President - Atty Romeo J Somera, CPA, JD, MBA
SAS Class 1959
President - Chairman, SAS Ai, Inc.
(Attorney Romeo J Somera photo at left)
Romeo J. Somera, Esq. graduated with honors from SAS in 1959. He attended the University of the East (UE) in Manila and graduated in 1963 with a Bachelors in Business Administration (BBA). In 1977 he earned his Master's Degree in Business Administration (MBA) major in Management & Finance from Keller Graduate School of Management in Chicago, IL.. Continuing his studies he attended The John Marshall Law School in Chicago, IL. earning his Juris Doctor in 1983. He passed the bar the same year.
Aside from being an Attorney-At-Law, Romy’s academic achievements include certifications as CPA (Certified Public Accountant), CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner), CFF (Certified in Financial Forensic), CFS (Certified Fraud Specialist), CFSA (Cerfified Financial Service Auditor), CERS (Computer Evidence Recovery Specialist), DABFA (Diplomate of the American Board of Forensic Accountants. He has been actively involved in civic organizations as well, serving in the capacity of Officer, President & Chairman of the Board of various non-profit, social, professional and civic organizations, including The Filipino American Council of Chicago, Inc., where he attained the level of President & Chairman of the Board. This type of work involved Policy execution, Administration and management, Presiding Officer-Board & General Assembly duties. Romy received many awards, plaques, letters of commendation for his volunteer community work. He is a current member and/or officer of various professional organizations like the American Inst. of CPAs, Inst. of Internal Auditors, Assn. of Cert. Fraud Examiners, Illinois Bar, and the Amer. College of Forensic Examiners, International Association of Arson Investigators, to name a few.
For industry, he worked as a member of the Management & Administration team for CBS, Inc. –Chicago, attaining the level of Director of Administration. This type of work involved Policy Administration, Finance Director and Corporate Controller duties. Additional experiences included jobs as an accountant, auditor and controller in the public accounting area, manufacturing, and retail. Romy has also enjoyed a long career in law enforcement, law administration, and criminal investigation and prosecution with experiences as a forensic financial investigator, forensic auditor, computer crime specialist and fraud examiner when he worked as an Assistant State’s Attorney, Cook County, IL. and with the U.S. Dept. of Defense, and various agencies of the U.S. Federal Government.
His involvement with academia included stints as guest instructor at various local, state and federal Law Enforcement Training Seminars. He also conducted Tax and Accounting Seminars while writing and publishing a few articles on the subject. Romy is an expert at PC Business Applications and Operating Systems (OS). He grades himself as fair with Programming Languages.
Romy and his family currently live in Metairie, LA. Both his parents and grandparents are deceased. His hobbies include gardening, bike riding (motorized and pedal), target and skeet shooting, golf, chess, spending time with friends and relatives. His interests are varied and include anything that is challenging and that which keeps the body and mind healthy.
His thoughts pertaining to the future of SASAI, Inc., may be summed up in one sentence: “Reaching out to all former SAS current students and alumni.”
Romy’s message to all members of SAS: Be proud of your Alma Mater and your hometown!
President - Chairman, SAS Ai, Inc.
(Attorney Romeo J Somera photo at left)
Romeo J. Somera, Esq. graduated with honors from SAS in 1959. He attended the University of the East (UE) in Manila and graduated in 1963 with a Bachelors in Business Administration (BBA). In 1977 he earned his Master's Degree in Business Administration (MBA) major in Management & Finance from Keller Graduate School of Management in Chicago, IL.. Continuing his studies he attended The John Marshall Law School in Chicago, IL. earning his Juris Doctor in 1983. He passed the bar the same year.
Aside from being an Attorney-At-Law, Romy’s academic achievements include certifications as CPA (Certified Public Accountant), CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner), CFF (Certified in Financial Forensic), CFS (Certified Fraud Specialist), CFSA (Cerfified Financial Service Auditor), CERS (Computer Evidence Recovery Specialist), DABFA (Diplomate of the American Board of Forensic Accountants. He has been actively involved in civic organizations as well, serving in the capacity of Officer, President & Chairman of the Board of various non-profit, social, professional and civic organizations, including The Filipino American Council of Chicago, Inc., where he attained the level of President & Chairman of the Board. This type of work involved Policy execution, Administration and management, Presiding Officer-Board & General Assembly duties. Romy received many awards, plaques, letters of commendation for his volunteer community work. He is a current member and/or officer of various professional organizations like the American Inst. of CPAs, Inst. of Internal Auditors, Assn. of Cert. Fraud Examiners, Illinois Bar, and the Amer. College of Forensic Examiners, International Association of Arson Investigators, to name a few.
