NOTABLE STORIES FROM DECEMBER 2023
Blazing Fast Breaks
Congratulations Benilde Blazers, NCAA Season 99 Men's Basketball 2nd Runner Up!
De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde secured a measure of pride by defeating Lyceum of the Philippines University with a score of 93-83 in their battle for third place in NCAA Season 99 at the MOA Arena. Benilde took control early in the second half, building a significant 15-point lead at 81-66, ultimately securing the bronze medal with an 11-7 record in the elimination round.
Despite the absence of key player Migs Oczon, who joined Ulsan in the Korean Basketball League, and a Final Four exit against top-seed Mapua University, Benilde’s graduating guard Robi Nayve led the charge with 18 points, rebounding from a scoreless performance against the Cardinals. Seniors Will Gozum, Miggy Corteza, and Prince Carlos also bid farewell as the Blazers wrapped up their season.
Reflecting on his move to Benilde in 2020 after leaving the University of the Philippines, Gozum thanked his teammates for warmly welcoming him, a gesture that restored his confidence. In an Instagram post, he expressed, “If given another chance to play college ball, it’d be with you guys.” Gozum also appreciated the coaches for their trust and the unwavering support of the Benilde community.
Miggy Corteza, in expressing gratitude for his basketball journey, recognized the College for enabling him to pursue his dream. Despite enduring formative pains and disappointments, he highlighted his commitment to the sport, from late-night studies to midnight court practices. Describing the Benilde Blazer experience as transformative, he aspires to reciprocate the program’s kindness and thanked his family, especially his parents and supportive girlfriend, Sofia. Offering heartfelt thanks to the coaching staff, teammates, and the wider Benilde community, he deeply appreciated their constant support.
After his final college basketball game, Prince Carlos conveyed profound emotions accumulated over his 16 years in the green and white. Gratefully acknowledging the support received, Carlos thanked his coaches, particularly Coach Charles Tiu and Coach Ty Tang, for guiding him and placing trust in him. He expressed immense gratitude to his teammates, considering them as his extended family. Recognizing his parents’ unwavering support and sacrifices, he credited them for his accomplishments. Finally, Carlos expressed deep gratitude to God, acknowledging guidance received during challenging and successful times, emphasizing belief in a greater purpose and strength from above.
LOOK: Belen Parade and EXTRO! Christmas Concert
Benilde ushered in the festive holiday spirit on December 6 with its traditional Christmas Concert, EXTRO!, organized by the Benilde Culture and Arts Unit (BCAU). Serving as a delightful start to the College’s Christmas festivities, the event featured dazzling performances by Benilde’s HQ, Aftermath, and Why July, captivating over 300 attendees with their stellar acts. The stage came alive with GMA actress Rita Daniela adding to the enchantment of the evening.
Benilde Christmas Tree of Hope Shines Bright to Mark the Festive Season
In a joyous annual tradition, the Benilde Christmas Tree of Hope, a stunning installation produced by the Center for Campus Art (CCA), officially brightened the holiday season during its lighting ceremony on December 10 at the D+A Campus facade, following the Eucharistic celebration organized by the Center for Lasallian Ministry. Designed by Benildean Alumni and Architect Ira Yap, this year’s installation incorporates computational design tools to emulate Gothic-inspired columns with intricate rib and fan vaults forming the column’s conoid capital. The illumination ceremony served as the culmination of efforts that began in September with a design competition to commission the unique creation.
Architect Ira Yap is no stranger to bringing Christmas cheer to Benilde. He also contributed to the design of the Christmas Tree of Peace that adorned the campus’ facade in 2017.
During the lighting event, Chancellor Benhur Ong shared sentiments of reflection and warmth, emphasizing the timeless truth of Jesus’ incarnation and expressing wishes for the Benildean community to find love, joy, and peace during the festive season. Acknowledging the collaborative efforts, Chancellor Ong thanked Architect Ira Yap for the captivating design and extended gratitude to the Office of the Vice President for Lasallian Mission and Student Life, the Office of the Vice President for Administration, and the Center for Campus Art for their contributions to the memorable event. As the Benildean Family gathers, Chancellor Ong wished everyone a very merry Christmas, filled with blessings, love, and the enduring light of Christ.
LOOK: Sama-Summer Community Christmas Party
The festive celebration commenced with a Thanksgiving Mass at 2:00 pm, setting the tone for Benilde’s Community Christmas Party held at the Sports+Dormitory Complex on December 14, 2023. Embracing the theme “Sama-Summer Christmas,” attendees donned summer-themed attire and vibrant leis in alignment with their house colors. The highlight of the event was a music video challenge for each Brothers House Program group, emphasizing community unity, togetherness, and showcasing summer destinations as an anticipation for the coming year. The victory in the music video competition went to Brother Scubilion Rousseau house, earning them the first prize of P35,000.00. Additionally, various raffle prizes, including a P35,000.00 gift certificate, added to the joyous atmosphere of the celebration.
