Another Bagol love story

SOUNDS corny this thing called love?

Of course, no. Because for the incurable romantics, young and old alike, love is very much in the air in this month of Cupid and Eros. And for those truly in love, love never fades.

So, if you look at what’s in now, red, heart-shapes, dinners-for-two, mini-cakes, chocolates and, of course, red roses are what’s trending. But what if someone, or a group of many, gives the ones they love a pedicab?
A pedicab? Yes, Virginia, an empowering love-gift of concerned, generous and wonderful members of Batch ’84 of St. Joseph School-La Salle to their class and school mates.

Believing in the concepts of entrepreneurship, and self-reliance, Bagol officers and members deem that their batch mates would become more contributory citizens if given the chance to fend for themselves.

But why a pedicab? Because under the “Pangkabuhayan Pedicab, Pare Ko” flagship project of the group, spearheaded by Ms. Cynthia Alda Ronala- Cruz and assisted by Ms. Lourdes B. Hiponia, head of the Planned Giving and Alumni Affairs, twelve “trisikads” have to be given out for free to friends and former schoolmates who are in need that they may be able support themselves and their respective families.

Eleven men and one woman, schoolmates, all and members of Bagol Batch ‘84 group, each received a pedicab. Empowered beneficiaries of Bagol’s “pangkabuhayan” showcase are: Jonnie Serrano, Lazaro Abelida, Rudolfo de la Torre, Boyet Balsomo, Super Hila-os, Michel Gebusion, Romulo Gumban, Douglas Casiano, Allan Octavio, Emerson Gindap, Ma. Junita Estrella and Joevanie Boston.

Truly, agape love was in the air that late afternoon of February 1, 2013 at the Audio Visual Room of the Library Building of St. Joseph School-La Salle, Barangay Villamonte, Bacolod City. The recipients did not only feel loved and cared but empowered, too. The givers were also glad to have had shared a part of themselves to their “brothers and sister”.

Love in open palms—shared and given away without counting the cost is another sequel of SJS-LS Batch ’84 Bagol’s love story. Since the group had formed themselves, it has not only etched good deeds among their schoolmates but had helped other needy beneficiaries as well.

And to continue carving the group’s story in the hearts and lives of their fellowmen, a new set of officers were elected and inducted into office for 2013. To lead the meeting as President is Eric Buyco; Vice President for Internal Affairs is Graciano Mugar; VP for External Affairs is Orson Diolaso ; Secretary is Grace Palo; Treasurer is Marian Ciocon; Auditors are Richard Estelita and Albert Rivera; PIO’s are Amado de la Pena and Romeo Ayuban; and Sergeant-at-arms is Ramilo Oliver.

To give wise counsels to the group’s plans are the members of the Board of Directors, namely Mary Jane Dugangay, Dr. Kerwin Hiponia, Christine Garcia, Victoria Fernandez, Arthur Palo and Carlyn Santia.

Representative of the Lone District of Bacolod Anthony Golez graced the occasion by being the group’s inducting officer.

Love is not one corny thing, then. Agape love is very ennobling. Many people have given themselves charitably and generously with others. And with Batch ’84 Bagol group, the agape love story will continue. God bless all of you, Bagol.