![\"Nestor\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/upvarrons.org\/wp_tudla\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/NRA.jpg?ssl=1\" "\\"Nestor\\"")
<\/a>Nestor<\/p><\/div>\n
The award is given to an alumnus of the Botany program of IBS, who made distinct achievement in the field of plant biology. Nestor obtained his master’s degree in Botany at IBS before pursuing a doctoral degree in Biological Sciences at the University of Maryland. He is currently based in Southern California and works as a Senior Manager of Traits Development at Ceres, Inc., a privately held biotechnology company that develops and markets non-food grasses as renewable bioenergy crops.<\/p>\n
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<\/a>Lino<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/a>Gil<\/p><\/div>\n
Congratulations to two alumni members based in the U.S. In a meeting held on September 25, 2010 at Fairmont San Jose, California,\u00a0Catalino “Lino” Blanche (21st BCT ’67)<\/span> and Guillermo “Gil” Mendoza (Dirty Dozen ’69)<\/span> were among those who were recognized by the Philippines Development Forum (PDF) for their scientific contributions in the advancement of forestry in North America. \u00a0Among other things, PDF is an event that aims to foster interactions among Filipinos and Filipino-Americans from various sectors to discuss solutions to problems and issues related to education in science and engineering in the Philippines.<\/p>\n Lino is a National Program Leader in the National Institute of Food and Agriculture at the US Department of Agriculture. \u00a0Gil is an Associate Professor at the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.<\/p>\n The AMAZING RACE opened up the said event with Forestry Freshmen racing against each other to gain enough points to be the over-all champion. The quiet CFNR grounds was rattled by these energetic young people together with the members of the organization. Each team had to run around the college in search of their next stop and finish the required task to be able to go through the next station. Sack race, crossword puzzles, soda-drinking were just some of their tasks. The night ended with some pancit and juice. The freshmen had fun and were excited for the following nights.<\/p>\n For the past 31 years, the UPVL conducted film showing and a short symposium for the freshmen about surviving college life. But now, the 2nd day of FFIBC was new for everybody. The talents of forestry freshmen were showcased on the night of July 7 on the FORESTRY FRESHMEN GOT TALENT. Each bloc, together with their candidates, presented jaw-dropping performances. The CFNR Auditorium, where the event was held, was jam-packed with wild and loud audience. Every bloc prepared and, thus, giving one heck of a show.<\/p>\n Another first, was the UPLB TRIVIA QUIZ CONTEST instead of the sports quiz contest last July 8. Every bloc sent out their respective representatives to accumulate points. The questions ranged from the famous kwek-kwek tower down to the old name of the university. Cheers were heard whenever the freshmen got correct answers. For freshmen, they knew a lot. Three blocs with the highest scores were awarded before the night ended. The CFNR Auditorium was star-studded by the beautiful and handsome candidates, that is. Mr. and Ms. FFIBC 2010 The CFNR Centennial Pageant closed UPVL’s week-long activity last July 9. People with their banners and chants cheered for their bets as the night continued. The crowd was wild from the beginning of the production number to the last performance of the night. Since this FFIBC had so many first, the pageant night was very special. The organization had complete lights and sounds, 8 emcees for the stage and audience, voting process for the crowd, and a performance from LB’s pride, the Nazty Boys. The preparation for everything was all worth it. The night was filled with cheers from each blocs, screaming fans, and applause from everyone inside the auditorium. At the end of the night, the crown was passed onto the new Mr. and Ms. FFIBC.The organization’s gratitude goes out to Varrons’ very own, Earl Christian Lerio for being the Director of the pageant.<\/p>\n The 32nd Forestry Freshmen Inter-Bloc Competition or FFIBC 2010 “Let the CLASH begin” was made possible by John Alvin Reyes and the Executive Committee and Sports Committee. With the cooperation and dedication of each and every member of the UP Varrons Ltd and the guidance and support of the UP Varrons Alumni, Varrons International, and Varrons Foundation. The sponsors of the events were also a big part of the success of FFIBC 2010.