Wear your heart on your sleeve—On February 14, 2018, Central Philippine University Republic encouraged Centralians to wear their feelings. With ten colors to choose from, there is an option for every emotion and a hugot for every Centralian. Red is worn by those happily in-love while black signifies heartache. The trend is an annual tradition for Centralians.
Stalls filled with chocolate and flowers welcome the students as they walk through the half-moon on Valentine’s Day. A dominant white fills the university, expressing the opinion on love of the majority of the students.
As the celebration of Valentine’s Day comes to another close, may Centralians be reminded of the greatest love of all—the love of Christ.
“We love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19).
“Two people are better than one, because they can reap more benefit from their labor. For if they fall, one will help his companion up, but pity the person who falls down and has no one to help him up. Furthermore, if two lie down together, they can keep each other warm, but how can one person keep warm by himself? Although an assailant may overpower one person, two can withstand him. Moreover, a three-stranded cord is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).
May our relationships be centered on Christ, the Author and Creator of love.
The Annual Evaluation and Exhibits of Student Campus Organizations aims to showcase CPU’s unity in diversity through the different advocacies. They were awarded as the best organization, special category.
A total of 75 student organizations from CPU participated in the Annual Evaluation and Exhibits of Student Campus Organizations 2018 held last February 8-9 at the Alumni Promenade Concert Park. The student organizations were classified into Academics, Special, Sports, Religious, Cultural and Arts, Municipal/Regional and Fraternity. Each group installed and decorated their kiosks for the judges and bystanders. They displayed admirable cooperation, talent, and determination for their work to be judged as this year’s “best of the best.”
The awards included “Best Student Organization” and “Best Adviser.” An Essay Writing Contest was also included in the events.
The CPU Gospel Team booth at the Half-Moon. They were awarded as the best religious organization.
The opening celebration started at 2 pm on the first day and was attended by Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico, Vice President for Student Affairs and Co-Chair of Student Organizations Committee and Dr. Florence P. Bogacia, Vice President, Finance and Administration. Other attendees included Dr. Margen A. Java, Director, Student Development Programs and Chair, Student Organizations Committee; Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Director, Office of Communications and Member, Student Organizations Committee; Ms. Crista S. Huyong, Coordinator, Cultural Affairs Office; and. Ms. Rouella Cheyenne C. Aberia, Placement Coordinator.
Rev. Gico delivered the inspirational message to the participants while Rev. Jalando-on led the invocation and closing prayers.
Dr. Bogacia and Rev. Gico cut the ceremonial ribbon at the exhibit venue. The rationale of activity, criteria, and judges were read by Dr. Java. The judging started on the first day and continued onto the second day.
With a ranking of 95.07, in the Academic classification, the Institute of Electronics Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. was awarded the overall Best Organization. Their organization got a prize of P10,000.00.
The Library Student Assistants was the best among the Special organizations category with a total ranking percentage of 92.27. The top rank among the Sports organizations category is the Central Philippine University Mountaineering Society from with a ranking 90.9 %. CPU Gospel Team led the religious organization with a rating of 93.47%. CPU Teatro, Sining, Atbp. was best in Cultural and Arts category. The best Municipal/Regional Organization was claimed by Leon Centralians, and the Best Fraternity is Phi Beta Epsilon Fraternity.
The following are the Best Advisers in their categories: Mr. Ron Adrian Dionaldo of the Institute of Packaging Professionals CPU-Student Chapter (Academics Category), Mr. Jojee Roy T. Juarez of CPU Emergency Response Team (Red Cross Youth Council) (Special Category), Ms. Grace Ann C. Jardenil of CPU Teatro, Sining, Atbp. (Cultural and Arts Category), Mr. James Peter Trasporto of Central Philippine University Mountaineering Society (Sports Category), and Dr. Florentino Alerta II of Every Nation Campus (Religious Category).
In the Essay Writing Contest, the following are the winners: 1st Place, Niegil E. Libo-on, Work Students Organization; 2nd Place, Denise Marie Aldea, CPU Biological Society; 3rd Place: Nestle G. Taala, CPU Gospel Team.
Vice President Gico congratulated the participants and appreciated the event for promoting student-university relations. He also pointed, among other benefits of the activity, the students’ holistic development in their academic and social disciplines.
Dr. Alfred Aaron Lee, world-renowned musician shares his testimony during his concert at the Rose Memorial Auditorium.
