http://youtu.be/LYaekZJpoK4
College President's Report 1982-83 to 1985-86
by Alfonso P. Roda, Ed.D.
[Adapted from the President's Report to the PUC board and NPUM constituency at the completion of a fifth term and commencing on his sixth term, published in a special homecoming issue of Spotlight on PUC, Vol 2, Issue 1, December 22, 1985.]
Growth, Consolidation and Recognition
Transfer to a New Campus Completed
In our report for the quadrennium 1978 to 1981, we said that the most important event of that period was the completion of the transfer of the institution from Baesa to our new campus in Silang. What a wonderful and challenging period that was. Our report for the quadrennium 1982-1985 may be described no better than these words: Growth, Consolidation and Recognition
Enrollment Losses and Gains
Referring to our report four years ago, the undergraduate college enrollment had gone to a low of 1203. The year 1978 had started with 1323; in 1979, it went down to 1302; in 1980, a further drop to 1287; and in 1981, a low of 1203.
What lay in the future with the transfer completed? I made the bold forecast that the enrollment trend would be reversed from year to year with increased facilities. A growth of 100 to 150 students per year would not be farfetched. I based my forecast on my firm belief that our constituency was supportive of our program and desired their children to gain a Christian education in as favorable an environment as we have in Silang, and that our SDA parents believe in good, solid Christian education and would make great sacrifices to accomplish this goal. The last four years are a fulfillment of this insight. Consider below the enrollment figures from 1982-83 to 1985-86.
As per above figures, the four years have been years of continuous growth with regard to student population. We praise the Lord and give thanks to our faculty-staff for their wholehearted cooperation in carrying on a quality program.
What about the future? My feeling on this matter is that our facilities (dormitories, classrooms, equipment) have not kept up with the enrollment growth and, therefore, it would be difficult and unwise to maintain the rate of growth of the past four years.
Continuous Upgrading of National Faculty/Staff
The strength of a school is determined to a great extent by the quality of the teachers. We have a good corps of capable, dedicated teachers and staff who have been most cooperative these years. We now have approximately 160 faculty/staff. Of these we have 18 holding doctorate degrees and 41 who have completed their master’s degrees.
A continuous upgrading program is beginning to pay off for our national teachers. During this period, Dr. Ric Salamante came home with a doctorate degree in Health from Loma Linda University. Just recently, Dr Ramon Ulangca came back also from Loma Linda with a doctorate degree in Biology. Dr Bien Mangoba has also completed his doctoral work at Peabody Teachers College at the Vanderbilt University. In addition to these, we have called for and he has already come, Dr Archibald Tupas, who completed his Doctor of Ministry at Andrews University. He teaches in the Religion Department. Bro. Cris de la Cruz may be completing [a religious education doctorate from Andrews U] this year and hope to have him back next year.
One of our [nutrition] teachers, Ms. Inherla Hernando, is still at Loma Linda, under the Division bursary. Hopefully, she can finish her work by next year, 1986, and come home to join us shortly thereafter. Mr Ruben Ricalde is next in line for a doctoral bursary in the United States in the field of nursing.
The plan to make it possible to utilize these bursaries for doctoral upgrading in local schools, if desired, has my support. We have at present on the local upgrading program Mr G. Panaranda, taking up a doctorate in psychology. Locally, we have two who completed their doctoral studies - Dr Armando T. Fabella and Dr Rosalinda Rivera. Dr W. Martinez also completed his work and has been assigned to Naga View.
Academic Stride With Newly Recognized Master's in Nursing and Public Health
A definite academic advance is the opening and subsequent recognition of a program in Public Health. We had been offering a master's degree in health science (which was a good degree) but was not fully recognized by the profession. In order to come up to the professional standard/expectations, we sought and got approval for opening a school of public health with a new curriculum. This has been approved and duly recognized by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports (MECS). The International Institute of Health (PUC School of Public Health) is the second school in the Philippines that offers this course (the other one is the Institute of Public Health of the University of the Philippines). The school has had tremendous growth since its opening as seen in its growth in enrollment, as well as its influence in the community. We appreciate the leadership of Dr Hedrick Edwards in this school.
Another academic advance is the recognition of the graduate program in nursing, which was granted to us just a few months ago. In spite of the small number of enrollees (we hope we can serve more of our division needs for qualified nursing leaders), the recognition was granted. We thank Dr Pat Jones, who has been leading out in this program, as well as Dr Dioscorides Salmin for this recognition early in its history.
Adoption of Extension Campuses
We have been operating Naga View Academy extension campus for quite a while, so it was thought that if Northeast Luzon Academy [NELA]would offer college level course, we should also include her as another extension campus… In May of this year, a program/ceremony was held where Pastor N. R. Arit, Pastor Z. Manalo and myself went through a formal turnover of responsibility for this school from Northeast Luzon Academy Board to Philippine Union College Board.
It was a sad note that on October 10 Brother Aaron Salazar, the director of Northeast Luzon Academy [NELA], died of a heart attack. The leadership is now temporarily in the hands of Mr. Efren Dalupan, who may not long be with us, since he has a call pending to another institution which he seems inclined to accept. Also a sad note regarding the other extension campus leadership (Naga). Dr William Martinez, after serving only a few months, has had some health problems which necessitated his coming to Manila for more extensive diagnosis and physicians recommendations as to his future work. We hope early precautions are taken so that there would not be another casualty on leadership as what happened above.
Seminary and College Part Ways
In my 1981-82 quadrennial report, when I mentioned about the separation of the Seminary from the College, although operating on the same campus and using many facilities in common, I said:
After struggling with the problem, our FED annual committee this November made a decision to move the Seminary off campus. It is with a sad heart that I accept this decision as the solution adopted, especially as the commission that has been appointed to study this matter, which included Drs George Akers and George Babcock from the Education Department of the General Conference, had recommended a reunification of the Seminary with the College. But the Lord has His hand on the affairs of this Church and guides for the best results.
FED/GC Votes Down Proposed Medical School
One report that brought sadness to our hearts during this quadrennium was the turning down by the FED and the GC of our request to open a medical school during the FED mid-year meeting in May 1983 in Seoul, Korea. Conditions were so favorable for such a project! But again, God knows best.
Dr. John L. Detwiler Memorial Library
Dr Howard Detwiler, who pledged his support for the medical school with a USD one million pledge, was bitterly disappointed at the disapproval of the project. However, I met with him shortly thereafter, and he reiterated his promise that if the medical school project did not go through, he would contribute that pledged amount to PUC’s other projects. I met with him shortly after the decision was made regarding the medical school and after his careful consideration, was convinced that the library building was what he would like to help build with his contribution. Dr Detwiler has agreed to shoot for 1987 as the date for the completion of the library and its inauguration. This would coincide with our 70th anniversary of the founding of the College.
Physical Plant Growth Despite Eternal Gardens Setback
At our last report, 1981-82, I mentioned that Eternal Gardens, our main source of campus facilities development funds had taken us to court with an interpleader suit. So money from this source had eventually dried up. We are hoping that a decision might be made on the writ of execution on the decision of the Regional Trial Court regarding Eternal Gardens payments to PUC. How could the building projects continue when the Eternal Gardens had quit with payments and the division funding was limited to a large degree to funding graduate/seminary and division projects? The answer - God's guidance and man's consecration of his abilities for a great cause. Some persons I would like to give tribute to.
