By Cyrus A. Natividad

The public witnessed the fireworks as the campus was adorned with Christmas Lights. Photo courtesy of CPUR.

Central Philippine University and the CPU Alumni Association officially switched on the Christmas lights on Friday, December 1 at 6:00 PM at the Centennial Walkway. The grand display of lights in the campus is one of the best in Iloilo City. The brilliant lights form a profusion of Christmas symbols like the stars and Christmas trees. This has become an annual public interest to watch during the first week of December until the first week of January. After a period of pandemic, this year’s Festival of Lights at CPU is again open to the public.

The theme, “A Radiant Gift of CHRISTmas for Hope and Peace,” highlights the celebration centered on Jesus Christ, “the reason for the season.”

The CPU Symphonic Band played Christmas carols before the program started; thanks to Band Master Mr. Ascencion O. Bautista for the excellent tunes. Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian Senior Pastor, UC led the Invocation. The Philippine National Anthem was conducted by Ms. Crista S. Huyong, Coordinator, CPU Cultural Affairs Office. The singing of the Alma Mater song followed.

Christmas greetings were delivered by Dr. Florentino P. Alerta II – Overall Chairman of the 2023 Festival of Lights at Central, Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, President, CPU; Atty. Peter Irving C. Corvera, Chairman CPU Board of Trustees and Atty. Jeremy V. Bionat, President, CPU Alumni Association, Inc. Also present was Iloilo City Lone District Congresswoman Hon. Julienne L. Baronda and Ms. Junel Ann P. Divinagracia, Iloilo City Tourism Operations Officer Tourism Regulations Division.

In his message, CPU President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy cited the verse in John 3:16 to emphasize “the love of God in giving his only begotten son Jesus.” He said that, “As we light the campus, let us be reminded that Christmas is all about the birth of Jesus Christ.”
CPU Board of Trustees Chairman Peter Irving C. Corvera acknowledged the CPU Alumni Association, Inc. for the yearly support in providing the magnificent Festival of Lights at Central.

Iloilo City Lone District Representative Julienne “Jam Jam” Baronda, recalled her younger years as an athlete who practiced running around the oval of the CPU big field.
A special number was rendered by Mr. Jan Angelo T. Dalumpines and Ms. Khazandra Carizz B. Ypil.

The switching on of Christmas lights was done altogether by Atty. Corvera, Rev. Dr. Dagohoy, Atty. Bionat, Rev. Francis Neil G, Jalando-on, Vice President CPUAAI, Dr. Alerta, Dr. Jennylind D. Cordero, Chief Tourism Operations Officer, Tourism Regulations Division and Ms. Junel Ann P. Divinagracia, City Tourism Officer..

The switching on of lights was simultaneous with the fireworks display. Viewers were treated to a grand spectacle in the sky; people aimed their cellphones on the fireworks to take pictures. There’s a food bazaar at the half-moon drive; spectators proceeded there to enjoy the snacks and ice cold drinks – after the festive Christmas lights and fireworks watch at the Big Field.

A Fellowship Dinner followed at the Educational Media Center (CPU EMC) Conference Room, where the Induction of CPUAAI Board of Trustees is scheduled. Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on CPUAAI Vice President led the Invocation. Engr. Bryan G. Carnaje entertained the guests during dinner.

CPU BOT Chairman and Inducting Officer Atty. Peter Irving C. Corvera administered the Oath of Office of the newly elected CPUAAI Board of Trustees (AY 2024-2026). Trustee Engr. Vitini Edhard O. Idemne and Ms. Crista S. Huyong led CPUAAI in singing the “Centralite”, and the Alma Mater Song. The Group Singing of “We wish you a Merry Christmas” followed. CPU President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy gave the Christmas Message. He was happy to celebrate with alumni his first-ever switching on of Christmas lights at CPU. The Closing Payer was led by Rev. Franz Hestia Lovejoy Quimpo-Leysa, Associate Pastor for the Youth, University Church.

The evening continued with an Alumni Yuletide Party; with games and exchange gifts. The Program Hosts were Engr. Vitini Edhard Idemni and Atty. Lorena Pearl Roseluz Gellada Tubongbanua