By Cyrus A. Natividad
Mr. Felix Tiu with Looking Forward hosts Mr. Cyrus Natividad and Ms. Nestle Taala.
Born Felicito Hupan Tiu to Fernando and Luz Tiu in Iloilo City on October 29, 1955, Felix Tiu spent two years of studying at Central Philippine University High School in 1970-1971. He started building his enterprises at a young age. His parents who were self-made traders of Chinese descent operated a candy store in Iloilo City. Following their footsteps, Felix became an entrepreneur who was acknowledged later as a captain of the hotel and restaurant industry in Iloilo and Cebu. He was into many different businesses. He and his wife Bernadette Chavez-Tiu founded their own trading company, Goldstar Philippine Traders. At this time they are owners of the Water World Resort in Western Visayas. Another Water World resort has recently opened in Cebu.
In an on-site interview by CPU TV Looking Forward at his Water World Resort in Alta Tierra Village-Iloilo, Tiu recalled his experiences at Central Philippine University during the Martial Law years. “That was the time,” Tiu said that he relied much on God – for guidance and protection.
Asked how he became very successful in business, Tiu shared these principles: “First is that you have to realize that success comes with God”, he said. “I always rely on the Lord in every endeavor”, Tiu added.
“I have faith in God, and because of this, God blessed my businesses.” In return, Tiu explained, “It is my responsibility to be generous to my employees.” He considered this as social responsibility, but he said, “I really see to it that my employees can live well with enough food, clothing and modest shelter,” he explained.
“I started selling oil, flour, margarine, and other baking goods using my savings of P10,000 pesos from previous business ventures. I only rented a small space in the supermarket area in Iloilo City.” He opened Eon Philippines Industries Corporation as his business grew bigger. It manufactured various local staples like bihon and sotanghon, flavoured juices; with lollipops being the main product.
In 1991, with a vision to provide “market vendors a chance at their businesses,” Tiu ventured into low-interest lending. He has increased his investments and has created a modest lending enterprise.” At the turn of the century in 2000, Felix Tiu purchased a property in Iloilo City and constructed the Eon Centennial Plaza Hotel. It has been the start of many more tourism development businesses in Iloilo and other parts of the country.
In gratitude to Central Philippine University, “we plan to extend to our alumni, a discount system in all our Hotels and Resorts, Tiu said. “We will be looking forward to celebrating with our batch during the Grand Alumni Homecoming next year in February 2020 with our utmost support”, Tiu emphasized.
By Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
The university has increased last year’s enrollment by 13.68% in the college level.
The number of enrolled students from Kindergarten up to the School of Graduate Studies as of August 27, 2021 is 13,245. This is bigger than last year’s enrollment figure of 12,566. There is a 13.68% increase in the total figures of the college enrollment.
The current number of enrollees will even go higher once the last day of enrollment will end on September 1, 2021. More will be added also when the College of Medicine and College of Law will have their enrollment in the coming month.
Here are some thoughts from our University officials:
“I thank the parents for their continued trust in Central Philippine University by enrolling their children in our University. Despite the many difficulties brought about by the pandemic and online learning, they chose to stay with us. We thank the Lord for His faithfulness and provisions especially as we have surpassed the enrollment figures of the last school year.” – Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, CPU President.
“God has once again surprised Central Philippine University when our enrolment for this school year, 2021-2022 surpassed that of last school year. We thank Him for this great blessing – another golden opportunity for CPU to mold young lives. We pray that He will grant the CPU administrators, faculty, and staff the wisdom, strength, resilience, and most especially love as we serve our students and one another.” – Dr. Esther Rose R. Romarate, CPU Vice President for Student Affairs.
“Thank you Lord for your faithfulness to CPU! You have exceeded our expectations!!!” – Dr. Florence P. Bogacia, CPU Vice President for Finance and Administration.
“Flexible learning has opened its door to students; the administration and faculty are here to help you enter the door by yourself. In this unpredictable environment, getting the right education will help you plan for a lifetime. There are several factors beyond our control and even beyond the control of the state; however, we can always educate our mind to adapt solutions that aim to address problems in the overall learning process. – Dr. Irving Domingo L. Rio, CPU Vice President for Academic Affairs.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
CPU Excel Chorale performed a variety of Filipino songs during the Concert.
