Echoes

25/08/2025

𝗨𝗦𝗖-𝗝𝗣𝗜𝗔 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗵𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗶𝗿𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺 𝗙𝗮𝗶𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗢𝗿𝗦𝗲𝗺 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱
𝘣𝘺 𝘞𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘢 𝘙𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘢

The University of San Carlos Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (USC-JPIA) opened academic year 2025–2026 with its annual two-in-one Circles and Committees Fair (CirComm) and Freshmen Orientation Seminar (OrSem) last August 18, 2025, with the theme “Padayon: Moving Forward with Greater Purpose.”

The day began with the CirComm Fair held at the Gabriel Reyes (GR) Building, where the second to fourth floors were filled with colorful booths, interactive gimmicks, and enthusiastic members showcasing their circles and committees. USC-JPIA’s CirComms each offer unique avenues for involvement in the JPIAN community.

In the afternoon, the OrSem 2025 officially welcomed the first year students, which is an annual event aimed to help new students adjust to college life by introducing them to the campus, the faculty, school services, and the various organizations that serve as pillars of the community.

In his welcome address, Dr. Challoner A. Matero, CPA, CIA, MMBM, CAT, CB, Chairman of the Department of Accountancy, highlighted the department’s growing academic program offerings, including the newly added Bachelor of Science in Internal Auditing (BSIA) program. He emphasized that the first two years will allow students to explore and assess which program best aligns with their skills and interests. He also reminded the freshmen to learn from their seniors, practice prioritization, and to wisely decide on their career paths in either the CPA, CMA or CIA certifications.

Afterwards, Mr. Arvin F. Suralta, CPA, MBA, the Assistant Chairman of the Department, oriented the freshmen about the department’s general policies and academic guidelines. He emphasized the importance of the qualifying examinations, which are the Program Readiness Advancement Test (PART) in the upper years.

The afternoon also featured Department Talks delivered by the cluster heads and faculty. Atty. Cymon P. Argawanon, CPA, head of the Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR) cluster, provided insights on the subjects the freshmen will expect and briefly introduced the Integrated Review Center (IRC), which students will undergo in their fourth year. Mr. Rey D. Amaya, CPA, CMA (U.S.), head of the Management Advisory Services (MAS) cluster, discussed the vast career opportunities for management accountants, both locally and internationally. Ms. Cherimae Pino, CPA, representing the Audit cluster, gave an in-depth discussion on the newly offered BSIA program, its syllabus, the CIA certification process, and the career paths available. To inspire the students, she ended her talk with the quote: “We are Carolinians, and this is our journey — from curious learners to trusted guardians of truth. The future of internal auditing starts with us.”

After the Department Talk, the freshmen were given an opportunity to seek advice from the faculty. When a student asked, “What skills does it take to reach your level?” Atty. Argawanon answered: “The word comprehension ability to translate problems into an equation.”

A short intermission followed, with Gabrielle Sandoval from the USC-JPIA Talent Circle serenading the crowd with Niki’s “Every Summertime,” which drew cheerful participation from the freshmen.

The program continued with the School Services Talks. The Campus Ministry and Carolinian Youth Ministry presented “Witness the Light,” introducing their advocacies and inviting students to take part. The Community Extension Service (CES) also emphasized its three-fold mandate, encouraging freshmen to make their academic journey more meaningful through service.

The USC-JPIA Commission on Elections (COMELEC) then briefed the students on their voting rights and the election process. The briefing also introduced the candidates for the upcoming USC-JPIA Division 1 Chairperson Elections.

The event wrapped up with block presentations from the freshmen, where each block proudly showcased their creativity through cheers, gimmicks, and lively performances that highlighted their excitement for the beginning of their college life.

Photos by Yuan Abanto and Shanin Subang

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23/08/2025

HAPPENING NOW: The USC-IMA Student Chapter is hosting the first MAP seminar, "MAP Blueprint: Unfolding Expertise, Shaping Industry Excellence.," at Michael Richartz Hall, USC Talamban Campus.

