By Tyrone Jay V. Samson

“This is not just an honor for the DMC community.  This is for all Dipolognons, for all Zanorteans.”

DMC College Foundation soccer team, DMC Booters, manager Joelito “Toto” Turno proudly proclaimed as he lead his team in a Dipolog City-wide motorcade last Thursday, March 4. The parade is in honor of what Turno stressed as  the “biggest sports feat by an educational institution in Zanorte ever” after the DMC Booters placed second in the Commission on Higher Education National Games held in the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Metro Manila last February 22-28.

DMC Booters, with DMC Vice President for Academics, Atty. Albert T. Concha, pose during the CHED National Games wherein DMC placed second to eventual champions West Negros University.

The DMC soccer team, under the mentorship of their coach Reginal Jukes, had their opponents in the 14-team competition eating dust as they held all their elimination round rivals’ scoreless. They beat Region 8 (Eastern Visayas) with the score 7-0; Baguio City 1-0; San Beda of the National Capital Region (former champions) 2-0; before humbling Region 10 representative composed of players from the Bukidnon State University and the Central Mindanao University during the semi-finals 1-0.

“Grabe ang amo kalipay nga amo naabot ang finals. Literally blood, sweat and tears gyud amo gi agi-an sa training ni Coach Jukes, and reaching the championship was all worth it. Maski gamay ra gyud kaayo ang nakaila sa DMC, ang amo kalipay, dili ma explain. Mag sige pa gani sila ug pangotana kung taga asa mi, at least now, kabalo na sila,” DMC Booters team skipper Michael Aubrey Atienza said.

In the championship match against West Negros University of Region 6 wherein DMC lost 1-2, Atienza disclosed that a “dubious call” by the referee assessing DMC for a penalty cost them the game. “Kung wala to gitawagan sa ref, wala unta penalty,” he said.

However, DMC Manager Turno was still beaming with pride after such defeat. “Whoever thought that DMC will beat universities, big-time schools from all over the country? Come to think of it, our boys never did have anybody score against them in the elimination round and even in the semi-finals. Just making it to the championship, and losing via a questionable decision is a big honor for us here in DMC,” he said.

What made the feat sweeter, according to Turno, is the “all-out support” given by the school officials to the team. No less than DMC College Foundation president, Atty. Alberto P. Concha Sr. was there from day one to cheer on the boys. “President Concha was there for us, giving us snacks, ice cream and moral support. It was a huge emotional lift for the players and for us in the staff,” Turno said. During the championship match, DMC Vice President for Academics, Atty. Albert T. Concha Jr.; and DMC Vice President for Administrative Services, Engr. Richard T. Concha also flew to Manila to give their support.

3 DMCians to the Nat’l Team

The Philippine Football Federation (PFF), headed by Mari Martinez, recently hired a veteran British football Coach Desmond Bulpin to handle the program and training of the national team in the hope of energizing the sport in the country.

DMC team manager Turno disclosed that Bulpin approached him before the championship match to inform him that three DMC soccer players, namely: team captain Atienza, Niño Ochotorena and John Lloyd Bastasa will be included in the Philippine soccer team.

“I’m very proud to be part of the national team. In behalf of John Lloyd and Niño, magpasalamat gyud ko ug dako sa DMC for giving us the opportunity to show and harness our skills in the field of football. Dili lang kay para sa among kaugalingun ni, kun dili para sa atong school which is now known nation-wide to be a powerhouse in the sport of soccer. We hope that you will continue to support us, and we will strive to make all of you proud,” Atienza said.

Aside from the three, the DMC team is also composed of GR Gleen Acopiado, Jeffrey Arquiza, John Michael Bastasa, Clifford Daypuyat, Johnquinnoel Dequiña, Vincent Gambana, Cyri Icalina, Oliver Manalo, Renando Mantua, Lendon Loi Marcojos, Je-lord Paghasian, Sergio Alexis Pellerin, John Michael Samonte, Russel Veña, Reginald Roel Jukes Jr and Rezziel Villaespin.

