By Cyrus A. Natividad
Officers and members OF CPUAA UAE Alumni Association.
The City of Dubai, UAE is known for the world’s tallest building-the Burj Khalifa, sightseeing attractions and as a hub of conventions and conferences. Central Philippine University Alumni Association – United Arab Emirates (UAE) Chapter is blessed to have held its 17th year Gathering and Induction of Officers for the year 2022-2023, at the famous city on March 19, 2022. The meeting place was at the Edge Creekside Hotel on 4th Street, Deira, Dubai.
Centralian alumni started arriving at 6PM for the registration. Alumni Oliver and Amie Jomadiao introduced the guests and members of the UAE Chapter. The Induction Ceremony followed. Asst. P.R.O. Rezy Tabanera led the invocation. The National Anthems of the Philippines and UAE were played and was followed by the CPU Alma Mater Song , ‘Central my Central’. Alain Paul Andigan. Asst. Auditor, made the Welcome Address. A special number was rendered by CPU Alumni Arvin and Kristina.
Lenie Karim, a member of the Board of Directors, introduced the Guest Speaker Madam Wafa Kasimieh, Senior Executive for Islamic Cultural Activities, who was also the Inducting Officer. Chapter President (2022 – 2023) Ryanne Dolorfino delivered her acceptance speech. She highlighted the Central Spirit that continues to bind all Centralians.
The following are the inducted Officers for 2022-2023:
President – Ryanne Dolorfino
Vice President
External – Kathleen Grace Gustilo
Internal – Lorenz Angelo Corpuz
Secretary – Anthea Lee Nuyad
Asst. Secretary – Mitzi Lou Cebretas
Treasurer – Oliver Lucas Jomadiao
Asst. Treasurer – Joy Casaquite
Auditor – Gien Rose Vicencio
Asst. Auditor – Alain Paul Andigan
P.R.O. – Ma. Verna Kathryn Alcala
Asst. P.R.O. – Rezy Tabanera
Board of Directors:
Lennie Senato Karim
Rudy Llanora
Ian Doughlas Balquin
Mary Jane Maymiero
Rujin Jan Gapilango
Teresita Palmes
Jonathan Detaro
In his message sent to CPUAAI UAE Chapter, University President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles expressed his deepest appreciation and gratitude. He mentioned that “For seventeen years, this Chapter has been an integral part of Central Philippine University, with the Central Spirit always alive and thriving even in this extraordinary time. The situation has made you stronger and wiser.” He added that, “You have found and nurtured your ‘Oasis’, but did not keep it also yourself; you keep on giving to your Alma Mater through scholarships.” Dr. Robles congratulated the new set of officers led by its President Ryanne Dolorfino. He made special mention of the founding President of CPUAA UAE Chapter Mildred Maravilla Majed.
The President of CPUAAI Dr. Florentino Alerta, and CPUFOAA President Rod Gonzales also sent their congratulatory messages to CPUAA UAE Chapter’s new inducted officers and members. Dr. Alerta emphasized that, “through Scientia (Science) we achieved education, and Fides (Faith) brings us the Central Spirit.” He said that, “without faith it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to him must earnestly seek Him. As Centralians, we fulfill something, and that’s gonna be – To God be the Glory! We bring back the glory to God. He pointed out the great sacrifice of the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW’s) for what they are doing for their families back home. He acknowledged them as the New Heroes of the Philippines who are so blessed.
CPUFOAA President Rodrigo Gonzales thanked CPUAA UAE for linking their Chapter to the mother organization CPUFOAA. He impressed upon the idea that everyone in an organization is a leader, and part of the leadership core manning the Chapter. The organization he said, “do not exist until an induction of its officers. He enlightened the organization about the 5 C’s of being a member: 1) Commit – to fully dedicate on something or to the organization 2) Connect – to bring together, establish a link and join together as they provide access and communication; in many ways connect at a click of a button or a key. 3) Communicate – exchange information, ideas and pass it on to another person. 4) Collect – to gather together. 5) Celebrate – to acknowledge a significant happy day, or an event with social gathering.
Joy Casaquite, Asst. Treasurer acknowledged the Sponsors and Donors. A special number by the CPUAA UAE Officers (2022-2023) was followed by the Closing Remarks of Kathleen Grace Gustilo, VP External. The Dinner started at 8:00PM while Special Numbers, Testimonials, Giving of Certificates of Appreciation, Door Prizes and Stars of the Night segments were going on.
Fritz Arthur Armada and Anthea Lee Nuyad were the Masters of Ceremony.