Alumni Bulletin...

Grand Alumni Homecoming souvenir program ads placement extended... (February 22, 2010)

Good news! The Asbury College Alumni Association in Anda has extended its deadline for ads submission until March 10, 2010 for publication in the Grand Alumni Homecoming souvenir program.

If you would like to place an ad, please download and print the form posted here. Fill in the necessary information, scan the document and e-mail your application to the Association's president Mr. Francy Celzo at francy_celzo1@yahoo.com . To guarantee publication, send in your request AND remit your payment to the Association's PNB Peso Account No. 161722400015, Alaminos City Branch on or before March 10. Upon remitting, provide Francy with transaction number, date, and amount for deposit confirmation. Act now! We thank you for your continued support.

Recognition goes to... (October 3, 2009)

The president of Asbury College Alumni Association of North America proudly recognizes the following alumni for their major contributions: Mrs. Nida Avelino-Casios of Florida for ushering the most pledge in support of Project Typhoon Relief; Rev. Florentino "Jun" R. Caole, Jr. of California for establishing Advance Project #3021056, in partnership with United Methodist Church through Global Ministries, to support the school's elementary and high school scholarship programs; and Mrs. Ildefonsa "Ildee" Capa-Scarborough of Pennsylvania for her pioneering work on the Project Asbury College Reconnection. Congratulations!

Advance Project established for Scholarship Programs (October 3, 2009)

In partnership with United Methodist Church through Global Ministries, Advance project # 3021056 was established to support Asbury College's elementary and high school scholarship programs. To donate, go to the Financial Support page for more information. Thank you for your generous support. Gifts made to this project are tax-deductible under US laws.

Alaminos City gets commercial airport (September 28, 2009)

Alaminos City, home of the Hundred Islands National Park, will become the site of the first commercial airport in the province and will be known as the Pangasinan Airport.

A memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the construction of the Alaminos Airport Development Project was signed on September 24 by the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) and the Alaminos City government.

DOTC Secretary Leandro Mendoza approved the MOA for the project, which has been set for construction starting this year.

Alaminos is a neighboring city of the island municipality of Anda.

For more on the story, read the entire article published this weekend on Sunday Punch.

Alumni Converged in Orlando; Members of Class 1974 Reunited (July 24, 2009)

Eight alumni and former student traveling from various part of the north American continent and Europe converged in sunny Orlando, Florida on July 12, 2009. Four of the alumni were members of Class 1974 reunited for the first time after 30+ long years. Mrs. Nida Avelino-Casios ('72) and husband Edgar of Miami, FL hosted the gathering with wonderful hospitality.

Alumni who participated: Mrs. Shirley Avelino-Pangilinan ('69; London, Great Britain), Mrs. Teresita Cabungan-Cunnings ('76; Vancouver, Canada), Mr. Jimuel Caole ('74; California), Mr & Mrs. Lorito and Perly Canta ('74; Florida), Mr. T Flores, Jr. ('74; Georgia), and Mr. Carlos Celino (former student; Florida).

At a dinner, Mr. T Flores, Jr. and Mr. Jim Caole, President and Treasurer of ASCO Alumni Association of North America, respectively, humbly thanked all donors of the Typhoon Relief Fund. The Association, through its pledge program, has earned Asbury College more than P40,000 in donations to date.

For pictorials, click HERE to view.

Typhoon Emong wrecked havoc on Asbury College; Operation ASCO Relief Fund initiated (May 25, 2009)

A reliable source confirmed Asbury College sustained substantial damage from recent Super Typhoon Emong which ravaged much of the western Pangasinan in May. All the dormitories and two classrooms were badly damaged almost beyond repair. Other staff residences on campus also weren't spared. The cost of the damage is indeterminate at this time.

The Asbury College Alumni Association of North America launched a project called "Operation ASCO Relief Fund" to solicit monetary donations from alumni, friends, and sponsors around the world. Proceeds will go toward the repair or replacement of facilities, equipment, and services on the campus. If you wish to donate, please proceed to our Pledge webpage. Your support is greatly appreciated.

U.S. To Pay Our "Forgotten" Filipino WWII Veterans (March 21, 2009)

The President of the United States (POTUS) signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 on February 17, 2009, authorizing the release of a one-time, lump-sum payment to eligible World War II Philippine veterans. These payments are to be made through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. For more information, visit the Embassy of the United States (Manila) website at http://manila.usembassy.gov/.

