By Karren Jay G. Asgar
Members of the CPU NorCal AA during their Family Day held at a Fremont Park in California on September 9, 2024.
Continuing the tradition of a vibrant overseas alumni chapter, the CPU Northern California Alumni Association (NORCAL AA) held its Family Day on September 9, 2024, at Fremont Park in California. The event was attended by 37 participants, including member Centralians, their families, and friends. This gathering followed the successful Summer Picnic in June, which saw a record attendance of 55.
Pastor Edward Pormilos, Chapter President, welcomed the participants and provided updates on the Chapter’s affairs. He reported on the current status of the ongoing Grant-in-Aid Program, now in its fourth year. The program has garnered 13 sponsors for 22 recipients for the 2024-25 school year, marking the highest number of sponsorships since its launch in 2021. A cumulative total of 76 sponsorships have been awarded annually to poor but deserving CPU students since the program’s inception. In addition to the Grant, the Chapter consistently contributes to the God’s Grace Ministry, supporting CPU work students.
A total donation of P123,770 was remitted to CPU in August, allocated for the Grant (P110,000) and the God’s Grace Ministry (P13,770). The following are the sponsors for the Grant in the current school year: Rodney and Kathy Leyble Kriewall, Pastor Edward and Katherine Pormilos, Pastor Richard and Emineh Pacania, Willia Tejereso, Ma. Patria Desales, Teresita Pedrola, Lee and Girlie Hudierez Plagata, Marah Torres (in memory of Lydia Rafols), Pio and Merilyn Go, Clint Ho, Rigil and Rebecca Diana, Tomas and Perla Deocampo, and Dr. Emilyn Cabanda.
In addition to the usual food fellowship, the picnic featured family-oriented games led by VP Emineh Pacania. There was also an election for the new set of officers for the upcoming two-year term, with FOAA President Lee Plagata overseeing the nomination and election process. Most of the incumbents opted to continue their service. The induction ceremony will take place during the Christmas Party in December. President Lee also provided updates on the 2025 Toronto Global Reunion, for which the Chapter is actively campaigning to ensure maximum participation. The Chapter aims to surpass the 40-member delegation from the last Global Reunion at CPU in 2020, just before the onset of pandemic.
The picnic proved to be a meaningful day, filled with warm hugs, laughter, lively storytelling (kata-kata), and games for both the young and old. The food fellowship brought everyone together, satisfying the longing for connection (hidlawanay), as the Central Spirit continues to thrive.