Weekly Centralian Link (November 18, 2016)
CPU OC relaunches Centralian Link
(Office of Communications Staff (from left) Mark Clemens Ortaliz (Webmaster), Cyrus Natividad (Press Media Relation Officer), Rev. Francis Neil Jalando-on ( Acting Director) and Keziah Huelar (Publishing Assistant).)
With the aim of connecting Centralians all over the globe, the CPU Office of Communications (OC) spearheaded by its new director, Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, will be relaunching The Centralian Link, the official publication and media forum of Central Philippine University.
The online Link, initiated back in the late 1990s, was created to publish news, events and happenings in the university. It however underwent hibernation from 2014 to October 2016.
Now, revisions are expected as The Centralian Link ends its two year hiatus. The publication’s Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/CPUCentralianLink/), website and Twitter page (@CentralianLink) will now be actively managed, alumni subscriptions will be increased as updates are now being made in the alumni directory to widen audience coverage and link more Centralians all over the world.
The Centralian Link will also be releasing weekly newsletters, to be received by email subscriptions while printed copies of the publication will be distributed once every two months.
Together with Cyrus Natividad, Press Media Relations Officer, Mark Clemens Ortaliz, Webmaster and Keziah Huelar, Publishing Assistant, The Centralian Link will pursue excellence in producing quality articles that cater to the information needs and entertainment of Centralians everywhere.
Centralian shines in France Got Talent
(Katchry and her mother (centre) with University President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, CPUAAI President, Mr. Daniel P. Dorillo, and CAS Faculty and Staff.)
Hearts listen, music steals the spotlight – CPU Rose Memorial echoes with applause as Katchry Jewel Golbin sings for her fellow Centralians. She can’t see the crowd but she can feel each note escaping her heart. The audience shouts “more! more!”, a smile then escapes her lips. Music is letting her see a vision no eyes could give her.
Katchry, also known as Alienette Colfire on social media, is a 2016 graduate of Bachelor of Arts in English of Central Philippine University, hailing from Tapaz, Capiz, this humble siren is known for her love of music and her soulful desire to share her talent with others.
(I DREAMED A DREAM – Katchry sings winning audtion at France Got Talent Season 11.)
Now, her voice is heard all over the world, Kathryn graced the stage of France Got Talent Season 11 singing the French version of “I dreamed a dream” from the famous Broadway Les Miserables. “I chose the song because the story of Les Miserables by Victor Hugo inspired me.” – Katchry, when asked why she chose to sing “I dreamed a dream” for her audition.
Her performance moved one of the judges, Helene Segara, to tears. She received a standing ovation from the crowd and from the judges earning her a spot in the semifinals. Everyone was in awe of the angelic voice coming from the 25 year old singer.
Katchry learned French to understand the song La Vie En Rose by one of her favorite singers Edith Piaf. She also had friends from France that helped her study the language on-line. Her persistence to learn made her a fluent speaker of the language, making it easier for her to adjust in her stay in France for the duration of the contest.
Back in 2008, Katchry auditioned in Pinoy Idol but was not able to make it the top 12. She however captured the attention of singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid, who helped her get a visa for her trip. Alcasid sought the help of Solenn Heusaff and her father to assist her in acquiring travel documents to France.
(Katchry serenades Centralians at Alumni Recognition Program.)
Two years ago, she was invited to audition for France Got Talent but was not able to get a visa. Now, she conquers the global stage bringing with her the Centralian pride and spirit. Katchry’s story is a testimony of faith and persistence. Even without her eyesight, she is able to inspire others to pursue their passion and dream big. With music for eyes, she sees a future full of beautiful notes and melodies.
Katchry is currently in Iloilo preparing for her next trip to Paris. Last November 10, 2016, the university held a Special Alumni Recognition Program at Henry Luce III Library Conference Room to award her a certificate of recognition for her contributions in making Central Philippine University known to the world.
The program was attended by students, College of Arts and Sciences faculty, and other key persons in the university including University President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles and President CPUAAI President, Mr. Daniel P. Dorillo.