First and foremost, Mr Sam Robinson, whose ability to procure excess property from US military bases and his keen business acumen and his ability with heavy equipment combined with his hard work, has made many of our building projects on our campus possible. We owe him and his wife a debt of gratitude. Next is Mr Don Van Ornam. whose financial skill was a complement to Mr Sam Robinson. Last but not least, the foreman with oversight of most of the building was Mr Bernardo Gumarao. His many years of hands-on construction experience has made him valuable. We give thanks to these men whom we will remember for their great contribution to building up the campus.
Fresh Sources of Funds
The Lord continued to bless us and we were able to secure funds from other sources so that our building projects have not stopped. We put into our projects for the four-year period a total of over PhP28.5 million (see attached report). Evangelische Zentralstelle Fur Entwicklungshife (EZE for short) accepted our proposal and granted us DM 1.1 million, equivalent to PhP7.75 million, for us to build two buildings - a boys' dormitory and a classroom building. This dormitory is completed and houses over 300 boys. They are somewhat crowded (six in a room), but is a far cry from the old modular building. The Science (biology and chemistry) building is almost complete (except some rooms on the second floor which need specialized facilities which our funds are not able to purchase). However, the biology classrooms/laboratories are now being fully used.
The School of Business building was completed early in the period. However, it has not been fully turned over to the school of business, since the administrative offices are 'squatting' on this building.
The PUC Clinic [aka Health Service] building is also a welcome addition to our physical plant. Located close to the entrance, it is intended to serve not only the school population, but the surrounding villages as well. The initial donation for this building was given by Mr Bienvenido Lim. Other donors and our development department contributed to its completion.
Behind this building are two staff housing - one for the physician and the other for the church pastor (funds provided by CLM). Although the PUC Church [aka Philippine International Church] structure is far from complete, little by little the building has taken the shape and form of a church sanctuary and not anymore like a hangar as they used to joke us. The building is completely locked in -the sides being walled in by steel railings. We thus have a demonstration of the building of the physical and the spiritual aspects of man's development in these facilities.
Two more 'bliss type' apartments were added during this period. Funds for these were provided by the FED and were to be exclusively used for graduate/seminary students and their families.
There were also a number of faculty/staff housing added during this period. And as a bonus, most of the roads have been paved, with the exception of a stretch from the main gate to the central campus and a stretch from the graduate/seminary building down to the motor pool. Another unpaved section is the road up to the elementary schools and the dairy. Hopefully in the very near future, the rest of these unpaved stretches would be paved. Complementing the paved roads are the planting of trees and flowers and shrubs and landscaping and well-mowed lawns that have transformed the former farm land into a beautiful, lovely campus.
Purchase of Rice Land: Further Evidence of God Smiling Down on Us
A further evidence of God’s providence and His smiling down on us is the donation of a certain Mr & Mrs John Grillmeir of Australia toward the purchase of rice land. While visiting students they were helping through school, they came to Pastor B. Capule and asked him what projects he could suggest if they were to donate a certain amount. Pastor Capule, after some deliberation, suggested they think of helping purchase rice land for our students to work on, as well as a contribution to the operations of the college, since we would not have to purchase rice from the market. Just a few weeks ago, we received word that they Grillmeirs have sent us through channels PhP 448,000+ for the purchase of this land. Truly the Lord is good!
Support of Alumni Abroad
The PUC Alumni residing in the U.S.A. particularly the Western USA Chapter, have pledged to build an Alumni Center, including a chapel, a number of guest rooms, conference rooms and offices, a tennis court, and a swimming pool. They also pledged a van for general use and whose income would be utilized for student scholarships. Dr C. A. Fernando of Glendale, California, president, and Dr Romulo Valdez, vice-president, and Dr. R. Atiga, campaign director, have all pledged their support for this project. This, too, is targeted for completion in 1987 when many of our alumni are planning to come for the Alumni Homecoming, and the celebration of our 70th anniversary.
Conclusion
The Lord has truly been good to all of us at Philippine Union College as we have endeavored to do His will and conduct a training program for our youth in harmony with God's principles as revealed to us in the Scriptures and in the Spirit of Prophecy.
There is still much work to be done in facilities, development and offerings to make the College a truly Adventist institution carrying out the mission which the Church has delegated to her.
We, faculty/staff and administration, dedicate ourselves to achieving this goal in the years to come. We appreciate your confidence in us, and pray we can be worthy of such trust.
Alfonso P. Roda, Ed.D.
President
November 21, 1985
Remembering Dr. Alfonso Panis Roda: President of Philippine Union College, 1965-1987
by Joselito A. Coo, BA '67
Except for the three-and-a half years of doctoral study in Educational Administration at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), in the fall of 1969 through part of 1972, Alfonso Panis Roda served continuously as president of his alma mater from 1965 to 1987. Starting his sixth 4-year term on Dec 1985, he was unable to complete the same consequent to his death in early March 1987. No less than 8 presidents, or more than 10 counting those who served in an acting capacity, succeeded him in the office for the next 20 years.
Born on 25th December 1921, Alfonso was elected president of Philippine Union College for the first time at age 44. He died in office two months past his 65th birthday. Thus, Dr Roda holds the distinction of having served the longest period as CEO of any SDA institution of higher education in the Philippines.
God-fearing,family-oriented spiritual leader
Dr. Alfonso P. Roda loved his family dearly, unostentatiously expressing his affection by spending quality time playing with his sons either at home or whenever they traveled together to some of their favorite destinations. His older son, Andy, says: ”He never forced religion down our throats. He also set us an example of daily devotions and regular Bible reading in order to receive strength in the face of problems he encountered in and out of the office. Whenever I sat in church or chapel, listening to him preach, in my heart I could silently testify that he lived what he believed.”
Mrs. Roda reminisced: “He wasn’t a complicated man. His taste and appreciation for the good life was simple; his favorite dish was ‘bulanglang’ or plain boiled green native vegetables.” She added, ”His great joy was singing love songs even when I was the only one listening.” Once after she had persuaded him to dig a garden plot with her, he commented: “You know, Mommy, I honestly would rather be doing something else, but I’m still here because I love you.”
Years after Dr Roda’s passing, Bangele D. Alsaybar, Ph.D., UCLA-Anthropology, opined: ”Mrs. Lydia Roda cannot be faulted for not remarrying… for she considers him irreplaceable; and rightly so, for he was the last of the Filipino presidents of Philippine Union College who had the intellectual flair, finesse and stature to lead an institution of higher learning.”
Pioneer Adventist Roots
Alfonso (Ponsing) was only 4 years old when his father, Pastor Leon Zumel Roda, died, leaving a young, 28 year-old widow, Maria Panis Roda, with 5 little children to support. Eduardo (Arding), the eldest child, was only ten. Affectionately, their parents Leon and Maria were, respectively, “Daddy” and “Mamang” to them. Mamang’s brother was Tio Bianong or Bibiano R. Panis. Leon, Maria and Bibiano were among the earliest group of eleven Filipinos who were baptized in 1911 that constituted the first SDA church in the Philippine Islands. Subsequently, together with Emilio Manalaysay, the brothers-in-law Leon Z. Roda and Bibiano R. Panis were ordained to the SDA ministry by Elder L. V. Finster.
