By Cyrus A. Natividad

Program Host Cyrus Natividad (left) with Guests Ms. Crista Huyong Cultural Affairs Office Coordinator and Mr. Efraim Alfaras, Founding Members of Centralian Visual Artists Society at the Launching of CPUTV Public Affairs Program -Looking Forward Year 3.

Professor Crista S. Huyong, Coordinator for Cultural Affairs Office (CAO), and Mr. Efraim Alfaras, Graphic Artist, CPU Printing Press and founding member of the Centralian Visual Artists Society (CENVAS) were guests at the launching of Looking Forward (Year 3) on Thursday, May 12, 2021.

The weekly public affairs program is back on CPU TV after saying goodbye to its viewers in 2020 shortly after COVID-19 protocols were imposed. The program is aired on the Facebook page of the Central Philippine University TV Channel and watched by Centralians worldwide.

The guests shared insights on their current activities. Ms. Huyong read the list of their achievements and implementations that include competitions and training, as well as several art exhibits and other projects. CPU Teatro, Sining Atbp; the CPU Dance Company, Handbell Ringers, Symphonic Band, and the Centralian Visual Artists Society are all under the Cultural Affairs Office. “I’m proud of the CAO for continuously organizing and performing cultural programs and events even while we are in a pandemic”, she said.

“I am looking forward to the possibility of doing a regular TV program like a variety show but will focus on culture and the arts; to bring entertainment to our viewers. Our Centralians abroad would also be glad to have something that could fill in their longing for Central.”

Mr. Alfaras presented some of the artworks done by CENVAS members. It was learned from him and Ms. Huyong that part of the proceeds from their mall exhibits will go to poor but deserving students of CPU. Their mall presence at the Robinsons Place in Pavia and Jaro has generated a considerable amount for the students, and in part for some project implementations of the CENVAS.

CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles supports the laudable plans and projects of the CENVAS arts group and in general, the Cultural Affairs office on its endeavor to promote and develop young artists at Central Philippine University. President Robles and his wife Angel, are themselves patrons of CENVAS works of art. They have commissioned the group for their family portraits.

Alfaras, who is an organizing member of the Centralian Visual Artist Society (CENVAS), works with painting exhibits in coordination with the cultural affairs office. It has organized painting exhibits for the benefit of poor but deserving students.

CENVAS is also doing some experimental works with carabao grass which is abundant on the campus. They have produced a sample paper from the carabao grass. They hope that they patent it, and will someday be used in printing diplomas of CPU.