Engr. Isagani J. Jalbuena, CPUAAI President gives Mr. Edwin C. Laru-an, Director, CPU Office of Sports and Athletics Office Php 10, 000 for their Grants-in-Aid program.
The following are the winners of the 16th CPU Alumni Golf Tournament held at the Sta. Barbara Golf Course, Sta. Barbara Golf and Country Club, Sta Barbara, Iloilo on October 6, 2018.
Class A
Champion – Joshua Jeoung – 38 points
Runner Up – Oskie Arenas – 35 points
Class B
Champion – Robert Petate – 40 points
Runner Up – Ryu Seung Ha – 38 points
Class C
Champion – Nonoy Braga – 42 points
Runner Up – Boy Jalbuena – 38 points
Class D
Champion – Agustin Molina – 57 points
Runner Up – Gonzalo Espa – 40 points
Seniors
Champion – Han Yong Soo – 49 points
Runner Up – Rene Villa – 40 points
Ladies
Champion – Angela Youn – 40 points
Runner Up – Jong Jeong Suk – 36 points
Centralian
Champion – Nonoy Braga – 42 points
1st Runner Up – Rene Villa – 40 points
2nd Runner Up – Francis Gino – 38 points
The event is an annual golf for a cause tournament held by the CPU Alumni Association Inc. According to Engr. Isagani J. Jalbuena, President, CPUAA Inc., they were able to raise PhP 10,000. The said amount was given to the CPU Office of Sports and Athletics Office for their Grants-in-Aid program.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Centralian excellence – Dr. Jovylyn Simoy-Espalabra life is a testimony of faith and perseverance.
Dr. Jovylyn Simoy-Espalabra left Central Philippine University in 1984, a graduate of AB Political Science. She was diligent in her studies and an interesting person during her college days. She started off as an entrepreneur, handling various ventures, even with international corporations. Dr. Simoy-Espalabra is currently the Chief Executive Officer and President of Virgo Industrial Products Philippines, an oil trading company exporting oil abroad.
Dr. Simoy-Espalabra has received many accolades from different organization and institutions. The Orchard in Dasmarinas, Cavite awarded her Most Outstanding Trusted Female Export Entrepreneur and Business Marketing Advocate of the Year on April 14, 2018. On June 18, 2018 she was in Tokyo, Japan to receive the 2018 Outstanding Export Entrepreneur ACSR Royal Elite Group for Humanitarian Service. She is a recognized and certified as member of the Royal Dignitaries by The Royal Society Group. She was hailed as the Most Outstanding Trusted Female Entrepreneur and Business Marketing Advocate of the Year by the Asia Pacific Awards Council, Inc. last April 21, 2018. Likewise, she was awarded Most Outstanding Female International Business Icon by the Ambassador’s Choice Seal Excellence Asian Awards last September 8, 2018. She had also been recognized by the International Organization APEC (Asia Pacific Excellence Council) for her attendance and active participation in the business industry summit and conferences abroad. Moreover, she was conferred with an honorary doctorate in Philosophy in Business Administration by the Brethren Evangelical School of Theology.
Dr. Simoy-Espalabra is married to Mr. Troy Espalabra and, together, they have three children.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles and Community Engagement and Service Learning Center Director, Mr. Levi O. De Los Santos together with Durebang Empowering the Marginalized, Incorporated (DEMInc.) representatives.
Central Philippine University (CPU) signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Durebang Empowering the Marginalized, Incorporated (DEMInc.). The MOA was signed by University President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles on behalf of CPU, and Diadem Rose Camba Jontarciego, on behalf of DEMInc. Both parties agreed to work together on social transformation, aimed at helping and improving the lives of the less fortunate.
Through the Community Engagement and Service Learning Center (CESLC), the outreach arm of the University, CPU will work in partnership with DEMInc. in extending social welfare programs to poor communities. On the other hand, DEMInc., as a social welfare agency, will collaborate with CPU as partner in advocating and carrying services that are relevant and responsive to the needs of poor people in the communities.
The partnership will identify and define common areas of concerns and the scope of appropriate services needed to be implemented under the partnership and collaboration efforts for the good of its beneficiaries.