Central Philippine University Cultural Affairs Office and the CPU Dance Company presented a collection of cultural performances at the Rose Memorial Auditorium on December 10, 2019. The presentation also featured the CPU Excel Chorale and the CPU Symphonic Band. The talents performed popular folk dances, instrumental renditions and choral singing at the Rose Memorial Auditorium.
The program was shown at 9:00 AM, 2 PM and 6 PM, with the invocations led by Rev. Cris Amorsolo V, Sian, Senior Pastor, University Church; Rev. Francis J. Jalando-on, Director, CPU Office of Communications and Pastor Jec Dan Borlado, respectively.
Randy A. Lero, Artistic Director, Crista S. Huyong, Chorale Director, and Ascencion O. Bautista, Band Director successfully managed the cultural show. They were admired by University President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles in his opening remarks at the gala show of Saludo. Dr. Robles specifically cited the creative contributions of the three directors that greatly contributed to the University.
The CPU Dance Company performs a Muslim Traditional Dance.
Among the highlighted performances of Saludo were: “Tag-araw”, Voices of the Cordillera (including “Ay-ay Salidumay, Manmanok, and Chakchok), Encuentros De Dos Mundos (including “Encanto De Maria Clara”, Polkabal, Lulay, La Jota Moncadena, Paseo de Iloilo and Lanceros de Lingayen). The CPU Symphonic Band’s contribution of solo saxophone, and violin were highly regarded by the audience.
The Tribal Mindanao included real composition and voices of the indigenous T’Boli singers. This was followed by Muslim Tapestry which included performances of “Dulang” and “Kinakulangan.” The segment of “Doon po sa Amin” included the artistry of song and dances including “O Ilaw”, Carinosa/Abaruray, Zamboanga, Pandanggo de Sta. Clara, Subli, and Pandanggo sa Ilaw.
The final song “Iloilo ang Banwa ko” was rendered by the Excel Chorale. Huyong, the overall production chair expressed her thanks to everyone for the successful cultural show. Lero and Bautista joined Huyong in their final exit with a bow. Show host Jose Carlos Marfil Catague acknowledged everyone who contributed to the success of Saludo.
by Edwin C. Laru-an
Payas is a point guard for the collegiate basketball girls team of the CPU Golden Lions.
Name: Lolly P. Payas
Nickname: Tata
Height: 5
Grade/year: 2nd year
Playing Position: Point Guard
Coach: Aaron Paterno Blanca
Hometown: Passi City
Achievements:
WVPRISAA Bronze 2019
ILOPRISAA champion 2018
PRISAA Silver 2018
PRISAA Bronze 2019
INTEGRATED MEET SILVER 2016
CONGRESSIONAL MEET CHAMPION 2016
SUMMER LEAGUE CHAMPION 2016 (MVP)
Hobbies: Playing Basketball and Roadtrip.
Favorite Player: Stephen Curry
Most Memorable Game: WVPRISAA Davao City
Principle in Life: Always put God first.
What can you say as a player of CPU Golden Lions:
I’m very thankful and proud that I am part of the team so that I could improve my skills, my abilities, and my knowledge as a player. I enjoy every time we have a game and practice.
Why did you choose CPU:
I chose CPU because I know that CPU is one of the best universities in Iloilo.
By Nestle G. Taala
Dr. Ortigoza turns over the CPUAACC donation to the College of Nursing Dean Atty. Salex Alibogha.
Dr. Gabriel Ortigoza represented the CPU Alumni Association of Central California as he turned over their chapter’s donation to CPU College of Nursing on December 5, 2019. The donation of eight sphygmomanometers is essential for CPU Nursing students on their Fundamentals of Nursing.
Raised by Centralian parents, Dr. Ortigoza shared that one of the memories he cherishes the most during his stay at Central is the Christ Emphasis Week. He also appreciated the strong educational foundation from excellent professors of CPU. “CPU is really different. I cannot put it into one word,” he shared with a huge smile on his face.
