Albert Jan Matthew Java encourages Centralian to be united as the university ushers in a new set of CPUR officials.
Together in sea of tarpaulins and placards, Centralians, with their cheers, filled the Rose Memorial Auditorium with the Central Spirit—the 2019 Central Philippine University Student Republic Election Grand Rally is a spectacle of the supremacy of the student body in the voting process and their involvement in the future programs and initiatives of the next set of CPU Student Republic Officials.
This kind of exhibition has been witnessed by the university for 113 years. Being the oldest student republic in South East Asia, the CPU Student Republic has been an emblem, inspiring young leaders not only to serve Centralians but the community at large.
Throughout the years, the CPUR Elections have been dominated by two student parties—the Reform Party and Koalisyon Party. Both are veteran student institutions celebrating a deep commitment to student leadership and community service.
Koalisyon takes pride in its 35 years of history in the university. According to Albert Jan Matthew Java, CPUR President 2012-2013, Koalisyon’s beginnings started within the CPU College of Theology: “The real name of our party is Koalisyon ng Demokratikong Mag-aaral Para Sa Sambayanan, Our origins are really from the College of Theology. It [was] actually a coalition of two parties. Koa is a pro-student political party that pushes for the rights of the students. It has withstood the Martial Law; it [has] survived throughout the years.”
Jothamme Enriquez highlights that principled leaders are those who stand for what is right rather than what is popular.
Java became a part of the Koalisyon Party in 2006 when he ran for Board Member of the CPU High School Student Council. His journey with the party has continued to the time when he became the CPUR President until after his graduation as he mentors the next generation of Koalisyon leaders: “The vision [that has] passed on from generation to generation is that Koalisyon is for the students and by the students. Koalisyon advocates for servant-leadership. Being founded by theology students, Koa dwells on the leadership style of Jesus—which is servant-leadership. In order to be first, you have to be last—you have to serve first before you can lead.”
The Reform Party, on the other hand, was established in 2002. It was formed by five Totoong Partido ng Mag-aaral members, who decided to dissolve TPM and instead organize the Reform Party. According to Jothamme Enriquez, CPUR Senator, 2011-2012, Reform offers a liberal approach in its leadership style: “Ever since I became part of Reform, the party really believed in a more liberal approach [to] student government. We want leaders that are firm in their beliefs but open to new ideas.”
When asked what makes a good CPUR leader, Java highlights the importance of intentions not only in serving the students but in committing oneself to the cause of uplifting and protecting the welfare of Centralians: “For me it’s pure intentions; if you have any other ulterior motive aside from the pure intention of serving the student bod, at the end of the day, when you are stuck with all that you have to do, you will always go back to your motivation and intention. And if there’s just one, slight malice in your motivation, you will get tired of serving. If you have the purest of intentions in serving the students, whatever color you represent, whatever party you come from, whatever course you may be, I tell you, you are right for that position.”
Enriquez, on the other hand, shares that one’s principles are the backbone of serving the studentry: “Principles are important. We need student leaders that disregard the colors of the party and work for the entire studentry—even [for] those who did not vote for them. The moment one wins, the colors you represent don’t matter. I hope you do not forget why you are there in the first place. It’s cliché but it’s all about service and [the] principles you stand for.”
Sharing the challenges that come along with being a CPUR officer, Java and Enriquez agree that it is about handling expectations and implementing their events and advocacies successfully that keep them on their toes. “Just like any other person up in a position, there are always expectations. It’s a challenge because it’s always there but you don’t have to be stressed about it. It’s just a challenge; you can do something about it. At the end of the day, it’s how you manage those expectations and criticisms. You are in control of how you react. You have to react out of love,” Java says.
For Enriquez, the success of every activity depends not only on the CPUR officials. It is the entire student body participating and helping one another that ultimately determines how efficient the CPUR programs and initiatives are: “I hope we help the CPUR Officers because it’s a two-way street. Their activities won’t be as successful if we do not participate. I hope that students will also give credit to their CPUR officers because it’s motivational on their end and encourage them to do more—when [they] see the students enjoying or benefiting from what [they] did, even if [they] just work on the sidelines; when people remember [them] as a student leader serving and giving [their] best for CPU. Being in the CPUR means working behind the scenes most of the time—and it entails a lot of work.”
