Latest news with #UniversityofSantoTomas
GMA Network
5 days ago
- Climate
- GMA Network
UST baccalaureate mass rescheduled to May 31 due to heavy rain
The University of Santo Tomas (UST) has announced that the Baccalaureate Mass, originally scheduled for May 30, has been rescheduled to Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. due to inclement weather. The Office of the Secretary-General issued the advisory late Friday afternoon as rains, brought on by the start of the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat), continued to drench Metro Manila. "We wish everyone a safe way home," the statement read. The Baccalaureate Mass is a long-standing tradition at UST, serving as a solemn sendoff for graduating students. The rescheduling aims to ensure the safety and comfort of all participants. The unexpected weather coincided with the official announcement from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), declaring the start of the Southwest Monsoon, locally known as Habagat. 'Recent weather analysis has shown the persistence of low-level southwesterly winds over the western section of Luzon and the Frontal System over Extreme Northern Luzon. These developments indicate the beginning of the Southwest Monsoon in the Philippines,' PAGASA said in its May 30 bulletin. As Habagat takes hold, more frequent rains and thunderstorms are expected across the western parts of the country, including Metro Manila, where UST is located. PAGASA warned that these conditions may lead to flash floods and rain-induced landslides, particularly during intense rainfall.—Sherylin Untalan/LDF, GMA Integrated News
CNA
13-05-2025
- Politics
- CNA
CNA938 Rewind - Pope Leo calls for end to all wars in first Sunday message
CNA938 Rewind Pope Leo has called for an end to all wars, in his first Sunday blessing as pontiff. It marks an indication of his priorities as he begins his papacy. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman look at what else is high on his agenda as he begins his role as the leader of the Catholic church. For that, they speak with Leo-Martin Angelo R. Ocampo, Institute of Religion, Center for Theology, Religious Studies, and Ethics, University of Santo Tomas.
Korea Herald
01-05-2025
- Korea Herald
Filipino street kid now in college recalls encounter with Pope Francis
MANILA, Philippines (Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN) — Jun Chura, a second-year college student at the University of Santo Tomas, was enjoying the last day of the Holy Week break before classes resumed. He was doomscrolling that day when he read the news of Pope Francis' death. The 23-year-old did not believe the news at first, although he had been following developments regarding the Holy Father's health — from the time he was hospitalized on Feb. 14 to his discharge more than a month later until his last public appearance on Easter Sunday. But when he read more posts that indeed Pope Francis had died, he realized it was true. "I was just frozen in disbelief," Chura recalled to the Inquirer. "It was as if an important part of me had also died. All the memories I had with him 10 years ago flashed before my eyes. And I realized I was fortunate that I was able to meet him and hug him — I had been blessed from then on." Chura and Glyzelle Palomar were the two street children among the four youths who gave their messages to Pope Francis during the "Encounter with the Youth" at UST on Jan. 18, 2015, the fourth of the Pontiff's five-day visit to the Philippines. The two kids were beneficiaries of Catholic Church-supported Tulay Ng Kabataan Foundation. Chura was only 9 years old when he and his younger brother ran away from home. His father was jailed at that time and his stepmother was neglecting their needs, he said. Out on the streets for a year, he saw fellow street children getting addicted to drugs or getting high on "rugby" just to get the day by. Others resorted to stealing, prostitution and other means to survive. They were only fortunate because a street educator from Tulay Ng Kabataan found them. Seeing through tears Chura's harrowing experience along with Palomar's probing questions — "Why does God allow us children to suffer even if we are not doing anything wrong? Why are only a few people helping us?" — prompted Pope Francis to set aside his prepared speech and give the children an impromptu message. The Pope acknowledged that their questions were "deep down almost unanswerable." But he reminded the faithful not to be afraid to shed tears amid their hardships, saying that "we can only see more clearly through eyes washed by tears." Chura admitted that, at that time, he did not understand what Pope Francis meant. "I was too young back then and, to be honest, I was not good at understanding even the English translation of Pope Francis' message in Spanish," he recalled. "But I understood everything after he embraced us. It was the hug of a father I had always longed for. It was warm and it reassured us that everything will be all right." In broadcasts of that visit, Chura could be seen smiling awkwardly, trying to comfort the crying Palomar. He was also filled with emotion but could not shed a tear — at least not yet. "I promised myself when I left our home that I would not cry until I could meet my mother again," he said. Helping other street