By Krizaine Cordero (DMC Eximius Editor-in-Chief) and Robert Michael Buchholz Jr (Eximius SHRIM writer)

“Today marks another milestone for DMC College Foundation!”

This was how DMC College Foundation School of Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management (SHRiM) dean, Atty. Diana Charlette Concha proclaimed after unveiling the first ever SHRIM Days Celebration last February 23-24.

“Events like this play a very important role in conjunction with academics since this is a very effective way for us to continually raise our standards of excellence. Let us wow the world with Filipino talents and skills,” SHRIM Dean Concha said. “I am very proud and happy because DMC is the very first school in Zamboanga del Norte to organize something like this. We have once again blazed a trail in education. Another first for DMC!”

The two-day celebration was highlighted by the search for the Star of the Bar competition during the morning and the Iron Chef DMC contest on the afternoon of the first day; and a Baking and Pastry Seminar on the second day. Students and officials from the Zamboanga del Norte National High School Main campus and the Galas National High School were on hand to witness the celebration as guests.

“Indeed, we have come a long way from the time when we first started the program in 2008. In a very short span of time, I have seen our students grow and evolve into very skilled and talented individuals. And on this day, we showcase those talents and skills to the entire DMC family and our guests from the Zamboanga del Norte from National High School Main and the Galas National High School. I am very positive that in a few years, those talents will not just be shown here in the Philippines, but all over the world,” Dean Concha disclosed.

To kick-off the event, the SHRiM students had a motorcade starting from Plaza Magsaysay going to the school. The program started with SHRIM Dean Concha delivering her Welcome Address. In the morning, seven first year SHRiM students competed in the DMC Star of the Bar 2010. They impressed the judges through their skill and talent in flairing bottles and at the same time mixing of drinks. However, standing out as the cream of the crop is Hannah Nasala, who won the title as Star of the Bar with Mark Jim Ochoterena finishing as the first runner-up. Other contestants are Denmark Rectazo, Anthony Samson, Hazel Villagracia, Bondian Calugcugan and Reynaldo Recentes, Jr.

In the afternoon, second year SHRiM students divided into two groups, team Shamenicious and the Amazing Chefs competed in the Iron Chef DMC. The Amazing Chefs Team composed of Lyndon Recera, Rodrick Asentista, Erly Iren Patagoc and Nikko Alarcon managed to impress the judges more as they were adjudged as the first ever Iron Chef DMC winner. The team Shamenicious was composed of Shammah Berlamino and Mark Loue Buzon.

“This is a great exposure for our SHRiM students. It is also boasting the morale not only for the students but also for the school,” SHRim Faculty Member Raul Alvarez said.

On the second day, a Baking and Pastry Seminar was conducted exclusive for all second year SHRiM students. They were given culinary lessons by Chef Ed Dychauco.

After the seminar, the writers conducted a short interview with Chef Dychauco. Here is an excerpt.

Eximius: How did you discover your passion in cooking?
Chef Dychauco: Its kind of hard to answer that because I probably say it’s inherit in me. While growing up, I always watch my sister (Gloria), who has passed away, way way back in 1989. Prior to that I had been assisting her and probably being a critic in what she does. And then, from then, I saw that I like doing it. I would always say this is a God-given talent. I think I agree that this is a God-given talent because I never went to school for this, I never went to any common school for this. I just had been in the business since ’76, in the Pats and Pans with my sister but being a chef, I just thought I like to eat.

Eximius: When did you discover your passion in cooking?
Chef Dychauco: I think after winning my very first competition in the National Siopao Baking Competition in Manila way back in 1982 or ’83, siyempre, there was this elimination, Regionals in Cebu City where I won and my sister won, we went to Manila for the National competition, which was the RFN National Siopao, Cake and Pastry Baking contest. She won the pastry and I won the cake, student’s division while she for the professional division. We went to Manila for the National Competition. I won the National Competition while she did not win. My mentor did not win. I feel bad. But anyways, that kind of opened the doors for me to get into the business or should I say into this culinary stuff thing. And I thought after winning, I should also know how to bake other stuff or cook other stuff, so aside from being a Siopao King, I thought it would be nice going to other stuff like opening channels for other things and I think I did pretty well in my baking. So others think I’m a pastry chef, everybody thinks I can only bake and decorate cakes, but in reality, I also cook a lot.