For industry, he worked as a member of the Management & Administration team for CBS, Inc. –Chicago, attaining the level of Director of Administration. This type of work involved Policy Administration, Finance Director and Corporate Controller duties. Additional experiences included jobs as an accountant, auditor and controller in the public accounting area, manufacturing, and retail. Romy has also enjoyed a long career in law enforcement, law administration, and criminal investigation and prosecution with experiences as a forensic financial investigator, forensic auditor, computer crime specialist and fraud examiner when he worked as an Assistant State’s Attorney, Cook County, IL. and with the U.S. Dept. of Defense, and various agencies of the U.S. Federal Government.
His involvement with academia included stints as guest instructor at various local, state and federal Law Enforcement Training Seminars. He also conducted Tax and Accounting Seminars while writing and publishing a few articles on the subject. Romy is an expert at PC Business Applications and Operating Systems (OS). He grades himself as fair with Programming Languages.
Romy and his family currently live in Metairie, LA. Both his parents and grandparents are deceased. His hobbies include gardening, bike riding (motorized and pedal), target and skeet shooting, golf, chess, spending time with friends and relatives. His interests are varied and include anything that is challenging and that which keeps the body and mind healthy.
His thoughts pertaining to the future of SASAI, Inc., may be summed up in one sentence: “Reaching out to all former SAS current students and alumni.”
Romy’s message to all members of SAS: Be proud of your Alma Mater and your hometown!
VP Secretary - Crisostomo L Buenavista, MAEd
SAS Class 1958
Vice President – Vice Chairman
Secretary & Historian, SAS Ai, Inc.
Chairman Scholarship Committee
(Tom Buenavista photo at left)
Tom Buenavista graduated with honors from SAS in 1958. His first two years of college were spent at St. Louis University in Baguio on a full band scholarship. Early in his college sophomore year he had an epiphany. Conversing with another band member friend who had just graduated with an Electrical Engineering (BSEE) degree and who was lamenting the fact that he couldn’t get a job at MERALCO because he didn’t have the proper connections, Tom realized that a college degree does not necessarily translate to a good paying job and/or professional career. In fact all over the Philippines at the time, there were no meaningful jobs to be had – not even for topnotch college graduates. Proper connections and family contacts were key to landing a job. Tom was a virtual unknown.
Embarking upon an ambitious campaign to get himself out of the country, break away from the shackles of abject poverty and to render impotent the specter and curse of joblessness, he first took the 1959-60 entrance exams to the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) hoping to get a commission in the Philippine Army. He applied for admission to the various US Military Academies: Army, Navy, Air Force, Coastguard, even the Merchant Marine Academy. He received polite letters of rejection; he was a non-US citizen and ineligible for such scholarships. Undeterred, he applied next to the US Navy at Sangley Point, Cavite. They called him up to take a battery of ASVAB tests and thorough physicals. He passed and moved on to the much dreaded personal interview. The rest is history. He was one among the 26 finalists who were given a contract to serve in the US Navy out of the original 600 applicants in that batch. Just as a side note, while Tom was at basic Navy training in San Diego, the Philippine Military Academy sent a squad of soldiers to his house looking for him since he failed to report to Fort McKinley for outfitting. Tom had passed the PMA entrance exams and Destiny smiled. Most of those PMA cadets with whom he would have attended and graduated at that time were sent to fight the civil war in Mindanao and most, if not all, perished. In the Navy, Tom was the first Filipino Instructor selected to train Navy instructors on the art of teaching. He spent 20 years in the US Navy, retiring as a Chief Data Systems Technician (specializing in Computers and Peripheral Equipment).
A Computer Electronics major, he earned his undergraduate bachelor of science degree at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL., graduating in 1978. In 1995 he was ordained to the permanent diaconate for the Archdiocese of San Francisco. Tom graduated Summa CumLaude from Jones International University earning an MA in Corporate Training and Knowledge Management with an emphasis in Online and Classical classroom instruction. He had to discontinue his PhD program at Capella University due to failing kidneys.
Tom holds lifetime teaching credentials to teach at the California Community College system where he taught both first and second year students computer basics, business applications and data processing subjects. He worked as a field engineer, instructor, course developer, project manager, product evangelizer, technical writer, field engineering manager, and desktop publisher for Silicon Valley companies IBM, Siemens AG, Aspect Computers, Tandem Computers, Ensim Corp., and ROLM Telecommunications rising to the level of Manager of Technical Training. His extensive pastoral Church work experience includes Pre-Cana, RCIA, Catechism of the Catholic Church and Scripture studies. A most gifted speaker, Tom has preached the good news in many churches, participated in Life in the Spirit seminars, conducted recollections and retreats, and has given many inspirational talks.
