AT THE TOUGH SPOT

The training was tough but San Jay Maghanoy was tougher. What drove this 22-year-old Zamboangeño to top this year’s summer training or STOP for incoming first year was nothing short of amazing.

San Jay was on his third year in Electrical Engineering at Mindanao State University when he was forced to quit due to financial problems. He ended up running errands for his parents in their small tailoring shop in Pagadian City.

His desire to go back to school crossed his mind when a relative in Cebu took him in where he is now working after class hours to earn his keep. San Jay is taking up Electromechanics Technology and loves getting a big dose of Mathematics, a personal favorite.

“The course allows me to learn three trades. I could also enhance what I learned in college before,” San Jay said.

Adjustment with CITE life seemed like a breeze for this bookworm. Said he: “I read a lot, mostly Christian books such as God’s General and Prayer of Jabez. My tiyo told me it’s important to read to be able to communicate with anyone.”

Having skipped the school for two years, this chess and takraw enthusiast knows how to stay at the top. “I wanted to get good grades and learn skills which I can use when I’ll be working. I don’t want to disappoint my tiyo who is supporting my studies,” he added.

Knowing a good future is just three years away, San Jay is counting on CITE to prepare him for a tougher battle outside. “I’m always amazed at our tutorial system. I love the feeling that I can now have a teacher to talk to and give me advice when things don’t turn out well. It is different here,” he ended.]

LEADERS' TURN

First year class officers gathered at OK Coral, Busay for Leadership Seminar on June 28-29.

Student Affairs Officer Jun Langahin and staff Mr. Benjie Wong facilitated.

The seminar proper delved on the roles and responsibilities of a class officer, use of school forms, and issues concerning the students.

“Leadership is the cheapest success in life,” according to Sir Jun during his presentation. “Leadership is managing people and letting them cooperate with you even if you have different status,” he told the officers. The discussion on leading by example was very interesting and everybody was paying attention to it.

The cozy venue allowed spontaneity among the participants. A small get-together was held to break the ice.

It was not just a leadership seminar but also a personality development session. The activities were an eye-opener and made a great impact on their lives.

During the break, others spent their time studying their handouts while others enjoyed the view through binoculars.

MASTER IN THE MAKING

He is no Kung Fu Kid, but Junrey Limotan can definitely pick his way with a stick.

At 16, Junrey is a junior division arnis champ of the Philippine Team. Last March, he trained under his uncle, George Borces. He is also a protégé of Grandmaster Dionesio Cañete who is helping him with his monthly pledge in CITE.

He is a first year MECH student, a class secretary, an acolyte, and the eldest of eight siblings.

He won the silver medal in the “Quest for The Best” tournament in SM. He was fascinated with arnis and two of his younger brothers were also eskrimadors. Junrey said it requires discipline but still he continues playing

because he loves playing it and he looks forward to becoming a blackbelter.

Junrey is on a rigorous training for July 22-25 World Eskrima Kali Arnis Championship in SM. He will be competing against more than ten countries in the junior division. How does he prepare? “Pull-ups...I never liked push ups because it’s tiring. Don't force yourself if you didn't like to do it,” he answered.

Junrey strikes a balance between his practice and studies. “I write down my schedules and set my goal on my studies,” he said.

On his upcoming fight, he said, “I don't expect to win but I will do all my best to win.” ]