By Jec Dan Borlado

After the courtesy call, the CPU High School Class of 2001 took a photo opportunity in front of the Administration Building together with University President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy.

Twenty-five years since graduating from high school, the Class of 2001 gathered from near and far to celebrate unforgettable memories of friends, teachers, and the educational formation at Central, all pointing to the goodness of God through the years.

The day started with a devotional at the “Subway”—the corridor that students walk through to get to their classrooms every day. The morning devotional was led by batchmate Rev. Franz Hestia Lovejoy Quimpo-Leysa, who imparted four points, each beginning with the letter R:

Remember where we have been nurtured,
Reflect on the lessons life has taught us,
Rejoice where God has brought us,
Recommit the years ahead to God.

After the morning devotional, the class proceeded to “walk down memory lane,” stopping by familiar and sentimental places that reminded each one of what it felt like to be in high school all over again. The walk brought the class to the “quadrangle”—a space below the acacia tree found at the center yard of the Mary Thomas Building. The class then went toward the Junior High School Building, where they were warmly welcomed and greeted by Professor Charlett Dianala, the current Junior High School Principal. The class jokingly remembers that they were the first batch of students to use the classrooms of this high-fenced, Alcatraz-like facility.

The next stop of the Silver Class Reunion was a courtesy call to University President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy at the Dr. Rex D. Drilon Hall, more commonly known as the Administration Building. The President was accompanied by Dr. Esther Rose A. Romarate, Vice President for Student Affairs, in receiving the High School alumni inside the Board Room of the CPU Board of Trustees.

Attendees gather for a photo opportunity at the Westwoods Clubhouse, capturing a memorable moment of friendship and fellowship during the Silver Class Reunion.

The University President and Vice President welcomed the class back to their alma mater and shared the forthcoming events that will take place during the week-long University Week Centralian Fest (UWCF) 2026. The opportunity to help in resource generation for the new building for the College of Law and College of Medicine was also presented. After the pleasant chat, a group picture was taken. For a brief moment, the class got a sense of what it is like to sit inside the place where important decisions were made for the university. They have come to appreciate the value and responsibility of their fellow batchmate Atty. Doriedel G. Lozañes, the current Vice Chair of the CPU Board of Trustees.

Next on the program was to move from the campus to the Club House of Westwoods Subdivision, Brgy. Dungon B. There the reunion would enjoy lunch together, revisit their faces from the Centralite yearbook, and get a chance to honor former teachers, most of whom are now retired from the profession.

A total of 13 teachers were present, including Professor Jerry R. Madayag, the former High School Principal who oversaw only two High School graduations in his stint as Principal, one of which was the Class of 2001. Principal Madayag encouraged the class to remain solid and united as a batch because this ushers in true joy and effectiveness in future endeavors, not only with the CPU community but also for each member of the class.

The time at the club house continued with some trivia and sharing time. The class listened to updates from one another with lots of heart-felt laughter, a spectacular showcase of talent, a photo booth moment, and the feeling of not wanting the day to end. The class marveled at how God has been orchestrating the journey each classmate is taking.

To end, the class sang the Alma Mater Song, “Central, My Central,” and prayed.

A big thanks goes out to all who played a part in making this reunion a success, not forgetting to mention classmates who came home from far and away, the classmates who donated, and the Steering Committee who never let go of the gift that only a high school reunion can offer.

Scientia et Fides. Praise be to God!