehouse at the back of the white house were they were residing. Since I came at the end of the year, I worked with Mr Cebrian at the farm waiting for 1970 school year. On weekends Maam Cebrian has always something for me(freebiz kolorom)every time I pass by the white house. I am in grief with her passing away. She will be missed by all of us especially those Naga View farm workers at that time. Her smile, love and generosity will be always in our hearts. CONDOLENCE
Love from: The Jhanapins - Caesar, Vel, Gregory, Karen

From: Johnny Guyo
To: daveawa06@yahoo.com
Sent: Tuesday, January 29, 2008 8:45:26 PM
Subject: forwarded for posting
This afternoon, Tuesday, shortly after lunch, our beloved Dra. Ananita Gaño Cebrian is laid to her "temporary resting place" in Sanctuario de Padua Memorial Park, at Pooc, Silang, Cavite a few kilometer away from AUP. An hour-and-a-half Necrological Service was held at PIC, with Pastor Abner S. Roque, our NPUM President saying the last comforting words. All the children and their respective families came, except Jun (husband of Donna) who is in the Carribean. All your LOVE messages, especially from the Naga Viewers were printed and given to Sir Cebrian. Donna says she would sit down and respond to you as soon as she can. Let us continue to pray for the family and thank you for your expressions of condolence.
Sincerely, Erwin

Search For Outstanding Alumnus and the Arsenio Poblete Sr. Awards

2008-01-24T12:38:00.000-08:00

Dear fellow Naga Viewers,
The search is on for the outstanding alumni, as well as for the Arsenio Poblete Sr. Service award winner(s). These awards will be presented during the next convention in August 2008 to be held at Yosemite in California. Please send your sugestions in private to me at Byinstantly@myactv.net or to Nagaview@gmail.com.
All the best!
DanBar

Invitation Extended to Naga View New President

2008-01-24T12:32:00.000-08:00

Winny,
Congratulations from San Jose and all the Naga View Alumni in North America. As the OIC of Naga View, I would like to extend our invitation to you to be our guest speaker for the banquet and Naga View hour, during our second reunion/convention here. It will be held on August 22-24, 2008, at the Camp Wawona in Yosemite Park, here in California. We hope that you would accept our invitation. We feel you are the right person at this time to represent our beloved Alma Mater. I will wait for you positive response.
Dan Botabara, Chairman, Speakers Committee

Congratulations Sir Winny Paez! You deserve it.
God bless
Ronald Lavisto

Dear ate Melgie(First Lady) and Sir Paez,
God bless you and your family as you take the challenge of leading our Alma Mater to new heights for His glory. By large, we are sure He led you into this path of service because He knows best. Again congratulations and more power. Our best regards to everyone!!! Happy New Year 2008
In His care,
Hellen Alcaide Gagiu with family (Alex, Andrew and Irina Gagiu)
Ate Nitz with Mom and Dad

Warning Against Spammers

2008-01-13T14:15:00.000-08:00

We will not tolerate blog spamming. The previous entry here was deleted.

Happy New Year!

2008-01-01T09:59:00.001-08:00

Hello Naga Viewers,

Last night was both ecstatic and nostalgic. Ecstatic in the sense that the holiday season was ending with some fireworks to ring in the new year, and nostalgic in the sense that I was missing some "puto and suman". However, we had the customary dinner together with some old friends. But the fun happened at the Fisher Plaza watching the fireworks at the Space Needle.

I'm sure you all have some anecdotes and stories about your new year's eve. Let me share ours with you. There were 9 of us (with 4 children - ages 7, 9, 10, 15) in the group that walked the streets of Seattle along with a great throng and mob of people for about 12 minutes from our downtown hotel to the Needle, 30 minutes into the countdown. Then, at 12:00 midnight, goodness gracious, there was a computer glitch in the string of fireworks and it did not completely do what it was supposed to have done, although it managed to start on time and finish somehow. It was beautiful for most of the fireworks display. It was just a simple case of unsynchronization if I have to say it. But perhaps it was not even too obvious especially to those just witnessing the fireworks for the first time so it didn't create an untoward commotion. The crowd was not even rowdy nor haughty at all in the midst of a technical error and they waited until the last glittering crackle was gone. We were laughing, thankful, and just happy, anyway.

Unlike Time Square (if it had happened in NYC), such was the demeanor of us Seattlelites in the 35 degree cold midnight of the new year which was rather more professional and civilized with a great deal of understanding. Earlier in the day yesterday there was already a warning put out on the newspaper about the quality of the materials used for this year's fireworks (that the city is trying for the first time) and people somehow knew that all historical events could happen anytime, as in malfunctions and such, even in the many years history of the fireworks at the Space Needle.

2008 has come upon us and we have so many things to be grateful for. First of all, we have survived a year that was rather fast- more like a bullet train than a cargo-freight one. And, I'm only predicting that this new year would be as fast or even faster that before we know it, another convention would have turned up again. Yes, we are on our way to the Yosemite Reunion in August. I hope we are getting ready.

Greetings

2007-12-19T20:24:00.001-08:00

Greetings to all Naga Viewers,

Season's Greetings and all good wishes for the New Year. Let's give thanks to the Lord for He is good and His love endures forever! Praise the Lord! Peace and the love of God be with you always. Merry Christmas.

Art, Linda Alcorin, and Family

Jesus is the Reason for the Season

2007-12-15T00:54:00.000-08:00

Reprinted from The Biblical Lifestyle- Christian Living
November 26, 2007

Just about everyone in the Christian community has heard the phrase, “Jesus is the Reason for the Season.” It is true that Jesus is the reason for every season. Christmas time has become so commercialized, and while the message of giving and kindness is good, if gifts become the focus of the celebration there is something missing. God himself humbly came to the earth as a baby to show us the way to live. “And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:8 NIV) Let us not forget the miracle of His virgin birth, and His powerful death and resurrection, especially during this holiday.

Gift giving, quality time with family and friends, and kindness to strangers should be a part of every Christian’s life all the time. Use this holiday as an opportunity to share God’s love with others and share the gospel. Love is the greatest gift of all, and there are so many ways to show it. Don’t let this be the only time of year we celebrate our Lord. Have a merry Christmas!

I'll Walk With God

2007-12-04T01:06:00.000-08:00

Jon Christos - I'll Walk With God

His Eye Is On The Sparrow

2007-12-04T00:33:00.000-08:00

Sandi Patty - His Eye Is On The Sparrow & More

Dedicated to the bereaved family of Mrs. Lily Ciron.

Our Deepest Sympathy to the Ciron Family

2007-12-04T00:20:00.000-08:00

Dear Dr. Ciron, Ate Lalaine & Paulo,

I was saddened this morning to read in my inbox the news of Ma'am Lily's passing away. I never thought that my casual but kind conversation with her last February at NPUM would be the last. I fully believe that God knows better than us when He allowed her to rest now in spite of our pleadings to extend her life some more.

Ma'am Lily played a very important role in our family by assisting my mother give birth to some of my sisters in the early 70s at Iriga Puericulture Center. I could not forget how she treated me well when, as a boy, I first came here at Naga View in the early 80s.

It is my and my family's prayer that when Jesus comes again, we shall be united with her again. Please feel the comfort the Holy Spirit
brings in this hour of bereavement.

Dave Awa

Reunion 2006 Video online!

2007-11-25T01:26:00.000-08:00

The video that we all have been waiting for is now available online. It was quite a task to edit every file, convert, compress and upload for broadcasting. I have tried to make the files available individually as it was indicated. Then, I put them all together in a playlist for continuous playing. For a more realistic coverage, I tried to preserve the candidness in some shots which are part of the creativity of the videographer. It's really all worth the work and a pleasant treat for everyone. We are truly indebted to youtube for this technology marvel. Thanks to all who have diligently participated in this project. It's my great pleasure to present it to you, at last. This is just the raw video part of it. The final finished product would look a little different and much shorter, after the final editing.

Reunion 2006 Video
Flash Player Required

Neil Sarzaga - "Sarong Banggui" (One Night) Violin Solo

2007-11-22T03:46:00.000-08:00

Occasion: Naga View Alumni Reunion, September 2006, Hagerstown, MD
Saturday: Alumni Night

Neil Sarzaga - "Sarong Banggui" 3:09 min

Saturday: Worship Service - Bill Billiones, Speaker

2007-11-22T02:46:00.000-08:00

Occasion: Naga View Alumni Reunion, September 2006, Hagerstown, MD

Pre Worship 9:50 min

Call To Worship 9:59 min

Worship Service, Bill Billiones 1 10 min

Worship Service, Bill Billiones 2 10 min

Worship Service, Bill Billiones 3 10 min

Saturday: Devotional, Sabbath School, Panel Discussion

2007-11-18T12:29:00.000-08:00

Occasion: Naga View Reunion, September 2006, Hagerstown, MD

Aimee Joy Penaloza "Holy City" 9:53 min

Ruth Tindugan Wright - Devotional 1 9:55 min

Ruth Tindugan Wright - Devotional 2 8:17 min

Sabbath School 9:49 min

Daniel Catangay, Moises de Ocampo - Discussion 9:37 min

Nimrod Villanueva, Jose (Jun) Aviles IV - Discussion 9:06 min

Aimee Joy Penaloza - Solo 8:21 min

Music Review: "Because of You" - Kelly Clarkson

2007-11-14T06:31:00.000-08:00

I've always been an avid music listener and there's one particular pop song that I've been liking more than others, lately. It's Kelly Clarkson's "Because of You". The lyrics of this song are just as emotionally touching as Kelly's smooth rock-raspy vocal interpretation, and the music is as beautiful - kind of sad, but just awesome. I feel haunted by this song. It reverberates in my ear and I could see the whole story happening in front of my very eyes. I would hear this song being played many times on the radio and everywhere I go, it would be on their music playlist. To almost every young pop music fan, this music is rocking the world. Kelly is phenomenal and a great singer. You would find it true with every song she has sung. And in this song especially, as excellent as she always does it in ballads, Kelly laments her pain. There is more in her voice that makes it so easy to connect with and you are so taken like a very good story. I thought what makes it so powerful and poignant is that part where she sings...."and now I cry in the middle of the night for the same damn thing!"

With the success of Because of You and the album Breakaway, there was a recent duet of this song made by Kelly Clarkson and Reba McEntire (country singer). I would say it is a powerful and heart-wrenching interpretation by two great singers with a country spin to it. As we know, Kelly was the winner of the American Idol singing contest season 1 in 2002. Reba is her idol, according to Kelly. So, making a duet with Reba was Kelly's ambition and it did happen in this great music video that they did recently. Their duet is both successful on CD and on the video as well. I respect the duet video concept and the acting was substantially believable. However, I can't help but be biased for the solo performance because I think the one below, won't be toppled over by any other versions - live or studio version. I could be wrong because I know I will still be seeing and hearing Kelly for a lot more. With her music career on top, Kelly Clarkson is surely going to be around for a long time. Kelly's vocal sound, delivery and demeanor in this solo altogether is perfect, and it's my preferred version of all time.

Kelly Clarkson - Because of You (Live)
Uploaded by killalamogu

Click for Because of You Lyrics
Click for Because of You Duet - Reba McEntire & Kelly Clarkson

There have been numerous interpretations and arrangements done on "Because of You" since it was launched in 2004, and one creative arrangement that I have discovered lately to be brilliant is this one below. The piano player is playing the piano part of the song along with the recorded vocals of Kelly Clarkson on the background. The piano part is a little louder than the vocals but I thought it's very well played from just seeing the pianist's hands working that keyboard in complete synchronization.

Kelly Clarkson's "Because of You" (Piano)
Uploaded by Pianomusings

"Because of You" is a song written by pop rock singer Kelly Clarkson, David Hodges and Ben Moody, both formerly of Evanescence, and produced by Hodges and Moody. It is the fourth single (third in Europe) from Clarkson's second album, Breakaway (2004). "Because of You" is one of Clarkson's most personal because she originally wrote the lyrics when she was sixteen years old to deal with her emotional pain at the time. Clarkson has stated that although she has grown to overcome her pain through God, she can still relate to the pain of "Because of You".[citation needed]

Years later, when she met Moody and Hodges, Clarkson asked if they could write songs with her. She asked them to help her polish "Because of You" for the album Breakaway, but said that she would understand if they disliked the song and wanted to write a new song with her. Instead, both Moody and Hodges were impressed with the song, and along with Clarkson, they polished it into its final form. In this emotional autobiographical anthem, Clarkson laments her troubled family life.

Clarkson said that she had offered "Because of You" for her first album, Thankful, and that the label didn't like it. She said when she requested that it appear on her second album, her label still did not want to release the song.(Source: Reader's Digest July 2007 Issue)"Because of You" won Clarkson an ASCAP songwriters award for "Song of the Year".
Source: Wikipedia

Movie Review: "The Night of the Hunter" (1955)

2007-11-12T12:33:00.000-08:00

Prologue: "Suddenly, mishap after mishap, your fate overruns you and torments you in total grief over issues of love and hate. Feeling tired and beat, you coil up and you get into this sphere of comfort that you only know and understand, and where you don't welcome intruders. You shut yourself down and find a way to justify what you did by becoming more aloof and disconnected. Ah, well, you briefly discover that you don't really share enough of your guts with others that you'd either just do it all by yourself or let it all slide away with the wind. Nothing would seem conceivably sincere and real to you anymore. Incidentally, you have a lucid thought of wanting to put out your best, but in the process, you stumble further away and stuck in it too deeply, to your final dismay."

My Review: I could continue on describing what someone might feel being on the edge, like in a physical-mental breakdown as written above. However, I wouldn't really know exactly the full details, would I? But I would dread the feeling of being in complete "darkness" (of motives), much like the night itself, let alone being on the brink of insanity. But could this have been the feeling of Reverend Harry Powell in the movie "The Night of the Hunter" (1955)? If you're a classic movie buff like me, you might have watched it already and you would know what I'm talking about. If not, you can check it out. I remember after watching it, I could hardly sleep for weeks as I was greatly perplexed and disturbed. It is the most frightening, compelling and haunting movie I've ever seen, and I don't watch horror movies.

the Night of the Hunter - "River Boat Scene"

The movie is about the degradation of the human spirit and those that fell victim to its manipulation. It is a frank display of one (or more) of the 7 deadly sins mentioned in the Bible - which are lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy, and pride. But of course, "let the one who has no sin cast the first stone." It is indeed a tale of greed. Spiritually, I felt mocked, but then, I realized that it's also a human condition worth looking into, if only to help me understand the unusual complexities of life, its unfortunate suffering, and true triumphs or the lack thereof. But as far as movie making and story telling is concerned, it's one of the greatest movies ever made to capture the essence of vengeful ambivalence, calculated abuse, and articulate disguise, the villain role having been brilliantly portrayed by Robert Mitchum. No doubt, this film might just be his best screen work. But what would strike you is the resilient character and enduring faith of the children who were threatened and put at risk. They played their roles so well and helped make this film a timeless classic. Charles Laughton, the British veteran actor, directed no less than a masterpiece indeed! This was also the first and perhaps only film that he has ever directed.

