By Trizia Glae Tubungbanua

In light of the recent Ampatuan Massacre, student leaders of the DMC College Foundation released this official statement.

“We, the DMC College Foundation youth leaders, feel the threat in the hopeful minds of youth to have a peaceful and mass murder-free country. The recent tragedy, the violence and savagery in the Ampatuan municipality in Maguindanao, erased 57 names from the statistics of living people including respected politicians, dedicated journalists and innocent people.

The spirit of leadership, the sense of security for the watchdogs of the government – the media men, the whole fabric of diplomacy and serenity in the country, the pillar of peace and our freedom from strife are now shaking. How can we become reasonable future leaders of this country if all we see from our current leaders are political bickering leading to such heinous and barbarous act? As if vote buying, and other government and political scandals are not enough to muddle the innocent and gullible minds of the young lads in colleges and universities in the country hoping to become better leaders in the future.

Needless to say, we cannot develop our utmost potentials if we live in a society where guns, gold and goons are its prevailing business.

Now, we the DMC College Foundation youth leaders are calling for genuine political reforms. We praise the expulsion of the Ampatuan family from the Lakas Party. But this is clearly not enough. We echo the call for truth and justice. And we want more responsibility for our government officials. If the government cannot protect its people, who else will?”

(And to show our support to the victims’ families, to the journalists all over the world, and the whole nation in our cry for justice and condemning such despicable act of inhumanity, the DMC College Foundation will place black arm bands in students, faculty and staff starting today.)

By Trizia Glae Tubungbanua

To highlight student empowerment, the DMC College Foundation Student and Alumni Affairs Services (SAAS) under the stewardship of its dean, Atty. Jordanne Chan-Antonio held a Leadership and Team Building Training at the Bajamunde Farms in Dapitan City last November 21 and 22.

A total of 29 DMC student leaders were treated to a two-day seminar conducted by Ayala Foundation speaker and renowned student leader coach, Maria Acela Katrina Padua.

“DMC College Foundation student leaders on their way back to Dipolog after a two-day Leadership and Team Building Training Seminar at the Bajamunde Farms in Dapitan City last November 21 and 22.”

The training featured a number of eye-opening and innovative training methods including a Self-Awareness Activity, a “My role as Student Leader” Activity, an Amazing Race: The Ultimate DMC Challenge simulation, a Community Activity, a film showing a Video on Nation Building, among others.

“In the pursuit of student development and holistic education, the SAAS held this event aimed for students to be able to acquire productive competitiveness in exercising personal leadership philosophy and to allow each of the DMC Student Leaders to realize that their individual actions and efforts can be translated into meaningful contributions to their respective organizations,” DMC Student Alumni Affairs Coordinator Cherrie Rose Sagario said.

The students who participated in the said event are Joviemae Tampon, Cristian Ian Catembung, Robert Bucholz, Donabel Patangan, Krizzane Cordero, Mechelle Eguia, Shielden Vi Gallemit, Ery Jean Mangubat, Yoyieve Carpitanos, Analou Bala, Trizia Glae Tubungbanua, John Woo, Cris Olasiman, Erly Irene Patagoc, Shamma Grace Belarmino, Desiann Ronill Lee, Kim Vale, Jovan Ni Macadangdang, Alvin Paul Meraveles, Harold Nabor, Jose Mari Suano, Mhay Gomolon, Bryan Fornolles, Joseph Froaih Sale, Femril Gudmalin, Mae Tumubong and Mark Karlo Recamara.

Also present to help Ms. Padua preside over the students’ learning are DMC Assistant Vice President for External Affairs Randy Iniego, Student Alumni Affairs Coordinator Sagario and Alumni Affairs Coordinator Tyrone Jay V. Samson.

Moreover, to show their wholehearted support to such student empowerment effort, DMC vice president for External Affairs, Dr. Gerald Concha and vice president for Administration, Atty. Diana Charlette Concha also visited the students during the two-day activity.

