By Keziah G. Huelar
Celebrating Christ as the center of CPU—The University held its bi-annual Christ Emphasis Week for the Second Semester of the School Year 2018-2019 on February 19-22, 2019.
Committed to EXCEL (Exemplary Christian Education for Life), Central Philippine University adheres to the principle that for students to live their lives to the fullest, they must know the living Word of God.
This year’s theme, “Thrive,” is grounded on Ecclesiastes 11-8:10 and John 10:10. Both verses speak about how God desires for His people to have a relationship with Him in order to live a life anchored in His purpose and rooted in His joy.
Addressing issues of depression, anxiety, and lack of purpose, the aim of this semester’s CEW is to encourage Centralians that a life of joy and abundance is possible through faith and obedience to God.
CEW Convocation Speaker, Dr. Japhet G. Fernandez de Leon, talked about the importance of conquering the mind—taking captive every thought for the glory of God to assure focus and dedication to one’s dreams.
On the other hand, Pastor James Peter T. Trasporto encouraged Centralians to make Jesus as the cornerstone of their lives to experience unfailing love and unshaken purpose: “How do you live and not die? What is the foundation of your life? If you live your life with Jesus as your foundation, you can live for eternity.”
Pastor Jesse Magno told Centralians to value and pursue a relationship with God. According to Pastor Magno, putting God first will eventually invite the right relationships in your life.
Pastor Kim Lair de la Cruz encouraged CPU Elementary students to pursue a relationship with Jesus.
Pastor Russell M. Ban, in his message, highlighted the love of Christ as true source of joy.
Other convocation speakers were Pastor Normandy Notes in the college convocations, Pastor Jamilo Pendo for NSTP convocation, Mrs. Neva Ruth Pineda Pendon for the College of Medicine convocation, Pastor Joshua Zonita for the Graduate School convocation, Pastor Russell Ban for the High School convocations, Pastor Sunsen Guirjem for the Kindergarten convocation, Pastor Kim Lair de la Cruz for the Elementary convocations, and Rev. Joniel Howard Gico for the faculty and staff convocation.
As hundreds of Centralians dedicate their lives to the purpose and will of God, CPU is committed to creating an environment of faith anchored in the Word of God. The CEW is one of the testimonies of God’s legacy in the university.
By Keziah G. Huelar
The CEW is Central Philippine University’s commitment to holistic Christian education for life.
Celebrating Christ as the cornerstone—Central Philippine University will be holding its Christ Emphasis Week for the Second Semester of the School Year 2018-2019 at various venues in the campus on February 15-22, 2019.
With the theme “Thrive,” the convocations among the different colleges and departments will highlight scriptures coming from Ecclesiastes 11:8-9 and John 10:10. This semester’s CEW will focus on living life to the fullest by submitting to the Word of God and committing to His purpose.
A bi-annual event of the university, the CEW is a testimony of the university’s dedication to produce Exemplary Christian Learners for Life. The University Church encourages all Centralians, faculty, and staff to be an active part of this endeavour of rejoicing in Christ and honoring His Word.
CPU believes that God has a timely message of hope and joy for everyone through the CEW.
By Keziah G. Huelar
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, challenged the Centralian community to emulate the life, love and works of the late Dr. Rex D. Drilon.
Commemorating the 48th death anniversary of Dr. Rex D. Drilon, Central Philippine University’s first Filipino President, the University held a memorial service in his honor at the Evangelical Memorial Garden, Balantang, Jaro on February 21, 2019.
For the words of welcome, CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles encouraged the Centralian community to remember Dr. Drilon and his legacy of excellence: “This is a great day of celebrating the life of our first Filipino president whose shoes are too large for us to fit in. We hope that we have learned a lot from his life and from his accomplishments and from the direction that has led CPU to where it is today.”
It was then followed by a brief reflection given by Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor, University.
Dr. Evangelica Diesto-Padernilla places flowers on the tomb of Dr. Rex D. Drilon.