Emphasizing the Central Spirit, both student leaders share how their fellow CPU alumni mentors help them in their leadership journey. “We have that feeling of interconnected-ness with our alumni and [the alumni] always do what we can to mentor the next generation. We don’t just want to prepare them for the CPUR positions, we want to prepare them for the real world,” Java shares. Enriquez adds, “Until now, we still communicate with our adviser and other fellow alumni who are also part of Reform. We have developed a strong sense of commitment of serving the studentry and along the way, we also gained strong connections and friendships with one another that really embody the Central Spirit.”
As for their message to the Centralian community as the CPUR transitions to new student leadership in the next school year, Java and Enriquez encourage Centralians to be united and set aside party colors. “Let’s forget about the red and the green and go back to the blue and the yellow,” Java urges.
Enriquez also encourages those candidates who did not win to continue serving Central in their own capacity. According to her, the opportunity to serve is not limited in being a CPUR official: “There are so many ways to serve Centralians. You don’t have to be in the CPUR to serve. It’s a wrong notion to believe that you have to be in position to help your fellow Centralians. At the end of the day, yes, the CPUR primarily serves the students but behind the CPUR are also volunteers and willing Centralians, [who] help. The CPUR officers cannot do the task alone.”
As CPU welcomes a new era of student leadership, both the Koalisyon and Reform are united in serving Centralians. At the end of the day it is not the colors they represent during the election but the service and commitment they offer to Centralians for the pride of Central and, most importantly, for the glory of God.
Celebrating young entrepreneurs – the event aims to encourage and promote business-minded Centralians.
CPU Senior High School celebrated Entrepreneurship Week from March 4 to 8, 2019. Twenty-one (21) colorful booths were installed at the Half Moon Drive. The decorated booths sold a variety of meals, snacks, and drinks. The objective of the week-long activity is for the students to apply the business plan that they developed in their Entrepreneurship subject.
Abdullah Essa Obordo, a Filipino-Kuwaiti national and a student of the University Senior High School, displayed his skills in preparing shawarma at their section’s booth. He even offered some visitors a small sample of their product. Abdullah observes, “I enjoyed learning more about selling in our entrepreneurship class.” He adds, “I was really inspired to include [shawarma in this event].”
Angelo Dalumpines, Obordo’s classmate, stressed the importance of cooperation. He pointed out the growing inclination of the students towards business. The Senior High School entrepreneurship activities in the campus started with Entrepreneurship Week in 2017, Dalumpines said.
The students will be graded according to how they implemented the business plan (how they ran the business) and how they performed their assigned tasks individually as assessed by their group mates.
Fun in the sun – the College of Business and Accountancy held their College Day program and activities at the CPU Big Field. Photo Credit: Ronan Dumagit.
A celebration of faith and camaraderie—Central Philippine University holds its annual College Day in the CPU Campus on March 1, 2019.
The different colleges of the university showcased their creativity, talent, and solidarity by holding different events and programs in their respective venues in the campus. A spectacle of sights and sound, CPU’s College Day is a celebration recognizing God’s faithfulness to CPU and the hard work and perseverance of the students, faculty, and staff as the school year comes to an end.
The CPU College Day is a time to commemorate the Central Spirit by celebrating friendships and connections within the CPU community. The College of Computer Studies celebrated College Day by highlighting Filipino party games.
Spearheaded by the different college councils, the celebration is an ode to CPU’s creed of not only producing exemplary Christian learners for life but of establishing a lasting bond among its students anchored on Christ and driven by the Central Spirit.
CPU boasts of its close-knit alumni here and abroad. Such connections have been fortified by events such as the “College Day” where Centralians all over the campus create wonderful memories that last throughout their lifetime.
The CPU College of Law Junior students during the University Picnic. Photo Credit: Mark Greg Salaya
Celebrating 113 years of the Central Spirit—CPU’s annual tradition of holding the University Foot Parade early in the morning from CPU to Jaro and conducting a CPU Picnic continues as Centralians from different colleges and units showcased their own interpretation of honoring God for his faithfulness to the University. The opening parade highlighting the Central Spirit ended at the CPU Big Field where a short program was conducted where CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, officially opened the festivities. The picnic then followed suit, where the colleges and units held different events and activities at their assigned areas around the campus on September 26, 2018.
