CPU holds 89th Baccalaureate Service and Graduation Ceremony
By Keziah G. Huelar
A time of celebration and thanksgiving – Central Philippine University held its Baccalaureate Service and the first part of its 89th Graduation Ceremony at the Rose Memorial Auditorium – May 7, 2017.
The CPU Handbell Ringers with Dr. Mai-Lynn Bermejo-Jacar conducting.
In the Baccalaureate Service, for his words of welcome, CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles congratulated the graduates for their hard work and persistence. He also acknowledged the role of parents in helping their children’s dreams come true.
For the reading of the word – Pastor Mary Grace F. Labis, Associate Pastor of the University Church read Ester 4:14 which says: For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father´s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this? And Romans 8:37-39 which talks about the victory in Christ Jesus: No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
A festive day – Centralian graduates with friends and family fill the CPU Campus.
Guest speaker, Rev. Dr. Alan D. Selig, Interim Pastor of the Upper Merion Baptist Church, inspired the graduates by speaking about the life of Ester. According to him, the plans God has for his people are full of hope and goodness – some of his will take us to a position we never thought we could be in. “Esther never imagined her life would develop along this path. You may think you know where you will go and what you will do as you leave. But “Oh, the things you will see, the things you will do.”
CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, Senior Pastor, Cris Amorsolo Sian and Baccalaureate Speaker Dr. Alan Selig.
He encourages the graduates to trust in the all-knowing and all-loving Savior. “I grew up in the house across the street from the main entrance to CPU. They are both graduates of CPU, Jeryl in engineering, Jonalyn in nursing. You will never tell where God will take you but know that you’re in good hands.” These two are now members of the church where Rev. Selig is the pastor.
The Bahandi singers led the worship and praise during the Baccalaureate Service.
Rev. Dr. Selig also emphasized the importance of knowing the purpose of God and serving God through that purpose. “Every one of you will have opportunities, when you will realize “perhaps I was called into the kingdom for just such a time as this.” Don´t let this opportunities slip by unanswered. They may be dangerous. They may seem trivial in the moment. You may be tempted to think someone else can respond. Don´t ignore your chances to be part of the work of God´s Kingdom.”
Dr. Ann E.C. Borquist share three life lessons to Centralians – Know your roots, be kind and make it better.
He congratulated the graduates not only for their dedication to their studies but for the strength of their faith and character. “I hope you know how proud the CPU faculty and administration are of you. I hope you know how proud your families are if you. Not because of the grades you earned, not because of the quality of the papers you wrote, but because of the content of your character, because of the firmness of your faith.”
In closing, Rev. Dr. Selig left these challenging words to the graduates, “Be ready for God will be calling you any time to work for the building of God’s kingdom, and that you must continue to find ways to make God proud of you.”
Baccalaureate speaker, Rev. Dr. Alan D. Selig inspires graduates to excel wherever God places them to showcase their skill.
After the message, James G. Lunasco, a BS Psychology graduate gave the witness and reflections as the Alton Bigelow and Alma Mater Awardee, the highest award given by the university. (Note: his speech can be found in this issue of the Weekly Centralian Link).
The first batch of commencement exercises included the College of Agriculture, Resources and Environmental Science, the College of Arts and Science, the College of Business and Accountancy, the College of Education and their graduate programs.
For his words of welcome, CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles shared that the recognition of our achievements are nothing without God. “We challenge you to make a difference, take confidence in the training you have in CPU and above all honor God in your actions.”
The commencement address was given by Dr. Ann E.C. Borquist, Missionary, Asia-Pacific Region International Ministries of American Baptist Churches.
Centralian graduates fill the Rose Memorial Auditorium.
She shared three lessons to live by as Centralian graduates. First is to remember your roots, “Remember your roots. Be rooted in Christ. You have been immersed by Kingdom values here in CPU. Remember the Central Spirit. Remember your family roots.” Second is to be kind, “It is a radical call for action. It should be a way of life. It is a genuine desire to help others. What Jesus did was the ultimate example of kindness. Kindness is contagious. Practice radical kindness. And last is to make it better, “Make the world a better place. Be a leader grounded in hope. Don´t waste your time. Resolve to make something worthwhile. Make your life count. Do what you need to do with the resources that God has given you. You can make a difference. You have been formed by CPU to be a change-maker.”
