By Mikee Natinga Norico

The Centralian community gathers from March 24-28, 2025, for a week of worship and spiritual transformation, embracing the theme “METANOIA – Be Not Conformed, Be Ye Transformed.”

Central Philippine University (CPU) successfully hosted its Christ Emphasis Week (CEW) for the second semester of A.Y. 2024-2025 from March 24-28, 2025. This semester’s theme, “METANOIA – Be Not Conformed, Be Ye Transformed,” emphasized the importance of spiritual renewal and transformation, based on Romans 12:1-2.

The week-long celebration featured a series of convocations held at various campus venues, including the Rose Memorial Auditorium, the University Church, the Educational Media Center, the Elementary Gymnasium, and Pani Hall. These gatherings provided students, faculty, and staff with moments of reflection, worship, and inspiration, fostering a deeper connection between faith and learning.

The event commenced with a Faculty and Staff Convocation on March 21 at the University Church, where Pastor Norman S. Lao reminded attendees of the significance of offering their lives as a living sacrifice to God. He emphasized the dangers of conforming to worldly values and encouraged everyone to seek transformation through a renewed mind.

On March 22, the NSTP Convocation was held at the CPU Rose Memorial Auditorium, with Rev. Albert Mark A. Java as the guest speaker. He expounded on the concept of “metanoia,” explaining its Greek origins and its implications for a believer’s spiritual journey. He emphasized that true transformation requires the renewal of the mind, guided by faith, the Holy Spirit, and a personal commitment to Christ.

Centralian community unites in worship and reflection during Christ Emphasis Week 2025.

The official CEW opening program took place on March 24 at the Rose Memorial Auditorium, featuring performances from Upstream and University Church Love Concert participants, as well as a creative presentation by Teatro, Sining, Atbp. University President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy warmly welcomed the Centralian community, acknowledging the adjustments made due to rising temperatures and expressing gratitude to the Christian Life Committee for their dedication. He encouraged students and faculty to reflect on the CEW theme and invited those who had not yet surrendered their lives to Christ to take this opportunity for renewal.

“Our CEW theme this semester signifies a transformative change of heart, particularly in a spiritual or religious context, encompassing conversion and repentance. It is a call not to be trapped, not to be conformed to the patterns of this world, which often lead to destruction, but to be transformed from the inside out, bringing life,” said University President Rev. Ernest Howard Dagohoy in his opening remarks.

Throughout the week, convocations continued across different academic levels and colleges, featuring a lineup of esteemed speakers who shared messages of transformation and faith. Among them were Rev. Karel Grace D. Victoria for the Graduate School, RAdm Eustacio Nimrod P. Enriquez, Jr. (Ret.) for the Colleges of Law and Medicine, Pastor Neva Ruth P. Pendon for the Elementary Department, and Dr. TJ Jon Cuenca for the Junior High School. Senior High School students were encouraged by Pastor Reniel L. Abogadil, while various college convocations were led by Hon. Mark Anthony DR Polonan, Pastor Norman S. Lao, and Coach Sharlyn Joy S. Velasquez.

As the event neared its conclusion, CPU remained steadfast in its commitment to spiritual growth and character formation among its students and faculty. The final convocation for Senior High School was held on March 28 at the Rose Memorial Auditorium, delivering a culminating message of faith and transformation. Later in the afternoon, at 4:00 PM, the university was set to host the much-anticipated Praise Jam at the CPU Big Field—a vibrant gathering for worship and celebration.

Christ Emphasis Week 2025 once again reaffirmed CPU’s mission of integrating faith and learning, reminding the Centralian community of the power of spiritual renewal and the call to be transformed from within. As the week ended, students and faculty carried with them a renewed sense of purpose, faith, and commitment to living out the principles of Romans 12:1-2 in their daily lives.