Eximius: What is your specialty?
Chef Dychauco: You know, I can always turn an ordinary recipe into something good, depending, of course, on good quality ingredients.

By Tyrone Jay V. Samson

The 33-year-old Rizal Rural Bank (RBR) Incorporated recently unveiled its newly built, seven-storey state-of-the-art building – the new RBR Corporate Center located at Rizal Avenue, Dipolog City.

The official opening of the said building was held last January 8 in front of RBR officials headed by its chief executive officer, Atty. Alberto P. Concha; former Dipolog City Mayor Roberto Uy; Vice Mayor Senen Angeles; and Zamboanga del Norte provincial tourism officer, Atty. Ivan Patrick Ang. Also present during the opening were officiating priests Father Beltran Patangan and Father Cuaton; and other guests including PNB manager, Dr. Cesar Bala.

“Looking back in 1977, with only meager resources but driven with the zealous desire to advance development and promote progress in the countryside, I courageously built my first branch in Mapang with a firm faith on our God Almighty. And with unwavering faith, by offering the best services through the time-honored practice of professionalism, fairness, dynamism, prudence and reliability, it is with great pride to have built a sturdy and tall edifice to show our eagerness to be a significant partner in the building of a strong Republic starting from the grassroots – empowering our farmers, overseas foreign workers, teachers and other small to medium entrepreneurs. Like a tiger, we will fiercely growl with prosperity and abundance for the Filipino people,” RBR chair, Atty. Concha said.

Guided by its vision “to gain leadership in the rural banking sector, providing superior and responsive products and services to uplift the lives of the Filipino people,” the bank dubbed as “Ang Bangko Nga Kasaligan, Para Sa Tanan” and is originally located in Mapang, Rizal, Zamboanga del Norte as head office, has produced four established branches in Dipolog City, Polanco, Sindangan, and Calamba, Misamis Occidental.

“RBR in its 33 glorious years has been true and has never wavered in its vision and mission to be the most respected financial institution in the countryside and to achieve the goal of poverty alleviation and reduction in our community. With the help of our beloved members of RBR family, we can make things happen, we can make a real difference in the lives of our borrowers and depositors and in return our lives as well! This edifice are not stonewalls but a symbol of our stability, and our ever increasing desire to be at top in the business of banking,” RBR assistant vice president for Marketing, Dr. Gerald Concha, said.

The RBR was established in August 29, 1975 with eleven (11) entrepreneurs as incorporators and is duly authorized by BANGKO SENTRAL NG PILIPINAS (BSP) and a member of PHILIPPINE DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION (PDIC). It commenced its operation on January 17, 1977. The Program Components of Rural Bank of Rizal (ZN), Inc. then was Training, Savings Mobilization, Credit Services, Insurance and others.

RBR was honored with an award by the Landbank of the Philippines as Most Outstanding Rural Bank in Region IX FOR 2002 & 2003. aside from that, the RBR is also a Philippine Credit and Finance Corporation (PCFC) awardee in 2003. It is a member of various banking organizations including the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC), Rural Banker’s Association of the Philippines, Rural Banker’s Federation of Zanorte, Southwestern Mindanao Confederation of Rural Bankers, Rural Bankers Research and Development Foundation, Inc., and the Dipolog City Bankers Club.

Recognizing that microfinance is one if not the most effective tool in empowering the low-income entrepreneurs to improve the quality of their lives, RBR opened its doors to micro-financing in 1998 in addition its traditional banking operations.

Among its new products for this year, the RBR is offering a “Pabahay Loan” which features a chance to purchase a house and/or lot or construction, renovation or repair of residential house and lot. Another offering is the “Kotse Loan” which features an acquisition of vehicles for personal use, car repair or upgrade with accepted models 2005-2010 and with your car as collateral. There is also the “Negosyo Loan” featuring Market-Stall-Owner Loans, Stall Business Loan or Retailer’s Loan, and Cart Loan; the “OFW Allotment & Seaman’s Loan” for families with a family member working abroad and receiving an allotment of at least P15,000.00 per month; “Back-to-back Loan”; “Farmer’s Loan” featuring Palay Production Loan, Farm Equipment Loan, and Sa-op Loan; and “Jewelry Loan”.

