By Cyrus A. Natividad
The Centralian Bikers will initiate a motorcycle to signify the start of the CPU Grand Alumni Homecoming on Feb. 5, 2020.
The Centralian Bikers will lead the “Pamukaw” parade on February 5, 2020, in celebration of the CPU Grand Alumni Homecoming 2020. The parade route will be from the university campus to Sta. Barbara, and back to CPU.
According to Mr. Ernest “Nonong” Carvajal, the driving force behind the Centralian Bikers, the organization has now gathered 50 professional bikers.
The main objective of the group in initiating a motorcycle parade is to signify the start of the CPU Grand Alumni Homecoming and establish a particular group in the field of motorsport from the alumni, faculty, staff, and students.
“This is just a start,” said Mr. Carvajal who believes that his motorcycle group will sustain their organization, invite more to join and create bigger events for Central. “Anyone can join our club, and contribute their voluntary participation in any CPU Alumni event.” Registration is free. Please contact Mr. Carvajal at 09297415647 for more information.
By Hermely A. Jalando-on
Hermely thanks biking for bolstering her immune system in fighting Covid-19.
I tested positive for Covid-19 last September 5, 2021, and was assessed to have a “virulent” virus that infected many. The initial diagnosis on me was a mild urinary tract infection on a Friday but then I lost my sense of smell when Sunday came which prompted me to submit myself to RTPC-R testing. However, I would like to share the things that I am grateful to God in spite of my situation.
I thank God that I had a fast recovery. I recovered my sense of smell after four days and tested negative for Covid-19 after fourteen days. God heard and answered our prayers. Psalm 50:15 says “…call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.”
I thank God for family. Having a family that supports you is a big blessing from God. My husband took on the role of cooking our meals because I am in quarantine and looking after our children and making sure that they are not late for their online classes. My mother, who is living in a separate house, would deliver her mixture of lemon, ginger, and honey. While my in-laws in La Carlota City, Negros Occidental supported us and would check on us daily. Other relatives also went out of their way to send to us food supplies.
I thank God for friends. We had a never-ending supply of fruits, vegetables, meat, and even food deliveries because of caring friends during quarantine. We even declined some because our refrigerator was so full and because we have not consumed the previous deliveries. Most of all, friends never failed to send encouraging messages every day.
I thank God for church. Our Bacolod Bethany Church family has been very supportive during quarantine. They have not only provided for our physical needs but have been faithful in praying for us every day. The University Church also provided for us and have been praying for us along with other CPBC churches that included us in their prayers.
Lastly, I thank God that he allowed me to experience the stories in the Bible. Being in quarantine made the stories real and meaningful. The more you read the Bible you appreciate more the experiences that the Bible characters went through. This helped me focus on my own healing and recovery rather than think of all the stress of being positive of Covid-19. God enabled me to see and experience His love, mercy, and faithfulness in my life, and the life of my family.
I challenge you to list down all the things that you want to thank God for, and you will be amazed of His mercies and grace. God is the same yesterday, today, and the days to come. Amen!
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Members of the CPU Work Student Alumni Association (from left) Mr. Cyrus Natividad, Mr. Nick Gazo , Mrs. Joy Laos and Dr. Alberto Java.
The CPU Work Student Alumni Association, Inc. will be together again on February 4, 2020, a day before the Grand Alumni Home Homecoming 2020. The work students’ reunion will be held at the Alumni Promenade Park starting with registration at 4:00 PM. The program, dinner, and fellowship will follow after that.
Dr. Alberto Java, WSAA President in an interview acknowledged that “the reunion of work student alumni go beyond just revisiting our Alma Mater, or bonding and enjoying with former co-workers, classmates and Centralian friends.” He added, “I acknowledge the desire of our fellow alumni to be committed to continue helping the current work students in CPU.”
“Many of the CPU work students realized their dreams because of hard work,” Java said. “The testimonial part of the program will give the work students a chance to tell their stories of success, and look back to the time they went to college through the work-study program.”
The CPU Work Student Alumni Association’s Officers are doing their best to organize, coordinate and realize their grand reunion 2020.
