8 West Visayas State U grads top nurse licensure exam

ILOILO CITY - Cheers, applause, and laughter were heard at the lobby of the College of Nursing at West Visayas State University Monday morning after eight of its graduates were included in the top 10 of the June 2017 Nursing Licensure Exam.

One hundred and twenty-five of the 126 examinees from the university also passed.

The university had the second highest passing percentage with 99.21 passing rate.

Mary Angelie Cabañez, 21 years old, topped the board exam with a rating of 86.2%.

She considered this achievement as a gift because since she almost missed the exam due to thyroidectomy.

The operation turned out to a blessing in disguise as three sets of the exam were focused on thyroids.

Cabañez wants to work in the Philippines. However, she will not think twice if there is an opportunity for her to pursue her career abroad.

Unlike Cabañez, 7th placer Julie May Suganob did not expect she would be among those who will top the exam.

She said her patients inspired her to pass the examination.

It was in 1993 when a WVSU graduate last topped the nursing board exam.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

LOOK: Coffee shop on wheels brewing in Iloilo City

ILOILO CITY -- The first-ever mobile coffee shop in Iloilo City has been conquering the city streets since last year.

The Cafe Nativa Mobile Coffee cart runs on three wheels, and can basically go anywhere in the city. It is usually spotted at the bike lane along Iloilo Diversion Road and near the BPOs. 

According to its barista, they often receive requests from clients through their Facebook page. Some BPO employees and even students would ask them to go to their office or schools.

Aside from coffee, Cafe Nativa also serves cold drinks and teas. The cart has a built-in burner, coffee grinder and coffee filter. Customers can actually see how their cup of coffee is prepared.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Kiefer-led charity game for Yolanda ends in draw

MANILA, Philippines – "Fastbreak 2," a charity game organized by Ateneo Blue Eagles guard Kiefer Ravena, ended in a 71-all draw at the Blue Eagle Gym on Saturday.

A slam by two-time UAAP Most Valuable Player Bobby Ray Parks knotted the score at 71 moments after UAAP MVP Thirdy Ravena scored on an alley-oop dunk that temporarily gave the Blue Team a 71-69 lead.

The proceeds of the game will go towards rehabilitation efforts in the town of Concepcion in Iloilo.

Ravena explained that the town was “close to his heart,” as he has a lot of friends in the area.

“We’re trying to build as many classrooms (in Concepcio) as we can,” said Ravena. “There are only three to five classrooms left, and hopefully makapagpatayo tayo ng at least four to five classrooms para sa kanila, to start their education again.”

Parks, meanwhile, said it was a blessing for him to help the survivors of Yolanda while at the same time playing the game he loves.

“It’s a blessing to be part of it, it’s something beautiful,” said Parks. “Just to be able to help out the victims of Yolanda, especially in the best way I could – through basketball – it’s really a privilege to be here.”

Ravena had previously organized “Fastbreak 1” in January 2012, another charity game where the proceeds went to the relief efforts for the victims of Typhoon Sendong in Mindanao.

The former UAAP Rookie of the Year said he is hoping that there will be no need for a third “Fastbreak” event, however.

“Hopefully, wala na sana. We’re not planning any ‘Fastbreak 3’ kasi we’re not hoping for any future calamities or devastation,” he said. “But I’m sure there are other ways to have Fastbreak 3, you know, just for fun.”

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Megaworld to build Courtyard by Marriott hotel in Iloilo

MANILA, Philippines - A Courtyard by Marriott Hotel will soon rise in Iloilo City.

Megaworld Corp. is allocating P1.5-billion to build the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel in the 72-hectare Iloilo Business Park.

"This is the first Courtyard by Marriott hotel in the Philippines. We are happy and very excited that our fastest-growing brand in the Marriott group will rise in Iloilo Business Park," said Peter Gassner, Director, Hotel Development Asia-Pacific, Marriott International, Inc.

Courtyard by Marriott is one of the world-class brands under Marriott International. The 15-storey contemporary hotel will have 314 spacious rooms and suites.

"This is another milestone for Iloilo Business Park. Our development in Iloilo is a showcase of our company’s commitment to uplifting the Ilonggo lifestyle to a whole new level... The quality of service of Courtyard by Marriott is legendary and will help to lift the level of accommodation and leisure in Iloilo City," said Jericho Go, Megaworld first vice president.

The hotel will also have a lounge bar, meeting rooms, swimming pool with pool bar, outdoor bar and grill, state-of-the-art gym and business center.

"The Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo will also feature a restaurant which will serve high quality food that the Courtyard brand is also famous for, featuring a variety of international and local cuisines,” Gassner said.

Iloilo Business Park is Megaworld’s biggest township in Western Visayas, with luxury residential condominiums, BPO office towers, a Megaworld Lifestyle Mall, a 1.1-kilometer Festive Walk commercial strip, open parks, transport hub, and the much-anticipated Iloilo Convention Center, among others.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com