CPU signs partnership with Dongnam Health University
By Keziah G. Huelar
Stronger international ties – CPU Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Irving Domingo C. Rio, CPU Junior High School Principal, Asst. Professor Janet S. Jalbuena with Dongnam Health University President, Dr. Hong Jong Soon and DHU officials.
With the aim of fostering international linkages through educational and cultural exchanges, Central Philippine University and Dongnam Health University signed an academic agreement of partnership at the CPU Administration Building Conference Room on May 15, 2017.
Dongnam Health University’s partnership with CPU will focus on its high school program. The aim of which is develop friendly ties among Korean and Filipino students to promote social and cultural awareness.
Dongnam Health University looks forward to educational and cultural exchanges with CPU.
The purpose of the agreement is for parties to develop partnership relations in the field of education by encouraging and supporting educational and intercultural mobility of students, teachers and staff by providing opportunities for exchange and discussion.
Asst. Prof. Janet S. Jalbuena, Principal of the CPU High School looks forward to the partnership as it will encourage students to be more globally conscious and to create friendship across Asian region.
Dongnam Health University President, Dr. Hong Jong Soon gives a token of appreciation to CPU.
Both parties also foresee mutual co-educational programs where vacation immersion programs and language training of exchange students will be organized.
Dongnam Health University specializes in health science. CPU hopes that its partnership with Dongnam will help expand its nursing practices for global competitiveness, improve its academic health modules and expose students to the trend of health industries.
Dr. Irving Domingo Rio, CPU Vice President for Academic Affairs shared that CPU has the oldest nursing program in the country and that he is looking forward to research partnerships with Dongnam. “Currently we have eight Korean university partners, and we look forward to our partnership with Dongnam. We definitely would like exchange researches with our faculty.”
Present for the signing is Dr. Hong Jong Soon, President of Dongnam Health University.
Golden Lions win JR Robles U16 Championship
By Edwin C. Laru-an
80 minutes is not enough for Central Philippine University and Barotac Nuevo National Comprehensive high School to decide who will lift the JR ROBLES U16 championship trophy at the Iloilo Sports Complex on May 13, 2017.
Both teams showed their will to win in every ball possession, but it was BNNCHS who first blinked in the 36th minute when ace defender Edwin Doctora was sent out by referee Stephen Beria for striking Christian Dequilla of CPU. With ten men playing on the pitch BNNCHS went more aggressive to convert a goal but the defense of the Golden Lions was too tight for them.
Three minutes before the final whistle during the extra period Raphael Joseph Paz of CPU converted a right foot strike near the box past BNNCHS Best Goal Keeper Brain Bedia for a 1-nil lead. Coach Domingo Subo´s side could not recover anymore after defender Mark Anthony Bedia was sent off for reckless tackle and settled for 1st runner up. On the other hand, I, PAG ASA FC defeated Sta. Barbara National High School 3-2 to grab the 2nd runner up trophy.
K.J. Guidoriagao of IPFC scored two successive goals in the 49thand 59th minute, SBNCHS did not give up, Best Striker Arn Philip Silao gave hope to his team with a superb right volley in the 64th minutes. Six minutes latter Godfrey Sontillanosa equalized the score 2 all, two minutes before the final whistle Jay Sonza was the hero for IPFC finding the back of the net for the winning goal.
Meanwhile Tyler Kim Rivera of CPU takes the best midfield award and CPU´s Antonio Velario IV as Best Defender. Fair play award was given to I PAG ASA FC. Also present during awarding is Mr. Pablito Araneta, consultant for sports province of Iloilo, Engr. Duffie Botavara, tournament director and Mr. Leandro Hautea of Iloilo football Association. “I would like to thank the 12 teams who participated in the tournament and also Governor Arthur Defensor for allowing us to use the ISC football field and also to Dr. Ma. Janelyn Fundal Of ISC.” JR Robles said.
Forum On Advocacy Against Violence, Abuse and Exploitation
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Forum participants pose with Program Directors Amy Castigador and Levi de los Santos
The Police Precincts and Baranggay Halls are often occupied with cases of violence, sexual harassment and trafficking. Mostly women and children, the complainants are assisted by local government personnel with the support services from the Department of Social Welfare. The volume and scope of the problems need more than just the basic support agencies. In view of the serious problems besetting our society today, the need for an enhanced cooperation of other stakeholders like homes, schools and civic organizations is imperative.
Part of the workshop activities in the Forum on Advocacy against Violence
This is the gist of the Forum on Advocacy Against Violence, Abuse and Exploitation held at Central Philippine University Educational Media Center on Monday, May 15, 2017 (1:00 – 5:00 pm). The forum was organized by Central Philippine University in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development – with the support of the United Board for Higher Christian Education.