After the commencement address, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, assisted by Miss Ruth G. Fernandez, Registrar led the conferral of degrees. After which, Ella Lee P. Galve, BSEd-E, Summa Cum Laude led the response of the graduates (Note: her response can be read in this issue of the Weekly Centralian Link). It was then followed by the pledge of alumni led by CPUAAI Mr. Daniel P. Dorillo.
CPU holds Commencement Exercises for 2nd Batch of Graduates 2017
By Cyrus A. Natividad
CPUAAI President Mr. Dan Dorillo leads the pledge of Alumni.
The second batch of College Graduates for the 2nd Semester SY 2016-2017 marched on Monday May 8, 2017 at 2:00 PM, at the Rose Memorial Auditorium. The program started at 3:00 PM with an overture by the CPU Symphonic Band. The Processional included the Graduating Class of 2017, CPU Board of Trustees and Corporation Members, Officers of the Administration, Department and Unit Heads, Faculty and program participants after the Entrance of Colors by the CPU ROTC Cadets.
Commencement Speaker, Mr. Bruce R. Borquist encourages graduates to excel in their chosen profession.
Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, CPU President delivered his Words of Welcome and expressed gratitude for the families of the graduates for sending their children to CPU, and for understanding the change of venue to the Rose Memorial Auditorium which is more comfortable than having the Commencement Exercises under the heat of the sun at the Football Field. He thanked the parents and all those who supported the students in their needs in order to graduate. He also challenge the graduating class by these words – “To the graduates of 2017, you are all recepients of Exemplary Christian Education for Life. May you then be exemplary of everything that you do.”
CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles congratulates graduates and their parents for their dedication and hard work.
Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico, Vice President for Student Affairs introduced the Commencement Speaker Bruce R. Borquist, M.B.A. – a Missionary of the International Ministries of American Baptist Churches, U.S.A. in the Asia-Pacific Region, and one time a missionry in CPU. In his commencement speech, Borquist challenged the graduates to be “Agents of Change.” He then asked a piercing question, “Will you be a consumer or a creator? Will you be part of the problem or part of the solution?”
Citing the many problems of the Philippine society, Borquist reiterated the need for people who are concerned with solutions, and creators of change rather than being just consumers. He called on the graduates to be a part of the solution rather than becoming part of the problem. Borquist cited Paul who said that we are a new creature in Christ Jesus. Thus, “We can be creators because we are created in the image of God. Being a creator begins when God re-creates you.” “Your Alma Mater is proud of you”, he added. Central Philippine University provides students with excellent training, so that jobs or the application of knowledge and skills will be enough to help in social entrepreneurship.
Centralians finally reap their hard work and efforts throughout their stay in the university.
Thousands of graduates every year hardly find jobs where they can apply their skills. But logically, Borquist observes that problems need solutions; thinking up solutions for the problems will also need skills, talents and the tapping of unused material resources.
As Director of the Small Business Development Center of Clackamas Community College in Oregon, U.S.A. for a couple of years, Borquist has a passion for faith-based social entrepreneurship, and wants to help Filipinos particularly the Ilonggos to develop entrepreneurial skill. He said that “Social entrepreneurship could be one of the solutions. In social entrepreneurship, you help society and at the same time earn a living for yourself.”
There are thousands of graduates every year, who listen to the commencement speaker, but forget the message. This time we had a Commencement Speaker who generously shared ideas in economics and practical suggestions on how to generate income after graduating from college. The Ilonggo-speaking missionary also emphasized that the fruit of hard work of CPU has resulted to generations of Chistian Leaders.
The degrees were conferred to the graduates of Computer Studies, Hospitality Management, Medicine (HFLM), Nursing and Allied Health Sciences (Medical Laboratory Sciences), Nursing and Allied Health Services (Nursing and Pharmacy), Engineering, Theology, Law and Graduate Programs by University President Dr. Robles and Miss Ruth G. Fernandez, University Registrar.