All Blue – The College of Business and Accountancy during the Street Dance Competition. The Senior High School giving a passionate performance during the Street Dance Competition.
With plenty of fun, food, and friendship, the event highlighted the Central Spirit by emphasizing unity in diversity. Centralians showcased their skills through the street dance and the folk dance competitions. In the street dance competition, participants from different colleges and units swayed and bopped their way around the CPU Campus, dressed in their creative ensemble. The folk dance competition, on the other hand, showcased the beauty of Filipino culture through the dancers’ graceful steps and traditional costumes.
The CPU Street Dance Competition showcases the fun and energy.An audience of Centralians at outside the Rose Memorial Auditorium witnessing the Street Dance Competition.
Aside from the dance competitions, the Battle of the Bands was also held. Centralians gathered at the Big Field to support their representatives and rock to awesome tunes. It has been a tradition in this competition to play at least one song of faith testifying that Christ is and will always be the cornerstone of the university.
The CPU U-Day Foot Parade is a showcase of the Centralian Spirit of friendship and Christian values.
Glorifying Christ for 113 years, the University Picnic is a testament of the continued celebration of faith and excellence, a tribute to God for blessing CPU.
CPU College of Law contestant during the English Oration Competition.
With the theme “Be a Centralian A.S.S.E.T.: Accountability to Self, Society, Environment Today and Beyond,” Central Philippine University celebrates the University Day 2018 in various venues inside the CPU Campus from September 17-29, 2018.
In sports, literary, and musical competitions, Centralians showcased their skills and talents highlighting the Central Spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie. The English literary contests, namely—oration, extemporaneous speech, declamation, and character interpretation—and the Filipino literary events—declamation, oration, extemporaneous speech, and binalaybay—were held at the Alumni Promenade Concert Park.
Women’s Trio Singing Competition contestants proudly wearing their Filipiniana.
Simultaneously, the musical competitions—male quartet, women’s trio, and others—were held at the Rose Memorial Auditorium.
Aside from these, Centralians could still look forward to more exciting events, such as the Mr. and Ms. CPU’s Talent Night on September 21, 2018 at the Rose Memorial Auditorium and the crowning of Mr. and Ms. CPU 2018 during the pageant night on September 25, 2018 at the same venue.
A battle of the words will also ensue on September 25, 2018 as the top colleges and units compete for the debate finals.
A passionate expression – a Binalaybay contestant performing his heartfelt piece.
On September 27, 2018, the University Picnic will be held around different venues in the campus. The Street Dance Competition, the Battle of the Bands and the Folk Dance Competition will also be held on the same day.
The CPUAAI also invites all CPU alumni to the 2018 Alumni Homecoming and General Assembly on September 29, 2018, 8:30 AM at the Rose Memorial Auditorium. The Alumni Night will be held at the Grand Xing Imperial Hotel on September 29, 2018, 7:00 PM. On the other hand, CPU’s 113th Foundation Day Memorial Service will be held at the Philippine-American Cemetery on October 1, 2018, 6:00 AM.
With the theme, “Fostering CPU’s Legacy: Let the Central Spirit Shine,” let us proclaim the goodness of the Lord in our university and His favour in our lives.
Prof. Janet S. Jalbuena, Junior High School Principal encouraged young Centralians to develop a deep appreciation for the Filipino language.
On the month of August, all levels in the University were encouraged to hold Buwan ng Wika celebrations which involve students in literary-musical programs.
One of the colorful events of Buwan ng Wika was on August 29 at the Rose Memorial Auditorium by CPU Elementary School with the theme: “Filipino: Wika ng Saliksik”.
Prof. Janet P. Jaco, CPU Elementary School Principal, in her opening remarks, quoted the writer John Romer Caraban: “Ang wika ay isang bahagi ng pakikipaglastasan. Kalipunan ito ng mga simbolo, tunog at mga kaugnay na batas upang maipahayag ang nais sabihin sa kaisipan.”
Celebrating Filipino language and culture – Centralians performed a series of intermission numbers showcasing the Filipino culture.
Three pairs of elementary pupils dressed as Lakanbini and Lakandula represented the 3 island groups of the Philippines—Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Each grade level also performed a special number.