Both partners agreed to undertake and implement CPU CESLC’s training program, technical assistance, and advisory services training in DEMInc., particularly in Ungka, Pavia, Iloilo. CPU CESLC’s Training Programs specifically centers on the community’s need for values re-orientation (including spiritual growth activities), children’s rights and welfare, family counselling, and self enhancement activities for women and children. CESLC also promotes the spirit of volunteerism and offers opportunities for academic social research and related development projects.
In signing the MOA, both parties are committed to playing their roles: CPU to provide services within the expertise of the different colleges and units of the University as needed by the community; DEMInc to deploy personnel for the direct community organizing work and program implementation in the identified service areas, and provide services like seminars and trainings within the expertise of the organization upon request of the partner institution. DEMInc will also assist CPU CESLC’s faculty, staff and students while they are in the community conducting activities/programs related to the undertaking.
The Memorandum of Agreement will be effective for three years and subject for renewal.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Suelo together with CPUR officers and representatives of Jollibee Food Coorporation.
Central Philippine University Republic (CPUR) President John Michael Suelo talked about his achievements, plans, and desires during an episode of Looking Forward, a public affairs program on the CPU TV Facebook Page last Friday, October 5, 2018.
The interview was a great opportunity for Suelo to tell all Centralians about how “realpolitik” works for CPUR and CPU: “That’s loving both my Republic and my Central.” This principle has resulted to many admirable projects and programs that Suelo successfully implemented, such as “Hope from Scratch” project where scratch paper were transformed into useful notepads distributed to underprivileged students. This was in partnership with Jollibee Foods Corporation. Another was the PETMALU (Plastic Elimination to Make a Livable University) project to minimize the proliferation of empty plastic bottles and containers inside the campus.
Through the initiative of the CPUR President’s Office, Suelo was able to bring two National Senators, Bam Aquino and Riza Hontiveros, to speak in the CPUR sponsored Iloilo Youth Forum on the Philippine Economic Situation and the Iloilo Mental Health Summit, respectively.
Through his office, Suelo has also extended financial assistance and sponsorships to student activities particularly to the work students.
The CPUR President sits as Ex-Officio Member in the CPU Board of Trustees. Suelo has perfect attendance in the Board of Trustees Meeting.
Suelo easily won the votes of student in the last election due to his promising programs that would make “everyone matter in the campus” and where “matters of concern [would] be addressed.”
In an interview with some of his classmates, Suelo is said to be very creative and innovative, successfully pursuing many good programs and projects for the students and the campus. However, he is not done yet. He is still working on many other plans and projects for the students and the University.
For his part, JM Suelo would like to be remembered as an effective president who did his best to succeed for the betterment of the studentry—even long after his term in CPUR ends.
Suelo will be going to Hong Kong on October 25 to 27, 2018 to attend the 7th Pro Bono Conference spearheaded by the Asian Law Student’s Association.
By Keziah G. Huelar
Suelo has been passionate in advocating participation in law forums here and abroad. Photo Credit: JM Suelo
Mr. John Michael Suelo, CPU Republic President and a 3rd Year CPU Law student, will be representing the Philippines in the 7th Pro Bono Conference in Hong Kong on October 25 to 27, 2018. The said program is spearheaded by the Asian Law Student’s Association.
Suelo with be attending the said conference with 11 other fellow law students from ASEAN countries. Suelo is currently the Vice Governor of the Association of Law Students of the Philippines for Visayas.
Suelo expressed his thanks for being chosen as part of the said conference: “I am humbled to be bringing the name of Central Philippine University College of Law and the country. This is an opportunity for me to expand my experience and learnings as a law student.”
In its website, ALSA describes itself as an “international consortium of around 12,000 law students and alumni located in 16 countries all over the Asian region. Formally established in 2002, the association is a merger between the previous ASEAN law students association, as well as the East Asian law students association, which were two student bodies that had similar goals of fostering stronger ties and greater understanding of the different legal systems among its member Asian countries. Recognizing their common goals, as well as the ever increasing onset of globalization in the region, these two associations signed an agreement in 2002, thus forming ALSA into the organization that is known to be today.” (http://alsainternational.org/our-story/)
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Jiggy Manicad shares the inspiration behind his stories to Centralians at the Rose Memorial Auditorium.