In his reflection, Rev. Sian highlighted the life of the prophet Joshua whose legacy of faith and obedience to the Lord helped the Israelites reach the Promised Land. According to Rev. Sian, the legacy of excellence and devotion to God is a legacy we must pass down from one generation to another, each having a sturdy grip around the Word and promises of the Lord: “In the game of relay, you have to pass the baton to the next runner. The last runner should arrive [at] the finish line with the baton in his hand. The moment the baton is absent, they will lose the game even if they finish first.”
Rev. Sian adds that as one Centralian community, the University should commemorate and remember the legacy of Dr. Drilon, passing down his life, love and works as an inspiration to others to also tread the path of excellence for the glory of God.
Greatly loved by the Centralian community, Dr. Drilon’s life and legacy is celebrated by remembering his life, love and works.
Following the reflection, administrative officers, members of the alumni and deans from the different colleges and departments placed flowers on the tomb of Dr. Drilon.
After which, Ms. Crista S. Huyong, Director of the CPU Cultural Affairs Office presented the Dr. Rex D. Drilon Coffee Table Book entitled “The Vision of a Great Central.” The said book contains the journey of Dr. Drilon from his study in CPU until his death.
A musical offering was then given by Joshua Jonathan C. Quimpo, the great grand-nephew of Dr. Drilon. It was followed by the closing prayer and benediction by Rev. Roger T. Quimpo, Pastor for Outreach, University Church.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Dr. Lenny Rose P. Mucho, Director, CPU Review and Continuing Education and Consultancy Center, CPU Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Irving Domingo L. Rio, Rev. Dr. Bernabe C. Pagara, Dean, CPU College of Theology with the speakers and participants.
On January 24, 2019, the Review and Continuing Education and Consultancy Center (RCECC) of Central Philippine University held a seminar entitled “Engaging in Cultural/Indigenous Studies: Challenges and Opportunities.”
Jimmy Balud Fong from the University of the Philippines-Baguio conducted the ethnological seminar in view of the unfinished studies on the country’s indigenous people (IPs). Touching on the deeply-rooted issue of indigenous race and self-representation Fong presented a racial perspective on the native Ati (Aeta) and raised questions on the “historical injustice” such as the government not providing them education before and being looked down upon even though festivals such as the Ati-Atihan (of Aklan) and Dinagyang (of Iloilo City) encourage the locals and visitors “to be one of them” during the celebration. Development and economics were included to create lively discussions among the academicians and participants of the ‘indigenous seminar’.
Fong, who is an Igorot himself (the IP of the mountain province and Cordillera regions), considers “dialects” as inherent languages, and suggested that “to call our language a dialect is to look down on man’s native language; adding that the native term ‘buki’ has an intonation of colonial mentality when used by our countrymen to degrade fellow Filipinos—mostly the marginalized natives from the bukidnon (mountains).”
Not only the indigenous people, but also “indigenous items such as indigenous materials for clothing, tools and scientific research process” are important, according to Fong. CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, underscored this sentiment when he suggested in his welcome remarks that “the future is coming back to indigenous plants, since herbs and capsulized herbal medicines are now in demand by pharmaceuticals.”
The RCECC seminar with Fong also served as a forum for IP concerns, such as the rights and privileges of the indigenous people in identified areas in the Philippines. More than a hundred IP studies have been conducted by government and private research organizations.
The RCECC’s seminar, overall, was insightful and helpful to socio-cultural studies for local government. Dr. Irving Domingo L. Rio, Vice President for Academic Affairs, in his closing remarks, recognized the significance of such seminars and tasked the RCECC to prepare another on topics regarding the indigenous people.
By Keziah G. Huelar
Mr. Lincoln Rex Quimpo Drilon, like his father, was a man of principle and great faith. He loved CPU as much as Dr. Drilon did.
Remembering the life, love, and works of Mr. Lincoln Rex Quimpo Drilon, CPU held a memorial service in his honor at the University Dining Hall on February 21, 2019. Lincoln is the son of the Central Philippine University’s first Filipino President, Dr. Rex D. Drilon,
The opening prayer was led by Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor, University Church. It was then followed by a reflection by Rev. Roger T. Quimpo, cousin of Lincoln and the Pastor for Outreach, University Church.
