Comprehensive Study Guide: Nicanor Reyes and the History of Far Eastern University

Life and Legacy of Nicanor Reyes

• The Life of Nicanor Reyes:

  • A man lives and dies, often forgotten like hundreds of fallen leaves swept away by the wind; however, Nicanor Reyes left a lasting monument and legacy: Far Eastern University (FEU).
  • He was remembered as a deeply loved individual, cherished by his family and colleagues alike.
  • His mother, Lola Kayang, considered him to be her "jewel."
  • Among his family members, he was the only one who aspired to study abroad.
  • His personal desk from his office at FEU is preserved in the university's memorabilia room.

• Peacetime Manila Era:

  • He lived during the peacetime era of honor and integrity in Manila, described by Nick Joaquin as the "noble and ever loyal city of Manila."
  • The era was marked by hope and anticipation surrounding the forthcoming independence of the Philippines.
  • The city featured beautiful homes and streets, such as Isaqueral, which was lined with flame trees.

• Personal Traits and Interests:

  • Simple and determined to serve his country, standing out in contrast to his dashing brothers due to his shy and unassuming nature.
  • Enjoyed walking up and down while whistling, taking in the sunrise and ocean breeze along the boulevard.
  • Had a wide array of personal hobbies: sharpshooting, fishing, and participating in all types of sports.

• Education and Professional Career:

  • During his era, medicine and law were the most popular professions.
  • Mr. Marcos Roses suggested that Nicanor study accounting, noting that at the time, only British and Scotch individuals could practice as auditors or accountants in the country.
  • Traveled to the United States to attend Columbia University, where he studied under Professor Castor.
  • Achieved the distinction of being the very first graduate—among both Filipinos and Americans—to earn a doctorate degree in accounting from Columbia University.
  • Tragically, during World War II, Nicanor Reyes passed away alongside his son, Chito.

Foundation, Expansion, and Architectural Vision of FEU

• Establishment of Far Eastern University:

  • Nicanor Reyes was the sole visionary who believed in establishing a dedicated accounting and business institution in the Philippines.
  • He left his position at the University of the Philippines (UP) after failing to convince the institution to adopt his proposed business program.
  • Started his school with only $11$ students in a rented venue.
  • Later merged his institution with Far Eastern College, which was headed by his close friend, Fabelia, officially forming Far Eastern University (FEU).
  • FEU historically preceded the Asian Institute of Management (AIM), University of the East (UE), and the business schools of Ateneo and La Salle.

• Social Impact and Night Classes:

  • FEU pioneered evening classes, allowing individuals to work full-time jobs during the day and pursue higher education at night.
  • Provided transformational educational access for underprivileged students. For example, an orphaned student from Cavite who lost parents at age $5$ worked as a messenger and attended FEU night classes, which helped overcome an inferiority complex and build a successful career.
  • FEU grew to be regarded as a "pearl in a sea of chaos around it" and ranked among the premier universities.

• Environmental Philosophy and Campus Planning:

  • Nicanor Reyes held a deep love for nature and trees, establishing a strict rule: "If you ever build a house, you build it around the trees. Don't cut any."
  • At the FEU property in Diliman, his son Dean contributed numerous trees to the campus grounds.
  • On the main FEU campus, Nicanor personally planted acacia and banyan trees.
  • The Reyes family residence was built around existing trees, accompanied by ferns and ground orchids cultivated by his wife.

• Art Deco Architecture:

  • Prominent architect Pablo Antonio was retained to design the Reyes family residence as well as all major buildings on the FEU campus.
  • Nicanor Reyes deliberately rejected the neoclassic architectural style dominant in Manila's public buildings, opting instead for Art Deco—which had just been introduced in the United States—to symbolize modern progress.
  • Pablo Antonio designed all FEU campus structures in a unified Art Deco style, featuring detailed artistic designs in every corner.