Anfernee Ng, a Summa Cum Laude graduate of the College of Engineering, delivered a response in behalf of the graduates. His message can be summed up by the question that he asked, “What makes a Centralian?” He answered, “It is Scientia et Fides plus a mix of relationships and passion.” He also recounted that the Christ Emphasis Week program of CPU left a profound impact in his life, and it is faith in God that propels him to be passionate in everything that he do.
To close, Mr. Daniel P. Dorillo, CPU Alumni Association President led the Pledge of the Alumni, and Rev. Dr. Bernabe C. Pagara, Dean of the College of Theology led the Benediction.
CPU honors graduates in Pasidungog 2017
By Keziah G. Huelar
The Pasidungog performers.
A night of gratitude and appreciation – the CPU Alumni Association Inc. in collaboration with the CPU Cultural Affairs Office held Pasidungog, an event honoring the graduates of batch 2017, at the Rose Memorial Auditorium – May 5, 2017.
For the welcome remarks, CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles hoped that the graduates will enjoy the talent and fashion showcase of Pasidungog 2017. “To honor our 2017 graduates we present the talents of our previous graduates. Our hope and joy will be for you to excel in your chosen field and to remember CPU as part of your journey.”
Miss Iloilo 2017, Merry Grace Tubelleja modeling the design of Audery Rose Dusaran-Albason.
Chairman of the CPU Board of Trustees Atty. Peter Irving C. Corvera, in his inspirational remarks, encouraged graduates to keep the Central Sprit alive by coming back to CPU even as they become professionals. “To the graduates, when you receive your diplomas, you will now be part of the CPU alumni. In the future, you will start to long for the memories and friendships in CPU. The best friends I have in CPU are my best friends until now. Come to CPU whenever you have time. You will always be welcomed here. CPU is your home.”
Katchry Jewel Golbin sings the classic Disney song, A Whole New World, with Miguel Davao.
After Atty. Corvera’s message, CPUAAI President Mr. Daniel P. Dorillo acknowledged the Centralian Board Exam Topnotchers. Certificates of appreciation and cash incentive awards were given to: Dominique Ariel B. Tomampos for placing 10th in the 2017 Medical Licensure Exam, John Erikson H. Salarda who placed 5th in the 2017 Nursing Licensure Exam and Christopher R. Pateña and Carmel Marie G. Cerbo who placed 9thand 10th respectively.
Iloilo City Councilor, Atty. Joshua C. Alim sings Imagine by John Lennon.
Katchry Jewel S. Golbin, CPU AB English Class 2016 opened the performance proper by singing J’avais Reve D’une Autre Vie (I Dreamed A Dream) the same song she sang during her audition in France Got Talent Season 11. She then performed La Vie En Rose and Les Moulin de Mon Coeur as the fashion designs of Audery Rose Dusaran-Albason were featured on stage by Centralian models: Precious Pearl Baraban, Glea Hope N. Clave, Joena Hortelano, Micka Aleja Lacuran, Jenoe Marie Palmares, Lenith Icon Sajonia, Divine Grace Sorioso and Merry Grace Tubelleja.
CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles and Chairman of CPU Board of Trustees with Audery Rose Dusaran-Albason.
The CPU Handbell Ringers then performed the Phantom of the Opera Medley with Dr. Mai Lynn B. Jacar conducting. The CPU Handbell Ringers is a religious cultural group of Central Philippine University. Dr. Mai Lynn Bermejo-Jacar is the current director of the group, having been a member herself of the handbell choir trained by Mrs. Alice Thompson.
Chairman, CPU Board of Trustees, Atty. Peter Irving C. Covera tells graduates that they will always have a home in CPU.
Katchry again graced the stage singing On My Own, A Whole New World with Miguel Davao and Ikaw. It was then followed by a violin performance of the Beauty and the Beast theme song by Chris John de Guzman and Miguel Davao, the CPU Sari-Saot Dance Troupe danced in composition of Marisa Montelibano ‘s “Wing’s Sonata”.
Audery Rose Dusaran-Albason was the only Filipino invited to showcase her designs in the to the 2017 Oxford Fashion Studio Paris Collection.
Guest performer, Iloilo City Councilor Atty. Joshua C. Alim sang Maala Mo Kaya with Katchry, Imagine and All My Life. Katchry closed the show with an incredible performance of The Impossible Dream and The Prayer.