In his message, Rev. Quimpo talked about God’s gift of life, happiness and salvation. Reflecting on the life of Job in the Bible, he shared about the sorrow of man and God’s everlasting grace. The death of a loved one may feel equivalent to the loss of life and source of happiness but according to Rev. Quimpo, the end of physical life is the start of a beautiful eternity with God: “When physical life is taken, heaven’s life begins. We know that there are no grief, no weeping, and no heartaches in heaven. Real happiness is not of earth but of heaven.”
Rev. Quimpo adds that it is Christ’s gift of salvation that ensures everlasting life and happiness: “As we remember the gift of salvation, hope shines in us through the valley of death. Yes, indeed God has taken life but God has not forgotten us because in Christ Jesus, we have salvation—sure, steadfast, eternal and blessed.”
Classmates of Mr. Lincoln Drilon, CPU High School Batch 1959, rendered a musical number.
After the reflection, a video presentation on the life of Lincoln was shown. It was then followed by a musical offering led by his high school classmates, CPU HS Batch 1959.
Sharing fond memories of Lincoln, Ms. Romea P. Gobuyan, Lincoln’s classmate fondly recalled “Linc” as one eloquent in the English language and as a man of music: “The class valedictorian, Linc was very active in declamation and oration. Through the years, we were like brothers and sisters. He was a friend, a classmate, a brother I never had.”
Mr. Zandro Caipang, also Lincoln’s classmate from kindergarten to high school, remembers him as a man devoted to excellence with a heart for his fellow Centralians: “My own memories go far back to our kindergarten days in CPU. In primary school, Linc and [his brother], Ed Nathan, were sort of my protectors. I was the shy and timid type and I still am, but no one picked on me because the Drilon brothers were there. Lincoln had an excellent mastery of the English language, the written and spoken word. Then came high school, we bonded with other classmates calling ourselves “Dominos.” Lincoln carried a double six domino chip. He was our top man, a born leader. We were not a rough and rowdy bunch but we were just young teenagers enjoying high school life.”
A special number was then given by Ms. Marissa Montelibano, a friend of the late Lincoln Drilon and Ms. Crista S. Huyong, Director, CPU Cultural Affairs Office.
The closing prayer was then led by Ms. Gobuyan.
Lincoln would visit CPU every time the university commemorated the life of his father, Dr. Drilon. He was passionate about preserving the legacy of his father so that future Centralians might also pursue the noble cause Dr. Drilon did.
During his last address to the CPU community, Lincoln expressed his father’s great love for the University: “In his life, with all the roles he had to play, perhaps the most fulfilling were the ones that involved CPU. His years of service to Central were his happiest years. He loved CPU. Today’s commemoration of his death and the renaming of the administration building in his honor is a capping honor given to a man who loved this institution.”
By Keziah G. Huelar
CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles and seminar speaker Mr. Nathaniel Laxa, a retired U.S. Navy with CPU officials.
Addressing the need to strengthen public safety and security—The Central Philippine University Review, Continuing Education and Consultancy Center held a five-day seminar on “Terrorism Awareness and Bomb Threat Management” at the Educational Media Center on January 28-February 1, 2019.
In his welcome remarks during the opening program, CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, highlighted the necessity of prioritizing the safety and security of all institutions that cater to community and educational needs in order to ensure that peace and progress will not be disturbed.
CPU Vice President for Finance and Administration and the Chairperson of the Calamity and Disaster Committee, Dr. Florence P. Bogacia, talked about the importance of conducting such seminars to protect and promote the over-all safety of students, faculty, and staff.
Mr. Prim C. Vergara III, Occupational Safety and Health Officer, introduced the first speaker, Mr. Nathaniel Laxa, a retired U.S. Navy, for the training proper.
Days one and two of the seminar focused on top management training. Day three focused on intensive training for security force; day four revolved around intensive training for fire brigade with Mr. Alfred A. Go, Safety Officer, as speaker; and day five highlighted the training for search and rescue and medical evacuation with Mr. Eugene D. Boco, Emergency Medical Technician, as trainer.
Through trainings like these, the university is optimistic that it can prevent security issues in the future and respond efficiently in cases of emergencies. As CPU prioritizes the safety of its students, faculty and staff, it is committed to continually providing innovative measures to ensure that the university will be a risk-free campus for all.
