2015 Philippine Yearbook launch•

MANILA, Philippines - Continuing its tradition of delivering thought-provoking works since 1936, The Fookien Times is proud to announce the launch of The 2015 Philippines Yearbook today at the Rigodon Ballroom of The Peninsula Manila. This edition was written and edited by Jade Lopez with the theme, “The True NGO.” In the book, Lopez tackles the struggles and successes of various non-governmental organizations in the Philippines.

The conception of the book came from publisher Vernon Go and Happee Sy-Go. But editor Lopez said “as I talked to experts on NGOs and NGO leaders, the topic was not so simple.

“First there are literally hundreds of thousands of NGOs in the Philippines, some estimates put them at over 500,000. In order to narrow down the topic and give the Yearbook some direction, I decided to limit the NGOs we’d feature to those that did developmental work among the poor and marginalized sectors of Philippine society, and only those NGOs that were independent of the church, government and most importantly organized, run and staffed by Filipinos.”

The final result is a collection of inspiring stories and accounts from the staff of different NGOs and their beneficiaries. The book is available in all major bookstores across the country. For subscription inquiries please email [email protected] or call 727-4957.

The event will feature the musical stylings of The Bloomfields, a Filipino band known for delivering their own renditions of songs made popular by the likes of the Beatles, Little Richard, Stevie Wonder and more. Selected guests are invited to attend this celebration of today’s heroes who work towards the betterment of their countrymen’s lives.

New San Jose Builders acquires MLQU

Real estate developer New San Jose Builders Inc. (NJSBI) has acquired Manuel L. Quezon University (MLQU) in Quiapo, Manila, one of the Philippines’ notable institutions in the study of law and jurisprudence.

In a press conference, NSJBI co-chairman Isagani Germar said that the acquisition of the university is driven by their objective of providing Filipinos with all the basic needs for a gratifying life.

“The company commits itself to building not just homes and developments that last, but also nationalistic, competent, educated and upright Filipinos imbued with the spirit of selflessness and committed service to society,” Germar said.

MLQU, which was 100-percent acquired by NSJBI, was founded 1947 by Leoncio Monzon together with 18 professors from their previous school. The university began at an old building along the corner of Mendiola and Legarda streets in Manila with 643 Law students. In 1958, it was granted university status.

The school’s vision was inspired by the words of former Philippine Commonwealth president Manuel L. Quezon: “I believe that education is the right of all citizens. An educated people are needed to ensure the upliftment of the masses and the creation of wealth for all.” This inspiration is the spirit within the school’s motto Pro Patria et Jure (For Country and Law).

Since its foundation, MLQU has been distinguished for its competent program in Law and Jurisprudence, producing several men and women known for their valuable contribution in the country’s legal history. These include seven Supreme Court justices, namely Venicio Escolin, Isagani Cruz, Jose Melo, Jose Vitug, Leonardo Quisumbing, Ruben Reyes and Martin Villarama.

Other well-known MLQU alumni include current and former Cabinet members such as Voltaire Gazmin, Rosalinda Baldoz, Alberto Romulo, Ricardo Puno Sr., Artemio Tuquero and Guillermo de Vega, as well as former senators Blas Ople and Wigberto Tañada and former Manila mayor Antonio Villegas.

Aside from Law, the university is also recognized for its programs in Criminology, Accountancy, Commerce, Business Administration, Engineering, Architecture, Education, Political Science, Journalism, Foreign Service, Psychology and Information Technology. It also has a commendable Basic Education and Graduate Studies program.

With NSJBI’s acquisition of MLQU, Germar said that it will continue to espouse excellence and preserve the legacy of the university.

“We commit to help build the legacy that we want to retain for MLQU. We are building the legacy of excellence, the legacy of greatness and the legacy of becoming an outstanding institution,” Germar said.

He also expressed hope that the students would be inspired by the school’s alumni to pursue excellence on their own.

“Let us not forget how they brought significant change to the society and the legacy they made throughout the course of our history. With every milestone they achieve, they are truly becoming MLQU’s ambassadors,” Germar said.