CPU Work Student Association Officers
President Dr. Alberto Java
Vice President Nicolas D. Gazo
Secretary Ruth G. Fernandez
Asst. Secretary Fely D. armadillo
Treasurer Isidra A. Provendido
Asst. Treasurer Emcy J. Sanchez
Auditor Venancio C. Parcon
PRO Richard C. Jaligon
Board of Directors:
Vilma J. Murillo
Cathyrine G. Baylen
Danilo P. Adolfo
Joy Suerte Laos
Elvie T. Napolis
Ma. Justa L. Pallo
Ricardo B. Fernandez
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Alfaras (left) with members of CENVAS.
In celebration of ASEAN Month, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts has opened the ASEAN Philippines Digital Art Contest 2021 for amateur and professional artists (age 18 and above), using digital art to highlight the cultural uniqueness and identity shared by the whole ASEAN Community, with the theme “We care, We prepare, We prosper.”
The contest boasts a total of 217 entries – with Centralian visual artist and CPU printing press employee Efraim G. Alfaras listed as a finalist for the Visayas area. Three major winners and 5 consolation prizes are chosen by judges based on Originality of the concept, Relevance to the theme and interpretation, Unity of composition of elements and Technical proficiency and creative use of digital media.
Alfaras is an active member of the Centralian Visual Artist Society (CENVAS),and has been organizing art exhibits for a cause in CPU and malls in Iloilo.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Less than a week before the start of Grand Alumni Homecoming on February 5, 2020, the CPUAAI Publications Committee Chairperson, Daniel “Dan” P. Dorillo answered questions and queries from alumni all over the world in the January 29 episode of Looking Forward, CPU’s Public Affairs Program.
Dorillo detailed on the activities and program of the grand event from February 5 to 9. “The interesting celebration is above all reasons why the ‘Homecoming’ is worth coming home and joining with, said Dorillo. “Everyone must be looking forward to the day they will meet their long, lost classmates with news and stories on their memorable moments during their time at Central.”
“In most of the meetings and fellowships during the celebrations, the alumni must enjoy the lunches, dinners, snacks, native delicacies,” Dorillo added.
Dorillo announced some of the highlights of events during the Grand Alumni Homecoming 2020.
February 5, at 6 AM there will be a Motorcade Pamukaw by the Centralian Bikers Group, from CPU to Sta. Barbara. The Registration of Alumni and distribution of kits will be on the first day from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM as the opening of exhibits starts at 9:00 AM at the Henry Luce III Library. A brunch with alumni Chapter Presidents will be held from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Educational Media Center (EMC). A Grand Parade and presentation of Alumni Chapters will be held at the Big Field from 6:00 PM onwards and the opening ceremonies, fellowships, and socials collectively called ‘Barrio Fiesta.’ A spectacular fireworks display will also follow.
On February 6 (next day), a Motorcade will start from CPU en route to the city and back. The rest of the day events will include the fellowship lunch at the University Gym, cultural show and recognition of Centralian Luminaries at the Rose Memorial Auditorium and CPUFOAA Business Meeting at the 4th Floor, Henry Luce III Library. One of the most awaited events is the GMA Kapuso Show (Exclusive for CPU students, faculty, staff, and alumni) at the Big Field.
The Gala Night and Coronation of Alumni Queen, and Induction of CPUFOAA Officers will be held at the Grand Xing Imperial Hotel in Iloilo City on Friday, February 7 with special performances by Totong Villaruz Band, Mr. Christian Bautista, and Mr. Jose Mari Chan.
February 8 (Saturday), will be a Free Day for all alumni who would like to make a trip to any Part of Panay and Guimaras, or take a rest. On the last day February 9 (Sunday), a Worship Service will be held at the University Church.
Dorillo is inviting all the alumni worldwide and is grateful to all Alumni Chapters who are showing their full support to the CPU Grand Alumni Homecoming. As planned, Dorillo and the committee will print-out a special newsletter entitled “The Central Beacon” for the duration of the homecoming celebration.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Dr. Maredil Rafael Ambos, Professor at CPU College of Education was given the Global Outstanding Teacher Award 2021, and in the National Level – The ‘Gawad Perlas ng Silangan Para sa Natatangi at Modelong Guro’ by the Leadership in Education Academy and Development (LEAD), Philippines on Friday, September 18, 2021 at one in the afternoon through a ceremony via Zoom and Facebook.