Performers include Marisa Montelibano-Apuan, Keyboard Artist, Miguel Davao and Chris John P. de Guzman, violinists, Atty. Joshua C. Alim, Guest Artist, Mai Lynn B. Jacar, Director, CPU Handbell Ringers, Necil C. Magno, Director, CPU Sari-Saot Dance Troupe and Candelaria T. Evangelista, Choreographer.
Pasidungog Concert 2017: Exceptional!
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Audery Rose Dusaran-Albason with her models.
The exceptionally good show on May 5, 2017 at the Rose Memorial Auditorium for Pasidungog- in honor of the Graduates of 2017 was inspired by passion. For the nth time, Katchry Jewel S .Golbin (a.k.a. Alienette Coldfire) captured the audience with her magical performance; no other voice would have carried such spellbinding crescendo when she sang J’avais Reve D’nune Autre Vie (I Dream a dream).
Everyone who watched the performance on stage had great expectations. The show was prepared so well; production was all too focused up to the last detail. Each participant must own up the excellence that the Free Concert Show has offered.
The enthusiasm in that wonderful evening was brought about by the flawless sequences of performances, including the works of CPU’s very own artist cum designer, Audrey Rose Dusaran– Albason. She impressed spectators with her fashion design showcase. Acknowledged as the only Filipino Fashion Designer invited to the Oxford Fashion Studio Paris Collection 2017 in Paris France, Albason personally directed the models in her signature designs to go with Katchry’s sentimental rendition –La Vie En Rose Les Moulins de Mon Coeur.
We were awed by the magical tunes from the instruments of the CPU Handbell Ringers playing Songs from the show – Phantom of the Opera. Another special instrumental tune was rendered by Chris John de Guzman and Miguel Davao (with violin) was the theme song from the movie Beauty and the Beast. CPU’s Sari-Saot Dance Troupe on the other hand, performed a Dance Number with Ms. Marisa Montelibano’s composition, “Wings Sonata”.
Miguel and the Iloilo City Singing Councilor Atty. Joshua Alim also rendered popular Tagalog songs, “Maalaala Mo Kaya” and “Ikaw”, respectively with Katchry Golbin. In addition, Atty. Alim sang John Lenon’s “Imagine”, and “All My Life”.
The other impressive renditions of Katchry Golbin was with the song “ Impossible Dream”. But before the curtain call, she amazed everyone with her Finale Song –“The Prayer”. It was spiritual – touching our souls.
The show could not have been that successful without the faithful cooperation of the participants, and the big support of the University President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, Atty. Peter Irving Corvera, Chairman, CPU Board of Trustees, CPUAAI President Daniel P. Dorillo; Cutural Affairs Office Coordinator Ms. Crista S. Huyong, Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on Director, Office of Communications , and all those who in one way or the other made the stars shine that evening. To God Be the Glory!
Response in behalf of the Graduates
By: Ella Lee Peñalber Galve, BSEd-E, Summa Cum Laude
Ella Lee P. Galve, BSEd-E, Summa Cum Laude shares the goodness of the Lord in her life.
“Thank you Professor Trompeta for the inspiring introduction and thank you to the graduation board for the honor to speak on behalf of the graduates.
Chairperson of the Board of Trustees
University President – President Teodoro C. Robles
Distinguished administrators
Centralian brothers
Esteemed faculty and staff
Dearest parents, guests
And fellow graduates of Batch 2017, good afternoon.
According to Bernie Siegel “God wants us to know that life is a series of beginnings, not endings. Just as graduations are not terminations, but commencements.”
I believe that today is not yet the end of our journey but it’s just the beginning. Do you agree? Some of us may actually delight to this thought but some may still be scared to uncover the things in life after graduation. But no matter how you feel right now; I would like you to know that God has a plan for you. Jeremiah 29: 11 says: “For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a good future.
It is only by God’s grace why I am here, standing in front of you. I was able to enrol in this university through a scholarship. For the tough four years, I worked hard to maintain it because without it, I knew it would be hard for me to continue my schooling here. Why? My father is just a carpenter but I’m proud to say that that carpenter was able to find other profitable ways other than carpentry just to provide for my daily allowance. Nagbaligya kami uling, bugas kag kun ano pa indi lang droga. For that, I’ll forever be grateful. I also want to express my endless gratitude to my mother. She never left me through good times and bad. We should thank God for our mothers because if our fathers work from sun to sun, on the other hand our mothers work is never done. Praise God for our mothers. Let us give them a round of applause.
