It came as an affirmation of the high standard of education in Bacolod City and Negros Occidental: two graduates of two Bacolod tertiary education institutions topped their respective board examinations held earlier this year.

Brian Lim of St. La Salle and Randell Arias of Colegio de San Agustin- Bacolod made their schools and families proud when they topped the licensure examination for accountants and medical technologists, respectively. Both topnotchers, now based in Metro Manila, were contacted by StarLife through e-mails.

Our cover story features the e-mail interview with conducted with the two Negrenses, who have strong foundations on faith. The two attributed their success to God as they also expressed their appreciation to their parents for their unstinted support, especially during their student days and when they took the licensure exam.

Our centerfold first-person account focuses on a Balikbayan's recent trip to her hometown. In that trip, she was accompanied by her children who rediscovered their bonds and renewed ties with kin they left behind almost 20 years ago. The article underscores the rejuvenation of the spirit one gets when he or she returns to the place where they spent their days of youth and vibrancy.

We take another look at the Environ-ment Week celebration, parti-cularly the one in Mambukal, where the Mudpack Festival was celebrated once more, stressing the colors of the Earth and the ingenuity and creativity of the commemoration. It was an occasion also of movement, rhythm and visual artistry that has developed through the years.

On the ramp last week were young men and women showcasing the bridal collections of local designers. Enjoy our pages for our various offerings. Happy Sunday!