About 100 Accountancy VIPS, luminaries, members and guests gathered at the Hotel Intercontinental Manila in Ayala, Makati on January 18th. The draw: the induction of the 2013 Officers of the Association of Certified Public Accountants in Commerce and Industry (ACPACI) with Senator Manny Villar as the Guest Speaker and the Inducting Officer, and the Association’s 1st General Membership Meeting. Senator Villar delivered his keynote address focusing on ACPACI’s current theme “Rising to the Challenge”.
Ms. Consuelo O. Cadelina assumed this year’s ACPACI Presidency and led the other elected officers: Mr. Lawrence M. De Leon, Executive Vice-President; Ms. Feliciana B. Santos, Secretary; Cynthia A. Campos, Treasurer; Cecilia C. Carandang, Auditor; Immediate Past President, Ms. Rebecca R. Arago, Ex-Officio Director; and Ms. Wilhelmina G. Cuico, Executive Director. The program was formally opened by Ms. Ma. Paz Malubay, 2011 ACPACI President.
The other elected Directors with their respective committees for 2013 are as follows: Ms. Edna Constantino, Scholarship; Gregoria A. Guillermo, Meetings; Aphat C. Martinez, Ways and Means; Edward L. Roguel, Professional Development; Gerard B. Sanvictores, PICPA Coordination and Chapters and Ms. Nanette N. Tabuac, Publications and Website. During the induction ceremony, the officers pledged their commitment and their full support to the organization’s aims and principles and their participation in its activities.
The appointed Committee Chairpersons are Ms. Liza S. Glodoviza, Annual Convention; Mary Rose V. Nunez, Professional Development; Janis M. Maghinay, Membership Development; Emma A. Quisumbing, Meetings; Bien R. Constantino, Ways and Means; Lolita P. Tang, Scholarships and Social Involvement; Felicidad V. Avila, Publications and Website; Jayson M. Ayson, Fellowship and Sports; Corazon S. Rey, PICPA Coordination and Chapters; Marcos T. Lim, Election and Samuel F. Villacampa, Special Projects. The Chairs were inducted by the new President, Ms. Consuelo O. Cadelina; she also inducted the new ACPACI members that evening.
The inductees donned in their fifty shades of ruby red outfits (cocktail dresses for the ladies and suits with ruby red ties for the gentlemen) in view of ACPACI’s ruby and 40th anniversary this year, added to the excitement of the night. Ms. Rebecca R. Arago, who was perfectly radiant in her simple ruby red satin dress accented with red chiffon tulle, delivered her valedictory address followed by the awarding of the Presidential Awards to the outstanding ACPACI officers and members.
On the other hand, Ms. Connie Cadelina, who looked resplendent and queenly in her delicate red lace gown with silver belt embellishment, presented the Leadership Award to outgoing President, Ms. Arago during the turnover ceremonies and gave her inaugural address afterwards. In her speech, Ms. Cadelina stressed her continuous support to ACPACI and how apt this year’s “Rising to the Challenge” theme with the programs (read: challenges) that she plans to focus on during her term:
- ACPACI membership retention
- Permanent seat in the Standards Council and
- Creation of a balanced professional
In her message, she (mis)quoted the saying “All work no play makes Juan a dull boy” and emphasized her aspiration that the Association should provide not only the technical needs of its members but also soft skills and other activities that heal the spirit. “Our heads are always full of standards, regulations and tax reviews but we forget other aspects such as better communication skills, image enhancements and our social responsibilities to the communities around us,” she ended.
Present to show their support were ACPACI’s past presidents: Ms. Ma. Paz V. Malubay, Ms. Estelita C. Aguirre, the current PICPA Executive Director; Ms. Nora D. Aquino, Ms. Arceli R. Sison, Mr. Erdulfo S. Sison, Mr, Jaime P. Villegas, Mr. Julian M. Tecson, Ms. Simeona R. De Guzman, Ms. Aida R. Apostol and Ms. Rosemarie P. De Lemos. Also spotted that evening was Ms. Josefe Sorrera Ty, PICPA’s National President.
The gathering wouldn’t be complete without exchanging pleasantries and partaking the savory food prepared by ACPACI and Hotel Intercon during the fellowship dinner. The dishes and desserts wearing herbs and garnishes, were as well-dressed as the attendees: Chicken Pastel, Braised Pork Knuckle in soya and sesame sauce, Beef with Mushroom Sauce, Molo soup, Thai Beef Salad, Shitake Mushrooms with Scallion Dressing, buttered vegetables, Smoked Fish with Horseradish Sauce, Profiteroles dipped in chocolate and filled with Praline Cream, Mille Feuille pastry garnished with strawberry and cream, and the “to die for” Mango Crepe Samurai, and not to mention the warm light bread, the creamy butter and cheese and the crisp greens. It was like attending a ball as well as having a banquet.
The program was formally closed by Ms. Cora S. Rey, 2009 ACPACI President, and the event was even made more memorable by the witty punch lines of the super duper funny host, Mr. Bennette D. Consolacion.