When asked about his insight about the Central Spirit, he said, “It is the center of how I assess the patient. I look at the patient as a whole, not only on the physical illness but also I look for their spiritual needs.” In addition, he encouraged Centralian Nursing students to focus on their studies and to enjoy their stay in CPU.
Dr. Ortigoza, a graduate of CPU College of Nursing in 1991, was the inspirational speaker during the CPU College of Nursing Capping, Pinning and Candle Lighting Ceremony on December 6 at the Rose Memorial Auditorium.
The CPU AACC is an active alumni chapter which holds meeting every quarter to strengthen their relationships and makes use of the technology as they communicate on how they will be able to show their gratitude to CPU.
Meanwhile, the ever dynamic Dean of the CPU College of Nursing Atty. Salex E. Alibogha expressed his gratitude to the CPU AACC and all the Centralian Nurses both here and abroad. He is looking forward for its members to attend the Grand Alumni Homecoming 2020 on February 5-9, 2020 at Central Philippine University.
By Rusieljs G. Lunasco
Angelika Rey recently released her web comic entitled “Against the Kether”.
College of Arts and Sciences alumna Angelika Fantilaga Rey (AB English ‘2017) has recently released “Against the Kether”, a web comic she wrote and illustrated on WebKom, a platform for Filipino comic artists and light novel authors. She will be updating the web comic monthly.
Rey started brainstorming for the said webcom last year. “I like writing about things that interest me, but in a different spin. While I was reading about WWI, I got interested about ‘aces’- the top fighter pilots of the Great War and in a way, the pioneers of aerial war. The working title for “Against the Kether” was “Aces of the Alien Apparatus,” since as I researched, “aces” weren’t only used by pilots, but by tank commanders and submarine captains as well. Another thing that I thought about was the question: why is it always someone from Earth who gets the power from another world, but not another world getting power from Earth? Which is why my webcomic is about the latter,” she said.
For her illustration and written work, Rey says she draws inspiration from subjects that interest her most especially those that have to do with fantasy and science fiction.
As a child, she loved reading illustrated story books. She started writing her own stories when she was 8. Not content with what she read, she decided to write and illustrate her own stories that she thought were more interesting.
Angelika Rey is currently based in Roxas City where she works as a tourism operations assistant.
Aside from her web comic, she has also published 4 zines that were featured in the Iloilo Zine fest in 2018, 2019, and 2020.
Rey also encourages young Filipino writers and artists to share their work in local platforms where they can also meet others who share their passion.
When asked about her advice to writers who are still finding their own genre, she says “I don’t know if I am actually qualified enough to answer this. But I suggest they focus inward and discover what strikes their interest. They have to know what they want to write about, why they want to write about it, and how would they present it.”
Rey is currently a tourism operations assistant for the Province of Capiz. She was a former Research Editor of the CPU Research Center from July to December 2019.
She graduated cum laude in 2017 with a degree in Bachelor of Arts major in English from CPU. She was the recipient of the Illenberger Award for Literature, The Marmolejo and Haguisan Quality English Graduate Award, DLMCH (Department of Languages, Mass Communication, and Humanities) Award for Outstanding English Graduate and the Central Echo Award of Excellence in Journalism.
She was a former Literary Editor of the Central Echo.
Here is the link to her web comic “Against the Kether” https://webkomph.com/series/against-the-kether/.
By Rusieljs G. Lunasco
The CPU Golden Lions dominated this year’s ILOPRISAA for winning the most number of gold medals during the awarding ceremony on December 3, 2019, at the University of San Agustin Auditorium.
“We are very thankful to God almighty for these blessings, the sacrifices of Athletes and coaches paid off. On behalf of the CPU Golden Lions, I would like to thank the CPU community for their support. Also, big thanks to the CPU Administration Dr. Teodoro Robles, Vice-presidents, CPU Board of Trustees and Corporation Chairman Atty. Von Lovel Bedona, CPU Alumni Association, Deans and Principals,” Mr. Edwin Laru-an CPU Sports Director said.
