By Mikee Natinga Norico

The team behind “Team Forever” (center) proudly poses for a photo after winning 1st Place in the “Why I Love CPU” Video Contest, together with University President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy (1st from right), Dr. Florence P. Bogacia (2nd from left), Vice President for Finance and Enterprises, and Prof. Rouella Cheyenne C. Aberia (1st from left), Officer-in-Charge for the Vice President for Student Affairs.

On May 29, 2025, Central Philippine University (CPU) celebrated heartfelt stories and creative expressions during the “Why I Love CPU” Video Contest Awarding Ceremony, held at 10 AM in the Henry Luce III Library Conference Room. The event recognized powerful video submissions from students, alumni, faculty, and staff—each capturing their personal connection to CPU and reflecting the Central Spirit through the video entries.

Spearheaded by the Office of Institutional Advancement under the leadership of Dr. Dimpna C.Castigador, in collaboration with the Office of Communications headed by Rev. Dr. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, the contest aimed to highlight what makes CPU a place of belonging, transformation, and exemplary education. Atty. Nestle G. Taala, Student Recruitment Officer and chairperson of the contest, led the initiative, which gathered 10 creative entries from the CPU community that celebrated the University’s mission, vision, and core values.

The entries were posted on the official Facebook account of CPU (https://www.facebook.com/CentralPhilippineUniversityTV) and were judged based on following criteria: Content Quality (30 points), Technical Quality (30 points), Alignment with CPU Vision and Mission (30 points), and Audience Engagement (10 points), from May 7 – 23. In his opening remarks, University President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy praised the exceptional quality and emotional depth of the entries, sharing how the videos left a personal impact.

“There are times I got teary-eyed because they were done exceptionally well. They captured the sentiments of students, faculty, and staff alike… and sent a clear message that there’s something unique about CPU that is worth celebrating and worth sharing,” he said. Quoting Psalm 16:5–8, he reminded the audience that CPU’s blessings and legacy are grounded in God’s grace.

Delivering the rationale behind the contest, Atty. Taala shared how CPU felt like “home” from the first moment she stepped on campus.

“This contest isn’t just about making a video or winning a prize,” she explained. “It’s about giving our CPU family the opportunity to authentically express their stories from the heart. We want to strengthen those connections and raise awareness—both within and beyond our campus—about what makes CPU truly special. Your voices will help inspire future Centralians and show the world why CPU is a place worth choosing.”

“CPU is not just a school. It is a journey where faith, character, stewardship, justice, and excellence come to life,” she added.

Awardees of the “Why I Love CPU” Video Contest pose with CPU President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, Dr. Florence P. Bogacia, Prof. Rouella Cheyenne C. Aberia, and members of the organizing committee during the awarding ceremony.

The contest also featured a People’s Choice Award, which invited the public to vote through likes and reactions on CPU’s official Facebook page—further strengthening digital engagement with CPU’s broader audience.

To ensure fairness and foster creativity, the organizers extended the submission deadlines, recognizing the challenges students faced during production. This flexibility allowed participants to fully develop their stories, ensuring each entry could reflect the unique Centralian spirit. As such, careful consideration was given to how each video communicated its message and contributed to the overall intent of the competition celebrating CPU’s mission, vision, and core values.

During the awarding ceremony, the following winners were honored:

Grand Prize Winners

• 1st Place (₱5,000) – Entry No. 5: “Team Forever” by Rio John A. Elenterio, Elaisha Losaria Pomida, and Patricia Marie P. Pedroso

• 2nd Place (₱4,000) – Entry No. 7: “Latte Ladies” by Kyla Marie Cañonaso, Roselle Mitch Gabinette, and Farah Dhea Galvez

• 3rd Place (₱3,000) – Entry No. 2 by Kairos Rye Jalando-on and Ariel Lawrence Cantara

People’s Choice Award

• 1st Place (₱2,000) – Entry No. 5: “Team Forever” by Rio John A. Elenterio, Elaisha Losaria Pomida, and Patricia Marie P. Pedroso

• 2nd Place (₱1,500) – Entry No. 4 by Elisha Anne Bueno, Axxel Josh Anung, Andre Barretto Borres, Kate Dennise Orleans, and Amira Lyn Socias

• 3rd Place (₱1,000) – Entry No. 1 by Andrei Macenas

All other participants received ₱500 as a consolation prize, acknowledging their contribution to the collective narrative of love and pride for CPU.

Winners were awarded by President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, Dr. Florence P. Bogacia, Vice President (VP) for Finance and Enterprises, and Prof. Rouella Cheyenne C. Aberia, Officer-in-Charge for the Office of the VP for Student Affairs.

Dr. Castigador closed the event with heartfelt acknowledgments, expressing gratitude to God for the opportunity to showcase Centralian talents, the CPU Administration, the “Why I Love CPU” Video Contest Committee, all the entry senders, and others who contributed in making the initiative a success.

The Why I Love CPU” Video Contest 2025 Committee included the following:

Atty. Nestle G. Taala, Chairperson
Rev. Dr. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on*, Co-chairperson

Members:
Dr. Dimpna C. Castigador
Prof. Sharlene G. Gotico
Prof. Jose Luel Sanchez
Ms. Tina Marie P. Hortelano
Ms. Crista S. Huyong
Mr. Ron Xavier Caldito*

In the interest of impartiality, Rev. Dr. Jalando-on and Mr. Caldito inhibited from judging the entries.

As of May 30, 2025, all the entries have a combined estimated view count of more than 300,000.

The “Why I Love CPU” Video Contest 2025 has proven to be more than a competition—it is a celebration of identity, legacy, and the powerful connection that makes every Centralian proud to call CPU their home.

To watch the video entries, check them out here: https://cpu.edu.ph/…/why-i-love-cpu-video-contest…/.