Both Junior and Senior High Schools held their Buwan ng Wika programs on August 31, Friday, at the Rose Memorial Auditorium. The first part of the program was facilitated by the Junior High School in the morning. The students sang, danced, and presented other enjoyable numbers in a variety show format. Prof. Janet Jalbuena, Junior High School Principal, encouraged this event as “this would always remind Filipinos of the importance of the Filipino language and culture.”
Pandanggo sa Ilaw performed by Centralians.
Filipino teacher Joel Encajonado also commented that it is important to celebrate Buwan ng Wika every year as the national language was inspired by Manuel L. Quezon.”
The Senior High School facilitated the second part of the program in the afternoon with a film showing of the movie Munting Pangarap.
On August 14, 1991, the Philippine Congress passed Republic Act 7104 or the “Commission on the Filipino Language Act.” It prescribes Filipino as the national language of the Philippines. With this law all schools, colleges, and universities are obliged to promote the national language by having Filipino subjects in the curriculum and to hold programs such as the Buwan ng Wika.
The contestants and candidates of Mr. and Ms. CPU 2017.
The U-Day fever is starting! One of the most-anticipated events in CPU’s annual University Days celebration is the Search for Mr. and Miss CPU. Through the years, the Search for Mr. & Miss CPU has proven to be one of the most glamorous and prestigious pageants in the city of Iloilo. It has consistently produced young men and women who are not only endowed with the looks, but more importantly, are bestowed with the wisdom, grace, and compassion needed to effect change in this modern world.
Mr. and Miss Law 2017 during the Talent Night.
This year’s Search for Mr. and Miss CPU will prove to be more exciting with 15 contesting pairs vying for the coveted title. The Talents’ Presentation will be held on September 21, 2018 (Friday), 5:00 PM at the Rose Memorial Auditorium. The Pageant Night will be held on September 25, 2018 (Tuesday), 5:00 PM also at the Rose Memorial Auditorium.
The search for Mr. and Miss CPU is an avenue for Centralians to showcase their talent.
Tickets will be available at the Cultural Affairs Office. For more information, kindly contact Ms. Crista S. Huyong on 329-
The foot parade is one the most awaited events of the U-Day.
Excitement has taken over as students, faculty, and staff work towards the University Day season. The kick-off is tentatively scheduled on September 3, 2018. The U-Day celebrations are organized by the U-Day Steering Committee in coordination with the CPU Republic.
“Be an A.S.S.E.T. (Accountable to Self, Society and Environment Today and Beyond),” is the U-Days’ theme which suggests creative contribution and cooperation of individuals so that everyone could become an asset.
The intramurals will begin at 2:00 PM on September 3 with an opening ceremony at the Alumni Promenade and Concert Park. After which, the Sports Parade will follow. The aquathlon will then be the opening event. Ball games will start on September 10 at designated areas. Most of the literary-musical competitions will be held at the Promenade and Rose Memorial Auditorium on the said month.
An ode to culture and the arts – the different competitions provide platforms for Centralians to showcase their God-given talents.
One of the most-awaited events of the celebration is the Mr. & Miss CPU Pageant to be held on September 25. This event and its corresponding activities are being orchestrated by the Mr. & Miss CPU Committee, co-chaired by Ms. Crista Huyong and Miss Carmelle Frances Romero. (See “The search for Mr. and Miss CPU” by Carmelle Frances Romero for more details.)
For the CPU Alumni, the most awaited event is the Homecoming Celebration on September 29. The full-packed day will begin with Alumni Morning Devotional at the RMA, followed by a fellowship lunch. The celebration will continue with the Alumni Night at the Grand Xing Hotel, Iloilo City. This year’s Alumni Homecoming theme is “Fostering CPU’s Legacy: Let the Central Spirit Shine.”
For more details on the Alumni Homecoming, kindly contact Mrs. Tina Marie Hortelano, Liason Officer, CPU Alumni Association Inc. through tel. no. 329-1971 loc. 1033.
The highlight of every CEW is always the proclaimed Word of the Lord.
Celebrating Christ as the Cornerstone of Central Philippine University—The University Church, in partnership with the different colleges and departments, highlighted the theme “Relentless” anchored on Isaiah 54:10 and Matthew 28:20 during the First Semester Christ Emphasis Week of the school year 2018-2019.