Dr. Aaron Alfred Lee during his piano concert at the Central Philippine University Rose Memorial on February 8, 2018 shared the message that the symphony of life is composed of diverse melodies of highs and lows that intertwine our hearts to the choices that lead us to our purpose. Life is therefore a song—a duet with our Creator, an infinite harmony of grace and thanksgiving.
A pre-CEW event—For the words of welcome, CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles thanked Dr. Lee for sharing his time and talent to the university. “This is indeed a rare opportunity for us to listen to a great performance from a world-renowned artist. We’re happy that Dr. Lee, who is an honorary Centralian, will perform for our entertainment. We decided that since our Christ Emphasis Week is in the last week of February, we will call this a pre-CEW event. I thank the students and guests for joining us tonight.”
CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles thanked Dr. Aaron Alfred Lee for once again sharing his talent to CPU.
Christ Emphasis Event will be held on February 26 to March 2, 2018.
Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, in his message, talked about this year’s CEW theme entitled “With You Always.” He shared that the theme is a response to the growing percentage of youth who experience depression. “This coming February 26 to March 2, we will again celebrate the Christ Emphasis Week. Our theme for semester highlights the text in Psalm 23:4, which says, ‘Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.’ We are cognizant of the fact that behind the façade of great technological and scientific innovation that grant us remarkable capacity to travel, communicate, and explore the world, a lot of people are still lonely.”
According to him, this year’s CEW is about reaching out to those who are experiencing depression and anxiety. “We are aiming to minister to those who are undergoing tough times by tapping into our spiritual resource in the Scriptures. We are also aiming to increase the awareness of the Centralian community on this topic of loneliness and to encourage the hearers that there is a need for us to create a safe haven, caring and compassionate, where our uniqueness is honored and respected, our gifts are celebrated, and our brokenness is restored by the power of God.”
Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor, University Church talked this year’s CEW theme “With You Always”.CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles and Ma’am Angel Robles with world-renowned musician, Dr. Aaron Alfred Lee.
Music and testimony—Before the performance proper, Dr. Lee shared his love for CPU and his devotion to Christ. “My first trip in the Philippines was to visit CPU. I consider this university my home away from home. The focus of my life, if you know me well, is Jesus. When you hear Christ Emphasis Week, you need to know who that Christ is—and that Christ is Jesus. The most important person of tonight’s program is Jesus.”
The two-hour concert showcased Dr. Lee’s musical prowess and his commitment to share the love of Jesus to others. In the middle of his performance, Dr. Lee talked about the importance of knowing the purpose of one’s gift. “It’s good to know what talent you have. Every one of us has been given a talent but it is better to know why the talent is given—to know the purpose. Having the talent is no good if you don’t know the purpose; knowing the purpose is greater. How you use your talent is very important.”
Dr. Lee performed classic Christian hymns, a couple of his compositions, and for his finale song, he played John William’s “Across the Stars” from Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones. Humorously, before playing, Dr. Lee remarked, “I will play Star Wars but let us not go to the dark side but to the side of the light.”
To the delight of Centralians, Dr. Lee’s concert was a testimony of encouragement and grace. His musical talent has inspired a generation of dreamers and his love for Christ has helped others pursue Christ and His purpose. An adopted son of Iloilo City and an honorary Centralian, Dr. Lee will always find a home at Central and a stage for his testimony to be shared.
“Dr. Aaron Alfred Lee hails from Malaysia, but has been residing in the United States of America since 1991. He received his degree in music composition from the University of North Texas of Denton, Texas, USA and an honorary Doctorate of Music from the Central Philippine University of Iloilo, Philippines. His success as a composer, arranger, performer, and vocalist has earned him many awards and accolades, plus an extensive experience of traveling around the world as a renowned musician. However, he considers being known as the ambassador of the Gospel of Christ the most thrilling, and the highest position in life.
“For Dr. Lee, his conversion to Christianity at the age of 17 remains his best experience of all. His supernatural encounter with the Lord Jesus appearing to him has caused him to forever consecrate his life to God, and dedicate all his talents to serving Him. Sharing his testimonies of God’s grace working in his life constantly makes it real for the world to see the existence of the one true God who still communicates and is present in the lives of the faithful today.”
As commitment to the Philippine Red Cross’ cause, Centralians pledged their signatures in the Red Cross Freedom Wall.
The Dinagyang Blood Olympics was held for the first time at Central Philippine University’s Alumni Promenade and Concert Park on January 22 to 23, 2018. The Blood Olympics was a concerted effort of the Philippine Red Cross, CPU, and the Dinagyang Foundation.