“I am echoing the call of Atty. Diana Concha, our vice president for Administration that the youth is indeed the realization of our country’s dreams and aspirations. I believe this can only be achieved when the youth themselves will take an active role in shaping their destiny with clear identity as Filipinos. Hence, in DMC College Foundation, we dare say that your future begins here because we will be shaping young leaders with social conscience and concern,” AVP Iniego disclosed.

“DMC student leaders pose for a picture with DMC bigwigs, (sitting from the left) Dr. Gerald Concha, Atty. Diana Concha, Ayala Foundation student coach and training facilitator Maria Acela Katrina Padua, and Atty. Jordanne Chan-Antonio.”

The speaker, Ms. Padua, was part of the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation Chinese Scholarship Program Batch 2 of the Ateneo de Manila University and was even sent to Shanghai, China as an exchange student in Fudan University.

After graduation, she became the Management Associate of Globe Telecom from July 2008 to July 2009 and the national head for Logistics and Operations for the Outstanding Students of the Philippines Alumni Community in 2009.

However, it is in the Universidad de Sta. Isabel in Bicol, Camarines Sur that she initially made her mark with more than a few outstanding achievements including being the national finalist of the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines in 2008. She is also an Ayala Young Leader since 2005, a Bayer Young Environmental Envoy since 2008, and a National Youth parliamentarian since 2006.

She was the president of the Universidad de Sta. Isabel Central Student Government of school year 2007-2008. And she is also the president of the Universidad de Sta. Isabel Debate Society from 2006 to 2007.

“It’s a great privilege to participate in a leadership seminar with a speaker coming from Ayala Foundation. The seminar was fun, very intellectual and memorable. I could really say that what we learn was made even easier to absorb because we learned with pleasure. We will never forget the learning Ma’am Ace instilled in us. In behalf of the DMC student leaders, I thank you Ma’am Ace for a sharing with us your ideas and doing such in an enjoyable way,” BSN – IV President Alvin Paul Meraveles said.

By Trizia Glae Tubungbanua (DMC Eximius Associate Editor)

You always tell me you love me

But I never know if it’s true.

Those whispers on my ears,

Are they real? Or just for me to hear?

We never had a clear conversation about how we feel and I never know him for real. We only text each other and I don’t know how he could say he’ll love me through the years. Though these past weeks we’ve been going out together, still I’m not certain if it’s love I’m displaying. Perhaps I’m just used to the text messages you’re sending so my brain replies the expected answer. I’m not sure about the love I told you I have for you because I realized, you’re there, I’m here, we’re buildings apart. I’m not used to have commitments to anybody because I’ve been doing things my own way.

I don’t want to hurt your feelings by saying “I’ve fallen out of love”. However, it’s better early to reduce the agony. I want my old habits; to be single, playful and fickle. You might say it’s childish but this is my way of happiness. So I’m telling you to go because if you’ll stay I know you’ll only feel worse and miserable when you find out that I can’t pretend any longer.

I thought love could still survive. I tried to keep you inside but I’ve been too busy and preoccupied. I don’t lend time for this relationship cause many other things need my time. I don’t want to be ungrateful so I reply “THANK YOU” when you whisper “I LOVE YOU”

But I’m afraid that’s just how it goes. I guess I love you; I honestly did. But then again, not the way you love me true.

I am sorry not because I did this to you but because I feel this way for you. I know you don’t want me to be because when I said “Goodbye” you replied “You need to be free.”

So for the last time let me say “Thank You” in exchange for an “I Love You.”

By Tyrone Jay V. Samson

The City Government of Dipolog in coordination with the Pasko sa Dipolog (PASADI) Committee 2009 will hold a month-long celebration of the spirit of the Yuletide season by promoting cultural events in the city.

One of the most anticipated attractions of the said celebration is the Nightly Shows to be featured at the Dipolog Boulevard that started last November 17 and will continue until the end of December.

