By Cyrus A. Natividad

Pastor Joshua Zonita is the author of “Banished.”

A book launching activity was organized by the College of Theology for a couple of books written by Professor Joshua C. Zonita and Professor Rea Angelica F. Villeza on November 24, 2021 at the University Church, CPU. The books published by Centralogos are entitled ‘Banished’ by Zonita and ‘Thrive’ by Villeza. Both are faculty members of Central Philippine University College of Theology.

Zonita is recognized by the Globe Ecumenical Theological Institute (GETI) of the World Council of Churches as one of the emerging Theologians in ASIA. With a passion to seek the truth, Zonita was able to found a youth ministry program in the campus. He integrates his music and writing talents so that there is a campus ministry to focus on student behaviours, trends and values formation. This led him to write the book ‘BANISHED’. The book teaches how to train and demonstrate the truth’, Zonita explained.” BANISHED is subtitled “Rediscovering Jesus in a Fast, Furious and Fantastic Culture.” Among the other books by Zonita, the “Betrayal of Secrets: When doubt and Faith Collide” was also available for sale during the launching.

‘THRIVE’, the book by Villeza provides ‘a devotion to grow your faith’. Her book, according to Villeza is a result of her experiences during the COVID 19 pandemic. She has a passion of compiling her reflections, thoughts and inspirations and typing them on her cellphone Diary App on a day-to-day basis. These were important materials for her book.

She realized that her ‘morning walk on the campus, gave her a chance to pick up ideas of things and plants and the chance to take pictures along the paths she walked on the campus. She said that “there’s almost no one walking around except me but, sooner I realized that the University President Dr. Ted Robles and his wife Angel also walk around the campus every morning.” These walks and pictures of the campus were part of her inspiration. Villeza added that her book “THRIVE” is a tool for a steady spiritual journey.

Prof. Rea Angelica Faulan-Villeza, author of “Thrive” with VPSA Dr. Esther Rose Romarate.

The Book Launching started with a testimonial video of CPU Theology Students expressing their appreciation and gratitude to Central Philippine University; how happy they are to have studied at CPU College of Theology. A Musical Introit was rendered by John Alejaga.

Dr. Esther Rose Romarate, CPU Vice President for Student Affairs, in behalf of the Administration, delivered her Welcome Remarks. She thanked God that despite the trouble in the world, Pastor Zonita and Pastor Villeza were able to write books. She thanked the College of Theology for organizing the Book Launching.

University Senior Pastor Cris Amorsolo V. Sian appreciated the authors for putting their ideas in writing. He encouraged everyone to write. He shared a comment which says, “If you are waiting for the inspiration to write, you are not a writer, but only a waiter.”

Dr. Bernabe Pagara thanked Dr. Robles for approving the holding of the event. He also thanked the Pastors and members of the College of Theology who are in attendance. He acknowledged Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Director of the Office of Communications, for the support of his Office.

After the authors introduced their books, Pastor Justine Palmes-Mije and Rev. Joshua Roy Torrecampo gave their book reviews.

The event which was streamed live via the CPU TV Channel Facebook page was hosted by Pastor Mary Grace Franco-Labis, a faculty of the Religion and Ethics Department.