By Emelda “Daday” Frange Valcarcel, CPUFOAA USA Representative, CPUAAI

The Centralians at north Texas with CPU President Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy.

CPU President Ernest Dagohoy and his wife, Cecile Gonzales Dagohoy, graced the Central Philippine University North Texas Alumni, Family, and Friends Chapter on January 8, 2024. The chapter, initially informally gathering since 1972, received charters from CPUANAA and then CPUFOAA in 2000, with Dr. Juanito Acanto installing the charter set of officers including Pastor Val Gonzales, Rey Miranda, Pompom Parcon, Lou Losanes, Tabob Regalado Perez, Judy Nava Mallillin, Flora Buenafe McManus, Lydia Sornito Penacerrada, Emelda “Daday” Frange Valcarcel, and the late Luz Silva Cervantes. Dr. Ernest Dagohoy is the second CPU President to visit this esteemed chapter.

The evening proved to be both inspirational and nostalgic as attendees sang Central songs, evoking memories of flag ceremonies and convocations at CPU. Attendees shared their personal connections to Central, ranging from finding Christ and meeting spouses to being faculty children, working students, and finding inspiration for success.

The Bahandi singers added a musical touch with a rendition of “How Great Thou Art,” setting the stage for Grace Arib Badrina’s 2024 Meditation message. Badrina, drawing from Ephesians 5, challenged the group to live life to the fullest, make a difference, and shared the timeless Starfish Story.

The highlight of the evening included the presentation of President Dagohoy’s long-term vision for CPU, focusing on Spiritual Vitality, Academic Excellence, Faculty and Staff Development, Student Success, and Alumni Engagement. Cecile emphasized the opportunity to serve God through service to CPU.

As the evening drew to a close, door prizes were eagerly awarded to those who successfully guessed various details about President Dagohoy. Participants speculated on the name of President Dagohoy’s daughter, his recent workplace, the duration of his tenure as a chaplain in the University Church, and even the names of their beloved dogs. The lucky winners, namely Cecil Parcon Sombe, Pat Acuna Sunio, Tabab, and Flora Buenafe McManus, were rewarded with enticing prizes, including chocolates, Dallas souvenir items, and Moscato.

The culinary experience at the event was a delightful reflection of Iloilo, featuring the renowned Doc Perez special Batchoy, monggo with shrimps, broiled fish, fruit and macaroni salad, pancit bijon, and lumpia Shanghai. The buffet showcased a distinct Texas flair with offerings such as brisket, lamb chops, fall-off-the-bone ribs, smoked turkey, baked potato, pickled carrots, cranberry celery salad, cake, baked salmon, shrimp cocktail, and fried chicken. And let’s not forget the “Pucheko” to-go option, ensuring that the flavors and memories of the evening could be enjoyed beyond the event itself.

Photo opportunities with CPU’s First Couple were cherished by all, set against the Southern ambiance of Dr. Reynaldo Perez and Rhodora “Tabab” Regalado Perez’s home on the eighth hole of the local golf course. Three guests from the University of San Agustin were thoroughly impressed with the new CPU President and his wife, as well as the fellowship of the North Texas chapter.

Although attendees wished for more time, the evening concluded around 11 pm. Participants joined in singing “Blest be the tie that binds,” reminiscent of Camp Higher Ground, exchanging heartfelt “Halong” greetings and prayers for a Greater Central. The Central Spirit truly lives on in North Texas! All glory to our God!

The following are the CPU North Texas Alumni, Family, and Friends Officers:

– President: Lou Losanes
– Vice President: Daphne Palmares Parcon
– Secretary: Eva Aldon
– Treasurer: Rhodora Regalado Perez
– Auditor: Flora Buenafe McManus
– PRO: Edith McCoy
– Advisers: All previous Presidents, Grace Arib Badrina, Emelda “Daday” Frange Valcarcel