MCC Opens the A.Y. 2013-2014 with Ceremonias de Apertura Academica

The MCC Administration with the CHED Regional Director Dr. Virginia D. Akiate at the portals of the College awaiting the grand entrance of the freshmen. 

Mabalacat City College opened the Academic Year with festive Ceremonias de Apertura Academica (Apertura) on July 5, 2013 at 5:30 p.m. The Apertura is a repertoire of ceremonial activities geared at formally opening the Academic Year. It includes, among others, the Freshmen Walk, Misa Apertura, Lector Apertura and the Freshmen Night.

During the Freshmen Walk, the newly matriculated students were formally welcomed by Mayor Marino P. Morales and the whole Academic Community at the portals the Alma Mater. To open the gate, the Mayor ceremonially broke the chains which also symbolize poverty and ignorance. A freshman representative made an enquiry to formally petition for their reception to MCC community. Dr. Leonardo C. Canlas granted their admission. Then, the freshmen entered the campus with glee. The other students cheerfully met them.

Then followed the Misa Apertura. This year, the mass included the Blessing of Fire and Lumina Pandit where the faithfuls lighted candles and renewed their commitments. After the mass, a program to introduce the members of the Board of Trustees, Board of Visitors, Administration, Faculty and Staff followed. During the program, Mrs. Rowena Macapagal, ITE faculty, was recognized as this year’s awardee of the coveted Lector Magnificus Award. This award is given to any member of the Administration, Faculty or Staff who published an outstanding research relevant to their fields of expertise.

The day was capped with a Freshmen Night. The event is a grand party where freshmen from the different Institutes show off their talents. The party’s guest of honor was the dashing Brian Poe Llamansares, a young model and son of Senator Grace Poe Llamansares. He did not only mesmerize the crowd with his charm, he also impressed us with his wit and dance moves.

While each academic year at MCC opened with a Mass of the Holy Spirit, this simple celebration had evolved into a series of ceremonies. Lumina Pandit and Lector Apertura were added in 2012. This academic year, the Freshmen Walk and Freshmen Night were added and the program was repackaged as Ceremonias de Apertura Academica.

          The Ceremonias de Apertura Academica 2013 is a brainchild of Mr. Raymund John D. Vergara, Atty. Robert John I. Donesa and the MCC Supreme Student Council. Its execution was under the able direction of Mr. Eduard D. Ramos. On July 13, 2013, the Board of Trustees, through resolution 26, s. 2013, included the Apertura as one of the college's heritage activities.