And to show its wholehearted support to the administration of Mayor Evelyn Tang Uy, the DMC College Foundation through its Performing Arts group highlight the Nightly show last Friday, November 20 at the Dipolog City Boulevard.

The Performing Arts, under the tutelage of its adviser Ramil Dominic “Sir Q” Quirong, showcased its Progeny of Euterpe (singing group) and the Teatro Likas Likha (dance troupe) for a two-hour non-stop entertainment that delighted the crowd.

“I am very happy that we were able to give the audience a heartfelt and soulful performance especially made for people from all walks of life. This was our simple way of giving a pre-Christmas offering to all Dipolognons. From the DMC Performing Arts, we would like express our gratitude to everyone who partook in our undertaking. We hope that we were able to put smile in your faces through our students’ God-given talents,” Quirong said.

By Krizaine Cordero (DMC Eximius Editor-in-Chief)

Flashfloods, rainstorms and tsunamis – these are just a few of the phenomena that come unexpectedly and take away thousands of lives which could include ours and those of our loved ones.

Looking back, thousands have died here in the Philippines because of a catastrophe. And in May 1960, tsunamis killed almost over 1,000 in the Philippines and in other countries.

As we could see, these disasters are deadly dangerous. A recent example is what happened to the areas when Bagyong Ondoy and Pepeng hit Luzon. Many properties were damaged. Many people have lost their homes. Some have lost their loved ones. These disasters were foreseen but nobody acted. The killer disaster might have been lessened if there were trees to help in preventing the overflowing of rainwater. But what have we done? What have we done with our trees and Mother Nature?

There are surveys asking if who is to blame, the government or the people.

The government?

Perhaps, yes. Lawmakers have enacted laws to prevent and stop illegal logging but fail to implement them in some places. Indeed, it is very hard to implement such rules with very stubborn people around, people who do not even believe in them. When water dams were to be released after Bagyong Ondoy and Pepeng hit some areas in Luzon, the people were warned to evacuate because it could cause a massive flashflood, but did they listen? They did not. Maybe because authorities who told them so have no credibility whatsoever. Maybe they are just plain hard-headed.

The people?

Yes. They have contributed a lot. They are aware of these laws concerning illegala logging but these people, for some reason, still continue violate such law despite the continually rising incidents of landslides. It is proven true that trees hold the soil when the water tends to wash them away. But some people are too blind to see the fact. They cut trees and destroyed our forest.

Why can’t people understand the tremendous effects caused by illegal logging? How could they disregard the beauty that nature gives?

Some people might not understand but we must still have faith in God. We have to remember that God writes in sometimes straight and sometimes crooked ways, wherein it would be not understandable for all of us. We must not lose hope just because of a calamity. Instead, let us tell people in authority that it is never too late to do actions that would prepare us whenever the next calamity will happen, God forbid.

Indeed, that was God’s plan. He allowed that to happen for certain reasons. Definitely, one of those reasons is to give a hard lesson.

And we, as His students, when will we ever learn?

By Robert Michael Buchholz (DMC Eximius SHRIM writer)

We may not think about it, but it is the fact. We fear more on getting poor. Maybe some fear more on ghosts. But we forget to fear a greater fright, the calamities throughout the world.

If we rewind many years ago, the era of dinosaurs ended because of a cataclysmic event. A massive comet hit the Gulf of Mexico. Ultimately, nothing survived. All that were left were fossils and relics of the Jurassic age.

Now let us forward to the present, today is the time of us humans to control the world. We go to our daily routine without noticing disasters. Just like attractions, there are two kinds of calamities, man-made and natural.

When we talk about man-made, the thing that comes to our minds are catastrophic accidents and disastrous terrorism. Accidents really happen, be it in air crash, in sunken ships, road accidents or just where you are right now. We cannot tell. But terrorism, it is another story. The possibility of war and conflict comes from one source, selfishness. Terrorists are there, as their name obviously suggests, to terrorize and achieve their hideous and selfish motives, whatever it may be. Needless to say, making the world a peaceful and better place is not in their vocabulary.