By Keziah G. Huelar
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles talks about the life and legacy of Dr. Lejo C. Braña.
Celebrating the “Leader of the Pack” – Central Philippine University unveiled a marker in recognition of Dr. Lejo C. Braña, the author and founder of the CPU Packaging Engineering at the CPU Packaging Engineering Laboratory on February 8, 2019.
For the Reason for the Gathering and Acknowledgment, CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles highlighted the commitment and dedication of Dr. Braña in strengthening and developing the Packaging Engineering program of the university. He also recognized Dr. Braña’s invaluable contribution as mentor and donor of the said program.
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles together with Dr. Lejo C. Braña and Engr. Dany C. Molina, Dean College of Engineering unveil the marker.
For the reflection, Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor, University Church encouraged everyone to celebrate the goodness of God in the life of honoree, Dr. Lejo C. Braña.
Packaging Engineering students greeting Dr. Lejo C. Braña, a happy birthday.
For his response, Dr. Braña thanked the CPU Administration, the Packaging Engineering Department and CPU Community for the recognition. He also shared his testimony of faith and hard work in helping the Packaging Engineering program grow and in mentoring young Centralians to pursue a path of excellenc.
After which, benediction was led by Rev. Sian.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Dr. Rowena M. Libo-on, Dean of the CPU School of Graduate Studies (seated far left) continues to promote CPU to the international academic community.
Dr. Rowena M. Libo-on, Dean of the CPU School of Graduate Studies, is the guest of CPU’s public affairs program Looking Forward on Friday, February 1 on CPUTV’s Facebook page. Dr. Libo-on, who is also the Director of CPU’s Office for Transnational Programs (OTP), will present insights on the activities of the OTP, its main functions and impact of development to foreign students in CPU.
The Office for Transnational Programs caters to the needs of foreign students in CPU. It is also tasked with the recruitment of students from abroad, accommodation, and exchange scholarship programs. Dr. Libo-on facilitates CPU’s services as well as faculty visits to foreign universities.
Dr. Libo-on has been invited as a Foreign Visiting Professor to Fukuoka University in Japan. She delivered lectures on globalization from August 5-15, 2018. Other foreign universities where Dr. Libo-on has served in her capacity as visiting professor are Tom Yong University in Busan, South Korea, Thai Nguyen University of Economics and Business Management in Nguyen, Vietnam and Myanmar Institute of Theology (Liberal Arts Program) at Yangon University in Myanmar.
Dr. Libo-on is the former Vice President for Finance and Enterprises in CPU. She attained a Doctor of Management degree from Central Philippine University. She was appointed Dean of the School of Graduate Studies in June 2018.
By Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
The Valentine family devoted their time, talent and treasure to serve God by serving Centralians.
Every Valentine’s Day I would remember the love story of Rev. William Orison Valentine and Ina Jane Van Allen.
Rev. Valentine was a graduate of the Colgate Theological Seminary in New York. He answered the call of God to become a missionary and joined the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society (ABFMS). In 1895, he was sent to Rangoon, Burma, and then to Mandalay where he became principal of the Baptist Mission High School for Boys. In his eighth year in Burma he suffered a severe sunstroke and returned to America for treatment.
He was disappointed that he could not continue the mission work due to his condition. However, soon his disappointment turned into joy when he met a beautiful nurse in the hospital. He fell in love with Ina Jane Van Allen. It is a love story that reminds us that God works in mysterious ways. The couple got married in 1903 and planned to do mission work. They were sent by ABFMS to Iloilo City.
In 1905, Rev. William O. Valentine, became the principal of two newly-opened schools, the Jaro Industrial School and the Bible School. Jaro Industrial School started as an elementary vocational school for boys who worked for their board and tuition. The first batch consisted of 20 boys.
Early students of Jaro Industrial School with Rev. William Valentine and Mrs. Ina Valentine at the center.
