News and Developments
Updated August, 2017
| Faculty Training at Lumen School |
The faculty members of Lumen School underwent a three-day training on self-transformation and methods of teaching. It was held at the Quiet Place in Bago City, adjacent to Bacolod City. The training was also attended by the key officers of D. C. Cruz Trading, the company that supports the operation of Lumen School. The school Director is Ruth Cruz (seated, 4th from the left). The training was conducted by Vic Hao Chin Jr. and Eiren Galang, President and Principal of Golden Link College, respectively.
| Grade 12 Added to High School |
In consonance with the national shift to K-12 curriculum, Golden Link College has added Grade 12 to its senior high school classes. It accepted many new Grade 11 students who finished Junior High School in schools. The population of Golden Link College has now exceeded 600 students for the first time, despite the fact that there are no new first year admissions on the college level.
| Sec. Dinky Soliman is Speaker at Graduation Exercises |
Former Secretary Corazon "Dinky" Soliman was the commencement speaker during the 2017 college graduation ceremonies. She served as the Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development under the Aquino administration and spearheaded reforms that significantly improved the management system of the department.
| Bohol GLC Branch Constructs New School Building |
The Bohol Campus of Golden Link College is currently constructing a new one-storey school building to accommodate the needs of its growing population. The Bohol branch has now six levels: Nursery, Kinder 1, Kinder 2, and Grades 1-3.
| GLC External Scholars Reach 230 Students |
In addition to scholars who are studying in Golden Link, GLC and Theosophical Order of Service also have scholars who are studying in public schools. They are given bags, notebooks and other school needs for the school year, and they are also being tutored by GLC college students in English and Mathematics. Once a year, they hold a declamation program in GLC where their parents are in attendance.
| Visitors from Australia and Argentina |
Recent visitors of GLC are (seated from left) Gayle Thomas, from Australia, and Laura Rodriguez and Diego Fernandes from Argentina, in this photo with teachers and staff of GLC. Gayle taught English to high school and college students, while Laura and Diego visited GLC to observe and learn from the experience here in preparation for a similar theosophical school that they plan to set up in Argentina.
| Retreat on Mindfulness and Loving-Kindness Meditation |
The Venerable Sujatha of the United States conducted a retreat on "Mindfulness and Loving-Kindness Meditation" last January 6, 2017 at the Social Hall of Golden Link College.
| Harvey Keh Speaker of 2016 Graduation |
| Senior High School Opens |
Golden Link College is offering Grade 11 this coming school year (2016-17) to all graduates of Grade 10. The courses offered are the following:
A. ACADEMIC TRACK:
1. ABM (Accountancy, Business & Management) Strand
2. HUMSS (Humanities and Social Sciences) Strand
3. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Strand
4. GA (General Academic) Strand
B. TECHVOC TRACK:
1. ICT (Information and Communication Technology) Strand
a. Computer Programming NC IV
b. Computer System Services NC II
c. Animation NC II
d. Illustration NC II
The first entrance assessment for applicants for Grade 11 will be on November 14, 2015. (Subsequent entrance assessments will be announced later.)The requirements are the following for new students:
- Birth Certificate issued by NSO
- Form 138- E (Progress Card) of previous grade (original copy)
- School Clearance or Certificate (original copy) from previous school
- Form 137E
- 1 x 1 ID photo (2 copies)
| UN Day Program 2015 |
The Preschool, Elementary and High School Departments held its United Nations Day last Oct. 24-25, 2015 with speeches, songs, dances as well as a parade around the community. Below is a video clip from one of the speeches during the program.
| Free Summer Classes Started |
Almost 700 students enrolled in the 2015 Free Summer Classes at Golden Link College which started Monday, April 13, 2015. The above photo shows the parents who attended the Parents' Orientation Session on April 12 which filled the Kern Hall. The classes focus on Personality Development and English Proficiency.
| 2015 Graduation Schedules |
The Commencement Exercises of the college department of Golden Link College will be on Thursday, March 26, 2015, at 4pm with Senator Leticia Shahani as the guest speaker.
