30 April 2015 - The Eskwelahang Munti ng Guam (EMG) held its 11th commencement and recognition ceremony on April 25 at the Holiday Resort Hotel in Tumon.
Philippine Consul General Marciano de Borja, Consul Edgar Tomas Q. Auxilian and Consul Mark Francis C. Hamoy were invited to grace the graduation ceremony and award the certificates of completion to the 16 graduates.
Consul General de Borja delivered a message and thanked the EMG volunteer teachers led by its Principal, Prof. Mila Moguel, for their continued hard work and dedication in teaching young Filipinos and Filipino-Americans on the island the Philippine language, arts, culture and traditions.
On the other hand, Professor Mila Moguel expressed hope that EMG will encourage more enrollees in its future sessions or programs and that it will have its own building eventually and soon to hold its classes. As of now, EMG has no permanent location for its classes and there had been instances in the past that they had to ask permission to use one of the classrooms at the University of Guam as a temporary location for its classes.
During the commencement program, the sixteen graduating students were divided into two groups. The first group consisting of 12 children aged five to 16 years old, demonstrated the knowledge they acquired particularly by performing the Filipino folksong “Magtanim Ay Di Biro” and folk dances such as “Bulaklakan” and “Maggugulay” or “Bahay Kubo”.
The second group comprising of four adult American professionals, namely, Mr. Reginald Smith, Mr. Neil Roschelle, Mr. John Ryan, and Mr. Mikel Schwab, who joined the program to learn the Filipino language showed their knowledge and ability by serving as master of ceremonies using the Filipino language. Mr. Schwab and Mr. Rochelle also did a short skit by performing the roles of a salesman and a customer in a Department Store in Manila. As a final number, Mr. Roschelle serenaded the audience with an original Filipino music entitled “Kailangan Ko’y Ikaw” by Filipino singer Regine Velasquez.
Keanu Valdez was named the most outstanding student of the 11th session of EMG. Two students received special awards, namely, Abe Medina as the Most Helpful Student, and Joshua Malimban for having a complete attendance.
The EMG aims to teach Filipino culture, history, art and language to Filipino and Filipino-American children on Guam and to develop their talents and skills in reading, singing and dancing. EMG classes were held for 10 Saturdays and were conducted by volunteer teachers led by EMG Principal, Mrs. Milagros Moguel, and composed of Dr. Clarissa Quan, Mrs. Gloria Baguinon, and Mrs. Ciony Viray. Mr. Jun Moguel, Ms. Leah Hamoy (wife of Consul Mark Francis Hamoy) also lent a hand and support as volunteer assistants during the 10-Saturday EMG classes.
As one of the avid supporters of EMG, the Office of Senator Dennis G. Rodriguez, Jr. of the 33rd Guam Legislature, through its representative Ms. Menchu Suarez also handed out gifts to the kids.
Also in attendance during the event was Mr. Alex Gagaring, Vice President of the Filipino Cultural Center (FCC), and Ms. Lea Santos, Executive Director of Guam Commission for Educator Certification (GCEC) and Acting Secretary of the FCC. END