Rev. Valentine recounted that “it was decided that in this new school, no boy, no matter how rich, should be admitted who was not willing to work for his food… All must work for their food. The original purpose of the school was to provide opportunity for poor Filipino boys to receive a good Christian industrial education by working their way through school. Actual work experience and earnest study of the Bible were the core of the curriculum.”
By 1907 the enrolment of the school reached 300. The boys were working in the farm and in various trades. Rev. and Mrs. Valentine were hands-on in the school affairs. Mrs. Ina Jane Valentine taught some subjects, worked as a nurse of the school, and at the same time cared for the three Valentine children born in Iloilo between 1904 and 1913.
Rev. Valentine worked hard to have the school incorporated and recognized by the government. His objectives were reached in 1913, the year when the school began to also admit female students. In 1915, the first two years of high school were opened and by 1921, the first batch of high school students graduated.
In 1914, Valentine returned to America with his family for further studies at Valparaiso University, where he received a degree in education, and at the University of Chicago, where he presented a master’s thesis in the department of practical theology. His thesis entitled “Moral and Religious Values of Industrial Education,” recounted the success of work-study schooling at Jaro and other schools in Burma, South Africa, and India which had developed a similar philosophy of institutional self-support through the work of students.
With the completion of his studies in 1916, Valentine received a new appointment as provincial missionary for Negros Occidental, Philippines. He and his family went to Bacolod and became the pastor of Bacolod Evangelical Church.
He was instrumental in building a new mission house to replace the smaller chapel and he encouraged Filipino Baptist pastors to preach at Sunday services. He also established dormitories for boys and girls who attended public schools. These students received a Christian education at the mission house.
Because of his passion for Christian education, Rev. Valentine set about not only to establish new churches but also private schools in Bacolod and throughout the province like the Ilog Private Academy in the southern part of Negros Occidental. Mrs. Valentine taught kindergarten in the Bacolod school. The school and the church grew in quality and quantity during the eleven years that Rev. and Mrs. Valentine served there.
In February 1928, tragedy struck. Rev. Valentine died in Bacolod of malaria complicated by a heart disease. He was buried at the American Cemetery in Jaro, Iloilo City. Mrs. Valentine returned to America and bought a home offered by the Baptist Mission Society in Granville, Ohio, across the street from Denison University where all three Valentine children studied. She died in 1979 at the age of 100.
Soon after Rev. Valentine died, the Negros Kasapulanan of Baptist Churches and the Bacolod Evangelical Church renamed the mission house in Bacolod as the Valentine Hall. In this Valentine Hall, two Baptist institutions were born. In 1948, Baptist leaders in Negros met and decided to establish a college to be housed in the Valentine Hall. This college was named as the West Negros College, now West Negros University. In 1950, the Bible Institute under the Department of Christian Education of the West Negros College became a separate institution and was renamed as the Valentine Memorial Academy. This Bible School is now known as the Convention Baptist Bible College.
The Lord indeed works in mysterious ways. Even though Rev. Valentine passed away, his legacy gave birth to two successful learning institutions in Bacolod City and thereby, his legacy lives on.
Back in Iloilo, the Central Philippine College also decided to rename the then Administration Building as Valentine Hall, in honor of its first principal. Later, when the annex building was completed near the Valentine Hall, it came to be named as the New Valentine Building. Soon after, a new tradition was started. Every Foundation Day on October 1, University officials come to the American Cemetery to lay a wreath of flowers on the tomb of Rev. Valentine and other American Baptist missionaries.
In 1969, CPU conferred a posthumous doctoral degree upon Rev. Valentine. He was accorded a Doctor of Pedagogy, honoris causa. When CPU celebrated its 100 years on Oct. 1, 2005, a bronze bust of Rev. Dr. William O. Valentine was unveiled during the Foundation Day ceremony to honor the life and ministry of the first principal of CPU.
More than 113 years ago, God authored the love story of Rev. William Valentine and Mrs. Ina Jane Valentine. Their love for each other extended to their ministry in the school and the church. Theirs was a love without borders. All Centralians and members of the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches are recipients of God’s love through this couple.
God has authored love stories in the Bible, and will continue to do so throughout the ages. All we have to do is submit our relationship to God and be ready for God will do something wonderful through our lives.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Celebrating the Central Spirit – Centralians here and abroad are invited to come to CPU Campus on February 5-9, 2020 to celebrate its Alumni Grand Homecoming.