The University Senior High School was privileged to hear the story of one of the country’s outstanding broadcast journalists, Jiggy Manicad of GMA’s 24 Oras. The lecture entitled Jiggy Manicad’s Stories was held at the Rose Memorial Auditorium on Monday morning, October 8, 2018.
The storyteller shared the essentials of broadcast journalism through his narrative of his experiences in the field. His encounters in the field taught him how to climb the “ladder of success” through patience, perseverance, and dedication. One of his ultimate achievements is becoming a part of the team of reporters who climbed Mount Everest.
In his own life story, Manicad endured the hardships of being his own supporter for his education and a “hunter for opportunities” for his future.
After finishing high school, Manicad was uncertain about going to college because he knew that his family could not afford to send him to school. He worked, earning from his writing and other odd jobs. He had decided to enroll in a vocational course so he could quickly help his family. However, his friends prevailed upon him to take the journalism course in UP Los Baños instead.
Manicad encourages Centralians to be storytellers.
So he could afford college, Manicad availed of UP’s Socialized Tuition and Financial Assistance Program and worked part time writing for the College Editors Guild. Life, though, was not easy for Manicad even after college. Upon graduation he worked as a production assistant/driver. His first coverage work was with ABSCBN’s Magandang Gabi Bayan.
Manicad worked on various tasks while he was with GMA. He first worked as a scriptwriter for GMA’s Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko. His assignments included being a photographer, reporter, until he was given the job as newscaster.
All of what he learned and mastered in broadcast journalism is a result of working without complaining. His achievements were also a reward for volunteering his concepts and strategies and offering big ideas. In fact, the Mount Everest project was his idea.
The Kuratong Baleleng rubout, a combat mission in Basilan, the infamous Ozone Disco fire in Quezon City where among his first big stories. His development in investigative journalism was what made him a name in broadcast media. His tip: start with a big story. In an interview, he suggested that a reporter should ask the right questions, no matter how hard they may be and to capture the people’s emotion with a strong video. He concludes that what really makes a story sensational is the truth behind the story.
By Keziah G. Huelar
The CPU CHM students representing the university in the in 5th Tabuan Ilonggo Heritage Cooking Competition, Dessert Category. Photo Credit: Angelic A. Olmedo
The CPU College of Hospitality and Management placed 1st Runner Up in the Dessert Category in the 5th Tabuan Ilonggo Heritage Cooking Competition held at Iloilo Convention Centre on October 10, 2018. CPU CHM was represented by Angelic A. Olmedo, Chris Lawrence Sazon, Ian Jules Bergante Galeno, Dichi Ang, Ian Martino, Arth Austin Ortega, Dona Claire, Jeref Floro and Herbert Jone Vincent Balasote.
Angelic A. Olmedo together with the renowned Chef Boy Logro. Photo Credit Angelic A. Olmedo
Their entry “Muasi ni Inday-Inday” showcased Ilonggo ingenuity, flavour and history. In her Facebook status posted on the same day of the awarding, Olmedo expressed the perseverance and faith of her team: “[A] day before our competition, we faced a lot of trouble [because of] our dish and [we were] so stressed out since we were not prepared [with] our ingredients, tools and equipment for the competition. [We] were already showing signs [of] giving up… yet we continued and pursued [the] fight for our school and for God’s greater glory. We may have not slept well because of [so] much excitement, pressure and stress.”
CPU’s entry “Muasi ni Inday Inday” – rice cake patty filled with locally candied fruits, coconut reduction and topped with ube halaya. Photo Credit: Melo Villareal
It can be recalled that CHM students also bagged awards during the 10th SM City Iloilo Culinary Festival 2018. Emman Karol J. Jabat, Christian Aian M. Arevalo, and Angela Marie M. Dago, placed 2nd Runner Up in the said competition.
By Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
Rev. Dr. Francis Howard Rose was the epitome of the Central Spirit.
Rev. Dr. Francis Howard Rose is a very popular name in the campus of Central Philippine University. One reason may be because the Rose Memorial Auditorium was named in his honor. However, there is more to Rev. Dr. Rose than this.
He was the Acting President of Central Philippine College from 1938 to 1941. Before that, he was the Acting Principal of Jaro Industrial School from 1914 to 1916.
He was the one who designed the CPC/CPU seal in 1923. He was also the one who designed Weston Hall in 1932. He named the hall in honor of his son who died during the construction period.
He composed many of our Central Songs, and through one of these songs, he is credited with coining the term “Central Spirit.”
He was also a good fund raiser. He spearheaded the campaign for the construction of Weston Hall, Franklin Hall, and Valentine Hall in 1932.
During World War II, he was one of the 11 American Baptist missionaries who went to Katipunan, Tapaz, Capiz when the Japanese forces invaded the Philippines. He became a martyr on December 20, 1943.
Here is a martyr’s hymn entitled “Christ Died For Us–W e Die For Christ” by Rev. Dr. Francis Howard Rose, one of those who died in Hopevale.
All human progress up to God
Has stained the stairs of time with blood;
For every gain for Christendom
Is bought by someone’s martyrdom.
For us he poured the crimson cup,
And bade us take and drink it up.
Himself he poured to set us free.
Help us, O Christ, to drink with thee.
Ten thousand saints come thronging home,
From lion’s den and catacomb.
The fire and sword and beasts defied;
For Christ, their King, they gladly died.
With eye of faith we see today
That cross-led column wind its way
Up life’s repeated Calvary.
We rise, O Christ, to follow Thee!
This year is the 75th anniversary of their martyrdom. The commemoration of their faith and courage will be on December 17-20. You are all invited to go to CPU and celebrate their life and ministry with the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches, Central Philippine University, Filamer Christian University, Capiz Emmanuel Hospital, Iloilo Mission Hospital, Capiznon Kasapulanan of Baptist Churches, Bacolod Christian College of Negros, and Antique Christian Center with our international partners: the American Baptist Churches, International Ministries, Japan Baptist Union, and Canadian Baptist Mission.
By Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
The Hopevale marker in the CPU reminds Centralians of the lives of the great martyrs. Photo Credit: Jec Dan Borlado
Seventy-five years ago, on December 20, 1943, 11 American Baptist missionaries and a little boy became martyrs of the Christian faith. These missionaries went into hiding in the mountain area of Katipunan, Tapaz, Capiz when the Japanese forces invaded the Philippines during World War II. They lived and continued their ministry in an area they call Hopevale. They held worship services in an open-air chapel they named, a Cathedral in the Glen and ministered to people in the surrounding areas up until the day they died.
On December 17-20, 2018, the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches will spearhead the Hopevale Diamond Commemoration to be held at Central Philippine University, Filamer Christian University, and Hopevale, Tapaz, Capiz.
A cross marker of the common graves of the Hopevale martyrs in Tapaz, Capiz.
Starting November 2018, the Henry Luce III Library at CPU will hold an exhibit featuring the life and ministry of the Hopevale martyrs Jennie Clare Adams, Charma Marie Moore Covell, James Howard Covell, Dorothy Antoinette Dowell, Signe Amelia Erickson, Frederick Willer Meyer, Ruth Violet Schacht Meyer, Francis Howard Rose, Gertrude Hazleton Coombs Rose, Erle Frederick Rounds, Louise Beulah Cummings Rounds, and their little boy, Erle Douglas Rounds.
The commemoration is to be held through the partnership of the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches, Central Philippine University, Filamer Christian University, Capiz Emmanuel Hospital, Iloilo Mission Hospital, Capiznon Kasapulanan of Baptist Churches, Bacolod Christian College of Negros, and Antique Christian Center. International partners—American Baptist Churches, International Ministries, Japan Baptist Union, and Canadian Baptist Mission—will also be present at the event.
Also, in relation to this occasion, CPU has completed the restoration of the Hopevale Memorial located between the Henry Luce III Library and the Rose Memorial Auditorium last May.