By Tyrone Jay V. Samson

Putting the DMC College Foundation banner high in the field of sports, DMC teams in football, badminton and lawn tennis garnered the school recognition in the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Games held in Zamboanga City last December 16-22.

Reinforcing its hold as the regions number one in football, the DMC Lifesavers’ Booters team recently bludgeoned its opposition winning the championship match against the Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) with the score of 2-1. the said championship match pitted the Private Schools Athletics Association (PRISAA) champion DMC against the State College and Universities Athletics Association (SCUAA) champion WMSU.

To get to the cross over championship, DMC humbled the Pagadian PRISAA 4-0 in the PRISAA finals after hammering the Basilan PRISAA 12-0 in the semifinals.

The DMC team, under the mentorship of Coach Reginald Jukes, is composed of GR Gleen Acopiado, Jeffrey Arquiza, Michael Aubrey Atienza, John Lloyd Bastasa, John Michael Bastasa, Clifford Daypuyat, Johnquinnoel Dequiña, Vincent Gambana, Cyri Icalina, Oliver Manalo, Renando Mantua, Lendon Loi Marcojos, Niño Ochotorena, Je-lord Paghasian, Sergio Alexis Pellerin, John Michael Samonte, Russel Veña, and Rezziel Villaespin. Accompanying them are the DMC coaching staff of Head Coach Jukes, Assistant Coach Joseph Fiel and Sports Coordinator Joelito Turno.

Also giving DMC another regional champion is the DMC women’s team of badminton under Coach Ronald Enero. The DMC men’s team of badminton, on the other hand, is not so fortunate as it succumb to Ateneo de Zamboanga in the championship match finishing second place.

Finally, the DMC Lawn Tennis team under Coach Dexter Abria also lorded the CHED Regional games competition as it defeated WMSU in the men’s championship.

The aforementioned DMC Booters, badminton team for women and the lawn tennis team of men will represent region 12 – Eastern Mindanao in the CHED National Games 2010 to be held in Pasay City in Manila on February 20-28 this year.

“With such a positive result here, I hope that we can do the same during the national games. I’m very proud of the DMC athletes. Congratulations to all of you. The hard work you’ve put forth in practice have definitely paid off. With the school’s support, I hope that you will continue to strive for excellence in your respective fields,” Turno said.

By Tyrone Jay V. Samson

To commemorate the true meaning of Christmas, the DMC College Foundation through its Student Affairs and Alumni Services (SAAS) and the Civic Welfare Training Service (CWTS) departments held a Care and Share Program for pupils in the San Antonio Elementary School in Barangay San Antonio in Katipunan, Zamboanga del Norte last December 13.

“DMC SUV volunteers took time to talk to the children during their Care and Share Program.”

More than 200 pupils were the beneficiaries of the said Care and Share Program which include gift-giving; distribution of school supplies such as pad of papers, pencils and pens; distribution of rice to the parents; and food for snacks. Aside from that, SUV student volunteers also took time to talk to the children to relate to them and give advices.

“It is very satisfying and gratifying to see not only the young pupils who benefited such program, but also watching the DMC students doing such a very admirable charity work. In behalf of the SAAS, I would like to express my gratitude to the student volunteers who took time to be with the children of San Antonio,” DMC Student Affairs Coordinator Cherrie Rose Sagario said.

“DMC pose with the children during their visit to San Antonio, Katipunan last week.”

Among the students who attended the program are the DMC SAAS United Volunteers (SUV) Shammah Belarmino,. Froaih Sale, Desianne Lee, Carlo Recamara, John Woo, Alvin Meraveles, Jovan Ni Macadangdang, Femril Gudmalin, May Gumolon, Joviemae Tampon, Erly Patagoc, Cris Olasiman, Harold Nabor, Yoyevie Carpitanos, Annalou Bala, May Joy Odantabao, Ery Jean Mangubat, Shielden Gallemit, and Katrina Grace Gurdiel. Members of the DMC Yearbook, Eximius, staff such as Trizia Glae Tubungbanua, Donnabel Patangan, Robert Buccholz and Krizaine Cordero were also there.

