CPU celebrates 10th Global Reunion

With reports from Gabriel Ortigoza, Flora Grace Guillergan-Cudiamat, and Emelda Frange–Valcarcel

*CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles and his wife, Ma’am Angel Robles together with Centralian alumni.*

Celebrating the Central Spirit across the globe—Centralians, 550 in total, came from different alumni chapters and associations around the world to gather together as Central Philippine University commemorates its 10^th Global Reunion at the Crowne Plaza Chicago O’Hare Hotel on July 5-8, 2018.

With the theme “Fostering CPU’s Legacy: Let the Central Spirit Shine,” Centralians rekindled their friendships and shared their testimonies during the three day reunion. This year’s global reunion was spearheaded by the
CPU Federation of Overseas Alumni Association-Chicago Chapter .

CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, thanked the CPU alumni for their undying love and support for the university. He also highlighted the accomplishments of the university and the contributions of the alumni in funding constructions and scholarships. Dr. Robles also expressed his gratitude to the alumni for carrying the CPU torch with faith and excellence in whichever part of the globe they may be. According to the alumni present, Dr. Robles gave a powerful yet simple testimony of how he transcended all of the trials in life and responded to his mission of accepting the challenging task of being the university president instead of just enjoying retirement with his wife, Angel, in their Wisconsin home.

*These boots were made for rockin! The CPU North Texas Alumni Chapter.*

*Members and officers of the CPUAA Midwest USA – host of the 10th Global Reunion.*

*CPU College of Nursing Batch 1972 attending the 10th Global Reunion.*

Also gracing the event is honorary Centralian, Dr. Aaron Alfred Lee. In a concert entitled “An Evening with Music,” Dr. Lee serenaded Centralians. It can be recalled that Dr. Lee performed at the Rose Memorial Auditorium, CPU Campus on February 8, 2018.

For the first evening devotional, Engr. Eddie C. Cañuto shared his experiences as a working student of the CPU Libraries. According to Engr. Cañuto, to help support his studies he worked 2 hours every day for 75 centavos per hour as payment. He was able to graduate with a degree in Engineering and placed 7^th in the Engineer Licensure Exam. At age 55, he retired from his engineering profession, sold all his engineering equipment to live a simple life in the farm, and pursue his passion to spread the Word of God.

Engr. Cañuto established Ephrathah Farms, an organic farm also engaged in agri-tourism in Iloilo. There, he enjoys teaching people how to grow organic fruits and vegetables. He shared that the most important thing he does in life now is to teach people the love of Christ. He encouraged his fellow alumni to trust in the promises and the timing of God.

*CPUAAI President, Engr. Isagani J. Jalbuena thanks the CPU alumni community for their continuous love and support to the university.*

Another devotional speaker who shared his testimony was Rev. Dr. Elmo D. Familiaran. In his message entitled “From Whence We Came,” Rev. Dr. Familiaran highlighted the importance of trusting God through remembering and obeying His Word: “Said another way, not only do we have the capacity to remember the past, but our experience in the present is informed and shaped by what we have previously felt, tasted, learned; and our memory of the past and our experience of the present come together through time to give us a vision of the future not yet realized but only imagined in our spirit and soul.”

He also emphasized the importance of taking root in Christ as the foundation of one’s purpose, “Without the consciousness of that story, we will not have roots; and if we do not have roots, we will be living lives devoid of identity and purpose. Our story is the power that sustains our spirituality, and it is so important for the vitality of our faith for today, more than ever, that it is nourished by the memory of our roots.”

The three-day reunion ended with Centralians filled with encouragement from one another and with the Word of God. The next CPU Worldwide Reunion will be on February 5-7, 2020 at the CPU campus.

*CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles leads the oath taking of the newly elected CPUFOAA Officers for 2019-2020.*

The following are the newly elected CPUFOAA Officers for 2019-2020:

President: Flora Grace Guillergan-Cudiamat

1st Vice President: Rod Gonzales

2nd VP for US: May Celiz-Rogers

2nd VP for Canada: Norma van Dusen

2nd VP for Australasia: Joseph Beloria

2nd VP for Middle East/Africa: Mildred Majeed

2nd VP for Europe: None

Regional Vice Presidents

Region 1: Lee Plagata

Region 2: None

Region 3: Lilian Lau

Region 4: None

Region 5: Manuel de la Fuente

Region 6: Rufino Gonzales

Region 7: Easter Arora

Region 8: Lydia MacDonnell

Region 9: Dot Cuales

Region 10: Leynebelle Leysa

Corporate Secretary: Yolanda Jain

Asst. Corporate Secretary: Dianabin Penacerrada

Corporate Treasurer: Melba Debulgado

Corporate Auditor: Kathy Kriewall

Board of Directors (At-Large):