The forum was aimed at leveling off understanding on the issue of violence against women and children, to bring up various practices in responding to such violence; discussing how interventions are being done and the ways of improving them, and to come up with action points.
In behalf of the University President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, Vice President for Finance and Administration Florence P. Bogacia delivered the Welcome Remarks. She emphasized the need for cooperation and ideas on how to help in the campaign on violence against women and children.
DSWD Region 6 Director Rebecca P. Geamala in her message to the participants pointed out the critical involvement of everyone in curbing the social menace, to help the goverment in implementing social development. Engr. Dimpna C. Castigador, Director, Office of Institutional Advancement recognized the participants from different schools and social development agencies.
Ms. Josie Cambel DSWD Region 6 Planning Officer and Overall Facilitator conducted the Discussion Proper on Leveling of Understanding, Practices and Interventions. Mr. Levi O. De los Santos, Director, CPU Community Engagement and Service Learning made his Closing Remarks.
RCEC holds Graphic Workshop
By Keziah G. Huelar
Workshop participants with Dr. Lenny Mucho, RCEC Director and Guest Lecturer Jann Galino. (Photo Credit MJ Ramos)
Art and storytelling merged as the CPU Review Continuing Education and Consultancy Center in partnership with Raffaella Pizza Italiana held The Great Graphics Workshop featuring Jann Galino as guest lecturer at the 4th Floor Henry Luce III Library on May 15-16, 2017.
Topics include fundamentals of visual storytelling, building up your portfolio and breaking into the industry. Participants learned how to develop strong creative outputs, how to incorporate a storyline and how to capture their audience.
Mr. Jann Galino is a professional comic book and conceptual artist. He worked as freelance for various local and international projects since 2009, from comic book illustrations, online RPG conceptual and character designs to film storyboarding. Few of his works include The Communist Manifest: Chapter 3, Gutters Issue #101, Demon Codex: Spectrals, 4.2.3, Double Cross, Part-time Gods Part 1-4. His local published works include Majarlica: Bayan ng Agimat, The Anvil Jose Rizal Reader, Ang Mandirigma.
Recently, he worked on concept arts for the new 3rd Eye Games RPG (USA). He’s the artist of the recently concluded local superhero TV series My Super D. He is the founder of Iloilo Comics Convention (http://www.janngalino.com/).
The two day seminar-workshop ended with a contest wherein Indy Amane won for Best Scripwriter and Ella Apiado for Best Storyboard.
Commencement Address (May 7, 2017)
“Transforming Learners into Christian Leaders” Remember Your Roots, Be Kind, Make it Better”
By Ann E. C. Borquist
Dr. Ann E.C. Borquist share three life lessons to Centralians – Know your roots, be kind and make it better.
Maayong hapon sa tanan. What a grand occasion this is! Dr. Robles, members of the CPU Board of Trustees, faculty and staff, congratulations – you have completed another year mentoring thousands of young women and men who are the current and future leaders of this great nation. Thank you especially to Dr. Robles for inviting me to share these words of encouragement with the Class of 2017. Praise God graduates – you made it! Your dedication, your hard work and your sleepless nights paid off. What a victory this is for you!
And praise God for all of you nanays and tatays, lolos and lolas – you must be so proud of your graduate. Your prayers and your sacrifice made it possible for them to reach this tremendous milestone in their life. It is an honor to speak to you, the graduates, today to share some wisdom, and challenge you as you begin your next life journey. Most of you were born just about the time that Bruce and I along with our children Inday Elena and Toto Asa said tearful farewells to our Filipino family and friends and returned to the United States to serve at our mission agency’s home office and later in Brazil. How time flies!
But CPU and our Filipino family has always been close to our hearts over these years. I’ve been thinking and praying about what wisdom I could share with you. Let’s be honest (graduate)– you will remember little of this day except the whirlwind of emotions that you are experiencing: dizzying joy that you made it, bone deep exhaustion after turning in those final projects and taking those final exams, heart swelling pride knowing that your family is getting ready to cheer when you receive your diploma. I confess that I remember very little from my own graduation ceremonies. I really only have images in my mind – how I was grinning from ear to ear in my doctoral hood and beret with my fellow graduates as the cameras flashed wildly, the euphoria of marching into the auditorium as the music swelled, and the sense of achievement as I stepped off the podium, diploma in hand, wondering, “Well Lord, what’s next? …I don’t know… but You do, Lord. Here I am. Lead on Lord. Use me.” So I will make it easy for you to remember three pieces of wisdom from today.