Three of Leon's younger brothers, Alvaro, Antonino, and Bartolome followed suit and were baptized Seventh-day Adventists. Tata Alvaro and Tata Tony, as they were fondly called by the little ones, soon became preachers and were ordained as SDA ministers. Another brother, Tata Sergio, did not convert and remained in the Roman Catholic faith; still, close ties were maintained between RCC and SDA Roda kin. Of Tata Sergio’s four daughters, two had entered a convent of the Religious of the Virgin Mary (RVM) and have presently retired after many years of faithful service to their church. For those who are wondering about other family connections, in case they want to be certain: Pastor Alvaro Zumel Roda was the father of Drs David and Prospero Roda and Pastor Antonino Zumel Roda was the father of Drs Samuel and Peter Roda.
Up and Running
Little Ponsing was reportedly only three months old when he first stood momentarily on his own tiny feet and sturdy legs. At seven months, he took his first steps without assistance. Henceforth, since he was a toddler, Alfonso was up and running.
Starting in primary school, through elementary, high school or academy, and past college in Baesa, Caloocan, Alfonso loved to play amateur basketball, excelled in swimming and biking, and competed in individual as well as doubles badminton, table and lawn tennis. During the years he served as college president, rounds of badminton with friends, faculty and graduate students at the college auditorium and especially tennis on the campus courts, seemed to soothe and relieve him of the pressures of administration.
Working His Way in Academia
In 1931, Ponsing was 9 years old when the Philippine Junior College, later Philippine Union College, transferred from Pasay to the Baesa campus in Caloocan, Rizal. His mother decided to move to Baesa with the entire family as well so all her children could complete their education, from elementary through college, in a Seventh-day Adventist Christian environment.
Not surprisingly, children of other pioneer Seventh-day Adventist pastor-evangelists were among their closest friends. Dr Reuben G. Manalaysay fondly remembers his late contemporary, Eduardo, as a “voracious reader” and “deep thinker”. Alfonso and Arturo (Turing), fourth and last of the Roda siblings, respectively, sat in Prof Manalaysay’s physics and chemistry classes; thus, Dr Man is probably the best judge of the boys’ relative academic achievement. For all we know, on the one hand, prior to starting his medical studies, Arturo served briefly as a student for about two and a half years as a teaching assistant in the science department. Alfonso, on the other hand, was twice accelerated, skipping two grades of elementary school.
Academically, although he still excelled in some subjects, high school wasn’t the best time for Alfonso to shine. Evidently, interest in amateur sports, music and girlfriends provided sufficient motivations for him to stay in school. Nevertheless, he completed in record time a two-year Associate in Commercial Science (ACS) degree that included required subjects such as typing and stenography. With another student, he entered and won a national competition in dictation and transcription.
In 1940, shortly before war broke out on this side of the Pacific, Alfonso started his denominational assignment in the accounting department of the Philippine Union Mission headquarter in Pasay. Soon, as the Japanese army took control of the Philippine Islands, he was appointed treasurer of the South-Central Luzon Mission in Lucena. When peace was restored, following the liberation of his country from enemy rule, he was still working and out of school. He needed additional science credits so he could complete a four-year baccalaureate degree. It was his former professor, Reuben G. Manalaysay, who assigned Arturo to guide and otherwise tutor big brother Alfonso. With a BA from his alma mater, he was soon called to West Visayan Academy where he spent a year of teaching.
In 1947, Alfonso boarded an ocean liner bound for the U.S.A. and traveled to the SDA Theological Seminary in Takoma Park, Maryland, near Washington, D.C., for a Master’s degree. There he took up residence in Elder L. V. Finster’s garage, pumped gas and washed cars at a service station, picked grapes and what fruits were in season as a hired hand in orchards around Takoma Park, and did other odd jobs while he worked his way to earn his first post-graduate diploma.
Music
Arguably, prior to Reuben G. Manalaysay and after him, no president of our school has equaled Dr Man’s achievement as an accomplished instrumentalist in violin and piano. Nevertheless, Dr. Alfonso P. Roda modeled the same classic taste for a music culture that nurtured the hearts and minds of their students and contemporaries.
By and large, each of the Manalaysay and Roda children was musically inclined. As a college student, Alfonso sang with a male quartet that called themselves The Ambassadors. When Elton Wallace subsequently founded an all-male chorus, he adopted the quartet's stage name, and Ponsing and the other members of his former quartet gladly joined forces with the other singers that formed the new all-male choral group. Another avenue that made it possible for him to apply his musical gifts was as director-conductor of the PUC Church Choir. A supporter of the National Philharmonic Orchestra, he not infrequently took time off from a crowded schedule in the president’s office in order to watch and listen to its concert season’s live performances with nationally and internationally renowned soloists at the Philamlife Auditorium.
Marriage
Returning with a Master’s degree from the SDA Theological Seminary and teaching history and Bible for his alma mater, Prof Roda was past 30 years old when he seriously contemplated finding a suitable mate. In 1952, he married a pretty, young (with 8 years between him and her) nurse – Lydia Tabucol. Incidentally, all the male members of her clan had officially changed their surname to Fernando, except for the women who were prompted to adopt a name change for themselves by marrying a husband whose family name sounded better.
Andy, Ralphy, and Bong
To Prof Roda and Lydia, the "first couple" on campus, were born three boys, namely, in order of birth: Ferdinand (Andy) Jonathan, Ralph (Ralphy) Reginald, and Reginald (Bong) Todd. Sadly, the middle son, 3 year-old Ralphy, was killed in a freak accident on the old Baesa campus of Philippine Union College.
While raising a family, Lydia was a clinical instructor in PUC's School of Nursing. At other times, she and her son Andy, or with son Bong instead of Andy, accompanied her husband when he was upgrading abroad. She worked as a nurse while her husband and son were busy at school. Eventually the family returned and reconnected with PUC. Andy and Bong grew to adulthood and graduated as alumni of the educational institution whose growth their father eagerly strove to promote--Philippine Union College, which is now a continuing realization of their father's dream as the Adventist University of the Philippines.
* * *
Re: Remembering…
By Arturo P. Roda, MD
Soon after their baptism in 1911, Leon and Bibiano were mentored by the same L. V. Finster who was instrumental in their conversion to Adventism. Since Manila was where the SDA mission started, it was assumed that Tagalog would be their preferred medium of proclaiming the Advent message. In 1916, an ordination to the SDA ministry of Emilio Manalaysay and the brothers-in-law Leon and Bibiano, was officiated by L. V. Finster together with Elbridge M. Adams (and Elder Fattebert?) Years later, when I met Elder Adams he said that I (in reference to my physical features) reminded him of Bibiano.
The eldest of Tata Sergio’s 4 daughters died as a young child. The second daughter, Natividad (Naty) and the youngest, Fortunata (Baby), became nuns. The third, Visitacion (Vising or Bess) was a church musician-organist until her retirement. Bartolome (Tata Tommy), another younger brother of Leon who converted to SDA, soon left for the U.S.A. while still in his late teens. I was about 4 years old when he sailed away. Shortly, he wrote, saying: “I’ve lost my faith.” During WW2, he reportedly served with the Allied forces in Europe. When war was over, he returned briefly and stayed for a few weeks. He gave me U.S. $300, which was a substantial amount even in those days, saying it was not for my medical studies, but for me to spend as I pleased. We lost touch after that, never hearing from him again.