Melinda Boice
Elma Divinagracia
Rick Falco
Erlinda Galanto
Tito Gervacio
Pio Go
Lilia Magdamo

Webmaster: Rodney Gicana

CPU BS BIO batch ’83 holds 35th Year Reunion

*Back in the arms of Central – CPU BS Bio Batch 1983 revisits the CPU Campus.*

Thirty Five years has been a fruitful period of time, and which was the reason why the CPU BSBio Alumni Batch ‘83 held a Reunion at Damires Hills in Janiuay, Iloilo on April 30 to May 1, 2018. They had their names registered at the CPUAAI Alumni Hall, from 8 – 9 in the morning before making a courtesy call to the CPU Life Science Department (LSD), and the University President. They made a tour of the CPU campus as well.

*CPU BS Bio 1983 with faculty and staff of the CPU Life Sciences Department.*

A Thanksgiving Lunch for the BS BIO Alumni was held at the Life Science Department Function Hall. The exciting trip to Damires Hill in Janiuay followed after lunch.

The Fellowship Dinner at Damires Resort was enjoyed by everyone. It was exquisitely prepared by the committee. Dr. Vita Gasataya and Mr. Nonet Jaconob hosted the program. The invocation and National Anthem was led by Mr. Virgilio Gemoto. Dr Susana Amiscuawelcomed the BS Bio alumni present.

A memorable video – slide presentation related to the events and experiences of the BS Bio alumni was played; the presenters and the attendees were acknowledged; a toast followed with an acoustic entertainment.

Prizes were raffled off before the awarding ceremony. Dr. Daniel Aguilar Jr. made his closing remarks. Everyone enjoyed the Video Challenge before they called it a day.

On the second day – May 1, a “team building/bonding was held after breakfast. The alumni formed groups had a sharing and learning time with one another.

*Paying it forward – CPU BS Bio Batch 1983 donates a Panasonic refrigerator to the CPU Life Sciences Department.*

The CPU BS Bio Alumni Association then held its Election of Officers and planning session for their next reunion. The group made a Tour of the City after the meeting

CPU BS BIOLOGY BATCH 1983 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OFFICERS FOR 2018-2019:

President: Dr Caroline Arroyo

VP for Luzon: Nonet Jagonob

VP for Visayas: Arla Arenga

VP for Mindanao: Dr Miriam Gilaver-Pamonag

Secretary Lani Palmares;

Tresurer Dr Ermelinda Villanueva

Communications Officer: Jose Mari Tendencia

Alumni donate to CPU

The Centralian Spirit of Generosity—The Central Philippine University Federation of Overseas Alumni Associations, Inc. donated $3,400 to the university on March 1, 2018. Rachel Villanosa and her family donated $2,000 of the said amount to the CPUFOAA Grant-in-Aid and Recognition Endowment Fund while $1,000 came from Evelyn Turalba to be added to the College of Nursing Virtual Laboratory Project. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing Class 1979 gave $400 to the said project also.

The said amount was presented to CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles by Mrs. Perla G. Londres Waters, former president of the CPU Federation of Overseas Alumni Association, Inc. (CPUFOAA).

Alumni Imelda G. Quimpo and Michael F. Quimpo donated $55 dollars; $30 of which is for the renovation of the tennis court and $25 for the Occupational Safety Program. The said amount was turned over by the couple on March 1, 2018.

On March 4, 2018, the CPU Alumni Association Midwest Chapter, headed by Mrs. Mae Celiz Rogers, donated $700 to the God’s Grace Project of the University Church.

The university recognizes the role of Centralian alumni around world in propagating the Central Spirit. Thus, the Central Philippine University Federation of Overseas Alumni Association and CPUAA Midwest USA is inviting all CPU alumni around the globe to attend the 10^th CPU Alumni Global Reunion to be held at Crowne Plaza, Chicago O’Hare, Rosemont, Illinois on July 5-8, 2018. This year’s global reunion will banner the theme “Fostering CPU’s Legacy-Let the Central Spirit Shine!”

Alumni are expected to be part of this grand event of rekindling the Centralian flame of friendship. Let us celebrate the Central Spirit with pride and joy as we gather together and immerse ourselves in the years of camaraderie and faith that CPU has helped shape.