Check it out for yourself and let me know how you feel. I guarantee you that it's one movie you won't be able to forget. You might even be tempted to watch it more than a couple of times to give yourself a chance to revisit the areas in your life (or someone you know) where there might be both similarity or disparity, without first condemning Rev. Powell. Otherwise, it could cause or remain an intense attack to your spiritual being. For the most part, I felt pretty much every thing there was to feel, but definitely, I had a hard time finding forgiveness at the outset, then, it ended up in pity. I can't say, enjoy, but at least I hope you find something to learn about, not only from the film per se but about yourself. I'm not going to use up all the possible adjectives to express my feelings about this movie. And, I'm neither going to make a comment on how well or not well it did commercially. I'll leave that part to the readers who are going to give comment. I'm sure the movie might be still available for rent at most public libraries and local video stores.

The Night of the Hunter - "Leaning"

I must add something really important and that is to give warning to the light-hearted or even the young, although there were children cast in the film. Now, there is a paradox to this review and that is writing it on this site. Therefore, for all its worth, I will have to take responsibility for whatever this may ensue from hereon, knowing that the film involves blasphemy. Nevertheless, it should not be misconstrued that I did not give concern or due thought to the implication of coaxing others to watch an old movie for its controversial plot because I did. However, I've singled out the learning part just as integral as watching any other movie, which I hope can shed enlightenment.

As carefully thought out as possible, there is neither an intent to dupe anyone to change his/her conviction about movie-watching nor interest to glorify movies over conventional learning tools, but rather, a mere appreciation of art and craft, and consideration of culture. Although, the movie was acted very well by everyone, unfortunately, Robert Mitchum's role in this film was evil, wicked and vile. But there is enough substance to the plot to counterbalance his nature towards the end which was, I thought, vindictively strong, but rather judiciously appropriate, to give it a humanly desirable finish. May the Lord have mercy on his soul!

Review of
"The Night of the Hunter" by Roger Ebert

Have you got a movie to talk about, pick on, and learn from?

Condolences to the Balila Family

2007-11-11T12:09:00.000-08:00

We are all sad in the passing of our friend, brother, and classmate, Orlando Balila. Our profound condolences to the loved ones. I'm not a former classmate, but I care to know. And, as co alumnus, although I have not been given the full details, let me post it here for it deserves attention. I have read it from the group mail. Anyway, the group mail has been a little too quiet these days, though, I reckon. And, I've also been catching up with too many things, myself, like everybody else, I suppose. All excuses accepted, I hope. We are one great family. Great, yes, and erring humans too, yes. This may have been posted late, but let it not be misconstrued that we are insensitive here. We do care, and in times like these, we could all come together - however early, on time, or late we did it. It's important and it should matter. So, let me start by making peace with everyone, from my grieving side to yours, wherever you are, and whatever you go through, so we can move along. PEACE!

I would like us all now to take a moment of silence and offer a prayer for the bereaved family. Our hearts and thoughts go out to them. May Orlando rest in peace with the Lord, and to Dr. Edwin Balila and family, may all your sorrows be soon over.

Here's a funeral piano piece I've selected from youtube to calm our souls.
Naruto - Grief and Sorrow / Hokage's Funeral - Piano

Welcome to our Newcomers. The 2006 reunion video now available online!

2007-11-07T10:54:00.000-08:00

NVANA 1st Convention-Reunion, Sept 22-24, 2006

We are happy that you could join our group! This site was created last year in August 2006 to augment or complement the function of the group mail on the audio-visual categories. Since that time, we've had many videos and pictures posted, and I've noticed a surge in visits from alumni and other visitors alike.

As a reminder, this site and some other Naga View links require flash player plugin and media player to access music, videos and photo slides. Please make sure that you have the programs updated. Scroll down the right column of the blog (or left column of the society) and go to "Download".

Video not showing or playing slowly? Use FIREFOX instead of Internet Explorer in order to view videos clearer and faster. Firefox is free and is by far the best free web browser you can use.

To sign up for group mail, go to http://mail.nagaviewconnection.com. To join the Yabbu Society, go to http://society.nagaviewconnection.com To join the Yabbu Forum, go to http://forum.nagaviewconnection.com. In any of the links, you can add comments, and I do encourage it.

I'm pleased to announce that the reunion 2006 videos are now available online. Just type in the phrase Naga View on Youtube search, or access them here on the blog. There have been some previously uploaded videos that were removed but replaced for a more complete coverage of the clip, so don't get weary with those because in time, those would be permanently removed by the system. Therefore, only current ones would be readily available.

For those of you who have been too anxious about the reunion video. Well, this is now your chance to view them online. You can now see the complete coverages of the Vespers, Banquet and Devotional. The Saturday Services are soon to follow. Please visit us often and thank you. Enjoy!

Note: In consideration of those whose internet connection are not broadband, cable or high speed, the video clips were reduced to thumbnail size to avoid download delay. Click on the link above or below it to access the bigger version of the individual video clip. If the videos are in the mogulus TV format, those would be several videos from youtube compiled together to render video continuity. Otherwise, you could also watch individual clips.

Sunday: Devotional Service - Arden Perdon, Speaker

2007-11-05T20:32:00.001-08:00

Occasion: Naga View Alumni Reunion, September 2006, Hagerstown, MD

Devotional, Opening 9:21 min

Devotional, Arden Perdon (1) 9:40 min

Devotional, Arden Perdon (2) 9:31 min

Devotional, Arden Perdon (3) 8:17 min

Devotional, Closing 6:36 min

Sunday: Jennifer Barizo & Alex Gagiu Perform Massenet "Meditation" from Thais

2007-11-05T16:32:00.000-08:00

Occasion: Naga View Alumni Reunion September 2006, Hagerstown, MD

Video by Dem Fronda 5:05 min

Video by Tony Penaloza 5:18 min

Sunday: Banquet, Music, Speeches, Awards, Anecdotes, Comedy

2007-11-02T03:38:00.000-07:00

SPONTANEOUS fun galore!! Here's a treat for everyone! I will be posting videos as they become available, not in precise succession of events. So, the following videos happened on Sunday evening. Naga View Alumni First Reunion Banquet is truly unmatched! Those alumni who left early, you'd regret that you did. For those who didn't get to attend, well, here are the reverberating sound of laughter. Let's all relive the reunion in Hagerstown, MD! You would understand why it was the happiest reunion that anyone could have ever attended. Who could have ever thought that that room would suddenly become an instant launching pad for comedians! Watch now and enjoy! Don't forget to leave your comments below. Thank you.

Banquet, Opening 10 min

Banquet, Ruth & David Wright 10 min

Banquet, Michael Zenith 5:25 min

Banquet, Mr & Mrs Lonoza 10 min

Banquet, Marly Mendoza Mclaughlin (Literary Contest Winner) and Torcuato "Bill" Billiones (Outstanding Service Award) 9:32 min

Banquet, Melgie Venida Pais (Outstanding Service Award) and Roel Poblete (Outstanding Alumnus Award) 10 min

Banquet, Ezekiel Lucrida (Anecdote) 7:43 min

Banquet, Ezekiel Lucrida (Song) 4:23 min

Banquet, Nestor Dayson (Report) 2:54 min

Banquet, Fribeda Frias Fronda's Challenge 5:29 min

Banquet, Fribeda Frias Fronda (2) and Alumni Presentation 10 min

Banquet, Picture-taking 7:47 min

Friday: Registration, Dinner, and Vespers Service - Daniel Botabara, Speaker

2007-10-28T10:31:00.000-07:00

I would like to announce that a full version of the Vespers Service during last year's reunion in Hagerstown, MD is now available at YouTube.Com - in 4 parts (at 10 minutes each for the first 3 clips and 6 minutes for the 4th clip) where Pastor Danny Botabara was the speaker.

This would be the first series of unedited video posting regarding the reunion of 2006. The 2nd series would be the Saturday Services which would include Sabbath School, Hour of Worship, and Alumni Night. The 3rd series would be the Sunday Services which would include the Devotional, Tour of DC, and the Banquet.

These video clips were first converted to .wmv file format, to reduce the file size to 10 minutes each file. The video resolution, unfortunately, is compromised in the compact format, but it was done anyway to maximize content and for faster uploading to YouTube. Of course, the DVD version would be much clearer with its higher resolution. The DVD would also be shorter because they have been edited and re-edited to fit only 2 DVD discs.

You will remember, I have tried posting a partial clip on the Vespers (and also on other services) to satisfy the immediate interest of seeing some footage. This time, I hope all alumni, faculty, students, and friends could be served better with this idea of publishing all the reunion/convention videos online. We might just be the first alumni group in the whole SDA school system in the PI to have its convention, the first at least, available online. Isn't it something, even if we're the last one to do it?

However, it's a one-person task for now, so please bear with me the minimal pain of producing these videos, and thanks a lot. The big credit goes to Tony Penaloza and Dem Fronda for their time and effort taking all these videos. But it's worth all the efforts and the wait, really. Enjoy! I'd appreciate your comments too!

Registration 9:59 min

Before Vespers 8:06 min

Vespers, Welcome, Wilfred Sauro 9:50 min

Vespers, Daniel Botabara (1) 10 min

Vespers, Daniel Botabara (2) 7:29 min

Vespers, Daniel Botabara (3) 7:21 min

Vespers, Daniel Botabara (4) 7:19 min

After Vespers 8:31 min

NVC-1-DB001-5 Report from Naga View Adventist College

2007-10-22T13:05:00.000-07:00

By the grace of God Naga View Adventist college is on its feet again. Repair work of the facilities severely damaged by the typhoon is ninety percent accomplished with an estimated expenditures of six million pesos (P6,000,000.00) derived from the insurance claim and special donations from higher institutions like the Southern Asia Pacific Division, North Philippine Union Mission, Manila Adventist Medical Center, Adventist University of the Philippines, Missions and Conferences, ADRA, NVAC Alumni Associations and friends.

Not included in the repaired facilities is the White House, the oldest building in the campus. The whole structure was literally blown out to pieces by typhoon Reming and only a portion of its cemented floor remains. Our plan is to bring this house back to life for it stands as the lone witness to the long enduring struggles of Naga View Academy’s metamorphosis to a full-pledge college.

FINANCIAL STATUS

The economic difficulty brought about by the two devastating typhoons during the year-end of 2006 to the region worsened the drifting population of our Academy department. Enrollment has been on the drift for some years now due to the opening of lay-operated secondary schools in other parts of Bicolandia, and because of the limited course offering of the school which only offers two terminal degrees, one in education and the other in theology.

Our latest financial statement (August) shows that we only have 9.95% working capital. Although this is much better as compared to the previous year with – 10.97% still we are in a very perilous predicament. Our liquidity is 35.22%. Last year we got 30%. Our major liability is our retirement contribution which we failed to accomplish for quite sometime now. This is a concern which our finance department is trying to address.

INDUSTRIES

One industry that somehow backs us up in times of stressful circumstance is our ranch with one hundred and eighty two (182) heads of cattle. Last year, we had to sell 18 fattened bulls for the 13th month pay of our faculty and staff.

Another support industry is the farm. Some 10 hectares are planted with corn year-round. The income however is largely dependent on the weather. If we are fortunate to have no typhoons in a year we the farm brings in income to the school.

There is a small industry that we are trying to improve--the soy product enterprise. By now we are producing bottled soya milk, “taho and tokwa” and we are hoping to expand its production through outlets in the cities of Naga, Iriga and Legaspi. Our problem is Capitalization.

The resurrection of the poultry is another option but we found it very hard to secure the necessary funding for these self-help projects.

Plainly, without these income generating projects, it would be very hard for NVAC to swing its financial operations. Revenue from tuition fees is insufficient even for salaries alone. We are just very grateful that once in a while some good Samaritans would see our plight and extend helping hands. We will forever treasure the initiatives of Elder Dan Smith and friends who spearheaded the renovations of our dormitories. This time we are boldly pursuing a big project, the college clinic in preparation for the opening of Para-medical courses.

FACULTY AND STAFF

Despite NVAC’s financial shortcomings, the school is blessed with seasoned faculty and staff whose commitment to the work is beyond reproached. Tested through the years to tightened the belts when their cups run short, this fellow workers of ours stand firm in our pursuit of a common vision to make NVAC better. NVAC stands on a nice location which is conducive to spiritual development. It has an invigorating climate, fresh water supply, and is considered an excellent place for retirement. Today our dreams remain to be the same – to put up better facilities with more college courses and thereby place NVAC at par with the best schools in Bicol region. You would be happy to know that in the recent evaluation last August this year by the AAA accrediting team, NVAC was given a three-year accreditation. Last time we got only two years.

FACULTY HOUSING PROGRAM

It is with deep regret that NVAC’s Faculty Housing Program duly approved by the Corporation of the Board of Trustees has been deferred for awhile due to some complications with the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program of the government . The good news however is that CARP will terminate next year “2008” by then, we can start the project.

We express our sincere thanks and appreciation to our benefactors for the benevolent support extended to our institution during the most crucial test of our spirit.

God bless their hearts.

NVC-1-DB001-4 Marylanders Send Gift Box

2007-10-22T13:04:00.000-07:00

The Capitol Church Women’s Ministries together with Nagaviewers from Maryland has decided to sent a box of supplies to working and deserving students of Naga View. The supplies consists of canned goods, towels, soaps, toothbrushes, and also funds to purchase boots for the working students. Mrs. Nelie Roda stated that the contents of the box would be apportioned to needy students and would be the church way of sending Christmas cheers to them.

NVC-1-DB001-3 Naga View Hit by Lightning

2007-10-22T13:03:00.001-07:00

A strong lightning struck Naga View on October 9, 2007. A big tree located on one end of the Administration building was hit and charred. A person standing close to the tree was thrown a few meters away. His condition was not life threatening and he has fully recovered. The lightning resulted in the temporary loss of internet connection, the busting of some light bulbs and damaged the electrical system of the school.