The Golden Lions garnered 36 gold medals, 14 silver medals, and 17 bronze medals during the said sports and cultural Meet which was held in various venues in Iloilo City from November 12 to December 3.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Dr. Palada is a member of the CPU Board of Trustees and a visiting Professor of the College of Agriculture, Resources, and Environmental Sciences
After his assignment in Bohol as consultant to the Dompor Farms, Dr. Palada was called by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to serve as National Rice Technical Expert for a program by the Department of Agriculture on developing the Philippine Rice Industry Road Map (PRIR) on August 15, 2021. This program is managed by a consulting firm, Pacific Rim Innovation and Management Exponents, Inc. (PRIMEX).
The major objective of the program is to provide the strategic framework for the further development of the Philippine rice sector into one that is competitive, resilient, and climate-adaptive within the context of a broader agriculture sector transformation that will involve the shift of marginal farmlands to high-value crops (HVCs), considering demographic and agro-climatic characteristics of the country, and generate higher income for farmers.
As a Technical Rice Expert, Dr. Palada will review and validate the list of provinces in the initial/preliminary Philippine Rice Industry Roadmap (PRIR) and final selection of provinces, which are suitable for rice production or which have the least production cost and higher yields in the cultivation of palay.
He will work with a team of experts in the field of agribusiness marketing, policy and institution, finance, socio-economy and information technology.
Palada has also been a consultant of the ADB in 1997, when he was a professor at the University of Virgin Islands. He was the Rice Agronomist for the project under the Philippine Grain Sector Development Program
The final product of this technical assistance by ADB will be the drafting of the Philippine Rice Industry Road Map (PRIR) based on the findings of the study for submission to ADB and Department of Agriculture and for recommendation and effective implementation.
Dr. Palada is a Member of the CPU Board of Trustees and a College of Agriculture, Resources and Environmental Sciences Visiting Professor of Central Philippine University. He is instrumental in pursuing agricultural studies and projects in the Philippines and other countries. He is the editor of the book The Miracle Tree (Moringa olefiera).
By Rusieljs G. Lunasco
The University Church Cantata Choir performed well-loved Christmas hymns during the service.
In light of the Christmas Season, the university held a White Gift Service on Wednesday, December 11 at the University Church. Faculty, staff, and students gathered during the convocation.
In his opening remarks, CPU President Dr. Teodoro Robles emphasized the significance of the White Gift Service and encouraged everyone to share their blessings to those who are in need, “I hope that we all remember that we are here on earth, not just for ourselves but also for others.”
CPU President Dr. Teodoro Robles lights the fifth advent candle.
CPU Officials and Deans were represented by Dr. Bernabe Pagara (Dean, College of Theology), Prof. Esther Rose Romarate (Vice President for Student Affairs), Engr. Dany Molina (Dean, College of Engineering), Dr. Florence Bogacia (Vice President for Finance and Administration) and Dr. Teodoro Robles who lit the five advent candles.
Different units, departments and colleges offered their white gifts during the service.
The University Church Christmas Cantata Choir conducted by Mr. Joshua Jonathan Quimpo performed well-loved Christmas songs and hymns during the service. The choir was also accompanied by a special performance of Jesse Delchar Dianala who played as Joseph and Kamille Christelle Denila (BS Accountancy-1) as Mary.
Different units, departments, and colleges offered their “White Gifts” in the altar when the choir sang “Carol Medley.”
The “white gifts” will be turned over to the different outreach centers of the university.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Last May 2021, Lañada was one of the winners of the BAME (Black, Asian and minority ethnic) Nurse of the Year by National BAME Health and Care Awards for his work during the height of the pandemic.
The Centralian Link features CPUAAI Alumni Chapter President of the Week, Jose Ariel Espulgar Lañada – a nurse achiever in Europe. He is currently the President of the CPU Alumni Association – United Kingdom Chapter.
Lañada is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN ‘93) graduate from Central Philippine University. He finished his Master of Science in Nursing Education (Merit) with a distinction for Project Management Dissertation in December 2018, and his Doctor of Education in September 2019 both from Oxford Brookes University.