The CWTS students who lent their support to the program include Romey Clark Amante, Peter Alegarbes, Raymond Almonte, Hazel Anadeo, Fitz Sheena Ann Aranas, Envie Rakel Berago, Kit Vincent Bulao, Daizel Mae Caducoy, Elaine Ego-ogan, Deborah Faith Ehidio, Kristoffer Gadon, Mhay Gomolon, Nezel Jumuad, Ivory Mae Legados, Gerald Llorente, Joshua Maligro, Ma. Jendreska Maligro, Marie Jyrill Murro, Sydfrey Navoa, Tessabel Kris Padogdog, Ledna Simona, Ronel Yap, Ralph Yntig, and Jemariz Zamoras.

“DMC SUV distributes rice to parents of children in San Antonio, Katipunan during the Care and Share Program.”

The students were accompanied in this event by Ms. Sagario, Community Extension Services Coordinator Pilar Cruz, Alumni Coordinator Tyrone Jay Samson and Assistant Vice President for External Affairs Randy Iniego.

Meanwhile, the DMC College Foundation in partnership with the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) and the ABS CBN television company conducted a bloodletting activity at the DMC Covered Court last December 12.

A total of 38 students donated their blood to the blood supply of PNRC.

“We are very glad to assist in any way we can for such a life-changing endeavor. My heartfelt thanks to those who donated,” DMC Emergency and National Service Training Program Coordinator Jeffrey Laput said.

By Donnabel Patangan (Eximius Features Editor)

The National Federation of Junior Philippine Institute of Accountant (NF JPIA) conducted a Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (JPIA) orientation for affiliation in DMC College Foundation last December 5.

Seven students from the DMC College of Accountancy including Jess Patangan, Anchari Clay Reboyun (Local President), DC Dougphar Secretaria, Anjo Dale Singguello,Aiza Ello, Jessa Jolane Tulang and Princess Suma-oy participated in the orientation.

The students were supervised by DMC College of Accountancy Dean Aileen de Guzman, CPA and Business Management and Education (BME) Coordinator Marites G. Refugio.

The said orientation was conducted by the JPIA Regional and Local Officers of the Saint Vincent College and Western Mindanao Council. The activity’s main purpose is for the DMC BME to be organized and instill awareness with regard the By-Laws and Constitution  and their guidelines in the selection of officers and other activities.

Also, to become one of the eight schools in the Province of  Zamboanga del Norte.

By Tyrone Jay V. Samson

Notwithstanding the fact that DMC College Foundation is already recognized as one of the leading Information Technology institutions in the whole Region IX, the DMC College of Computer Studies (CCS), in its quest for even more IT knowledge, recently participated in the 3^rd Pinoy Animation Festival dubbed as the “Animahenasyon 2009” at the Gateway Mall of Araneta Center in Manila.

The 3^rd Pinoy Animation Festival is a flagship project of the Animation Council of the Philippines, Inc. (ACPI).

“Standing from left are PSITE IX President Talaroc; ACPI President Rowena Bagadion (also of Media Farm, Inc);DMC CCS dean, Dr. Concha; and Chief Executive Officer of the Cutting Edge Productions Erwin Escubio (also ACPI treasurer).”

The list of skills you can outsource now seem endless. Today, routine and ho-hum business processes are not the only things outsourced; you can now throw imagination and artistry in.   Here in the Philippines, animation is a bustling sub sector of outsourcing. It is one among the five sub sectors that is heavily promoted by the Philippine government, the others being call centers, software development, medical transcription and BPO,” DMC CCS dean, Dr. Gerald T. Concha said.

There to witness local and international IT experts showcase their world-class animations with Dr. Concha was Philippine Society of IT Educators (PSITE) Region 9 President Jovanie Talaroc.