NVC-1-DB001-2 "The Naga View Connection" Maiden Issue - Second Naga View Convention/Reunion - Relive the Idyllic Times at Naga View

2007-10-22T12:51:00.000-07:00

“Together Again” is the theme of the second Naga View Convention/Reunion scheduled for August 22-24 in Camp Wawona located in the picturesque Yosemite National Park where one can see majestic water falls, towering granite mountains and, within its nearly 1200 square miles, one can find deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient sequoias, a vast wilderness and much more.

Once again we have a chance to relive the idyllic times we spent at Naga View and reminisce the good time we spent at our alma mater. Dr. Ernesto Gutierrez, a long-time professor of theology at Naga View and Pastor Dan Smith, Senior Pastor of La Sierra University and an ardent supporter of the school had been invited as the keynote speakers for the convention. More details to follow.

Your Association officers, together with your President-elect Nevin Napod, and officers of Western USA sub-chapter, headed by Mariel Tindugan Estipona, are working hard to make this event a fun and memorable one for all.

Make your reservations now by calling or emailing the following people:
Nevin Napod at nevin@napod.com. Tel. 760-583-3992;
Mariel Tindugan Estipona, mestipona@ci.glendale.ca.us;
Daniel Barizo at byinstantly@myactv.net, 301-824-3132.

Registration fee is $30.00 per person, $50.00 per couple which includes an automatic 2-year membership dues. After May 30, 2008 the registration fee will go up to $40.00 per person and $60.00 per couple. Please make checks payable to Naga View Association, and mail them to:

NVANA West USA chapter,
c/o Blair Napod-Testa, Treasurer,
937 E. Main St. Suite 203, Santa Maria, CA 93454.

For Lodging information and reservation please email Nevin Napod at nevin@napod.com. Or call him at 760-583.3992. Plan your holidays now to coincide with our biannual gathering.

"Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity..." John M. Muir, 1898

NVC-1-DB001-1 The Naga View Connection - An electronic newsletter of Naga View Alumni and Friends around the world

2007-10-22T12:43:00.000-07:00

Email address: nagaview@myactv.net
naga_view_alumni@yahoogroups.com
Website: http://www.nagaviewconnection.com
Blog: http://www.nagaview.blogspot.com
Mail: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Naga_View_Alumni

Welcome to the maiden issue of the Naga View Connection, the newsletter of your organization, The Naga View Association of North America, Inc. This newsletter is intended to disseminate information that is deemed to be of interest to alumni and friends of Naga View world-wide. We welcome news items about alumni and friends world-wide.

Please send news items, announcements, literary works, etc. to the following NVC coordinators:
DBarizo: byinstantly@myactv.net
RTinduganWright: dwrightnotes@yahoo.com
NAlcaide: nagaview@gmail.com

We also welcome additional volunteers who would serve as coordinators.

Welcome to Great Classic Movies TV

2007-10-15T14:24:00.000-07:00

Great Classic Movies TV is an entertainment video/movie source for the Naga View Alumni Association and its chapters.
Check it out on the Yabbu Network website.

Welcome to Great Sports TV

2007-10-10T13:04:00.000-07:00

Great Sports TV is a sports information source for Naga View Alumni Association and its chapters.
Check it out on the Yabbu Network website. The Yabbu Society website would also feature Sports and Entertainment.

The New Yabbu Forum TV (Spiritual/Inspirational)

2007-10-02T21:57:00.000-07:00

The New Yabbu Forum TV is a religious information video source for Naga View Alumni Association and its chapters.
Check it out on the Yabbu Network website.

Naga View TV (Present & Past Events)

2007-10-02T21:29:00.000-07:00

Naga View TV is an information video source for Naga View Alumni Association and its chapters. It features present and past alumni activities.

Check it out on the Yabbu Network website.

Yabbu Network TV (Main TV Page)

2007-10-01T10:23:00.000-07:00

Yabbu Network TV is the main TV page for Yabbu Society and Naga View Connection. It is a source of various information for Naga View Alumni Association and its chapters. They include Upcoming Events, Past Events, Great Sports, Great Classic Movies, Great Vocal Performances, and Spiritual/Religious videos. Live broadcasts may also be aired in these formats and we will notify you as those become available.

Check it out on the Yabbu Network website.

Yabbu Society TV (Sports & Entertainment)

2007-09-29T15:08:00.000-07:00

Yabbu Society TV is a sports and entertainment video source for Naga View Adventist College Alumni Association and its chapters.

Check it out on the Yabbu Network website. It is also featured on the Yabbu Society website. Yabbu Society TV would alternately feature Great Sports, Great Classic Movies, and Great Vocal Performances.

A Word of Welcome

2007-09-19T02:48:00.000-07:00

by Danny Barizo
On behalf the Board of Trustee of The Naga View Association of North America I would like to officially welcome the newly formed Canadian chapter as a full-fledged member of our Association. I also would like to extend the red carpet of welcome to the Midwest and Western chapters. I am sure that under the able leadership of their elected officers, the interest of their constituents will be well served and will make the members proud.

I wish the officers and members of the Canadian chapter, the Midwest Chapter and the Western Chapter all the best as they plan and work to make their chapters effective tools for the progress not only of their respective chapters but also for the Association as a whole.

If there is anything we could do to help you achieve your goals, please let us know.

Again, welcome and God Bless!

Western USA Alumni Sub-Chapter

2007-09-16T16:39:00.000-07:00

07-20-2007
ELECTED OFFICERS
President: Mariel Tindugan Estipona
Vice President: Estelito Delmundo
Secretary: Hellen Alcaide Gagiu
Asso Secretary: Mercy Lucrida
Treasurer: Blair Napod Testa
Asso Treasurer: Rebecca Tindugan
PRO: Gershon Napod
Auditor: Elizabeth Cupino Guiamelon
Asso Auditor: Timothy Napod

Conflict of Interest Policy Adopted

2007-09-16T15:20:00.000-07:00

8-05-2007
Dear Naga Viewers,
I am pleased to announce that the Board of Trustees of the Naga View Association of North America has adopted the attached document with regards to conflict of interest, or even the appearance thereof, in your Alumni Association.
God bless!
DanBar

Attached Document Conflict of Interest Policy

Eastern Canada Alumni Sub-Chapter

2007-09-16T14:03:00.000-07:00

8-04-2007
ELECTED OFFICERS
President: Daniel Catangay
Vice Pres. Religious: Ben Ezra Adap
Vice Pres. Social: Erwin Borabon
Secretary: Mina Joy Marasigan-Rey
Asso. Sec: Ding Fonda
Treasurer: Jerry Tulod
Asso. Treas: Lobell Alcaide
PRO: Evna Poblete

Wawona Reservations in Progress

2007-09-14T01:32:00.002-07:00

Hello Fellow Alumni and Friends:

Three of the 10 “A” Frames are already takenJ! One for the Lucrida/Luna Family (11 people) and two for the Napod Family (22 people). Two beds in the Tent Cabins are also taken.

The following are still available:

“A” Frame – 10-bed capacity = 3

“A” Frame – 11-bed capacity = 3

“A” Frame – 8-bed capacity = 1

Longhouse – 18-bed capacity = 2

Cabin – 6-bed capacity = 2

Tent Cabins – 6-bed capacity – 6

Wagons – 6-bed capacity – 8

Note: The Tent Cabins and the Wagons don’t have bathrooms inside. You will have to walk to a central bathroom.

Please make your reservations early before we run out of space. FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE! The most Wawona can accommodate is 300 people. Anyone in excess of that will have to find accommodation somewhere else in Yosemite National Park and it will entail a drive to and from Wawona from this other campsites.

Please plan accordingly. REGISTER NOW!
Thanks,
Nevin

Differences of Opinions are Healthy

2007-08-18T23:36:00.000-07:00

DO NOT KNOW WHICH SIDE
by Nimrod Villanueva
Since the creation of this site where everyone can reply and voice his/her opinion, all I have done was to read each and every messages posted. I would say, I'm one those alumni just observing in the sidelines, watching perhaps a basketball game, but not really rooting for any team, just watching for the love of the game. I'm a member of class 1972, the most historic of all class who graduated from Naga View. I say the most historic since our class was the last graduate of Naga View Academy and among the first students when it was made a college campus of PUC now AUP. I really do not know were to put myself in the two classes of alumni you have mentioned, but rest assured that I'm one of those alumni who love Naga View as much as every one of the alumni who express their love and concern for the school. The most memorable times in my student life was spent in Naga View. After reading much of the raging discussion about the CARP issue, I wholeheartedly believe that Naga View will withstand all these because the Lord is on its side. That is the bottomline. Also, I'll try to participate in the forum when I'm not busy investigating disease outbreaks and conducting trainings. Hoping to be able to attend next year's alumni reunion at Yosemite. - NV

THROW A ROCK!
by Ephraim Palmero
Welcome to Yabbu club! There is a ripple in the pond if you throw a stone. Nature heals itself, the exchanges makes this world flat and throwing our concerns has only one effect, our love to our dear alma mater transcends the aftermath of all our beings. Looking back is the best antidote in evangelizing our wounds that we felt did not adequately healed covered with scars indicating our success in our lives. When we made a pact with Naga View long time ago to be " higher than the highest God intends for us"; we pursued a dream that we thought a punch in the moon. Well, we noted later that "He got the whole world in His hands. We relate us alumni - all for the purpose of giving back what we thought Naga View deserved as overdue. Throw a rock! - EP

Shall We?

2007-08-15T13:11:00.000-07:00

by N. Alcaide
With all due respect to the pioneering efforts of our association's founder, may I simply put into words what I feel, not that it's anybody's concern, but just because I care. There are 2 classes of Naga View alumni, I've noticed. One is the "enlightened, gifted and open-minded", the other is the "religious, critic and fanatic". But, I dare to divulge to you all my personal observation. I noticed that there is still yet another class that lingers on to be the mainstream and that is the "complacent" kind of alumni. They also exist in these 2 classes. Moreover, I would like to introduce a new class of alumni - the alumni that regularly visits his/her computer, visiting the yahoogroup, the blog, the forum. This new class of alumni will be the same people that we all are, but now, the "technology oriented with passion".

Besides this blog and the forum, which are now the main other media (in addition to the groupmail) of our alumni association, I have recently created 2 other websites with the 2 classes of alumni, I've mentioned, in mind. The Yabbu Society is intended for those "enlightened, gifted and open-minded." The Yabbu Network is for those "traditionalists, religious and fanatic."

This is not to make labels of people but to recognize the atmosphere of culture that makes every human being a person with the fundamental right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. As in politics, we all have platforms that we support and carry out for the common good of everyone. This is my personal way of trying to help solve some problems of communication among us alumni, as fairly as possible.

I have introduced ways where we could all voice openly our individual opinions, and socialize at the same time, believing we could achieve the common goal of "unity in diversity". You will be surprised what learning we could all gain by just involving ourselves with others' ideas, plans, charities, and projects. If we must remain informed and connected, we will join these 2 social networks. Join and be a member today. Let's continue to be the Naga Viewer we have always been - "enlightened or fanatic". Shall we?

Again, I'm not insinuating any form of dissent among us. No way. I am merely being realistic and conscious of what is going on around us, aware of who we are as a people, and also "democratic" at the same time. I would like to give everyone a chance to exercise his/her choice, if only to be heard well and better. In this diversity, we will realize our need for each other, as "no man is an island". We will learn to be more tolerant and more generous in our understanding of each other. Shall we?

We are living in the most modern of all modern times since the century began. We have all the available avenues of media and communication. Why not make ourselves available to its learning and practice? We have a reunion coming in Yosemite next year. Let's rally ourselves with others into welcoming this event. Let's put in our best efforts to its success. One or five people running this event is never enough. We need all of your input, ideas, plans, and participation. Prepare your comedies, jokes and skits. Learn that song and join a karaoke singing contest (if there is). Remember how to build fire and set up a tent from Pathfindering. Let's all be useful. Shall we?

From thousands of blog templates, I chose these outstanding ones to serve our purpose. I have not paid one penny creating these websites, but I have spent sleepless nights gathering ideas and content to their creation. I am lucky to work with nephew Edriam in the selection and with some of his knowledge. With some computer and web design background, one could make a website, but it's the passion that you put in that makes the effort valuable. It's been a real pleasure and a blessed opportunity to be of service.

See you all at the Yosemite Reunion in 2008!

Naga View History DVD

2007-08-14T01:35:00.000-07:00

The Naga View History DVD Video is available in the US for $10, including shipping and handling, for the first 50 orders. Send your orders to nagaview@gmail.com
Naga View History Video

The Choice To Break Away

2007-08-11T23:10:00.000-07:00

by Potch Sauro
I have deep respect and admiration for those individuals - and groups - who have faith and courage to turn their back from a system that provides them comfort and security and take a "pilgrim" journey on to a world of uncertainty just like Abraham did in Bible times. When God called Abraham to go out of his city, the Scripture says, "...he did not know where he was going" (Heb. 11:8) yet he obeyed God even if it means living dangerously in a tent - in the wilderness! To them, God's assurance of eternal security is better than the glory and comfort any system could provide.

Breaking away is not the easiest thing to do, especially if it's Adventism that one is breaking away from. Adventism is a "mecca" in itself and many Adventists find their security here. It is their world within a world and it's where they move and find their being. Here they find not only their religious life, but their social life, educational life, and most often, their vocational life. And to those who do not find their vocations from within would venture out to the "world" during the working day to earn their daily bread, but creep back into the security of their "holy city" at night. In all, it is almost unthinkable that one would dare to leave and break free from a system that practically nurtures your whole existence. Call it brainwashing, guilt, (false) sense of security, but either way, it's what's holding many Adventists from leaving or breaking away. Not that no one is contemplating to leave, something is holding them back. Like the Israelites in the wilderness, they felt that the security of Egyptian bondage is better than the perilous march in unknown territories with no better assurance than the covenant promise of God.

Just what is the impact and implications of breaking away? First, let me state that leaving or breaking away from the system should not be (mis)construed as a judgment against those who stay. But the inevitable act of breaking away is rather an active and symbolic indictment against the system, it's bureaucratic set up as well as its hierarchical structure. It is also a symbolic protest against the church's belief system and practices that those who chose to stay still hold on to in spite of its errors and loopholes. This means that breaking away is a highly political (structure of governance) as well as an ideological (doctrines and beliefs) act that proclaims to the world "I am free", and "you don't have a hold over me anymore."