Six schools and universities in Iloilo City participated in the event: John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University – Arevalo, John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University – Molo, St. Therese MTC Colleges – Magdalo, Iloilo Doctors College, St. Therese MTC Colleges – La Fiesta, and CPU. The schools competed among themselves to raise the most number of blood units of 500 cc per blood donor. Overall, there were 80 blood donors from six participating schools—delivering a total of 490 units (blood bags). The collected bags of blood were to be distributed to hospitals for use in the Dinagyang Festival in case of need or emergency.
CPU’s entry in the Dinagyang Blood Olympics Digital Poster Making Contest.Centralians donate blood for a cause during the First Dinagyang Blood Olympics.
“There may be serious incidents in the festival that requires emergency medical treatments so standby blood packs are needed,” according to Iloilo Blood Bank Manager Dr. Denise Roy Pasadilla. The unused blood units will be stacked at the Red Cross blood bank.
According to Mr. Jojee Roy Juarez, CPU Red Cross Youth Adviser, the blood collection on the first day is consigned to the inter-school competition, while blood collected on the second day would be acknowledged as CPU’s donation to the Red Cross.
The Rose Memorial Auditorium has been a witness of many talents throughout the years.
The former Ilonggo Music Festival, an original project of Bombo Radyo Iloilo, goes national, with the recent Music Festival of Bombo Radyo Philippines held at the Rose Memorial Auditorium last Saturday, January 6 at 6:30 in the evening.
Due to insistent public demand from several cities at Bombo stations, Bombo Radyo Philippines decided to include provincial songwriters and singers to join in the national finals of the singing competition. It has chosen Rose Memorial Auditorium at Central Philippine University to be the venue.
The music festival is only among several national and local events and concerts that have been held at the CPU Rose Memorial Auditorium. Big concert events of popular music groups like the world famous Platters, Cascades, John Ford Coley and Filipino performers like Zsa Zsa Padilla were held at the Rose Memorial Auditorium. Beauty pageants like Miss Earth and local Miss Dinagyang Beauty pageants have also been organized at the Auditorium. Several summits like agriculture, business and governance, organizations, religious and community events have also taken place here.
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, encouraged Centralians and partner-organizations to support the advocacies of the Philippine Red Cross.
With the aim of encouraging more volunteers to donate their blood, the Philippine Red Cross Regional Office in partnership with the Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation will be holding the Dinagyang Blood Olympics on selected dates this January 2018 at participating schools and universities. The opening program of the said activity was held at CPU Alumni Promenade Concert Park on January 10, 2018.
For the welcome message, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, CPU President, thanked the Iloilo City Government and the Philippine Red Cross for holding activities that promote the spirit of volunteerism, “We hope that events like this will continue as long as there is a need to help others who need blood donations. I thank the Iloilo City Government, the Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation, the Philippine Red Cross and all its partners for holding this kind of activity.”
Atty. Dominador C. Co., Executive Assistant to the Mayor, expressed the city’s thanks to the partner-agencies and universities for their support and commitment to the said activity.
Representative of Iloilo City Mayor, Jose Espinosa III, Atty. Dominador C. Co, Executive Assistant to the Mayor, expressed the city government’s gratitude to the partner-universities for their support and commitment to the said activity, “This noble endeavor is saving the welfare, well-being, and lives through the spirit of volunteerism. Volunteerism is one basic value we all share—giving our time and talent for the betterment of all. It is a culture that promotes community service.”
Dr. Mae Ann Sta. Lucia, Regional Blood Program Coordinator, Department of Health Region VI, on behalf of Dr. Marlyn Concovar, highlighted the role of youth in keeping the spirit of volunteerism alive, “We encourage the youth to inculcate the spirit of volunteerism, especially to participate in our blood drives. The spirit of volunteerism is very much alive in the provinces of Panay.”
CPU Prime Minister Charles Arthel Rey, in his message, encouraged his fellow youth to develop a heart for community service and empathy, “It is a great honor that the opening of the1st Dinagyang Blood Olympics was held here in our university. We should have a heart of empathy and volunteerism for our fellowman by supporting and promoting causes like this.”
The CPU College Red Cross Youth spearheaded the morning parade.
Dr. Paul Francia, Chairman, Blood Committee Philippine Red Cross-Iloilo, representative of Mr. Ramon Cua Locsin, President, Iloilo DinagyangFoundation, officially opened the 1st Dinagyang Blood Olympics.