Calling All Alumni in the USA and Canada, Part 2 (February 21, 2009)

We have good news for you! The Asbury College Alumni Association of North America (ASCO-ANA) has been established and is in the process of being formally organized. Thanks to the pioneering spirit of Pastor "Jun" Caole of California. Our goal is to unite all ASCO alumni living in the USA and Canada for the purpose of promoting the best interests of Asbury College (Philippines) and its alumni members. A group of 8 interim executive officers--led by "Jun" Flores of Georgia--meets virtually online every month. A bi-annual general meeting (via internet teleconference) is planned to be held this year. If you wish to participate in our upcoming general meeting, please let our interim President "Jun" Flores know via e-mail at aa9zi@yahoo.com. Details of the teleconference will be provided. We look forward to hear from you soon. God bless!!!

Hundred Island International Airport (September 29, 2008)

Alaminos City officials unveiled a proposed project that entails the construction of an airport complex that can accommodate aircrafts such as B747and B737 and which will serve as a warm and welcoming doorway for guests. The project hopes to accelerate tourism and economic development not only in Alaminos City and the province of Pangasinan but also Region I and the country as well. For more information, visit Alaminos official website at http://www.alaminoscity.gov.ph.

ASCO Bulletin Board offline. (September 20, 2008)

The internet Bulletin Board (or BBoard) has been taken offline for maintenance. We apologize for any inconvenience. Please stay tuned for more updates.

ASCO online Bulletin Board launched. (July 23, 2008)

The school's first internet Bulletin Board (or BBoard) is now online. All school alumni, officers, staff, employees, students and friends are encouraged to register and avail many of its features. To acces the Bboard, click the "Bulletin Board" link found on the left frame of this page. If you wish to have a designated forum created to suit a particular need and/or would like become a forum moderator, please inform the website administrator via e-mail or private messager (PM) found on the BBoard.

Remember, the BBoard was created especially for you--not for the moderators or the administrator. So, register now.

The BBoard is another great service brought to you by the alumni of NA.

An appeal to all ASCO Alumni and friends around the world. (July 12, 2008)

Asbury College is in dire need of your help. Help support our Alma Mater by making a one-time donation, or make a donation each month or each year. Your regular donations will help our students achieve their dreams through our scholarship programs and provide for safe facilities, modern learning tools, quality student services, and sufficient number of highly qualified teachers. The future of our school and our students rest on your hands. Please give TODAY.

For more information how you can give, please click here. Thank you for your support.

Dr. Gemina C. Celso leads Asbury College as the new Director. (July 12, 2008)

Dr. Gemina "Eming" Celso convened her first school Personnel General Meeting last Friday, July 4. In her e-mail letter (dated July 6, 2008) to Pastor Florentino "Jun" Caole of California, she said, "Pastor Glenn Cativo, the new chaplain, led the devotion. Mrs. Veronica Celeste reported on increase in enrolment for the Pre-elementary and Elementary departments with 75 enrollees, the college department with more than 100 enrollees (with slight increase). However, the high school enrollees decreased by 40 in the first year. I hope we can make a study about the causes to come up with solutions for the coming school year. Madam Jerry Cubos welcomed the three new employed teachers."

According to Dr. Celso, the highlight of the first personnel meeting is the framing of the school calendar of activities for this school year [2008-2009]. "It made us think of strategies to improve Asbury through small ways we can," she added.

During the meeting, Dr. Celso also outlined two specific short term projects to undertake. In her e-mail, she mentioned, "We've scheduled July as Nutrition Month: with planting of malunggay around the perimeter of the campus. All will undertake vegetable and ornamental gardening and planting of fruit-bearing trees. However, [we are]...concern[ed] of the unfenced perimeter (eastern area) which served as entrance of stray animals. We're praying for God's provision for hog wires and bamboo (putek) to fence it. This is the initial implementation."

In addition to being the new Director, Dr. Gemina Celso still taking an active role as College Dean of the school. As a stop gap measure, she also teaches college courses especially now that the school is short of instructors. "This made me handle more teaching loads obliging me to work day and night for lesson preparation. We lack teachers to handle college subjects," she lamented. "It took me sometime to gain [my] composure...due to too much anxiety and apprehension doing the duties of a dean...teaching load and fill[ing] up the vacated leadership of Pastor Caasi as director. For sure, I can't equal his guts and accomplishments. However, I was calmed down when he promised...that he will be around to lend a helping hand as a consultant," Dr. Celso added.

