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.
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.
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.
This year’s Pasidungog: Honoring the Graduates of 2018 is expected to bring out the best pop musical show in the university with what Central Philippine University Alumni Association, Inc. (CPUAAI) President, Engr. Isagani J. Jalbuena, calls “a blow out for the graduates.” CPUAAI and the CPU Administration, in cooperation with the CPU Student Republic (CPUR), decided to involve the “now generation,” or more popularly known as the millennials, to make the event timely and more relevant.
“The young people will be a significant crowd at the Half Moon Drive in CPU,” Jalbuena said. Pasidungog will be on April 20 at 6 PM at the Half Moon grounds. The highlight of the event will be “Jamming at Central” where the College of Engineering Band and the University Senior High School Band will showcase their acts. DJ Alvie and DJ Los Padilla will follow with another special performance. A singular number by the CPU Sari-Saot Dance Troupe with Jan Floyed Gelario, Centralian Star 2017, will also take center stage. The program will be hosted by Mr. Geroel Salvador and Ms. Kay Arden Gallo.
Engr. Jalbuena, on behalf of the Alumni Association, and Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, on behalf of the University, will give their welcome remarks during the Opening Program. CPUR President 2018-2019, Mr. John Michael Suelo, will deliver his message before the award and recognition of Ms. Raphah Ganubay Cortel, board topnotcher at the 2017 Psychometrician Licensure Exams.
Rev. F. Neil G. Jalando-on, Director, CPU Office for Communications will deliver a prayer for the graduates of 2018.
Pasidungog is held every year to recognize and honor the graduates of Central Philippine University and recent Board Exam passers of CPU.T
Atty. Keenan Rhys Y. Jurilla, Public Attorney II, Iloilo City, District Office encouraged Centralians to dream big.
Honoring excellence—Central Philippine University Senior High School held its EXCELlence Awards for its graduating students on April 18, 2018 and its Dedication Service and 1st Commencement Exercises on April 19. All events took place at the Rose Memorial Auditorium.
For the EXCELlence Awards, Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico, Vice President for Student Affairs, gave the opening remarks. Dr. Gico congratulated the awardees for their hard work and persistence; he also highlighted the role of the parents in their children’s academic success.
Prof. Ana Mae Cantel, CPU Senior High School faculty, introduced guest speaker Atty. Keenan Rhys Y. Jurilla, Public Attorney II, Iloilo City, District Office 1. In his message, Atty. Jurilla talked about the determinative factors for success, the first of which is the support of the family. He talked about how his grandparents supported him in his studies. He also emphasized the need for parents to understand that every child is unique in their own way. “I remember getting a grade of 65 in TLE because I needed not know how to make a small chair. I did not submit my project. That became a catapulting point for me to study harder. Lucky me, my granny never pressured me. She would always tell me to do my best. If you cannot make it, just try again. Perhaps she already had the idea that we could not put a square peg in a round hole.”
The second factor is dreaming big. “When I was in elementary, I was already thinking about what I wanted to be when I grew up. I had already decided to be a lawyer. At that time I already had a concept of justice where I hated oppression, injustice, and inequality.” Atty. Jurilla challenged the awardees to pursue their dreams with passion and faith. The third factor is hard work. According to Atty. Jurilla, a little sacrifice today would mean a celebration tomorrow. “If you persevere, a great reward is coming your way. Never mind the missed parties, for later, once you have become successful, you would be the one who’d get tired of all the parties and travels that would be offered to you.”
And the last factor is to have the proper attitude and to practice the law of gratitude. “It is said that practicing the law of gratitude will reform and transform your entire universe.” Atty. Jurilla encouraged the awardees to always have a thankful attitude.
The message was then followed by awarding of certificates was then given to the academic, non-academic, literary-musical, and sports and athletics awardees.
Prof. Edgar Eriman, Director of the CPU Senior High School, in his closing remarks, congratulated the awardees and encouraged them to pursue greater heights for CPU and the glory of God.
The event was hosted by Prof. Kay Arden Gallo.
A moment of silence – through a prayer, the graduates expressed their gratitude to God as the source of all success.
Celebrating the faithfulness of God to our senior high school graduates—After the processional, the Dedication Service for the graduating students was opened with the Prayer of Adoration led by Worship Leader, Rev. Zeus Familiaran. Song Leader, Engr. Vitini Edhard Idemne led the graduates and the congregation in hymns of praise for the faithfulness of the Lord. Nicole Anike D. Dorgu, with high honors, then read the Word. The Senior High School Chorale rendered the Sung Word and the Musical Response while Eleanel Ruthvirl Idemne gave a Musical Offering.