<\/p>\n Many firsts were done this year, the organization are excited for the coming years. Another chapter for UPVL has been opened, let’s all see the next pages to come.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n New UPVI Officers (from left): Joey, Glo, Daisy, Gil, Jerry, Ann and Vee.<\/p><\/div>\n In a meeting held on May 15, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada, the UP Varrons International has elected a new set officers for the next two years to be headed by Vilma “Vee” Cardenas-Battad (Apollo Twelve ’70)<\/span>. The other officers are: Eufrosina \u201cAnn\u201d De Leon-Boado (21st BCT \u201867<\/span>) as vice-president, Lilian Brioso-Macam (Original Varronettes ’63)<\/span> as secretary, and Jerry Constantino (BWNN II ’74)<\/span> as Treasurer. Elected as regional directors are Guillermo “Gil” Mendoza (Dirty Dozen ’69)<\/span> representing the midwest region, Daisy Leonor-Turcotte (Multitudes ’79)<\/span> for the southern region, Joey Comiso (Honorary Member)<\/span> for the eastern region, Ryan Jaranilla (Batch ’84)<\/span> for the western region, and Gloria “Glo” Manarpaac-Aves (Five Stars ’83)<\/span> representing other countries.<\/p>\n New Honorary Members: Lita and Luis<\/p><\/div>\n During the meeting, honorary memberships were also conferred to Lita Rule, a professor at Iowa State University, and to Luis Natividad, a forester based in Seattle, Washington. \u00a0Both are alumni of the College of Forestry and Natural Resources, UP Los Banos.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Alfie Torres (JAM \u201907)<\/span> graduated as cum laude<\/em> with BS Forestry degree. Christian Kevin Latiza (Philanthropist \u201905)<\/span> and Mae Belen Llanza (Philanthropist \u201905)<\/span> were given the UPLB Alumni Association Leadership Award and the Society of Filipino Foresters Leadership Award, respectively, while receiving their BS Forestry degrees.<\/p>\n Other Varrons who are joining the ranks as alumni members are: Ana Bibal (Wollstone Craft ’00)<\/span>, BS Forestry; Jeth Mae Boongaling (H2O \u201906)<\/span>, BS Applied Mathematics; Manilyn Chavez (JAM \u201907)<\/span>, BS Forestry; John Darren Chua (JAM \u201907)<\/span>, Cert Forestry; Elaine Inabangan (Bituin \u201902)<\/span>, BS Forestry; Earl Christian Lerio (NaCl \u201908)<\/span>, BS Food Technology; Bonifacio \u201cBonnie\u201d Pasion (Anino \u201905)<\/span>, BS Forestry; and Ericzon Sola (Unlimited \u201905)<\/span>, BS Forestry.<\/p>\n
\nFFIBC 2010 \u2013 Let the CLASH begin<\/h5>\n
<\/a>The UP Varrons Ltd. conducted its annual activity of engaging freshmen into a friendly competition to build a good relationship among these green horns in the college. Now, on its 32nd year, the Forestry Freshmen Inter-Bloc Competition “Let the CLASH begin” 2010 brought new surprises for everybody on the upper campus. Held last July 6-9, 2010, the competition was composed of four activities spear-headed by the Sports Committee with the leadership of Sports Committee Chair, Vrod Lloyd Lester Lapresca (Unlimited ’05)<\/span>.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/a>
\n<\/a>Congratulations to Imelda \u201cAymeeh\u201d Diaz-Mendoza (Thorn Among the Roses \u201984)<\/span> who received her master\u2019s degree in Environmental Science at the Institute for Water Education at UNESCO in Delft, The Netherlands in a graduation ceremony held on April 29, 2010. While pursuing her advanced degree, Aymeeh was awarded the Netherlands Fellowship Program under NUFFIC (the Netherlands Organization for International Cooperation in Higher Education) and was on sabbatical from the Natural Resources Development Corp. in the Philippines.<\/p>\n
\n<\/a>At the 38th Commencement Exercises of the University of the Philippines Los Ba\u00f1os (UPLB), fourteen (14) members of the UP Varrons were awarded their university degrees on April 23, 2010. Topping the list are Rusty Abanto (BUTA \u201991)<\/span>, Leilani Aparejado-Castillo (The Renegades \u201987)<\/span>, and Rosalie \u201cLalie\u201d Lapis (Honorary Member \u201906)<\/span>, who received their advanced degrees. Rusty obtained his PhD in Environmental Science as a DOST\/SEARCA scholar while on leave from his teaching position at the Camarines Norte State College. Leilani (DOST scholar) and Lalie (CHED scholar) obtained their master\u2019s degrees in Natural Resources (Conservation\/Biodiversity) and Forestry, respectively. Leilani works at the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources in the Philippines and Lalie is a faculty member at the College of Forestry, UPLB.<\/p>\n