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Celebrate the Past . . .
Strengthen the Future
by Aurora R. Rebortira '72 - SLANF, USA President

Dear Alumni and Friends,

Thank you. These two words seem to be inadequate in expressing our profound gratitude for all that you have done to make the centennial weekend truly magical.

Friday started with our self expression of Filipiniana and ended with a majestic cultural presentation in Hotel Sofitel. All of these evoked our pride and longing for country and countrymen.

The Saturday started with us chuckling about the interpretation of “smart casual” to a morning filled with awards and information. This day concluded with a formal dinner dance with our St. Luke’s Alumni family. We danced the night away with the Nonoy Lopez Band. It was truly an evening of merriment.

The Sunday of parading and visiting made us take in visually what happened to the College of Nursing, the dorm, the hospital, and all its surroundings. There was hardly any physical semblance of the place except perhaps the floor in front of the elevators in the hospital, and the iron grid of the dorm. Indeed, all of us have to change and respond to the challenges that surround us.

The Tagaytay trip with a stop to see the Bamboo Organ in Las Piñas was a sweet reminder that the Filipino soul continues to be creative, gentle, musical, and spiritual.

Through all these days – President Sumaya, Dean Santos, Dean Luna and Mr. Robert Fung Kuan, adequately reported to us, the general state of affairs. They made us all proud of where we are as a community, while we celebrate our illustrious past.

Class 2008’s participation was especially meaningful as they ushered the occasion with a choral rendition of “Lead Me Lord”. They took us down memory lane with their uniform fashion show, their hard work on the exhibit, and their fingers on the flower arrangements.

We hope that they see their future in us, as we were encouraged by the thought that indeed we were once as youthful and as smart as they are – quite refreshing.

Being able to put up such a gathering was a result of the energy, the thoughtfulness and vision of many people. To them we are all grateful. Enclosed is a list of the names of people that we would like to recognize and appreciate for their contribution to the occasion.

We, the officers and members of SLANF, USA, are inspired by your commitment. We hope we can continue to participate, contribute and raise our voices for the betterment of our school.

Maraming, maraming salamat po.

Sincerely yours,

Aurora R. Rebortira ’72, President, together with the Board of Directors of SLANF, USA

(The letter above was sent on November 17, 2007 to the people behind the planning of the St. Luke's Centennial, Philippines.)

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Centennial Celebration Highlights


When I think of St Luke's, I think of three things - my classmates, who are now my friends for life; the high academic and professional standards the college stands for, proven by so many of our alumni had gone on to shine in our profession; and Dean Ester Santos who made this possible, not wavering in her conviction on her high academic standards, character and professional excellence. All these thoughts came back to me at the reunion. Dean Ester Santos' presence and her inspiring speech made me nostalgic. I am forever grateful to God for allowing her to come my way and touching my life in a wonderful and blessed way.
Leah Pagsuberon Goltiao ‘74
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The highlight of the centennial celebration was the message of Tita Ester when she received her award. She accepted the award for everybody, with a deep meaning inside her of sharing and looking back, from the school who molded us for our success today.

Another highlight was the participation of of Class 2008, with their dedication in spending time and effort to be part of the celebration. Forming a choral group and modeling the transition of the St. Luke's uniform, impressed me the most
Lina Razon Philipp ‘74
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To me the highlight of the centennial celebration was to actually see the history of St. Luke's from where it started in 1907, captured in pictures at the photo exhibit.

Another highlight was to be in the presence of the graduates from 1938, and the members of class of 2008. They were so vibrant and energetic!

Last but not least, just to be with my classmates and friends was fantastic!
Evelyn Jirasakhiran ‘73, RN, MS
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The highlights of the centennial celebration for me were meeting the oh-so-familiar faces from 30-40 some years back. Jean Cacho, Eureka, schoolmates from class 1971 who made their impression to my young mind then, with their artistic talents and refreshing beauty… Mrs. Estella Espiritu, Dean Ester Santos, Elisa Calvelo - mentors from way back who, inspite of the years past, have not lost a bit of their enthusiasm, that special spark that keeps a young student glued, full attention to whatever subject matter the teacher is discussing. Former heads of departments such as Mrs. Ahorro of Labor and Delivery and Mrs. Mila Capili of Operating Room, who had such qualities worth emulating- a stickler for sterility, decorum and punctuality. But this time around, Mila prefers to be called and treated as co-equal alumna of St. Luke’s.

People who have made a niche apart from the nursing profession, the likes of Narda Capuyan, now a well-known businesswoman, entrepreneur and realtor-developer; Ruth Raña Padilla, who ventured to the world of politics and the academe. Tops on my list was seeing my classmate from class 1974, Olive Pangwi, transformed to an awe-inspiring clinical instructor, whom the younger present batches of nurses/students look up to for guidance and direction, a far cry from when she was the classmate who tickled all our funny bones whether in the classroom, on clinical tours or at the dorm with her jokes, antics, and impersonations.