In her e-mail, she also acknowledged all donors who contributed to the endowment fund. "In behalf of the Abury College, we would like to acknowledge our endowment donors. We will be sending them our thank you letters with the corresponding receipts. Again, thank you so much for what you're doing for Asbury College." the Director concluded.

Asbury College Alumni of North America interim president identified. (June 23, 2008)

Pastor Jun Caole's search for an interim president of the alumni group in North America is finally over. Thanks to the volunteerism of TJ Flores (aka Jun). Jun Flores is charged of formally organizing and leading ASCO-ANA in support of our Alma Mater. There are approximately 90 known alumni residing in the US and Canada.

"I accepted Pastor Jun Caole's invitation because I felt I am duty-bound to share the talents and wisdom now I have for my wonderful Alma Mater, Asbury College. She has prepared me well. I could not be more successful today without her 'beaconing guidance,'" he explained. Jun also added, "Accepting the invitation to serve gives me the pleasure to lead a group of talented and caring alumni all across north America. I am very confident, with team effort and our unwavering dedication to a good cause, we will be successful. As Henry Ford, founder of Ford Motor Company, puts it, 'Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.'"

TJ Flores is a 1974 Asbury High graduate. He spent most of his early youthful days growing up in San Jose, Anda. Jun and his family currently reside in the state of Georgia.

New classroom construction in peril of completion. (June 2008)

Construction of one additional classroom in the elementary continued this June 3-6. The Alumni Association donated Php 50,000.00 for this project. "We are in the roofing stage of which I am the welder," Rev. Harry Caasi said. "We are now using steel thrushes instead of wood." Despite of the progress, the amount donated fell short in completing the project. "I hope the association will consider donating more so we could finish the flooring," Pastor Caasi added.

Calling all ASCO alumni in the US and Canada! (November 2007)

In our effort to update the list of Asbury alumni residing in the USA & Canada, we encourage everyone who didn't sign up yet to sign up at the Guestbook section of our ASCO website. If you are not sure if you are already on our list or want to be included, and/or would like your information to be private, e-mail us with your information at asburycollege@sbcglobal.net.

On behalf of the ASCO Alumni-North America group, we welcome you and ask you to help us materalize our common aspirations and goals for our dear Alma Mater. ASCO needs your help to better serve its students, faculty and our community as a whole. In the Spirit of the upcoming Holiday celebrating the Holy Birth, please take a moment from your busy life to think and plan on how to touch the lives of Others. Please include ASCO our Alma Mater in your prayers and be a part of the ASCO Alumni-NA group currently being organized.

We would like to acknowledge the services of our IT Team [Jun Flores (Class 1974) & Bing Altre (Class 1972)] and Pastor Jun Caole (Class 1977) for financing our website domain and its maintenance. Additionally, we like to extend our many thanks to our regional coordinators all over North America for their outstanding efforts in assisting us organize and manage our group effectively.

May God richly bless you in return.

The Pre-elementary & Elementary Department needs your help. (August 2007)

Enrolment in the Pre-Elementary and Elementary Department this year 2007 has gone up to 57 pupils, almost double that of last year’s number. With this increase, ASCO have added the number of teachers, chairs, tables, a classroom and of course, the budget. As a result of the added budget, the ASCO administration adjusted the tuition fee from P50 to P100.00. However, this increase in tuition fee is not enough. Currently, the operation is subsidized partially from the High School Department to cover the shortfall. According to ASCO Director Pastor Harry Caasi in his letter to Pastor Jun Caole, “…this system cannot go on for a long time. This means that we have to look for possible resources for the operation of the Pre-Elem and Elementary Department.” The classroom is to be donated by the ASCO Alumni Association.

New Office for ASCO Alumni Affairs. (August 2007)

ASCO has provided an office for Alumni Affairs on campus. With the money realized from the homecoming last February 2007, ASCO Alumni Association President Mr. Francy Celzo bought a new computer system for the new office. He is currently building a database for all alumni for quick reference.