Educational Philosophy and Academic Dominance

• Holistic Education Model:

  • From its inception, FEU implemented a revolutionary educational model combining academic rigor, competitive sports, and performing arts.
  • Designed to provide a well-rounded education that prepares students for gainful employment, personal growth, and global citizenship.
  • Sovito Arzalonga, Dean of the FEU Institute of Law, famously promised incoming students: "You come to me, I will give you the UP education that you wanted, and as a bonus, you'll get also Harvard and Yale education."
  • Emphasized liberal education, core ethical values, and faith to develop comprehensive, all-around professionals.

• CPA Examination Leadership and Personal Tutoring:

  • Over a $10\text{-year}$ period of explosive growth, FEU dominated the national Certified Public Accountant (CPA) board examinations.
  • Nicanor Reyes personally tutored CPA candidates outside of regular class hours.
  • Every Sunday, he invited students to his home in Agmo for intensive study sessions starting at $10:00\,\text{AM}$, pausing for lunch, and continuing throughout the afternoon.
  • Known for lecturing without notes, pacing back and forth on the platform, and explaining complex accounting concepts with extreme clarity.

Cultural Impact: The FEU Auditorium

• The Cultural Hub of Manila:

  • Nicanor Reyes promised the construction of a landmark auditorium to Sarah Joaquin.
  • The FEU Auditorium became the largest and first air-conditioned auditorium in the Philippines, functioning as the country's primary Cultural Center long before the official Cultural Center of the Philippines was built.
  • Located in downtown Manila, it became the premier venue for performing arts, drawing audiences from across the region.

• Notable Performances and International Artists:

  • Served as the venue for high-profile theatrical plays, Shakespearean productions, grand operas, zarzuelas, concerts, and dance recitals.
  • Hosted world-renowned international artists and performance groups, including:
  • A major production of the musical South Pacific.
  • Renowned Russian-American ballerina Alexander Danilova.
  • The touring Shakespeare group.
  • Modern dance pioneer Martha Graham.

• University Celebrations and Presidential Praise:

  • FEU anniversary celebrations featured massive parades, major stage extravaganzas, and elaborate productions.
  • Frequently visited by top national leaders who delivered campus speeches, including Manuel Rojas and Vice President Osmena.
  • The President of the Philippines publicly praised FEU, declaring it to be "the best non sectarian school in The Philippines."

World War II, National Defense, and the FEU ROTC

• National Defense Planning:

  • Prior to World War II, President Kesson and General Douglas MacArthur convened a high-level military defense meeting with General Nim and General Valdez.
  • Only two leaders from educational institutions were invited to participate: Nicanor Reyes representing FEU, and Mariano de los Santos.
  • This historic meeting resulted in the strategic formulation and official establishment of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) in the Philippines.

• FEU ROTC Unit Expansion:

  • Initially starting with one of the smallest training units, FEU's ROTC program expanded rapidly to become the second-largest ROTC unit in the nation prior to the outbreak of war.

• Outbreak of WWII and Conditions in Manila:

  • On $12/26/1941$ (the day after Christmas), Japanese bombers launched air raids against Manila despite the city having been officially declared an Open City.
  • The war caused social breakdown and severe hyperinflation, requiring citizens to carry a "bayoung of Mickey Mouse money" to purchase basic market goods.
  • Widespread economic desperation led to unethical behavior and collaboration with enemy forces.

• Heroism of Young Student Cadets:

  • FEU ROTC cadets and members of the Philippine Scouts entered active military combat at just $16$ years of age.
  • Despite having received only $2\,\text{months}$ of basic military training, these raw recruits fought bravely against invading forces.
  • FEU cadets saw heavy combat in Corregidor and the Battle of Bataan, and endured the Bataan Death March and concentration camps in Capas.
  • Nicanor Reyes was deeply grieved by the tragic loss of his young students who died in the conflict.

• Allied Air Operations Context:

  • During the wider global war, American and British air forces conducted round-the-clock strategic daylight bombing raids over Hitler's fortress in Germany.
  • Combat required bombers to fly at low altitudes to maximize bomb accuracy over targets.
  • In one daylight mission, $68$ American aircraft failed to return, including a low-altitude bomber carrying a young, skinny tail gunner who was shot down beyond recognition.