CPU Political Science Alumni Association holds 4th year reunion

By Cyrus A. Natividad

*The first set of PSAA Officers during their homecoming and induction ceremony in 2015.*

On September 29, 2018, the members of the CPU Political Science Alumni Association (PSAA) will gather at the CPU Grounds as the organization turns four years old.

The CPU PSAA was born on September 25, 2015 with batches 1983 and 1984 CPU AB Political Science graduates registering as the first members. The first set of officers were comprised of Mr. Eric Otayde as President; Mr. Cyrus Natividad as Vice President for Administration; Atty. Gualberto Cataluna as Vice President for External Affairs; Ms. Alma Diaresco as Secretary; Ms. Jovy Espalabra as Treasurer; Ms. Juvelyn Clementer as Assistant Treasurer; Mr. Nelson Jutare as Public Information Officer; Mr. Reynaldo Gonzales as Business Manager; and Ms. Ruby Tupaz as the PSAA Muse. Attorneys Allan S. Montano, Joshua C. Alim, and Emmanuel Sodusta served as the advisers of the organization. The officers took their oath of office with CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, officiating.

Most of the founding members were active student leaders during their time in CPU, especially during the Martial Law years. The reunion is expected to be both meaningful and memorable. Many of the members to attend the reunion are currently holding positions in the government, as well as legal and the business and entrepreneurial sectors.

PSAA President Eric Otayde is looking forward to more members joining their ranks and to making plans that would support the University and its students.

CPU Alumni Golfers Association and CPUAAI holds 9th invitational golf tournament

By Cyrus A. Natividad

Atty. Alejandro Somo, former CPU Sports Director, Mrs. Tina Marie Hortelano, CPUAAI Liaison Officer and Engr. Isagani Jalbuena, CPUAAI President has been supporting the Central Philippine University Alumni Golfers Association and CPU Alumni Association for years.

Everyone is invited to the Central Philippine University Alumni Golfers Association and CPU Alumni Association 9^th CPU Alumni Invitational Golf Tournament on October 6, 2018 at the Sta. Barbara Golf Course, Sta. Barbara Golf and Country Club, Sta Barbara, Iloilo.

A registration fee of PhP2,500.00 includes a Mulligan, dinner, and an entry in the raffle. The tee off is at 6 AM. It includes 18 holes, individual play using the stableford scoring system, based on the players’ September 2018 Handicap Index.

There will be four categories for the gentlemen with recognition for the Champion and 1^st Runner Up; one category for the ladies with awards for the Champion and 1^st Runner Up; as well as one category for the seniors players with recognition for the Champion only. There will be one category for CPU men with awards for the Champion and 1^st Runner Up and one Category for CPU all alumni ladies with recognition for the Champion only.

Dinner and the awarding ceremony for all the winners will be held on the same date at 6 PM at the Iloilo Golf and Country Club House.

Centralian showcases designs in London Fashion Week

By Keziah G. Huelar

*Audrey Dusaran-Albason during the London Fashion Week at the Oxford Fashion Studio. Photo Credit: Manila Bulletin*

Audrey Dusaran-Albason, a graduate of CPU Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Batch 2006, and CPU Masters in Nursing, Batch 2010 showcased her designs during the London Fashion Week at the Oxford Fashion Studio on September 21, 2018.

Her collection entitled Pag-laum, which translates to “hope” in Hiligaynon, highlighted the hablon, a locally woven cloth made of piña and cotton fibers from Miag-ao and Aklan. She also incorporated locally woven rattan bags in her presentation.

Albason’s work expressed the artistry, creativity, and environmentalism of Ilonggos. The designs tell of the developing relationship between the Ilonggos and their surroundings and the their growing awareness of developing sustainable, environmentally-friendly fashion pieces.

In 2007, it can be recalled that Albason also presented six of her designs under the collection Gugma in the Oxford Fashion Studio Paris Collection Autumn/Winter 2017 at the Hotel D’Evreux, Paris, France. She was the only Filipino designer who was invited in the said event.

