Maasin City, Southern Leyte– It’s been 80 years since the Most Reverend Sofronio Hacbang, Archbishop of Samar founded Instuto de San Jose, now known as Saint Joseph College, my Alma Mater.Since then, SJC flourished as the center of education in Southern Leyte and nearby Leyte towns.

Last February 5-9, 2008, SJC celebrated this event dubbed as the College Day with the theme: “God’s word alive–among us. It started with an opening mass, followed by the opening of booths and various academic, musical and literary competitions.

This year, the event was highlighted with a Traipse, that “…captures the common yet essential manifestations of the local culture and lifestyle, featuring not just the three main islands of the Philippines: Visayas, Mindanao and Luzon, but as well as the neighboring countries of the Aseia Pacific Regions.”

The traditional Recognition and Awarding Ceremony was spruced-up with productions that captured the milestones of Saint Joseph College’s history.

Of course, College Day will never be complete without the Alumni Homecoming Day and the Coronation of the Homecoming Queen. My friend, Ganda’s (who owns Ganda’s Aromatic Cafe, one of the best cafes here in Maasin City) sister, Joy Padillia-Bascug was one of the candidates for this year along with Ms. Corrain Claire Cañete, Grace Mar Gonzales-Boehm, Cheryll Esma-Terante, Surita Roa-To, Catalina Piao-Magpatoc, Immaculada Alma Moldes-Parunggan, Madonna Caintic-Nudalo, Elina Bilvero-Cuaves, and Andriano “Ardring” Arnaiz. In case the last one sounds like a man’s name to you, that’s because he really is a man.

No, I’m not kidding. Mr. Adriano “Adring” Arnaiz, a Sapphire Jubilarian, was included in the list of candidates and I don’t even have the slightest idea why. Mr. Arnaiz, who anchors a noon-time radio program at DYDM here in Maasin, is, for the record, not even effeminate (just in case you are wondering).

Saint Joseph College, once again, delivered a remarkable show this year. One which, even a rebellious Josephinian during high school,like myself, can be truly proud of.

SJC would, no doubt, continue to be a beacon of academic excellence both here in Southern Leyte, and around the globe.

P.S.

If you want to know if this year’s Alumni Homecoming Queen turns out to be Mr. Arnaiz, just leave me a comment.