One of my professors in this university once told me: “College life is not a walk in the park.” Yes indeed, it was never easy but I am glad that we, the graduating batch of 2017 never gave up on pursuing that path that we had prayed to finish. For that, we are now one step closer to our dreams. I believe that each one of us had encountered struggles and difficulties before we actually had the tides in our favor. I could still remember the days leading to our research defense, my hands got clammy, my heart started to pound ten times faster than its normal beat, and I spent sleepless nights battling against the butterflies on my stomach. Another scenario that happened to me which I believe had also took place in your college life as a Centralian is having a panic attack in the morning of a project’s deadline. Moreover, I know that most of us know how it feels sick minutes before group presentation or reporting in class. This–and more–is just a part of our Centralian experience. Who wasn’t able to experience those things? We might laugh at the thought but we must admit that we are grateful for having undergone those experiences, for they molded us to become bolder and more competent as individuals.
God has been so good to me through the tough four years here in this university and seeing you, my beloved batch mates inside this auditorium is a manifestation that God had done great things in your life also. Entering college, I promised myself that my Centralian experience would pave the way for my growth as an individual. I went through the usual phases one Centralian may have the chance to go through, such as Christ Emphasis Week where I was drawn closer to God, University Day where I was able to develop camaraderie with a lot of people, and College Day where I became more socially active. I became an active member in organizations where I was called to serve; I experienced getting an average grade and failing some quizzes. I also experienced being ignored by my crush like other ladies here; I know you can relate. Like most us here, I also experience doing assignments in class for the next class and sleeping inside the library due to physical, mental and financial stress. Most of all, like all students coming from a poor family, I also had my meals skipped just to compensate for my Academic papers and projects. Nonetheless, God has been a great provider and I testify his goodness and faithfulness. It was through HIM alone that I made it this far. I guess I had a pretty normal college life. I hope you had the same!
During my stay in this university, I have been surrounded by thousands of millennials crawling their way through their academics, paving the way for this moment–the moment to conquer the real world. As digital learners, I celebrate with you on how our professors and mentors in this university had tapped into our passions. I commend our educators on how they spent efforts just to connect to our worlds as millennials. I delight with you my fellow batch mates on how our teachers made us experts in our own chosen field. And most of all, I am deeply grateful for how the faculty and staff of our beloved alma mater had given platforms to our voices.
We might have encountered a lot of obstacles and challenges during our stay at Central but I believe that we still had a wonderful journey in college. Always remember that: “trials are not reasons to give up but a challenge to improve ourselves, not an excuse to back out but an inspiration to move forward!” Take pride in how far you have come and have faith in how far you can go.
Before I end, I also want to express my unfathomable gratitude to my College of Education family who helped me in achieving this goal. To all teachers who became part of my journey, thank you so much. To my “the educator’s family”, thank you for you never left my side. To my provincial board family, thank you for all the support and understanding especially to Gov. Aiver Villa. To my Centralite 2017 family, thank you for the gift of friendship and trust. Thank you so much Ma’am Merle, Ma’am Shai and Ma’am Ann for believing in my capability as a writer and editor. I’ll forever be grateful for your golden guidance and pieces of advice. Above all, to my tropang Achilles family, thank you for all the food every time I got hungry in a class and I don’t have enough money to buy some. I’ll surely miss you big time.
Like one of the mango trees in Guimaras where I live, I believe that I am now ready to produce a bountiful crop of fruit. I hope that you fellow graduates are ready too.
To end, I just want to share my life’s favorite motto. It says: “Only one life, it will soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.” Let us continue to become a channel of blessings and inspiration to people around us. Let us continue to keep the Central Spirit alive in us and above all, let us continue to live according to the will of God. Congratulations my fellow-graduates for reaching this significant milestone in our lives! Soli Deo Gloria!
