By Ahnica Claudeth M. Almanzor | The Paulinian
Cover Photo by Paulinian Shutters Club
“A unique basic character or trait of a leader is to make a difference. A good difference,” Rev. Fr. Rollin Flore, SSP said in his homily during the Eucharistic Celebration on May 27, 2025 at 3:10 PM, at the Founders’ Hall.
Fr. Flore affirmed that as a leader, one must possess the passion of a dreamer and the resilience of a poet. He said that dreamers can extend their hands to fill in the gaps of their dreams with compassion, courage, and harmony. Additionally, he stated that being a dreamer requires being a poet, a prophet. “A poet is able to see great things out of the ordinary, one who sees the hands of God moving spite of defeat.” He also emphasized the importance of substantiating one’s presence in order to effect change.
The oath-taking of new officers was held before the end of the Mass. Moderators and new student leaders recited their oaths, pledging to carry out their new responsibilities.
The masquerade event began at 5:30 PM with an opening spiel by Ms. Danielle Dizon. The audience welcomed the Moderators and Councils of each organization with applause as they were called.
along with the Faculty and Moderators | Photo from Ms. Gracy Morada Cu
Subsequently, the incumbent officers of the Supreme Student Council, who shaped the academic year with purpose, excellence, and resilience were welcomed with applause:
Precious Chyll Cabigan, Public Relations Officer
Princess Pearl Behag, Auditor
Josef Dator, Treasurer
Raphaelo Giuian, Assistant Secretary
Hannah Bisco, Secretary
Juvin Casanova, President
The incoming officers of the Supreme Student Council, who will become the next bearers of the legacy the councils have built for years were called:
Xerina Baron, Public Relations Officer
Eunice Bravo, Auditor
Jerus Esrael, Treasurer
Sophia Cinco, Assistant Secretary
Cristina Abad, Secretary
Jonel Bautista, Vice President
Leanne Laguna, President
Before the program proper, Mr. Enrico Cabalfin led the opening prayer, followed by the Philippine National Anthem, sung by Ms. Mikha Aston. The emcees, John Paul De Jesus and Hannah Bisco, took over.
Sr. Maria Evangeline Anastacio, SPC, University President, gave her opening remarks, explaining that true leadership extends beyond the Paulinian campus walls to promote good governance and stability. She added that the fundamental ability of a leader is being prophetic, one who speaks the truth and responds to others with compassion and the call for justice. She stated that, while leadership is a demanding line of work, it is an opportunity to become a good shepherd. Not to dominate, but to serve.
Mr. Juvin Casanova, outgoing Supreme Student Council President, gave his Fulfillment of Purpose, dedicated to the community and his friends who supported him throughout his journey as a Paulinian and as Council President. He mentioned that leadership aims for compassion, not perfection. He distributed pins to those who treasured him the most and were by his side, creating a significant impact.
This was followed by the officers of the extra-curricular and co-curricular organizations, College Council and Supreme Student Council officers handing over their duties to their successors.
Mr. Casanova then turned over the SMEC Student Council committee member position to the newly elected president, Ms. Leanne May Lagunda. Ms. Lagunda gave her inaugural speech, emphasizing leadership as a key component of being a Paulinian. The Paulinian Dance Troupe put on a show after a short break.
Before the night ended, an award ceremony was held. The first was in the context of leadership throughout the year, followed by those who shone in their outfits.
Leadership and Curricular Awards:
Most Outstanding Extracurricular Organization- SPUM Chorale
Most Outstanding Extracurricular Moderator- Ms. Oliver Rodriguez
Most Outstanding Co-curricular Moderator- Mr. Marlon Martinez
Most Outstanding Co-curricular Organization- Paulinian Tourism Society
Most Outstanding Student Council- The College of Music and Performing Arts
Most Outstanding Student Council Moderator- Ms. Mary Therese Pitogo
Campus Volunteer Award- Juvin Casanova
Promising Leader Award- Danielle R. Dizon
Outstanding Leader Award- Hannah Bisco
Best Dressed Awards:
Gatsby Glamour Queen- Princess Aninang
Roaring Twenties Gentleman- Juvin Casanova
Masquerade Enchantress- Sophia Cinco
Masked Marvel- Jonel Bautista
The Closing Remarks were delivered by Ms. Judith Alderete, followed by the closing prayer by Ms. Eunice Bravo. The night ended in bliss, and the College Department submitted a dedicated video to showcase the bond they have shared over the years—a small message of bidding goodbye and opening a new chapter in their lives.