Centralians in Canada attend PCUAA

By Rodney Gicana

*Centralians with former College of Computer Studies Dean, Rodney Gicana (standing).*

Alumni members of the Central Philippine University Alumni Association of Greater Toronto Area (CPUAAGTA) attended the Philippine Colleges and Universities Alumni Association (PCUAA) Autumn Dinner Dance on September 15, 2018 at the Kalayaan Cultural Cultural Community Centre in Missisauga, Ontario, Canada.

The annual event is a fund raising endeavor in support of the PCUAA activities. The organization was founded to foster friendship and unity among Filipino alumni associations in the Greater Toronto Area.

The names of the members are Edwin Frank Arroz (CPUAAGTA Chapter Vice President), Jun Faldas (CPUAAGTA Board of Directors), Kellah Dayao (CPUAAGTA Chapter Trasurer), Jade Yocogco (CPU Alumna, Kella’s sister), Rodney Gicana (CPUAAGTA Chapter Webmaster), Faith Hope Gicana (CPUAAGTA Chapter PRO), and Lisha Charity Gicana (CPU Kindergarten Alumna).

For more information about CPUAAGTA please visit their website: http://www.cpuaatoronto.com

CSC hails Centralian as “Dangal ng Bayan” Awardee

By Keziah G. Huelar

*Centralian Iñigo D. Garingalao promoting his advocacy for a smoke-free Iloilo.*

For his outstanding commitment to public service, Centralian Iñigo D. Garingalao, Executive Director of the Iloilo City Anti-Smoking Taskforce, was awarded one of the regional winners in the 2018 Search for Outstanding Workers under the Honors and Awards Program, Dangal ng Bayan Category at SM City Iloilo on September 6, 2018.

The said award is given to outstanding public official and employees “for performance of an extraordinary act or public service and consistent demonstration of exemplary ethical behaviour,” who have created an impact to the organization or to the public, and who have served the cumulative years of service in the government vis-à-vis their accomplishments.

To recognize his achievements and contributions to the community, the city government, in its Resolution No. 2018-536 dated September 11, 2018, congratulated Garingalao for being a recipient of the prestigious award.

Garingalao is a 1974 graduate of the CPU Elementary School, a 1978 alumnus of the CPU High School, a batch 1986 graduate of CPU Agricultural Engineering, and received his Diploma in Christian Ministry in 2011.

CPU 2018 alumni homecoming committees meet for final instructions

By Cyrus A. Natividad

The Alumni Homecoming committees for 2018 met together on September 20, 3:00 PM at the Alumni Affairs Office Board Room. About a week before the highlights of the CPU Alumni Homecoming, CPUAAI President Engr. Isagani J. Jalbuena made sure that all members of the respective committees are working hard to achieve their goals for this year’s homecoming. Jalbuena also encouraged everyone to contribute good ideas and suggestions to help make the homecoming successful.

Among the highlights of the homecoming is the reunion at the Rose Memorial Auditorium where old classmates and friends could meet and reminisce the good old days. Alumni can expect various presentations as well as recognition for those who have contributed to upholding the Central Spirit in their various professions. These will be followed by the election of new officers.

The fun and excitement will continue in the evening at 7:00 PM at the Grand Xing Imperial Hotel in downtown Iloilo on September 29, 2018. The highlight of the evening affair is the Alumni King and Queen pageant.

The Alumni Homecoming has always been something that old Centralians look forward to every year. See you at the events!

Centralian named Executive VP of Administration, Chief Financial Officer of Drury University

Jeff Huinda is a testimony of CPU’s dedication to produce exemplary Christian learners for life.

Showcasing the Centralian brand of excellence—Jeff Huinda, a 1989 graduate of the CPU Bachelor of Science in Accounting program, was appointed as the new Executive Vice President of Administration and Chief Financial Officer of Drury University, a private liberal arts college founded in 1873 in Springfield, Missouri.

Huinda served as Interim Director of Internal Audit for a year. After which, he became the Controller of Evangel University for five years (2013-2018). Huinda was tasked to manage and oversee the university’s financial system.

He finished his Master of Business Administration in Missouri State University in 2013. With over 20 years of experience in the accounting and finance field, Huinda has established himself as a passionate worker whose discipline and faith showcase the Centralian Spirit of excellence and dedication.

CPUAAI Invites Alumni to the 2018 Alumni Homecoming and General Assembly

Celebrating the Central Spirit for 113 years – Central Philippine University is inviting its alumni here and abroad to attend the 2018 Alumni Homecoming and General Assembly on September 29, 2018, 8:30 at the Rose Memorial Auditorium.

