MANILA, Philippines - The San Beda College Alumni Association (SBCAA) recently held its traditional Red and White Ball at the NBC Tent Bonifacio Global City on the occasion of its 85th founding anniversary.
Dubbed A Celebration of Bedan Achievement, the ball honored Bedans who made a big difference in their life of service in the spirit of San Beda’s motto of prayer, study, work and pursuit of peace. Leading the honorees were Justice Antonio Eduardo Nachura; ACCRA Law founder lawyer Avelino Cruz, singer Bimbo Danao (posthumous); Capt. Gregorio Oca; and topnotch accountant Eugenio R. Reyes, all elevated to San Beda Hall of Fame. Distinguished Bedan awardees included Paul Aquino (Government); Ambassador Eduardo Antonio (Business); Lito Balquiedra (Media); Eric Cruz (Engineering); Ricardo Cuerva (Business); Carlos Lasa (Medicine); Jonathan Martir (Military); Ulan Sarmiento (Education); Rene Saguisag (Law); Francisco Sebastian (Banking); and Eric Zerrudo (Arts).
Elevated to the Sports Hall of Fame were: Chuck Barreiro (Basketball); Julio Garcia (Football); Abe King (Basketball); Eduardo Llamas (Football); Antonio Marty (Football) and Jose Bernardo Yango (Basketball). Named Outstanding Overseas Bedans were Angel Arando and Mario Gomez. Human Rights Commissioner Leila de Lima was recipient of the Raul S. Roco Award for Public Service Excellence; while Rep. Eduardo Joson was given the Ramon Mitra Award for Legislation. Philanthropist Imelda Cojuangco was recipient of the 2009 Distinguished Woman of Service. Also honored were the Red Lions for their three-time win in the NCAA basketball league; the Sea Lions for their seven-time win and the Red Booters for their eight-time win in the NCAA. Other honorees included Marforth Fua (8th placer, 2007 Bar exams); Charles Bryan Tan (8th placer, 2008 CPA Board exams) and Christopher Ryan Tan (10th placer, 2008 CPA Board exams).
Acclaimed Bedan and lifestylist Rachy Cuna designed achievement trophies for the awardees. The affair was studded with prominent names in the fields of business and industry, government service and entertainment industry, the most popular of whom were PLDT top honcho Dr. Manuel V. Pangilinan; Sonia Roco; Rep. Abhraham Mitra; socialite Marietta Santos; Dee Zobel; architect Gerry Contreras, accounting leaders Joe Araullo and Roman Felipe Reyes; PCCI chairman Mike Varela, and Triple V’s Maridel Villavicencio, Louie and Mellie Ablaza among others. Patricia Bermudez and Vince Hizon emceed the show.
The special tribute for these Bedan greats was a huge success and will be remembered not only by the awardees, but for others present who shared their winning toast for Bedan achievement.