The Witness of Faith and Reflections
By James G. Lunasco, Alton Bigelow/Alma Mater Awardee
James G. Lunasco, BS Psychology graduate, Alma Mater Awardee, shares his testimony as a Centralian graduate.
Dr. Teodoro Robles, Rev. Dr. Alan Selig, Rev. Cris Amorsolo Sian, Pastoral Staff, Administrators, Corporation and Board of Trustees , Faculty and Staff, Parents, and fellow graduating students.
A very pleasant morning to all of you
On behalf of Batch 2017, I am very blessed to be here, sharing God’s goodness and Faithfulness in our lives.
We spent our childhood by playing Larong pinoy and watching shows like Sineskwela, Math Tinik, Wansapanatym, Bayani and Hiraya Manawari.
Have you seen the show Hiraya Manawari? I remember we were about 5 or 6 years old then when that show was at its peak.
Hiraya Manawari is an ancient Tagalog phrase which means Hope it comes to pass or sana matupad.
Hiraya manawari means sana matupad
I´m gonna sing the show’s theme song; it goes like this.
Gusto kong abutin ang tayog ng ulap
Gusto kong sisirin ang lalim ng dagat
Gusto kong akyatin ang tuktok ng bund
Tuklasin ang hiwaga sa puso ko´y, bumabalot
Hiraya Manawari, Hiraya Manawari
Mga pangarap natin ating abutin
Ang kapangyarihang nasa puso natin
Hiraya manawari ating abutin Graduating students each of us has our own dreams, plans and desires, we all want them to be Hiraya Manawari, gusto natin na sana ito’y matupad.
Yes our Hiraya Manawari or Sana matupad of finishing our degree is about to happen.
Of course we have encountered a lot of difficulties and we all went through struggles.
From finding out the meaning of UG LDT NV or MT, cramming 3 hours before the exam with our BFF kopiko 78 and making tons and tons of revisions on our research with the file name Final na, final na 1, final na 2, super final na 2, finalfinal na 3. Defense na graduate na kami wohooo!
And much to our surprise with the help of our Almighty God all of us here are celebrating His Goodness and His faithfulness. Let us give Him a clap offering.
Firstly after all of this we need to have plans for the future. When God puts His plan in our hearts He amazingly reveals it in the right time. Admittedly, at first we were unsure how it would happen. Because there were difficulties, discouragements, and problems that outnumber the possibilities for us to receive the promises of the Lord, but we did not give up, instead we claimed God’s promise that He will never leave us nor forsake us. Because we believe, with God all things are possible.
Secondly we need to pray, pray at all times, in every season of our lives. God has done possible to incite us, to excite us to pray. He is just a prayer away. One Pastor said and I quote, If we don’t get on our knees, God won’t get on His feet. Does prayer make any difference? I just want to share how God works in and through me. I was hospitalized during the third day of the Convention Baptist Youth Fellowship of the Philippines Conference where I was an officer. I suffered a major ailment that caused me to be admitted for five days and if it remained untreated it might have caused death. But God moved upon me in awesome power.
Today May 7 is my father’s 11th month journey to eternity. I wish he is here with me right know. Because of his sudden death I thought it was the end of the rope. I can still imagine the days after his death, it was June before class started. I isolated myself and stayed for 2 weeks in my room. I wanted to quit school. I blamed God about the situation. Why me? Why us? I wrestled with those questions. And God has revealed in a still small voice telling me to come to him. I vividly remember the verse: Come to me all of you who are weary and are heavily laden and I will give you rest. God had miraculously done great and mighty things to me and I know you too have experienced God’s Power.
I believe that the sovereign God has the best plan for us. The things that had happened to me and to you too are channels of blessings. May He use us to better prepare us from this journey to face head on the challenges that lie ahead triumphantly – because God holds our tomorrow.
We are privileged that Central Philippine University has given us Exemplary Christian Education for Life. A big thanks to Central Philippine University
I would like to thank my family. Pa you got more than what you expected in me. Praise the Lord.
As we continue to commit our lives to the Lord I will share with you this commitment song.