A secondary aspect of Tom's career includes a four-year stint with the Armed Forces Radio and Television Network (AFRTS). As a disc-jockey for Radio Midway AM 680, he hosted a program called, "Music at Twilight," a combination of music and radio commentary broadcast during the dinner hour for which he received many accolades and awards. He was also the news anchor for the Asian Newscast on AFRTS Television channel 3 at the 8 o'clock televised newscast. Included in this secondary career was his involvement playing in and managing his own dance band combo for many years. A self-educated musician with a good ear for music and chord progressions he plays the flugelhorn, trumpet, and pocket cornet (his major instruments) and the bass for a minor instrument. He does the vocals for the band and dabbles in minor musical arrangements and orchestrations during his spare time. In the late sixties he managed a five piece band that played mainly for the Navy dependents stationed on Midway Island. Upon his transfer to the mainland, he again formed another group that played for most of the San Francisco Bay Area dance events and other programs sponsored by the various associations and community organizations. As an offshoot of this musical gift he volunteers as the Saturday Choir director for church.
Tom and his wife Grace currently live and work in Cantonment, FL. The eldest son of the late Mr. Constante and Mrs. Anastasia Buenavista, he is the grandson of Mr. & Mrs. Modesto and Nicolasa Lardizabal. Tom says that the future of SASAI, Inc. rests on the full and active participation of all SAS alumni worldwide.
Vice President – Vice Chairman
Secretary & Historian, SAS Ai, Inc.
Chairman Scholarship Committee
(Tom Buenavista photo at left)
Tom Buenavista graduated with honors from SAS in 1958. His first two years of college were spent at St. Louis University in Baguio on a full band scholarship. Early in his college sophomore year he had an epiphany. Conversing with another band member friend who had just graduated with an Electrical Engineering (BSEE) degree and who was lamenting the fact that he couldn’t get a job at MERALCO because he didn’t have the proper connections, Tom realized that a college degree does not necessarily translate to a good paying job and/or professional career. In fact all over the Philippines at the time, there were no meaningful jobs to be had – not even for topnotch college graduates. Proper connections and family contacts were key to landing a job. Tom was a virtual unknown.
Embarking upon an ambitious campaign to get himself out of the country, break away from the shackles of abject poverty and to render impotent the specter and curse of joblessness, he first took the 1959-60 entrance exams to the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) hoping to get a commission in the Philippine Army. He applied for admission to the various US Military Academies: Army, Navy, Air Force, Coastguard, even the Merchant Marine Academy. He received polite letters of rejection; he was a non-US citizen and ineligible for such scholarships. Undeterred, he applied next to the US Navy at Sangley Point, Cavite. They called him up to take a battery of ASVAB tests and thorough physicals. He passed and moved on to the much dreaded personal interview. The rest is history. He was one among the 26 finalists who were given a contract to serve in the US Navy out of the original 600 applicants in that batch. Just as a side note, while Tom was at basic Navy training in San Diego, the Philippine Military Academy sent a squad of soldiers to his house looking for him since he failed to report to Fort McKinley for outfitting. Tom had passed the PMA entrance exams and Destiny smiled. Most of those PMA cadets with whom he would have attended and graduated at that time were sent to fight the civil war in Mindanao and most, if not all, perished. In the Navy, Tom was the first Filipino Instructor selected to train Navy instructors on the art of teaching. He spent 20 years in the US Navy, retiring as a Chief Data Systems Technician (specializing in Computers and Peripheral Equipment).
A Computer Electronics major, he earned his undergraduate bachelor of science degree at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL., graduating in 1978. In 1995 he was ordained to the permanent diaconate for the Archdiocese of San Francisco. Tom graduated Summa CumLaude from Jones International University earning an MA in Corporate Training and Knowledge Management with an emphasis in Online and Classical classroom instruction. He had to discontinue his PhD program at Capella University due to failing kidneys.
Tom holds lifetime teaching credentials to teach at the California Community College system where he taught both first and second year students computer basics, business applications and data processing subjects. He worked as a field engineer, instructor, course developer, project manager, product evangelizer, technical writer, field engineering manager, and desktop publisher for Silicon Valley companies IBM, Siemens AG, Aspect Computers, Tandem Computers, Ensim Corp., and ROLM Telecommunications rising to the level of Manager of Technical Training. His extensive pastoral Church work experience includes Pre-Cana, RCIA, Catechism of the Catholic Church and Scripture studies. A most gifted speaker, Tom has preached the good news in many churches, participated in Life in the Spirit seminars, conducted recollections and retreats, and has given many inspirational talks.