Since he relocated to work in the United Kingdom in 2002, he has held different positions in several medical divisions at the Oxford University Hospital (OUH). He has served as Divisional Lead for Practice Development in Education, Neurosciences, Orthopaedics, Trauma, Specialist Surgery, and Children’s and Neonates Division.
Lañada now leads and supports Clinical Practice Educators in undertaking Divisional training needs analysis of non-medical workforce. Despite being based in the UK, the shift of the learning system to online classes has given him the opportunity to teach at the CPU College of Nursing.
He became a member of (TRUST-WIDE) Nursing and Midwifery Board and is a part of its Recruitment and Retention Committee, Culture and Leadership Core Change Team, Divisional Management Executive Committee, Divisional Nursing Board and Clinical Governance Committee. Lañada was one of two people selected to represent the Trust in a National Celebration of Thanks at Westminster Abbey on 5 July 2019.
For his leadership, he was elected Interim President of the newly-formed Filipino Nurses Association of United Kingdom, and President of Central Philippine University Alumni Association- UK Chapter.
Lañada said, “My strength and leadership activity is not only limited to work. For the past 18 years I have been the Chairman of the Filipino Community of Oxfordshire. I am responsible for a number of events each year including our Independence Day Celebration and Sports Festival. I also oversee our website and I am responsible for raising and accounting funds used for community events.”
Good working relationships have been established by Lañada with the Oxfordshire Community, in particular-with the Oxford City Council, Thames Valley Police and the Press. “I have successfully involved several Lord Mayors, former MP, Bishops, a UK Ambassador to the Philippines and Philippine diplomats in our activities.”
For Lañada, involving the Filipino community is important especially in helping with projects that will extend support for COVID victims in Iloilo.
Among some of his major achievements and projects with CPUAA-UK are the standardization of Job Titles, Job Descriptions and career pathways of Clinical Nurse Educators; Development and Implementation of innovative “Student School” to better support nursing students on placement; the Trust-wide initiative to establish and run “Clinical Staff Summits” to celebrate staff success, promote wellbeing, encourage leadership and career development.
Lañada is an Associate Lecturer on Leadership and Management of the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences at Oxford Brookes University. He serves as the Chair of the Oxford University Hospital (OUH) Black and Minority Ethnic Network. He led a project to build a church in his home village back in the Philippines. This was successfully achieved and improvements are currently ongoing.
He is from Brgy. Lu-ag, Dueñas, Iloilo.
By Rusieljs G. Lunasco
CPUAAI Officers AY 2020 and 2021 during their induction at the FOL Fellowship Dinner.
The new Board of Trustees and Officers of Central Philippine University Alumni Association (CPUAAI) for Alumni Year 2020-2022 and 2019-2020 respectively were inducted on December 6, 2019, at the Educational Media Center. The induction took place during the Fellowship Dinner after the opening of the Festival of Lights and Music.
In his welcome greetings, outgoing CPUAAI President Engr. Isagani Jalbuena thanked the CPU Board of Trustees, CPU Corporation, the Administration and everyone who took part in the Festival of Lights and Music.
Dr. Teodoro C. Robles talked about Jesus Christ as the Light of Life during his Christmas message.
For the Christmas message, CPU President Dr. Teodoro Robles talked about the theme for this year’s Festival of Lights and Music, Jesus Christ: the Living Light of Life. “Jesus is the light that showed the way to the American missionaries who founded this university…” “He is the Light of Hope that has kept our faith and has sustained us in the most difficult circumstances,” he said.
The officers and Board of Directors of Centralians in Mass Media (CMM) were also inducted in the said event.
Outgoing CPUAAI President Engr. Isagani Jalbuena thanked everyone who took part in the Festival of Lights and Music.
Incoming CPUAAI President Atty. Joshua Alim expressed his gratitude in serving the Lord through the alumni association and called his CPUAAI as his family “I draw my strength from knowing that I will be working with a group of people whom I consider as my family,” he added.
Present during the event were members of the CPU Board of Trustees and Corporation led by Chairman Atty. Von Lovel Bedona, CPUAAI Board of Trustees, CPUAAI Officers, alumni, faculty, staff, and students.