Led by esteemed speaker Atty. Leo M. Yatco, CPA, CMA(US), MBA, ASA (AU), the seminar explores key strategic concepts that empower future professionals to think beyond numbers and drive organizational success.

Don’t miss the chance to be part of this transformative experience. Join us in redefining excellence and shaping the future of business!

Written by IMArchives, Eunice Mae Remandeman
Photos by IMArchives, Shanin Subang

22/08/2025

𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘁, 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘀! ‼️

Recent reports indicate that a third-party data breach may have compromised personal information. We strongly advise reviewing your accounts for unusual activity, updating passwords, and enabling additional security measures such as two-factor authentication and such.

Failure to do so may result in exposure to fraud, identity theft, or other forms of unauthorized use.

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: Following reports of student data leaks last night, threat actor “singular” claims to have access to USC’s network and scraped university computers for student passwords. Today’s Carolinian urges all Carolinians, including alumni who have reportedly been affected by the data breach, to take the following security measures:

1. Change your passwords and enable 2-factor authentication if you have used any device connected to campus networks (such as USC WiFi) to log in to any of your online account;
2. Avoid using campus computers as they are likely being monitored by an unauthorized third party. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) when necessary.
3. Do not use campus WiFi networks; use mobile data instead. Before entering campus, turn off WiFi on your devices.
4. Review account activity, such as login history and terminate sessions you do not recognize.

Today’s Carolinian reiterates that the threats remain unconfirmed, but the leaks suggest the threat actor’s claims may be true. TC is currently investigating the matter and will release a full article soon.

20/08/2025

𝐂𝐢𝐫𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓: 𝐏𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐮𝐬 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 🏫

The booths may be packed up and the fair may be done, but the 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘵𝘩-𝘪𝘧𝘶𝘭 memories live on! Swipe through these snaps and relive the chaos, chika, and CirComm energy that turned the GR Building into 𝘵𝘩𝘦 place to be. 💚💛

See how our JPIAN freshies kept the spirit of 𝙋𝙖𝙙𝙖𝙮𝙤𝙣 alive — filling the halls with energy, discovering new circles, and embracing the day with the pride of true Carolinians. 🌟

Photos by Yuan Abanto and Shanin Subang

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16/08/2025

There’s no such thing as a ģ̶̂l̶̙͠í̵̫t̴̳͐ç̶͂h̸̠̆ ̵̟̿i̴̦̓n̸͓̂ ̴̟̑t̷͓͆h̴̤̄e̵̳͆ ̵̛̮ș̷̇ỳ̴̝ș̵̚t̴̹͘e̴͈̒m̸͇̋.̴̙̎. 👾 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙖𝙨 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙘 𝙞𝙨 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙨𝙞𝙜𝙣𝙖𝙡. 📡

Echoes is born from that noise—𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙪𝙣𝙛𝙞𝙡𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨, 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙮 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙩𝙝𝙨, 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙪𝙣𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙙 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨.📢 We’re here to break the silence, bend the rules, and make sure every voice cuts through.

This isn’t a g̵͍͑l̵͔̓ï̷̙t̴͙̅c̶͉̋h̵̼̍.

This is 𝕰𝖈𝖍𝖔𝖊𝖘.

13/08/2025

𝐊𝐚𝐬𝐚𝐝𝐲𝐚 𝐬𝐚 𝐔𝐒𝐂 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 - 𝘋𝘢𝘺 1 𝘏𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 ✨

Day 1 was all about bright smiles, loud cheers, and non-stop action! From the ceremonial start to surprise performances and crowd-favorite games, the campus was bursting with energy. 🎶🎭🎯

Our amazing orgs brought their A-game at their booths, and the Carolinian spirit was alive in every corner. 💚

Photos by Shanin Subang and Yuan Abanto

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12/08/2025

Batch Autheria has officially ignited their RCMA journey with the ✨𝗜𝗠𝗔𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗢𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻✨ held last 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝟭𝟭, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 at the 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗲𝗹 𝗥𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘇 𝗛𝗮𝗹𝗹, 𝗨𝗦𝗖-𝗧𝗖.