For more information about the Hopevale Diamond Celebration, please email Pastor Jec Dan Borlado at jecdanborlado@yahoo.com.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
CPU Republic President, JM Suelo handing out roses to our beloved teachers.
Why God created teachers,
In his wisdom and his grace,
Was to help us learn to make our world
A better, wiser place…
- Kevin William Huff, “Why God Made Teachers”
This year, the CPU Kindergarten Department celebrated International Teachers’ Day in the morning and afternoon of October 5, 2018. The usual Friday Big Group activity of the Kindergarten was utilized for this event. The CPU Kindergarten PTA worked hard to give a “surprise” program to the teachers of the department.
PTA President Mark Cervantes and Pastor Jec Dan Borlado gave spiritual encouragements in their morning session. Selected pupils from different levels gave tributes to the Kindergarten teachers. In the afternoon, the mothers took charge of the program. The parents prepared and shared snacks. The teachers were recognized and given tokens by the Nursery, Kinder 1 and Kinder 2 pupils. The group also showed a slide presentation entitled “Teachers in Action.”
The CPU Kindergarten celebrates “Teachers’ Day” with a short program.
The CPU Elementary School celebrated International Teachers’ Day on Monday, October 8. Parents, teachers, and students had lunch together in their respective classrooms. The pupils handed flowers to the teachers while the PTA organized a pampering activity with free foot spa, massage, and manicure and pedicure for the teachers.
Elementary Principal Janet P. Jaco, who had served as teacher in the Kindergarten and High School before her assignment as Principal of the Elementary School, encouraged the teachers and parents to continue working together for the benefit of the students: “We must have a sense of fulfilment in developing the head and heart of the students.”
The CPU Junior High School also celebrated International Teachers’ Day on October 8, Monday in the afternoon with a devotional sponsored by the Araling Panlipunan Organization at the Rose Memorial Auditorium. A program sponsored by the CPUR Junior High School Provincial Board treated the teachers and parents to a variety show.
The students gave gifts and tokens to the High School faculty and staff. The faculty, in return, rendered a song for the students. Junior High School Principal Janet Jalbuena thanked the students and the teachers, in particular, for the memorable gathering and program.
Raise your voice – the “Tingog Estudyante Program” aims to provide a platform for CPU students to air their concerns.
Transparency and accountability—The Central Philippine University Republic held “Tingog Estudyante Program,” an open forum with the University President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles; Vice President for Student Affairs, Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico; Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Irving Domingo L. Rio; and CPUR officials at the Alumni Concert Promenade Park on October 8, 2018. The forum was hosted and moderated by John Michael Suelo, CPU Republic President.
Questions asked involved matters on tuition and other fees, the academic curriculum, classroom equipment, solid waste management programs, schedule, customer relations, and others.
Dr. Robles highlighted the importance of cooperation between the administration and the studentry to promote a greater CPU. He also emphasized the importance of working together to address issues regarding solid waste management: “This is something that needs cooperation from everybody. We should help each other in making sure that the campus is clean.”
University President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles; Vice President for Student Affairs, Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico; Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Irving Domingo L. Rio and University Accountant, Mrs. Delia Ciriaco, answers queries from students.
“Tingog Estudyante Program” is a pioneering initiative of the office of the CPUR President. According to him, the forum seeks to provide a venue for open and direct conversation between the administration, the republic, and the students.
CPU is inviting everyone to express their inquiries or concerns by personally messaging any of the social media outlets of the University:
CPU Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/CentralPhilippineUniversity.CPU/
CPU Twitter Page: https://twitter.com/cpueduph
By Keziah G. Huelar
The officers of the CPU Alumni Association inc. – serving Centralians here and abroad.
Keeping the Central Spirit alive—Centralians numbering to 491 from here and abroad gathered together to celebrate Central Philippine University’s 113th Founding Anniversary and to rekindle their friendships and fond memories during the 2018 CPU Alumni Homecoming and General Assembly held at Rose Memorial Auditorium on September 29, 2018.