Those in this area need to memorize only one phrase — and that’s a lot easier than your last exam!: Remember your roots. Your phrase in the center is: Be Kind. And finally, for this section, your bit of wisdom is: Make it Better. First section, what is your phrase? REMEMBER YOUR ROOTS.
I love mangoes – especially from Guimaras. Have you ever wondered why they are so sweet? What makes them the fruit of my dreams? Their roots penetrate into the nutrient rich soil of the island, producing baskets of golden fruit enjoyed literally around the world – even as far as Buckingham Palace, they say. You are like beautiful mango trees, ready to produce a bountiful crop of fruit. This reminds me of what Jesus said, “If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” [John 15:5b] Rooted in Christ, established in his love, your life will be a shining light in a dark world. You have been nurtured in the rich soil of Central Philippine University, established 112 years ago and now one of the finest universities in the Philippines.
The Central Spirit burns bright in the hearts of those alumni who have sacrificially dedicated their lives to the welfare of others – especially the marginalized and forgotten. These alumni are recognized for their integrity in a world where personal gain often trumps all other values. CPU alumni demonstrate compassion and creativity, and model godly stewardship of people and resources. They are men and women of peace who are committed to excellence in everything they do. These are the kingdom values in which you have been immersed here at CPU. This is your heritage as CPU graduates. You also have roots much older than your CPU experience. I’m talking about your family. Don’t forget: you didn’t get this far by yourself. Your Nanay and Tatay, Tita and Tito, Lola and Lolo have been cheering you on – and sending you money for tuition and books.
Your sisters and brothers have helped you come this far. As I look at them behind you, their faces tell it all. They’re saying: “I love you. I’m proud of you.” Graduates, take a moment to look back and wave. Remember your Roots! The second bit of wisdom seems so simple, yet it is a deep and deeply Christ-centered concept. What is it? BE KIND. You often hear parents say to their 3 year old child, “Be nice, Toto. Play nice, Inday.” But you will not find “be nice” in the Bible. Nice is a bland, limp sort of attitude. It is often viewed as timid or frail. Niceness lacks conviction.
You can be nice and not care a bit about the other person. Many people are nice just to make a good impression, so that others will like or respect them. Not so with kindness. “Be kind” is a radical, fierce call to action. I’m not referring to “Random acts of kindness” here – a theme popularized in the 80’s and 90’s. Being kind should be a WAY of LIFE, not an occasional event. Kindness springs from the heart, from a genuine desire to bless others. Kind acts give others hope and comfort and courage. Kind words are like springs of water in the desert. Jesus’ sacrificial death on our behalf was the ultimate act of kindness. It is when we are kind and compassionate that we are most like Christ.
Up until the 1950s, the disease polio paralyzed or killed half a million people every year. In 1952, Jonas Salk invented the Polio vaccine, but in a radical act of kindness he refused to patent it. He wanted to make sure that it would be affordable to families around the world. This decision basically cost him about 7 billion dollars – and his self-denying act of kindness has saved millions of lives. Jesus calls us to a revolutionary new way of life, a life shaped and expressed through radical kindness, through selfless acts of goodwill. You express kindness by showing courtesy and respect to others even when they don’t deserve it, by practicing civil public discourse in a polarized society. Radical kindness disarms revenge, restores relationships. Kindness has the power to break down the highest walls that separate us – it paves the way to reconciliation and peace.
And one more thing. Kindness is contagious. Your acts of kindness will take root and spread in the lives of others. Remember your roots. Be kind. What was the third phrase? MAKE IT BETTER Make the world a better place. Make your home a place of joy, a safe place for each member of the family. Lead by example in your work, whatever it is. Be a leader grounded in hope so that you can serve as a channel of hope for others. It is so very comfortable to just let the hours and days roll by, like a boat floating down a lazy river. Sometimes we call this, “killing time.” I served as a missionary in Brazil for a number of years and learned to love the Portuguese language – almost as much as I love Hiligaynon. In Portuguese, you never “kill time” or “take time” – you always “dá tempo” – “give time.” Time is precious, a gift you have been given and a gift you give to others. Don’t waste it. Resolve to do something worthwhile with your life, to make your life count. “Oh, but I’m not a great scientist, or musician or doctor” you say. In Brazilian Portuguese there is a saying: Quem não tem cão caça com gato. The person who doesn’t have a dog, hunts with a cat. In other words, “Make the most of what you’ve got.”
Do what you need to do, with the resources God has given you. You’ve heard the story of the boy who walked along the beach after a typhoon and saw hundreds of starfish stranded in the sun. He methodically picked up starfish here and there, and threw them back into the ocean. Observing this rather strange behavior, his father said, “what’s the point of throwing that starfish back in the water? There are so many! You won’t make much of a difference my son.” The boy bent down, picked up another starfish and threw it as far as he could into the waves. Then he turned to his dad with a smile and said, “It made a difference to that one.”
