4th Batch of Young Filipinos chosen to take on the Journey of Ninoy and Cory Aquino in 2011

The Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation (NCAF) and the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Center for Leadership (NCACL) are proud to announce the fourth batch of candidates to its youth leadership program, the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Leadership Journey on November 18-20, 2011 at the SPC Vigil House, Taytay, Rizal.

Drawing insights from the lives of the beloved Aquino couple, the program seeks to reintroduce spirituality as a major foundation for Filipino leadership. Harnessing their innate values systems, the participants take part in a process of self-reflection which, it is hoped, would ultimately lead to commitment for others and country. The NCA Leadership Journey, touted as one of the more transformative programs available, has already provided a unique and life-changing experience to 3 batches of young people nationwide.

“We have been overwhelmed by the response of each batch every time,” NCAF President and Executive Director Rafael C. Lopa says.  “We are inspired by how these young leaders embrace the life of serving their country.”

After a rigorous application process that included a submission of essays and video essays and  personal/online interview, the following candidates were selected for the November 2011 run of the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Leadership Journey:

1. Randell Aranza, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental
2. Gabriel Billones, Bukidnon
3. Jerwin Borres, Cagayan de Oro City
4. Lucien Jay Caiman, Baguio City, Benguet
5. Gracielle Cardenas, Antipolo City, Rizal
6. Warlie Diaz, Arevalo, Iloilo
7. Nickson Felix Epe, Tagbilaran City, Bohol
8. Jem Eripol, Taytay, Rizal
9. Jessica Mae Estrella, Las Pinas City
10. Michael James Fabian, Imus, Cavite
11. Renato Galvan, Jr., Angeles City, Pampanga
12. Sheina Rose Gina, Quezon City
13. Ridwan Landasan, Cagayan de Oro City
14. Christopher Erwin Lota, Cainta, Rizal
15. Franz Daryl Magrina, Cagayan de Oro City
16. Rosalia Anna Medina, Muntinlupa City
17. Ghio Angelo Ong, Cainta, Rizal
18. Katrina Grace Ongoco, Makati City
19. Faye Dominique Palmares, La Paz, Iloilo
20. Kathleen Andrea Marie Rodriguez, Pateros
21. Ara Laiza Roldan, Tondo, Manila
22. Renmar Ernest Samonte, Baguio City, Benguet
23. Mitz Serofia, Viejo, Iloilo
24. Marvin Sipin, Quezon City
25. Kris Angelica So, Angeles City, Pampanga
26. Maria Crisselda Tamondong, Quezon City
27. Julian Torcuator, Cainta, Rizal
28. Quimberly Hyacinth Villamer, Naga City, Camarines Sur
29. Jeshamar Villasis, Quezon City

Together with program partners, Cebu Pacific Air, the Official Air Carrier, and White Knight Hotel Intramuros, the Official Manila Residence, the program invites the youth leaders to undergo the three-day leadership retreat and be living witnesses of leadership.  It is the hope of the Foundation that the “Journey-ers” will be moved to commit to a life of mission through effective and impactful community work.

Facilitators of the program are Lopa, DepEd Undersecretary Lino Rivera and NCAF Formations Head Boom Enriquez.  Speakers for Batch 4 are Ted Talk presenter and entrepreneur Fr. Xavier Alpasa, S.J. and philosopher, poet and academician Eduardo Calasanz, Jr, among others.

The Ninoy and Cory Aquino Leadership Journey is open to all Filipino citizens, 18 – 25 yrs. old, and at least a college sophomore (or the equivalent) at the time of the application period. 

 Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation (NCAF)

The Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation traces its roots to the Benigno S. Aquino, Jr. Foundation (BSAF), established by the late Senator’s widow in November 1983 to perpetuate his legacy.  BSAF became her vehicle for continuing to engage non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and people’s organizations (POs) that played a key role in empowering communities and reviving democratic institutions alongside her administration.

On August 21, 2008, BSAF launched the iamninoy campaign with the help of creative and merchandise partners to introduce Ninoy Aquino to new generations of Filipinos as a fitting commemoration of his 25th death anniversary. Using the senator’s iconic eyeglasses as its visual signature, the campaign invited young Filipinos to look at society “through Ninoy’s eyes” and to surface the selfless hero inside them.

Today, NCAF seeks to build on the legacy of Ninoy and Cory by supporting activities that embody the spirit of People Power as a strong and positive force for social change in a robust democracy.

The Ninoy and Cory Aquino Center for Leadership (NCACL)

The Ninoy and Cory Aquino Center for Leadership is an institution established with the help of Drs. Rolando and Rosalinda Hortaleza of Splash Corporation. NCACL seeks to identify, form, nurture and recognize individuals who, through a process of self-transformation, can develop into a community of empowering, world-class leaders.

Cebu Pacific Air (CEB)

The Philippines’ largest national flag carrier, Cebu Pacific (CEB) operates the most extensive route network with 33 domestic and 16 international destinations. This includes top local tourist destinations such as Boracay, Siargao, Puerto Princesa, Coron, Bohol, Cebu and Davao. CEB also flies to the most ASEAN destinations and routes from the Philippines, and is the only Philippine low-cost carrier flying to all three major North Asian countries of Japan, China and South Korea.

CEB, the country’s low-fare pioneer and leader in creative pricing structures, offers fares as low as P499 for domestic and P1,599 for international flights.

White Knight Hotel Intramuros

White Knight Hotel Intramuros is located within the Plaza San Luis Complex of Intramuros, Manila. It is considered to be the best in its category of budget hotels featuring rooms with prices ranging from Php 1,750 per night up to Php 2,700 .  The whole facility is being managed by a professional and highly respected group called the White Knight Hotels Group. The room sizes range from 25-35 square meters and provide superb comfort, exclusive privacy and culturally mesmerizing scenery as it stands in the middle of the Historical Capital of Intramuros.

The Deluxe, Standard, Suite and Executive Rooms of White Knight Hotel Intramuros are all furnished with private bathrooms, personal wardrobes, desks, telephones, and free WiFi Internet access.  In addition, rooms come with all the modern equipment to bring the convenience and safety for guests, such as flat screen television sets, air conditioners, menu tours, refrigerators and other necessities.  Guests may also dine at the onsite restaurant Coco Bango Café which showcases class A cuisine. The restaurant offers buffet packages and features live bands every night.