By Karren Jay G. Asgar
CPU-COL students and faculty share a night of fun, camaraderie, and celebration during the 2025 Acquaintance Party at Grand Xing Imperial Hotel.
The Central Philippine University-College of Law (CPU-COL) celebrated its 2025 Acquaintance Party with the theme, “Tequila Sunrise: Get Ready to Vibe!” on August 16, 2025. Held at the Skyview, 10th floor of the Grand Xing Imperial Hotel in Iloilo City, the event brought together students, faculty, and staff for an evening of fellowship and celebration.
The program opened with registration, followed by the opening prayer and the singing of the Philippine National Anthem. Afterward, the Order of Kalantiao officers led a community dance. Atty. Liza Lyn Lamason-Garcia, CPU-COL Assistant Dean, then delivered her opening remarks, welcoming attendees, especially the first-year students, to what she described as the “happiest place on earth.”
“May our theme tonight, Tequila Sunrise, remind us that law school is about fresh starts, bright energy, and celebrating life’s vibrant colors,” Atty. Lamason-Garcia remarked.
CPU Law Order of Kalantiao officer Karren Jay G. Asgar introduced the guest speaker, Atty. Rhona Gepilga Eresuelo, J.D., who encouraged students to cherish events like this, reminding them that one day they will stand not only as colleagues but also as opposing counsels in the legal profession.
“So tonight, I encourage you to have fun and enjoy this event. Share stories, share laughter, and maybe even share some drinks, because years from now you’ll realize that law school is not just about cases or legal provisions – it is also about people,” Atty. Eresuelo said. She also congratulated the students for their courage in embarking on such a challenging yet rewarding path.
The program also featured intermission numbers, picture taking by section, the opening of the dinner table, and several raffle draws. Video greetings from Centralian Lawyers were likewise presented, highlighting the strong network of Central Spirit in the legal profession and their continued support for the community.
Also, the event included cheers and yells competition among the three first-year sections, along with the much-anticipated Mr. and Ms. Tequila Sunrise competition.
The celebration concluded with the closing remarks of Atty. Aila Rae B. Endonila, Dean of CPU-COL, who acknowledged the efforts of the organizers in making the event a success. She reminded the students that while law school is a serious pursuit, building memories and friendships along the way is equally important. She emphasized, “May this night be a reminder that a student’s value in the classroom should not be confined to his capacity to recite but, of course, his capacity to enjoy also events like this.”
The event ended with the awarding of winners for the said competitions, followed by the presentation of a Same Day Edit (SDE) video that captured the evening’s most memorable highlights.