Wesleyan University-Philippines (WUP) marked November as its Milestones and Achievements Month, the fourth installment in the eight-month celebration of its 80th Founding Anniversary, which featured Almusalo-salo (Community Camaraderie Breakfast Potluck), Thanksgiving Worship, Milestones and Achievements Gallery Competition, and the Mimic and Melody: Wesleyan Icons Edition Competition, all held on November 28, 2025.

The whole-day celebration began with the Community Camaraderie Breakfast Potluck (Almusalo-salo), held at the University Gym at 7:00 a.m., which gathered employees and student representatives for a shared meal symbolizing unity within the community.

This was immediately followed by the Achievements & Milestones Thanksgiving Worship at the Ecumenical Chapel. Here, Dr. Irineo G. Alvaro, University President, highlighted the spirit of gratitude that marks the month of November.

“Ang November po ay panahon ng pasasalamat. This is our way of expressing our gratitude to the One above. Expressing our utmost thanks sa Kaniyang walang sawang pagpapala sa atin,” he noted.

Mr. John Laurence M. Parial, October 2025 CPA Licensure Examination Top 9 and CBA alumnus, joined the WUP community as the guest speaker during the Thanksgiving Worship.

“Ang tagumpay ay hindi lamang sa pinakamatalino, pinakamabilis, o pinaka-nakakabilib na tao. Ang tunay na tagumpay ay para sa mga hindi sumuko,” he underscored in his message.

He shared that his journey to becoming a CPA was not devoid of challenges, describing it as ‘messy, unpredictable, and full of disappointments.’ He recounted how he had to discipline himself, studying from 8:00 a.m. until midnight, and noted his realization from his experience, saying, “You don’t have to be the smartest. You just need to be consistent.”

Video presentations highlighting the successes of the Support for the Handicapped and Their Rehabilitation through Education (SHARE) Program, Wesley Divinity School (WDS), College of Medicine (COM), John Wesley School of Law and Governance (JWSLG), and WUP Hospital were also showcased during the worship.

The celebrations continued with the Achievements and Milestones Gallery competition, where the colleges, including the Preschool, Elementary, and High School, showcased their accomplishments through interactive booths.

At 5:00 PM, the Mimic and Melody: The Wesleyan Icons Edition competition, an event celebrating WUP’s rich heritage through music, storytelling, and performance, took stage at the University Sports and Cultural Center.

Contestants brought to life notable Wesleyan icons—individuals whose contributions have shaped the University’s history and mission—while performing songs that reflected their chosen icons’ era and character.

Mrs. Pastora R. Rosale (former University Registrar and alumna), Dr. Apolinar M. Alfonson (former Director of WESCOP, Quality Assurance, and RDPO; College of Business and Accountancy Dean; WUPFSA President; and alumnus), and Mrs. Julie V. Cabling (former OIC-University Registrar and alumna) served as judges in the Milestones and Achievements Gallery and Mimic and Melody: The Wesleyan Icons Edition competitions.

The gallery contest concluded with the College of Education (COED) claiming first place, followed by the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) in second place, and the College of Business and Accountancy (CBA) taking third place.

In the Mimic and Melody: The Wesleyan Icons Edition Competition, Mr. Ronnie Joseph Odulio, faculty from the College of Business and Accountancy (CBA), who personified Dr. Emmanuel G. Cleto (WUP’s 7th President), won first place. Mr. John Carlo Villa, faculty from the College of Education (COED), who acted as Judge Benjamin Turgano (ret) (WUP’s 12th President), placed second, and Mr. Marvin B. Lipana, Senior High School faculty, who mimicked Prof. Manuel G. Palomo (WUP’s 11th President), secured third place.

Other icons featured in the competition included Rev. Carlos Mañacop, Sr. (2nd President) by Engr. Harry Bert Rolle (CECT), Dr. Asuncion Perez (4th President) by Ms. Mylene De Joya (CCJE), Dr. Fidel Galang (5th President) by Dr. Ruben Quitolbo (CAS), Dr. Zenaida Lumba (8th President) by Ms. Elizabeth Eduardo (CHTM), Atty. Guillermo Maglaya (9th President) by Dr. Juantio Leabres, Jr. (CON), and Mr. Pacifico Aniag (11th President) by Mr. Cris John C Sardañas (Elementary).

Dr. Gladys P. Mangiduyos (VP for Administration and Planning), together with Ms. Crystalyn Galindo (OSA Director), Ms. Laira Joy dela Cruz, and Ms. Rizzalyn Mariden Relusco, rendered a surprise dance number, while Dr. Wilfredo C. Ramos (VP for Academic Affairs) morphed as Florante and sang Handog.
Dr. Cleto, 96, graced the event and joined the winner during the awarding.

The committee for the November celebration was headed by the VPAA. Dr. Carissa Juliana Balaria (chair for Community Camaraderie Breakfast Potluck), Prof. Kay Ann Tongol (chair for Milestones and Achievements Gallery), Ms. Mary Jane Caliz (chair for Mimic and Melody: The Wesleyan Icons Edition).

Article by Ayumi San Cai Valerio (PIO)
Photos by John Carlo Dauz and LensCab Photography