NOTABLE STORIES FROM FEBRUARY 2024
Cooking Up Silver: Culinary Passion and Precision Like No Other
The Culinary Theater, on the 7th floor of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde’s Angelo King International Center (AKIC) Campus, is abuzz with excitement. There’s food to be shared and chef’s jackets hanging, ready to be worn. Faculty and students alike from the School of Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management (SHRIM) are getting ready to celebrate Clifford Jeff Unabia and Chef Mentor Kannan Sreedevi’s silver finish in the recently concluded historic 10th IIHM International Young Chef Olympiad (2024 YCO) in Kolkata, India with representatives from over 60 countries around the world.
Guardians Like No Other: Navigating the World of Cybersecurity Today
Both Advincula and Arriola do not shy away from the fact that the field of Cybersecurity pays well. “Technology is ever-changing, and so do the challenges that come with it. Most of the kids I knew at my age were hacking games and jailbreaking them. Growing up, I was always interested in how these things worked and what goes on behind all of this. I get to discover new things, help mitigate those, and, on top of that, get paid well. I’m not only securing networks. I’m securing a lifestyle!” Advincula eagerly explains.
Travel and tourism industry experts talk at SMX Convention Center
Benilde School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management (SHRIM) organized a public colloquium titled “SHRIM Talks,” where Filipino experts and professionals shared their wisdom and experiences to elevate the standards of the country’s hospitality, culinary, and tourism industry. The consortium aimed to provide insightful topics in seminars to inspire and motivate students, educators, and practitioners. Headlined by government technocrats and specialists, the discussion focused on relevant and relatable trends in the fields.
The public discussion featured Undersecretary Gail Yu-Pamintuan of the Department of Tourism, Mr. Eugene Yap of the Hotel and Restaurant Association of the Philippines, and Ms. Clang Garcia, renowned author and Philippine Ambassador for World Food Travel Association. Yu-Pamintuan highlighted the local brand of service excellence that sets the country apart from the rest of the world. Eugene Yap, former President of the Hotel and Restaurant Association of the Philippines (HRAP), equipped participants with soft skills for career readiness. Additionally, World Food Travel Association Philippine Ambassador Clang Garcia provided insights into the varied cuisines of the Philippines, showcasing the rich culture and diverse food of the country. The event took place on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.
VR Game Day at MCAD
The Museum of Contemporary Art and Design (MCAD) and the Gamers Union for Innovation and Leadership Development (GUILD) hosted a Virtual Reality (VR) Games Day on Tuesday, February 13, 2024. The event showcased innovative VR experiences, including Laro Tayo! and The Yellow Boat Reimagined, created by aspiring game designers from the School of Management and Information Technology. Participants used headgear to simulate three-dimensional reality and sensors to track eye movements and positions, influencing in-game actions. The VR Games Day happened alongside the ‘30 Lives‘ exhibition and offered free public access at the MCAD Multimedia Room. The event featured multiple time slots throughout the day on February 13, 2024.
The ‘30 Lives‘ exhibition, running from January 31 to March 31, 2024, immerses visitors in a space that spans diverse temporal experiences, encompassing card games and artists incorporating video games into their creations. The showcased works include pieces by artists like Harun Farocki, Lu Yang, Heecheon Kim, Ikoy Ricio, and Miguel Inumerable, alongside games developed by students from the IEMC program.
GUILD is the official student organization for Interactive Entertainment and Multimedia Computing (IEMC) program. View the best games produced by IEMC students at https://benildegamedev.itch.io.
World Press Photo Exhibition opens in D+A Campus
World Press Photo Exhibition opened on February 26 at the 11th Floor of D+A Campus. The annual and traveling exhibition arriving in Benilde was made possible through collaboration with the Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands, World Press Photo and Dakila, underscoring the importance of press freedom and visual storytelling. The exhibit features Filipino winners Kimberly dela Cruz (“Death of a Nation”) and Hannah Reyes Morales (“Home for the Golden Gays”).
The exhibit runs until March 17, 2024 and is open to the public.
School of Environment and Design seals partnership with DOST-PTRI
Benilde School of Environment and Design forms a milestone partnership with DOST-Philipine Textile Research Institute at the 2024 National Textile Convention held last January 30, 2024. With the momentous launch of the Bachelor in Textile Design program, Benilde blazes a trail with the first multi-program partnership as a higher education institution with DOST-PTRI. The partnership aims to collaborate in technology sharing, joint research undertakings, among others in the spirit of competency building for the local textile industry.
BS-ARCH holds talk with Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA) partner
Chris Van Duijn, partner and Asia lead of globally renowned architecture firm OMA, held a lecture at the Benilde Design + Arts Campus on February 16, 2024. His talk gave architecture students who attended insight into the interactions and processes of a well-instituted global practice.