The other graduation schedules of the theosophical schools are as follows:
Sunshine Learning Center (Quezon City): Saturday, March 28, 9 am
Golden Link Preschool (Caloocan): Saturday, March 28, 2 pm.
Golden Link Elementary (Caloocan): Sunday, March 29, 9 am
Golden Link High School (Caloocan): Sunday, March 29, 2 pm
Philippine Lumen School (Bacolod): March 27, 2pm
TOS Learning Center (Camarin, Caloocan): Tuesday, March 31, 2 pm
Golden Link Bohol (Cortes, Bohol): Saturday, April 11, 2 pm
Members of the Theosophical Society and other interested persons are invited to attend any of them.
| 100% Pass Licensure Exam for Teachers |
All education graduates of Golden Link College who took the government Licensure Examination for Teachers this year passed.
Bachelor of Secondary Education:
1. Dimanlig, Jonathan
2.Geneta , Renalyn
3. Constantino, Noemi
Bachelor of Elementary Education:
4. Toro toro, Kimerose
5. Felipe, Charlyn
Teacher Certificate Program
6. Bispo, Karen
7. Ebido, Dantes
Congratulations to all of you!
| Mindfulness Workshop for College Students |
Four monks of Plum Village Retreat Center came to Golden Link last October 8 to conduct a session on Mindfulness with college students of Golden Link College. Plum Village was founded by the Zen Master Thich Naht Hanh in France and has now centers in other countries.
The monks also attended the class of Comparative Religion of Golden Link when the students made their final reports on their learnings from the course (below).
| Cong. Leni Robredo Speaks at GLC Graduation |
Golden Link College held its 2014 Graduation Exercises with Hon. Leni Robredo as the guest speaker last April 4, 2014. Rep. Robredo is the congresswoman for the third district of Camarines Sur and has been at the forefront among public officials in advocating integrity, transparency and selflessness in public service.
There were fourteen graduating students in college that include two magna cum laudes and one cum laude. The high school department held its graduation exercises last March 30, 2014 with 28 graduates, while the elementary department had 26 graduates. The preschool department had its Moving Up Ceremonies with sixteen Kinder 2 students who were ready for elementary grades.
| Golden Link Opens Bohol Campus |
Golden Link College Bohol Campus opened last Sunday, April 7, 2013, with the Parents' Orientation of the Free Summer Class. It was attended by highest officials of Cortes, Bohol, where the school is located, particularly Mayor Danilo Montero, Vice-Mayor Iven P. Lim, and Barangay Chairman, Policarpo Pabotoy, including many of the Barangay Councilors Antolin Coyoca, Jesus Jumamil, Domingo Bautista and Roquilito Malanog.
More than 120 students enrolled from ages 3-8 (Nursery to Grade 3). This was more than what was originally expected. There are two teachers, Atessa Sabio, who trained in Golden Link main campus for one year, and Anna Mae Bellosa.
Click here for more updates and photos of the Bohol Campus!
| GLC Sponsors 50 Scholars in Public Schools |
The Golden Link College has sponsored 50 scholars who are studying in various public schools in the community. The program is handled by a group of volunteer college students of Golden Link who have also volunteered to tutor the scholars every Sunday.
| GLC Students Launch Weekly Soup Kitchen |
Last April 25, 2015, the college students of Golden Link launched a weekly Soup Kitchen for very poor families in San Vicente Ferrer, Camarin, North Caloocan City, serving nutritious food for 150 persons each Saturday until the end of the summer vacation. This is in addition to the tutoring lessons given by the same college group to children in the community who are not enrolled in Golden Link.
| 2015 Family Day |
The 2015 Family Day was celebrated at Golden Link College with the participation of the parents and families of the students.
| Senator Letty Shahani is Graduation Speaker |
Former Senator Leticia Ramos Shahani was the Guest Speaker during the 2015 Commencement Exercises of Golden Link College. Senator Shahani has been a member of the Theosophical Society and is known for her integrity and professionalism, especially as a diplomat, having served as the Assistant Secretary General of the United Nations.
| 2015 Graduates of the College Department |
Thirteen students graduated this year from Golden Link College and were conferred their degrees during the 4th College Commencement Exercise last March 26, 2015:
Yurie A. Boca
Irene P. Dura
Kimberly C. Fajardo
Geraldine B. Gragas, cum laude
Christobal M. Gamon
Jill Christine V. Laoit
Ma. Katrina G. Medalla
Franz Rochelle S. Palma
Nelly Angelie B. Pitao
Jovilyn E. Roque
Shiena T. Sales
Aileen O. Tabudlong
Jane Sarah May D. Tiburcio, cum laude
| 100% Pass Licensure Exam for Teachers |
All education graduates of Golden Link College who took the government Licensure Examination for Teachers this year passed.