Aside from man-made, there is still another kind of disaster that is very unpredictable. We may know it coming, but still unstoppable. Think about China during the devastating earthquake that hit them. Think about the Tsunami that hit coasts around Indian Ocean. Or think about the Bagyong Ondoy and Pepeng tandem that hit the whole area of Luzon. Did we see those coming?

Disaster is everywhere. Lots of casualties have been recorded. Many children lost their parents. Yet no one can hide from it. Nothing can stop it. We can’t prevent it. The only thing we can do is to be prepared. And when the true horror comes to us, we are ready.

(Press Freedom column; Nov. 15)

By Tyrone Jay V. Samson

DMC President Concha speaks on life at 70

“I feel good, my body is weaker but my mind is sharper. And I feel wiser, much wiser.”

“Zamboanga del Norte Governor Rolando E. Yebes arrived to personally hand a gift to DMC College Foundation president, Atty. Alberto P. Concha during his 70th birthday celebration last October 21.”

DMC College Foundation president, Atty. Alberto P. Concha had this to say with regard his recent celebration of his 70^th birthday last October 21.

“The Concha Family pose for a picture during Atty. Alberto P. Concha’s birthday celebration.”

With his better half Filomena Concha, who is a successful businesswoman; and equally successful children, Atty. Albert T. Concha, Anne Marie Montaño, Engr. Richard Concha, Dr. Gerald Concha and Atty. Diana Charlette Concha, the DMC President is beaming with pride as he goes about his daily routine in the school after a speaking engagement during a seminar held at the DMC Auditorium this week.

After yet another message relaying encouraging words of wisdom to a group of students for the nth time in his career, this writer chanced upon the DMC President in his office for a brief chitchat on life, career and his vision for DMC College Foundation.

Here is an excerpt of our interview.

Tyrone: Good day sir, I’m going to start off with this question, how is life different at 70 as compared to, let’s say 40? or 30? And in what way?

President Concha: I feel good, my body is weaker but my mind is sharper, I feel wiser. There are a lot of things I used to do physically when I was younger that I find it hard to do nowadays. However, I see things more clearly now. I can decide with better precision. I have even more patience in my day-to-day routine and decisions.

Tyrone: What do you consider as your crowning glory or the biggest achievement in your life, thus far? And why?

President Concha: I take great pride in building my businesses, and most especially the academe I worked hard to help stand, the DMC College Foundation. I also have the Rural Bank of Rizal, Inc. and my other businesses to be proud of.

(Aside from DMC College Foundation, the Concha family also owns a number of businesses including the Rural Bank of Rizal, Inc., Concha Construction, Mennen’s Gift Mart, Zanorte Industries, Hot FM, La Concha Bakeshop, among others.)

Tyrone: In turn, what is your biggest setback?

President Concha: Frankly speaking, I cannot recall of any. I guess I’m just an optimistic person.

Tyrone: How do you see yourself? As an educator? A lawyer? Or a  businessman?

President Concha: I see myself as a jack of all trades, a master of none.

Tyrone: How do you want to be remembered?

President Concha: I want to be remembered as somebody who leaves behind a positive legacy for the young ones to follow, like making DMC as it is today.

Tyrone: Describe your relationship with your wife?

President Concha: Very good. With such an adorable woman as my wife, I’ve never ever committed a violation to our marriage.

Tyrone: What advice can you give us, the young generation?

President Concha: Study hard, work hard. It’s such a cliché but, take it from me, that’s the secret of success.

Tyrone: What is your vision for DMC College Foundation 10 to 20 years from now?

President Concha: Make that five years from now because I see DMC becoming a university in five years time.

Tyrone: What are the initial and major steps do you suggest in making such outlook a reality?

President Concha: With such lofty vision, we are constantly looking for qualified and outstanding personalities to help us achieve such goal. Doctorates, and those with masteral, we are looking for you.