Eduardo was accelerated from Gr VI to Gr VII in mid-term, graduated valedictorian of Gr VII and awarded a real/genuine gold medal. He also graduated valedictorian of his PUC academy class. Alfonso was accelerated from Gr II to Gr III in midterm before he turned 7 years old. School administrators naturally thought he was too young to advance to Gr IV at 8 years of age, so they decided to keep him in Gr III for a full year before promoting him to Gr IV. (Incidentally, some years later, youngest brother Arturo was likewise accelerated from Gr IV to Gr V in midterm and graduated as high school valedictorian in PUC-Baesa). Although Alfonso did not graduate as valedictorian, neither in elementary nor high school, he excelled in math, geometry and bookkeeping. In college, together with Gerson Brion and Daniel Vizco, he was a recipient of the “Order of Gregg Artists”; “Gregg” being the shorthand for a stenography method. To my knowledge, no other PUC students since have received similar recognition.
Shortly before the war in the Pacific, Alfonso started his denominational service at the Philippine Union Mission office in Pasay. He bought a little motorcycle for transportation. (After office hours, he rode his motor bike to the University of the Philippines in Manila where he was enrolled in history and social science courses.) With Meliton Claveria and Romeo Brion, they took care of the union office books of accounts. When the Japanese army took over the union and hospital compounds, Eliseo Cupino took the place of M. Claveria after the latter was assigned to join the union officers, with Pastor Pedro Diaz as acting president, at their temporary headquarter in Binan, Laguna. In 1944, Alfonso was assigned to SCLM in Lucena and would not see his eldest brother Eduardo again. We did not hear from Alfonso until several months following the liberation of our country from Japanese rule. Regarding the required science credits in order for him to graduate with a BA from PUC, Dr Man assigned Alfonso 100 chemistry problems to solve.
Before the war, Alfonso and Vicente Villanueva were the two SDAs who sang with the chorus collaborating with the Philippine Symphony Orchestra that performed at the Metropolitan Theatre in Plaza Lawton, Manila. During the war, Eliseo Arevalo was director-conductor of a church choral group that performed at the Metropolitan Theatre. Alfonso’s quartet started as a PUC Junior Male Quartet alongside a PUC Senior Male Quartet, in light of the members being junior and senior college students, respectively. The seniors were Honesto Pascual, Luceno Quirante, Pablo Poblete, and (name) Ornedo. The juniors were Alfonso Roda, Dionisio (Diony) Bautista, Gerson Brion, and Napoleon Imperio or, alternately, Elias Umali. Later, in place of Nap and Elias, I joined the group as the fourth male voice. Our junior quartet was still around after the seniors had left. After all of us had graduated, Alfonso suggested we upgrade our name from “Junior Male Quartet” to “The Ambassadors”.
ADDITIONAL NOTE:
The following was the result of an interview with Dr Arturo Roda by Ray Puen during a recent (October 2010) Northern Luzon academies alumni ass'n convention held at the Loma Linda Filipino SDA Church.
Hi Lito,
Could you please forward the attachment to your uncle Art. I would like to request a check of all the names and facts before we submit the corrections for inclusion in another souvenir booklet we are putting out to replace the current edition. If possible, I would like to have this back on Monday, but that is easily possible by email. Thank the Lord for modern technology.
Blessings,
Ray
The Origin of “Ambassadors” – first draft
Before the Second World War, Honesto Pascual, Sr. organized a male quartet which was widely referred to as the Senior Quartet (this curious term will make sense when you learn that the successor quartet was named the Junior Quartet). Included in that first musical singing group were Dionisio Bautista, first tenor, Pablo Poblete, 2nd tenor, Luceno Quirante, Baritone, and Silvino Decena, bass.
After the war, another quartet was formed. Dionisio Bautista stayed on as 1st tenor, second tenor rotated between Elias Umali and Napoleon Imperio, Alfonso P. Roda was baritone and Gershon Brion sang bass. They were dubbed the Junior Quartet.
The group metamorphosed into the Ambassador Quartet when two additions were made in Flaviano Dalisay, Jr. who became their first true bass voice, moving Gershon Brion to baritone, and the second tenor position was vacated by the Umali/Imperio tandem to make room for Arturo Roda, who sang 1st tenor, and his brother Alfonso moved up to 2nd tenor. The name “Ambassador Quartet” was suggested by Alfonso Roda.
In time, Arturo was going to move on to medical school and Gershon thought it would be a good idea to record this group before it broke up. It has earned accolades from all who heard them and they affirmed that this was a “good quartet.” Pastor Romulo booked the group for his evangelistic meetings.
Gershon Brion made arrangements with DZMB to record some of their repertoire. Alex Lacson, the recording engineer liked their vocal quality and recommended them for a weekly half hour program which they named the Chapel Hour. This became the first religions radio broadcast in the Philippines . After the group broke up, the program was passed on to PUC and it was expanded to an hour’s program. During that transition, the male quartet became a mixed quartet with Sally Magdamo sining soprano and Minerva Arit singing alto. Flaviano Dalisay, Jr. stayed on to sing bass and ______ sang tenor.
By this time they were known as the Chapel Hour Quartet. But the name Ambassadors Quartet, used however briefly and recommended by Alfonso Roda, experienced a renaissance when Elton Wallace organized a male chorus his first year on campus. One of his recruits was Alfonso Roda.
When it came time to name the group, Alfonso very naturally suggested Ambassadors and Elton liked it. It stuck. But no one really knew its beginnings until Alfonso’s younger brother Arturo reminisced about this in a recent interview. He is the only living connection between the quartets on both sides of the world war and today’s edition.
Now you know where “Ambassadors” came from.
Ray Puen
* * *
http://documents.adventistarchives.org/Periodicals/FEDO/FEDO19640701-V50-07.pdf
FAR EASTERN DIVISION OUTLOOK July, 1964
His Dreams Live On (Dr. Alfonso Panis Roda Tribute)
by Laurence Gayao
College President's Report 1982-83 to 1985-86
by Alfonso P. Roda, Ed.D.
[Adapted from the President's Report to the PUC board and NPUM constituency at the completion of a fifth term and commencing on his sixth term, published in a special homecoming issue of Spotlight on PUC, Vol 2, Issue 1, December 22, 1985.]
Growth, Consolidation and Recognition
Transfer to a New Campus Completed
In our report for the quadrennium 1978 to 1981, we said that the most important event of that period was the completion of the transfer of the institution from Baesa to our new campus in Silang. What a wonderful and challenging period that was. Our report for the quadrennium 1982-1985 may be described no better than these words: Growth, Consolidation and Recognition
Enrollment Losses and Gains
Referring to our report four years ago, the undergraduate college enrollment had gone to a low of 1203. The year 1978 had started with 1323; in 1979, it went down to 1302; in 1980, a further drop to 1287; and in 1981, a low of 1203.
What lay in the future with the transfer completed? I made the bold forecast that the enrollment trend would be reversed from year to year with increased facilities. A growth of 100 to 150 students per year would not be farfetched. I based my forecast on my firm belief that our constituency was supportive of our program and desired their children to gain a Christian education in as favorable an environment as we have in Silang, and that our SDA parents believe in good, solid Christian education and would make great sacrifices to accomplish this goal. The last four years are a fulfillment of this insight. Consider below the enrollment figures from 1982-83 to 1985-86.