Bachelor of Secondary Education:
1. Dimanlig, Jonathan
2.Geneta , Renalyn
3. Constantino, Noemi
Bachelor of Elementary Education:
4. Toro toro, Kimerose
5. Felipe, Charlyn
Teacher Certificate Program
6. Bispo, Karen
7. Ebido, Dantes
Congratulations to all of you!
| Mindfulness Seminar by Billy Tan |
Faculty and students who attended the seminar on Mindfulness by Billy Tan of Malaysia (second row, seated, 3rd from right). Billy also conducted a 2-day training program for faculty and students on making effective presentations.
| Art Exhibit |
An Art Exhibit was held on Oct. 24, 2014 featuring art works done by students of the college department.
| College Drama Presentation |
The college department presented a public play on Oct. 24, 2014 entitled "Si Ava, Ang Ginoo at si Maria," a historical drama featuring a family during the Spanish period based on a true story. The play was written by four college students and one faculty member. The performance was so moving that many in the audience cried while watching.
| Mindfulness Workshop by Plum Village Monks |
Four monks of Plum Village Retreat Center came to Golden Link last October 8 to conduct a session on Mindfulness with college students of Golden Link College. Plum Village was founded by the Zen Master Thich Naht Hanh in France and has now centers in other countries.
The monks also attended the class of Comparative Religion of Golden Link when the students made their final reports on their learnings from the course (below).
| 2014 Youth Camp |
Meditation session during the 2014 Youth Camp led by the Principal, Mrs. Eiren Galang.
| Teachers' Day |
Students express their love and appreciation to faculty members of Golden Link College on October 4, 2014 which was Teachers' Day.
| TOS Learning Center Program |
"Buwan ng Wika" program of the TOS Learning Center held at the public plaza of San Vicente Ferrer on August 29, 2014.
| "Buwan ng Wika" (Language Month) Program |
"Buwan ng Wika" program of the Basic Education Department held on August 23, 2014.
| Rep. Leni Robredo is 2014 Commencement Speaker |
Rep. Leni Robredo, widow of the former Secretary of Interior and Local Government, Jesse Robredo, was the guest speaker of the Commencement Exercises of the college department of Golden Link College last April 4, 2014. Rep. Robredo is the congresswoman for the third district of Camarines Sur and has been at the forefront among public officials in advocating integrity, transparency and selflessness in public service.
During the last graduation exercises there here were 14 graduates in the college department, 28 high school graduates, 26 elementary school graduates and 15 from Kinder 2 level. The college graduates are as follows:
Mary Jane Fernando - BS Information Technology, Magna cum laude
Renalyn V. Geneta - Bachelor of Secondary Education (major in English), Magna cum laude
Kaycee G. Pamintuan - BS in Business Administration (Marketing), Cum laude
Noemi B. Constantino - Bachelor of Secondary Education (English)
Jeggy Ron A. Cristobal - BS in Information Technology
Jonathan A. Dimanlig - Bachelor of Secondary Education (Mathematics)
Daniel James C. Espiritu - BS in Business Administration (Marketing)
Aleanna Caryl Shane P. Gardia - BS in Psychology
Wilcyrus P. Manguray - Bachelor of Secondary Educaiton (Mathematics)
Fe Loville S. Openiano - BS in Information Technology
Eurnice Abiah R. Pabalate - BS in Business Administration (Marketing)
Russel Vien B. Ranchez - BS in Information Technology
Kimerose J. Toro-toro - Bachelor of Elementary Education
Janhel C Turano - BS in Psychology
Above are the 2014 batch of graduates of the college department with Cong. Leni Robredo and the board members and officers of Golden Link College.
