Alfredo E. Pascual ‘67 (1st row, 4th from right) recently took his oath as president of the UP Alumni Association (UPAA) for 2009-2011. As president, Pascual also sits as the Alumni Regent in the UP Board of Regents.

Also inducted as members of the UPAA Board were Benjamin H. Cervantes ‘58 (2nd Vice President), Virgilio A. Fernandez ‘63 (Auditor), Simeon A. Cuyson ‘57, Romeo S. A. Carlos ‘63, Diosdado D. Lagman, Jr. ‘66, Fernando C. Sanchez, Jr. ‘84, and Ponciano E. Rivera, Jr. ‘61 (Immediate Past UPAA President).

Over 40 participants competed in the 75 Clay Tournament at the Goma Sport Range in Taytay, Rizal recently. The event, organized by the Philippine Sporting Clays Association and sanctioned by the sport’s world governing body, FITASC (Fédération Internationale de Tir aux Armes Sportives de Chasse), drew a host of competitors in what served as a preliminary to the Philippine Open in October.

The three-category tournament was topped by SEA Games gold medalist Manuel “Joey Valdes III ‘76, who emerged as overall champion by tallying 65 out of a possible 75 points. Congratulations brod!

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Whenever President Ferdinand Marcos was in the mood, he would gather his loyal generals in his study in Malacañang for an hour or so of leisurely discourse on issues that mattered most to him and his martial law administration.

Over coffee and pastries, the Commander in Chief would toss a question or statement for his court to comment on or contemplate in a relaxed, casual atmosphere so different from the formality of their ranks and position.

Indeed, it was an honor to be part of the gathering because it meant one was part of Marcos’ inner circle.

In one tête-à-tête in late 1980 or early 1981, the conversation drifted to the “succession issue.” Marcos was already sickly then but this was not known to the public. But the generals knew. They kept the secret to themselves.

What Marcos said that day was totally unexpected of the strongman as the generals knew him.

“My best successor,” Marcos said in a serious tone, “is Ninoy Aquino.”

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