kids After that encounter with the Pope, Chura said something in him changed deeply. "Pope Francis left a lasting impact on me. I became closer to God. I pray and read the Bible diligently. I study very hard. I feel blessed but I want to prove that I am worthy of being blessed. And I want to share this blessing with other people, especially my family and other street children," he said. In June that year, months after the Pope's visit, Chura had another blessing — the Archdiocese of Manila agreed to shoulder his education from high school until his graduation from college. Chura said he never saw himself as a student enrolled at UST. "It is a school only for the rich and the smart ones. At that time, I did not think that I deserved to be there," he said. He finished high school in 2023 and is now completing a degree in mathematics. Chura still lives at a shelter of Tulay Ng Kabataan. In his free time, he and other college students help impart their education, teaching the growing number of children also being helped by the foundation. He said it was through God's grace and his encounter with Pope Francis that he is finally closer to fulfilling his promise to the Holy Father — to finish his studies and help his family and other street children. "A few more years, and hopefully I can become a teacher. I want to help my family get out of poverty, and I want to help other street children at Tulay Ng Kabataan," he said. Reuniting with his mother Chura had also been praying to God that he would finally meet his mother whom he had never seen. After he joined group chats in 2019 with people who also had his surname, a woman messaged him who turned out to be his aunt, his mother's sister. Chura said his mother had also been looking for him for years. Even if she had a new family, he said he was only "very happy" to be reconnected with her. "She even told me that she watched Pope Francis' visit on TV. She said she saw my face but did not know that I was her son." Chura said his encounter with Francis made his prayers more fervent and his yearning for her mother's embrace stronger. "I am thankful that I met Pope Francis. He changed the lives of many people, including me. I would not be where I want to be had I not met him." "It is just unfortunate that he will not be able to see me finish my studies as I had promised. I would have wanted to show him that the street kid that he met in 2015 is now doing well and thriving, that I am keeping my word to help other street children like me," he said.
Gulf News
29-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf News
Purpose over profit: How a Filipina entrepreneur in Dubai is redefining success through social impact
Dubai: In a bustling city renowned for its skyscrapers, luxury, and relentless ambition, one Filipina entrepreneur is quietly building something far more powerful than a business —she's building hope. From her beginnings in the Philippines as a licensed stockbroker to becoming the managing director of Dagaz HR Consultancy in the UAE, Cristina Calaguian's journey isn't just about career growth—it's about transformation. What started as a quest for stability and success has evolved into a mission to create meaningful change. Along the way, Calaguian discovered that true fulfillment lies not in the number of contracts signed, but in the lives uplifted—students working their way through school, families breathing a little easier, and communities finding renewed purpose. This is the story of a woman who turned every challenge into a stepping stone and every opportunity into a platform for good. Her journey is not just inspiring—it's a call to action. From humble beginnings to impact leader Calaguian graduated with a BA in Economics from the University of Santo Tomas, and now in her final term pursuing a Master of Public Management at the University of the Philippines Open University, she's always believed in the power of education—and evolution. Her early years were marked by a successful 13-year run as a licensed stockbroker in the Philippines. But when she moved to the UAE in 2003, the shift was seismic. From financial consultant to immigration adviser, to business development in advertising, she was constantly adapting. Then came 2011—a pivotal year. 'I started Dagaz HR Consultancy to help people of determination find work and provide career management training, but at first, it was just a business,' she reflects. 'Then, somewhere along the way, something shifted. I started craving something more meaningful.' That moment of clarity marked a turning point, transforming her mission from pure profit to a deeper purpose. A passion rooted in the Philippines Calaguian's drive to help others began long before she moved to the UAE. "Being a single mom wasn't easy—there were moments of delayed tuition fees and late allowances. It was embarrassing, but we always found humor in it. I'd tell my kids, 'Life's like a comedy sitcom; don't take it too seriously.'" However, it was in 2011, when she attended the Ateneo Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship program, that her perspective truly shifted. 