Above: High School graduating class with Teacher Eiren Galang.
Above: Grade 6 graduating class with Rekha Nahar, Mary Grace Arboleda, Eiren Galang and Vic Hao Chin Jr. (last row).
Above: Kinder 2 Class with Teacher Jean Sarabia.
| GLC Bohol Holds First Graduation Rites |
Golden Link College, Bohol Campus, held its first Moving Up Ceremonies last April 6, 2014
Above: One of the preschool students who completed Kinder 2 together with his mother, accompanied by Atessa Sabio (left), teacher-in-charge of the Golden Link Bohol, Vic Hao Chin Jr. (second from left), President of GLC, and Cora Ponteres (right), Directress of the GLC Bohol.
| Sunshine Learning Center Moving Up Program |
The Moving Up Program of Sunshine Learning Center, a kindergarten school of the Theosophical Order of Service, held March 29, 2014.
| Lumen School Moving Up Program |
The Philippine Lumen School, an affiliate theosophical school of Golden Link College, held its Moving Up Ceremony on March 27, 2014 at Bago City, Negros Occidental.
| GLC "Most Awaited Night" |
The Junior and Senior Prom of the high school department called "The Most Awaited Night" held on March 21, 2014
| Visit by Hon. Jeneda Salcedo-Orendain |
A visit by Iloilo Provincial Councilor Jeneda Salcedo Orendain on March 21, 2014. She spoke to a gathering of the high school students of Golden Link College.
| Free Summer Classes |
GLC has again conducted free summer classes to students in the community for English proficiency and personality development. More than 500 students have enrolled. Below is a photo of the parents orientation program before the opening of the classes.
| Sunshine Learning Center Family Day |
The Family Day of Sunshine Learning Center, an affiliate theosophical kindergarten school, on Feb. 16, 2014.
| GLC Receives Donation from USA and Kern Foundation |
The Golden Link College received a donation of US$40,031.43 from the TOS USA and Kern Foundation as part of their continuing support of Golden Link. The Kern Matching grant has been a major source of support for Golden Link in the past five years and greatly made a difference in the growth and sustenance of the college.
| Caroling to the Poor |
As in previous years, faculty members, administrators and friends of Golden Link College joined the annual caroling last December 2013 where they visited extremely poor families in the communities around Golden Link and deliver groceries, books, toys and financial donations.
| Visiting Faculty Members from France |
Golden Link College has three French volunteers who are teaching in its high school and college departments.
Ms. Karima Rais is teaching French language to students for more than one month. She was introduced to Golden Link College by ASMAE, the French NGO which had been supporting GLC scholarships for many years. Victoria Roux and Ugo Brunet are teaching programming and information technology to both high school and college levels. They were referred by Luc Roullet, a friend of Golden Link.
Above is Karima Rais (3rd from left) with Eiren Galang, GLC Principal, Atessa Sabio, GLC Bohol teacher, and Cora Ponteres, GLC Bohol Directress.
Above from left: Ugo Brunet, Victoria Roux, Rekha Nahar and Karima Rais.
| GLC Hosts Korean Students |
More than 20 high school students from Korea came to the Philippines for one week and was hosted by Golden Link College. They were sponsored by the Korean Overseas Volunteers Association, through the efforts of Mr. Park Cheong Gyo, CEO of Waton Language School, and who was also a volunteer for the Theosophical Order of Service in the Philippines about 20 years ago. The students spent their time doing community services and teaching students of Golden Link.
| GLC-TOS Scholars Hold Declamation Program |
Students in public schools who are being sponsored by Golden Link and Theosophical Order of Service held a Declamation Program during the second semester of 2013-14. This is part of their training in language proficiency. They are being guided and tutored by college student volunteers from Golden Link.
As of June, 2014, the number of external scholars under this program has reach 100 students. The students are provided bags, school supplies, shoes and other needs for them to sustain their schooling.
| Visitors |
Above: Vic Hao Chin Jr. with Ludwig Quirog, President of the Bohol Theosophical Lodge, Esther Cowley-Malcolm of New Zealand, Marjorie Angalot