For more information on the event, please check www.2018cpuglobalreunion.com for the itinerary and registration.

CPU hopes that more donations will be raised to complete the Nursing Virtual Laboratory Project before 2018 ends. For your donations and inquiries, please call (033) 3291971 loc. 1037 (College of Nursing Secretary’s Office) or loc. 2107 (Faculty Room), or email nursing@cpu.edu.

For other inquiries about CPU’s other projects and donations drive, please email communications@cpu.edu.ph.

Eric Otayde: A journey of success that began in CPU

*CPU Political Science Alumni Association President Eric Otayde with Former CPU President Dr. Agustin A. Pulido.*

The President of the CPU Political Science Alumni Association (PSAA), Eric “Noy” Otayde, takes some time to visit his old friends and classmates at Central Philippine University when in Iloilo City.

He drives his own car from Antique, and, as the President of the CPU Political Science Alumni Association, he calls up his PSAA officers one by one, making use of extra time apart from his many appointments in Iloilo City, to update and plan for this Special Alumni Chapter. While a hard working ranking official of the province of Antique, Otayde is a multitasker who seriously works for the advancement and development of his province.

A seasoned government official of Antique, Otayde comes from a political family. “Pres. Noy” as he is called by PSAA circle has his humble beginnings in CPU. He was a Bachelor of Arts graduate of Political Science 1984. He was President of the CPU Political Science Students Organization during his college days and the Governor of the College of Arts and Sciences. His involvement in the CPU Student Republic must have a political training ground for a colorful career in governance in Antique after his graduation.

He has served as Provincial Board Member of Antique and Appointed Adviser for Semirara Coal—a difficult task which he handled intelligently especially during calamities and labor situations. He was also appointed as Member of the Tripartite Monitoring Team for Environmental Compliance. His love for public service continues for the betterment of his people and province. His current work for Antique is being the Public Information Officer and Executive Director of Binirayan Festival 2018. While serving as Public Information Officer, he had a public service program on radio.

Taking a night cap in Iloilo City with this CPU alumnus is always an interesting and valuable experience. He updates us on his job and shares his experiences with powerful corporate entities. He is a close friend to the likes of coal and construction magnate, the late David Consunji, Senator Loren Legarda, former Governor Sally Perez, and a string of government officials and businessmen.

“It took me a long time to reach this far, but in every step I made, I feel the Central Spirit within me; I recall the kindness of God and how He prepared me for this career through the training and knowledge I earned from Central Philippine University,” said Otayde.

From his humble beginnings in CPU, Eric “Noy” Otayde accomplished the wishes of his proud parents, Victoria and Maximo Otayde of Sibalom, Antique.

Agustin Pulido: A Distinguished Centralian

*A testimony of commitment to faith and excellence – Dr. Agustin A. Pulido continues to inspire a generation of Centralians.*

Dr. Agustin A. Pulido, nicknamed “Gus,” was born to the couple Agustin Pulido, Sr. and Sol Aguilar-Pulido on March 20, 1932 in Cadiz, Negros Occidental. He was brought up by his parents to follow their footsteps as educators. His mother and father were both teachers who believed that “it runs in the family.” For Dr. Agustin A. Pulido, it is an experience that strengthened him to become one excellent educator.

He started his education with a younger brother in a primary school in Cadiz. He was a consistent honor student, until World War II broke out in 1941. He transferred residences with his family several times during the war. They stayed in Isabela with his aunt but later moved to Escalante.

He finished his secondary education in Bacolod City then took up his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at Silliman University, Dumaguete City. He graduated in 1953, magna cum laude. He pursued his Master of Science in Chemistry from U.P. Diliman in Quezon City. He obtained his Doctor of Philosophy (Physical Chemistry) from Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA.

Turning his back to far more lucrative roles as an educator and researcher elsewhere, Dr. Pulido assumed the presidency of Central Philippine University on September 8, 1971, a post vacated by the passing away of senior friend and fellow Christian, Dr. Rex D. Drilon, the first Filipino president of CPU. He shelved his expertise, as a chemistry professor, to assume a position, which he declared “required a different and higher level of chemistry.”

After 25 fruitful years as President of CPU, Dr. Pulido retired in 1996. Immediately after that, Silliman University’s Board of Trustees chose him to be their 11^th President.