The action of breaking away, either from individuals (individuals such as, Jerry Gladson, former Theology Professor at Southern Adventist University, now a senior pastor of a Sunday-keeping church at Marietta, Georgia, and author of the book "A Theologian's Journey from Adventism to Mainstream Christianity"; Dale Ratzlaff, former Bible Teacher at Monterey Adventist Academy in California, and founder of Life Assurance Ministries) or groups (groups such as "The Gospel Life Community" headed by John Tulio in California; "Grace Place" led by Arnold Gamboa in Manila; Dave and Gil's group in Makati; and many others) can be very disturbing to the leaders and guardians of the system and those that want to defend it. The instinctive impulse from leaders would be to rally the faithful by extolling the virtues of staying and warning them of the perils of leaving. By then, some of the members will begin to rethink and restudy the church's positions on certain issues. Maybe, there will be questions on the claim that Sabbath is the "seal of God" and Sunday-keeping is the "mark of the beast". Or, the apocalyptic fantasy that Protestants and Catholics will betray their Adventist neighbors and hand them to authorities for persecution and death just because they attend church on Saturdays. It could also lead them to inquire about the authority and legitimacy of Mrs. White as a God-inspired prophet. Or, maybe, it would drive members to find out whether God's "storehouse" in Malachi is indeed the SDA church treasury, receiving and disbursing the tithes and offerings of God's people. Think about an "exodus" about to occur when the truth is not suppressed. Everyone would break free and away.

But as I said earlier, the decision to leave and break free from Adventism should not be mistaken as a judgment to those who decide to stay. Just as I admire those who leave and break away, I equally respect those who choose to stay. But what bothers me is the fact that those who make the choice to stay within the system have been exposed to the same data that has become the reasons why others decided to break away.

There is a moment in life when one has to make a personal decision. To stay or to break away. It's your choice.

A Website, Forum and Message Board About Naga View

2007-07-23T01:12:00.000-07:00

Introducing --

....The Yabbu Society. It is a website dedicated to all students, members of the alumni and faculty of Naga View Adventist College, the former PUC-Naga View Campus and Naga View Academy since 1965. It is the latest addition to the school's online communication services that already include a group mail, a message board, a forum, and a blog, called Naga View Alumni International, which was launched with the organization and its first convention of the Naga View Alumni Association of North America, Inc. in September, 2006 at Mt. Aetna Camp, Hagerstown, Maryland. The website bears the name of a local river that was a significant part of the school's pioneering years.

....The New Yabbu Forum. It is composed of 14 forums categorized under two main headings, namely, Discussions and Inspirations. Those 10 alumni who have registered on the old forum (now changed into the NVAC Message Board) may re-register on this new one. And those who are interested in joining the fun, come on now and let's reason together.

....Naga View Adventist College Message Board. It is a comprehensive message board composed of several individual forums and categorized under separate headings. It was first released as the Yabbu Forum but was modified and converted its title to the NVAC Message Board.

Camp Wawona Reservation

2007-07-22T15:18:00.000-07:00

by Nevin Napod
Dear Fellow Alumni, Faculty and Friends,

I have GOOD NEWS for a change. I have tentatively reserved Camp Wawona on August 22-23, 2008 for our 2nd North American Reunion. That is the only date available aside from September 5-6 (Labor Day weekend)when AWESNA holds their annual convention. I do not want to force our NVAC alumni who are also AUP alumni to choose between the two reunions. I say this information is tentative because the NVANA BOT has not given it's approval yet but I know that most of you are anxious to get going with our planning so I anticipated the BOT's approval and share this information with you immediately.

The details will be forwarded to me by the Wawona reservation person on Monday. I will share immediately whatever information I can as soon as I get them.

So, it appears, the sponsoring chapter has something to work on now. I call on the officers of the Western U.S. chapter to start the work, i.e., form the committees to handle the different tasks. A good way to start is to get in touch with the sponsoring chapter of our reunion in Maryland and get some pointers from their "lessons learned" notes.

Thanks and let's get working on this Grand Reunion!

Recovery

2007-07-22T15:13:00.000-07:00

Dear NVAC Alumni,

Thank you for your explanation regarding the difference between NPUM/NPUMC. I asked Dr. Ellacer the former President of Mountain View College and AUP.His explanation is that, "NPUMC is a religious corporation that is registered to the Security and Exchange Commission that manage the property of the churches throughout the Philippines. It has a legal personality that is represented by the executive Committee of NPUM."

"The executive Committee do not own the property they are only representatives of NPUMC. The General Conference is the highest governing body in our institution to resolve problems if the Union and the Division can't do anything about it". This happened in Western Mindanao Mission now conference. The church members did a peaceful prayer rally when the officer from the GC came. Few months later the President of the Mission was demoted. That's why we Alumni members should shout much louder so that it will be heard in the General Conference. If we have the majorty votes, we can request our Alumni President to write to GC if the BOT will not resolve the problem.

That's why we need PEOPLE POWER to recover the land for expansion in the future. Our effort to recover the land is not for us anymore but for our children and their children's children in Bikol Region to obtain a SDA Christian Education. So that the General Conference who has the highest authority will make correction of the unwholesome action of the Faculty and Board of Trustees which is supposed to be a model and example of our students. We pelipinos can not stop corruption because good people among us are doing nothing. We are preaching that SDA is the right church for our passport for heaven. How will our preaching be effective if we will not live what we preach. How will we be able to accomplish our mission if we keep our mouth shut? This would mean we are cooperating the wrong doing of our friends. General Conference mediation is our hope. Never give up.

Art A.

Awakening

2007-07-22T15:04:00.000-07:00

by Potch Sauro
If there's anything good that could come out of this discussion, I hope it is the awakening to most of us about how formidable an enemy the SDA system has become. Not only that it is an authoritarian hierarchy, one that demands loyalty from people where no church denomination has the right to demand (and where no true Christian church would ever tolerate!), but it has also become a very strong religious establishment made known by its impressive institutions. And without robbing the good things that such institutions provided, let us acknowledge the fact that same institutions are also loaded with dangerously crippling tendencies. And this issue about NVAC is one of those tendencies.

Weren't we taught that the church (Adventism) was born as a movement? A dynamic movement that is supposed to enjoy a greater unity and harmony among themselves and dependent upon the dynamic guidance of the prophetic spirit? Well, look at the church now! Do you see the development of top-heavy, non-productive, resource- consuming bureaucracy? How about the tendency of those in power to perpetuate such bureaucracies whose primary concern is their security, aggrandizement and glory? How about, as this bureaucracy expands, more and more of the "wealth" of the church being consumed by administration and very little actually reaches the "front lines"? And let us not forget that God is on their side, so they say.

Think about it. My awakening happened many years ago.

A World Mission

2007-07-20T16:07:00.000-07:00

The Seventh-Day Adventist Church Mission: GO YE INTO ALL THE WORLD

Courtesy of Global Mission

- 1902 Pastor A.G. Daniels - First President of the General Conference, Tacoma Park, Maryland
- 1874 - Pastor J.N. Andrews - First overseas missionary
Within 30 years, the church message had gone to more 70 countries. In 100 years, to 155 countries. In 92 years, members had reached to half a million in population

Since Global Mission began in 1990:
- 203 established Adventist churches of 228 countries of the world
- 6000 Adventist schools, attended by more than one million students
- 600 Adventist hospitals, sanitariums, clinics and dispensaries around the world
- 8 Adventist media centers, an international sattelite tv industry, and a global radio network
- 14 million Adventists worldwide

Politicians Address The Seventh-Day Adventist Church

2007-07-20T15:54:00.000-07:00

President George W. Bush and the Seventh-Day Adventist Church
"America is a better place because of you."
-- US President G. W. Bush

Senator Hillary Clinton and the Seventh-Day Adventist Church

"It's an honor to address the members of the Seventh-Day Adventist church. I am flattered and humbled to have this chance to speak to such a vibrant and active group of people. One of the things I admire most in Seventh-Day Adventists, in addition to your faith, is your commitment to preach, teach and heal. Your emphasis on educating and nurturing your fellow man and woman is a model for all people of faith to follow, and your network of schools and healthcare facilities put into action - the tenets of those beliefs. But that is the calling to all of us not just to believe but to act. To be true to our beliefs and to fully express our faith we need freedom. Our religious freedom is a cornerstone of this great nation and I personally appreciate the work of the Seventh-Day Adventist church in promoting religious freedom not just here but around the world. I am particularly proud to join you in supporting the Workplace Religious Freedom Act. When I think of what a good and decent society should look like I imagine one in which the government doesn't hinder faith but rather recognizes what people of faith do to make our communities stronger and to make our families stronger as well. Families after all are the building block of any society. I know the Seventh-Day Adventist church has a strong commitment to family, a commitment that is represented in how you observe the Sabbath together. With faith and strong families and the freedom to allow faith to prosper our people and our nation will be ready to embrace the future. Thank you again for inviting me to address you. May God bless you and your families. May God bless the Seventh-Day Adventist church and may God bless our dear and beloved country, the United States of America."
--US Senator H. R. Clinton

We Need a New FORUM / Message Board

2007-07-18T13:00:00.000-07:00

TECHNOLOGY KNOCKING ON OUR DOOR

Fellow Alumni,

I have managed to come up with a new classic-looking FORUM, aka MESSAGE BOARD.

Please look it over, and can anyone tell me if we don't need one yet, at this point, when we have "bleeding hearts" and "hurt emotions" over simple communication amidst high technology and knowhow?

I've been reading your emails and I realized I had to do something to contribute a solution to the seeming communication problem. I'm not going to say much about this land issue here but I'm ready to post it all on the forum I just made. So, if you like to know, the whole night I worked on this little project of mine. Not very much, but I did my very best. Hope you all like it and find it helpful and useful (no doubt). Question: Should there be any censorship on what kind of technology we could use to disseminate news on all alumni all around the world? I just thought I should throw that in.

Mr. President-Elect (of NVAANA), may I respectfully submit to you a website called The New Yabbu Forum for your review. I move that we use a message board/forum where the email system may not be very readily effective (not to undermine the good that it's already doing). Like the blog, it's only to augment the email system, not to replace it. Good intentions, is all. You can tell, I keep on knocking on your door with something every year. So, last year was the blog, this year, it's the forum! You can just try. There's no harm in trying. But you'll immediately find out you need it, I guarantee you all. We could change the title, certainly, and we could also buy a domain name just for this site (because right now, it's a bunch of characters) and transfer or forward it to the domain name of our choice!!

Message Boards or FORUMS can do some things that emails or even blogs can't, let's face it. Don't worry, this forum is complete with "word censors" against profanity (and the likes of it).

Land Concern

2007-07-17T17:17:00.000-07:00

by Dave Sabaupan
Thank you for posting my e-mail in the blog.

I hope the readers will understand that I intend nothing but for the truth to come out. I believe our aim in bringing this issue out for discussion is to protect the interest of our Alma Mater. For all intents and purposes, views will inevitably collide, falsehood exposed and selfish motives unearthed since this is a “war” between opposing claims. The opposing parties in this dialogue cannot be both telling the truth. As a matter of fact the EPs are indirectly saying that those who are opposing them are disseminating “falsehood in the e-mail”. In light of what we’ve been taught that liars have but one paternal lineage (Satan), that statement is a pretty strong indictment. But that’s their right. Only those whose stands are indefensible will have reason to be mad.

In all fairness, it is not improper for members of the board of directors or corporate officers to benefit from the properties or temporalities of the corporation they administer so that in this respect, the members of the BOT and corporate officers of NVAC can validly stand as beneficiaries of its temporalities. But there are rules to be observed in the exercise of this “privilege” to ensure that it is not done at the expense of the corporation. It is this important point that we seek for enlightenment. Unfortunately, instead of enlightenment, the response that we got did not only elicit more questions but it engendered more doubts and suspicions.

It should be remembered that the BOT’s powers are powers in trust. With such fiduciary responsibility, they cannot serve themselves first and the corporation second. They cannot manipulate the affairs of the corporation to their advantage in complete disregard of the standard of common decency. They cannot set aside the rules of fair play by doing indirectly what they cannot do directly. They cannot not indulge in any undertaking that is in conflict with the interest of the entity whose interest they are sworn to protect. Measured against this backdrop, can the decision of the BOT to expropriate that subject property for their personal benefit be justified? Isn’t it vile that after “So much efforts were made for the property to be exempted from the CARP” the ones working for its exemption ended as the owners of the property?

There are those who are asking whether or not the school can still recover the property. The answer of course is yes. But the question is, who will initiate the move? Only those who are party in interest has personality to assail the action of the BOT and they are limited to the members of the corporation. Will there be a brave soul from among them who’ll be willing to dare? I doubt it. This is the reason why I said there’s just no way to stop them from doing what they want. Of course there’s always that possibility that somehow they’ll feel guilty and return the property voluntarily. When that happens, however, it’s doubtful if it can be taken back by the school since you do not expect the BOT to work for its recovery anymore. Chances are the DAR will come in and possess that property. When that happens, those who fought against the BOT will absorb all the blame.

What course of action is, therefore prudent for us to pursue, continue to go against the will of the BOT and let said property run the risk of being taken by the DAR or let the BOT do what it wants and at least save said property (hoping that the BOT/beneficiary will not sell his share to outsider) from being taken by outsiders?

Open For All Naga Viewers To Post

2007-04-04T16:17:00.000-07:00

I've been wondering, myself, why no one has ever offered to post anything on the blog. But here I am now, offering to any Naga Viewer the chance to post his or her article (reprint of original). Whatever it is, if you could afford it, let it be something funny, though, because that's what we need right now. You can all post a reply to this or you can request to open a new thread just for that chosen article or topic. Welcome Writers!

Springtime in Washington

2007-03-16T11:44:00.000-07:00

SPRINGTIME IS HERE

Red and Yellow Tulips

Skagit Valley, Mount Vernon, WA

The Last Blog in 2006

2006-12-31T16:42:00.000-08:00

To My Dear Friends,

GREETINGS! This is the last entry for 2006. The year seemed to have passed me in such a hurry. The exact feeling about it is an understatement, actually. No too little nor too much have been done like any year that passed. Every time the year changes, I have lots of mixed emotions. I guess that's normal and not uncommon anymore. But before anything else, let all praise and honor be unto God.

Hey, I can't undo what's past or have done wrongly, and I'm only glad and thankful I have another chance to correct it and do better. With a new year, I could have a new approach to everything and start anew, like what most people think they like doing. I find this idea to be the blessing that a new year brings. We all have another crack at life, the opportunity to hone those talents, to share and give away ourselves in the Lord's service in more generous ways than one.

