Profiles of “Hotshots” Awardees

Mr. Luis Cabalquinto
(AdenU HS’51, Coll.’74) is arguably the most successful contemporary Fil-American poet in the US mainland. He has published 3 books of poetry – “The Dog-eater and other Poems” (1989), “The Ibalon Collection” (1991) and “Dream wanderer” (1992). His written works has appeared in magazines and journal anthologies published in the Philippines, United States, Australia, Hong Kong, France, and the Czech Republic. He has received fellowships and awards from Bread Loaf Conference in Vermont, New York University for Academy of American Poets’ poetry prize, New School Social Research for Dylan Thomas Poetry Award and the very prestigious New York Foundation for the Arts for fellowship award in poetry.

Atty. Jose Anselmo Cadiz
(AdenU HS’74) finished Bachelor of Science in Business Economics from the University of the Philippines in 1979. He then worked with the government and the private sector, while studying law. As a law student, he became a member of the Philippine team in the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition in Washington D.C. in 1984 and 1986. He earned his law degree from University of the Philippines in 1986. He co-founded the Castro, Cadiz & Carag Law Offices in 1993 and has been very active in the Integrated Bar of the Philippines of which he serves as the National President.

Mr. Conrado de Quiros (AdenU HS’68) has inspired many to take on writing careers, and a role model for many aspiring wordsmiths. “There’s The Rub”, his regular column on the Philippine Daily Inquirer is a must read for all. He is an exemplar of Political Journalism. He writes what he knows. He is brazen and honest. His writing is never condescending, making the world of politics accessible. Among his published books are “Flowers from the Rubble” (1990), “Dance of the Dunces” (1991) and “Dead Aim” (1997). His writings “Kudeta” (1990) and “Forces and Issues in the Philippine Elections (1992) were anthologized in various books. He is also a recipient of many awards like the Palanca award for his three-act play, “Sa Mata ng Daluyong” (1980), Book of the Year – National Book Award (1990), National Fellow for Essay – UP Creative Writing Center (1991), Best Column: Catholic Mass Media Awards (1993), Best Column – Rotary Awards (2003) and Best Column – International Publishers Association in Hongkong (2003).

Dr. Danilo Gerona, PhD. is a well-respected professor in the Ateneo de Naga University and the Director of the Institute for Bikol History and Culture. He is a distinguished Bikolano Historian. As a specialist on the history of early Spanish colonial years in the Bicol region, he has done extensive research work in various archives in the Philippines and in Spain. His paper was among those included in the recently concluded international conference of Southeast Asian historians in Amsterdam. He also authored many history books and some of his articles have been published in international journals in Europe and in the Philippines.

Ms. Johanna Pauline Sabando
(AdenU Coll.’02) is an embodiment of a Bikolana who is not only gifted with beauty but with brains as well. She graduated as class valedictorian with a degree in legal management in the Ateneo de Naga University year 2002. She was very active both in her curricular and extra-curricular activities and often represented the school in contests. She was awarded Ms. University of the Philippines (2002) and won 3rd runner-up for Ms. University International held in Korea (2002). She was also crowned first runner-up Ms. Camarines Sur (2001). At present she is the Area Manager of Bank of the Philippine Islands, Roosevelt, Manila.