The message entitled “Make Decisions on Hope” was delivered by Rev. Dr. Melvin M. Mangana. He highlighted the importance of making decisions anchored in Christ. Rev. Mangana encouraged the graduates to trust in the plans and purposes of God. “We can grow out of our failure and our mistakes and that means that we can have hope.”
Rev. Magana further talked about the importance of avoiding rotten thoughts. “In life in general and in normal circumstances, we do not eat rotten food because it will make us sick. Yet in terms of the mind or the intellect, we eat rotten, poisonous, and dirty thoughts every day. And we know that when we absorb rotten thoughts we get sick, depressed, anxious, outraged and… overwhelmed.”
According to Rev. Mangana, there is a growing need to take care of our mental health. “We want to be seen as fresh and clean on the outside but we are filthy inside. Against this similar background, the author of Hebrews makes the positive notion of hope very valuable and viable for us—as we practice proper mental hygiene, we shall be able to live in a healthy world… and we are to teach mindfulness and how to deal with depression and anxiety.”
In order for us to make decisions on hope, Rev. Mangana shares that we need three things: first, to hold fast to the right values; second, to fix our hope in Christ; and lastly, to rely on the faithfulness of God.
After the message, a dedicatory prayer for the graduating students, parents, and teachers was led by Rev. Zeus M. Familiaran.
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles congratulated the graduates, the parents and the entire SHS faculty and staff.
Ode to the graduates—for the historic first Commencement Exercises of the University Senior High School, CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles gave the Words of Welcome. Dr. Robles talked about the challenge of Senior High School education and the joy of CPU in triumphing over the obstacles. “It was only four years ago that we realize that for this university to survive, we needed a Senior High School. We, however, did not realize how large it would become. But the parents all over the country responded by sending their children to study here in CPU. The partnership and confidence of the parents have helped us in this noble achievement.”
He went on to talk to the graduates about their journey after their senior high school education. “CPU has given you excellent education towards being released to the real word. You will leave this institution with a heart of service.”
After which, Prof. Eriman introduced the guest speaker, Dr. Earl Jude Paul L. Cleope, Dean, College of Arts and Science, Silliman University. Dr. Cleope congratulated the graduates, parents and teachers for their accomplishments. “There has never been anyone else like you. You have gained the permanent merit of being the first K-12 graduates. You, my dear graduates, are indeed a special pioneering class. We can all feel the great excitement and joy but after all this celebration is also to ask the question where will you go from now.”
Dr. Earl Jude Paul L. Cleope, Dean, College of Arts and Science, Silliman University encouraged the graduates to trust in the plan and timing of the Lord.
Dr. Cleope encouraged the graduates to make daring and courageous choices. “Your future is very much grounded on what you want to do and where you want to go. The options are indeed unequally uncertain but what sets you apart from all the others with your Christian education here in CPU is your faith in Christ. Always remember that your character is more important than your competence.”
He goes saying, “Hebrews 10:23 says, ‘Let us hold unwaveringly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.’ In Robert Frost’s ‘The Road Not Taken,’ he says: ‘Two roads diverged in a wood, and I, I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.’ It is daring and courageous choices that make a difference in humanity.”
After the commencement message, Dr. Robles confirmed the graduating students and led the awarding of the diplomas. He was assisted by Prof. Eriman and Ms. Ruth G. Fernandez, University Registrar.
Rose Memorial Auditorium is filled with Centralian Senior High School graduates.
The response on behalf of the graduates was then given by Aila Rose F. Asuelo, with highest honors. In her message, Asuelo shared her experience as a senior high school student. She also thanked the university, her family, friends, and above all, God for making her journey memorable and worthwhile. She also shared her formula for surviving senior high school. Being the pioneer batch is no easy feat. “Two years, during my speech, I said that it was grit that defined my JHS experience. However, as I entered senior high I realized that grit is not enough. It is grit plus grace plus God.”
After the response, the graduates sang their graduation song “A Million Dreams.” The prayer of dedication was then led by Rev. Gico followed by the induction of the graduates to the CPU Alumni Association, Inc. by Engr. Isagani J. Jalbuena, President, CPUAAI. Following the induction is the singing of the CPU Hymn by Ms. Crista Huyong, Cultural Affairs Office, and the benediction by Rev. Roger T Quimpo, Associate Pastor for Outreach, University Church.
The graduation program was hosted by Prof. Kay Arden Gallo and Rev. Rodmar Lilla.
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