By Cyrus A. Natividad

Fireworks display during the 2019 Opening of Lights. photo by Joshua Enriquez

The most awaited event at Central Philippine University every year is the Festival of Lights and Music at Central. This year’s theme is “Jesus Christ: the Living Light of Life.” The switching-on ceremony started at 6:00 PM on Friday, December 6 at the CPU Grandstand.  The CPU Symphonic Band, under the baton of Mr. Ascencion O. Bautista, played Christmas songs as throngs of people gathered at the big field. The invocation was led by University Church Senior Pastor, Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian. CPU Cultural Affairs Director, Ms. Crista S. Huyong, led the singing of the Philippine National anthem.

Volunteer students formed a star on the ground with lighted cellphones beaming to the sky; gold edges brilliantly lighted because of the yellow film which the students assigned to the edges used on their cellphones (thanks to the drones deployed by the Office of Communications, the CPUR, and Panay News).

CPUAAI President Engr. Isagani J. Jalbuena welcomed the guests and everyone who helped realize the annual event. He emphasized that the light at Central symbolizes Jesus Christ, the Living Light of Life. Jalbuena acknowledged the CPU Republic for the big help in organizing the annual event.

The students formed a human Central Light. photo by Joshua James Enriquez

In his message, University President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles reminded everyone that only Jesus Christ is the living light of life. “He must be the center of our celebration,” Dr. Robles emphasized. He also acknowledged the guests and thanked them for their presence. CPU Board of Trustees Chairman Atty. Von Lovel D. Bedona also acknowledged the presence of the City Mayor and his group. He congratulated Engr. Jalbuena and cited him as “very instrumental to the success of the Festival of Lights and Music at Central.”

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas admired Central Philippine University in his message, “I am proud of CPU and its Lights. It is the brightest in Iloilo that every Ilonggo looks forward to every year”, he said. Lone District of Iloilo City Congresswoman Julienne “Jamjam” L. Baronda and Iloilo City Tourism Officer Ms. Ann P. Divinagracia likewise paid tributes to the Festival of Lights and Music at Central. Baronda recalled that she always watched the switch-on in CPU in her teenage years.

The Christmas lights were switched-on by Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas; Lone District of Iloilo City, Congresswoman Julienne “Jamjam” L. Baronda; Iloilo City Tourism Officer Ms. Junel Ann P. Divinagracia; University President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles; and CPU Alumni Association President and Overall Festival of Lights (FOL) and Music @ Central Overall Chairman  Engr. Isagani J. Jalbuena; Chairman of the CPU Board of Trustees, Atty. Von Lovel D. Bedona’ CPUAAI President-elect (AY 2020-2021) Atty. Joshua C. Alim; 2019 Alumni Homecoming Queen Ms. Gigi T. Supeña; 2019 Alumni Homecoming King Mr. Kim M. Laraza; and CPUR President Engr. Riego Ferrer L. Garcia. Each one was assigned to a switch that would switch-on the Christmas lights.

The big field and the CPU campus were full of people as the fireworks display went off with the switching-on of lights. The Philippine National Police estimated the crowd to be between 20,000 to 25,000. The Christmas Lights will be on until January 6, 2020, according to Engr. Jalbuena.