'It opened my eyes to the power of social entrepreneurship—not just making money, but making a real difference.' What began as simple volunteer work in the program soon grew into a powerful mission. "I realised I wanted to create a business model with social impact, one that could help our society." That seed of purpose, planted during her time volunteering, has since blossomed into a life-changing advocacy—a mission that's now transforming lives and building a brighter future for others. A breakthrough for students: Creating income and hope Four years ago, a conversation with two digital nomad entrepreneurs from the UK and US sparked a game-changing idea: what if Filipino students could work part-time online to fund their education? What started with just five students has now grown to over 80, with some even securing full-time roles after graduation. But the impact goes beyond just financial support. When they finally met some of these students last year, the stories were nothing short of inspiring. Children of Filipino Overseas Workers (OFWs), farmers, nannies, and single parents shared their gratitude. One student said, 'Thank you for giving me hope,' while another proudly shared how she paid for both her own and her brother's tuition. The heartfelt thanks from parents were a powerful reminder that this initiative is changing lives, one student at a time. Mastering the balance: Businesswoman, mother, mentor How does Calaguian balance family, business, and school while leading a purpose-driven company? The answer, she says, lies in mastering boundaries. 'I don't work on weekends,' she shares, 'I completely disconnect—no emails, no messages, unless it's an emergency, and even then, my family will call me directly.' Calaguian focuses on what matters most: meeting people, managing her priorities, making time for self-care. She's learned to delegate tasks and concentrate on what she does best, which drives her business forward. With a clear and realistic schedule, she ensures her professional life doesn't overshadow her personal well-being. Yoga, meditation, beach walks, and reading are her ways of staying grounded. And perhaps most importantly, Calaguian has embraced the power of saying "No"—a practice that allows her to focus on what truly aligns with her values and goals. Breaking stereotypes, one win at a time Calaguian faced unique challenges as a Filipina entrepreneur in the UAE. 'People expected me to work in service roles, not as a business owner,' she recalls. 'I had to prove myself twice as hard to earn respect.' But instead of backing down, she turned these obstacles into opportunities for growth. Calaguian learned to speak louder than bias, remain consistent, and reshape her own narrative. Starting a business brought moments of self-doubt and isolation, but she pushed through with unwavering courage. 'Setbacks aren't failures—they're lessons,' she says. 'Building confidence takes time, and each small victory along the way adds to that strength. Surround yourself with the right network, and celebrate every win—it's all part of the journey to success.' Big dreams, bold steps Calaguian's professional goals are nothing short of ambitious. She's determined to not only sustain her growing business but scale it—helping even more students and families along the way. 'By the end of the year, we aim to support 150 students. That's 150 families we're empowering,' she shares with passion. Her vision is clear: to gain more business support for her mission and provide meaningful mentorship to the students who depend on it. On a personal note, her dream is refreshingly simple: 'More quality time with my family,' she says. 'Life's too short to miss the moments that matter.' For Calaguian, maintaining her physical and mental health isn't just a priority—it's the foundation that allows her to share her talents and make an even greater impact on the world around her. To future entrepreneurs: Your story is your superpower Calaguian's message to aspiring changemakers—especially women and overseas Filipinos—is as powerful as it is inspiring: 'Start now. Don't wait for perfect,' she urges. 'Use your story as fuel and take action. Action brings clarity, while overthinking only creates doubts and worries. Test your ideas, even if they're small. Every step forward will guide you to your next big move.' She reminds us that everyone has a story to tell, and it's our unique experiences that can drive change. 'Let empathy be your compass,' she says. 'Listen to what your community needs, solve real problems, and deliver with honesty.' But it's not just about vision—it's about connection. 'Build a strong, supportive network. Surround yourself with people who will help you grow and challenge you to go further. Success isn't a solo journey. The right connections will open doors you never imagined.' Calaguian's mantra is simple yet profound: 'Work from your heart, not just for profit. Good things happen to good people. Always be kind, grateful, and generous with your time and energy. That's how you make a lasting impact.' Her story is a powerful reminder that success isn't measured by wealth but by the lives you touch. From humble beginnings to becoming a beacon of hope for countless students, she proves that when purpose drives your actions, the impact is far-reaching. Calaguian's journey encourages all entrepreneurs to embrace their unique stories and use them as a platform for change. By focusing on community, empathy, and action, she shows that the greatest achievements are the ones that uplift others.