“This year, ACPI invited international speakers who are experts in animation and game development. The speakers shared to us their techniques on how to intensify animation-making in our country. The animation festival also features the different original Filipino animated projects featuring contributions from members of ACPI. I just realized that our animation here in DMC is not far behind when it comes to technology and I am positive that as a new member of ACPI, we will showcase next year the talents of our own animators in the 4^th Pinoy Animation Festival,” PSITE President Talaroc said.

Among the highlights of the four-day gathering is the recognition and the giving of the Lifetime Achievement Award to the late great comics artist and cartoonist Jose Zabala Santos, who passed away on September 7,1985. Santos, popularly known as Mang Pepe, is the famous genius in humor and cartooning in the comics section of the Liwayway creating some of the most popular characters in the history of Philippine cartoons including Popoy and Lukas Malakas. Mang Pepe was also part of the creative team of the Halakhak Komiks. Moreover, he also created an animated cartoon about the folk-legend of Juan Tamad. These were the very first animated cartoons created by a Filipino artist.

During the recent Animahenasyon Festival, Mang Pepe’s works were exhibited for this generation’s artists and animation experts to appreciate and learn from. Also, the event included an animation master class and workshop.

This year’s event featured a global animation forum where delegates from the continents of North America, Latin America, Canada, Australia and the Asia-Pacific showcased the latest trends and best practices from their respective countries in the field of animation, game development and the digital creative industry in general.

ACPI is a non-stock and non-profit organization whose member companies are into 2D, Flash or 3D animation.

“Philippine animation studios have been subcontracted in many lucrative animation projects in the past for the likes of Hanna-Barbera, Marvel, Warner Brothers, Cartoon Network, DreamWorks and even Walt Disney.   It is also a given fact that Filipino animators had a hand in many animation hit such as Hoodwinked, Finding Nemo, Adams Family, Buzz Lightyear, Timon and Pumbaa, Johnny Bravo, X-Men and so much more.   Through the help of our network in the Academe and Industry, we hope to produce great Filipino animators and digital artists in this side of the country. This summer selected faculty members will be sent to De La Salle University-Colege of Saint Benilde’s School of Design and Arts and Ateneo de Naga University for trainings in animation and digital arts,” Dr. Concha said.

NF JPIA orients DMC studes

By Donnabel Patangan (Eximius Features Editor)

The National Federation of Junior Philippine Institute of Accountant (NF JPIA) conducted a Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (JPIA) orientation for affiliation in DMC College Foundation last December 5.

Seven students from the DMC College of Accountancy including Jess Patangan, Anchari Clay Reboyun (Local President), DC Dougphar Secretaria, Anjo Dale Singguello,Aiza Ello, Jessa Jolane Tulang and Princess Suma-oy participated in the orientation.

The students were supervised by DMC College of Accountancy Dean Aileen de Guzman, CPA and Business Management and Education (BME) Coordinator Marites G. Refugio.

The said orientation was conducted by the JPIA Regional and Local Officers of the Saint Vincent College and Western Mindanao Council. The activity’s main purpose is for the DMC BME to be organized and instill awareness with regard the By-Laws and Constitution  and their guidelines in the selection of officers and other activities.

Also, to become one of the eight schools in the Province of  Zamboanga del Norte.

By Tyrone Jay V. Samson

“Standing from left are PSITE IX President, Jovanie Talaroc; ACPI President Rowena Bagadion (also of Media Farm, Inc);DMC CCS dean, Dr. Gerald Concha; and Chief Executive Officer of the Cutting Edge Productions Erwin Escubio (also ACPI treasurer).”

Notwithstanding the fact that DMC College Foundation is already recognized as one of the leading Information Technology institutions in the whole Region IX, the DMC College of Computer Studies (CCS), in its quest for even more IT knowledge, recently participated in the 3^rd Pinoy Animation Festival dubbed as the “Animahenasyon 2009” at the Gateway Mall of Araneta Center in Manila.

The 3^rd Pinoy Animation Festival is a flagship project of the Animation Council of the Philippines, Inc. (ACPI).