First Semester Figures: 1982-83; 1983-84; 1984-85; 1985-86
College 1219; 1284; 1410; 1539
Graduate
Education 46; 38; 34; 35
Nursing 8; 14; 15; 23
Health 30; 42; 60; 71
Secondary 94; 110; 128; 157
Elementary 88; 98; 104; 109
As per above figures, the four years have been years of continuous growth with regard to student population. We praise the Lord and give thanks to our faculty-staff for their wholehearted cooperation in carrying on a quality program.
What about the future? My feeling on this matter is that our facilities (dormitories, classrooms, equipment) have not kept up with the enrollment growth and, therefore, it would be difficult and unwise to maintain the rate of growth of the past four years.
Until we have more facilities, our program might not be able to deliver the goods to a bigger population and might result in poorer quality all around. I therefore believe it would be best to hold growth to manageable limits.
Continuous Upgrading of National Faculty/Staff
The strength of a school is determined to a great extent by the quality of the teachers. We have a good corps of capable, dedicated teachers and staff who have been most cooperative these years. We now have approximately 160 faculty/staff. Of these we have 18 holding doctorate degrees and 41 who have completed their master’s degrees.
A continuous upgrading program is beginning to pay off for our national teachers. During this period, Dr. Ric Salamante came home with a doctorate degree in Health from Loma Linda University. Just recently, Dr Ramon Ulangca came back also from Loma Linda with a doctorate degree in Biology. Dr Bien Mangoba has also completed his doctoral work at Peabody Teachers College at the Vanderbilt University. In addition to these, we have called for and he has already come, Dr Archibald Tupas, who completed his Doctor of Ministry at Andrews University. He teaches in the Religion Department. Bro. Cris de la Cruz may be completing [a religious education doctorate from Andrews U] this year and hope to have him back next year.
One of our [nutrition] teachers, Ms. Inherla Hernando, is still at Loma Linda, under the Division bursary. Hopefully, she can finish her work by next year, 1986, and come home to join us shortly thereafter. Mr Ruben Ricalde is next in line for a doctoral bursary in the United States in the field of nursing.
The plan to make it possible to utilize these bursaries for doctoral upgrading in local schools, if desired, has my support. We have at present on the local upgrading program Mr G. Panaranda, taking up a doctorate in psychology. Locally, we have two who completed their doctoral studies - Dr Armando T. Fabella and Dr Rosalinda Rivera. Dr W. Martinez also completed his work and has been assigned to Naga View.
Academic Stride With Newly Recognized Master's in Nursing and Public Health
A definite academic advance is the opening and subsequent recognition of a program in Public Health. We had been offering a master's degree in health science (which was a good degree) but was not fully recognized by the profession. In order to come up to the professional standard/expectations, we sought and got approval for opening a school of public health with a new curriculum. This has been approved and duly recognized by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports (MECS). The International Institute of Health (PUC School of Public Health) is the second school in the Philippines that offers this course (the other one is the Institute of Public Health of the University of the Philippines). The school has had tremendous growth since its opening as seen in its growth in enrollment, as well as its influence in the community. We appreciate the leadership of Dr Hedrick Edwards in this school.
Another academic advance is the recognition of the graduate program in nursing, which was granted to us just a few months ago. In spite of the small number of enrollees (we hope we can serve more of our division needs for qualified nursing leaders), the recognition was granted. We thank Dr Pat Jones, who has been leading out in this program, as well as Dr Dioscorides Salmin for this recognition early in its history.
Adoption of Extension Campuses
We have been operating Naga View Academy extension campus for quite a while, so it was thought that if Northeast Luzon Academy [NELA]would offer college level course, we should also include her as another extension campus… In May of this year, a program/ceremony was held where Pastor N. R. Arit, Pastor Z. Manalo and myself went through a formal turnover of responsibility for this school from Northeast Luzon Academy Board to Philippine Union College Board.
It was a sad note that on October 10 Brother Aaron Salazar, the director of Northeast Luzon Academy [NELA], died of a heart attack. The leadership is now temporarily in the hands of Mr. Efren Dalupan, who may not long be with us, since he has a call pending to another institution which he seems inclined to accept. Also a sad note regarding the other extension campus leadership (Naga). Dr William Martinez, after serving only a few months, has had some health problems which necessitated his coming to Manila for more extensive diagnosis and physicians recommendations as to his future work. We hope early precautions are taken so that there would not be another casualty on leadership as what happened above.
Seminary and College Part Ways
In my 1981-82 quadrennial report, when I mentioned about the separation of the Seminary from the College, although operating on the same campus and using many facilities in common, I said:
‘The questions that further were to be resolved in practice were the questions of authority and jurisdiction and functions vital to the operations of the two institutions on the same campus so that there would be no cause for irritation and no sources for disunity.’
After struggling with the problem, our FED annual committee this November made a decision to move the Seminary off campus. It is with a sad heart that I accept this decision as the solution adopted, especially as the commission that has been appointed to study this matter, which included Drs George Akers and George Babcock from the Education Department of the General Conference, had recommended a reunification of the Seminary with the College. But the Lord has His hand on the affairs of this Church and guides for the best results.
FED/GC Votes Down Proposed Medical School
One report that brought sadness to our hearts during this quadrennium was the turning down by the FED and the GC of our request to open a medical school during the FED mid-year meeting in May 1983 in Seoul, Korea. Conditions were so favorable for such a project! But again, God knows best.
Dr. John L. Detwiler Memorial Library
Dr Howard Detwiler, who pledged his support for the medical school with a USD one million pledge, was bitterly disappointed at the disapproval of the project. However, I met with him shortly thereafter, and he reiterated his promise that if the medical school project did not go through, he would contribute that pledged amount to PUC’s other projects. I met with him shortly after the decision was made regarding the medical school and after his careful consideration, was convinced that the library building was what he would like to help build with his contribution. Dr Detwiler has agreed to shoot for 1987 as the date for the completion of the library and its inauguration. This would coincide with our 70th anniversary of the founding of the College.
Physical Plant Growth Despite Eternal Gardens Setback
At our last report, 1981-82, I mentioned that Eternal Gardens, our main source of campus facilities development funds had taken us to court with an interpleader suit. So money from this source had eventually dried up. We are hoping that a decision might be made on the writ of execution on the decision of the Regional Trial Court regarding Eternal Gardens payments to PUC. How could the building projects continue when the Eternal Gardens had quit with payments and the division funding was limited to a large degree to funding graduate/seminary and division projects? The answer - God's guidance and man's consecration of his abilities for a great cause. Some persons I would like to give tribute to.
First and foremost, Mr Sam Robinson, whose ability to procure excess property from US military bases and his keen business acumen and his ability with heavy equipment combined with his hard work, has made many of our building projects on our campus possible. We owe him and his wife a debt of gratitude. Next is Mr Don Van Ornam. whose financial skill was a complement to Mr Sam Robinson. Last but not least, the foreman with oversight of most of the building was Mr Bernardo Gumarao. His many years of hands-on construction experience has made him valuable. We give thanks to these men whom we will remember for their great contribution to building up the campus.
