Fr. Bueno’s curse fails to dampen MCC’s 2014 Christmas Spirit

December 17, 2014 was a typical hot day in the tropical Mabalacat City, Pampanga. In the morning, the members of the Faculty, Staff and Student body were busy preparing for the 2^nd LiligangSunnis at Parol and Christmas Party. All is well until after the thanksgiving mass led by Msgr. Felicito C. Sison was offered. And then, as ALCU award-winning singers Cyrile Gwen N. Magsino and Romer P. Bondoc, Jr. serenaded the MCC Community with Christmas songs, Fr. Bueno’s curse poured in.

In Mabalacat, Fr. Bueno’s curse figuratively means: the rains ruined the party. An urban legend in Mabalacat recounts the tragic story of Fr. Gregorio Bueno, an Augustinian Recollect who was brutally murdered more than a century ago. Before he died, he was said to have uttered a curse that the town will never prosper. By some strange coincidence, many major events in Mabalacat were, in one way or another, spoiled by intermittent rains. Old folks believed these are manifestations of Fr. Bueno’s curse.

But neither the rains nor the technical challenges that comes with it stopped the MCC Community from celebrating Christmas2014 with much revelry. Amidst the rains, the performing arts presented their Christmas productions in a grand manner. The MCC Dance Troup, choreographed by Richard John W. Hernandez, stirred the night with their power moves and infectious liveliness. And the more it rained, the more spirited they become. The MCC Chorale, under the able direction of Mrs. Mary Bernadette Ann Samson, regaled the crowd with timeless Christmas songs.

One the highlights of the event was the Christmas tree lighting ceremonies. This act, introduced just the year, added more colors to the annual Liligang Sunnis at Parol. Thanks to the persistent energy and creativity of the MCC Student Council and its faculty adviser Mr. Raymund John D. Vergara. The Council sponsored the procurement of the Christmas tree. The lighting of the Christmas tree signaled the beginning of Christmas season at the College.

The City College President, Mrs. Carmelita P. Sotto, spearheaded the lighting of the MCC’s giant Christmas tree. The campus was in total black out and a boisterous countdown led to the lighting of the colorful conical tree. The tree glimmered brightly despite the rains and amidst the jubilant roars of the crowd. Then, everyone greeted each other a Merry Christmas!

  

When the rains stopped, the MCC Family Christmas Party resumed. The highlight of the Party was the Christmas Dance Sport participated in by the members of the Faculty and Staff. With their electrifying moves, the Institute of Arts and Sciences brought home the bacon. The Institute of Teacher Education came in second. The videoke, gift-giving and the raffle bonanza were also as heated.

For the ligligang parol (lantern contest), the first place was bagged by the Institute of Teacher Education. The Institute of Hospitality Management’s entry came in as second place. The event was hosted by Mr. Lloyd D. Feliciano and Ms. Lourdes Fatima I. Sula.

MCC Installs Prof. Carmelita P. Sotto as its new City College President

Mayor Marino P. Morales installed Prof. Carmelita P. Sotto as the Second President of Mabalacat City College. (Photo: Atty. Gerald Guttrie Aquino)

        Prof. Carmelita P. Sotto was installed as the new City College President of the Mabalacat City College. She replaced Dr. Leonardo C. Canlas who, since July 30, 2014, had irrevocably resigned from the Presidency.

The solemn investiture and installation was held last September 2, 2014 at the Our Lady of Grace Parish, Mabalacat City, Pampanga. It was presided by Most Reverend Roberto C. Mallari D.D., Bishop of San Jose, Nueva Ecija.

The ceremonies were grand and solemn. Donned in her presidential garb and medallion, Madam Carmelita P. Sotto gladly accepted the position to become the new president. She promised to continue what was started, strengthen the existing programs and maintain quality education that the College had been known for.

Amidst the greetings of family, friends, associates and well-wishers, Madam Carmelita P. Sotto says goodbye to her long career in the basic education and started her four-year career as a higher education institution president. Her term will end on September 1, 2018.

The event was graced with the presence of Mayor Marino P. Morales, Vice Mayor Christian D. Halili and the members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Mabalacat City, Pampanga. Also also present were the members of the MCC academic community, delegates from the private as well the local higher education institutions of Region III, prominent citizens of Mabalacat City, and friends and immediate family members of Prof. Carmelita P. Sotto.

          Prof. Carmelita P. Sotto is a seasoned educator. She had been a District Supervisor for eighteen (18) years. Before assuming the City College Presidency, she has been the Vice President for Administration and Finance from 2009-2014.