--RENEE TIRONES--
With determination and grit aflame, delegates from the Junior Institute of Accountants – Pamantasan ng Lungsond ng Maynila (JPIA-PLM) once again clutched the top ranks in the 8th National Capital Region Annual Grand Summit (NCR-AGS) held at Hotel Supreme, Baguio City, last April 12-15.
Academics Category Jairmin Shaira Fernandez (BSA 4-1), John Michael Gomez (BSA 4-1), and Ralp Samuel Sta. Teresa (BSA 4-2) emerged as 1st runners-up during the 1st Topnotch Certified Accounting Technician Cup held on the second day of the summit. “When our names were called, I was shocked because I was not expecting the win. Personally, I thought we won’t be able to make it since all of our competitors are really good,” Fernandez stated. The CAT Cup was an accounting quiz bee that involved problems and theories in Basic Accounting and Bookkeeping, Practical Accounting I, Cost Accounting and Cost Management, and Payroll and Taxation. Meanwhile, Sta. Teresa also joined the 1st KPMG Global Certification Challenge where he bagged the Future Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) Award. He admitted that he was surprised when he was called to compete for the Clincher Round as he had no idea what a CFE was at that time. “Being ranked the same as the incoming fifth year students from the UP-D [University of the Philippines-Diliman] and FEU [Far Eastern University] felt like I’ve already won big-time since I will only be on my fourth year this semester,” he said. Sta. Teresa added that he was thankful of the experience as it enabled him to be familiar with the other certifications that an accountant may obtain aside from the ‘CPA’ title. Non-Academics Elison Brax Ferreras (BSA 4-2), John Michael Gomez (BSA 4-1), and Angela Camille Talenjale (BSA 4-1) were hailed as the NCR Sireyna Diva, JPIA’s Next Top Male Model, and JFeeling Idol respectively. “It’s like winning a national crown in the field of pageantry,” Ferreras said when asked about his victory. In addition to the crown, he also bagged two special awards: Best in Formal Wear and Best in Talent. | On the other hand, Gomez, who also won the Best in Haute Couture Award, recalled that the clothes and accessories he used in the competition were all lent to him by his friends. “We had on-the-spot costume-making in the hotel room! I was really thankful to everyone who helped me. I guess that’s how PLM-JPIAns work: we participate, we seek fun, we enjoy, and we win,” he added. Meanwhile, Talenjale admitted that she was overwhelmed by the praises she received after she sang “Problem” by Ariana Grande. “Of course I was nervous. I never thought that the audience and the judges would find my performance entertaining. I just enjoyed my time on stage and winning the competition was a bonus,” Talenjale shared. Other AGS winners were: Ma. Angelica Lalu (BSA 4-2), 1st place in Declamation 2015; Leonel Brandon Acosta (BSA 4-3), Elison Brax Ferreras (BSA 4-2), and Angela Camille Talenjale (BSA 4-1), 1st place in the 2nd NCR QuizShow; JPIA-PLM group, 1st place in the JPIA Sing-Off 2015; and Daerylle Joseco, 2nd place in Poetry Writing 2015. Furthermore, the team headed by Xavier Nikolei Nimer (BSA 4-2) landed in the 2nd place during the Amazing Race 2015 Competition. Moreover, Jay-Mark Bugayong (former BSA 4-1), and Gene Albert Alvaro (BSA 4-4) were also awarded as Most Outstanding Regional Chief Associate and Most Outstanding Regional Associate respectively. This is in recognition for their boundless efforts as regional associates of the National Federation Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants – National Capital Region (NFJPIA-NCR) during the Federation Year 2014 – 2015. The Annual Grand Summit served as the concluding activity of the NFJPIA-NCR. It aimed to draw together the JPIAns around the region for them to bond with each other and to build connections with the sponsor auditing firms. This 4-day gathering was also a celebration of the achievements and accomplishments of the regional organization during the federation year. |