A round of applause for Bedans

MANILA, Philippines - True to its theme “Celebrating Bedan Achievement,” the annual Red and White Ball spearheaded recently by the San Beda College Alumni Association (SBCAA) once again honored outstanding men and women.

Elevated to the Sports Hall of Fame were Eduardo Marquez-Lim (Football), Virgilio Arellano (Football) and Venancio “Benjie” Paras Jr. (Basketball).

The Sen. Raul S. Roco Award for Public Service Excellence was given to Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista, while Eric Cruz received the Esty G. Juco Award.

Willard P. Grant and Dr. Zaldy Tan were chosen Outstanding Overseas Bedans. Fourteen Distinguished Bedans were also honored: Supreme Court of the Philippines Associate Justice Jose Mendoza (Law), Johnny Abad (Fashion), Major General Arturo Carrillo (Military Service), Actor Jose Sixto “Dingdong” Dantes (Entertainment), Club Filipino president lawyer Roberto De Leon (Business), Abiva Publishing House, Inc., president Jorge Garcia (Publishing), San Beda College of Law dean Virgilio Jara (Education), Daniel Javier of the famous Apo Hiking Society (Entertainment), Ephraim Jose (Arts & Culture), Ernesto Lim (Business), Cebu City Mayor Michael “Mike” Rama (Government Service), SGV partner Gerard Sanvictores (Accounting), Nueva Ecija Gov. Aurelio Umali (Government Service) and Edgardo Vazquez (Real Estate).

Women of Service awardees included CHED chairperson Dr. Patricia Licuanan and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio. Special Award for her quiet courage during the 2010 Bar exam blast Joanna Katrina Ledda; Special Citation for COMELEC chairman, lawyer Sixto Brillantes Jr. and the Golden Mentor awardee Rev. Fr. Benigno Benabarre, OSB; lawyer Reinier Paul Yebra (first placer, 2009 Bar exams); lawyer Charlene Mae Tapic (second placer, 2009 Bar exams) and Marvin Martija (seventh placer, October 2010 CPA Board exams).

Dr. Manuel V. Pangilinan, chairman of the board, sponsored once again the traditional Red and White Ball.