God before us, God beside
God within us abide
God in Heaven, and in this place
Father, we commit to You this day
God in pleasure, God in pain
God will ever remain
God in gladness, and God in strife
Father, we commit to You our lives
For we know that You are faithful through the stillness and the storm
For You´ve been with us from the start
Father, we commit to You our hearts
For we know that You are faithful through the stillness and the storm
For You´ve been with us from the start
Father, we commit to You our hearts
Father, we commit to You our hearts
Remembering Marie Catherine Clarke Losh
By Keziah G. Huelar
Marie Catherine Clarke Losh was born in November 18, 1925. Being the third of five children, she developed a heart of caring for those who are ahead of her and those that came after her. In 1957, her husband, Kenneth Losh, was assigned as the University Chaplain in CPU. Thus they moved to the Philippines to pursue the ministry God placed in their hearts.
Prof. Envagelica D. Padernilla has worked hand in hand with Marie Catherine Clarke Losh when she served as CPU Elementary School Principal.
After 11 years of serving the church and the university, the Losh family moved back to the United States, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and excellence that inspired a generations of Centralians. According to Prof. Evangelica Diesto-Padernilla, Principal of the CPU Elementary School from 1966-1994, Marie Catherine Clarke Losh was known as “Mrs. Miscellaneous” because her service knew no bounds; she would take care of her family and at the same time dedicate herself in matters concerning the church and the university.
Pastor Alfred C. Morales was the liturgist during the memorial ceremony.
She had the task of accommodating university guests – people would remember her for long course meals that were made with love. “I want to honor the missionary I dearly love. Her selflessness and dedication to others made her a well-loved figure in the campus, she was always thinking of ways to make CPU known as a great school. She set up a parallel school were subjects were taught in English”
Janet – the daughter of Marie Catherine Clark Losh shares her fondest memories with her mother.
In February 5, 2015, Marie Catherine Clarke Losh returned to her Savior. To remember her legacy, last May 10, 2017, Central Philippine University held a memorial service in the honor of Marie Catherine Clarke Losh at CPU House No.3 Staff House which served as their home from 1957-1968.
Centralians remember Marie Catherine Clarke Losh.
The service was graced by Catherine’s daughter, Janet Bobcat and daughter Katie, CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, Vice President for Student Affairs, Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico, Office of Communications Director Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Rev. Pastor Alfred Morales, Pastor Rudel Obed B. Dinala and Pastor Rusielj G. Lunasco.
After the service, the ashes of Marie Catherine Clarke Losh were sprinkled by her daughter and granddaughter on the trees surrounding the CPU House No.3 Staff.
CCINAA holds 92nd CCINAA Homecoming and 28th Loreto D. Tupaz Memorial Lecture
By Keziah G. Huelar
2017 Nursing Graduates sing their Batch song
Remembering memories and making them last – Central Philippine University, Capiz Emmanuel Hospital, Iloilo Mission and Nurses Alumni Association held its 92nd Homecoming and 28th Loreto D. Tupaz Memorial Lecture with the theme “CCINAA Nurses’ Resiliency: Key in Withstanding Global Challenges at the Amigo Terrace Hotel, May 10, 2017.
In his opening remarks, Atty. Salex E. Alibogha BSN Class 1992 and the President of CCINAA spoke about the relevance of this year’s theme to the passion and commitment of Centralian nurses. According to him Centralian nurses are known to be excellent throughout the world. He credits this to the evidence of quality nursing education and strong alumni support.
For welcome and greetings, CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, whose wife is also a nurse, commended the dedication and strength of Centralian nurses. He recognized their achievements and contribution to the Centralian community.
On the other hand, Dr. Elmer Q. Pedregosa, Hospital Director of Iloilo Mission Hospital acknowledged key people who contributed to the success of Iloilo Mission Hospital of being recognized as one of the excellent institutions for medical service.
Prof. Lily Lynn V. Somo, Dean of the CPU College of Nursing and Health Science encouraged Centralian nurses and nurses-to-be to preserve the unity of their Centralian spirit. She also emphasized the importance of Christian values in the service of their profession.
