Central Philippine University Alumni Association – Greater Toronto Area celebrates Thanksgiving and Christmas
by Dr. Faith Hope Gicana- CPUAAGTA- PRO
CPUAAGTA celebrated their yearly Thanksgiving and Christmas Party last Nov. 26, 2016 at St. Mark’s Presbyterian Church. It was a well-attended event by the alumni, their family members and friends of Central.
The program started with the acknowledgement of God’s presence and goodness through a prayer led by Edwin Arroz, Vice President of the organization. Norma van Dusen, President of CPUAAGTA welcomed everyone who came to the event and made updates regarding the projects particularly the CPU Scholarship sponsored by the organization. The singing of the Alma Mater song “My Central” was belted out with gusto, pride and nostalgia.
The messages shared were centered on “What Thanksgiving and Christmas means to me” in points of view of different generations. Marianne Isabel Grecia, 8 years old (daughter of Centralians Cesar and Phoebe Grecia) shared her thoughts through a story while Dr. Christine Pearl Daquiado talked about the gift of Gratitude reminding everyone that grateful people are the happiest of people. Mr. Rod Gonzales memorized and dramatically recited the Christmas story which brought us to meditate on the real reason for the season.
Norma Van Dusen, President CPUAAGTA in her welcome remarks.
Engr. Alberto Dosayla, even though not present that night, has shared his thoughts and wisdom by email a few days earlier. His encouraging message and reminder about putting God first was read to the group by the former dean of the CPU College of Computer Studies, Rodney Gicana.
The Bahandi Singers, a family choir composed of Centralians sung the song “You Raise Me Up” with Alvia Magno conducting followed by a prayer of Thanksgiving led by Mrs. Gloria Lacuesta.
Frank Gideon Mosquera (College of Computer Studies) and family with Dustin Pareja (Commerce) and former CCS Dean Rodney Gicana and family.
The emcee and game master, Dr. Faith Hope Gicana, introduced a group game called “Name that tune” that had the alumni humming, guessing and singing to a variety of music genre from Disney, to Broadway, from Christmas songs to love songs from the 80’s. Live music was enjoyed by everyone as pianist extraordinaire Dr. Jose Denzil Daquiado shared his musical talent for the night.
The alumni were acknowledged by department/college, from Kindergarten to School of Graduate Studies . There were several alumni who have attended for the first time, have enjoyed the camaraderie and resolved to attend future events of the CPUAAGTA.
College of Commerce Alumni.
Gene Diel closed the event with a reminder, blessing and a prayer.
It was a successful night of celebration as the food and drinks were sumptuous and overflowing, the fellowship warm and meaningful and the Central Spirit palpable.
College of Engineering Alumni – Chris and Geza Javellana (2nd and 3rd far left) and Engr. Stephen Akhtar (Middle).
Congratulations to all the Officers, Board of Directors and alumni for a job well done. Scientia et Fides lives on. Gloria in Excelsis Deo!