Fresh Sources of Funds
The Lord continued to bless us and we were able to secure funds from other sources so that our building projects have not stopped. We put into our projects for the four-year period a total of over PhP28.5 million (see attached report). Evangelische Zentralstelle Fur Entwicklungshife (EZE for short) accepted our proposal and granted us DM 1.1 million, equivalent to PhP7.75 million, for us to build two buildings - a boys' dormitory and a classroom building. This dormitory is completed and houses over 300 boys. They are somewhat crowded (six in a room), but is a far cry from the old modular building. The Science (biology and chemistry) building is almost complete (except some rooms on the second floor which need specialized facilities which our funds are not able to purchase). However, the biology classrooms/laboratories are now being fully used.
The School of Business building was completed early in the period. However, it has not been fully turned over to the school of business, since the administrative offices are 'squatting' on this building.
The PUC Clinic [aka Health Service] building is also a welcome addition to our physical plant. Located close to the entrance, it is intended to serve not only the school population, but the surrounding villages as well. The initial donation for this building was given by Mr Bienvenido Lim. Other donors and our development department contributed to its completion.
Behind this building are two staff housing - one for the physician and the other for the church pastor (funds provided by CLM). Although the PUC Church [aka Philippine International Church] structure is far from complete, little by little the building has taken the shape and form of a church sanctuary and not anymore like a hangar as they used to joke us. The building is completely locked in -the sides being walled in by steel railings. We thus have a demonstration of the building of the physical and the spiritual aspects of man's development in these facilities.
Two more 'bliss type' apartments were added during this period. Funds for these were provided by the FED and were to be exclusively used for graduate/seminary students and their families.
There were also a number of faculty/staff housing added during this period. And as a bonus, most of the roads have been paved, with the exception of a stretch from the main gate to the central campus and a stretch from the graduate/seminary building down to the motor pool. Another unpaved section is the road up to the elementary schools and the dairy. Hopefully in the very near future, the rest of these unpaved stretches would be paved. Complementing the paved roads are the planting of trees and flowers and shrubs and landscaping and well-mowed lawns that have transformed the former farm land into a beautiful, lovely campus.
Purchase of Rice Land: Further Evidence of God Smiling Down on Us
A further evidence of God’s providence and His smiling down on us is the donation of a certain Mr & Mrs John Grillmeir of Australia toward the purchase of rice land. While visiting students they were helping through school, they came to Pastor B. Capule and asked him what projects he could suggest if they were to donate a certain amount. Pastor Capule, after some deliberation, suggested they think of helping purchase rice land for our students to work on, as well as a contribution to the operations of the college, since we would not have to purchase rice from the market. Just a few weeks ago, we received word that they Grillmeirs have sent us through channels PhP 448,000+ for the purchase of this land. Truly the Lord is good!
Support of Alumni Abroad
The PUC Alumni residing in the U.S.A. particularly the Western USA Chapter, have pledged to build an Alumni Center, including a chapel, a number of guest rooms, conference rooms and offices, a tennis court, and a swimming pool. They also pledged a van for general use and whose income would be utilized for student scholarships. Dr C. A. Fernando of Glendale, California, president, and Dr Romulo Valdez, vice-president, and Dr. R. Atiga, campaign director, have all pledged their support for this project. This, too, is targeted for completion in 1987 when many of our alumni are planning to come for the Alumni Homecoming, and the celebration of our 70th anniversary.
Conclusion
The Lord has truly been good to all of us at Philippine Union College as we have endeavored to do His will and conduct a training program for our youth in harmony with God's principles as revealed to us in the Scriptures and in the Spirit of Prophecy.
There is still much work to be done in facilities, development and offerings to make the College a truly Adventist institution carrying out the mission which the Church has delegated to her.
We, faculty/staff and administration, dedicate ourselves to achieving this goal in the years to come. We appreciate your confidence in us, and pray we can be worthy of such trust.
Alfonso P. Roda, Ed.D.
President
November 21, 1985
Remembering Dr. Alfonso Panis Roda: President of Philippine Union College, 1965-1987
by Joselito A. Coo, BA '67
Except for the three-and-a half years of doctoral study in Educational Administration at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), in the fall of 1969 through part of 1972, Alfonso Panis Roda served continuously as president of his alma mater from 1965 to 1987. Starting his sixth 4-year term on Dec 1985, he was unable to complete the same consequent to his death in early March 1987. No less than 8 presidents, or more than 10 counting those who served in an acting capacity, succeeded him in the office for the next 20 years.
Born on 25th December 1921, Alfonso was elected president of Philippine Union College for the first time at age 44. He died in office two months past his 65th birthday. Thus, Dr Roda holds the distinction of having served the longest period as CEO of any SDA institution of higher education in the Philippines.
God-fearing,family-oriented spiritual leader
Dr. Alfonso P. Roda loved his family dearly, unostentatiously expressing his affection by spending quality time playing with his sons either at home or whenever they traveled together to some of their favorite destinations. His older son, Andy, says: ”He never forced religion down our throats. He also set us an example of daily devotions and regular Bible reading in order to receive strength in the face of problems he encountered in and out of the office. Whenever I sat in church or chapel, listening to him preach, in my heart I could silently testify that he lived what he believed.”
Mrs. Roda reminisced: “He wasn’t a complicated man. His taste and appreciation for the good life was simple; his favorite dish was ‘bulanglang’ or plain boiled green native vegetables.” She added, ”His great joy was singing love songs even when I was the only one listening.” Once after she had persuaded him to dig a garden plot with her, he commented: “You know, Mommy, I honestly would rather be doing something else, but I’m still here because I love you.”
Years after Dr Roda’s passing, Bangele D. Alsaybar, Ph.D., UCLA-Anthropology, opined: ”Mrs. Lydia Roda cannot be faulted for not remarrying… for she considers him irreplaceable; and rightly so, for he was the last of the Filipino presidents of Philippine Union College who had the intellectual flair, finesse and stature to lead an institution of higher learning.”
Pioneer Adventist Roots
Alfonso (Ponsing) was only 4 years old when his father, Pastor Leon Zumel Roda, died, leaving a young, 28 year-old widow, Maria Panis Roda, with 5 little children to support. Eduardo (Arding), the eldest child, was only ten. Affectionately, their parents Leon and Maria were, respectively, “Daddy” and “Mamang” to them. Mamang’s brother was Tio Bianong or Bibiano R. Panis. Leon, Maria and Bibiano were among the earliest group of eleven Filipinos who were baptized in 1911 that constituted the first SDA church in the Philippine Islands. Subsequently, together with Emilio Manalaysay, the brothers-in-law Leon Z. Roda and Bibiano R. Panis were ordained to the SDA ministry by Elder L. V. Finster.
Three of Leon's younger brothers, Alvaro, Antonino, and Bartolome followed suit and were baptized Seventh-day Adventists. Tata Alvaro and Tata Tony, as they were fondly called by the little ones, soon became preachers and were ordained as SDA ministers. Another brother, Tata Sergio, did not convert and remained in the Roman Catholic faith; still, close ties were maintained between RCC and SDA Roda kin. Of Tata Sergio’s four daughters, two had entered a convent of the Religious of the Virgin Mary (RVM) and have presently retired after many years of faithful service to their church. For those who are wondering about other family connections, in case they want to be certain: Pastor Alvaro Zumel Roda was the father of Drs David and Prospero Roda and Pastor Antonino Zumel Roda was the father of Drs Samuel and Peter Roda.
