DAVAO CITY, DAVAO DEL SUR—In their debut participation in the ‘Connect 2023’, an event celebrating the Medical Technology profession beyond the classroom, the Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) students at Jose Maria College Foundation, Inc. (JMCFI) did not go home empty-handed as they bagged several awards in the tilts on Saturday, Nov. 18 this year. 

Student representatives from the MLS Program embarked on a journey in various competitions in an interscholastic tilt that gathered participating schools in the Davao region offering a Medical Technology program.

In the said competitions, Kyle Pellerin was the first runner-up Mr. Ambassador; student representatives also got the first runner-up place in the Palit Awit represented by Jireh Grace C. Olay, Yno Rafael P. Marabarbas, Joannah Louise Guyano, Melanie Jean Lascuna, and Michaela Rosete. 

“It was all really sudden. I just knew I had to give it my all since I was representing my school, not myself, and not someone I was competing against. I was overjoyed when my team’s name was announced as the top team. I would like to sincerely thank my family, professors, and everyone else who had faith in me,” Pellerin said.

“Above everything, the Almighty Father alone deserves all praise and honor. I am not the one for this; He is,” Pellerin added.

“It was such a privilege to participate in this year’s CONNECT event. It made me feel like a whirlwind of emotions. Our school joined this year, hoping to prove to ourselves that numbers do not immediately equate to victory, and we indeed succeeded on that score,” Guyano said.

“Getting the 1st Runner-Up title with my schoolmates in Palit Awit made our late-night practices and occasional hoarse voices worth it. I hope to see the wonderful performances made by other schools when we participate in CONNECT 2024, stronger than ever,” she added.

In the KPop Dance Competition, the MLS team of dancers: Krythia Bolanio, Judiesa Maynopas, Mich Masinading, Alexie Tarun, Jam Mapalad, and Jhene Marsha Banias became the second runner-up. 

“Through pain and struggles, ups and downs, tears and sweat, I thought we initially lose [sic] hope. Backout, incomplete member practice sessions, and some personal errands. I thought we’d just end it here. But because we stood, we tried, and we were given an award that we didn’t really expect. Placed 2nd Runner Up out of ten schools in Davao for the Kpop Dance Competition, secured our spot in the top three!” Bolanio said.

“As a leader, I’ve now accomplished things that people might think it’s “simple”. For me, this is already enough, and it makes me proud. For the first time, our school is participating in an Interschool Competition, despite we were only few [sic] but we fared quite well. Congratulations Blazing COMETS especially to my girls!” Bolanio added.

Some other awards bagged by JMCFI’s MLS student representatives are being the third runner-up in Extemporaneous Speaking with Cormen Corseles on the mic thinking on his feet, and the fifth runner-up in the Quiz Bowl with Mary Angelic Bernales, Rhesa Maningas, and Dorenne Sendrejas competing in the Olympiad.

“I believe that the battle was well-fought. The experience itself was a learning experience. I have learned a lot. It was very fun interacting and exchanging viewpoints with students from other schools. The essence of Connect was really exhibited by all participants,” Corseles shared.

“I didn’t expect it; all I aim [sic] for was not to be in the last place. It was indeed a one-for-the-book kind of experience,” Sendrejas expressed.

Professor Queen Jane M. Bacon revealed that they “were outnumbered, but we came prepared!”

She also shared that this year was the first attempt of JMCFI- Medical Technology Program to participate in the interschool CONNECT 2023.

“We went head-to-head against 9 other participating MedTech schools in Davao City. I couldn’t be more proud and happy of the performance of our students in all of the events. We only wished to represent JMCFI in the best way we can, to prove that our students here are wholistically excellent, so our wins in the categories came as an additional blessing,” Bacon said.

“I salute the COMETS officers and the entire team of the MT/MLS for all their efforts and sacrifices. These small wins are just but indications of what JMCFI Medical Tehcnology Program can bring to the table. Bagohan pero palaban! Tatak JMC-MT/MLS Program yan! Exaltatus Fueris!” she added.

This year’s “Connect” was held at the University of Immaculate Conception, Bajada campus.