Starting them young- CPU Kindergarten students listen attentively to their CEW speaker
Held on August 10-17, 2018, the week-long celebration, filled with praise and worship and accompanied by the sharing of God’s Word, is a testimony of CPU’s commitment as a university anchored in faith.
According to Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, the theme encourages the CPU community to make the pursuit of God a priority. In the era of persistent distractions and temptations, it is important to feel the constant pursuit and faithfulness of God: “God keeps reaching out to us so He can win us to Himself. Our theme encourages the CPU community to make the pursuit of God the topmost priority as God has been relentless in his bid to save us from ourselves.”
Rev. Sian shares that the theme encourages us to work on our faith with fear and trembling, “We should also be relentless in our pursuit of holiness. It should be the proverbial pearl of the great price of our prayers.”
Convocation speakers Pastor Russel Ban, Pastor Jasper Martin, Rev. Lennie Ruth Sombilla, Rev. Adiel Caspe, Pastor Franz Hestia Love Joy Quimpo-Leysa, Pastor Keith Dune Gallos, Rev. Dr. Jerson Narciso, Pastor Jamilo Pendo, and Hon. Mark Anthony Polonan all shared the love of God through the empowering message of God’s relentless love.
The CEW is a testimony of God’s relentless love to CPU and the Centralian community’s dedication to make Christ as the center of the university.Shout unto God a song of praise – the CPU Elementary School students leading the praise and worship.
According to Harissa Junio, BSBAMM4, this year’s CEW is a testimony of the continuing journey of the university: “As a Centralian, I take heart in the fact that CPU has been holding activities like this to share the Word of God. It continually reminds me that beyond my academics, my purpose is really to pursue God and to share his Word to others.”
A first year college student of CBA, Lyka Derayunan shared, “The CEW experience is unique. You will not probably experience this in others schools. I did not regret enrolling in CPU. I will tell others about this.”
Jam-packed, the Rose Memorial Audituriom is filled with students and faculty during the CEW.Heart of worship – the CPU Junior High School leads the praise and worship session.
As the university moves forward to celebrate 113 years of God’s goodness, the Christ Emphasis Week is a reminder of its long tradition of faith. It is also a challenge to the CPU community to never forget our roots—in Christ—and that beyond the goal of producing excellent professionals, the heart of CPU’s existence is to glorify God through the lives of its students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
CPU takes root in the Christian spirit of the Baptist missionaries who gave scholarships to dedicated and hard-working young Filipinos.
Celebrating its history of producing exemplary Christian scholars—The Central Philippine University Student Development Programs held its annual Scholarship Awarding and Recognition Program at the Alumni Promenade Concert Park on August 6, 2018.
The event aimed at recognizing the various individuals, families, and private and public institutions that have benevolently supported thousands of Centralians for many years and counting.
The invocation was led by Pastor Mary Grace F. Labis, Associate Pastor of the University Church. It was then followed by the singing of the National Anthem with Ms. Crista Huyong.
For the acknowledgement of donors, Dr. Margen A. Java, Director of the Student Development and Programs, thanked the donors for their generous contribution to the education of deserving and hard-working Centralians, “Indeed, Central Philippine University is privileged and blessed because every year we have new and continuing donors. This year we have 529 new scholars and grantees.” For the welcome remarks, Vice President for Student Affairs, Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico, highlighted the spirit of generosity of Centralians and thanked them for giving back to the university.
A special number from Mae Aindraby Basil, scholar and member of the Sari-Saot Dance Troupe.
The giving of certificates to the benefactors for school year 2018-2019 was led by Rev. Gico together with Dr. Florence P. Bogacia, Vice President for Finance and Administration.
CPU acknowledged 116 benefactors both coming private and public institutions.
The following are the list of benefactors and scholars:
Private Scholars
Beatriz Gonzaga-Juarez Memorial Scholarship Fund
Fernandez, Glenn V Dip CM 1
Gaitan, Obed Joy B Dip CM 1
BSCE ’86 Grant-In-Aid
Calucab, Jolever Nissi B BS CE 4
Malimban, Allyn Joy M BS CE 5
Chemistry Alumni Association, Inc. (CHEMAAC) Grant-In-Aid
campus events 