APNTS Celebrates 26 years!
By Jarrett Davis
SBO Editorial Chairperson
Surrounded by a host of guests from over the Metro Manila area, Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary celebrated the 26th anniversary of it foundation this past November 20th with games, music, and special performances. This was a two-day celebration emphasizing the history, mission, and purpose of APNTS.
The entire school came together to coordinate this memorable APNTS event. Faculty and SBO Council collaborated with the Administrative Council to invite special guests and present even some personal photo albums and memorabilia to display for celebration. Architect Eric Sanchez, General Services Manager for the school, worked late into the nights with his staff setting up tents, hanging lighting, and building the stage on which the culminating “Foundation Day” celebration would take place.
The festivities began on Thursday as the campus community celebrated “Heritage Day” with a well-choreographed chapel service as a means of remembering and celebrating the school’s history and roots. Faculty and students were challenged by Philosophy of Religion professor, Rev. Larnie Sam Tabuena as he shared a bit of APNTS’ History and ethos in a Heritage Address entitled “Blessed to be a Blessing.” Following this, faculty, staff and students shared together in an multi-cultural potluck, enjoying a global pallet of flavors and cuisines.
Friday’s “Foundation Day” event, began early in the morning with a sports festival and continued with an ongoing cultural fair, featuring booths and displays from a few of the cultures currently represented at APNTS. A “heritage booth” displayed nearly 30 years of APNTS memories, with faculty photo albums and historical archives from the library. The afternoon featured a program for community children with clowns, snacks, and games.
The culminating event, a lively “Cultural Extravaganza” brought together Community members, students, faculty, staff and alumni, for an evening of celebration and fun. Academic Dean, Dr Lee San Young comments that having a sense of honor and pride in being who we are can be the stepping stone for continuing our legacy. She adds,
We need to know who we are by knowing our history; we need to know ourselves to set the direction for our future.
Greetings from APNTS current and past Presidents:
Floyd T. Cunningham | LeBron Fairbanks | Hitoshi (Paul) and Mitsuko Fukue | John & Janice Nielson | Don Owens |