Katchry’s former classmate in Religion and Ethics, Mr. Jo Jan Paul Peñol, shared his college memories with the singer.
According to Peñol, Katchry was known to hum before their classes. Her singing would always brighten up the room because the songs she would sing had very encouraging lyrics. She was an inspiration to him and his classmates.
For her response, Katchry sang “The Prayer” and thanked the Centralian Community for their love and support.
6th Agri Fair to be held in CPU
Central Philippine University in partnership with the Department of Agriculture will be holding the 6th DA-CPU Regional Organic Research Fair and Exhibits at the CPU Alumni Promenade Concert Park on November 22-25, 2016.
Bannering the theme: Massive And Sustainable Food Production For Poverty Alleviation, the event will provide a venue for community leaders, students, educational mentors and others to discuss possible solutions for poverty alleviation and sustainability.
The seminar caters both the creative and technical side of promoting agricultural sustainability. Seminars, exhibits and contest await participants – key experts will be speaking about agricultural production and development, exhibits will be held showcasing the local produce and products of our farmers, creative contests will also be held to encourage students to participate and express their care and appreciation to Mother Nature through the medium of art.
Gearing towards sustainability, innovations in farming and urban gardening will be discussed. The 2016 Agri Fair aims to educate and inform the growing public of the current state of our agricultural set-up and the need to expand the awareness in both rural and urban Farming.
Golden Lions dominate ISSA 2016
(GOLDEN LIONS – Tertiary Womens Volleyball Team with University President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles and CPU Sports Development Office Director, Atty. Alejandro Somo.)
(20 GOLD, 5 SILVER and 3 BRONZE – Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, University President with CPU Sports Development Office Directory, Atty. Alejandro Somo pose with accolades earned by Centralian Athletes.)
CPU bagged 20 Championships, Five 2nd place and three 3rd place titles in this year’s Iloilo Schools Sports Association Meet, October 2016. The annual event, held every October, invites all private schools to showcase Ilonggo sportsmanship and skill.
(CENTRALIAN PRIDE – Medals and Certificates garnered by CPU during ISSA 2016.)
Champion Badminton Secondary Girls Doubles
Champion Basketball Tertiary Women
Champion Chess Elementary Boys
Champion Chess Secondary Boys
Champion Chess Secondary Girls
Champion Chess Tertiary Women
Champion Football Elementary Boys
Champion Football Secondary Boys
Champion Football Tertiary Men
Champion Table Tennis Elementary Boys
Champion Table Tennis Secondary Boys
Champion Table Tennis Secondary Girls
Champion Table Tennis Tertiary Women
Champion Taekwondo Elementary Boys
Champion Taekwondo Secondary Boys
Champion Taekwondo Secondary Girls
Champion Taekwondo Tertiary Women
Champion Volleyball Elementary Boys
Champion Volleyball Tertiary Men
Champion Volleyball Tertiary Women
2nd Place Badminton Secondary Boys Doubles
2nd Place Badminton Secondary Girls Doubles
2nd Place Chess Elementary Girls
2nd Place Taekwondo Tertiary Men
2nd Place Volleyball Elementary Girls
3rd Place Badminton Secondary Boys Singles
3rd Place Chess Tertiary Men
3rd Place Table Tennis Tertiary Men
Siem Reap and the Centralian Artist
(Loven Ramos in one of his managed art shops.)
The Ankor Wat stands proudly in the background as an orange sky with feign lilac memories of night slowly disappears, the alleys light up from their slumber as stalls of local produce and souvenirs occupy the side walk, tourists walk to and fro with an expectant heart for a new destination, the streets turn into a kaleidoscope of color and exotic fragrance – rustic mornings in Cambodia are incomparable.
For Loven Ramos, this is home – the buzzing sound and sight of Siem Reap is his artist’s getaway. The city’s fusion of history and fortune is a perfect canvass for his masterpiece.