A secondary aspect of Tom's career includes a four-year stint with the Armed Forces Radio and Television Network (AFRTS). As a disc-jockey for Radio Midway AM 680, he hosted a program called, "Music at Twilight," a combination of music and radio commentary broadcast during the dinner hour for which he received many accolades and awards. He was also the news anchor for the Asian Newscast on AFRTS Television channel 3 at the 8 o'clock televised newscast. Included in this secondary career was his involvement playing in and managing his own dance band combo for many years. A self-educated musician with a good ear for music and chord progressions he plays the flugelhorn, trumpet, and pocket cornet (his major instruments) and the bass for a minor instrument. He does the vocals for the band and dabbles in minor musical arrangements and orchestrations during his spare time. In the late sixties he managed a five piece band that played mainly for the Navy dependents stationed on Midway Island. Upon his transfer to the mainland, he again formed another group that played for most of the San Francisco Bay Area dance events and other programs sponsored by the various associations and community organizations. As an offshoot of this musical gift he volunteers as the Saturday Choir director for church.
Tom and his wife Grace currently live and work in Cantonment, FL. The eldest son of the late Mr. Constante and Mrs. Anastasia Buenavista, he is the grandson of Mr. & Mrs. Modesto and Nicolasa Lardizabal. Tom says that the future of SASAI, Inc. rests on the full and active participation of all SAS alumni worldwide.
Treasurer - Estrellita Gumagay Purugganan, BSBA
SAS Class 1977
Treasurer, SAS Ai, Inc.
Member, Board of Trustees
Member, Scholarship Committee
(Estrell Photo at left)
Estrellita Gumagay Purugganan is a graduate of St Augustine School, SAS Batch 1977. She attended and graduated from the University of Perpetual Help System in Laguna majoring in accounting. In 1986, a few years after she earned her Bachelor’s degree she immigrated to Hawaii and married her childhood, elementary school friend, sweetheart and neighbor, Hermes Purugganan, a native of Mambog, Santa Cruz, Ilocos Sur.
Shortly after their wedding and since Mr. Purugganan was serving in the US Air Force, they moved to Maryland where her husband received orders to serve as an air crewman in the Vice Presidential aircraft detachment. After serving with the Vice Presidential unit for a year he was transferred to the Presidential Unit where he began to serve then Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H W Bush, William Jefferson Clinton, and George W. Bush, respectively. Mr. Purugganan retired from the US Air Force military service in 2003 and now works with the US Postal service as a mechanic in the motor pool transportation division.
In 2000, they moved to the state of Virginia. The Purugganan’s are blessed with two lovely daughters, Ashley, who is now in her second year of college and Katrina who is in her senior year of high school.
Basically reserved and shy, Estrell works as a software engineer for Northrop Grumman Corporation, an aircraft manufacturing and aerodynamic research company.
Auditor - Tina Laycano-Macartney, BSEd, BSCS
SAS Class 1968
Auditor, SAS Ai, Inc.
(Tina photo at left)
Tina graduated with honors from SAS in 1968. Immediately following her high school graduation she attended St. Louis University, Baguio City, Philippines and graduated in 1972, earning her BS in Education degree (BSEd) with a major in Mathematics and a minor in Science. Upon immigrating to Canada, Tina continued her college studies at Algonquin College in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, graduating in 1978 earning a second Bachelors of Science degree (BSCS) in Computer Science Technology. She also attended Learning Tree International in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, graduating in 1994 with a Certified Client Server Professional certification.
Prior to emigrating to Canada, and immediately after her graduation from St Louis University, Tina worked at St. Agnes School (1972-1973) and St. Louis Girls High School (6/73-12/73), Philippines, as a teacher of High School Mathematics and Physics.
In addition to her professional teaching work experience, Tina was employed with the famed RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) and CSIS (Canadian Security Intelligence Service) organizations, rising to the level of Project Leader/Manager. Her type of work included Designing, Analyzing, Programming, Developing, Problem Debugging/Solving, Leading and Managing Projects.
Tina also believes in giving back to the community in terms of doing volunteer service work. With her expertise in IBM, HP, Compact, Dell mainframes and PCs, Business Applications: IBM CICS (Customer Information Control System), Police Information Retrieval Systems, Security Software, Operating Systems (OS): MVS (old IBM Mainframe OS), Windows 2000 Professional, Windows 95, 98, XP, Vista, Windows 7 Professional, Linux, Unix, and Programming Languages: Assembler, Cobol, Fortran, Unix Scripts, Linux Scripts, HTML, and Java Scripts, Tina engages heavily in volunteer work with the Community Centre & Adult Education, in Ottawa, tutoring Computer and Math subjects to students both adult and younger learners from within the community.
