
SIMM induction celebrates leadership, legacy, and fellowship

(L-R) SU BOT Chair Ricardo A. Balbido Jr., Dumaguete City Mayor Felipe Antonio B. Remollo, former DepEd Secretary Leonor Magtolis-Briones, Ed Dames, Helena Heun Yang, Maricar Callanta, Mac Edsel T. Florendo, Atty. Francisco Noel R. Fernandez III, Atty. Eric Duclan, BGen. Lincoln Tagle, Ret., and Gerry Tan.
Following the election held last May 10 at the Fellowship Hall of the Church of the Risen Lord at UP Diliman, the Sillimanians in Metro Manila gathered around 100 multi-generational alumni representing various sectors and industries to celebrate the induction of the new Officers and Directors of the biggest alumni chapter of 扒哥黑料 on May 31, 2025 at the historic Bulwagang Tejeros in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
Dumaguete City Mayor, Atty. Felipe Antonio B. Remollo inducted the new SIMM Directors: Ed Dames (President), OSA Atty. Francisco Noel R. Fernandez III (Chairman/Auditor), Mac Florendo (Vice President), Helena Heun Yang (Secretary), Maricar Callanta (Treasurer), Ritchie Teves (PRO), Rev. Callum Tabada (Chaplain), BGen. Lincoln Tagle (Resources Mobilization), Gerry Tan (Adviser) and Atty. Eric Duclan (Legal Counsel) with former BOT Chair Prof. Leonor Magtolis-Briones and current BOT Chair, Ricardo A. Balbido Jr. as witnesses.
Hosted by Val Vestil, the attendees, which included at least five Outstanding Sillimanian Awardees, were treated to world-class musical performances by Katrina Saga and violinist, Jude Gonzaga, covering classical, Kundiman/OPM and inspirational Gospel songs.
Special video messages of support from the SAAI President Adlai Amor, the SU Director for Alumni Affairs Ruben N. Bokingo, BOT Member Dr. Marl V. Ferenal, SU President Betty C. McCann, and OSA Katsutoshi Furukawa, OSA Alice B. Dumlao, OSA Nella Fe Pineda-Macron were also shown.
In his remarks, President Ed Dames reaffirmed SIMM鈥檚 vision of promoting inclusivity and harnessing the chapter鈥檚 collective talents and extensive network to support its members at every stage of their life journey鈥攁ll while advancing the Silliman brand. To bring this vision to life, SIMM will launch a series of pocket events, each led by a Director and supported by a team of volunteer alumni.
A highlight of the program was the launching of the SIMM Jingle composed by Mac Florendo and the dance medley covering music from various eras led by dance instructor Karen B with special participants Mrs. Universe Philippines, Charo Laude, and legendary broadcaster, Rey Langit (who led the toast to the new SIMM Directors).
Capping the fun night, which gave out exciting raffle prizes and special awards, was the singing of 鈥淐an鈥檛 Help Falling in Love鈥 and the Silliman Song.
The event was supported by Ruben Vitan (which provided the Lights & Sounds), Dr. Radi Apostol, Atty. Eric Duclan, Gerry Tan, Prof. Leonor M. Briones, Atty. Francisco Noel R. Fernandez III, BGen. Lincoln Tagle, and DTC Promos, Inc.

SIMM members take a pose during their gathering last May 31, 2025.

Ed Dames, on the guitar, leads SIMM officers and guests in a song number.

(L-R) Ruben Vitan, OSA Edna Mijares, Ms. Gibet Bascara Ms. Marna Veloso and Luthgarda
鈥淟utie鈥 Orteza Lee.

SIMM attendees marvel at world-class musical performances by Katrina Marie Saga and violinist, Jude Gonzaga, covering classical, Kundiman/OPM and inspirational Gospel songs.
IN MEMORIAM: Adolfo De la Trinidad Torres (AB Pol Sci 鈥80, LLB 鈥84) February 28, 2025; Roberto J. Raymundo (Elem 鈥74, HS 鈥78, BMC-FS) March 1, 2025; Donnahville Abellanosa 鈥 Gallarita (BMC 鈥95) March 19, 2025; Beverly Alaban 鈥 Tanoy (Elem. 鈥54, HS 鈥58, AA Pre-Med 鈥61) March 20, 2025; Edsil Jess A. Adalid (BM Music Ed 2013, MM Choral Conducting 2019) March 28, 2025; Fortman S. Yan (HS 鈥61, BSME 鈥64-FS) April 1, 2025; Mae Aurora B. Cortes (BSIT 2003) April 10, 2025; Raselle Torres Principe (BS Psych 鈥83, LLB 鈥88) April 14, 2025; Teresa Acapulco 鈥 Remollo (BSN 鈥82) April 25, 2025; Roel Sevilla Bi帽alber (Elem 鈥77, HS 鈥81, Speech & Theater Arts 鈥86) April 28,2025; Angelita M. Cadeli帽a (MA Bio 鈥84, Faculty Retiree Bio Chairperson) April 28, 2025; Emmanuel R. Balasabas (Elem 鈥64, HS 鈥71, BBA Mgt. 鈥82) April 29, 2025; Candice Dale Sison Gonzalez (BSN 2008) April 30, 2025; Lilia Tagnia Magdamo (MA 1965) May 1, 2025; Alvin Jerome Pinili Cordura (HS 鈥83, BSCE 鈥89) May 7, 2025; Leonilda Bayran Magdamo (MA 鈥71, ED. D. 鈥87, Retiree Elem Teacher on June 30, 2000, Chairperson Languages Dept.) May 12, 2025; Arnel Jamandre Amor (HS 鈥79, AB Anthro 鈥85) May 14, 2025; Fiscal Humilde S. Ferrer (AB 鈥60, LLB 鈥66) May 15, 2025; Ronie Magno (BTH 鈥98) May 17, 2025; Rogelio V. Paglomutan (ECS 鈥62, Elem 鈥68, HS 鈥72, BBA MGT 鈥76) May 23, 2025;听 Sanny S. Minguito (Elem 鈥71, HS 鈥78, BTH 鈥88) May 28, 2025; Dr. Tranquilino Valentino S. Sitoy, Jr. (BTH 鈥63, Dean Divinity School & OIC Vice President for Academic Affairs in 1970鈥檚-1980鈥檚) June 8, 2025; and Anecita G. Mananquil (Stockroom Custodian at the Chemistry Department for 30 years) June 14, 2025.
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