The awards recognize teachers, instructors and professors who demonstrate exemplary performance in the teaching profession in Basic Education, Higher Education and Technical-Vocational Institutions. The LEAD criteria for both awards include work experience, educational background, awards and recognitions received, research publications and authorship; Involvement in the conduct of training/seminars (as participant, facilitator, or program initiator) The candidate must be a member of the organization (LEAD Philippines-Global) and must meet at least 60 points in order to qualify.
An attentive College Professor with excellent communication skills, Dr. Ambos is always organized and driven with an innate ability to stay on task. He uses effective and efficient methods of teaching while focusing on the individual needs of each student. Asked about his philosophy in teaching, Dr. Ambos said that “All learners are unique and must have a stimulating educational environment where they can grow physically, mentally emotionally, socially and spiritually.” He added that “My aim is to bring an open mind, a positive caring attitude, and high expectation to the classroom each day.”
Dr. Ambos was also the National Winner in the Search for Ten Outstanding Scoutmasters of the Philippines in 2012; Gold Service Award in 2016 and Bronze Service Award in 2011 among many other awards and recognition he received from the Boy Scouts of the Philippines National Office. He was awarded Most Outstanding High School Teacher by the CPUDHS (Batch ‘53) in 2009. Ambos also received the Certificate for Academic Excellence Cum Laude (CPU2001). Several Professorial Chairs Awards were given to him in 2009, 2014, 2016 and 2019.
He actively participated in schools, local and national contests as a coach or participant in academics and literary contests. He conducted and participated in several projects and community outreach services such as Brigada Eskwela, Book Drive Campaign and BSP Tree Planting Activities. He was either speaker or lecturer in seminars for the last 10 years.
Dr. Ambos is an Accreditor of the Association of Christian Schools, Colleges and Universities Accrediting Agency, Inc. (ACSCUAA-I) since SY 2008 to the present; a member of the Philippine Association for Teachers and Educators, Inc., National Organization of Professional Teachers-Iloilo Chapter (NOPTICCI) and Board Member of the Iloilo (Confessor) Council Executive Board Boy Scouts of the Philippine Scouting Year, 2016 –present.
The son of Mr. and Mrs. Warlito and Guia Ambos, he started up as a work student Janitor for one year at the CPU Elementary School Principal’s Office and later at the Office of the College of Education Dean Dr. Pomado for 3 years. He is happily married to Ma’am Mary Jane Dumo Ambos, a public school teacher. They are residents of the CPU Centennial Vilage, where Dr. Ambos is a member of the Homeowners Association Board of Directors for several years.
by Cyrus A. Natividad
Pastor Dumdum is a passionate evangelist in God’s vineyard.
On September 1, 2019, Sunday at about 3:30 pm, Rev. Tranquilino Dumdum was on his way home to Iloilo City from Concepcion where he preached at Brgy. Puntalis Baptist Church. He met an accident on a highway in Brgy. Santiago, Barotac Viejo. A wayward delivery man unexpectedly took over the lane, with his tricycle fastened to an iron grill pigpen, hitting Pastor Dumdum’s motorcycle.
The sudden impact threw Pastor Dumdum about two meters away; his motorcycle crumpled with his broken protective headgear. He realized that his kneecap was also broken.
He came back shortly to his consciousness with an unbearable pain felt in his leg and his body trembled. “But my spirit was unbroken”, he said. “I called on God, then my wife, relatives, and friends whose phones were out of signal. Bands of people were coming as bystanders quickly pulled me off the road. “No!” I said to one of the first aiders, “Don’t pull my legs.” I used to be a first-aider, so I got to lecture them at that fleeting moment with what has to be done first with my broken leg,” Dumdum recalls.
His church members, fellow pastors, and Centralian friends were at the Iloilo Mission Hospital in a short while. “God sent me His provision; I never looked at my hospital bill, I didn’t see the amount. I only saw the hearts of Christians and Centralians who were with me during that time of pain.” Help came pouring in from a lot of people whom Pastor Dumdum had previously helped, and from churches, he had served before.
“There were repeatedly some deep moments of regrets. A desperate thought was creeping in my mind. I thought I will end my life”, he said. “I recall a moment when I was lying on the road, waiting for the ambulance to come, and really surmised later that the Lord has enrolled me in a very difficult course of life. I believe that He would sustain me in this course, and I will be strengthened in the higher calling for God’s mission. I am reminded of Christ on the cross,” Pastor Dumdum reiterated. “I have a new lease in life now and I will be stronger than ever”, he added.