Tina, her spouse Brian J. Macartney, and their daughter Jo-an Laycano currently live in Ottawa, Ontario Canada. Tina is the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Laureano and Rufina Laycano (both deceased). Her grandparents are Mr. & Mrs. Fernando and Remigia Sarmiento (also both deceased).
Asked for her thoughts pertaining to the future of SASAI, Inc., Tina summarizes it with, “I am sure SASAI, Inc. will evolve into the organization it needs to be; to provide beneficial Community Service(s) (Tagudin in particular,) where many needs exist. I am looking forward to being a part of the process.”
Tina’s hobbies include shopping, gardening, and taking naps. Her interests span a wide bandwidth of choices that include traveling, gardening, fishing, reading, listening to music, and computer work. She loves workouts, walking, and dancing.
Auditor, SAS Ai, Inc.
(Tina photo at left)
Tina graduated with honors from SAS in 1968. Immediately following her high school graduation she attended St. Louis University, Baguio City, Philippines and graduated in 1972, earning her BS in Education degree (BSEd) with a major in Mathematics and a minor in Science. Upon immigrating to Canada, Tina continued her college studies at Algonquin College in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, graduating in 1978 earning a second Bachelors of Science degree (BSCS) in Computer Science Technology. She also attended Learning Tree International in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, graduating in 1994 with a Certified Client Server Professional certification.
Prior to emigrating to Canada, and immediately after her graduation from St Louis University, Tina worked at St. Agnes School (1972-1973) and St. Louis Girls High School (6/73-12/73), Philippines, as a teacher of High School Mathematics and Physics.
In addition to her professional teaching work experience, Tina was employed with the famed RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) and CSIS (Canadian Security Intelligence Service) organizations, rising to the level of Project Leader/Manager. Her type of work included Designing, Analyzing, Programming, Developing, Problem Debugging/Solving, Leading and Managing Projects.
Tina also believes in giving back to the community in terms of doing volunteer service work. With her expertise in IBM, HP, Compact, Dell mainframes and PCs, Business Applications: IBM CICS (Customer Information Control System), Police Information Retrieval Systems, Security Software, Operating Systems (OS): MVS (old IBM Mainframe OS), Windows 2000 Professional, Windows 95, 98, XP, Vista, Windows 7 Professional, Linux, Unix, and Programming Languages: Assembler, Cobol, Fortran, Unix Scripts, Linux Scripts, HTML, and Java Scripts, Tina engages heavily in volunteer work with the Community Centre & Adult Education, in Ottawa, tutoring Computer and Math subjects to students both adult and younger learners from within the community.
Tina, her spouse Brian J. Macartney, and their daughter Jo-an Laycano currently live in Ottawa, Ontario Canada. Tina is the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Laureano and Rufina Laycano (both deceased). Her grandparents are Mr. & Mrs. Fernando and Remigia Sarmiento (also both deceased).
Asked for her thoughts pertaining to the future of SASAI, Inc., Tina summarizes it with, “I am sure SASAI, Inc. will evolve into the organization it needs to be; to provide beneficial Community Service(s) (Tagudin in particular,) where many needs exist. I am looking forward to being a part of the process.”
Tina’s hobbies include shopping, gardening, and taking naps. Her interests span a wide bandwidth of choices that include traveling, gardening, fishing, reading, listening to music, and computer work. She loves workouts, walking, and dancing.
Sales & Marketing Director - Melanie P Florentino
SAS Class 1980
Member, Board of Trustees
Member, Scholarship Committee
Member SAS Ai Scholarship Field Team
(Melanie photo at left)
Melanie Florentino attended SAS high school graduating in 1980 with highest honors. She enrolled in the College of the Holy Spirit in Mendiola, Manila where in 1984 she graduated with an AB in Psychology, all the while making it to the Dean’s List throughout her undergraduate studies. Upon graduation from college, she went to work for St. Augustine School as a High School Teacher and Guidance Counselor (1984-1987) then moved up to become a College Professor and Guidance Counselor in the AB Department from 1987 to 1989 at the College of the Holy Spirit, Mendiola, Manila.