God has placed you in the world for a specific reason. You are going into a world where the prevailing values are centered on consumerism, hedonism, violence and the exercise of power. This is not the Central Spirit; this is not the way of Christ. You have been formed and shaped to be a change maker. Don’t let others place limits on you because you are a woman, or come from a poor family, or are only an average student, or for any other reason. Your call is to be a life-giver, to make your family, your workplace, your community better.
Whatever it takes. Nelson Mandela South African Civil rights leader asserted, “You have a limited time to stay on earth. You must try to use that period for the purpose of transforming your country into what you desire it to be: a democratic, non-racial, non-sexist country, and that is a great task.” So I say to you graduates: Invest your life in making a difference. Look, if 11 uneducated fishermen and tax collectors could change the world, why can’t we? And now rooted in Christ, nourished by the kingdom values of CPU, and nurtured by your family, honor Christ in everything you do. Practice radical kindness Make your world a better place. Congratulations to you the graduating class of 2017. You made it! Praise God! May God direct your journey, and use you in surprising ways to transform the world. Amen.
2017 CPU Commencement Address (May 8, 2017)
“Transforming Learners into Christian Leaders” Consumer or Creator? Problem or Solution?”
By Bruce R. Borquist
Commencement Speaker, Mr. Bruce R. Borquist encourages graduates to excel in their chosen profession.
President Teodoro C. Robles, members of the CPU Board of Trustees and Corporation, faculty and staff, maayong hapon sa inyo tanan. Congratulations to you all on the successful conclusion of another academic year. This Commencement is the fruit of all your hard work to shape a new generation of Christian leaders.
Thank you for inviting me to be part of this year’s Commencement events. Siyempre ang CPU may lugar especial sa amon tagipusoon, kag nabatyagan namon ni Ann nga nakabalik gid kami sa balay. Primeiro sa tanan, gusto ko mag congratulate kamo nga mga manug graduate. Karon amo ang adlaw ninyo! You made it – congratulations ! Pero indi naton malimtan ang inyo panimalay nga nagpangamuyo kag nagpangsakrifisio sa pagsakdag ini nga damgo nga ma-realize kamo karon. Karon amo ang adlaw sang tanan nga mga panimalay diri, man! It is an honor and privilege to be with you to give this Commencement address after many years of listening to them here at CPU.
I must say it is much more comfortable in here than when we held Commencement out on the sports field in the hot sun! I have to confess that even though I remember the hot sun, I don’t remember any of the Commencement addresses. In fact, thinking back on my own university graduation, indi ko madumduman si sin-o naghambal ukon ano ang ginhambalan. So knowing that Commencement addresses are usually forgotten just as soon as they are 1 of 7 over, and next week you will probably not remember anything I said, I’ll try to make this short. I don’t remember the Commencement address during my own university graduation because I wasn’t really listening to the speaker.
I was busy thinking: “What´s next? What’s going to happen now? I have all these hopes and dreams, but they are all just possibilities.” Si amo ini ang imo ginapensar kag ginapamatyag subong, makaintiende ako. You have been on this moving walkway of education basically your whole life. It has carried you along, and now you’re graduating. Since you are graduating from CPU, you have proven that you know how to work hard and to sacrifice to reach a life goal. Most of all, you have proven to the world that are really good at learning and taking exams. But now that you are graduating, who are you if you are no longer a professional student? You can be sure that your family, society, and many corporate marketing departments are ready to help you answer that question. They have prepared other moving walkways for your life, walkways ready and waiting to carry you along on your next journey.
But before you step onto the next path of job and career and maybe a family of your own, I want to ask you a bigger question: When you move beyond the gates of CPU and are no longer a student: will you be a Consumer or Creator? Part of the Problem or part of the Solution? I asked myself these same questions at my university Commencement, and the answers have created a journey that has taken Ann and me around the world: to Ghana in West Africa to work as volunteers in education and community development through the US Peace Corps, and to an encounter with Jesus there in Ghana that completely changed the direction of our lives. The answers took us back 2 of 7 to the US to work in community and economic development, and then right here to CPU as missionaries so I could help start the entrepreneurship major at the College of Business and Accountancy, teach MBA courses at the Graduate School, and help with livelihood and development projects through the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches.