Realistically, a new year's resolution is a good way to help organize oneself, and so this coming year I have one too, like most of you perhaps. Above all, it is my hope that this world will come together with more love and understanding, for peace and harmony. May I enclose this song once again, if only to make it more real this time.

It's been both a pleasure and quite a ride-- sometimes smooth and easy; at times tough and rough. Whatever our situation, let's congratulate everyone, give the bear hug, the smiles, the cheek peck, the smooch, the wave and wink, the call- happy texts and emails, write that blog, and now celebrate the rushing in of the year 2007. To you and your loved ones, wherever you are, have a great new year ahead!!

My very best to you all,
N.A.

LET THERE BE PEACE ON EARTH
Written by Jill Jackson and Sy Miller
Copyright 1955, 1983 by Jan-Lee Music

PLAY MUSIC

Verse One

Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me.
Let there be peace on earth
The peace that was meant to be.
With God as our Father
Brothers all are we.
Let me walk with my brother
In perfect harmony.

Verse Two

Let peace begin with me,
Let this be the moment now.
With ev'ry step I take
Let this be my solemn vow;
To take each moment and live
Each moment in peace eternally.
Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me.

Repeat Verses One and Two

White Christmas

2006-12-26T02:13:00.000-08:00

Music and Lyrics by Irving Berlin (1888-1989), 1942

PLAY MUSIC as sung by Bing Crosby (1903-1977)

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
Just like the ones I used to know
Where the treetops glisten,
and children listen
To hear sleigh bells in the snow

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white

HISTORY

Holiday Inn introduced "White Christmas," one of the most recorded songs in history. First sung in the film by Bing Crosby, it sold over 30 million copies when released as a record. The most familiar version of "White Christmas" is not the one Crosby originally recorded for Holiday Inn. Crosby was called back to the Decca studios on March 19, 1947, to re-record "White Christmas" as a result of damage to the 1942 master due to its frequent use.

"White Christmas," a song of peace and yearning for "the ones we used to know," was released to a war-torn public during the darkest days of World War II. By the end of the War it had become the biggest-selling single of all time. Bing's recording hit the charts on Oct. 3, 1942, and rose to #1 on Oct. 31, where it stayed for an amazing 11 weeks. In the following years Bing's recording hit the top-30 pop charts another 16 times, even topping the charts again in 1945 and January of '47. The song remains Bing's best-selling recording, and the best-selling Christmas single of all-time. According to the 2007 Guinness Book of Records, Bing's single of "White Christmas" has sold more than 50 million copies worldwide and is the best-selling single in any music category in history. In addition, Bing's recording of "White Christmas" has sold additional millions of copies as part of numerous albums, including his best-selling album Merry Christmas, which was first released as an LP in 1949.

Sources: Wikipedia and Steven Lewis

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR

2006-12-25T23:52:00.000-08:00

(Reprinted from email dated Dec. 25, 2006)
Dear Naga View Adventist College Alumni and Friends,

In behalf of the Board of Trustees and the Officers of the Naga View
Association of North America, I would like to greet you all a Merry
Christmas and may God's bountiful blessing be given to you so He can
channel more blessings to Naga View Adventist College through you in
this coming New Year!

Thank you very much for the generous response to the appeal for help
for NVAC in the aftermath of Typhoon Reming. Your efforts are
greatly appreciated.

And personally, from my family to yours, Merry Christmas to all and
to all a good cheer! Remember, "Jesus is the reason for the season!"

Nevin Napod
Naga View Association
President-Elect

The Christmas Song

2006-12-24T22:24:00.000-08:00

Written by Mel Torme and Bob Wells in 1944

PLAY MUSIC as sung by Barbra Streisand (A Christmas Album, 1967)

(although it's been said
Many times, many ways
Merry Christmas to you...)

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
Jack frost nipping at your nose
Yuletide carols being sung by a choir
And folks dressed up like Eskimos
Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe
Help to make the season bright
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
We'll find it hard to sleep tonight
They know that Santa's on his way
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
And every mother's child is gonna spy
To see if reindeer really know how to fly
And so i'm offering this simple phrase
To kids from one to 92
Although it's been said
Many times, many ways
Merry Christmas to you

(They know that Santa's on his way
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh)

And every mother's child is gonna spy
To see if reindeer really know how to fly
So I'm offering this simple phrase
To kids from one to 92
Although it's been said
Many times, many ways
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas to you...

Multi-Platinum Holidays

Still longing for the classics? Here are the best selling holiday albums of all time as listed by the Recording Industry Association of America, the trade group representing the U.S. recording industry.

* Christmas Album by Elvis Presley (RCA, 1990 reissue) $9.98; 9 million copies sold
* Miracles: The Holiday Album by Kenny G (Arista, 1994) $13.98; 8 million copies sold
* Christmas by Mannheim Steamroller (Amer Gramaphone, 1990) $13.98; 6 million copies sold
* Now That's What I Call Christmas! by Various Artists (Utv Records, 2001) $19.98; 6 million copies sold
* Fresh Aire Christmas by Mannheim Steamroller (Amer Gramaphone, 1990) $13.98; 6 million copies sold
* Merry Christmas by Mariah Carey (Sony, 1994) $13.98; 5 million copies sold
* Merry Christmas by Johnny Mathis (Sony, 2003 reissue) $9.98; 5 million copies sold
* Christmas Album by Barbra Streisand (Sony, 1967) $9.98; 5 million copies sold

The Lord's Prayer

2006-12-24T21:36:00.000-08:00

The Bible: Matthew 6:9-13

PLAY MUSIC as sung by Barbra Steisand (A Christmas Album, 1967)

Our father
Which art in heaven
Hallowed be thy name
Thy kingdom come
Thy will be done
In earth as it is
In heaven...
(give us this day our daily bread)
And forgive us our debts
As we forgive our debtors
And lead us not into temptation
But deliver us from evil
For thine is the kingdom
And the power
And the glory
Forever...
Amen...

Ave Maria

2006-12-24T21:26:00.000-08:00

Composed by Franz Peter Schubert (1797-1828) in 1825
Adaptation by Charles Francois Gounod (1818-1893) in 1859
Based on Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) Prelude in C Major from the "Well Tempered Clavier"

PLAY MUSIC as sung by Barbra Streisand (A Christmas Album, 1967) Both Latin and English versions of the song were recorded in 1966 but Barbra opted to include, in the Christmas album 1967 release, only the Latin version, shelving the english version for 38 years. The English version of Ave Maria was released in 2005.

Ave Maria
Gratia plena
Dominus tecum
Benedicta tu in mulieribus
Et benedictus fructus ventris tui Jesus
Santa Maria...
Santa Maria...
Maria
Ora pro nobis
Nobis pecatoribus
Nunc et in hora,
In hora mortis nostrae
(santa Maria, santa Maria)
Maria
Ora pro nobis
Nobis pecatoribus
Nunc et in hora,
In hora mortis nostrae
Amen
Amen...

HISTORY

A hymn sung for many centuries at Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament or during the Mass such as Offertory and Communion, Ave Maria is a traditional Catholic and Eastern Orthodox intercessory prayer (calling for Mary, the mother of Jesus), used by other denominations in the Catholic tradition, notably Anglo-Catholic members of the Anglican Communion. It is known as the "Angelic Salutation" as well as being called the "Hail Mary".

Ave Maria by Franz Schubert was originally titled "Ellens Dritter Gesang" (Ellen's Third Song). The confusion over the title probably arose due to the opening verse of the song. The person responsible for setting the Ave Maria lyrics in Latin remains a mystery this day.

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

2006-12-24T20:53:00.000-08:00

Written by Ralph Blane, Hugh Martin

PLAY MUSIC as sung by Barbra Streisand (A Christmas Album, 1967)

Christmas' future is far away
Christmas' past is passed
Christmas' present is here today
Bringing joy that will last.

Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Let your hearts be light
From now on our troubles will be out of sight
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Make the Yule time gay
From now on our troubles will be miles away
Here we are as in olden days
Happy golden days of yoke
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Gather near to us once more

Through the years we all will be together
If the fates allow
Hang a shining star upon the highest bow
(Hang a shining star)
And have yourself a merry little Christmas now
(Have yourself a merry little Christmas now...)

O Little Town of Bethlehem

2006-12-24T19:36:00.000-08:00

Lyrics by Philip Brooks, an Episcopal priest, in 1865
Music by Lewis H. Redner, a church organist, in 1868

PLAY MUSIC as sung by Barbra Streisand (A Christmas Album, 1967)

O little town of Bethlehem,
How still we see thee lie;
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by;
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting light.
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight.
The angels' voices singing
Proclaim the early morning!
And children pure and happy
A-wait the break of dawn
While charity stands watching
And faithfuls wipe the door
The dark night wakes the glory bricks
And Christmas comes once more

ORIGINAL HYMN LYRICS

O little town of Bethlehem,
How still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by;
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light;
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight.

For Christ is born of Mary,
And gathered all above,
While mortals sleep, the angels keep
Their watch of wondering love.
O morning stars, together
Proclaim the holy birth!
And praises sing to God the King,
And peace to men on earth.

How silently, how silently,
The wondrous gift is giv'n!
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of His heav'n.
No ear may hear His coming,
But in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive Him, still
The dear Christ enters in.

O Holy Child of Bethlehem!
Descend to us, we pray;
Cast out our sin and enter in,
Be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels
The great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us,
Our Lord Immanuel.

Auld Lang Syne

2006-12-24T19:09:00.000-08:00

Written by Robert Burns in 1788, first published in 1796

PLAY MUSIC

Verse One

Should old acquaintances be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And days of auld lang syne?

Chorus

For auld lang syne, my dear
For auld lang syne,
We'll take a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne

Verse Two

And here's a hand, my trusty friend,
And gie's a hand o' thine;
We'll take a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne

Chorus

For auld lang syne, my dear
For auld lang syne,
We'll take a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne

Repeat Verse One

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
and days of auld lang syne?

Chorus

For auld lang syne, my dear
For auld lang syne,
We'll take a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne

Let There Be Peace On Earth

2006-12-24T18:22:00.000-08:00

Written by Jill Jackson and Sy Miller
Copyright 1955, 1983 by Jan-Lee Music

Verse One

Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me.
Let there be peace on earth
The peace that was meant to be.
With God as our Father
Brothers all are we.
Let me walk with my brother
In perfect harmony.

Verse Two

Let peace begin with me,
Let this be the moment now.
With ev'ry step I take
Let this be my solemn vow;
To take each moment and live
Each moment in peace eternally.
Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me.

Repeat Verses One and Two

New Books for Naga View

2006-12-23T23:57:00.001-08:00

Library, building and books damaged by Typhoon Reming/Durian on Nov. 30, 2006.

(Reprinted from email dated Dec. 17, 2006)
Dear Naga Viewers,

Alpha Phi Omega (Delta Kappa-AUP) resident and alumni members are in deep sympathy with our Naga View College family devastated by the recent shocking catastrophe that hit the Bicol region. Currently, we are gathering some cash donations endeavoring to share with the burden of rebuilding the campus facilities. The deadline for all the cash donations was set to be turned in Dec. 16th, during the 81st Alpha Phi Omega International founding celebration at Holiday Inn in Torrance, Los Angeles, CA, but was moved a little further to give time to those other members who wish to contribute. We do not promise giving a big amount but we are making sure it would, at least, significantly aide in our school's immediate needs.

Our East Coast group in the U.S. is doing a "Books drive" as we understand (seen in the pictures sent by Pastor Dave Awa) that our very own library was heavily damaged and even the books are not useful now. At the moment, we don't know where to channel and turn over the shipment after the collection. Please advise.

Sam Hanapin, NVA,1982
Secretary, Delta Kappa Alumni Association of North America

A New White House for Naga View

2006-12-23T23:33:00.001-08:00

White House, completely destroyed by Typhoon Reming/Durian on Nov. 30, 2006.

(Reprinted from email dated Dec. 14, 2006)
Dear Supporters of Naga View,

I would like to know the cost of rebuilding the White House which I assume was also completely destroyed. This building was the first one built on campus and thus carries significant historical importance. If someone could let me know the approximate cost to repair the damage, I would like to raise funds to rebuild this edifice.

My suggestion is that all buildings be fitted with typhoon-resistant roofs such as the one the presidential house has right now, rather than flimsy tin roofs which could easily be blown away by strong typhoons.

Congratulations to the Toronto group, Nevin, Ray, and many others for your fund-raising activities.

"Every worthwhile accomplishment, big or little, has its stages of drudgery and triumph; a beginning, a struggle, and a victory." -Anonymous

My best!
Danny Barizo

Yabu Water Saved

2006-12-23T21:36:00.000-08:00

On Dec. 2, 2006, Danny Barizo, met with the alumni in Toronto for a group discussion regarding the election of subchapter officers, and where he was presented with Yabu water that Biding Fronda brought back from Panicuason. This water will be a symbol of the common connection to Naga View through Yabu, a tiny barrio outside the campus, from where a river runs. The history behind Yabu river and its pure water goes back to even before the pioneers of 1965 used it for almost everything - from drinking and cooking to bathing and laundry. Today, the river provides the same usefulness, and it's one of the blessings every alumnus knows to be true about Naga View. Its life-giving mythical spirit is captured and saved in our hearts and minds.

CLICK FOR MORE PHOTOS OF THE TORONTO MEETING
Courtesy of Eks Lucrida Jr.

ADRA (PHILIPPINES) Responds To Reming In Albay

2006-12-23T16:04:00.000-08:00

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) in the Philippines recently performed relief distribution to the victims of Typhoon Reming in the province of Albay. Thousands have been displaced homeless and separated from loved ones after the powerful storm ravaged and destroyed Bicol region, Albay being the worst hit, on Nov. 30, 2006.