ASCO Alumni Association has opened its own account. (July 2007)

Mr. Francy Celzo, the president and Mrs. Virginia Calado, the treasurer of ASCO Alumni Association, together with ASCO Director Rev. Harry Caasi, recently opened a peso account with the Philippine National Bank, Alaminos Branch. With an account of its own, alumni from around the world who are concerned with the affairs of the association and that of Asbury College could directly deposit in that account.

PNB Peso Acct #313-569164-9

You can start sending your donations now directly online by using the PNB website at http://www.pnbrci.com/. Click on the "Web Remit Now" icon to register and set up ASCO Alumni as the recipient. We thank you for your generous support.

ASCO Endowment Fund and Savings Accounts. (July 2007)

Asbury College has set-up two Peso accounts with the Philippine National Bank (PNB), Alaminos Branch. The accounts were opened to accept bank-to-bank or electronic fund transfers. One of the two Peso accounts is dedicated for the Endowment Fund. The money accumulated in this account will not be touched. However, the accumulated interest will be used to support emergent needs like faculty development and salaries, etc. The other account is the Savings Account. This account is used to support other programs/projects like the pre-elementary and elementary scholarship program, building renovations, computers, etc.

Endowment Fund: Acct #313-566602-4
Savings Account: Acct #313-556348-9

You can send your donations to these accounts directly online by using the PNB website at http://www.pnbrci.com/. Click on the "Web Remit Now" icon to register and set up Asbury College as the recipient. When sending your donation through the Savings Account, please specify what specific projects you want to support. For list of the projects, please click here. We thank you for your generous contribution.

Asbury College Alumni Association Financial Report 2007...Click here to view the report.
From ASCO Director Rev. Harrison Caasi...a message to the Alumni...Click here to view the letter.
ASCO Alumni Coordinators organized; Operation NORTH AMERICA RECONNECTION launched.

The wheel of progress has been set in motion. Volunteers across the north American continent put their minds together and launched "Operation NORTH AMERICA RECONNECTION" in the hope of organizing an ASCO alumni association. These volunteers became the coordinators responsible for reaching out to other fellow high school and college graduates residing in the United States and Canada. Each coordinator is assigned a geographical area of responsibility.

All ASCO graduates currently residing in the US and Canada are encouraged to sign-in at the ASCO's Guestbook. If you prefer your information to be private, please e-mail your full name, year graduated, postal address, telephone number and e-mail address at asburycollege@sbcglobal.net.

    Name Regions States/Provinces
    Pastor Jun Caole US West*

    See chart below.
    Ms. Ildee Capa-Scarborough US Northeast* See chart below.
    Ms. Nida Avelino-Casios US South* See chart below.
    Ms. Aida de Guzman-Acuna US Midwest* See chart below.
    Ms. Teresita Cabungan-Cunnings Canada West Provinces of AB, BC, MB, SK
    Mr. Jun Tabiendo Canada East Provinces of NB, NS, ON, QC, NF-LAB, PE Is.

    * As defined by US Census Bureau.


Two new computers donated...

Two new computers were recently donated by Asbury alumni. Our heartfelt thanks to Eugene Caole and the Abejero family/children for donating these new computers. Because of these new computer systems, the faculty and students are now able to surf the internet and the world wide web, and hopefully connect with others through e-mails. While still kind of limited, at least we can now say that finally Asbury is "high tech!" Kudos to Eugene and the Abejeros for helping to make this possible!

We are still encouraging others to donate more computers, old or new for office, library and classroom use. The high school department is still needing of a new one. Again, our sincerest thanks to everyone who have been supporting our Alma Mater in one way or another...thank you for your generousity. God bless!

Alumni Association in the U.S...?

Several Asbury alumni have expressed interest in the possibility of organizing an Asbury College Alumni Association in the USA (ACAA-USA). This could open opportunities for Alumni in the U.S. to connect with one another for support and networking and to work together in supporting our Alma Mater in a more organized way.

This seems to be great and noble idea. However, the problem is how and where to start? Some suggested that perhaps we could start a task force that would collect names and pertinent information of alumni in the U.S. and/or formulate ways on how to start and pursue in making this idea possible. Any other ideas folks? Anyone interested on this idea? Any volunteers to pursue the possibility of making this idea a reality? Anyone interested please e-mail us with your ideas and suggestions.