Galing, Husay at Lakas ng AC-JPIANS (GAHALA) is the Federation’s name for the Local Chapter Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (JPIA). Accountancy students of AC and other registered members of the JPIA, celebrated a smashing hit event, the GAHALA Night or “Gabi ng GAHALA” last Saturday, May 13.
Held at Governor’s Garden Hotel, the event featured jovial festivities for the JPIAns, CBMA faculty and staff and esteemed guests.
The program began with stand-alone photo-ops on the red carpet. Eager students lined up at the entrance hall to get their shots done, with their Hollywood-inspired outfits. Following this was a prayer, singing of the Philippine National Anthem and Nueva Vizcaya Hymn.
The merry-making’s commencement started with the wine-toasting by Mr. Dave Mark L. Limson, CPA and a welcome message by CBMA’s dean, Engr. Romeo M. Bicad, Ph.D.
Various presentations came thereof, such as year-level-based intermission dances, “Gunita”: a video presentation (a then-announced vlogging contest), year-level-based, and awarding of contests and minor achievements. All of which came at intervals, catering to the schedule’s flow.
In that culmination, the event proceeded to “Harana: Voice of JPIA” four contenders faced-off in the championship round and was won by Marjorie N. Dumlao. After which, more awards and recognitions were merited to distinguished individuals of the organization.
Dinner followed shortly, serving the most rated food options from a then-concluded survey.
A short recessional after everyone had their fill, and the second part of the event commenced with a rousing inspirational speech by the College President, Rev. Dr. Micah Ryan B. Ramel, who tackled immensely the course of accountancy, its importance to society and the prime struggles of being an accountancy student.
In continuation, a raffle draw got the crowd going with anticipation, hoping to receive awards such as umbrellas, calculators, file-organizers, study table or free accounting book vouchers. The socialization part highlighted the party, a shindig if you will, on the dance floor.
The crowd went wild as they let loose dance moves and party jives with rowdy songs. Things piped down a bit, as a segment was given to couples and couple wannabes to slow dance to the calm melodies of romantic songs.
After that was the awarding of the highest distinctions JPIAns can attain;
-GAHALA award: Mharvin D. Lee
-Huwarang JPIAn Award: Kristine Joy A. Gamozo
-Bida Ka JPIAn Award: Maybel Joy A. Aniceto
-Gawad Uliran: Irene D. Mendiola
-Tatak JPIAn Award (Class): Juniors (3rd Years)
-Tatak JPIAn Award (BOD): Cherry Rose P. Palicdon
-JPIA Sigasig Award: Sophomores (2nd Years)
-Talas Ng Isip Award: Chelsea B. Lumanog
-Manlalaro Ng Taon Award: Arjaylloyd Valdez
-Sining Ng Pagtatanghal Award: Chrysteen B. Baja
-Kuwento Ng Lakbay Award: Jessa Mae S. Ang-angan
-Gawad Manlilikha: Marion G. Purisima (Project THINK)
Krystel Alyssa T. Morales (Project LEAP)
Angelou L. Romanca (Project RISE)
Maybel Joy A. Aniceto (Project Barya)
-Gawad Gabay At Kalinga: Dave Mark L. Limson, CPA
-Maharaya Award: Lee Irish D. Domingo
Other notable awards to commemorate the night were given to star-struck individuals who displayed garish attires and fashionable garbs—they’ve put the “Ooh” in Ooh-la-la.
Star of the Night: Angela B. Pajarillo
Gahala Prince and Princess: Jan Jasper D. Cada & Rachel Mae A. Ila
Gahala King and Queen: John Bernard S. Salazar & Maria Winella T. Tayag
“Actually, this event is really for all JPIAns. I want to end my term by giving them the chance to feel the JPIAn spirit. They have been very participative and I think this event is the best way to show how thankful I am to have them as members of the organization.” Mharvin D. Lee, said AC-JPIA president.
Mr. Lee also expressed his gratitude towards the organization’s officers through their collective efforts in making possible an amazing and smooth-sailing event.
The night ended with a prayer and closing remarks, each JPIAn had the opportunity to take home with them keychains, a memento of the event.
Report by: Curt Justine L. Yambao, Feature/ Opinion Editor
Photo credits: AC JPIA