Benilde Mission Week at D+A Campus
Music Production students provided entertainment for diners at the D+A Campus cafeteria on February 26. The show was complemented with free food for students and associates courtesy of SACP, SED and SNMA in the celebration of Benilde Mission Week.
Out from the dark, into the luminous #ARTventure
On February 8, student artists from the Benilde Culture and Arts Unit showcased their artistic prowess with entertaining performances during the opening event of YAZ at the Cafeteria of Design+Arts Campus. The event is the first of the #ARTVenture series. Be updated on the upcoming events by following the Benilde Culture and Arts Unit’s Facebook Page.
Photo from the Benilde Culture and Arts Unit Facebook page captured by Benjamin Torralba and post-processed by Kriztyle Sihiyon.
Restoring Collective Power: Commemorating the 38th Anniversary of the 1986 EDSA People Power
Last February 20, the Office of the President shared with the Community the collective statement from De La Salle Philippines and Lasallian Partners Council on our stand on upholding the indispensable value of the historic EDSA People Power Revolution that happened in 1986. The Community is called to remain vigilant in remembering the event that shaped our history and our nation. The reminder also included links to materials that are useful for us as educators in our own ways in taking a stand for the justice and the truth.
CSA holds a free screening of "11,103"
The Benilde Center for Social Action–in partnership with DAKILA and Active Vista–commemorated the 38th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution through a free screening of the award-winning film 11,103 at the Auditorium in Taft Campus on February 23, 2024.
The screening was followed by a talkback with the filmmakers and a Martial Law survivor.
11,103 is a documentary film about Martial Law survivors in the Philippines directed by Jeannette Ifurung and Mike Alcazaren, produced by Kara Magsanoc Alikpala and Storytellers, Inc.
SMS showcases poster exhibit at The Atrium
The SMS-Social Sciences Area, in collaboration with designated faculty members and their respective classes, organized a Poster/Photo Exhibit themed “Makasaysayang Salaysay sa Kasalukuyang Kamalayan (Historical Narratives in Contemporary Consciousness),” at the lobby of The Atrium to commemorate the 38th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution. At the opening of the exhibit, student attendees expressed appreciation of the displayed posters in their own ways.
The Exhibit ran from February 20, 2024, to February 23, 2024.
CCA unveils exhibit recounting martial law victims and survivors
In honor of the 38th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, the Center for Campus Art (CCA) unveiled the “Dark Memories: Torture, Incarceration, Disappearance, and Death During Martial Law” exhibition on February 21, 2024, at the 12F, D+A Campus. The exhibition showcased black-and-white photographs by award-winning documentary photographer Rick Rocamora and presented the stories of 49 victims and survivors of Martial Law, including figures like poet and journalist Pete Lacaba, playwright Bonifacio Ilagan, human rights lawyer and activist Neri Colmenares, and teacher and activist Loretta “Etta” Rosales. The exhibition remained open until February 28, 2024.
BCAU launches 'Liwanag Sa Dilim' music video
Benilde Culture and Arts Unit debuts the music video ‘Liwanag sa Dilim,’ sending a powerful message about the enduring strength of young people amid the pandemic. Encouraging youth to harness their creative talents, the video emphasizes their ability to bring positive change, offering a beacon of light in challenging times. Commemorating the People Power Revolution, the message calls on the youth to carry forward the torch of wisdom, talent, and strength, stepping out of comfort zones and embarking on a new #ArtVenture.
DepEd Workshop-Training on Issuance of Special Order System
In a recent Workshop-Training on the Issuance of Special Order System for Private Schools held on February 21, 2024, at Hotel Lucky Chinatown in Manila, Registrar’s Office Associates, Mr. Enrico Cruz and Mr. Melvin Partosa, actively participated in two crucial processes: Special Order (S.O.) Document Preparation and Saving, and S.O. Request Preparation and Submission.
The DepEd Manila technical committee acknowledged Benilde’s progress, requesting a presentation of finished S.O. documents and the status of requested S.O. to the Regional Office. Benilde, despite the limited timeframe, shared best practices in completing the S.O. Document Preparation and S.O. Request Process, contributing valuable insights to the Division Office and private school heads and administrators in Manila.
The workshop included an orientation on account creation and navigation of the Issuance of Special Order System (ISO Sys). During the afternoon session, R.O. Associates validated inputs for the preparation of S.O. test data, leveraging their prior experience in submitting S.O. applications for SY 2022-2023.
With strategic planning and collaboration with the Division Office Technical Team and ISO Sys programmers, Benilde successfully completed the process, anticipating further collaboration with DepEd online systems.
Advancing Canada-Philippines Education Partnership
De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde’s Angelo King International Center Campus (AKIC) hosted a business meeting on February 22, 2024, as part of the diplomatic mission of the government of Canada to the Philippines through the Canadian Embassy in the Philippines.