CLICK FOR MORE PHOTOS OF ADRA IN ALBAY AFTER REMING
Courtesy of Ely Garrado

NVAC Faculty and Staff 2006 - 2007

2006-12-23T13:39:00.000-08:00

01. Danny Uy, Music Instructor
02. Liberty Ambat-Uy, Cafeteria Matron
03. Zenaida dela Roca-Castardo, VP-Academic Affairs
04. Eliezer Castardo, Science Instructor
05. Melgie Venida-Paez, Guidance Counselor, School Nurse
06. Winifredo Paez, VP-Student Affairs
07. Eulogio "Yoyong" Zarsaga, Treasurer
08. Jenehlo Frias, Physics Instructor, School Plant Dev
09. Nova Joy Valenzuela, Store In-Charge
10. Daphne Duran-Valenzuela, Social Studies Teacher
11. Ana Dimalibot-Gonzalgo, Elementary Teacher
12. Jobelyn Ramirez-Cortez, Pilipino Teacher
13. Asher Belga, Dean of Men
14. Annie Adante-Belga, Elementary Teacher
15. Gina Magtibay-Deopante, English Teacher, College Dept
16. Rolen Bajo, Computer Instructor
17. Karen Portugal-Bajo, Registrar
18. Lani Esteves, Church Pastor, Theology Instructor
19. William Data, Math Instructor, Academy Asst Principal
20. Lowelyn Talasan-Barredo, Dean of Women
21. Nadina Sillero-Talasan, English Teacher, College Dept
22. Nestor Dayson, President
23. Benjamin Capio, Math Instructor, College Dept
24. Loida Ramirez-Capio, Librarian
25. Beny Perdon, Chair, Theology Dept
26. Rhodie Aluzan-Perdon, English Teacher, Academy Dept
27. Charito Gabo-Cortez, Cashier, Accountant
28. Edwin Ariate, Driver, Motorpool In-Charge
29. Solomon Tarala, Farm Manager
30. Dave Awa, Bible Instructor, Academy Dept
31. Abraham Azupardo Jr., On study leave (P.E. instructor)
32. Salvador Molina, On study leave (former president)
33. Resalyn Bucad, Substitute Teacher, P.E. dept.

Typhoon Reming Fundraiser Presentation

2006-12-18T14:42:00.000-08:00

The link below is the Typhoon Reming PowerPoint Fundraiser in Toronto, Canada, as presented by Emicil Dela Cruz, husband of Sharon E. Napod (NVA alum). Thank you, Ecil, for a job well done.

It contains a file, Bicol presentation.ppt. The file "Bicol presentation.ppt" does not have a valid image extension. Valid image extensions are: gif, jpg, jpeg, png, bmp, swf. Therefore, you must have PowerPoint viewer to open the file. Download and install the viewer before clicking the link) http://www.sendspace.com/file/hs82y1

Download PowerPoint Viewer 2003 here
PowerPoint Viewer 2003
Brief Description
PowerPoint Viewer 2003 lets you view full-featured presentations created in PowerPoint 97 and later versions.

Devastation and Desperation in Naga View

2006-12-13T23:22:00.000-08:00

"A usual call we just answer? Or A vision to dream about ending?"
by Nitz Alcaide

The Bicol region was severely hit by super typhoon Reming aka Durian on Nov. 30th, 2006. The day after the storm, some parts of Albay and Camarines Sur provinces were nearing the description of a vast wasteland and graveyard for hundres of people and animals burried in mudslides while thousands were left cold, hungry, and separated. In Catanduanes, where there are no mountain barriers, 90% of homes have been damaged. In all Bicol, the sun hid, clouds stayed gray, feelings, in deepest of blue, communication and transportation - a dead end, general morale was in all-time low. From these places, live our brethren, co-alumni, and their families.

We were informed of the extent of damage as we received the sad news in graphic descriptions and in pictures. It was an awful sight that no one should ever deserve to see or be in. In sheer determination to live, some families just barely managed to beat the ensuing chaos and confusion while many others miraculously survived homelessness, but left with enormously damaged properties to rebuild from scratch, as kind donors came to the rescue.

Hope is all there is for now as recovery goes slow. As it always seemed to be the rule instead of the exception, government agencies and denominational institutions positioned to lay the immediate boost, have never be credited for doing their job soon enough or good enough. And so, from across the pacific all the way to the atlantic, we've heard the cry. Struck and dumb-founded of the devastating report, we began to sound needy, ourselves, as we discovered family members being in the disaster too. Albay was the worst hit. But we look to our school with equal despair and we take blame at how damage could have been greatly reduced if properties were only built to take on super typhoons. Or, could a more comprehensive insurance plan with a very accountable company have alleviated fears and worries immediately? If that were the case, could we have been spared from the "obligating sense of family"? Or, regardless of any speedy and appropriate insurance settlement, are we still bound by our spiritual selves to extend the helping hand? We apply desperate measures to desperate needs, that's the rule, right?. So, where are you, Mr. Naga View insurance company? Help us out here, fast, please!

Disheartened, weak, and weary, everyone awaits the meager of help we could afford to send. Procrastinatingly, some of us linger on several scenarios and possibilities of helping while a few others have already given the usual "shot in the arm" --a dose of epinephrine or a drip of aminophyllin (food, shelter, clothing)-- to save the poor souls from the sad recurrence of an asthma attack (impending dangers of illness and death), triggered by a wicked, wicked cold (typhoon). Moreover, with a clinical eye, I see not only difficulty in breathing but I also hear crackles and observe bad looking sputum (chronic problem). So, I think of giving antibiotics (reparation) as well as preventative maintenance doses of singulair and advair (rebuilding), to ensure longevity and complete healing from its main cause (avoid costly repairs and withstand calamities better).

We could donate enough money to help their immediate needs, yes. What a moral thing to do to our fellowmen, I must say. But the sad reality of Bicolandia is when typhoons are in season. Likened to an animal in "estrus/heat", these storms could be so "hot", moving at top speeds of 190 km per hour, that they could leave you in complete disarray, diseased, demoralized, and wet (as in homeless-soaked) for weeks on end, instead of exhausting dryness. And, the cycle goes on, as that is its nature not unknown to anyone living in the area.

However, because we do care for Naga View, we think of a better solution to the nagging and incessant problem of property destruction, as petulant as a non-remitting "whooping" cough in the middle of the night, when howling winds tear their weak walls and sweep their old roofs away. There has to be something. So, we get this vision, but only this time, more of a re-awakening, enlightened with a resolve that we could try to help raise bigger funds to help rebuild, instead of repair. What a noble thing to do! Wouldn't it be swell to live that dream? Have you got one like mine?

Immense Need In Bicol, Passions of Helping Abound-- The Aftermath of Super Typhoon Reming aka "Durian"

2006-12-08T14:40:00.000-08:00

Here are some of the first letters (emails), reports and responses during the past week:

Dear Alumni and Friends of Naga View,

We all have read the devastation that was wrought by the super typhoon that hit the Bicol region and damaged our beloved school. On behalf of the Naga View Association, we are sending $1,000,00 to Naga View. Naturally, this amount is only a drop in the bucket relative to the need. The buildings are all underinsured and it will take months before the claims are finally settled.

I would appeal to each of your kind hearts to help. You may send your tax-deductible donations to Naga View Association or to a a church or charitable organization that will channel all the funds to Naga View. Please send your donations to our Association Treasurer, Fil Alcaide at: 1712 Orchard Ave. Glendale, CA 91206; or to our President-elect Nevin Napod at 1201 Phoebe Place, Carlsbad, CA 92011; or to me at 21703 Academy Lane, Hagerstown MD 21740. Thank you in advance for your generosity. God bless you all!
Danny Barizo byinstantly@myactv.net
Tel. 301-824-3132

December 8, 2006
Dear Bro Danny,

....For sure you have learned of the super typhoon that hit the Bicol region. Naga View is badly damaged -both our sources of livelihood and the school facilities. Until now, we could hot hold normal classes. We have no water (to drink) and electricity. Our classrooms and the administration building have no roof, including the dormitories, library, auditorium and faculty homes.

By this time, I am in Manila for a fundraising. Our buildings are underinsured and it would take many months to realize our insurance claims. We need roofing materials for immediate repair of our facilities. We would forever look with gratitude for any assistance the Alumni and friends could extend to us at this point in time for us to be able to move on. Thank you and God bless you always.
Sincerely, Nestor D. Dayson nesdayson_nvac_pres@yahoo.com
President, Naga View Adventist College

(From Dave Awa)
Our college president is in Manila right now to submit the pictures and a narrative report to the insurance company. But our experience with the previous typhoons tells us that it takes quiet sometime before we receive the amount for reconstruction. For the meantime, some of our "topless" buildings were covered with tarpaulin. Hopefully, the representative of the insurance company will come soon to verify our report. Until then, the claim may not be processed yet. I'm not sure. We are busy with our clean up operations around the campus.

Reports say that our electricity in the campus will be restored in 3 months time. If anybody would like to donate portable generators for the dormitories and cafeteria, we will greatly appreciate. Here in Naga, one China made genset costs 7,500 to 8,000 pesos (more or less $150). This is my personal suggestion as i can see the need. As you can imagine, students are groping in the dark at night. We cant even buy candles for them. By the way, after a storm last year, one dormitory room almost turn into blaze when one candle was left lit on a plastic plate while the occupants were all fast asleep. A student from the adjacent room came for the rescue but his palm was severely burned and he was confined to hospital for several days. Of course we have so much priorities here. We have one genset now but we are using it for the church and admin bldg only.

Last Wednesday, Kuya Juneh and I, together with other volunteers, climbed Mt. Isarog to fix one of the water pipes destroyed by the typhoon. We heard ADRA will send Southern Luzon Mission and Naga View relief goods for distribution in the communities around us. I hope it will reach us soon. I took a shot of Legaspi SDA Church and Cagsawa ruins last sunday but I havent transferred it yet in my computer for lack of electricity in the campus.
This is all for today. God bless!
Dave daveawa06@yahoo.com

Juneh Frias and/or Dave Awa,

Do me a favor and please provide me the names of all Naga View students (who come from Albay province) who were DIRECTLY affected by Mayon lahar mudflows. These students can be students whose family lost their house or is badly damaged, or their parents lost their livelihood such as ruined farmland, or maybe a casualty in the family, etc. If you can rank them from the “neediest” to the “least needy” that would help us prioritize who to help first. Please provide names and a brief description of their circumstances.

I have some donors (alumni and non-alumni alike) who would like to help DIRECTLY to individual students but not through institutions. I hope you understand. Some donors are willing to provide food and clothing money and others are willing to pay the tuition of the students for the rest of the year depending, of course, on the student’s needs. Please provide this list as soon as possible. Juneh, I tried calling you up on the phone today but your cell just rang with no answer. I will keep trying to call you. Thanks for your help.
Nevin nevin@napod.com

Dear Dave,

I'm very very sad for this disaster. We were in Taipeh when the storm was raging and I was watching the CNN feeds. Now, we are here in Anchorage and will be in Fairbanks next week. I suggest that donations for specific generator sets for girls dorm and the boys dorm will be allocated for solicitation. If only for lighting needs I pressume that 10 KVA diesel gensets for each dorm will be procured should funding be available. I guess the sticker price for each is about $400- $500 each at peso equivalent. I hope generous hearts will be abiding with the needs of NVAC at these trying times.
Dr. EC Palmero drpalmero2000@yahoo.com

(From Dan Smith)
Please let me know how to get money to Legaspi immediately. We have a little we are ready to send. We understood that the banks were not yet open. Are they open now? Where can we wire the money and have it be immediatelyi available? I was thinking of wiring to South Central and have them get it over somehow. Please let me know!
Dan Smith, Senior Pastor, La Sierra dsmith@lasierra.edu

(From Fil Alcaide)
Philippine National Bank Remittance Centers, Equitable PCI Bank Express Padala, Western Union are the best channels to send your help through to Southern Luzon Mission and Naga View. If SLM can give us their account number to any of the above-mentioned banks, we can transmit the money in one day or less. Fund transfer thru Western Union may be drawn from most of the banks in the Philippines.
Fil Alcaide falcaide518@yahoo.com

Pastor Dan,

If you want to wire the money to SLM, please contact Pastor Vicente Napod at Loma Linda Filipino church. He has the SLM bank account in San Bernardino. You can just deposit it there and SLM can withdraw it in the Philippines.
Nevin nevin@napod.com

(From Danny Catangay)
The Filipino churches here in Toronto are planning to do some fundraising activities on top of what we already have in our hands to help Naga View and SLM. Churches here are not allowed by the Canadian government to donate directly to institutions outside the country. We will find ways to coordinate with ADRA Canada how we can forward funds to Bicol as soon as possible.I am willing to go and be in Naga View the first week of January to bring additional help to the school and the students. Let us all do our best to help our people during this time of great need.
Dan Catangay, Pastor, FilCan dcatangay@hotmail.com

Dear Everyone in the Link,

Indeed, the devastation wrought by Super Typhoon Reming (International Code Name: Durian) in its path is heartbreaking! Much more so when I read that about 5 members in Guinobatan were among the hundreds of casualties. I perceive that the whole devastating story has not yet been fully unfurled because some communication facilities are still down since the typhoon struck. As of today, there are still isolated barangays in some places hit by the typhoon. As of last night only 14% of Bicol is energized. In some places it will take a longer time to restore electricity.

I do not intend to underrate the capability of bicolanos and their friends to help the victims of this calamity. As a matter of fact, the mere eagerness of those with exceptional heart, with built-in desire to help, is very contagious already. By way of observation in the past, relief operations have been carried out in a fragmented, sporadic, unfocused, and short lived relief activities. If we intend to create an impact, on the lives of our intended recipients, relief actions should be done otherwise I suppose. I understand the urgency of the required response to the victims of this grim calamity, but I believe this urgency should not lead us to act without clear, specific, well planned, short and long term, object in view. Relief activities must be well planned, sustained and decisive. This is the only way to deliver a fatal blow to the negative effects brought by calamities and poverty. The devastation in Bicol is so extensive, please do not aim to help all the victims. Select a definite area, and pour out all your well planned relief activities therein.

I suggest you do Relief Operation by phase:
1. Immediate distribution of food, drinking water, medicines and other urgent needs determined by your relief agency.
2. Medical Mission / Services, Stress debriefing and psychological counseling.(Do not immediately be too religious)
3. Livelihood training program & Seed capital procurement.
4. Sustained MASS EDUCATION of the brethren.

I am trying to contact SLM leadership, to ask their assistance to help us distribute food, water, medicines and other items urgently needed by the calamity victims but I cannot get in touch with them. Our company will conduct a relief operation in Albay next week, only after we (ourselves) have mapped the devastated areas. We will be bringing in a substantial amount of relief goods as part of our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Programs. We will certainly appreciate the help our people in Legazpi City to help us with our manpower needs.

