From all over the world, alumni of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) College of Nursing Class of 1993 gathered at the Wonders Retreat Pavillion at Epcot, Disneyworld, Orlando Florida, last July 14.
Said Funfare’s New York-based “beauty expert” Felix Manuel (himself a UST nursing alumnus) who filed this report, “I consider the Class of 1993 as the “crown” of the UST College of Nursing, having produced the most number of honors which is still unsurpassed up to this day. We had one summa cum laude, 11 magna cum laude and 66 cum laude. During the National Licensure Exam for Nurses, 73 alumni garnered spots in the list of the Top 20.”
A pageant aficionado, Felix has been involved in the Mr. & Ms. Nursing Search during his four-year stay in the college. He is proud that his batch has produced two Mister Nursing winners (Jon Edano in 1991 and Roderick Mackay in 1992) and a Miss Nursing (the late Jennifer Linsangan, batch’s summa cum laude and fourth placer in the board exam).
Mia Milagros Javelosa, Gemith Gemparo, Sandra Aguinaldo, John Lapus
“There were also several others who have placed as runners-up in the search,” recalled Felix, including Falconeri Hernandez, first runner-up 1991; Richard Santos, first runner-up 1992; Sheila Perjes, second runner-up 1991; Carmela Piczon, second runner-up 1992; and Catherine Howard, first runner-up 1992.
“I have always dreamed of seeing a Miss Nursing be crowned Miss UST, but it never happened during my time,” added Felix. “In 2007, I sat as a judge for the Mr. & Ms. Nursing and the lady who was crowned that night, Beatriz Borlaza, eventually won Miss UST, ending the 30-year drought for the college. Maricar Raval won the first-ever Miss UST search in 1977. It is interesting to note that Michelle Aldana, Mutya ng Pilipinas 1993/Miss Asia-Pacific 1993 was our batchmate. She was a semi-finalist and Miss Photogenic during the 1989 Miss Nursing tilt. She transferred to UP the following year.”
Being passionate about beauty pageants, Felix chose two sets of winners for the silver anniversary.
Jeanne Therese Plata Hilario, Ron de Castro, Mutya Crisostomo Laxa, Gladys Duenas
“I first chose the winners (George Emmanuel Santiago and Beverly Sabado Santiago) from the 20th reunion. I wasn’t able to attend but I have reviewed the pictures and videos to crown the winners of the 25th year. Dr. Luciano Eleazar “Luel” Lorenzana and Marian Elchico emerged as winners. Reginald Antonio and Karen Therese Manuel were first runners-up, while Gerald Gonzales and Malou Espinas were second runners-up. Mickey Mouse also made an appearance during the reunion, making it truly a magical experience for the Silver Jubilarians. Our batchmate, Assistant Dean Rowena Chua, assisted in the crowning of the winners.”
According to Felix, if you browse the Thomasian 1993, UST’s official yearbook, you will see familiar faces. UST 1993 has produced the most number of national beauty title-holders and some celebrities. Record-wise, UST has produced nearly 50 national title holders (all coming from one campus only), namely….
Silver anniversary Mr. & Ms. Nursing Dr. Luel Lorenzana and Marian Elchico Galinato
• Jeanne Therese Plata Hilario (Chemical Engineering): Miss UST 1989/Bb. Pilipinas-Maja/Miss Maja Internacional second runner-up;
• Gemith Gonzaga Gemparo (BS Math): Mutya ng Pilipinas-World 1991/Miss Model of the World winner 1992;
• Mutya Crisostomo Laxa (Mass Communication): Bb. Pilipinas 1990 first runner-up/Mutya ng Pilipinas 1990/Miss Asia Pacific 1992 second runer-up;
• Ma. Milagros Javelosa (Medicine): Bb. Pilipinas Tourism 1990;
• Jonathan “Sweet” Lapus (HRM): Actor;
• Ron de Castro: Model/Mannequin Philippines winner 1996;
• Sandra Aguinaldo (Journalism): news anchor/journalist; and
• Gladys Duenas: Bb. Pilipinas International 1995 (from Class of 1994, as 1993 Miss UST, she was featured in the Thomasian 1993).
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