The purpose of the meeting was two-fold: to support the global initiatives of Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) and strengthen collaborative efforts between Benilde and NSCC, both bound by a Memorandum of Understanding since 2020.
The meeting explored expanded collaboration areas, including short course programs, trainer training, and joint research initiatives. Minister Kent Smith expressed amazement at the School of Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management (SHRIM)’s innovative business, which utilizes its hotel as a practical training ground for students. The Canadian delegation is interested in learning more about this model and is considering introducing it in Nova Scotia.
As background, initiatives implemented during the pandemic include the exchange of recipes, participation in the South Manila Education Consortium, and facilitating the possibility of a study exchange of Benildean students to NSCC.
Earlier in the day, a cooking demonstration featuring seafood from Nova Scotia such as Lobster Tails, Redfish or Ocean Perch, and Crab Claws took place at the Culinary Theater. The dishes were Kare-Kare Seafood by Chef Marga Marty of SHRIM and Sous Vide Lobster Tails on Brioche, an elevated lobster roll, by Chef Thomas Carey of NSCC. For the tasting portion of the Kare-Kare, they used Snow Crab and Nova Scotia Lobster meats. Minister Kent Smith joined and interacted with SHRIM students.
Canadian Participants:
- Kent Smith, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture
- Jason Hollet, Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture
- Mike McMurray, Executive Director International Relations, Nova Scotia Department of Intergovernmental Affairs
- Tracey Louise Taweel, Deputy Minister, Nova Scotia Intergovernmental Affairs
- Connie Lacson, Honorary Consul of the Philippines in Nova Scotia
- Katie Orr, International Director NSCC
- Lina Pulian, Canadian Trade Commissioner Service
Philippine Participants:
- Benhur Ong, Chancellor
- Angelo Marco Lacson, Vice-Chancellor for Academics
- Sherlo Reyes, Director, External Linkages
- Lhoree Valerio, Program Chair, Tourism Management
Photos courtesy of Media Relations Unit
Benilde receives Php 2.5 million grant by USAID
On February 15, the United States government, via the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), granted a total of Php8 million ($142,475) to four Philippine higher education institutions under the ASPIRE (Advance and Support Philippine-International Academic Relations for Out-of-School Youth Development) program. Administered through USAID’s Opportunity 2.0 initiative, the ASPIRE grant, valued at Php2.5 million ($44,643) each, fosters collaborations between local and U.S. institutions to improve the lives of Filipino out-of-school youth. De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, among the ASPIRE awardees, will collaborate with Gallaudet University in Washington D.C. to enhance training and higher education access for deaf out-of-school youth. The College will also collaborate with Rochester Institute of Technology and University of Colorado Colorado Springs. In the duration of the project’s transition program, SDEAS will oversee the development of modules on academics and career development. External Linkages Director Mr. Sherlo Reyes, accepted the certification of the grant in behalf of the College.
Other grantees were Ferndale College in Zamboanga City to partner with Adams State University in Colorado with Php2.5-million ASPIRE grant for developing learning modules designed to engage out-of-school youth in addressing food security issues in their communities, and Quezon City University with Php 1.5-million GAIN (Government-Academe-Industry Collaborate) grant for extending their executive training course to local government officials in Pasig City and Angeles City in Pampanga.
USAID’s Opportunity 2.0 program works with local and international partners across 15 cities in the Philippines to improve the lives of out-of-school youth through further education, employment, and entrepreneurship. The project has impacted 70,000 youth through TESDA technical-vocational programs and through the Department of Education’s Alternative Learning System.
Benilde Preview Unplugged is off to a good start
On February 24, Benilde Preview Unplugged participants delved into the programs offered by the Benilde School of New Media Arts: Photography, Animation, Film, and Multimedia Arts. During the program participants had the opportunity to have a deeper understanding of the programs, meet faculty members, who were also notable industry practitioners, as well as students and alumni who shared their Benildean experiences.
UP NEXT:
- March 2: School of Environment and Design
- March 9: School of Arts, Culture, and Performance
- March 16: School of Management and Information Technology & School of Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management
- April 6: School of Diplomacy and Governance
Admissions Calendar Updates
- Batch 2 application for Senior High School is open until March 31, 2024.
- Express Lane for Benilde SHS graduates and Green Lane for SHS graduates from other DLSP Schools are still open until March 31, 2024 but application fee is no longer waived.
- Batch 2 applicants for 3rd Term AY 2023-2024 for Freshman, Transferees, Graduate Studies, and ETEEAP is open until March 16, 2024.
- Batch 2 application for AY 2024-2025 College Freshman is open until March 31, 2024.
Visit the Admissions Page and follow the Benilde Admissions Center Facebook page for updates on the admissions schedule.