Up and Running
Little Ponsing was reportedly only three months old when he first stood momentarily on his own tiny feet and sturdy legs. At seven months, he took his first steps without assistance. Henceforth, since he was a toddler, Alfonso was up and running.
Starting in primary school, through elementary, high school or academy, and past college in Baesa, Caloocan, Alfonso loved to play amateur basketball, excelled in swimming and biking, and competed in individual as well as doubles badminton, table and lawn tennis. During the years he served as college president, rounds of badminton with friends, faculty and graduate students at the college auditorium and especially tennis on the campus courts, seemed to soothe and relieve him of the pressures of administration.
Working His Way in Academia
In 1931, Ponsing was 9 years old when the Philippine Junior College, later Philippine Union College, transferred from Pasay to the Baesa campus in Caloocan, Rizal. His mother decided to move to Baesa with the entire family as well so all her children could complete their education, from elementary through college, in a Seventh-day Adventist Christian environment.
Not surprisingly, children of other pioneer Seventh-day Adventist pastor-evangelists were among their closest friends. Dr Reuben G. Manalaysay fondly remembers his late contemporary, Eduardo, as a “voracious reader” and “deep thinker”. Alfonso and Arturo (Turing), fourth and last of the Roda siblings, respectively, sat in Prof Manalaysay’s physics and chemistry classes; thus, Dr Man is probably the best judge of the boys’ relative academic achievement. For all we know, on the one hand, prior to starting his medical studies, Arturo served briefly as a student for about two and a half years as a teaching assistant in the science department. Alfonso, on the other hand, was twice accelerated, skipping two grades of elementary school.
Academically, although he still excelled in some subjects, high school wasn’t the best time for Alfonso to shine. Evidently, interest in amateur sports, music and girlfriends provided sufficient motivations for him to stay in school. Nevertheless, he completed in record time a two-year Associate in Commercial Science (ACS) degree that included required subjects such as typing and stenography. With another student, he entered and won a national competition in dictation and transcription.
In 1940, shortly before war broke out on this side of the Pacific, Alfonso started his denominational assignment in the accounting department of the Philippine Union Mission headquarter in Pasay. Soon, as the Japanese army took control of the Philippine Islands, he was appointed treasurer of the South-Central Luzon Mission in Lucena. When peace was restored, following the liberation of his country from enemy rule, he was still working and out of school. He needed additional science credits so he could complete a four-year baccalaureate degree. It was his former professor, Reuben G. Manalaysay, who assigned Arturo to guide and otherwise tutor big brother Alfonso. With a BA from his alma mater, he was soon called to West Visayan Academy where he spent a year of teaching.
In 1947, Alfonso boarded an ocean liner bound for the U.S.A. and traveled to the SDA Theological Seminary in Takoma Park, Maryland, near Washington, D.C., for a Master’s degree. There he took up residence in Elder L. V. Finster’s garage, pumped gas and washed cars at a service station, picked grapes and what fruits were in season as a hired hand in orchards around Takoma Park, and did other odd jobs while he worked his way to earn his first post-graduate diploma.
Music
Arguably, prior to Reuben G. Manalaysay and after him, no president of our school has equaled Dr Man’s achievement as an accomplished instrumentalist in violin and piano. Nevertheless, Dr. Alfonso P. Roda modeled the same classic taste for a music culture that nurtured the hearts and minds of their students and contemporaries.
By and large, each of the Manalaysay and Roda children was musically inclined. As a college student, Alfonso sang with a male quartet that called themselves The Ambassadors. When Elton Wallace subsequently founded an all-male chorus, he adopted the quartet's stage name, and Ponsing and the other members of his former quartet gladly joined forces with the other singers that formed the new all-male choral group. Another avenue that made it possible for him to apply his musical gifts was as director-conductor of the PUC Church Choir. A supporter of the National Philharmonic Orchestra, he not infrequently took time off from a crowded schedule in the president’s office in order to watch and listen to its concert season’s live performances with nationally and internationally renowned soloists at the Philamlife Auditorium.
Marriage
Returning with a Master’s degree from the SDA Theological Seminary and teaching history and Bible for his alma mater, Prof Roda was past 30 years old when he seriously contemplated finding a suitable mate. In 1952, he married a pretty, young (with 8 years between him and her) nurse – Lydia Tabucol. Incidentally, all the male members of her clan had officially changed their surname to Fernando, except for the women who were prompted to adopt a name change for themselves by marrying a husband whose family name sounded better.
Andy, Ralphy, and Bong
To Prof Roda and Lydia, the "first couple" on campus, were born three boys, namely, in order of birth: Ferdinand (Andy) Jonathan, Ralph (Ralphy) Reginald, and Reginald (Bong) Todd. Sadly, the middle son, 3 year-old Ralphy, was killed in a freak accident on the old Baesa campus of Philippine Union College.
While raising a family, Lydia was a clinical instructor in PUC's School of Nursing. At other times, she and her son Andy, or with son Bong instead of Andy, accompanied her husband when he was upgrading abroad. She worked as a nurse while her husband and son were busy at school. Eventually the family returned and reconnected with PUC. Andy and Bong grew to adulthood and graduated as alumni of the educational institution whose growth their father eagerly strove to promote--Philippine Union College, which is now a continuing realization of their father's dream as the Adventist University of the Philippines.
* * *
By Arturo P. Roda, MD
Soon after their baptism in 1911, Leon and Bibiano were mentored by the same L. V. Finster who was instrumental in their conversion to Adventism. Since Manila was where the SDA mission started, it was assumed that Tagalog would be their preferred medium of proclaiming the Advent message. In 1916, an ordination to the SDA ministry of Emilio Manalaysay and the brothers-in-law Leon and Bibiano, was officiated by L. V. Finster together with Elbridge M. Adams (and Elder Fattebert?) Years later, when I met Elder Adams he said that I (in reference to my physical features) reminded him of Bibiano.
The eldest of Tata Sergio’s 4 daughters died as a young child. The second daughter, Natividad (Naty) and the youngest, Fortunata (Baby), became nuns. The third, Visitacion (Vising or Bess) was a church musician-organist until her retirement. Bartolome (Tata Tommy), another younger brother of Leon who converted to SDA, soon left for the U.S.A. while still in his late teens. I was about 4 years old when he sailed away. Shortly, he wrote, saying: “I’ve lost my faith.” During WW2, he reportedly served with the Allied forces in Europe. When war was over, he returned briefly and stayed for a few weeks. He gave me U.S. $300, which was a substantial amount even in those days, saying it was not for my medical studies, but for me to spend as I pleased. We lost touch after that, never hearing from him again.
Eduardo was accelerated from Gr VI to Gr VII in mid-term, graduated valedictorian of Gr VII and awarded a real/genuine gold medal. He also graduated valedictorian of his PUC academy class. Alfonso was accelerated from Gr II to Gr III in midterm before he turned 7 years old. School administrators naturally thought he was too young to advance to Gr IV at 8 years of age, so they decided to keep him in Gr III for a full year before promoting him to Gr IV. (Incidentally, some years later, youngest brother Arturo was likewise accelerated from Gr IV to Gr V in midterm and graduated as high school valedictorian in PUC-Baesa). Although Alfonso did not graduate as valedictorian, neither in elementary nor high school, he excelled in math, geometry and bookkeeping. In college, together with Gerson Brion and Daniel Vizco, he was a recipient of the “Order of Gregg Artists”; “Gregg” being the shorthand for a stenography method. To my knowledge, no other PUC students since have received similar recognition.