She attended graduate school and earned her MA Ed majoring in Guidance at the University of the Philippines, Diliman in Quezon City while employed full time at the College of the Holy Spirit. She was in the Dean’s list while attending graduate school at UP. Melanie left College of the Holy Spirit and accepted a College Professor/Guidance Counselor position in the College of Arts & Sciences 1989 – 1992 at San Beda College, in Mendiola, Manila. Having earned her MA in Education she continues to attend school and from 2003-2004 earned 12 units toward an MA Ed with a major in Special Ed at the Philippine Normal University in Manila. More significantly and since 2007, Melanie has been pursuing her doctorate PhD Education with a major in Counseling Psychology at De La Salle University in Manila.
Longing for a change of scenery from the world of academe Melanie joined Digital Telecommunications Philippines, Inc. (DIGITEL) as the Senior Personnel Supervisor (April 1992 – April 1994). She was responsible for monitoring all activities and performance of functional sections, such as, wage and benefit administration, timekeeping, recruitment, training, communications, employee relations and employee services to achieve synergy and timely delivery of targeted results. She designed and implemented the Staff Training and Development Program, participating as an active member of the team that formulated the company’s corporate vision/mission statement while introducing and managing the company newsletter.
February 1996 to 2003 Melanie joined DCCD Engineering Corporation and was their Internal Quality Auditor and Document Controller (concurrent with position as HR Manager). She worked closely with the Quality Management Representative and technical divisions on standardization, enhancement and changes in processes in compliance with ISO 9001:2000. She raised policy issues, presented solutions to management; monitored effectiveness of processes by doing cross-sectional reviews and self-audits. Melanie ensured that all documentation was controlled and distributed to a level appropriate to the needs of the organization and that changes to the Quality Management System were properly addressed, identified and recorded.
In her concurrent position as the HR manager, April 11, 1994 – October 2003, Melanie was responsible for overseeing, directing, controlling and monitoring all activities of the human resources department which included wage and salary administration, work hours and benefits administration, recruitment, staff training and development, Code of Employee Discipline implementation, corporate planning and communication and delivery of employee services. While the HR manager she devised the Strategic Human Resources Management Program, creating the following:
1. Recruitment and Selection System - a more standardized procedure in an effort to achieve consistent quality hiring.
2. Compensation and Benefits System - a systematic and objective compensation and benefits strategy aligned with the construction industry which was reviewed and upgraded annually
Melanie authored the Competency-based Performance Appraisal System - annual feedback system on employees' performance which became the basis of annual merit increase, even while designing and implementing the DCCD Staff Training and Development Program targeted to address all all employees and management staff. She introduced the "President's Hour" providing a two-way communication between management and all other levels of the corporation. She established, articulated and regularly reinforced the firm's vision and mission through orientation, counseling, and constant dialogue with employees. Melanie instituted reward systems and practices that communicated to all employees what behaviors are valued and what it takes to get ahead in the organization, minimizing the number of employment-related lawsuits and labor cases, minimizing the cost of employment advertising, agency, and executive search firm expenses by focusing on in-house recruitment and introduced referral system. She developed the Human Resources Information System, a viable tool in the daily operations of HRD, in collaboration with the Information Technology Department.
Melanie held the following positions from the specified beginning dates to the present time:
Member, Board of Trustees
Member, Scholarship Committee
Member SAS Ai Scholarship Field Team
(Melanie photo at left)
Melanie Florentino attended SAS high school graduating in 1980 with highest honors. She enrolled in the College of the Holy Spirit in Mendiola, Manila where in 1984 she graduated with an AB in Psychology, all the while making it to the Dean’s List throughout her undergraduate studies. Upon graduation from college, she went to work for St. Augustine School as a High School Teacher and Guidance Counselor (1984-1987) then moved up to become a College Professor and Guidance Counselor in the AB Department from 1987 to 1989 at the College of the Holy Spirit, Mendiola, Manila.
She attended graduate school and earned her MA Ed majoring in Guidance at the University of the Philippines, Diliman in Quezon City while employed full time at the College of the Holy Spirit. She was in the Dean’s list while attending graduate school at UP. Melanie left College of the Holy Spirit and accepted a College Professor/Guidance Counselor position in the College of Arts & Sciences 1989 – 1992 at San Beda College, in Mendiola, Manila. Having earned her MA in Education she continues to attend school and from 2003-2004 earned 12 units toward an MA Ed with a major in Special Ed at the Philippine Normal University in Manila. More significantly and since 2007, Melanie has been pursuing her doctorate PhD Education with a major in Counseling Psychology at De La Salle University in Manila.
Longing for a change of scenery from the world of academe Melanie joined Digital Telecommunications Philippines, Inc. (DIGITEL) as the Senior Personnel Supervisor (April 1992 – April 1994). She was responsible for monitoring all activities and performance of functional sections, such as, wage and benefit administration, timekeeping, recruitment, training, communications, employee relations and employee services to achieve synergy and timely delivery of targeted results. She designed and implemented the Staff Training and Development Program, participating as an active member of the team that formulated the company’s corporate vision/mission statement while introducing and managing the company newsletter.