To Pastor Dumdum, “every adversity has a corresponding opportunity that comes to every man.” “God is there and He will provide me with everything I need,” he said. He is thankful for coming back gradually with a normal condition, eager to work for the Lord again.
The essence of what happened to me, Pastor Dumdum said is an insight that “Patience is not about how long I can wait, but with what kind of attitude I have while waiting.”
Pastor Dumdum is a pioneering minister of the Puntalis Baptist Church in Concepcion. According to him, the construction of Puntalis Church was funded by ‘Cast Thy Bread International’ Agency of Billy Graham in Amsterdam. Pastor Dumdum also said that he personally received the amount of Twenty Five Thousand Dollars from Billy Graham.
Pastor Tranquilino has been instrumental in the development and growth of other Churches, such as Toboso Evangelical Church in the Municipality of Toboso, Negros Occidental. The Church was founded by his father, Inocencio Dogomeo Dumdum and his mother Rosa Gantalao Mahilum. Inocencio was the first councilor of the Municipality of Toboso.
He is happily married to Josephine Galon who is also a Pastor and a College of Education Graduate. They have four children: Soula Dumdum Sanchez, Dorim Greg Dumdum, Rai Dumdum Espino and David Dumdum. All of their children are Centralians. He and his wife are residing in Zarraga, Iloilo.
Pastor Dumdum was born in Toboso on July 27, 1955. He studied in the CPU College of Theology from 1972 to 1974 and served as Pastor since 1977.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Consul General Leo Tito L. Ausan, Jr.
The Commission on appointments has confirmed the promotion to the ambassadorial rank of Chief of Mission Class 2 of Atty. Leo Tito L. Ausan as Ambassador any time to any post where his qualification fit to a tee for purposes of national interest. He is right now a Consul in the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong. He took his CM2 oath on September 10, 2021 before Consul General Raly Tejada at the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong.
Consul General Leo Tito Ausan, Jr. is a mid-level Career Diplomat in his senior years in the Philippine Foreign Service. He had been designated and posted in various hands-on capacities of responsibility in Foreign Service Posts abroad- Vice Consul in the Philippine Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa; Consul in the Philippine Embassy in Berlin Germany and Consul-General in the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as well as Deputy Consul General in the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver, Canada. He had also been given various designations of responsibility in the Department of Foreign Affairs in which occasions, his caring heart, and love for his motherland and for OFWs shone and had been to the hilt, tried and tested. The highest of these designations were being Consul General in the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Assistant Secretary of the Office of Legal Affairs (OLA- now the Office of Treaties and Legal Affairs- OTLA).
Ausan graduated cum laude in AB Political Science from Central Philippine University. He underwent legal education at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City. Eventually, he became a lawyer and proceeded to join the Philippine Foreign Service- after placing third in the Foreign Service Officers Exam in 1995, thereby becoming a diplomat. As a lawyer and a diplomat, he has acquired through the years a robust foundational knowledge & experience in International Maritime Law, LL.M. in International Maritime Law, from the International Maritime Law Institute in Malta, & Philippine Law Practice and (diplomatic & consular practice, political, criminal, civil and election law), in legal pedagogy. He taught in the College of Law of CPU and in the University of Iloilo, College of Law.
Ausan was actively involved in university events during his college days. In 1982, when the CPU Republic was revived after Martial Law, Ausan was elected Vice President in a landslide victory.
Consul General Leo Tito Lunar Ausan was born in Mag-aba, Pandan, Antique on July 28, 1960 to Leo Tito Urbano Ausan Sr., an Elementary Public School Principal, who resigned to become a carpenter-foreman OFW, of Pandan, Antique; and Columba Rotelo Lunar, of Buenavista, Guimaras, a retired public school teacher; from whose meager hard-earned & well-managed conjugal income and savings, tacked with free tuition chess varsity team player benefit, he was able to finish his University schooling at CPU in Jaro, Iloilo City. He is happily married to Agnes Brazas of Zarraga, Iloilo, with two children who are now successful in their respective careers.
By Rusieljs G. Lunasco
Councilor Tupas (first from left) and Pastor Ban (first from right) with Taal eruption victims.
