CENTRAL PHILIPPINE UNIVERSITY

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CPUAAI honors artists of the 2025 Festival of Lights and Music On-the-Spot Painting Contest

by | Apr 30, 2026 | The Centralian Link | 0 comments

By Karren Jay G. Asgar


Artists pose for a photo opportunity with Dr. Anita U. Illenberger, Mrs. Tina Poblacion Hortelano, and Ms. Grace Ann Jardenil during the recognition of the 2025 Festival of Lights and Music On-the-Spot Painting Contest.

On April 28, 2026, Central Philippine University Alumni Association, Inc. (CPUAAI) recognized the contributing artists of the 2025 Festival of Lights and Music On-the-Spot Painting Contest during a short program held at the CPU Alumni Affairs Office.

The recognition followed the on-the-spot painting competition conducted on December 16, 2025, at the CPU Pani Hall, which gathered bona fide students, faculty members, and staff of the University. The contest showcased artistic works inspired by the annual Festival of Lights and Music celebration.

Notably, the awarding ceremony for the winning entries was held on January 6, 2026, at the CPU Alumni Affairs Office, where winners Kate Phoebe Alfaras, Josh Benedict Manejero, and Hartt Angel Alfaras were formally recognized and received cash prizes.

The contributing artists honored during the April 28 ceremony included Althea Villanueva (alumna), Kristoffer Brasileno (faculty), Efraim Alfaras (staff and current adviser of CenVAS), Sam Oliver Nacion (alumnus), Cris Barredo (alumnus), Jenmark Calumba (faculty, alumnus, and former adviser of CenVAS), Jeanil Sajo (faculty), Sarah Lacerna (staff), and Monica Gregorio (student and president of CenVAS). In her speech, CPUAAI President Dr. Anita U. Illenberger stated that the entries will be used for the official calendar, which will be sold or included in kits for attendees of the CPU Grand Alumni Homecoming 2026.

The committee members of the 2025 Festival of Lights and Music On-the-Spot Painting Contest were composed of Dr. Anita U. Illenberger, CPUAAI President; Dr. Esther Rose A. Romarate, Vice President for Student Affairs; Ms. Grace Ann Jardenil, Committee Chairperson; Mrs. Tina Poblacion Hortelano, CPUAAI Liaison Officer; Mr. Mark Pentojo Calumba, faculty member of the CPU College of Computer Studies; Monica Gregorio and Nelle Ivory Galea, CenVAS officers; and Perla G. Londres Waters and Emelda Frange Valcarcel, members of the CPU Board of Trustees.