SHRIMCON to be the First Annual Academia-Industry Conference hosted by Benilde
The annual Andrew Gonzalez-Academia Industry Conference, initiated by De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, seeks to unite academics and professionals in the hospitality and tourism sectors for discussions on global insights, developments, trends, and the industry’s future. The inaugural conference SHRIMCON, to be hosted by the School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management (SHRIM), will feature speakers and panelists from academia, government, and various industries related to hospitality, tourism, and culinary, including international guests offering global perspectives on challenges, issues, best practices, and the future of the hospitality and tourism sector. Stay tuned for forthcoming details on the event.
Benilde Open Design + Art Officially Launched
In celebration of its 35th year, De La Salle College of Saint Benilde presents the Benilde Open Design + Art 2024 (Benilde Open), inviting diverse creative practitioners to submit proposals for unrealized projects. Themed around the curious mindset, proposals should explore curiosities related to movement and sustainability, the intersection of craft and technology, and the blending of virtual and real experiences. Submissions are accepted from Dec. 1, 2023, to Jan. 31, 2024, with selected proposals announced by March 2024. A distinguished jury will review entries, awarding up to P300,000 net of taxes to each of the ten selected projects for realization. The initiative also includes the Best of Benilde, inviting student proposals from various Benildean schools. Visit open.benilde.edu.ph for more details and follow @benildeopen on IG and TikTok, and BenildeOpen on FB. For inquiries, contact benildeopen@benilde.edu.ph.
In Case You Missed It
- Digital Technology Office
- To ensure a seamless transition and uninterrupted access to your accounts, everyone is encouraged to enable the Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) starting today. The process involves installing Google Authenticator on your mobile device. MFA enforcement for Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 will become mandatory by December 18, 2023.
- Office of the Registrar
- The Student Enrollment Record (SER) for 2nd Term AY 2023-2024 is available for viewing/printing on December 6, 2023 to January 18, 2024.
- The online request for documents through www.papeles.ph and Benilde Google form will be closed on December 9 (Saturday) and will reopen on January 4 (Thursday). Requests received on December 7 (Thursday) will be released on January 10 (Wednesday).
- Center for Admissions-Scholarships and Grants
- The Benilde Brother President Scholarship Program (BBPSP) for SY 2024-25 is now open for application until January 15, 2024.
- Center for Restorative Discipline
- For the unclaimed lost and found items for the period November 7-30, owners are requested to visit the respective CRD offices in the different campuses to claim their item/s from December 5, 2023 to January 12, 2024 between 9AM to 4PM only. Bring your proof of ownership for verification purposes. All unclaimed item/s after January 12, 2024 will be turned-over to GASD-Warehouse (Non-Cash) for proper disposal and Finance Department (Cash) for College fund.
- Office of the Vice President for Finance
- Reminder on the Yearly Submission of Sworn Statement for Professional Services Rendered by 3rd Party/Outside Individual Consultants.
- The convening of the Multi Sectoral Tuition and Fees Committee is set on January 15, 2024, 11AM to 12PM at the Function Room D of the Taft Campus Cafeteria.
- The convening of the Senior High School Multi Sectoral Tuition and Fees Committee will be on January 16, 2024, 11AM to 12PM at the Function Room D of the Taft Campus Cafeteria.
- Center for Lasallian Ministry
- The online enlistment to the 16th Benildean Family Pilgrimage in the Province of Marinduque on March 7-10, 2024 is now ongoing. You may enlist to the pilgrimage by scanning the QR Code on the poster or through the Online Enlistment to the 16th Benildean Family Pilgrimage.
- People and Organization Development Office
- The application for Advanced Study Grants for 2nd Term AY 2023 – 2024 may apply through this link: ASG Application Link .
- School of Professional and Continuing Education
- Join SPaCE’s upcoming programs for January 2024.
- Office of the Chancellor
- Here are the important calendar dates for Benilde Manila, Benilde Antipolo, Benilde Senior High School, and Benilde Deaf School: 13 December (Wednesday) – Last day of classes for BSHS students; 15 December (Friday) – Last day of classes for BDS and College students; 16 December (Saturday) – Last day of office operations, 03 January (Wednesday) – Resumption of office operations, 04 January (Thursday) – Resumption of classes for BDS, BSHS, and College students.