Taking us all back to years gone by, and how we enjoyed ourselves as we tackled the responsibilities of would-be nurses and caregivers, educators, and leaders of the present - That, to me was the special “high” amidst all the festivities and celebration of St. Luke’s Centennial. Awesome!
Carmelita "Snooky" Nuqui de la Cuesta '74
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A Warm Christmas Message

by Dean Emeritus Ester Abellera Santos '47

December, 2007

Dear Fellow Alumni,

Christmas in Manila is --- despite the traffic --- always a joy. The jam-packed malls with Christmas lights and decorations and blaring Yuletide carols give a festive air to remind us that Christmas is just around the corner.

As I sit alone in my condo, I think of the year gone by, a year full of love, peace and happy memories. I remember so vividly the activity-packed Centennial Celebration of our Alma Mater when I saw many of you after years of separation. It was for me a joyful reunion as I shared in your successes as nurses, mothers, spouses, and productive citizens in your respective communities.

But the most touching part of the Centennial Celebration for me was when Rorie Rebortira, President of SLANF, USA and her board, went on center stage and announced the creation of the St. Luke’s Alumni Nursing Foundation, USA Endowment Fund in partnership with the United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia. The initial beneficiary would be a Scholarship Fund in my name, to benefit deserving students for the St. Luke’s College of Nursing, Trinity University of Asia. What an honor it will be! Those of you who were there saw me close to tears as I thought of the needy students who would be helped through such a scholarship.

Thank you so very much for the creation of this Endowment Fund. I understand that the wish for the campaign is "$100,000.00 to Celebrate 100 years." I fervently hope that the dream will truly be a reality. What more can I say but THANK YOU, THANK YOU and THANK YOU.

Allow me to take this opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Let us not forget that Jesus is the reason for the Season. Let us praise Him and thank Him for His infinite love and let us pass on that love to everyone not only during this season but always.

I love you all ...

Ester A. Santos (Please call me "Tita Ester")

P.S. … and if God permits, I will see you all at the San Francisco Reunion in July, 2008

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A Message from the Dean of College

by Dean Gisela de Asas Luna '80

December 2007

To my dear fellow alumni,

The memories of the SLCN Centennial Celebration indeed have warmed our hearts as we witnessed the joyous reunions with friends and classmates as well as a sentimental journey to the glorious past where we have been part of.

What made the Centennial celebration significant was the gift of endowment created for St. Luke’s College of Nursing initially set for student scholarships. It is indeed inspiring for us who are part of the College to see right before us, dedicated and committed alumni, who despite the distance, has not forgotten to give off of themselves to others - indeed an example of excellent unselfish service.

So in behalf of the St. Luke’s College of Nursing, we are deeply grateful for this wonderful gift and offering of love to the College and to the future graduate nurses.

With this, came to my mind the principle of sowing and reaping.. that whatever you have sown shall reap a hundredfold. What a $100 can do for a child shall go along way to providing for the child’s practical needs , but more than that, it brings with it hope of a brighter and better future.

Perhaps this is the best way to give hope, as a child did it in one Hollywood film, "PAY IT FORWARD." It will certainly go a long , long way and leave a permanent and lasting legacy.

Again, our deepest thanks for your gift, may God grant you His bountiful blessings, strength and health to you and all your family.

God Bless you and a Meaningful Christmas as well as a Peaceful New Year to one and all!

With much love,

Dean Gisela Luna
Class 1980-Tagsibol

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Induction of Officers

by Carol Echalico Bautista '74

The Northern CA Chapter members held a Christmas Dinner Party at the beautiful home of Nenette Misagal Ebalo, Class '74, in Union City, CA last December 8, 2007. The highlight of the gathering was the induction of the following alumni into office by Ms. Gemma Cruz Araneta:

Carol Echalico Bautista '74 - President

Josefina Riel Pablo '54 - Vice President

Fe Sabaot Casher '65 - Secretary

Lolita Dizon Abelon '53 - Treasurer

Fely Lazaro Santiago '66 – Adviser

The officers of SLANF, NCC together with alumni and guests, had an evening of fun and fellowship. They celebrated the Christmas spirit and had a great time together. It was an evening filled with sumptuous Filipino food, music, Christmas carols by Nenette's parish choir, karaoke and gifts enjoyed by St. Luke's family and friends.

The presence of Ms. Gemma Cruz Araneta made the evening special as alumni and guests took turns in having pictures with former Miss International ’65 and Miss Philippines ’64. Ms. Gemma Cruz Araneta is currently the President and Chair of the Heritage Conservation Society. She is a member of the Manila Historical and Historical Commission, an Op/Ed columnist for Philippine newspaper Manila Bulletin, a radio host of the daily radio program "Krus na Daan," author of six books and former Secretary of Tourism.

Congratulations to the officers of SLANF, NCC. More power to you. Keep up the good work and continue to serve as inspiration to the rest of the alumni.



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St. Luke's Centennial Photo Album


Do check www.slanfusa.com periodically for new photo uploads. Alumni and friends are encouraged to upload photos taken during the event. Thank you.