Thereafter, a tribute to the late Loreto D. Tupaz was made by Mrs. Elsie S. Italia, BSN Class 1974. In one of the published articles of Dr. Florentino P. Alerta entitled “Miss Loreto D. Tupaz – The Florence Nightingale of Iloilo” dated August 5, 2005 in The News Today, he talks about the late Loreto D. Tupaz as the “Grand Dame of Discipline”, quoting his article: They may have called her as the “Grand Dame of Discipline” but it is these virtues that our “Nanay” never forget to pass along to her students. Miss Tupaz serves as an example for her students. Her name connotes discipline and punctuality. The “Miss Tupaz Syndrome” may have passed down the nurses that have trained under her bringing nursing care to the highest degree in the Philippines.
For the memorial lecture, Phebe L. Pendon, BSN Class 1992, FAACVPR, RN, RP and Registered Clinical Psychologist talked the role of nurses in the global development. The resiliency of nurses is an important factor in developing communities and strengthening medical ties all throughout the world.
The event also recognized Silver Jubilarians (Class 1992), Ruby Jubilarians (Class 1977), Golden Jubilarians (Class 1967), as well as the honor graduates, the Loreto D. Tupaz awardee and the board placers of the November 2016 Nursing Licensure Examination.
An induction of the new alumni members and the new CCINAA Board of Directors was led by the President of the CPU Alumni Association Inc., Mr. Daniel P. Dorillo.
Centralian Chemist – among successful entrepreneurs in Manggahan
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Tubongbanua in her Manggahan Kiosk
The Manggahan Festival of Guimaras is one of the most visited events of Region 6 in May (the month of festivals in the Philippines). It is the brand name of Guimaras as other provinces have their own. Every year, local and foreign tourists, as well as representatives from other provinces and cities look forward to enjoy and partake of the world’s sweetest, mouth-watering mangoes in the island province.
One is offered a free taste of the fruit as soon as you arrive at the festival square. You might be lucky to be with a group that received a bayong (native bag) of the golden mangoes from the generous Governor Samuel T. Gumarin. After a while, you are engulfed in a sea of people peeling and splurging with the worlds sweetest mango fruit – ‘eat all you can!’ at the pavilion purposely made for that. Eventually, you are thrilled with the mango eating contest. Did we hear 20, 30 mangoes ‘finished to the bone’ by a contestant? The term is ‘indulgence’.
Centralians are blest to be treated to a hearty snack by an award-winning alumni entrepreneur Rebecca Castro Tubongbanua (CPU BS Chemistry Batch 1982). The free snacks included Mango Juices by McNester – a product of Buenavista, Guimaras by Tubongbanua, and other refreshing bottled fruit drinks and mango chips. “This has been every year and we’re doing good business in Manggahan.”
Tubongbanua has one of the most progressive food manufacturing businesses in Guimaras. She has become a model of a successful entrepreneur, and received national and local awards like the annual Gawad Saka Award, and the Gawad Kalikasan at Kalusogan awards among others from Agri-Entrepreneurs and other government agencies.
Tubongbanua concocted many fruit products since graduating from CPU. She worked as Chemist of the Guimaras bottling company – bottler of mineral water, and later established her own McNester company with her husband Nestor S. Tubongbanua. McNester products, particularly mango juices are available at several supermarkets and grocery stores.
Tubongbanua credits her success to the knowledge and perseverance she learned from Central Philippine University.
Congratulations to the new Centralian Civil Engineers who took their Licensure Exam last May 2017!
There were 13 out of 16 first takers who passed the exams with an 81.25% passing percentage. Overall, CPU got a 65.38% passing percentage. There were 2,514 new Civil Engineers in the country out of the 6,998 who took the exam or a national passing percentage of 35.92%.
Engr. Feldion Thyme S. ARAGON
Engr. Reysa Joy M. BATTALONES
Engr. Janice T. CANIBAN
Engr. Rovie Joy N. CLAVE
Engr. Gines M. FADRIGO, Jr.
Engr. Joshua S. GAQUIT
Engr. Bencyl Mark G. JARANILLA
Engr. Guenn O. JIMENEZ
Engr. Cheryl Q. LOSARIA
Engr. Jian Ronna B. PADILLA
Engr. Jakim Reuben A. PAMPLONA
Engr. Jade S. PARREÑO
Engr. Allana K. SARMIENTO
Engr. Yves James D. SERGUINO
Engr. Bryan Albert N. SUERTE
Engr. Philip F. RODRIGUEZ
Engr. Moises Allen L. VICTORIANO