Tyrone: Considering the very radical nature of a few students nowadays, do you still believe in total student empowerment?

President Concha: I do not completely believe in that because I still think that the students must be guided accordingly.

Tyrone: With the 2010 elections fast approaching, any plans of seeking government office? Why?

President Concha: Even in my younger years, going to politics have never crossed my mind. You cannot serve two masters at the same time. I believe that being in politics and also having your own business is too much that one may succeed but the other will eventually fail. I’d rather stick to what I know I can do with the passion needed to succeed.

Tyrone: What value do you seek most in an electoral candidate?

President Concha: Kana makamao gyud na kandidato. And as far as I can see, they are all good. Every single one of them has something to say. What is important is for the people to have the choice and for us to have a President that is really voted for by the people.

Tyrone: Any views in the current batch of Presidentiables? What do you look at in choosing the next Philippine President?

President Concha: They are all good and are all deserving to become President, even Erap is good. Dili biya ka ma Presidente kung dili ka makamao.

Tyrone: Do you really believe that honest elections is in the horizon?

President Concha: I still believe in honest elections. I choose to see the goodness in people. As long as we believe in it, as long as we start correcting our past errors within ourselves, there will always be a chance for honest elections. It all starts within each and everyone of us. Like the ABS CBN slogan, “Ako ang Simula.”

****

For those who are looking for rooms for rent, newly furnished rooms are available for rent near Saint Vincent’s College in Padre Ramon Street, Dipolog City. For more details, just contact NN on 09293971985.

(For your comments and suggestions, do drop a word in my email address tyrone_shakur2001@yahoo.com, or in my mobile phone number 0919-8405811. And remember, professionalizing our media starts with students actually enrolling in the course Mass Communication. Be part of the DMC Family, enroll and become a Mass Communicator.)

By Tyrone Jay V. Samson

With reports from Krizaine Cordero and Donnabel Patangan (DMC Eximius staff)

To give its students further knowledge in the world of business, the DMC College Foundation Business Management Education (BME) department in partnership with the School of Hotel, Restaurant an Institution Management (SHRIM) held the “All About Franchising” Forum at the DMC Auditorium last November 10.

The speaker, Rudolf Kotik, is an Austrian entrepreneur and a multi-awarded expert with 31 years of Franchise Management experience in Europe, America and Asia. He is the founder of RK Franchise Consultancy and is also the author of the best-selling book titled “All About Franchising.” He is credited for developing more than 350 Filipino Companies into Franchise Systems.

His franchise consultancy firm here in the Philippines, the RK Franchise Consultancy, opened its doors in 1995. The types of companies that RK Franchise Consultancy has assisted includes everything from food and beverage companies, to personal care companies, to computer businesses, clothing and retail businesses, and even gas stations and pharmacies.

Kotik gave his thoughts on seminar topics that include Definition of Franchising, History of Franchising, Defining Franchising, Franchising 101, What does a Franchise provide, Benefits of buying a Franchise, How to select a Franchise, Advantages and Demands of Franchising, Mistakes by Franchise Buyers, Buying a Franchise, Franchising your business, Legal Franchise Requirements, Franchise Operations Manual, The Future of Franchising and Introduction to Franchise Opportunities.

On hand to listen to Kotik are nearly 200 students from the BME department, SHRIM and DMC Science High School.

Also present to witness such lecture are DMC vice president in External Affairs, Dr. Gerald Concha, assistant vice president for External Affairs Randy Iniego, and Moonyeen Tiu.

After this talk, Kotik will visit other cities all over the Philippines including stops in Cebu (November 12-13, Nov. 26-29, Dec. 20-27, and Dec 30, 2009 – January 3, 2010 ), Manila (November 14-17, Nov. 20-25, Nov. 20 – December 6, Dec. 12-19, and January 4, 2010), Legaspi City (Nov. 18-19), Butuan City (Dec. 7-8), Valencia, Bukidnon (Dec. 9), Davao (Dec. 10), General Santos City (Dec. 11), Dumaguete (Dec. 28-29), and Cagayan de Oro City (January 23, 2010).