Centralians are encouraged to immerse themselves once again in the tradition of camaraderie and faith as we recall our memories in dear Central and as we thank the Lord for His faithfulness in bringing the university to greater heights.

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.

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 113^th Foundation Day Memorial Service will be held at the Philippine-American Cemetery on October 1, 2018, 6:00 AM.

CPU looks forward for its campus to be once again crowded with its dear alumni and friends. This grand celebration is a testimony of CPU’s commitment of placing Christ as the cornerstone of the university for 113 years and its dedication to producing exemplary Christian learners for life.

Centralian to be awarded as Audrey Kaplan Inspiring Woman by SJC

By Keziah G. Huelar

*For her passionate dedication in sharing the love of Christ to others, Jennings was interviewed by the Trinity Broadcasting Network.*

Susie Jennings, CPU Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Class 1978, is one of the recipients of the Audrey Kaplan Inspiring Women of the Southwest Awards by the Southwest Jewish Congress on September 6, 2018 at Eddie Dean’s Ranch, Dallas, Texas.

The Audrey Kaplan Inspiring Women of the Southwest Award is given to dynamic women from different professions and background and who have passionately advocated for excellence and community service.

Jennings is the founder and president of Operation Care International (OCI), established in 1993. OCI is a ministry-based foundation dedicated to caring for the homeless in Dallas, Texas and impoverished children around the world. OCI’s goal is to connect impoverished children and the homeless to Jesus Christ by providing for their physical needs through God’s provisions both at home and abroad and to facilitate worldwide opportunities to experience the love of Christ and the promise of eternal life. Jennings is known for her commitment and dedication to serving God and the community. She has been tagged as the “the blanket lady” after she gave away blankets to the homeless during the freezing cold of November 1993.

*Jennings during an outreach of Operation Care International in Nazareth, Israel.*

It can be recalled that on January 11, 2017, Jennings was the featured speaker of the International Balik-Turo Program on Global Trends in Nursing at the AudioVisual Room, Loreto D. Tupaz Building.

In their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/pg/SouthwestJewishCongress), the Southwest Jewish Congress describes itself as a non-profit membership organization dedicated to protecting US Constitutional guarantees in the Southwest through advocacy, community educational programs, interfaith outreach, research, and cooperation with like-minded organizations, and is committed to the security and prosperity of the State of Israel.

CPU prepares for Worldwide Reunion 2020

By Cyrus A. Natividad

*The CPUAA Chapter Presidents and CPUAAI Officers discussing their participation in the 2020 Alumni Homecoming.*

Only about 17 months more to go before the highly-awaited Worldwide Reunion of Centralians takes place on February 5-7, 2020 at the CPU Campus. Anticipation building, a US-based Centralian mentioned, “We hope this year’s (2018) Alumni Homecoming can provide us already with a partial list of what is to come.” Due to the enthusiasm for the gathering, some Centralian alumni have already started planning for their own batch activities.

For example, the College of Nursing is planning to have its own worldwide reunion on February 3-4 before the grand reunion.

On the other hand, for the High School Batch 1970, the year 2020 would be their 50^th year of graduating from the University. The organizers thought it would be an opportune time to celebrate “50 in 20.” Nonong Carvajal, one of the members of the batch, explained that the year 1970 was the height of rock & roll, Elvis Presley, hippie culture, etc., so that they came up with the theme: Rockin’ Back to Memories.

While some seem to already have well-laid plans for how they will be celebrating the Worldwide Reunion with their respective batches, some have just started getting into the spirit of planning. For instance, a Centralian couple who are here on vacation have just started calling Iloilo-based members of their batch to meet and start making plans for the big reunion in 2020.

However each Centralian alumnus/alumna plans to participate in the Worldwide Reunion, be it with their respective batches or with the whole CPU community, 2020 is year that we can all excitedly look forward to.

For more details on the Worldwide Reunion, kindly contact: Mrs. Tina Marie Hortelano, CPUAAI Liaison Officer through tel. nos. (033) 329-1971 to 329-1979 loc. No. 1033 or at cpuaai@gmail.com.