The program began with a prayer, led by CPU Vice President for Student Affair, Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico. The singing of the Philippine National Anthem and the CPU Hymn followed, both conducted by the Director, CPU Cultural Affairs, Ms. Crista Huyong with the CPU Symphonic Band conducted by Mr. Asuncion O. Bautista.
Also part of the Dinagyang festivities is a special screening of the entries for the short film making contest. The screening will be at Cinematheque Iloilo on January 23, 2018.
Warm Up! Members of the CPU Work Student Organization hold party games prior to the official program.
The Work-Student Organization (WSO) of Central Philippine University (CPU) put forth its hundred years dictum, “Labor is Honor” when they celebrated their annual celebration of “Dies Felices” last December 22-23, 2017 at CPU High School Gymnasium and Alumni Promenade Concert Park as their venues.
The two-day celebration was planned and organized by the initiative of the WSO officers headed by their president, Ms. Precious Mae Jamola. In her message, Jamola emphasized the significance of the celebration to every work students. “Dies Felices is an annual event of the work student organization which all members of the work student organization participate in. The main objectives of this activity are to provide avenue for its members to acquaint themselves with one another, showcase their talents and to build connection to the work students. It is also very important to realize the mission and vision of the organization.” Ms Jamola said.
The program started with a Sport Fest held at the CPU High School Gym. The four chapters of WSO namely; Clerical Student Assistants (CSA), Janitorial Student Assistants (JSA), Library Student Assistants (LSA) and Services & Laboratories Student Assistants (SLSA) competed in both volleyball and basketball event. The overall victor of the Sport Fest was earned by the SLSA, followed by the CSA as second place, LSA and JSA landed on third and fourth place, respectively. The winners was also given cash awards.
A seminar on “Safety in the Workplace” was conducted on the second day of the Dies Felices celebration with Mr. Prim Vergara, OHS Officer/Technical Assistant to the President, as the resource speaker. Mr. Vergara pointed out in his talk the Japanese way of living. He taught work students the five Japanese words that encompass the Japanese method in harmonizing their workplace; the Seiri (Sort), Seiton (Set in Order), Seiso (Shine), Seiketsu (Standardize) and Shitsuke (Sustain).
The highlight of the celebration was the Mr. and Miss Dies Felices held at Alumni Promenade. Dinner was served for everyone before the program started at around 7 pm. It was hosted by Ms. Divine Grace Sorioso and Pastor Alfred Morales. Sixteen candidates (8 males, 8 females), two pairs from each chapters vied to win the crown as Mr. & Miss Dies Felices 2017. The pageant started as each of them displayed their confident poses in their production number followed by their casual wear production. They also walked on stage wearing their formal attire sponsored by Ilonggo fashion designer, Mandy Salcedo after heading to the Q&A portion.
The contestants and candidates of the search for Mr. and Miss Dies Felices 2017 (From L-R. 3rd runner up- Geraldine Quinquero (JSA), 3rd runner up- Rex Caraecle (LSA), 1st runner up- Lauren Shinia Marie Dorado (CSA), 1st runner up- Niegil Libo-on (SLSA), Ms. Dies Felices 2017- Shaira Mae Patnubay (CSA), Mr. Dies Felices 2017- Junar Onico (CSA) , 2nd runner up- Sumabong, Jessa Paula (JSA), 2nd runner up- Francis Jumilla (SLSA).
The winners of Mr. and Miss Dies Felices are as follows;
Mr. Dies Felices 2017- Junar Onico (CSA)
Ms. Dies Felices 2017- Shaira Mae Patnubay (CSA)
1st runner up- Niegil Libo-on (SLSA)
1st runner up- Lauren Shinia Marie Dorado (CSA)
2nd runner up- Francis Jumilla (SLSA)
2nd runner up- Sumabong, Jessa Paula (JSA)
3rd runner up- Rex Caraecle (LSA)
3rd runner up- Geraldine Quinquero (JSA)
As president of WSO, Jamola felt grateful that Dies Felices 2017 became a successful one.
“It truly made me realize that the work students are not just about working and schooling, we also have the capacity to organize events like the Dies Felices 2017. The success of the event is a proof of the hard work, unity and creativity of the work students. As the president of this organization it filled my heart with great joy and love, knowing that I am a leader of a student body that breaks boundaries”, Jamola remarked.
At the moment Jamola is looking forward for the Dies Felices 2018, “The new set of officers next year will surely do their best to exceed the expectation of the organization’s members. Through the help of the members, officers and adviser, the Dies Felices 2018 will surely a remarkable one”, she added.
campus events 