NEWS

(L-R) USTAAB officers Michelle Centeno, Joji Languido-Castillo, Katrina Reyes Ignacio, Christheart Anthony Corral, together with HE Ambassador Tirol-Ignacio and OAR Director Asst. Prof. Medina

The UST Alumni Association in Brunei Darussalam (USTAAB) commemorated its 7th founding anniversary with an annual gathering and induction ceremony in Pondok Sari Wangi Restaurant located at Brunei-Muari, Brunei on November 11, 2023. The event was graced by Her Excellency Marian Jocelyn R. Tirol-Ignacio, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of the Philippines to Brunei Darussalam. She was accompanied by Vice Consul Jacqueline Ong and Welfare Officer Maria Cristina Mallare. Also present in the event was UST Alumni Relations Director Asst. Prof. Fredeswindo R. Medina, MACHs as the lead inducting officer in the ceremony. 

Ambassador Tirol-Ignacio commended the association's strong connection with each other due to their shared values shaped by the University of Santo Tomas. Her Excellency, who was raised by a Thomasian alumna and educator, was also influenced by the university's teachings making the institution hold a special place in her heart. She congratulated the outgoing officers of USTAAB for a job well done and gave well wishes to the incoming officers for their term. 

The incoming officers took their oath of office in the presence of Ambassador Tirol-Ignacio and Asst. Prof. Medina. New members were also introduced and inducted during the ceremony then the outgoing officers were named and recognized to turnover the symbolic USTAAB Flag to the new officers.

USTAAB OFFICERS 2023-2024

President: Christheart Anthony Corral (BS Architecture, 2009)

Vice President: Joji Languido-Castillo (BFA Interior Design, 1991)

Secretary: Michelle Centeno (BSC Accountancy, 1999)

Treasurer: Ma. Katrina Reyes Ignacio (BS Nursing, 2009)

PRO: Lucy Formoso Velez (BSC Accountancy, 1996)

NEW MEMBERS 2023

Nathan John Taal Sia (BS Architecture, 2021)

Ernesto Chua, Jr. (BS Education, 1997)

Maria Angelica Gala-Belen (BS Biology, 2005 and Doctor of Medicine, 2009)

OUTGOING OFFICERS 2022-2023

President: Joji-Languido Castillo (BFA Interior Design)

Vice President: Renz Victor Gonzales (BS Mechanical Engineering, 2011)

Secretary: Jesusa "Joy" Estrella (BS Tourism, 1995)

Treasurer: Dominic Cordova (BS Architecture, 1997)

PRO: Deogracias Garcia (BFA Advertising, 1991)

Newly elected USTAAB president Mr. Christheart Anthony Corral presented the group's past activities and involvement in the Filipino Association. Corral plans to continue on his predecessors' projects and increase the association's participation and contributions to the Sultanate and the Filipino community.