Let us unite, in the name of our Loving God, to aid the victims of this calamity. The news releases are not exaggerated footages, they are indeed, heartbreaking reality. God in His Wisdom has allowed this to happen to make our Christmas Celebration more meaningful. Meaningful to the victims, because they will feel and realize that there are people who are willing to give to alleviate their sufferings. Meaningful to the giver, because they will feel that giving entails sacrifice. God, so to speak, sacrificed HIS Son to redeem us from the Calamity of all Calamities- Death. For the suffering Bicolanos who lost their loved ones, possessions, and perhaps to some- cherished dreams- LET US GIVE- in the Name of God! Have a wonderful day!
Sincerely, Gil M. Macaraig Gil.Macaraig@Mirant.com

Dear Folks,

If we see the urgency of the situation and if we want to help, let's do it right away. Either to help Naga View or the homeless and hungry in Albay we have to act now. There's a way to get the money there in matter of minutes. Our group treasurer receives your donation (money) then wire them through money gram and the money is there in 5 minutes. Wal-Mart offers a flat fee of 9 dollars regardless of the amount but not to exceed 500 dollars per transaction. Let's just make sure that we have a contact person in Naga or Legaspi that would ensure that the donation gets to the intended recipients. Let's do it together because together we can make a difference. Does God really cares about what happened in Bicol? Now it is our best opportunity to show that God cares as we do. The insurance companies and other relief agencies previously mentioned are good for their own purposes and in their own time. In the meantime, people are dead, the rest, homeless, and hungry. So, let us all give till it hurts.
Potch potch_56@yahoo.com

To all,

We have seen the devastating pictures and heard the news regarding the super typhoon that touched down in Bicol region specifically. We know that the people need urgent help so that they can rebuild their lives back again. I think it is time for us to do something by giving some monetary help to Naga View. If it is possible that we can use some of the money that we have during our reunion plus add and solicit more from our fellow alumni so that we can lessen the burden of the school. This is a great opportunity for us to share some of our blessings to our Alma Mater. Thank you and hope this will open our hearts to give generously. I’m sending my share through Dan Smith, or is there any suggestion on how to put these together as a group donation instead of giving individually?
Regards,
Eks ekslucrida@rogers.com

Dear Kuya Ed,

Have you gotten more news, Kuya Ed. I tried reaching them in Legaspi since Friday and got so frustrated I couldn't connect. All power supplies, electricity and telephones are down. Finally, this late afternoon, I'm able to get hold of Joven and Polly. They had the small generator fixed and running for temporary power so they're able to charge their cps.

Anyway, here's the partial update. Because of super typhoon and mudslides from Mayon Volcano, 5 villages in Daraga alone were buried. In one village, about 4 or 5 kms from Legaspiis our church in Binitayan. The brethren's houses were buried including Gershon Ramirez' house (the mission health director) and Sarah Toca. They all live in the mission with Eden's family and some other brethrens' families. About 3 thousand in the whole of Albay died according to Joven, 5 of them are Adventists from Guinobatan. The Mission was flooded, all mission vehicles and ours too were under water and at present not running, maybe need some overhauling or what, all mission workers' motorcycles were under water and are being fixed, the flashflood and typhoon happened at night and when Polly and the whole ADCOM were in Lipa for the NPUM Annual Council. All mission office gadgets like computers, projectors, soundsystem, books, etc got wet and may not function well or anymore. The water rose up to almost close to the ceiling of houses in Marquez Street, the cafeteria, vegetarian store, elementary school, and water station at the mission got flooded and are now being cleaned from so much mud and dirt from flood. The conference hall's roof was blown away, so with Legaspi Church roof. Many churches and brethrens' houses were buried by mudflow and lots of properties and crops were damaged. Naga View was severely damaged too especially that their buildings are old. Hope they could claim again from Insurance with GC Risk Management.

My big concern is how these disasters will affect the livelihood of the people and the finances of the mission as a whole. Please continue to keep our mission in your prayers, Kuya Ed. I'm so disheartened. I was physically tired and emotionally drained this morning, especially when I haven't got hold of them yet for 3 days of continuous attempts. Thank God, they're safe.
Dorie Panganiban

-------
Dear Brethren:

For you who may not remember me, my name is Dorie Panganiban. My husband is the president of Southern Luzon Mission, a small mission in the North Philippines. As you probably have heard, our region has been battered by several strong typhoons in the past 4 months or so as well as by the off and on eruptions of the Bulusan and Mayon volcanoes. This has severely depleted the already limited financial resources of our mission. For this reason, our mission administration voted to have me spend my annual vacation here in the United States to visit friends and church members who have had connections with Southern Luzon Mission and to invite them to share our burdens and to partner with us through their prayers and voluntary financial assistance.

But you cannot imagine how my heart is breaking since learning last Friday that a stronger and deadlier storm ripped through our region last week causing terrible and deadly landslides of lava and boulders from the slopes of Mayon Volcano, most of which are remains and deposits of its August-September eruption coupled with a strong flash flood that swept away and buried five (5)villages in Daraga alone killing thousands of lives and destroying hundreds of houses and vast crops and properties. From the limited messages I received from a source outside of Southern Luzon Mission, (which I was able to confirm Sunday night (Dec.3) when I finally was able to get hold of my husband), several hundreds have been confirmed dead and the count continue to rise. My husband and our mission workers’ lives were spared although many of our pastors, church school teachers, mission workers and church members had their houses either buried in mud and sand or stripped off their roofs and walls. The mission compound was flooded by 8-10 feet of muddy water, submerging the mission vehicles, the workers’ motorcycles, the first floor of the building that houses the elementary school, the cafeteria, a guest room, the ABC office, the mission vegetarian store and the newly installed water purifier pump station donated by our brethren from Walker Memorial Church at Avon Park, Florida. The mission office gadgets like computers, books, etc. got wet and damaged and may not function well or anymore. The mission conference hall roof was stripped off and so with many of our churches around the areas.

These of course are insignificant compared to the loss of loved one(s) sometimes of the whole family, church members as well as non-church members and the very pitiful condition of our people who have become homeless and were devastated. (In the Philippines, there’s no insurances to help the residents rebuild their homes and start their lives again, thus, whatever assistance that could come would be a great help and would be very much appreciated.) Since learning about this, I have been racked by despondency as well as frustration for not being able to reach my husband or any mission worker directly for almost 4 days after the disaster. Only the thoughts that GOD is in control and He is allowing these things to happen for a reason (reasons) that encourage me to press on and to not give in to despair. Part of my despondency stems from the need to be with my family and to be in Southern Luzon Mission in this time of crisis. After much prayers and tears though, I am led to believe that GOD sent me here in the US at this time for a reason. So that I could bring to your attention the grave situation and huge challenge Southern Luzon Mission is in now and to present to you golden opportunities for ministry partnership and for sharing with your least privileged brothers and sisters and mission as a whole.

Brethren in the Family of God, WE NEED YOUR PRAYERS AND whatever FINANCIAL SUPPORT most urgently. It has been said "every believer is a member of Christ's body". Furthermore, in 1 Cor 12:25, 26, states "so that there should be no division in the body; but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it. I pray that you will be moved to help alleviate the suffering of your brothers and sisters in the Philippines. Thank you for your help and your prayers.
Your sister in Christ,
(Mrs.) Dorie Panganiban

You may send your donations to:
1. Loma Linda Filipino Church
c/o Pastor Vicente Napod
1948 Gould Street, Loma Linda, CA 92354
2. La Sierra University SDA Church
c/o Pastor Dan Smith, Senior Pastor
4937 Sierra Vista Ave., Riverside, CA 92505

You can make check payable to: Either of these churches (whichever is your choice) and indicate on the Memo: Donation for Southern Luzon Mission Operation / Mega-Disaster.

P.S. Despite this megadisaster, the mission workers and church members are actively involved with ADRA Philippines distributing food commodities to many of these homeless victims. I wish I could send you pictures of their activities but they've got no electric power, no internet, no email, no telephone lines and no water supplies which may last up to 2 months or more I was told.
Dorie Panganiban dpanganiban2@yahoo.com.ph

Dear Dorie,

Praise God your family and the entire mission workers are safe, except the material possessions in life, and our churches and other institutions badly damaged. Yes my heart aches every time I watched the news ta tfc abs cbn channel,especially seeing the teenager girl who lost her entire family of 9 in guinobatan area. I will definitely would like to locate that poor girl sooner. Hope we can find all members of our church who badly needed assistance who are not; employed and have no ralatives to help.because as i have mentioned to you in our phone conversation that they are my primary concern this time, also lit evangelists that are assigned in the hard hit territories. I suggested to my family to cut in half our christmas exchange budget so that we can send the other half to bicol need. I felt bad for the 5 church members that perished in the fury of the storm please let me know who their families are. I have started solicitating donations from my filifino small group last sabbath and I am scheduled to make an appeal to my church this coming sabbath. Let us continue to pray for one another especially to our poor bretheren who were victim of this calamity. Mizpah.
Ed Marifosque
-------
Hi Edna,

Thank you for your concern; it is highly appreciated. Rice, which is the staple food in Philippines, is my plan to be distributed to members of our church that were badly affected. It will take years before they can regain and stand at their own feet. Many of them could not go back to their village because they lost everything, especially their farmland that were washed out by the rampaging lava and big boulders from the volcano. $20 dollars will buy one sack of (100 lbs) rice that will sustain a family of 4 in a month. I am trying to solicit cash to buy at least 500 sacks of rice to be distributed among our church members in the area were it was badly damaged. There are at least 2,000 deaths and thousands more missing that are burried in the lava. This is only in few towns surrounding our conference (mission) with fewer than 250,000 population. You can send any donation to care of Paradise Valley SDA Church in National City where i am a member. Thank you and Mizpah!
Ed Marisfosque EdMar_1st@excite.com

(From Nimrod Villavueva)
Dec.2, 2006. As of today, the Phil. National Red Cross has reported that at least 800 people are either dead or missing after rivers of muds and volcanic ash buried barangays or villages situated around Mt Mayon. More than 400 has been confirmed dead and 398 reported missing. Many more are stilled believe buried under these muds and sands. Mudflows buried entire villages at the height of super typhoon Reming. The provinces of Albay, Camarines Sur and Catanduanes were the hardest hit in the Bicol region. Reports said that this is so far the strongest typhoon to hit the region. Will try to give you updates from time to time as I am also busy doing damage assessment in my own province (Quezon) the southern portion where it was badly hit... So far we have only one death and a few injuries.
Nimrod nimrodv_ph@yahoo.com

Naga View hit badly by Typhoon Reming / Durian

2006-12-02T12:19:00.000-08:00

Report from Dave Awa daveawa06@yahoo.com
Naga View Adventist College, Naga City
Received 7 hours ago
RE: Naga View severely damaged by Typhoon Reming (aka Storm Durian)

Administration Building Rooftop

Mga Tugang,

I am so sorry to report to you that our beloved Naga View was severely damaged by super typhoon REMING on Thursday, November 30. We felt its fury around 1:30-5:30 pm with an estimated maximum sustained wind of 250kph, leaving behind heart-rending devastation to treasured and sentimental properties.

First is the White House. For decades it served as a landmark of Naga View. It provided shelter to our farm managers like the Cosejos and the Taralas. Their children once called it “our home”. Several times, it survived the tyranny of nature. Until its demise a couple of days ago, before it received a final death blow, it faithfully catered to the housing needs of eight working students. Now, only ruins of that 2-storey building remain. Soon, not even its relic will be found there.

White House

Second is the remaining remnant of the poultry house. Like the “ancient” White House, it also gave up its last breath after Reming blew it out in minutes, with student residents inside!

Poultry House

Third is the Quonset being occupied by the Capio family. Two months ago, typhoon Melinyo blew its kitchen and dining room roof away. It was repaired immediately only to be flown again with additional damage on the bedroom. Several faculty housing units were also damaged.

Capio Residence (back)

I think the library suffered the most. Like a little girl playing hide and seek, the library was surprised when Reming uncovered her, making most of our treasured books unusable. The adjacent faculty room and guest room where Pastor Lani Esteves is temporarily housed were also partly uncovered. Classrooms are now better venue for star study due to the visible stars from inside. Computers were also damaged by rain when the computer room roof was hit by tree branches.

Library Rooftop (Topless)

This morning, the Hour of Worship speaker commented that “perhaps, today is the brightest Sabbath ever” (because the asbestos roof of the auditorium/church pulpit was broken into pieces). And all throughout the hall were big holes on the roof. When it rains during worship service, the worshippers will have no place to go.

The first duplex occupied by Pastor Molina and Mr. Zarsaga was also uncovered. The ladies in the girls’ dorm extension were all wet during the typhoon when their roofing was blown several meters away. The roof of the main girls’ dorm CR and three bedrooms was also badly damaged.

Women's Dormitory Extension

The roof of Mr. Danny Uy’s house was totally blown like paper. They are temporarily housed in the music room adjacent to the cafeteria. Fortunately, only one of the two main water pipes was destroyed. The water supply now is not enough for the entire school community.

Molina and Sarzaga Residences

Coming down here in Naga City, I counted 45 and 17 electric posts totally and partly damaged respectively. I think the soonest possible time that electric power supply will be restored in the campus is four weeks. For the meantime, we will use our generator.

Dave Awa

CLICK HERE FOR MORE PHOTOS OF TYPHOON REMING WRATH IN NAGA VIEW

Bicolandia Reality Strikes Again!
This report is so sad and disturbing, and yet, Dave Awa and Juneh Frias did a wonderful job with all the photos, for us to see the damages that Typhoon Reming has left of Naga View. If I may be candid here, this is also the first official Naga View newsreport to our eGroup, coordinated by Nevin Napod. Thank you. Our thoughts and prayers are with all Naga Viewers, faculty and students. On another report by Obed Tindugan, Legazpi City was also badly hit by the raging typhoon. The roof of the Legazpi Church was removed and hundreds of people had died due to mudslides and floods. We will keep you updated on that one. Stay tuned.

VIDEO UPDATE

2006-11-22T16:38:00.000-08:00

To all alumni and friends of Naga View: The Maryland reunion and the historical presentation videos are in the editing process, but orders are being taken now. Please send your orders to me via email with your information. The Historical Video is $9.99 and the Reunion Video is $29.99. As the secretary, I keep the list of orders, but make your checks payable to Naga View Association and mail to the treasurer, Fil Alcaide.