Hearty people on a hearty day
In a heartwarming celebration that unfolded on February 14, members of the Benildean Community came together to mark Valentine’s Day. A celebration of Mass was also organized by the Center for Lasallian Ministry in observance of Ash Wednesday, which was also scheduled that day.
In Case You Missed It
- Center for Restorative Discipline
- Visit the respective CRD offices in the different campuses to claim the lost and found item/s from February 2-29, between 9am to 4pm only. Bring proof of ownership for verification purposes. unclaimed item/s after February 29, 2024, will be turned-over to GASD-Warehouse (Non-Cash) for proper disposal and the Finance Department (Cash) for College fund.
- Office of the President
- Sojourn 2024 will launch two 22-day pilgrimages from April 5-26, 2024, for Spring and October 4-25, 2024 for Autumn. For all interested Lasallian partners, applications will be accepted online via: https://bit.ly/SojournLasallianPilgrimage or https://bit.ly/JoinSojourn2024. Registration for April (Spring Edition) will be open until 10 February 2024, and registration for October (Autumn Edition), will be open until 30 July 2024, 5:00 PM PST.
- Center for Student Life – Student Involvement Unit
- The Benilde COMELEC presents the Amended Omnibus Election Code. The amendments are for the internal organization of the Benilde COMELEC, along with the applicability of the Omnibus Code and the election period for the Frosh and General Elections which shall take effect immediately.
- CSL-SIU is now open in accepting applications for aspiring new student organizations for Academic/Professional related-organizations only for the school year 2024-2025. For students who wish to apply, kindly send your letter of intent specifying the initial concept of the proposed organization information on or before March 23, 2024.
- March is for showcasing your treasured experience as a woman. This marks your time to express your own story as a woman through the arts. For this year’s International Women’s Month, come and celebrate women artistry through your art at “The Women Around Us” exhibit on March 8, 2024. A multisite art exhibition will mounted around Benilde, with the theme, “Inspire Inclusivity”, aiming to empower Benildean women across artistic and creative practices.
- Center for Learning Resources
- Are you on a hunt for a learning space that can be reserved for exhibits, video/photo shoots, workshops, training, seminars, and/or any event of a similar nature? You can reserve the LEARNING COMMONS now at https://clr-scheds.benilde.edu.ph/reserve/lc. Please review the terms and conditions carefully before making a reservation.
- Office of the Vice President for Administration
- Ensuring the safety and well-being of our community members is our top priority. That is why we are sharing with everyone the following general guidelines about the interaction with stray cats on campus: no petting and handling of feral or stray cats, no trapping or doing any act that may hurt the stray cat, no feeding of stray animals, no relocating of stray animals, donations of cat food (sending donations to the Center for Built Environment and Logistics), and medical care and assistance (if anyone is bitten or scratched by a cat on campus, go immediately to the clinic).
- School of Professional and Continuing Education
- Join SPaCE’s upcoming programs for March 2024.
- Office of the Registrar
- Here’s the link to the enrollment guidelines and schedules posted at SIS login page.
- Everyone is invited to the Commencement Exercises for 1st Term AY 2023-2024 on Saturday, March 23, at the Plenary Hall of the Philippine International Convention Center. Register here anytime from February 29 to March 8.
- Digital Technology Office
- The SAP Business One (both Web Access and Client versions) and the SAP Online PR Portal will be unavailable for use on March 2, 2024 (Saturday) 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, because of a scheduled SAP Business One System Maintenance. Please refrain from accessing the SAP Business One and the SAP Online PR Portal for the duration of the said activity.
- Center for Emergency Management, Safety, and Security
- In observance of Fire Prevention Month, CEMSS has collaborated with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to conduct a Fire Drill on March 5, 2024. Separate drills will be conducted for each campus, and the timing of each drill will be unannounced.
- People and Organization Development Office
- Join the Poem Writing Contest and let your voice be heard. Dance to the rhythm of all things extraordinary and beauty of women. Deadline of submission is on March 4 at 11:59 AM, and announcement of winners will be on March 8.
- REMINDER: The Mandatory Annual Physical Examination AY 2023-2024 will be on March 18-21 at the 3/F Mutien-Marie Hall of Taft Campus. Please register on or before February 28.
- The College announces the appointment of Mr. Michael Lewis Y. Ong as Principal for the Benilde Senior High School (BSHS) and Benilde Deaf School (BDS) effective 3rd term of AY 2023-2024.
- To streamline the process of requesting team building activities, these steps are being implemented: Submission of Request, Transportation, Approval Process, Coordination and Budget Processing.
- Office of the Institutional Effectiveness and Research
- Your Feedback Matters: Enhance Our Cafeteria and Store Service. You may scan the QR Code available on each cafeteria table to share your feedback directly, whether you are dining in or grabbing a take-out or at your convenience – anytime, anywhere, and on any day, please fill out our accessible google form.
Upcoming Events
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