“There is work to do.” This was how CPUFOAA current President Flora Grace Guillergan-Cudiamat explained how the many CPUAAI chapters will get involved in the preparation of the Alumni Grand Homecoming at Central Philippine University in 2020.
The oneness of Centralian alumni comes with the general sentiment of the Central Spirit of love, cooperation and generosity, between and among 156 CPUAA chapters all over the world.
In a meeting with members of the CPUAAI Board, Perla G. Londres Waters, Chair of the CPUFOAA Endowment Committee, agreed that there’s such a thing as Central Spirit at work that bring the alumni together towards the achievement of success for the coming grand reunion at CPU.
The idea of a global reunion started in Chicago in 1998, with the founding of CPU Alumni Association of North America. During the Centennial Celebration of CPU in 2005, the idea came up again with a group of overseas alumni who met and discussed possibilities.
The global celebration takes place every two years; hence, the reunion in CPU in 2020 is supposedly the 11th. However, as it is going to be a grand convergence of CPU alumni worldwide, CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles proposed to call it the 1st CPU Alumni Grand Homecoming and this was unanimously supported by the CPUAAI Board of Trustees.
A gala night will be held at the premier Grand Xing Hotel in Iloilo City.
Come and bring back the memories after many years. Attend the 1st Alumni Grand Homecoming at Central on February 5-9, 2020.
By Keziah G. Huelar
Angeli and Peter Billiones’ love for each other is testimony of obedience and surrender to God’s will. Photo Credit: Peter Billiones
Growing up in the same church, Jil and Pete knew each other since they were young. Now a married couple, their relationship is not an account of young love blossoming into permanent affection. Rather, their journey as husband and wife is a testimony of how God favors a relationship that puts Him first at all times.
Back then Angeli Aragona-Billiones (Jil) and Peter Billiones (Pete) often crossed paths at Full Gospel Community Church when they were little but it was not until they studied at Central Philippine University that they got to know each as close friends.
Pete took up Bachelor of Science and Accountancy and later shifted to Marketing Management. Jil, on the other hand was a Tourism student. Both served as student leaders in the Chi Alpha, a Christ-centered organization aimed at spreading the Gospel among the youth.
According to Pete, his stay in CPU influenced him to be excited about serving God through others. “[Being in CPU] helped me learn to live by faith and not by sight. It also taught me the value of impacting one life at a time especially during Christ Emphasis Week. Being in CPU made learn about the importance of having global impact through local leadership. CPU encouraged me to put God in everything I do.”
With his father and all of her uncles as Centralian alumni, Jil developed a deep appreciation for CPU’s dedication to cultivate an atmosphere of community and family. Sharing her fond memories of CPU, Jil talks about how her professors would go beyond academic lessons to mentor her and her classmates about Christian values. “I still remember how my teachers would take the time to talk about how good God has been and they would always tell us that their door is open if we need to talk about anything. [My stay in CPU] encouraged me to be resilient and to always look forward to better things in life. I felt God moving in my life while I was in CPU.”
Pete and Jil dated after they graduated from CPU in 2014. With the guidance of their parents and mentors they earnestly sought a God-centered relationship which was not easy but according to them was definitely worth it.
The couple eventually married in July 2015. Now, they are serving full-time in the ministry and managing their business Rosy’s Delicacies, now known as Teddy Bear Treats, a business started by Jil’s parents.
Teddy Bear Treats markets authentic Filipino delicacies in the local and international market. They offer all kinds of Ilonggo delicacies such as pinasugbo, toasted mamon, biscocho and many others.
On discovering God’s will for their relationship, Jil talks about how she sought God’s guidance through prayer and reading the bible. “The moment I realized I was falling for him, I asked God to keep him away if he’s not for me. God always did that in the past I didn’t even have to ask, boys just come and go it’s important they don’t know I ever like them, because then it would be awkward and Peter and I have such a good friendship I didn’t want to lose that. When I knew he was the one, I said to God, “He’s yours not mine so I’ll always be second in his life because he has to put You first.”