Dr. Pulido has served as member of the CPU and SU Board of Trustees and CPU Corporation. He has also served as Dean, Department Chair, Professor and Associate Professor at the University of the Philippines in Iloilo City. He has carried out duties in different committees in these three universities. In other institutions, he has served as Chair, as Vice Chair, and/or as a member. After Dr. Juanito M. Acanto, Dr. Pulido became Chairman of the Management Committee while the search for the new CPU president was ongoing.

With able leadership and selfless dedication, he developed the physical infrastructures, strengthened the financial resources through endowment funds. He upgraded the influence of CPU to make it one of the great centers of higher education in Asia. The Distinguished Centralian Award in Education was presented to Dr. Pulido for his outstanding accomplishments as an educator and University President last 1996 during the 91^st University Day celebration of CPU.

The concrete proof of this development under his administration are the Engineering Building, New Valentine Hall, the Elementary School, Henry Luce III Library, the new Rose Memorial Auditorium and other buildings. On the other hand, Dr. Pulido worked hard in the field of alumni relations. He successfully reached out to the CPU alumni all over the Philippines and many other countries, mobilized them into active chapters to support CPU in pursuit of its various programs and projects that offered an Exemplary Christian Education for Life (EXCEL).

Now, he is simply enjoying life with his loving wife Dr. Dorothy Ann Bermejo Pulido, a medical doctor, in their residence near CPU. Dr. Pulido shared some of his secrets in staying active and mentally alert. First of all, he says, “We need to free up our minds with problems, by choosing which one to solve first.” He added, “We can simply subsist on fresh fruits and vegetables, and a bit of exercise by walking.” But the activity that the Pulidos love most is reading.

Their children, Cybele Ann, an elementary and high school graduate of CPU, and married to Engr. Luther C. Risma now lives in the United States with their child Idra Ann. Deneel, also an elementary and high school graduate of CPU and married to Col. Ezra James P. Enriquez, a graduate from the Philippine Military Academy, have two children, Mark James “Wofie” and Joshua James, a famous photographer in the campus and in the Visayas region.

10th CPU Alumni Global Reunion to be held in July 2018

*The Central Spirit across borders, languages and years for the Glory of God and for the pride of CPU.*

With the theme, “Fostering CPU’s Legacy-Let the Central Spirit Shine!” the Central Philippine University Federation of Overseas Alumni Association and CPUAA Midwest USA are inviting Centralians all around the globe to attend the 10^th CPU Alumni Global Reunion to be held at Crowne Plaza, Chicago O’Hare, Rosemont, Illinois on July 5-8, 2018.

For more information on the event please check: www.2018cpuglobalreunion.com for the itinerary and registration.

Please send your registration early to avail of special pricing in both registration and lodging. Invite your family and friends to join you—the more the merrier!

CPU High School Batch 2007 holds Grand Reunion

*Reunited after 10 years the CPU High School Batch 2007 celebrated the Central Spirit through a reunion last December. Photo Credit – Ma. Roma Angela R. Miranda-Gaton.*

Friends and teachers who have become family—The Central Philippine University High School Batch 2007 held its first Grand Reunion at Esca’s Garden Restaurant on December 18, 2017—10 years after their graduation.

Alumna, Ma. Roma Angela R. Miranda-Gaton shared, “A decade and a lot has changed: the name of our high school, the buildings, the curriculum, and of course, us, the students. But whatever that changes have been, they will always be for the better. We are Centralians and we aim to excel.”

The reunion gathered Centralians here and abroad. The batch celebrated their days at Central by reminiscing dear old high school memories, “High school was the time of our lives. We experienced extreme emotions—the happiness of friends and teachers who have become our family, the pain of the first heartbreak and the joy of moving on, the victory in extracurricular activities, and the satisfaction of being compensated for hard work.”

CPU holds pride in its closed-knit alumni community around the globe, providing the testimony that excellent education coupled with the Christian values creates a lasting journey of faithful friends, sharing their love for CPU and commitment to the Lord.

Centralians all over the world are invited to attend the global reunion of the Central Philippine University Federation of Overseas Alumni Association in Chicago in 2018 and the Grand Global Reunion on campus on February 2020.

For details on the reunions for 2018 and 2020, you may contact Mrs. Tina Hortelano at the CPU Alumni Office for more information.

Centralian nurse shares Christmas spirit

*Beauty with a heart for others, Tess Duenas inspires others through her love for music and passion in helping those in need. Photo Credit: Fely AG*

Tess Subang Duenas, Centralian alumna of the College of Nursing Batch 1985 and currently the Clinical Supervisor of Providence St. John’s Health Center in Sta. Monica, California, together with her co-nurses, was featured in the Los Angeles News and Video for Southern California as the “Caroling Nurses.”