The Star
26-04-2025
- Climate
- The Star
Folk in Tacloban City, Philippines send off Pope Francis with gratitude
TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte (Philippines): Saturday morning in this coastal city starts out like it usually does — initially foggy, followed by a gentle breeze, and then with a blistering heat of the summer sun by noon. The city has been on a steady path of recovery ever since Super Typhoon Yolanda barreled through Eastern Visayas in 2013, which led to thousands of deaths, massive destruction, and displaced families. Memories haunt residents though, with some people still refusing to recall details of the harrowing ordeal. But as if a reminder that 10 years ago, someone stood by them to remind them that they are not alone — rain fell down in Tacloban, just like when the head of the Roman Catholic Church visited to share in the pain of his flock. Pope Francis may have passed away, but Tacloban residents would forever be grateful for the simple yet touching gesture of listening to their pleas and understanding their suffering. On Saturday (April 26), Tacloban and Eastern Visayas come together again to remember Francis, as funeral rites will be held in the Vatican for the late pontiff. Maribeth dela Peña, a member of a church organization in Leyte, said that Francis' visit in January 2015 enabled them to continue fighting for their future, and having faith that things will be better. "We remember Pope Francis when he went here to Tacloban, we felt his love for us, even if he is far away from us, he still went to visit us," dela Peña told reporters covering the thanksgiving mass here near the Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport. "He showed that there is hope for us, he gave us hope," she added. Pope Francis waves to devotees who attendeded his mass in Tacloban airport. - Photo: CDN file Francis' visit to Tacloban, at the height of another storm, was one of the highlights of his visit to the Philippines. After Francis' death was announced by the Vatican, different social media pages and personalities, including journalists who covered the event, also remembered how the pope braved the bad weather, blessing people while he was wearing a yellow raincoat. Paul Padasas, the father of a young Filipino volunteer who died in an accident when Pope Francis celebrated Mass in Tacloban City, Leyte, previously said he was 'at a loss for words' as the person who consoled him before is now gone. Padasas met Francis after the Pope honored his daughter, 27-year-old Kristel Mae, during another mass at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila. 'I am really in sorrow now. I was in disbelief when a relative told me, but sadness filled my heart when I checked the page of Vatican News,' he told Officials from Leyte, including House of Representatives Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre, meanwhile thanked the Pope for being a guiding light, and for standing with the province after Yolanda's onslaught. 'It is with a heavy heart that I join the world in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, whom we in Leyte — and across the Philippines — lovingly called 'Lolo Kiko',' Romualdez, who represents Leyte's first district, said. 'To us, he was more than a Pope. He was a father, a friend, a guiding light in times of darkness. I will never forget how he came to Tacloban in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda, when our people were suffering beyond words,' he added. Francis, an Argentinian cardinal born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, passed away early Monday morning in the Vatican, just a day after the Catholic world celebrated Easter Sunday to commemorate Jesus Christ's resurrection. He was 88. Francis' passing came after making a much hoped-for appearance at Saint Peter's Square. Prior to his return to his duties, Francis suffered from a bout with pneumonia. He spent 38 days in hospital before he was discharged on March 23. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