After the seminar, Kotik took time to sit down with DMC Eximius staffers and talk about his passion and expertise in Franchising.

Here is our interview:

Eximius: Can you tell us a brief history on why you decided to put up a Franchise consultancy?

Rodulf: I put this up because when I graduated way back 1978, I was hired by McDonalds and they put me in the Franchise Division. So, I was six years in McDonalds Franchising and almost two years of holiday in hotel. I was three years with the Franchise Consultancy as well. So, I almost have 10 years experience in franchising. I gave my whole life into franchising, thus, it was somewhat logical for me to stand on my own comfortably. So that’s why I’m in a total of 31 years into franchising.

E: What are your keys to success?

R: My keys? Being the number Franchise Consultant in the Philippines we’ve made it through several different obstacles. And the keys to overcoming those are, first of all, we have to work hard. That simple. That’s the number one. Number two, you have to offer your prospective clients an attractive package and also a very good service. Those are the key.

E: In which country did you experienced your most memorable Franchising Management experience?

R: Actually, I experienced that here in the Philippines because compared to Europe or the United States, here we can really do a lot of what we really want to do. In Europe or the US, everything is very much regulated by the Franchise Law which we don’t have here. It gives me more freedom of developing more ideas.

E: In your 31 years with the Franchising Consultancy, Inc., did you ever encountered trials or challenges?

R: Not much actually. If you handle a business very professional, you won’t come into such challenges.

E: Why did you choose to be a Franchise Consultant rather than in another industry?

R: I choose this because of my experience, because I did this before. When I was employed, I was in franchising division.  So my whole life was spent on franchising.

E: Last message to the readers.

R: If you have money, invest it in the franchise. It is the safest way for your money to prosper. And on the other hand, if you have a business and you want it to grow, grow it through franchising. Safe way and fastest way to grow it is through OPM (Other People’s Money).

By Tyrone Jay V. Samson

With the recent catastrophe brought about by typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) recently declared the observance of the National Disaster Preparedness Month from October 20 to November 21.

In accordance with such memorandum, the DMC College Foundation held a one-day Disaster Preparedness Seminar at the DMC Auditorium last November 13.

Representatives from various entities like CHED, Office of Civil Defense Region IX, PAGASA and PHIVOLCS were on hand to share their expertise to the student participants.

Representing DMC are 15 students including Jobanie Agias, Peter Alegarbes, Rose Dolor Cabilin, Paterno Cimafranca, Rainier Rhett Concha, Janrey Cuenca, Nazra Divinagracia, Bernadette Egual, John Bryan Fernolles, Shielden Vi Gallemit, Jaysa Krystle Guijaro, Ivory Mae Legados, Kemi Maco, Aiza Magcanta and Butch Tambac. They were accompanied by Assistant Emergency Coordinator Jeffrey Laput and Student Affairs Coordinator Cherrie Rose Sagario.

“The seminar was an eye-opener for all of us. In light with the recent tragedy brought about by Ondoy and Pepeng, I hope that we have learned our lesson that tragedies will happen in times when we are most vulnerable. We need to be prepared to act during situations of life and death, moments when we need to help and save others. After today, I believe that these students are now well-equipped to handle disastrous situations,” Laput said.

By Krizaine Cordero (Eximius Editor-in-Chief)

Showing that it definitely is avant-garde in artistry with regard movie-making here in Dipolog City, the DMC College Foundation held the Q Film Festival at the DMC College Foundation Auditorium last October 17.

Students, parents and other movie goers gathered to witness four different films prepared by the BSN II Bio Ethic Class of DMC.

Under the supervision of Ramil “Sir Q” Dominic Quirong, also the adviser of the Progeny of Euterpe and the Teatro Likas-Likha organizations, the BSN II Bio Ethic Class showcased movie films showing four different ethical topics.