With the theme “Fostering CPU’s Legacy, Let the Central Spirit Shine,” CPU alumni were welcomed by the CPU Symphonic Band at the Rose Memorial Auditorium steps. They were then treated to a day of fun, food, and friendship. It was a celebration of God’s goodness to CPU and a celebration of being a Centralian.
The morning meditation was led by Rev. Dr. Bernabe C. Pagara, Dean, CPU College of Theology. For the program proper, Ms. Crsita S. Huyong, Coordinator, CPU Cultural Affairs Office, led the Philippine National Anthem and the Alma Mater Song. A special production number from the CPU Sari-Saot Dance Troupe then followed.
For the welcome remarks, Engr. Isagani J. Jalbuena, President, CPUAAI greeted and welcomed the alumni and guest.
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, CPU BOT Chairman, Atty. Von Lovel Bedona, CPUAAI President, Engr. Isagani J. Jalbuena and CPUAAI Corporate Secretary and Director of the CPU Office of Communications together with the recognized Centralian achievers.
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, in his message, highlighted the importance of being together to celebrate the Central Spirit: “We thank God for bringing us together today from many different places. We are grateful that many Jubilarians are present here today. We hope that every year, we will have the presence of many different alumni chapters to make our celebration lively.”
Atty. Von Lovel D. Bedona, Chairman, CPU Board of Trustees, during his turn to give a message, encouraged the alumni to enjoy their visit to CPU and their fellowship with one another.
Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Corporate Secretary of CPUAAI and the Director of the CPU Office of Communications, then led the roll call of alumni. Afterwhich, Centralian achievers were recognized and awarded. The recipient were Clem Marnel R. Burgos, Champion, 5th International Competition of Arts and Culture in Yerevan, Armenia; April Joyce C. Catalan, First Place, 2018 Pharmacy Licensure Examination; Alfie Ahmed Diasnes, World Champion, Jeju World Taekwando at Hanmandang, Jeju Island, South Korea; Susie Yanson-Jennings, recipient of the Audrey Kaplan Inspiring Women of Southwest Award; and Iñigo D. Garingalao, Regional Winner, “Dangal ng Bayan,” 2018 Search for Outstanding Government Workers.
In his response on behalf of the alumni awardees, Mr. Garingalao highlighted the Central Spirit of excellence in the workplace: “This recognition, my friends and fellow alumni, is more than [just a] praise and [a] pat on the back. This is for us [an] affirmation that we have been true to being Centralians even as we have left the halls of Central… ”
After the response, a dance intermission was given by Aleia Robbyn J. Muyco and Mr. Mico Andrei J. Hechanova, Grade 8 students and CPU Junior High School Champion, National PRISAA 2018.
Engr. Jalbuena gave a CPUAAI President’s Report highlighting the projects and the plans of the CPUAAI. Next, the new officers of the various alumni chapters were inducted and recognized and charter memberships to the new alumni chapters were presented.
Dr. Robles, during the CPU President’s Time, thanked the CPU alumni for their continued love for and support to CPU. He also highlighted the importance of the alumni community working together to make the bond of the Central Spirit stronger around the globe.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Flora Grace Guillergan-Cudiamat, President, CPU Federation of Overseas Alumni Association, talked about the scholarships given by the alumni community as a way of supporting young and passionate Centralians. After which, Mr. Rey L. Balago, Corporate Treasurer, CPUAAI gave the Treasurer’s Report and Atty. Noel C. Siosan, Jr. presented the nominees of the Mr. and Ms. CPU 2018 Alumni King and Queen 2018.
The homecoming and general assembly also awarded and recognized the Jubilarian batches:
Batch 1958 – 60th Anniversary
Batch 1963 – 55th Anniversary
Batch 1968 – 50th Anniversary
Batch 1973 – 45th Anniversary
Batch 1978 – 40th Anniversary
Batch 1983 – 35th Anniversary
Batch 1988 – 30th Anniversary
Batch 1993 – 25th Anniversary
Batch 1998 – 20th Anniversary
The closing prayer and benediction was led by Rev. Roger T. Quimpo, Associate Pastor, University Church.