After this, how I answered that big question took me back to the US to be Chief Financial Officer of American Baptist International Ministries, and then on to Brasil to help train Brazilian missionaries and equip local churches and leaders to be Jesus in their communities. And now the answers have led Ann and me back to SE Asia to work alongside Baptist partners all over the region, and also to start doctoral studies researching faith-based social entrepreneurship. Never in a million years could I have predicted that all this would happen when I sat that day not listening to the Commencement address at my university. But there is a theme running through all these events in my life, a theme based on the answer to that first big question: will I be a Consumer or a Creator? Part of the Problem or part of the Solution? Let’s look at your options after you graduate from CPU and step out on your next life journey. After you graduate, will your life goal be to become a Consumer? It’s easy to be a Consumer, since that’s the basis of our modern society. For Consumers it’s all about taking, and it’s all about you and your needs.
All the incentives are there to encourage you to be a Consumer. You get approval and recognition when you’re a good Consumer, because a good Consumer is a good follower. Don’t misunderstand me: you sacrificed for this education, and your family sacrificed, too. Now it’s your and your family’s turn to benefit from that education, and maybe enjoy some security and the good things our consumer society has to offer.
But that 3 of 7 doesn’t mean you have to become a professional Consumer. Our consumer society wants to create you in its own image, and everyone will be satisfied if you let it. No one will criticize you if you have the right clothes, cell phone, hair style, job, husband or wife, car, or house.… but how long will being a successful Consumer satisfy you? Or, will you be a Creator? It’s hard to be a Creator, because being a Creator is about making, not taking. Creators are innovators who come up with new answers to old problems.
Being a Creator is all about someone else, about meeting their needs or helping them solve their problems. A good Creator is, above all, a good leader. Leaders aren’t satisfied with the way things are: they have a vision for what their lives, their organizations, their communities, and their country could be — and then they turn that vision into a reality. Creators are change agents in this world. Remember, you and I can be Creators because we are created in God’s image. God is inviting you to take part in God’s grand plan to restore and redeem the twisted and broken creation around us. Becoming a Creator and cooperating with God begins when you yourself are re-created. Remember what the Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Anyone who belongs to Christ is a new person. The past is forgotten, and everything is new.” When God re-creates you as a disciple of Jesus Christ, God will use you to be a Creator, an innovator, in your family, your barangay, and this country.
I can tell you from experience: it’s always exciting and always satisfying to be one of the Creators God uses to bring hope, healing, and wholeness to the world. After you graduate from CPU and step out on your next life journey, will you be a Consumer or a Creator? Part of the Problem or part of the Solution? 4 of 7 When you leave CPU, will you leave here to become part of the Problem? The easiest thing after you graduate will be to contribute to the problems in Filipino society by putting your own comfort and security first.
I sincerely believe that, for most of you, you aren’t planning on adding to the country’s problems, and if you do it will be totally unintentional and unconscious on your part. Consumers don’t often realize that they are part of the problems they complain about. Think about your choice: will you add to the destruction of the Philippines’ natural resources and the pollution of its land, water and air through what you consume, by how you live and because of what you throw away? Will you contribute to the terrible inequalities that exist between rich and poor in the Philippines by ignoring and excluding people who aren’t in your own social class? Will you exploit the poor by what you pay and what you buy? Will you make the problems of violence, drug addiction, and the abuse of power worse by what you do … or by what you don’t do? Or, will you use your experience here at CPU to be part of the Solution to these problems? The harder but more rewarding life path is to be part of the solution to the country’s problems.
It is possible to use your creativity, energy, and entrepreneurial initiative to come up with solutions that not only solve the Philippines’ pressing social and environmental problems, but also to support yourself and your family, too. Being part of the solution is first and most importantly a lifestyle choice: being the Solution begins in the little details of what you choose to buy, how you choose to live, and how you choose to treat other people.
Being the Solution also means using what you learned at CPU to make the world a better place: not only through the academic knowledge you 5 of 7 gained here, but also through the life lessons you learned about creativity, leadership, persistence, sacrifice, and faith. People who are Creators remade in the image of Jesus are part of God’s solution, as the Apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Ephesians in chapter 2, verse 10 “God planned for us to do good things and to live as he has always wanted us to live. This is why he sent Christ to make us what we are.” One way to be part of the Solution is what I’m studying in my doctoral research: it’s called social entrepreneurship.
Social entrepreneurship is about solving social and environmental problems in a way that creates social value and economic value at the same time. Social entrepreneurship could be one of the ways you can support yourself and make the world a better place, too. For example, Janine and her batch mates graduated from Ateneo de Manila in 2012, but instead of getting a corporate job they founded Habi Footwear. Habi produces responsible fashion footwear from mats woven from retaso by people in low income communities in Metro Manila. Instead of exploiting them, Habi provides training and development and pays the weavers three times what they used to get from the middlemen.