Centralians in Mass Media Officers and Board of Trustees during their induction at the FOL Fellowship Dinner.
Here is a list of the Officers and Board of Trustees of the CPUAAI and CMM:
CPUAAI BOARD OF TRUSTEES (AY 2020-2022)
BOARD at Large
- Dr. Florentino P. Alerta II
- Dr. Glenn A.M. Catedral
- Mr. Daniel P. Dorillo
- Dr. Perla Azarcon- Suyo
- Hon. Milliard S. Villanueva
Metro Manila
- Mr. Rey V. Cordova
- Mr. Carl A. Dela Peña
- Mrs. Nancy Arandela-Fernandez
Mindanao
- Dr. Vita Basiao-Gasataya
Australasia
- Mr. Mauro S. Somodio
USA and Canada
- Mr. Rodrigo J. Gonzales
- Mrs. Emelda Frange-Valcarcel
- Mrs. Perla Guillergan-Waters
CPUAAI Officers (AY 2020 & 2021)
President : Atty. Joshua C. Alim
Vice President: Dr. Florentino P. Alerta II
Corporate Secretary: Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
Corporate Treasurer: Engr. Rey L. Balogo
Corporate Auditor: Atty. Noel C. Siosan, Jr.
Centralians in Mass Media Association (CMMA) Officers :
President – Rufino “Pinoy” Gonzales.
Vice President – Jenel Baclay
Secretary – Maggie Maleriado
Treasurer – Roy Cejar
PIO – Jason Pagunsan
Board of Trustees:
Annabel Petinglay
Neonita Gobuyan
Francisco Elbanbuena
Roy Cejar
Cyrus Natividad
Rusieljs Lunasco
Ted Francia
Jaen Leysa Losbañes-Gallarde
Francis Neil Jalando-on
Advisers:
Isagani Jalbuena
Joshua Alim
By Rusieljs G. Lunasco
Luke Trasporto representing the School of Graduate Studies in Mr. and Ms CPU 2018 where he shared his advocacy on mental health during the interview portion.
“It all started with a poll I posted on Instagram,” said Luke.
“On May 2018, certain circumstances lead me to post a poll on Instagram asking whether I should or shouldn’t advocate for mental health. Surprisingly, 100% of those who answered the poll voted yes.”
Since then, School of Graduate Studies (SOG) student Luke Trasporto (Kinder 2002, Elementary 2008, High School 2012, BS Social Work 2017) has been using his platform to advocate for mental health.
There are two reasons which ultimately led him to advocate for mental health.
“First is I would never like anyone to experience what I’ve gone through. The other was the death of two very dear people – classmate and football teammate – due to suicide.”
Aside from his Facebook page, Coach Luke, is also involved with Mental Health PH. As an alumnus of Reform Party, he has been mentoring its members who have mental health advocacies.
Trasporto also works closely with Iloilo City Councilor Hon. Rudolph Jeffrey Ganzon, who is responsible for the mental health programs being implemented in the city.
Now that the number of people in the country who are going through mental health issues have spiked during the pandemic, he emphasized that the government to allocate sufficient for mental health. “Although it’s been 3 years since the Mental Health Act was passed into law, there aren’t enough measures taken to ensure that its programs are being implemented,” Trasporto said.
Given the present situation, he has expressed the need for more mental health advocates. “You don’t need to be a social worker, psychiatrist and psychologist to be a mental health advocate as long as you are passionate about it and you are willing to be trained and educated.” He also said that just by listening and showing your support you are already helping someone who is going through mental health issues.
As for his message to those going through mental health issues:
“Ask for help. Acknowledge that you are going through something. Do not entertain your thoughts of denial. The moment you accept you’re going through something is the first step of realizing you need help. You want to be better you need to be better.
Talk to your friends, teachers, family, mental health advocates, psychologists, psychiatrists, youth leaders, life coaches, youth groups. Go back to what you’re passionate about: draw, paint, exercise, do the things you love to do. Always remember that there are people who love you and will always be there for you.”
Luke Primero Trasporto is a registered social worker. He is also a football coach and is currently finishing his Master of Science in Social Work degree in Central Philippine University.