By Karren Jay G. Asgar

Members of the CPU NorCal AA during their Christmas Party last December 7, 2024, at Fremont Community Center in California

Living out the culture of a dynamic overseas alumni chapter, the CPU Northern California Alumni Association (NORCAL AA) hosted their Christmas Party on December 7, 2024, at the Fremont Community Center in California. The event was attended by 66 participants, marking the largest turnout for any Chapter gathering. Attendees included member Centralians, along with their families and friends. This celebration followed the success of the Summer Picnic in June and the outdoor Family Day in September.

The celebration began with Pastor Edward Pormilos, the re-elected Chapter President, welcoming the participants and providing updates on the affairs of the Chapter. He highlighted the ongoing efforts, including an aggressive campaign for maximum participation in the upcoming 2025 Toronto Global Reunion.

Aside from the usual food fellowship and exchange gifts, the Party was featured by family-oriented games led by Vice President Emineh Pacania. Adviser Perla Deocampo opened the program with a prayer. Carlo Pineda, the super gifted Assistant PIO, rendered a beautiful Christmas medley with his violin while Tex and Ele Pelopero shared a father and son duet of the classic, “Christmas in Our Hearts.” Pastor Richard Pacania, the ever-supportive spouse of Emineh, gave a moving Christmas message. Secretary Jahz Chiappetta initiated and drew the raffle with free prizes while Assistant Sec. Rebecca Diana took charge the registration. PIO Tex Pelopero set-up a photo booth for instant photo printing while wife, Kristle, handled the beautiful decoration. Adviser Pat Desales led the singing of Christmas songs and the exchange gifts. Rocky and Del Gasacao provided the PA system and the lechon in connection with Del’s birthday that day. The program was hosted by former President and now Adviser, Kathy Kriewall.

The event was made even more memorable with the special recognition of the Grant-in-Aid program, where recipients received CPU certificates and personalized mugs prepared by Rebecca Deocampo Dianala. Launched in 2021, the Grant is an ongoing initiative designed to support the educational needs of deserving yet financially disadvantaged CPU college students, offering P5,000 per student annually. For the current school year, 22 students are benefiting from the program, supported by 13 sponsors. Due to a favorable dollar exchange rate during the fund transfer, a surplus of Php13,770 was donated to the God’s Grace Ministry to aid work students.

Service awards, presented in the form of beautiful plaques, were given to six individuals and two couples for their unwavering dedication and loyalty to the Chapter, which has greatly contributed to its sustainability and growth. The awardees included past President Kathy Kriewall with husband Rodney, past President Lee Plagata with wife Girlie, siblings Pablo and Milred Cababaan and Rhodora Mauricio, Lydia Esponilla, Lucia Suchikul and former Auditor, Marina Sampani. The Service Award is a continuing tradition, presented at each Christmas Party to honor those who have shown exceptional commitment to the Chapter.

The event was also highlighted by the induction of the new officers, with Mr. Larry Lebiga, the former FOAAI President, serving as the Inducting Officer. He, along with his wife Helen, the incoming FOAAI VP for Region I, traveled from Los Angeles to attend the occasion. The following are the new officers for the term 2025-2026:

During the closing, Assistant Auditor Loren Delicana acknowledged the participation and contributions of everyone, while Pastor Eduard Faalam led the Closing Prayer. The Bayanihan spirit was fully displayed through the services provided, such as setting up and packing up, as well as the generous sponsorships of items needed for the event, including poinsettias, tokens, plaques, and prizes for the games and raffle.

It was truly a meaningful day filled with hugs, laughter, storytelling (kata-kata), helping and working together, games for both the young and old, social dancing, gift-exchanging, and food fellowship. The Central Spirit shone brightly as everyone worked together, celebrated the season, and created lasting memories, embodying the true essence of Christmas together.