The weavers earn more income, they now have hope for the future, the environment is healthier because the retaso from the t-shirt factories isn’t thrown into the garbage dumps, and Janine supports herself and Habi’s staff as social entrepreneurs. Here’s another example. Anne and her batch mates also graduated from Ateneo a few years ago, and they created a social enterprise called Jacinto and Lirio. Jacinto and Lirio makes notebook covers and fashion handbags from ‘plant leather’ made from of the stalks of the water hyacinth.
They work with a community in Rizal Province to harvest the water hyacinth that clogs the waterways of Laguna de Bay and then turn 6 of 7 the stalks into a durable material that looks just like leather. The environment is improved, the people in the community are organized and receive a fair income, and Anne and her staff have careers as social entrepreneurs. These social entrepreneurs and many others like them in the Philippines sat where you are sitting today and they made a decision: they wanted to be Creators.
They wanted to part of the Solution. So what’s next, CPU graduates? What’s going to happen when you walk out these gates? Maybe it will be more school, or work, or marriage. I pray that God will guide you and bless you in the big decisions and uncertainties that may be coming. I know that everyone here at CPU is expecting great things from you. You are about the jump off the moving walkway that has taken you through many, many years of formal education.
ou and your family have every right to celebrate today, and your professors and the administrators and staff here at CPU are rejoicing with you. But before you jump on the next moving walkway of your life, could do me a favor? Sometime in the next several days, please ask yourself: do I want to be a Consumer or Creator? Part of the Problem or part of the Solution? May God speak to you and bless you in this important decision.
Response in behalf of the Graduates
By Anfernee Ng, BSSE, Summa Cum Laude
Centralian excellence – Anfernee Ng receives his diploma.
Fellow graduates, recall that first time when you ventured into the gates of Central Philippine University. What led you here? Parents? Your dreams? Your crush? Whatever or whoever it may be, I’m sure we all have similar sentiments when we came here. Some were anxious. Others excited. Several were sad to go to a whole new environment.
Now fast forward to today, clothed in our togas. Let’s take a moment to pinch ourselves to see if this is all a dream. And here we are! Our attendance in this memorable ceremony signifies that our pain and efforts have all come into fruition. Tight deadlines, major exams, and possibly “terror” teachers all stood in our way, yet we didn’t back down.
Instead, with the finish line in our minds, we persisted. We stayed. Fellow graduates, let’s give ourselves a round of applause for succeeding through probably the most difficult four or five years of our lives. Clap clap clap.
Sugar, spice, and everything nice – with a dash of Chemical X. These are the ingredients to make the perfect little girls, The Powerpuff Girls. Similarly, what are the ingredients that makes up a Centralian? The answer is simple. Scientia et Fides.
Science or knowledge and Faith. These two values incorporate what it means to be a Centralian. I can remember one of my Freshmen activities, called Engineering Design Project. We, students had to innovate and make a project in our chosen fields. Truly testing our creativity and inventiveness, the activity was a fine avenue to showcase what it truly means to possess Science. Of course, science does not only include just engineering. We all have been trained by our alma mater to excel in our arts and craft – to give the world a taste of Centralian excellence. Let me offer a simple analogy.
The Powerpuff Girls is to Chemical X as to Centralians is to what? Faith. That’s right, we become superheroes through the divine Being who made this all happened. The oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, calcium, and phosphorus within us all do nothing without the spark of life granted by the Creator. With faith in God complementing our scientific prowess. It is not a surprise that a Centralian imbued with these values can take on any challenge. I am sure that all of us Centralians know of CEW or Christ Emphasis Week, it’s the week we remind ourselves that Christ is at the center of all things that we do. My first ever Christ Emphasis Week changed my perception of faith forever, and I do pray that everyone of us here imbibes that faith into our lives.
So Centralians are endowed with these two special qualities, Scientia et Fides. Let me add a couple more spices to what makes a Centralian. Relationships. Reaching this far is not all because a solo hero carried the team all the way to defeat the ancient. Ahem, let me rephrase that in “ordinary” language. I meant, reaching this far is not all because you did it by yourself. We have our deepest and warmest gratitudes for the following people who supported, guided, and never gave up on us throughout this journey. Central Philippine University with its Exemplary Christian Education for Life. Our teachers, who imparted to us the best of their expertise and always brought out the best in us. Our friends and classmates, making every single day of college life more fun, enjoyable, and worthwhile. Let me mention my own special friends, from ESC and my fellow SE graduates. SE REPRESENT! Our mothers, who became our emotional backbones as we sail across the ocean called life. Our fathers, pushing us to always do our best and pass with flying colours. Our siblings, becoming our sources of strength and our confidants.
