Bulacao, Talisay City, Cebu (June 21, 2025)—Adventist Academy Cebu (ACC) continued its third day of the 95th Founding Anniversary and Grand Alumni Homecoming with Sabbath worship and a gala dinner.
The alumni and faculty, with the addition of family and regular church members, gathered at the jam-packed worship hall of Adventist Academy Cebu International Church for a memorable Sabbath experience.
The day commenced with a special Sabbath School program, which continued throughout the divine worship, featuring the alumni as participants.
A few hours later, the “divine hour” presented God’s mouthpiece, Pastor Eliezer “Joer” Barlizo Jr., president of the Central Philippine Union Conference.
An alumnus himself, Dr. Francis Pangan, tasked with the speaker introduction, weaved briefly through his past as a student in AAC and his history of “not taking high school studies seriously.”
Pangan pointed out, instead, that the latter got a reputation as a top-performing drummer of a local band, which was where his leadership skills started to show.
Pangan presented the introduction uniquely, likening him to Steve Jobs, who, despite his insincerity in his studies, became one of the most successful men around the globe.
“My dear fellow brothers and sisters, our speaker is the Steve Jobs of AAC, Pastor Eliezer “Joer” Barlizo, Jr.” Barlizo stood up, and his big surprise, etched in his facial expression, elicited laughter from the congregation.
He scratched his head and exclaimed, “Diin man kaha sya nanguha ato.” (Where did he get those?) Referring to the introduction earned him another round of laughter.
His message echoed the kind of leadership Pangan defined, centered around the event’s theme, “Upholding Excellence Through Committed Service.”
Barlizo discussed the true meaning of excellence, linking it to the rewards of unfailing dedication to serving God. He also defined service as one without expecting personal gain or ulterior motives.
He stated that God does not consider one’s sinful past, using Dismas’ life and his offer of salvation at the cross as examples. “Only God has the right to judge the innermost motives of our hearts,” he said.
The afternoon program featured personal testimonies and shared experiences from working students, couples who began their love journey at AAC, and alumni whose successes were shaped by their education and training at their Alma Mater.
Justice Ken Francisco, the treasurer of AAC, hosted the lively program in a talk show format, igniting nostalgia and excitement in the atmosphere.
“The way we were was vastly different from today. Our parents were strict, perhaps because of their experiences during the war,” Eve Sumicad, an alumna (Batch 1955), told the audience how strict the school administrators were.
Others also chimed in with their similar experiences, relating their past experiences with their high school flames.
At the end of the afternoon program, the discussion centered on how alumni can help uphold the school’s reputation and contribute to its development.
As the Sabbath program closed, it led the alumni and the faculty into an evening dinner for a cause.
The gala and entertainment segment provided a relaxed atmosphere for attendees, featuring games that veered the players into reminiscing about their high school life.
The organizers also held an “Awards & Recognition Ceremony,” celebrating the alumni’s achievements and contributions to the school.
The evening culminated in a short discussion and open forum on how the alumni can contribute to the school’s development, what should be the best funding strategies, and how the school can gather more funds for its school projects, especially with the soon construction of the girl’s dormitory.
Among the alumni who shared suggestions were Pastor Joel Aganan, Adventist Hospital-Cebu’s vice president for operations and management; Joven T. Arcelo, AH-Cebu’s health care experience officer; and Eve Sumicad, a retired denominational worker.
As the night ended, most alumni and faculty looked forward to the upcoming activities. Officially opened on Thursday, the celebration will conclude on June 23, 2025.
By Chantelle Nogra /AAC Student