JEDDAH, 18 February 2004 — Filipino elementary and high schools students are gearing up for this year’s “I-Quest” to be held on Feb. 26.
Two major schools in Jeddah have already confirmed their participation in the competition being organized by the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) — Western Region Chapter.
These are the International Philippine School in Jeddah (IPSJ) and Al-Hekma International School. The event will be held at the Al-Hekma quadrangle.
I-Quest, which stands for intelligence, information and quest for knowledge, is PICPA’s own version of the Philippines’ National Quiz Bee and the famous TV show called “Battle of the Brains.”
To be held for the 4th time since 1998, I-Quest is meant to promote a friendly competition among students from the various Philippine schools in Jeddah.
In charge of the event is PICPA member Jun Manapat and his wife, Desil, who will be the quiz master. Among the main sponsors are the AySarap Catering of former chapter president Ronald Mangua and Nivea Company.
PICPA-Western Region is among the most active Filipino professional organizations in the Kingdom.
Apart from I-Quest, its planned activities for the year include a series of professional development workshop-type seminars, and review assistance to interested CPA Board examinees. Its general membership meeting is scheduled for next month.
The chapter is also reaching out to all PICPAns, including those based in other places such as Makkah, Madinah, Taif and Yanbu to update their contact information, as well as to those who want to register as new members. The chapter could be contacted through [email protected].
Last month, the chapter’s new set of officers were inducted into office by Vice Consul Jose Jacob, the acting head of the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah.
The officers are Rafael Abisamis, president, Pacifico Florentino, vice president for professional development; Evelyn Santos, VP operations; Rayhanah Natangcop, secretary; Glen Sibag, treasurer; Levy Factor, auditor; Greg Leynes; PRO; Joey Guhit director for publications; Roger Ates, director for finance; Rodel Ricafort, director for sports.
Albert Palenso, director for membership; Walter Paraiso, director for meetings; Fermin Vidal, director for special projects; Mila Neyra and Jovenal Bolanio, co-directors for community service.
Abisamis also called a reunion of the chapter’s past presidents on Jan. 21. Among those who came were Ben Guerra (1993), Ruben Datu (1994), Ronald Mangua (1995) Efren Rodriguez (1997), Joey Villanueva (president-elect, 1998), Reginaldo Maga (2000), Danny Abenes (2001), and Nonato Austria (2002).