Along with co-workers Joanne Clark and Irene Mendoza, they sang their way along the halls of St. John’s this Christmas season with carols and songs, encouraging patients with their voices. In their interview with the local news network, Tess shared that she had been traditionally singing Christmas carols in the hospital but this year, she decided to share the tradition with her co-workers and their patients, “I figured because we do it anyway, we should just share it with our patients.”

Tess’s love for music started at an early age. In fact, she had been part of the Pavia Baptist Choir. As a pastor’s kid, Tess originally wanted to be a missionary. Her heart for the ministry eventually led her to be a nurse.

Tess has always had the heart for others. This is shown in her service and compassion to those who need care and encouragement. Back in 2013, Tess helped raised funds for those affected by typhoon Yolanda. Through her efforts, St. John’s Health Center initiated a donation drive. The proceeds were then given to the Red Cross.

Though far from CPU, Tess actively participates in the Centralian alumni community. She was even hailed as the 2014 CPU Federation of Alumni Associations Global Queen. Her involvement is a testimony of how Centralians beyond the borders of CPU keep connected.

CPU COE Batch 1992 reunites after 25 years

*CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles thanked the batch for their continuous love and support to the university.*

Celebrating the Centralian spirit of camaraderie—The Central Philippine University College of Engineering Batch 1992 held their Silver Jubilee reunion at the CPU Alumni Promenade Concert Park on December 29, 2017.

For the welcome remarks, CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, thanked the alumni for their consistent love for and support to the university and for coming back to rekindle their Centralian spirit, “I’m glad that you came back to CPU to see what the university is like now. It will be an interesting year ahead of us. We believe that with everybody working together, we can meet challenges with flying colors.”

*Guest Speaker and former CPU President Agustin A. Pulido encouraged the alumni anchor theirselves in the spirit of excellence Central has taught them and most importantly in the Word of God.*

Former university President and guest speaker, Dr. Agustin A. Pulido, talked about CPU’s commitment in producing exemplary Christian learners, “The real inspiration is the lives you have lived since 1992. I have not heard the stories of where you have been in the last quarter of a century but I believe that you have done well. CPU is now 112 years old and in all that time, the university has stayed true to its mission of teaching its students about the world that is around us and the Word of Lord that is in the Bible—this is summed in our motto Scientia et Fides.”

Although he was not present, 1992 College of Engineering Dean, Walden S. Rio also gave his greetings to the alumni through a video. In his message, Dean Rio asked them, “Was your education at CPU adequate enough to cover your happiness, strong family ties, friendship, work, and faith and God?” He went on to say that adequate did not have to mean wealth, fame or popularity, “If your answer is yes to the former question, your former teachers and I are grateful to God because we have done our job.” Dean Rio then urged the alumni to remember the lessons they have learned from CPU and to pursue excellence wherever they may be.

CPU College of Engineering Batch 1992 together with CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, Guest Speaker and former university President Dr. Agustin A. Pulido, Vice President for Student Affairs, Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico, College of Engineering Dean, Engr. Dany C. Molina, 1992 University Vice President for Operations Engr. Aurora Alerta Lim, CPUAAI 2016-2017 President, Mr. Daniel P. Dorillo and present CPUAAI President Isagani G. Jalbuena.

Batch 1992 gives their tokens of appreciation to CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, Guest Speaker and former university President Dr. Agustin A. Pulido, Vice President for Student Affairs, Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico, College of Engineering Dean, Engr. Dany C. Molina, 1992 University Vice President for Operations Engr. Aurora Alerta Lim, CPUAAI 2016-2017 President, Mr. Daniel P. Dorillo.

College of Engineering Dean, Engr. Dany C. Molina, talked about the innovations and achievements of the College of Engineering especially on output-based education, technology, and learning management systems. Engr. Molina thanked the alumni for attending the reunion and hoped that they would continue to revisit CPU in the future.

Also present during the event was 1992 University Vice President for Operations Engr. Aurora Alerta Lim. Engr. Lim thanked the alumni for their active participation in university programs.

The batch then unveiled its Silver Jubilee project which is the rehabilitation of the EN 200 comfort room. The batch raised funds to remove and reinstall toilet fixtures and accessories, floor and wall tiles, ceiling and lighting fixtures, and toilet doors, jambs, and door knob sets.