By Keziah G. Huelar
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, highlighted Christ as the center of the CPU Festival of Lights and Music.
Celebrating the Light of Life—The 2018 Festival of Lights and Music was attended by Centralians and guests who flocked to Central Philippine University to witness the switching on of “Christ Lights @ Central” at the Centennial Walkway on December 7, 2018.
The Festival of Lights and Music is an annual tradition of the University that has gone on for 27 years. The celebration ushers in the yuletide season and is an invitation to the alumni all over the globe to revisit the campus, rekindle their Central Spirit, and most importantly, celebrate Christ as the foundation and guiding light of CPU.
Engr. Isagani J. Jalbuena, President, CPU Alumni Association Inc. and Over-all Chairman, 2018 Festival of Lights and Music @ Central thanked the entire CPU community for their unconditional support to the events and programs of the CPU Alumni Association Inc.
Serenading the crowd and leading the gathering music was the CPU Symphonic Band with Mr. Ascension O. Bautista, Band Director, conducting. The invocation was then led by Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor, University Church. It was followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem and the Alma Mater Song, with Ms. Crista S. Huyong, Coordinator, CPU Cultural Affairs Office, conducting.
For the Christmas greetings, Engr. Isagani J. Jalbuena, President, CPU Alumni Association Inc. and Over-all Chairman, 2018 Festival of Lights and Music @ Central, thanked the CPU community for their love of and support to the activities of the CPUAAI. He also highlighted that Christ is foremost at the center of the festival: “I would like to thank everyone who made this production successful. [We always hold emphasis that Christ is the Light of life and the center of this event.]”
A sea of stars – more than 20,000 people came to witness the switching on of “Christmas Lights @ Central.”
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, welcomed Centralians and guests and acknowledged Christ as the center of the celebration. He also commended the CPU alumni here and abroad for representing Christ and CPU in their workplace: “We are thankful that you are able to share with us your precious time in celebrating the beginning of Christmas. [But] don’t think of this as just entertainment. This is to symbolize the celebration of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ and also, as part of the lights all over the world, our alumni who are serving many communities in different capacities.
Celebrating the Light of Life—The 2018 Festival of Lights and Music is a testimony of God’s faithfulness to CPU.
Hon. Demy P. Sonza, Board Member, 2nd District, on behalf of Iloilo City Governor, Hon. Arthur R. Defensor Sr., extended the greetings of the provincial government. In his message, Hon. Sonza thanked CPU for conducting events that promote Iloilo. He also recognized the CPU Festival of Lights and Music as a tribute to Christ, the sole reason for Christmas: “This is a celebration of Christ who came as the Light of life. This evening, the CPU community is switching on [a representation] of the greatest gift our God has given us, Jesus Christ. God, our Father, gave His only son that whosoever believes in Him may not perish but have eternal life.”
Hon. Sonny M. Angara, Senator, Republic of the Philippines, in his message, recognized the cultural and historical role of the university in Iloilo City: “[CPU] is such an important part of the community, being a historic school.”
The speeches were followed by a special dance number by the CPU Stereo Swaggers.
After which, one by one, Dr. Robles; Atty. Von Lovel C. Bedona, Chairman, CPU Board of Trustees; Engr. Jalbuena; Hon. Angara; Hon. Jeffrey P. Ganzon, Vice Mayor, Iloilo City; Ms. Junel Ann P. Divinagracia, Iloilo Tourism City Officer, on behalf of Hon. Jerry P. Trenas, Congressaman, Iloilo City; Mr. Gilbert Garcia, former Brgy, Captain of South Baluarte, Molo, on behalf of Hon. Joe S. Espinosa III, Mayor, Iloilo City; Mr. Dominador Co, Executive Assistant to the Mayor; Mr. John Michael A. Suelo, President, CPU Republic; and Mr. Rodaniel G. Sevilla, 2018 CPU Alumni Homecoming King, officially switched on the lights.
The main entrance of the university was lit, followed by the Administration Building, the flagpole area, the Smile Hill, the different college and department buildings, the trees and ornamental plants leading, finally, to the University Church. The switching on of lights is accompanied by Christmas carols played by the CPU Symphonic Band and a 15-minute fireworks display. An estimated crowd of 20,000 plus Centralians and guests attended the said opening.