Loven, a Centralian graduate of Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications in 2001, is a visual poet. In 1997, he became one of the pioneer members of The Teatro, Sining, atbp., a theater group established for cultural upliftment. He wrote a production entitled “Candelaria”. The play, set during the Spanish colonization, tells the story of a young woman being forced to marry a wealthy Spanish Don instead of her true love.
During his stay at Central Philippine University, he began a lasting affair with the arts. He joined the school publication and developed a love for photography and writing. After graduation he went to Manila and ventured to promote his passion for the arts. There he went from one gallery to another looking for opportunities to have his work featured.
When I was living in Manila, I was literally begging galleries to give me an opportunity to exhibit my works but to no avail”, Loven said in his interview with Pacificqa, a digital news website. According to his interview, his artwork in Manila were all very monochromatic, sad and austere, a reflection of the urban culture of the city.
Finally he found an opportunity for his art to blossom. He got an email saying that one of the leading hotels in Cambodia was looking for a graphics designer. He grabbed the opportunity and found himself leaving Manila to enter the portals of Siem Reap, Cambodia.
There, he explored opportunities of his craft. In Cambodia, he discovered color again.
After working in the hotel for a year, he quit his job and was hired as a gallery designer. His clients then introduced him Martin Dishman of Linga Bar, Dishman later on hosted his first solo exhibition. More opportunities followed suit as he was discovered by Hotel de la Paix who asked him for his first brand management design work.
He put up Spoolworks Design studio and worked with Raffles, the Aman Resorts, the Orient Express and other local hotels. Before he knew it he was doing interior design for apartment, hotels and restaurants all over Siem Reap. His major projects include doing an entire exhibition of wire and metal sculptures for Louis Vuitton’s Guerlain line and a landscape design for Angelina Jolie’s organization and community in Battambang. He also has done exhibitions in Beijing, Singapore and New York.
Loven is now a sought after artist in Cambodia and a travel writer promoting the history and culture of Cambodia in both national (Philippines and Cambodia) and international magazines. He has recently been featured in the November 2016 issue of Smile – the official magazine of Cebu Pacific Air.
When asked about his creative process, Loven replies that it is the bumps and curves along the way that make it exciting – “It’s not at all a perfect line. There is no formula for anything. You will succeed. You will fail”.
According to Loven, Cambodia opened its arms to him and he embraced it back. He not only discovered his identity as an artist but he found a place to call home – a place in the universe to cater his dreams and his passion for the arts, a place for his Centralian spirit to thrive. / Keziah G. Huelar
CPU Hails New Accountants
With 39 new accountants, the Accountancy Program of the College of Business and Accountancy got an 86.67% CPU passing rate versus a 36.48% national passing rate in the 2016 Certified Public Accountant Licensure Examination. To celebrate said accomplishment, faculty and staff together with the CPU Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants held a Candle Lighting Ceremony to welcome and congratulate newly passed Centralian accountants at Rose Memorial Auditorium, October 21, 2016.
Emphasizing the theme Thriving to Primeness, the event aimed to appreciate the efforts of key persons that contributed to the success of our New Centralian Accountants. The program included an inspirational message from CPA Alumni Jikko S. Bellerdo, testimonials from the new CPA and a response from the proud parents.
FCBWMU holds 70th Annual General Assembly
(Morning Devotional with Mrs. Editha E. Abelarde)
Highlighting the theme: Women of Faith Building Resilient Communities, the Federation of Convention Baptist Women’s Missionary Unions conducted their 70th Annual General Assembly at Central Philippine University, October 17-29, 2016.
(The Power of Prayer – FCBWMU members take a moment to ask The Almighty for guidance and strength.)
The three-day event included tract and bible distribution, Biblico-theological reflections and lectures on Health and Family Wellness, Financial Resiliency and Survival in Natural Calamities among others. The assembly also included accomplishment reports and slide presentations from each Union, showcasing the milestones of the organization and future goals.
With ten established Unions in the Philippines, the General Assembly gathered at least 350 participants from all over the country. The event became an occasion for sisters’-in-Christ to share testimonies, encouragements and laughs as they celebrate 70 years of friendship in the Lord.