NEWS

The UST Golden Cross and Saber Alumni Association, Inc. (USTGCSAAI) held their Alumni Night on the 13th of October 2019 at the George SK Ty Function Hall, Blessed Buenaventura Garcia Paredes, O.P. Building, University of Santo Tomas, España, Manila. The said coat and tie event is a celebration of their 83rd founding anniversary and a commemoration of their Golden jubilarian.

The host of the gathering was RM Lyndon Paul Soresca. The ceremony began with an invocation led by the association's auditor, RM Pamela Louise de Guzman. A roll call of batches by RM Jose Marie Dela Peña followed to acknowledge all their fellow redmen who took the time and effort to celebrate with them.

"Commo Rec or Sir Kenneth called me. Sabi niya, Yvan, I will only run as National Commander if you will run with me as 1st Vice National Commander," said RM Pagulayan. He got emotional as he recounted his memory with their former leader in his Welcome Message during the ceremony. He prayed for Commodore Reclusado's eternal rest and made a promise of doing his best in his term to his fellow redmen.

After RM Pagulayan's heartfelt message, the floor was given RM Jose C. Bandong, Jr. for the Fraternal Address. RM Bandong or "Gen. Joey", as many call him, mentioned the names of the redman who have given a significant contribution in the field of military science.

Three outstanding redmen were also called up in front by the current 1st Vice National Commander, RM Emil Padilla, to be inducted by RM Pagulayan as commanders of the South Luzon Chapter.

Four redmen of the Class 1969 were also acknowledged and awarded as Golden Jubilarians. On behalf of their batch, RM Architect Bienvenido M. Araw went to the podium for a short message.

"[ROTC] is a total development. You experienced that... I experience that too. We were not so bright and smart when we entered as a COCC (cadet) but when we graduate we can face many battalions of people," said by RM Arch. Araw with conviction. He was grateful to be a part of the ROTC and he encouraged his fellow redmen to promote the program to the youth.

"Show them the goodness that you'll get. Capture the hearts of young men and women," he added. For him, in this way, they'll be able to save ROTC's dwindling numbers of cadets, instill total discipline and keep the tradition alive.