Our relatives, their never-ending support radiates to let us grow in that loving light. The relationships we have sown make us who we are today. They are our treasures that we cannot even put monetary value on. Thank you. And thank you mom, dad, ama, and my little sister for all the love.
And I’d like to add one more ingredient to the mix. Passion. “Without passion you don’t have energy, without energy you have nothing.”, said a wise man. Can you guess who might this be? You probably guessed wrong. It’s Donald Trump.
There was this play called, “Passion Fruit Shake”, and the characters all talked about what they were passionate about. What drove every single action in their lives. And it ended with this thought-provoking question: “Ikaw, ano ang passion mo?” If you’d ask me, my passion is to make software. This dream of mine started with my ultimate love for computers and video games. With these things that interest and infatuate us, I hope every one of us here today has found our own burning passion – the very reason that gives us fervor in everything that we do. Let our passion be our daily guide to our actions with every step leading to us to the holy grail containing our desires and dreams. With that, the Centralian concoction is done! Science – the knowledge to tackle global and local needs. Faith – trust in our heavenly Creator. Relationships – accompanying us for the ride Passion – without it, things you do become meaningless. I believe all these things make up a Centralian, a Centralian ready for whatever things the world throws at us.
So get out there and make your alma mater proud! And remember, do what you love and love what you do! God bless everyone.
Milestones of two millennials
By Cyrus A. Natividad
We want to congratulate at this belated time- two millennials who made it to success with honors at Centrals’ Commencement Exercises 2017.
Ella Lee P. Galve
First, congratulations to Ella Lee Peñalber Galve (BSEd-E), CPU – Summa Cum Laude, and now a fellow alumni of Central Philippine University (Iloilo City), and The Good Shepherd’s Fold Academy (Buenavista, Guimaras). We are proud you, not only for the honor that your parents, friends and relatives can be so proud of, but for the story of success that you generously shared to your fellow graduates and Alma Mater. (read Speech on the response of the Graduates on weekly Centraline Link –May 12, 2017 edition)
What you have achieved through your perseverance and commitment are to be highly valued by all those who have the same perspective for success. And to your parents, Arnel and Kenneth, God be with you as you continue on your journey to prosperity.
Alexis with proud parents Joel and Armi Tormon
To Alexis Michaela Tormon (BSN 2017) – CPU Cum Laude, congratulations! It was a moment when your parents Joel, a former broadcaster friend of mine at Aksyon Radyo Iloilo and Armi had to shed tears of joy. You are like your father who has a knack for wisdom and creativity. May God guide and bless you on your desire “to travel and work abroad – to earn good money” for your parents and your future. Desire is something which you consider a factor of success. We believe you because your father told us that you have worked so hard to get an award on your graduation. You must be “on top of the world” as your name was called on stage … Alexis Michaela Tormon- Cum Laude!!!
Alexis with family during her graduation
Thanks to all those who have contributed to your success ; above all to God.
CPU Library Holds Summer Booksale Warehouse Sale
By Keziah G. Huelar
The author at the book sale
Centralian bookworms flocked the CPU Library as it holds its Summer Booksale Warehouse Sale at the Seminar Room, Ground Floor, Henry Luce III Library on May 16-19, 2017.
The three-day sale featured all kinds of books at an affordable price ranging from 1 to 30 pesos, the aim of selling old library books was to make way for new additions at the CPU Library and to provide homes for the old ones. According to Harissa May Junio, a 3rd year BSBA Marketing Management the booksale is a fun filled event for students. “The summer booksale is one of the awaited events in the library. It gives Centralians a chance to buy books at an affordable price, at the same time we enjoy going over the stacks of books looking for a book we like.”
The event was organized by Dr. Emelda Estember, Library Director of the Henry Luce III Library.
One for the books
By Cyrus A. Natividad
The author at the book sale
Tuesday is a favorite day – comes every week with a blessing! We were blessed on Tuesday, May 16 with a room full of books. It’s the opening of the Summer Book Warehouse Sale at the ground Floor, Henry Luce III Library. Lots of timeless, valuable books ( classical, technical and many other reference types, paperbacks, hardbound and pocket books) are up to 80% on Sale until May 19, 2017.
The Book Sale organizers led by Library Director Dr. Emelda Estember however, put incredible tags on each book – from 1 peso to 30 pesos depending on quality of materials and content. With the average cost of Ten Pesos 10 each, I got precious philosophical and critical authors to read – including Norman Vincent Peal and John Kenneth Galbraith; prize-find books entitled Management and Machiavelli, Critics of Society, the Red Badge of Courage and OMG! – The Sociology of Karl Marx! Will they put me to sleep?