Shortly before the war in the Pacific, Alfonso started his denominational service at the Philippine Union Mission office in Pasay. He bought a little motorcycle for transportation. (After office hours, he rode his motor bike to the University of the Philippines in Manila where he was enrolled in history and social science courses.) With Meliton Claveria and Romeo Brion, they took care of the union office books of accounts. When the Japanese army took over the union and hospital compounds, Eliseo Cupino took the place of M. Claveria after the latter was assigned to join the union officers, with Pastor Pedro Diaz as acting president, at their temporary headquarter in Binan, Laguna. In 1944, Alfonso was assigned to SCLM in Lucena and would not see his eldest brother Eduardo again. We did not hear from Alfonso until several months following the liberation of our country from Japanese rule. Regarding the required science credits in order for him to graduate with a BA from PUC, Dr Man assigned Alfonso 100 chemistry problems to solve.
Before the war, Alfonso and Vicente Villanueva were the two SDAs who sang with the chorus collaborating with the Philippine Symphony Orchestra that performed at the Metropolitan Theatre in Plaza Lawton, Manila. During the war, Eliseo Arevalo was director-conductor of a church choral group that performed at the Metropolitan Theatre. Alfonso’s quartet started as a PUC Junior Male Quartet alongside a PUC Senior Male Quartet, in light of the members being junior and senior college students, respectively. The seniors were Honesto Pascual, Luceno Quirante, Pablo Poblete, and (name) Ornedo. The juniors were Alfonso Roda, Dionisio (Diony) Bautista, Gerson Brion, and Napoleon Imperio or, alternately, Elias Umali. Later, in place of Nap and Elias, I joined the group as the fourth male voice. Our junior quartet was still around after the seniors had left. After all of us had graduated, Alfonso suggested we upgrade our name from “Junior Male Quartet” to “The Ambassadors”.
ADDITIONAL NOTE:
The following was the result of an interview with Dr Arturo Roda by Ray Puen during a recent (October 2010) Northern Luzon academies alumni ass'n convention held at the Loma Linda Filipino SDA Church.
Hi Lito,
Could you please forward the attachment to your uncle Art. I would like to request a check of all the names and facts before we submit the corrections for inclusion in another souvenir booklet we are putting out to replace the current edition. If possible, I would like to have this back on Monday, but that is easily possible by email. Thank the Lord for modern technology.
Blessings,
Ray
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Upper, L-R: Ben Siagian, Marciano Santiago, Jr., Nehemias Barnedo, Bert Moreno, Pangarisan (Paul) Sitompul, Epifanio (Nonoy) Alano, Alfonso Roda, Ricardo Salamante, Saw Eng Chuan, Arthur Kong, Gershon Brion;
Lower, L-R: Artemio Elumir, Daniel Alfanoso, Gerundio Ellacer, Nestor Zamora, Elmore Jornada, Elton H. Wallace, Edward Pan, Raymond Puen, Armando Espiritu, Juanito Villagomez, Domingo Villagomez
1957 P.U.C. Ambassadors Men's Chorus with Elton H. Wallace
Photo courtesy of Eunice M. Jornada
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The Origin of “Ambassadors” – first draft
Before the Second World War, Honesto Pascual, Sr. organized a male quartet which was widely referred to as the Senior Quartet (this curious term will make sense when you learn that the successor quartet was named the Junior Quartet). Included in that first musical singing group were Dionisio Bautista, first tenor, Pablo Poblete, 2nd tenor, Luceno Quirante, Baritone, and Silvino Decena, bass.
After the war, another quartet was formed. Dionisio Bautista stayed on as 1st tenor, second tenor rotated between Elias Umali and Napoleon Imperio, Alfonso P. Roda was baritone and Gershon Brion sang bass. They were dubbed the Junior Quartet.
The group metamorphosed into the Ambassador Quartet when two additions were made in Flaviano Dalisay, Jr. who became their first true bass voice, moving Gershon Brion to baritone, and the second tenor position was vacated by the Umali/Imperio tandem to make room for Arturo Roda, who sang 1st tenor, and his brother Alfonso moved up to 2nd tenor. The name “Ambassador Quartet” was suggested by Alfonso Roda.
In time, Arturo was going to move on to medical school and Gershon thought it would be a good idea to record this group before it broke up. It has earned accolades from all who heard them and they affirmed that this was a “good quartet.” Pastor Romulo booked the group for his evangelistic meetings.
Gershon Brion made arrangements with DZMB to record some of their repertoire. Alex Lacson, the recording engineer liked their vocal quality and recommended them for a weekly half hour program which they named the Chapel Hour. This became the first religions radio broadcast in the Philippines . After the group broke up, the program was passed on to PUC and it was expanded to an hour’s program. During that transition, the male quartet became a mixed quartet with Sally Magdamo sining soprano and Minerva Arit singing alto. Flaviano Dalisay, Jr. stayed on to sing bass and ______ sang tenor.
By this time they were known as the Chapel Hour Quartet. But the name Ambassadors Quartet, used however briefly and recommended by Alfonso Roda, experienced a renaissance when Elton Wallace organized a male chorus his first year on campus. One of his recruits was Alfonso Roda.
When it came time to name the group, Alfonso very naturally suggested Ambassadors and Elton liked it. It stuck. But no one really knew its beginnings until Alfonso’s younger brother Arturo reminisced about this in a recent interview. He is the only living connection between the quartets on both sides of the world war and today’s edition.
Now you know where “Ambassadors” came from.
Ray Puen
* * *
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| P.U.C Music Department: Standing, L-R: Romeo Brion, Paz Milaor Poblete, Alfonso P. Roda, Luz Santos Arcilla Seated: Emilia G. Manalaysay |
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| East Gate, 1966 |
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| Jackson-Sevrens Chapel in the background, 1975 |
FAR EASTERN DIVISION OUTLOOK, VOLUME FORTY-SIX APRIL, 1960 NUMBER FOUR
p 4
FAR EASTERN DIVISION OUTLOOK, VOLUME FORTY-SIX NOVEMBER, 1960 NUMBER ELEVEN
p 2
REVIEW AND HERALD, April 16, 19 64
p21FAR EASTERN DIVISION OUTLOOK July, 1964
Vol 50, No 7, p 14
FAR EASTERN DIVISION OUTLOOK June, 1965 Vol 51, No 6
pp 18, 19
REVIEW AND HERALD, September 23, 1965 Vol 142, No 38
FAR EASTERN DIVISION OUTLOOK October, 1965 Vol 51, No 10
FAR EASTERN DIVISION OUTLOOK September, 1965 Vol 51, No 9
p 5
REVIEW AND HERALD, January 13, 1966 Vol 143, No 2
REVIEW AND HERALD, July 28, 1966 Vol 143, No 36
REVIEW AND HERALD, August 4, 1966 Vol 143, No 37
p 15
REVIEW AND HERALD, November 3, 1966 Vol 143, No 50
p 54
FAR EASTERN DIVISION OUTLOOK March, 1973
p 10
FAR EASTERN DIVISION OUTLOOK March, 1975
p 13
REVIEW, MAY 11, 1978
pp 4, 5
ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 8, 1981
pp 18-21