February 1996 to 2003 Melanie joined DCCD Engineering Corporation and was their Internal Quality Auditor and Document Controller (concurrent with position as HR Manager). She worked closely with the Quality Management Representative and technical divisions on standardization, enhancement and changes in processes in compliance with ISO 9001:2000. She raised policy issues, presented solutions to management; monitored effectiveness of processes by doing cross-sectional reviews and self-audits. Melanie ensured that all documentation was controlled and distributed to a level appropriate to the needs of the organization and that changes to the Quality Management System were properly addressed, identified and recorded.
In her concurrent position as the HR manager, April 11, 1994 – October 2003, Melanie was responsible for overseeing, directing, controlling and monitoring all activities of the human resources department which included wage and salary administration, work hours and benefits administration, recruitment, staff training and development, Code of Employee Discipline implementation, corporate planning and communication and delivery of employee services. While the HR manager she devised the Strategic Human Resources Management Program, creating the following:
1. Recruitment and Selection System - a more standardized procedure in an effort to achieve consistent quality hiring.
2. Compensation and Benefits System - a systematic and objective compensation and benefits strategy aligned with the construction industry which was reviewed and upgraded annually
Melanie authored the Competency-based Performance Appraisal System - annual feedback system on employees' performance which became the basis of annual merit increase, even while designing and implementing the DCCD Staff Training and Development Program targeted to address all all employees and management staff. She introduced the "President's Hour" providing a two-way communication between management and all other levels of the corporation. She established, articulated and regularly reinforced the firm's vision and mission through orientation, counseling, and constant dialogue with employees. Melanie instituted reward systems and practices that communicated to all employees what behaviors are valued and what it takes to get ahead in the organization, minimizing the number of employment-related lawsuits and labor cases, minimizing the cost of employment advertising, agency, and executive search firm expenses by focusing on in-house recruitment and introduced referral system. She developed the Human Resources Information System, a viable tool in the daily operations of HRD, in collaboration with the Information Technology Department.
Melanie held the following positions from the specified beginning dates to the present time:
- June 2002 - present: Managing Director- MPF Consulting. She provides HR management and consulting services in the areas of executive search, manpower recruitment, training, organizational development, job evaluation and performance management.
- November 2003 – present: External Affairs Officer Head, Events & Promotions at FEATI University, Manila, managing and directing the External Affairs Office of the university. In this capacity, Melanie has spearheaded the image re-building of the university as a school of choice through various programs, projects and events and gained exposure through tri-media mileage as a result. This translated to a significant increase in enrollment figures in a span of four years. She has successfully planned and implemented various major internal and external events which were not only self-sustaining but also raised funds as well as promoted the university. Melanie designed and institutionalized programs in Job Placement, Corporate Alliances, Alumni Relations & Sports Development
- June 2009 – present: Financial Advisor for Manulife Philippines in Makati City.
Local Liaison Officer, Tagudin - Albert D Bunoan, BSBA
SAS Class 1983
Local Liaison Officer based in Tagudin
Member, Board of Trustees
Member, Scholarship Committee
Leader, SAS Ai Scholarship Field Team
(Albert, photo at left)
Albert D Bunoan graduated from St. Augustine's School in 1983. After his high school graduation he immediately enrolled and attended St Louis University in Baguio City, pursuing and earning a bachelor's degree in Accounting in 1988. A year later he married his college sweetheart and settled for a job helping his in-laws develop their family business that was operating and based in Tarlac province. He did this "job-assist" for several years, after which he opted to go overseas to work. This overseas stint lasted for 4 years.
Albert and his wife, who is the local Pharmacist who works at a local drugstore in Tagudin, are blessed with four children. The eldest, a girl, is a junior in college pursuing an Electronics and Computer Engineering (ECE) degree. The second eldest, also a girl, is a sophomore at St Augustine high school. The third child and the youngest are both in the second grade at SAS. Albert is the president of the Parent Teachers Association (PTA) at St Augustine School.
These days and for a living, Albert does bookkeeping work for local and provincial businesses but only when these jobs become available. The global economy being in a downturn, jobs are not readily available on a regular basis but with God’s help, Albert is managing to cope.
