Panamyaw
Behind the Successful Man; A Feature on 2021's Magna Cum Laude
By Rona Olito
- Lao Tzu
The journey of college life is tough and stressful but for Mr. Catatista, earning the highest award is just a bonus. A Bachelor in Science in Agribusiness student, a father of two, a husband, a working student, a band vocalist at night, Panamyaw Chorale president and Student Council President is Mr. Romnick Donguines Catatista. He has won several awards and recently gained recognition as one of the highest honors in college – Magna Cum Laude. He was very enthusiastic in his studies and took note of the importance of genuine relationships and the opportunity to enjoy life.
Other than being a Magna Cum Laude, Mr. Catatista also earned his Leadership Award and Cultural Award for music. His eagerness to give his best in everything that he does and the support of his family and people around him paved his way to success. He is proud that everything he has been focusing on, stressing, and sacrificing has led to honor that he will cherish his entire life.
For Mr. Catatista, service to humanity is the best work of life even during and after he served as a Supreme Student Government president, he continuously participated in various activities in school and in the community, which is why he was also awarded the Leadership Award. He also participated in the local and international competitions as a member of the Panamyaw Chorale to represent the school in the musical aspect, granting him another award - The Cultural Award in Music.
Motivated by the love and support of his family, he dedicates his recognition to his very own source of strength, his silver lining, and the vision to provide a comfortable life, educate his children and reach his dreams. He draws strength from his family to overcome weariness, stress, and fatigue. His success is his family’s success too.
When asked about the most challenging experience during his graduating year, Mr. Catatista answered that the surge of the COVID-19 pandemic tested him as a student and as a family provider as he was working, studying, and performing his duties while fighting for his advocacies. The new normal shift in the education system caused more difficulty for him because of the internet issues, and technicalities in gadgets in the virtual classes. However, it didn’t stop Mr. Catatista because he focused on his goals and purpose.
He advises his fellow Ananians that it’s okay to have mistakes, but the lesson learned from them should stay. He also mentioned not to put too much pressure on themselves. Experience and character will help in achieving someone’s goal. He also noted the importance of spending time with people who are important to them, valuing relationships, going on an adventure, singing, laughing more, dancing, loving, and living simple - which are more important than any awards, medals, or certificates.
He wants to thank all the people who helped him throughout his journey in CSAV. To the Executive Director - Romeo Vicente P. Sta. Ana Jr., for bringing wisdom and for his vision for CSAV. To the faculty members for giving their best every day to provide tremendous education and for pushing him and other students to do their best. To the entire management of CSAV who keeps the campus running efficiently and creates a beautiful place for students to come and learn every day. To his family, friends, classmates, co-employees, and choir mates for the love and support, without them, he would have not made it this far. He dedicated all his medals, trophies, and certificates to all of them. His success is their success also
Panamyaw Chorale featured in MUN; Gold Award Winner in IYMC
The group also recently won a Gold Plaque Award, Absolute Winner in Choral Music - Mixed Age category during the International Youth Music Competition with 42 entries all around the world. They performed Paru-parong Bukid conducted by Mr. Leonard Guinabo, held last December 2021
Relief efforts for Odette Victims
In addition, they also participated in Kawsa Kusina for the typhoon victims in Sipalay and Kabankalan.
Donations from 605th CDC headed by LTC KAMID, CSAV ROTCU Commandant and staff headed by LTC TRUJILLO and STA.ANA FAMILY was received by 2Lt Patricia Nicole Balbin, 1 Lt Nathaniel Jan Celiz, and Cpt Rowena Kyung last December 28, 2021.
The Supreme Student Council together with the whole CSAV community held a "Donation Drive: Bulig Para Sa Negros" to raise funds in order to extend help and sympathy to severely affected areas in Negros brought by typhoon Odette