Sunday Devotional at the Reunion with Pastor PerdonHagerstown, MD (9/24/2006)

2006-11-12T14:13:00.001-08:00

Arden Perdon, a member of the first graduating class of Naga View Academy in 1967, speaks in front of an eager and amused audience expecting to make a tour of Washington DC afterwards. At first, the not too many early risers appeared quiet or anxious but little did they know the sermon they were about to hear would have a hilarious prelude that would set the up-beat tone of the day and the awaiting banquet that evening when Fribida "Biding" Frias Fronda responds with an equally hilarious speech. But before the sermon, Jennifer Mae Barizo rendered a very special violin solo to everyone's admiration. Currently, Pastor Arden B. Perdon serves as the Vice President for Student Affairs of the Adventist University of the Philippines. He is a PUC alumnus (1971), a former faculty member of Naga View, and former educational director of the Southern Luzon Mission.

This video is also available on www.youtube.com The direct link is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZDuzlc8AiM Find out how you could get the complete reunion footage in DVD. Send email to nagaview@gmail.com and tune in for updates.

Jennifer Mae Miraflores Barizo, a professional musician, performs "Meditation" on the violin during reunion devotional service. Jennifer Mae, also an accomplished pianist and a journalist, is the daughter of Daniel Barizo and Ophelia Miraflores-Barizo.

Accompanying Jennifer on the piano is Alex Christian Gagiu, husband of Hellen Alcaide (NVA, 1977 alum). Alex is a professional musician and music teacher from Seattle, WA. He is the assistant choir director of the Seattle Girls Choir.

This video is also available on www.youtube.com The direct link is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-S829OPCqg

Pastor Dayson's Speech at the ReunionHagerstown, MD (9/23/2006)

2006-11-11T14:02:00.003-08:00

Nestor Dayson, a former student of Naga View College, speaks and reports in front of Naga View alumni and friends about the projects and development of Naga View Adventist College where he is the current president. Pastor Nestor D. Dayson, a PUC alumnus, is the past president of the North Philippine Union Mission.

This video is also available on www.youtube.com Click the direct link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDP7-U2uVzQ
For more photos and videos from the reunion, visit http://s86.photobucket.com/albums/k114/nagaview/

Officers 2006-2008

2006-11-03T01:38:00.000-08:00

May I introduce the new set of officers for 2006-2008. They are all graduates of Naga View Academy (NVA), and most of them are also graduates of Philippine Union College (PUC). If you place the pointer over the photo, you will see the officer's name. Flash player strongly required to see the photo gallery. Upgrade Internet Explorer Download Flash Player

Sabbath School in Highland View Academy, Hagerstown, MD (09/23/2006) 1st part

2006-10-29T03:01:00.000-08:00

Choristers, Ray and Almie Tambaoan-Barizo and Eunice Alcaide Penaloza
Music, Isarog Double Quartet
Music, Kevin and Kyle Napod
Music, Rhonalin Borabon & Ray Ervin Rey Borabon
Discussion Panel, Daniel Catangay & Moises De Ocampo; Nimrod Villanueva, Jose Aviles, Wilfred Sauro

"Martinez Fund"

2006-10-29T01:26:00.000-07:00

Mga Tugang,

We are all saddened by the departure of one of the members of the Naga View family. He left behind a wife and three children. As a tangible expression of our sorrow, I would like to encourage you to help the family defray the expenses of the funeral, and beyond that to assist the family that he had left behind in the Philippines, by making monetary contributions.

You may send your donations directly to William Martinez at: 514 Howard St. Glendale, CA 91206.

Sincerely,

Dan Bar

P. S. I would like to acknowledge Potch Sauro for coming up with this idea and for making the initial contribution to this fund!

More Reunion Photos

2006-10-27T22:32:00.000-07:00

Naga View Academy Class 1974

2006-10-25T10:32:00.000-07:00

L-R: Nevin Napod, Phoebe Portugal Cautivar, Marilyn Napod Pacamalan, Maria Ariel Tindugan Estipona, Merlyn Rejuso Mendoza

Naga View Academy Class 1972

2006-10-25T10:23:00.000-07:00

L-R: Estelito Del Mundo, Crisly Alcaide Penaflorida, Sol Nodalo Walton, Elizabeth Cupino Guiamelon, Filomeno Alcaide Jr.

Naga View Academy Class 1970

2006-10-24T23:09:00.000-07:00

L-R: Michael Zenith, Gershon Napod, Daniel Botabara, Eunice Alcaide Penaloza, Ellen Inandan Frias, Ruth Tindugan Wright, Ruben Bolante, Raymund Barizo, Edilberto Marifosque

Vespers in Highland View Church, Hagerstown, MD (09/22/06) 1st part

2006-10-24T04:19:00.000-07:00

Chorister, Ezekiel Lucrida Jr. and Pianist, Evelyn Lucrida-Gonzales
Welcome and Introduction, Wilfred Sauro
Music, Jennifer Mae Barizo
Speaker, Daniel Botabara

Message Board

2006-10-10T02:23:00.000-07:00

What do you think? For a more democratic forum! Let me know your opinion. You can find it under "Links" on the right side, or go directly to: http://nagaviewforum.blogspot.com or http://nagaviewforum.minuteboard.com

Reunion Attendance Roster

2006-10-09T00:26:00.000-07:00

001. Adriatico, Imelda -Can
002. Alcaide, F Jr. -CA
003. Alcaide, N - WA
004. Aviles, Jose IV -MI
005. Aviles, Lilia -MI
006. Aviles, Justin -MI
007. Barizo, Almeda -TX
008. Barizo, Amanda -MD
009. Barizo, Daniel -MD
010. Barizo, Jennifer -MD
011. Barizo, Ophelia -MD
012. Barizo, Raymund -TX
013. Barizo, Philip -MD
014. Barizo, Teofilo Jr. -MD
015. Basit, Ed -IL
016. Basit, Imelda Camato -IL
017. Bassoe, Estrella, Nodalo Villanueva -CA
018. Billiones, Torcuato (Bill) -CA
019. Billiones, Rhodena-Paredes -CA
020. Bolante, Pearlie -MA
021. Bolante, Reuben -MA
022. Borabon, Ervin Rey -Can
023. Borabon, Erwin -Can
024. Borabon, Rhonalin Evy -Can
025. Borabon, Ruby Ann Racasa -Can
026. Botabara, Daniel -CA
027. Botabara, Stephanie Joy -PA
028. Caballero, Mike -Can
029. Caballero, Minda Alcaide -Can
030. Catangay, Daniel -Can
031. Cautivar, Phoebe Portugal -AZ
032. Cautivar, Richlie -AZ
033. Chavez, Lydia Estareja -MD
034. Chavez, Reggie -MD
035. Celestial Jerry -MD
036. Celestial, Rhona -MD
037. Dayson, Annie Palermo -PH
038. Dayson, Nestor -PH
039. Decena, Lorna -Can
040. Decena, Nelson -Can
041. Dela Cruz, Mercy Lynn Costaños -MD
042. Dela Cruz, Rolando -MD
043. Dela Cruz, Romelynn Gay -MD
044. Dela Cruz, Romer Errol -MD
045. Dela Cruz, Romney Evans -MD
046. Del Mundo, Estelito -CA
047. De Ocampo, Lowena Gabieta -PH
048. De Ocampo, Moises -PH
049. De Villa, Rode Alido -IL
050. Dona, Myjela Barizo -MD
051. Estipona, Maria Ariel Tindugan -CA
052. Frias, Ellen Inandan -Can
053. Fronda, Demetrio -Can
054. Fronda, Fribeda Frias -Can
055. Gagiu, Alexandru -WA
056. Gagiu, Hellen Alcaide -WA
057. Gonzales, Eliezer -CA
058. Gonzales, Evelyn Lucrida -CA
059. Guimelon, Elizabeth Cupino - CA
060. Ilacas, Harry -Can
061. Ilacas, Helinda Malangyaon -Can
062. Isidro, Nelia Alcaide -TX
063. Layson, Joseph -NY/FL
064. Lisay, Liza Valeza -MD
065. Lisay, Noel -MD
066. Linao, Elmer Alcaide -OH
067. Lizardo, Serafin -NJ
068. Lizardo, Marlyn Cabanting -NJ
069. Lizardo, Ian -NJ
070. Lonoza, Theresa Ramos -IL
071. Lonoza, Ron -IL
072. Lonoza, Marlon -IL
073. Lonoza, Sollie -IL
074. Lucrida, Ezekiel Sr. -CA
075. Lucrida, Ezekiel Jr. -Can
076. Lucrida, Lyn Celestial -Can
077. Lucrida, Nuvie -CA
078. Lucrida, Kyle -Can
079. Lucrida, Zieline -Can
080. Luna, Angelo -CA
081. Luna, Mercy Lucrida -CA
082. Luna, Ian Gabriel -CA
083. Luna, Micah Angelo -CA
084. Malangyaon, Levi -MD
085. Marifosque, Edilberto -Can
086. Marifosque, Maribel -Can
087. Masangcay, Roni -MD
088. Masangcay, Zaida -MD
089. Masangcay, Matthew -MD
090. Masangcay, Oliver -MD
091. Mc Laughlin, Francis -DE
092. Mc Laughlin, Marlibelle Mendoza -DE
093. Mendoza, Clarita
094. Mendoza, Lea Vergara -NC
095. Mendoza, Merlyn Rejuso -PH
096. Morelos, Lito -Can
097. Morelos, Aimee -Can
098. Murrillo, Alex -CA
099. Murillo, Marcella Dayahan -CA
100. Napod, Chad Timothy -CA
101. Napod, Ellen -CA
102. Napod, Gershon -CA
103. Napod, Judith Buena -CA
104. Napod, Kevin Timothy -CA
105. Napod, Kyle Nevin -CA
106. Napod, Megan Brooke -CA
107. Napod, Nevin -CA
108. Napod ,Timothy -CA
109. Napod, Yen -CA
110. Nepomuceno, Febe Palermo - MD
111. Nepomuceno, Francine Franelle - MD
112. Nepomuceno, Vidal - MD
113. Nerona, Angel Maida - MD
114. Nerona, Benita -MD
115. Nerona, Emerson -MD
116. Nerona, Jacob Victor -MD
117. Nerona, Joshua Luke -MD
118. Orbe, Lemuel -NJ
119. Orbe, Boy -NJ
120. Pacamalan, Marilyn Napod -FL
121. Paez, Melgie Venida -PH
122. Paez, Melwin -PH
123. Penaflor, Emma - MD
124. Peñaflorida, Crisly Alcaide -CA
125. Peñaloza, Antonio -NC
126. Peñaloza, Aimee Joy -NC
127. Peñaloza, Eunice -NC
128. Perdon, Arden -PH
129. Perdon, Imelda -PH
130. Poblete, Evnaflor Frias - Can
131. Poblete, Roel -Can
132. Prudente, Larry -MD
133. Prudente, Mirriam -MD
134. Prudente, Lyshll -MD
135. Prudente, Rhymiel -MD
136. Rowe, Lorne Joy Alcantara -MD
137. Salazar, Flor
138. Santos, Aldric -MD
139. Saulo, Robert -MD
140. Sauro, Eric -NJ
141. Sauro, Teresita Castillo -NJ
142. Sauro, Wilfred -NJ
143. Testa, Blair Napod -CA
144. Testa, Clarita -CA
145. Testa, Judith Clarisse -CA
146. Testa. Joseph -CA
147. Tindugan, Rebecca Yvonne -CA
148. Villanueva, Nimrod -PH
149. Walton, Sol Nodalo -FL
150. Wright, David -CA
151. Wright, Ruth Tindugan -CA
152. Zarsaga, Nethaniel -CA
153. Zenith, Deomilo -CA
154. Zenith, Oseas -CA
155. Zenith, Michael -CA
156. Zenith, Lorraine -CA
157. Zenith, Rachel Catangay -CA
158. Zenith, Richlie -CA

Review of the first North American Reunion (2006) in Maryland, Part 1

2006-10-06T08:35:00.000-07:00

The Highland View Church ---

where the Friday evening Vespers was held. It was nippy and dark and except for the early registrants, only a few more had come early or on time. Transportation constraints had to be the culprit. 30 minutes later than scheduled, Ezekiel "Eks" Lucrida Jr. arrived with his family and led the song service with Evelyn Lucrida Gonzales on the piano. Welcoming everyone ala-Naga View way with "Happy Arrival" and introducing the speaker was Wilfred "Potch" Sauro. Jennifer Mae Barizo, daughter of Daniel Barizo and Ophelia Miraflores Barizo, performed a special music on the piano. Pastor Daniel Botabara was the speaker and his message reflected on his younger years at Naga View. He spoke about how "second chances" gave meaning to his personal life and career as a minister. It was both refreshing and touching, listening to a classmate and friend tell the "revelatory" stories of his youth, which I thought were quite spiritual in a lot of ways, as he recounted so fondly all his blessings, in pompous eloquence, with quite a few similar affirmations from the audience. With such pride and joy he emphasized Naga View's ascent from a junior academy in 1965 to a full-fledged college, like the students who have grown and matured, even those that faltered like himself and Gershon Napod, came to the reunion. In his words, Pastor Botabara said, "I failed to stay at Naga View Academy but I succeeded at PUC-Naga View Campus. And, God forbid, that if I fail again, I know I will have "another chance" at Naga View Adventist College." Very well said and well thought out. I knew this meeting was to be remembered well for I've never sung that inspired in a long time, at least since I started growing gray hair. After all, it turned out to be more of a joyous occasion than a formal vespers, shall I say. There were about 40 people when it started but at the end it looked like it had doubled in number. A few were late while others missed the program as they were stuck in traffic from the airport. But a couple of familiar faces and pioneers have come early, namely, Pastor Arden Perdon with his wife Imelda Gomez Perdon and Dr. Roel Poblete with his wife, Evnaflor Frias Poblete. I was personally glad to see the "all-time jolly veteran teacher", Mrs. Judith Buena Napod, mother of Nevin Napod and my older cousins' first grade teacher in Bicol, attend the reunion. I did have some feeling of nostalgia and I could not help remembering all the Napods and the Alcaides back in those younger days, for they were the 2 families that almost consistently dominated the enrollment for several years, and so with other families like the Tindugans, the Dela Rocas and Lucridas. After the vespers, the Isarog choir, composed of 22 members, practiced with Gershon Napod, conducting, and Nethaniel Zarsaga on the piano. This would be the choir's first meeting and practice. They had been emailed a song sheet and voice midi to study a week before. Alumni who ranged from years 1966-2000 came to meet together for the first time at a solemn place nestled in ala-Isarog atmosphere, but in a more excitable mood as shown in their applause in grateful appreciation on the formal opening of the first reunion in north america, there at the Highland View Church on the campus of Highland View Academy.

MORE PHOTOS