The first movie entry was made by the Night Class. With the title “Classmates” and directed by Raul Nocete, the film is about friendship. It focused on showcasing how drug addiction and premarital sex could affect a teenager’s life.

The second entry was made by the Winifred Class. The movie, titled “Life before Sunset,” is directed by Nessan Jane Sallore. It is a story about a woman struggling to fight her cancer disease.

The third entry was made by the Artinian Class. The movie is titled “Fragments” and is directed by Jasle Omamalin. It is a story about three different people that fate brought together. The story revolved around their friendship and love.

The fourth entry, made by the Fitzpatrick Class, is titled “Trigger Point” and is directed by Katrina Grace Gurdiel. It is a story about a girl fighting to rescue his fiancé only to find out that in the end, her fiancé is a part of a drug syndicate she swore to eradicate.

The Q film festival gave out awards to students whose performance were considered “exemplary” by the board of judges.

The winners were as follows: Best Picture to Trigger Point; Most Coordinated Section to the Winifred Class; Best Story to the movie Trigger Point; Best Director to Katrina Grace Gurdiel (Trigger Point); Best Actor to Jessie Loued Partosa (Fragments) Best Actress to Krizia Nica Ione Esteconing (Trigger Point); Best Supporting Actor to Alian Ralph Tan (Trigger Point); Best Supporting Actress to Ma. Carmes Bastasa (Life before Sunset); Best in Make-up Costume to Krizia Nica Ione Esteconing (Trigger Point); Best in Costume Design to Jherwin Salva (Trigger Point); Best in Sound Effects to Jay Bernados (Trigger Point); Best in Sound Tracks to Jay Bernados (Trigger Point); Best in Set Design to Mhay Gomolon (Trigger Point); Best in Editing to Trigger Point; Best in Screen Play to Christian Leo Kaballo (Trigger Point); Best in Cinematography to Jose Mari Suano (Fragments); Male Star of the Night to John Rubex Adaza (Fragments); Female Star of the Night to Katrina Grace Gurdiel (Trigger Point); Male Face of the Night to Kherwin Khan Araje; Female Face of the Night to Misty Ocampo; Best in performance in a Cameo Role to Dwight (Trigger Point); and Best Villain to Ivory Rem Recentes (Trigger Point).

After the festival, I took time to interview the man behind the prestigious event – Sir Q. Here is an excerpt of our discussion. Read on….

Krizaine: Sir. Kindly discuss the brief history of the Q Film Festival? When and why did you start this?

Sir Q:   When I started teaching Health Ethics, now Bio-Ethics, way back in 2002, my final requirement then was to create a role-play with the topics of abortion and withdrawing/withholding life support. Each section was grouped into two and they were assigned one room each for their presentation. Two years later, when Hazel Zambrano Hayward joined me in teaching the subject, one of her sections opted to do it in a movie format, and that gave me an idea of how to do my future final requirements in Bio-Ethics.

K: Where did you pattern such festival?

Q: I’m no stranger when it comes to movie festivals, as far as I can remember, I am already a movie buff but not so much of a geek though. My inspirations were the Oscars, Emmys and our local film award-giving bodies.

K: In your perspective, what was the best film made this year?

Q: The four entries of this year’s film festival for the first semester were all substantially good. However, Trigger Point presented a more vivid and lucid output, thus, making it the best film of this second half of 2009.

K: And in the history of the Q Film Festival, what movie stands out? Why?

Q: I don’t think there is one movie that stood out of the rest when you talk about the history of the Q Film Festival, for the reason that the winning films have different genre every year.

K: Any parting statement Sir Q?

Q: Yes, this crusade of mine is making one step forward to enhance the capability of students to hone their skills and use their creative juices in such a way that they will be able to coordinate, synchronize, manage and cooperate with the entire class, making them good and, hopefully not just nationally recognized but also globally competitive leaders in the near future. I would also like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the entire DMC family who never fail to support my endeavor for such a greater cause.