Hearts were sparked and drives fueled as 𝗠𝗿. 𝗝𝗼𝗵𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝘃𝗶𝘀 𝗕𝗮𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗼 opened the program with a heartfelt and a thought-provoking message. Equipping Autheria for the exciting journey that lies ahead, 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝘆. 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝘆𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗕𝗼𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗱𝗼𝗿-𝗢𝗿𝗶𝗼, led the orientation proper, laying the groundwork for what promises to be a year of learning and growth. Adding to the event’s inspiration were the presence and wisdom of 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝘆. 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗲𝗹 𝗗𝗲𝗴𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗜𝗜𝗜, 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝘆. 𝗖𝘆𝗺𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗿𝗴𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗻𝗼𝗻, and 𝗠𝗿. 𝗝𝗼𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗹 𝗗𝗮𝗸𝗮𝘆, whose insights reminded everyone of the RCMA's impact and purpose. To top it off, BSMA graduates turned CMAs, shared their experience, practical tips and a boost of confidence for the journey toward certification.

From important guidelines to unveiling what USC-IMA has in store (and yes, a sneak peek into those 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘬𝘦𝘸𝘯𝘵𝘴 — iykyk 😉), the orientation was more than just an introduction. It is a spark that will continue burning through Batch Autheria's RCMA journey.

Swipe through the photos to relive the moments or catch the ones you may have missed!

Caption by Nicole Cyra Gift Balacuit
Photos by Shanin Subang and Yuan Abanto

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11/08/2025

𝓢𝓪𝓵𝓽 𝓪𝓲𝓻 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓻𝓾𝓼𝓽 𝓸𝓷 𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓭𝓸𝓸𝓻, 𝓘 𝓬𝓪𝓷’𝓽 𝓫𝓮𝓵𝓲𝓮𝓿𝓮 𝓘’𝓶 𝔀𝓪𝓵𝓴𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓪𝓬𝓻𝓸𝓼𝓼 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓬𝓪𝓶𝓹𝓾𝓼 𝓯𝓵𝓸𝓸𝓻. ✏️

It’s August, and the campus is alive once again! 🤩 New faces are everywhere, searching for the right classrooms and clutching their schedules. Every corner feels like a door to something new. 🚪

Of course, the seasoned crowd who’s been here long enough already know the best seats, the shortcuts between buildings, and which water fountains actually work. 🤓

Here, we laugh through the stress, make friends in the chaos, and somehow survive the deadlines—one coffee at a time. ☕️ 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥, 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬! 📚

Illustration by Queenie Villarmino

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10/08/2025

𝗜𝗖𝗬𝗠𝗜: Let’s look back on the unforgettable moments from the USC Department of Accountancy’s testimonial dinner honoring the May 2025 LECPA passers.

From inspiring words to shared laughter, the gathering paid tribute to the dedication and grit that carried the May 2025 LECPA passers to this milestone.

Video by Yuan Abanto and Arabella Cataytay
Edit by Shanin Subang

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23/07/2025

IN PHOTOS: The USC Department of Accountancy welcomed the new Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) in a memorable 𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿 held at Rome BC, Mezzo Hotel on July 19, 2025.

The evening was a celebration of perseverance, discipline, and achievement for the May 2025 LECPA passers. The event recognized the hard work and commitment of the newest additions to the accounting profession.

Congratulations to our new CPAs. May your journey ahead be filled with purpose, and may your path lead to lasting impact in the profession and beyond.

Vamos Carolinian, CPAs!

Photos by Arabella Cataytay and Yuan Abanto

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