Kezia Huelar and Mark Clemens Ortaliz (members of our publishing team) also carted away with more or less 45 to 50 literary and technical books. Watta day!!! Maybe it’s strange, but even computer geeks would settle for a hand-down thick book for programming at a price of one peso (found at the Henry Luce Book Sale).
To be happy about the book sale is to realize how much these books sell in bookstores at the malls. Books are important. All of man’s great inventions, achievements and inspirations havel its large foundation of knowledge from books. The digital age may have all the volumes of reading materials in one small gadget, but the hard copy book continues to be an inspiration of people who love to read.
Senior Alumni meeting for a big bang!
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Seniors all (L-R) Myrna Abototo, Edith Italia, Joe Calderon, Maria Palencia and Antonieta Eguico
Registrar’s Office watch out!
Looking out from a window at the 2nd floor of the CPU Information Center Building, we saw Five Familiar Figures (Fantastic! I should say) huddled at the halfmoon drive earlier this month. They’re all senior alumni coming back after some years to meet and plan for their group.
The group has actually four members who worked at the Registrar’s Office before retirement. Except for Edith Italia who was a former staff at the College of Nursing, Myrna Abototo, Maria Palencia, Antonieta Eguico, and Joe Calderon all worked with Ms. Ruth Fernandez at the Registrar’s Office. So what’s up?
It can’t be far from hatching a plan – to “wow” all the rest of the seniors and retiring alumni at CPU, with their surprise number. For what else? but the forthcoming Grand Alumni Homecoming on September 30.
Surprisingly, all of them looked like active employees. What’s the secret? They’re not about to divulge on how to maintain a young looking face after retirement. But other groups of Senior Alumni would surely follow on what this group is doing in preparation for the September Alumni Celebration. Welcome!
CENTRAL PHILIPPINE UNIVERSITY FEDERATION OF OVERSEAS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OFFICERS FOR 2017-2018
PRESIDENT: FLORA GRACE GUILLERGAN CUDIAMAT
FIRST VICE PRESIDENT: JOSIE DAYAO
2ND VP – U.S.A.: OMEGA DIESTO MOORE
2ND VP – CANADA: ERLINDA GALANTO
2ND VP – EUROPE: ANDREA LAMIS COLQUHOUN
2ND VP – AUSTRALASIA: MAURO SOMODIO
2ND VP – MIDEAST/AFRICA: MILDRED MARAVILLA MAJEED
REGIONAL VP – REGION 1: LEE PLAGATA
REGIONAL VP – REGION 2: NELFA QUERUBIN TOMPKINS
REGIONAL VP – REGION 3: JEROME JUAREZ III
REGIONAL VP – REGION 4: None
REGIONAL VP – REGION 5: HERA TROPEL CRESENCIO
REGIONAL VP – REGION 6: RUFINO GONZALES
REGIONAL VP – REGION 7: EASTER C. ARORA
REGIONAL VP – REGION 8: LYDIA EMMANUEL MACDONNELL
REGIONAL VP – REGION 9: NORMA VAN DUSEN
REGIONAL VP – REGION 10: None
CORPORATE SECRETARY: YOLANDA JAIN
ASST. CORPORATE SECRETARY: MELBA DEBULGADO
CORPORATE TREASURER: EVELYN TURALBA
CORPORATE AUDITOR: JUDY NAVA MALLILIN
BOD AT-LARGE: TITO GERVACIO
ESTHER CARNAJE
VIVIAN ENDRIGA
RODRIGO GONZALES
MELINDA PORTANTE BOICE
ELMA DIVINAGRACIA
VIC PENACERRADA
ADVISERS: PERLA LONDRES WATERS
EMELDA FRANGE VALCAREL
DR. NOEL NEQUIN
Centralian Reunion in Iligan City
Centralian Spirit of Camaraderie – A family vacation turns into a reunion with Centralians in Iligan City. The Centralians of the Jalando-on Family led by former CPU Board of Trustees members Mr. Roberto R. Jalando-on, Mrs. Josette Gico Jalando-on Corporation Member Rev. Amsil Alubog, Director for Communications Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, and CPU Purchasing Officer Mrs. Hermely A. Jalando-on met and enjoyed the fellowship of two Centralians in Iligan City — Mrs. Leslie Navarro-Uy and Mr. Lourence Uy. According to them, there are many Centralians in Iligan City but the Alumni Association in Iligan needs to be reorganized. Also in the picture are Kairos, Francheska and Ruben Vincent Jalando-on. The Central Spirit is alive wherever you go.