THE PALA EXPERIENCE
On April 28th, we had the rare privilege of dining with the Prez and his spouse along with other SUAF BOD members and friends. There were eleven of us altogether. It was at the peak of dinner time and we were all seated together like one big family. Due to the increased noise level - it was rather difficult to hear each other but we tried to engage the Prez in a small conversation. Nate, John and Miriam were busy reminiscing about the campus and those precious years that they had in Silliman.
My question was I know that there are numerous challenges that you have to deal with as a President of a big university. What are the biggest and the most important challenge that you had to face?
His answer to the question had something to do with strengthening the bonds with Alumni both locally and abroad (USA and Canada etc.) And keeping them abreast with the progress of SU in all facets of development. I wish the section that we were seated in was a bit quieter and we could have engaged the Prez in a more meaningful tete-a-tete but the environment was not conducive to it.
We (especially Fely, myself, Joel) enjoyed the crab legs and we each had a plateful of it. I noticed that Dr. Malayang ate only a small portion and he said that he is trying to lose some poundage. Well, good luck on that while in the US! After that sumptuous buffet, we decided to part ways. The Malayangs, Joel and Gaya headed home to rest for the night while me, Fely, Nate, Miriam, John and Dinah decided to try our luck for a brief moment. Fely was somewhat lucky and had won some money while the rest of us called it quits. Dinah stayed with me in my room and claimed she was tired and I can understand that of course.
We both woke up at 3:00 a.m. to watch the Royal Wedding on T.V. till mid morning then we had breakfast at the Pala Cafe and we parted ways. I wish we had more time to get to know more about each other but our guests and their hosts need to prepare for the activities the next day.