Local Liaison Officer based in Tagudin
Member, Board of Trustees
Member, Scholarship Committee
Leader, SAS Ai Scholarship Field Team
(Albert, photo at left)
Albert D Bunoan graduated from St. Augustine's School in 1983. After his high school graduation he immediately enrolled and attended St Louis University in Baguio City, pursuing and earning a bachelor's degree in Accounting in 1988. A year later he married his college sweetheart and settled for a job helping his in-laws develop their family business that was operating and based in Tarlac province. He did this "job-assist" for several years, after which he opted to go overseas to work. This overseas stint lasted for 4 years.
Albert and his wife, who is the local Pharmacist who works at a local drugstore in Tagudin, are blessed with four children. The eldest, a girl, is a junior in college pursuing an Electronics and Computer Engineering (ECE) degree. The second eldest, also a girl, is a sophomore at St Augustine high school. The third child and the youngest are both in the second grade at SAS. Albert is the president of the Parent Teachers Association (PTA) at St Augustine School.
These days and for a living, Albert does bookkeeping work for local and provincial businesses but only when these jobs become available. The global economy being in a downturn, jobs are not readily available on a regular basis but with God’s help, Albert is managing to cope.
Local Liaison Officer, San Juan - Alfredo J Somera
SAS Class 1971
Local Liaison Officer - San Juan, La Union, SAS Ai, Inc.
(Fred’s photo at left)
Fred graduated from St Augustine School with SAS Batch 71. However, SAS Batch 70 members recognize him as their batch member also taking into consideration the time he spent with them from Kindergarten to Second year high school. One might rightfully say that Fred belongs to not just one SAS class batch but two: 1970 and 1971.
He, his wife and children currently live in San Juan, La Union, Philippines where they run and operate a small food catering business with an adjunct Sari-Sari store in San Juan, La Union, just east of the Lorma Colleges campus and the San Juan High School and Elementary School campuses. Additionally – if not astutely, Fred also provides Internet services to the general public operating an Internet Café equipped with the latest desktop and laptop personal computers using both dial up modem and the much faster DSL switching services. His clients include a wide swath from both the high school and the college students attending San Juan and Lorma Colleges respectively.
Fred was a full time employee with the Coca-Cola Bottling Company based in Carlatan, La Union where he was the Union President. He retired from Coca-cola as the Warehouse Manager. While working at Coca-Cola-Philippines, he enjoyed a wide range of network contacts all throughout Northern Luzon and also the southern Luzon provinces towards the metropolitan Manila area.
Asked for his thoughts and opinion about the SASAI, Inc. organization’s current status and future, Fred began his statement as follows: “After some deliberation, thoughtful consideration and the resulting enlightenment that ensued, I have decided to join you in this organization, SASAI, Inc. It has finally dawned on me in a most crystal clear fashion that being with you in SASAI, Inc. affords me with nothing to lose but more to gain."
In his capacity as the Local Liaison Officer (LLO) for SASAI, Inc., Fred will be representing the organization’s interests to the best of his ability in accordance with the organization’s by-laws and processes, rules and procedures.
Local Liaison Officer - San Juan, La Union, SAS Ai, Inc.
(Fred’s photo at left)
Fred graduated from St Augustine School with SAS Batch 71. However, SAS Batch 70 members recognize him as their batch member also taking into consideration the time he spent with them from Kindergarten to Second year high school. One might rightfully say that Fred belongs to not just one SAS class batch but two: 1970 and 1971.
He, his wife and children currently live in San Juan, La Union, Philippines where they run and operate a small food catering business with an adjunct Sari-Sari store in San Juan, La Union, just east of the Lorma Colleges campus and the San Juan High School and Elementary School campuses. Additionally – if not astutely, Fred also provides Internet services to the general public operating an Internet Café equipped with the latest desktop and laptop personal computers using both dial up modem and the much faster DSL switching services. His clients include a wide swath from both the high school and the college students attending San Juan and Lorma Colleges respectively.
Fred was a full time employee with the Coca-Cola Bottling Company based in Carlatan, La Union where he was the Union President. He retired from Coca-cola as the Warehouse Manager. While working at Coca-Cola-Philippines, he enjoyed a wide range of network contacts all throughout Northern Luzon and also the southern Luzon provinces towards the metropolitan Manila area.
Asked for his thoughts and opinion about the SASAI, Inc. organization’s current status and future, Fred began his statement as follows: “After some deliberation, thoughtful consideration and the resulting enlightenment that ensued, I have decided to join you in this organization, SASAI, Inc. It has finally dawned on me in a most crystal clear fashion that being with you in SASAI, Inc. affords me with nothing to lose but more to gain."
In his capacity as the Local Liaison Officer (LLO) for SASAI, Inc., Fred will be representing the organization’s interests to the best of his ability in accordance with the organization’s by-laws and processes, rules and procedures.