When asked how they maintain a God-centered relationship, in unison, Pete and Jil share that it is by putting God first and obeying His word that helped them love and respect one another as God would have intended. “I earnestly asked God to help me love Jil as He commanded men in the bible to love their wives”, Pete says.
In 2016, Pete and Jil decided to go to Zamboanga and serve a newly planted local church. “[When] we realized that our 1st baby wasn’t formed, instead of being bitter with God [we submitted to His will]. He talked to us personally in our devotionals to respond to the call and trust His plan rather than our own personal dreams and desires.” Their experiences in the mission field strengthened their reliance on God – how He provides and promotes and most importantly how He blesses two people who pursue to glorify Him wholeheartedly.
When asked what advice they would give to young couples, Pete and Jil emphasizes that it is pursuing God first that makes a healthy and God-centered relationship. “Read the bible. There are a lot of dos and don’ts. The bible will explain what real love is and how it is different from lust. My parents told me, no trial and error. If a guy pursues you, he has to be serious about it. Don’t go into a relationship with him unless he has plans to marry you. So one day randomly while I was at home, God told me, not audibly, that I’ll meet [the man] I would marry two years from now. I said two years from now are you sure? Like this exact same day. I didn’t believe it but I took note of the day. At that time Peter and I weren’t even close. He never crossed my mind. Exactly two years from that day. He courted me. And so many affirmations I believed he was the one. God is not mute that He cannot speak. He speaks, but we don’t even read His word so how can we tell if it’s Him or not?” Jil shares.
Looking forward, Pete and Jil are considering joining foreign missions. “Our heart is to the Unreached People Groups who have never really heard of Jesus. Imagine how unfair that we in the Philippines could go to church, read the bible, and pray to Jesus and millions are dying without even knowing the name of Jesus.”
Pete and Jil’s testimony is a powerful description of how two people can uplift and support each other but it is ultimately a crowd of three with Christ at the Center that ultimately makes a relationship shine for His glory.
By Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles receives the donation from Pastor Lloyd Basco, a faculty of the CPU Junior High School and a cousin of one of the graduates of BSN ’79.
The CPU BS Nursing Batch 1979 recently donated US$900 and PhP22,300 for the laboratory. This is just one of the various batches of the CPU College of Nursing that has contributed to the Nursing Virtual Laboratory.
The said donation was received by CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, on January 29, 2019 at the CPU Alumni Affairs Office. It was turned over by Pastor Lloyd Basco, a faculty of the CPU Junior High School and a cousin of one of the graduates of BSN ’79.
At present, the College of Nursing Virtual Laboratory is already operational. The latest addition to the lab is Apollo, “an adult male patient simulator [that] has the most authentic physiology in the industry. Apollo offers simulation facilitators a range of opportunities with which to expose their learners to immersive training scenarios: scenarios where they may suspend disbelief and develop critical thinking, stress management, and patient care skills—all while gaining confidence and competence in procedure and protocol.” (https://caehealthcare.com/blog/cae-apollo-new-face-new-name-same-high-quality-simulation/)
The aim of the lab is to prepare students and develop their skills through depictions of real life situations in the laboratory.
The following are the members of the BS Nursing ’79 who gave towards the completion of the Nursing Virtual Laboratory:
Al-Rawas, Mila Landoy
Caligdong, Beth Gordoncillo
Caligdong, Ray
Catalan, Girlie
Cerbas, Grace Uy
Gabio, John Mark
Geria, Geva
Orleans, Nelia Japsay
Padernilla, Godfred
Sagun, Leda Robles
Garcia, Marietta Tumasis
Santiago, Bobbie Cheryl Primero
Arandela, Mary Grace Prudente
Sandig, Sylvia Fernandez
Dollolasa, Leah Castor
Pagtanac, Geralyn Honorario
Paredes. Ma. Lourdes Bugna
Datuin, Helen Moscoso
Camporedondo, Nora
Britanico, Josephine Miane
Perea, Charity Yanson
Bamberger, Eden Jopson
Banares, Helen
Alvarez, Gilda Muyco
Rosales, Renee Fe Abrigo