By Karren Jay G. Asgar
Members of the Central Philippine University Northern California Alumni Association (CPU NORCAL AA), together with their families and friends, took a photo opportunity after the successful conduct of the chapter’s Christmas Party at the Fremont Community Center in California on December 6, 2025.
The Central Philippine University Northern California Alumni Association (CPU NORCAL AA) held its Christmas Party on December 6, 2025, at the Fremont Community Center in California, gathering 41 participants composed of alumni members, their families, and friends.
The celebration capped a busy year for the chapter, which included the Meet and Greet with CPU President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy in April, a Summer Picnic in June, participation in the Toronto Global Reunion in July, and a Family Day in September.
Chapter President Pastor Edward Pormilos welcomed the participants and provided updates on chapter initiatives, including the association’s commitment to support the CPU Law and Medicine Building campaign.
The program opened with a prayer led by Adviser Perla Deocampo and featured food fellowship, gift exchanges, and family-oriented games facilitated by Vice President Emineh Pacania, who also led the raffle draws. Musical presentations included a guitar instrumental by Pastor Richard Pacania and a father-and-son Christmas duet by Tex and Ele Pelopero. Pastor Eduard Faalam delivered the Christmas message and led the dedication of baby Dallia Tejereso, daughter of a chapter member, marking the first baby dedication in the chapter’s history.
Various officers and members contributed to the success of the event, with Rebecca Diana handling registration, Kristle Pelopero overseeing decorations, Tex Pelopero and Carlo Pineda managing online publicity and coordination, and DG and Loren Delicana facilitating line dancing and food setup. Adviser Pat Desales led the Christmas caroling and gift exchange, while Rocky and Del Gasacao provided the sound system. The program was hosted by former chapter president and adviser Kathy Kriewall.
A highlight of the celebration was the recognition of the chapter’s Grant-in-Aid Program, which supports financially challenged but deserving CPU college students. For the current school year, 34 scholars are supported by 19 sponsors, the largest number since the program began in 2021. The total number of sponsorships has reached 105, and a surplus of PHP 17,000 from favorable exchange rates was donated to God’s Grace Ministry to assist work students.
A Service Award, in the form of a plaque, was also presented to Marah Rafols Torees in recognition of her dedicated service as former president and current treasurer of the chapter.
Auditor DG Delicana formally closed the program by acknowledging the contributions of all participants, followed by the closing prayer led by Pastor Richard Pacania. The event reflected the strong bayanihan spirit of the chapter, as members worked together in service and fellowship in celebration of the Christmas season.