“The list of skills you can outsource now seem endless. Today, routine and ho-hum business processes are not the only things outsourced; you can now throw imagination and artistry in. Here in the Philippines, animation is a bustling sub sector of outsourcing. It is one among the five sub sectors that is heavily promoted by the Philippine government, the others being call centers, software development, medical transcription and BPO,” DMC CCS dean, Dr. Gerald T. Concha said.

There to witness local and international IT experts showcase their world-class animations with Dr. Concha was Philippine Society of IT Educators (PSITE) Region 9 President Jovanie Talaroc.

“This year, ACPI invited international speakers who are experts in animation and game development. The speakers shared to us their techniques on how to intensify animation-making in our country. The animation festival also features the different original Filipino animated projects featuring contributions from members of ACPI. I just realized that our animation here in DMC is not far behind when it comes to technology and I am positive that as a new member of ACPI, we will showcase next year the talents of our own animators in the 4^th Pinoy Animation Festival,” PSITE President Talaroc said.

Among the highlights of the four-day gathering is the recognition and the giving of the Lifetime Achievement Award to the late great comics artist and cartoonist Jose Zabala Santos, who passed away on September 7,1985. Santos, popularly known as Mang Pepe, is the famous genius in humor and cartooning in the comics section of the Liwayway creating some of the most popular characters in the history of Philippine cartoons including Popoy and Lukas Malakas. Mang Pepe was also part of the creative team of the Halakhak Komiks. Moreover, he also created an animated cartoon about the folk-legend of Juan Tamad. These were the very first animated cartoons created by a Filipino artist.

During the recent Animahenasyon Festival, Mang Pepe’s works were exhibited for this generation’s artists and animation experts to appreciate and learn from. Also, the event included an animation master class and workshop.

This year’s event featured a global animation forum where delegates from the continents of North America, Latin America, Canada, Australia and the Asia-Pacific showcased the latest trends and best practices from their respective countries in the field of animation, game development and the digital creative industry in general.

ACPI is a non-stock and non-profit organization whose member companies are into 2D, Flash or 3D animation.

“Philippine animation studios have been subcontracted in many lucrative animation projects in the past for the likes of Hanna-Barbera, Marvel, Warner Brothers, Cartoon Network, DreamWorks and even Walt Disney. It is also a given fact that Filipino animators had a hand in many animation hit such as Hoodwinked, Finding Nemo, Adams Family, Buzz Lightyear, Timon and Pumbaa, Johnny Bravo, X-Men and so much more. Through the help of our network in the Academe and Industry, we hope to produce great Filipino animators and digital artists in this side of the country. This summer selected faculty members will be sent to De La Salle University-Colege of Saint Benilde’s School of Design and Arts and Ateneo de Naga University for trainings in animation and digital arts,” Dr. Concha said.

By Tyrone Jay V. Samson

As one of the leading Information Technology institutions in Region 9, the DMC College Foundation College of Computer Studies (CCS) joined the whole IT community in the Philippines in launching “The New Efficiency” Windows 7 brand of the Microsoft Philippines held at the City Sports Club in Cebu City last November 24.

On hand to represent DMC in the said gathering are Associate in Computer Technology Coordinator Andy Wong and Philippine Society of Information Technology Students (PSITS) President Kim Therese Vale.

More than a thousand IT specialists, Internet café owners, IT professionals from all over the Philippines attended the said launching organized by Microsoft Philippines headed by its Managing Director John Bessey.

Among the speakers on the launching are Microsoft Phil. Solutions Specialist and Security Management Deo Co, Evangelism Platform Developer Dale Jose, Country General Manager of Lenovo (formerly IBM) Philippines Maria Victoria Agorrilla, and others.

“I am greatly honored and privileged that I was able to attend and witness the Windows 7 launching, the new version of the Windows operating system. This new version of this operating system (OS) is a lot better than its previous OS, the Windows Vista, because if this new OS will be used in notebooks and laptops, it can save up to 20% of its battery,” PSITS President Vale said. “Also, it has its feature that will record all the activities you are doing in a certain application you are using. I really had a great time there, the food being served was so delicious and the venue was big enough to accommodate more than a thousand people. Also, I was able to meet people behind Microsoft Philippines whose names I only heard before.”