Pastor Russell Ban, an alumnus of the CPU College of Theology, together with Hinobaan, Negros Occidental Councilor Jason Tupas, led relief operations for victims of the Taal volcano eruption on January 16, 2020.
62,000 face masks were delivered to the residents as well as hand towels, 3 generator sets, goods, toiletries, used clothes, and water containers.
“Saludo po kami sa lahat ng donors and volunteers, nang dahil sa inyo may munting galak at tuwa sa mukha nang nasalanta nang pag alburoto nang Taal, Ban said on his Facebook post.
Ban and Tupas are both members of the Brotherhood of Capiz Riders. The group is accepting donations such as canned goods, water container and diapers for the second wave of their relief operations in Batangas.
For more information kindly contact LOVE- VA FLOW c/o Jason Tembrevilla Tupas (Negros) and Lorilee Candaliza Aguirre (Panay) at 09214484348.
By Nestle G. Taala
CPU personnel are finalizing the new signage in celebration of the 116-year founding anniversary of the university.
Central Philippine University will be celebrating its 116th Foundation Day on October 1, 2021 with the theme, “Ang Paghanduraw: Revisiting our Historical and Cultural Heritage.” The virtual celebration will be aired live via the CPU TV Channel Facebook Page.
According to this year’s CPU Foundation Day Committee Co-Chairperson, Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, the celebration aims to reminisce CPU’s good old memories as well as to share to the current generation of Centralians the value of Central Spirit and the unwavering love for our Alma Mater. This will also introduce them to the founders and foreparents of the CPU Community.
In the past 116 years, Central Philippine University has survived wars, typhoons, and even this pandemic; but just like the historical flagpole in its center, CPU continues to stand the test of time. Thus, this founding anniversary virtual program is a symbol of God’s faithfulness to CPU through the years.
“Ang Paghanduraw: Revisiting our Historical and Cultural Heritage” virtual program will start at 9:00 in the morning of October 1, 2021 which will be then followed by the CPUR Foundation Day Virtual Activity in the afternoon at 2:00.
By Rusieljs G. Lunasco
Bongars during her crowning moment.
Chris Sain Lyn Bongars, a Grade 11- STEM student, was crowned Ms. Teen Iloilo 2019 on January 21 at SM Iloilo City Cinema 6.
Bongars bested 11 other candidates who represented different municipalities in Iloilo. During the pageant, she talked about her advocacy about mental health, especially among young people. “It’s a very relevant and timely issue in our society. This is something that needs to be addressed,” she said.
She was previously Ms. CPU Junior High School in 2018 and won Ms. CPU in the same year. Bongars is also a consistent honor student while being a commercial model.
Aside from being the titleholder, Bongars also won the following awards: Miss Telegenic, Miss Photogenic, Best in Funwear and Best in Evening Gown.
She will represent Iloilo in the upcoming Miss Teen Philippines pageant.
By Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
The annual CPU Faculty and Staff Conference will be held virtually via Zoom on September 29, 2021. The Theme for this year is “RISE and SHINE: Overcoming Mental Health Challenges during the Pandemic.” There will be lectures that will focus on mental health from different perspectives.
According to the Co-chair of the Faculty and Staff Conference Committee, Atty. Salex E. Alibogha, Dean of the College of Nursing, the lecturers were carefully chosen.
The conference will be started with a devotional. The first lecturer is Prof. Rossini Gayare-Jovero, former Liver Transplant Clinical Coordinator of Hamad Medical Corporation in Doha, Qatar. It will be followed by Dr. Daisy Chua-Daquilanea who is currently the Chairperson of the Department of Psychiatry of Western Visayas Medical Center. The spiritual perspective will be given by Rev. Cris Amorsol V. Sian, the Senior Pastor of the University Church. Dr. Uzi Araneta de Leon from the West Visayas State University will be talking about mental health therapies. Mental health programs will be discussed by Dr. Raquel Polec-eo, Director of the CPU Guidance Center. Prof. Lena Giron, faculty of the College of Nursing, will be discussing how to cope with the challenges of mental health from the perspective of a faculty member.
In the afternoon, there will be an open forum with the officials of the university. There will also be breakout sessions, and also games with prizes.
There will be no regular office work on the day of the conference. Online classes will be asynchronous on that day.