CPU HS batch 1964 celebrates their 55th year reunion.
Honoring memories of their high school life, the CPU HS batch 1964 celebrated their 55th Year Reunion on February 4 at Damires Hills, Janiuay, Iloilo inspired by Psalm 92:14 (NIV): “They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green.”
The event was graced with the presence of their classmates, both from here and abroad. There was a total of 21 attendees. The reunion started with a thanksgiving service where they recognized God’s faithfulness. Pastor Sharon Rose Joy Ruiz-Duremdes said that in a class reunion, participants “remember” and “re-member”: “The call to remember is to bring to mind not only the happenings of yesterday. To remember is to draw forth meanings that reshape us and make us better persons. We become who we are because of what we remember.” She added, “A reunion is an attempt to ‘re-member’ because the relationship that we built 55 years ago are too precious to be thrown to the dustbin of forgetfulness… and so at this 55th anniversary, we have come to remember in order to re-member.”
Rev. Dr. Sharon Rose Joy Ruiz-Duremdes leads the batch in their thanksgiving service.
Afterwards, the batch enjoyed each other’s company through fun games and the sharing of their life stories and things they look forward to in the years to come.
The organizers had prepared for this event since April 2018 through online communication. In addition, Emelda Frange-Varcacel, a retired registered nurse and one of the organizers, said that after their 50th year reunion in 2014, the group had been meeting each other annually through their mini reunions.
The CPU HS batch 1964 enjoys the parlor games prepared by Emelda Frange-Varcacel (center).
Meanwhile, Rev. Dr. Sharon Rose Joy Ruiz-Duremdes, also their President, shared in an interview their memorable experiences and the great lessons they learned from CPU: “One of the most exciting… experiences is to challenge each one to do our best.” Moreover, she said that “trying to understand what Central Spirit is [is] to live out that spirit in our own daily lives.”
CPU HS 1964 is looking forward to another fellowship with former classmates, especially in the Grand Reunion at Central Philippine University in 2020.
Celebrating the Central Spirit – Centralians here and abroad are invited to come to CPU Campus on February 5-9, 2020 to celebrate its Alumni Grand Homecoming.
“There is work to do.” This was how CPUFOAA current President Flora Grace Guillergan-Cudiamat explained how the many CPUAAI chapters will get involved in the preparation of the Alumni Grand Homecoming at Central Philippine University in 2020.
The oneness of Centralian alumni comes with the general sentiment of the Central Spirit of love, cooperation and generosity, between and among 156 CPUAA chapters all over the world.
In a meeting with members of the CPUAAI Board, Perla G. Londres Waters, Chair of the CPUFOAA Endowment Committee, agreed that there’s such a thing as Central Spirit at work that bring the alumni together towards the achievement of success for the coming grand reunion at CPU.
The idea of a global reunion started in Chicago in 1998, with the founding of CPU Alumni Association of North America. During the Centennial Celebration of CPU in 2005, the idea came up again with a group of overseas alumni who met and discussed possibilities.
The global celebration takes place every two years; hence, the reunion in CPU in 2020 is supposedly the 11th. However, as it is going to be a grand convergence of CPU alumni worldwide, CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles proposed to call it the 1st CPU Alumni Grand Homecoming and this was unanimously supported by the CPUAAI Board of Trustees.
A gala night will be held at the premier Grand Xing Hotel in Iloilo City.
Come and bring back the memories after many years. Attend the 1st Alumni Grand Homecoming at Central on February 5-9, 2020.
Major General Samuel G. Gotico (left) continues his service to God and country now as a the 72nd Air Force Inspector General of the Philippine Air Force. Photo Credit: Philippine Air Force
Major General Samuel G. Gotico, a CPU alumnus, was recently designated as the 72nd Air Force Inspector General of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) effective November 7, 2018.
Gotico received Bachelor of Science in Commerce Major in Accounting at Central Philippine University, graduating in 1985.
He served as the corps commander of the CPU Army Citizen Military Training Unit in 1984-1985 and was a graduate of the ROTC advanced course. In the same academic year he was corps commander, he was also a senator of the CPU Republic. For the entirety of his college life, from 1981-1985, he was a member of numerous organizations.
Gotico was a recipient of the CG, PAF Award for graduating number one among Philippine Air Force General Staff Course students in 2006. In 2008, he was conferred the Bene Meritus Award, a gold medal, for graduating at the top, with an overall average grade of 1.05 in his Masters in Business Administration at San Sebastian College Recoletos de Cavite. In all the military courses he took, he remained among the Top 10 of his class.
He is a multi-awarded and decorated officer, with over 100 medals, awards, and commendations. Some of his accolades include 3 Distinguished Service Star Medals for outstanding military service, 3 Distinguished Aviation Cross medals for outstanding airmanship, 2 Bronze Cross Medals for conspicuous heroism, 27 Military Merit medals for his meritorious achievements, and 11 Military Commendation Medals for his commendable performance among others.
Aside from being awarded 2 Kahusayan Awards for his outstanding feat of airmanship, one of which was because he safely landed his aircraft which encountered engine failure while on flight, he was also given 2 Haribon Awards for exemplary and outstanding Operations Management as Director for Operations of 15th Strike Wing during the conduct of Operation Lighting Sword against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, and for his performance as Assistant Chief of Command Staff for Operations of the 3rd Air Division during the Zamboanga Crisis.
He was also awarded the Military Police Officer of the Year of the Philippine Air Force in 1996, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines Military Police Officer of the 1997 due to his outstanding leadership and management when he was the Squadron Commander of the 594th Air Police Squadron, 15th Strike Wing.
Some of his notable assignments include the following: Squadron Commander of the 16th Attack Squadron and the 17th Attack Squadron, Wing Inspector, Director for Operations of the 15th Strike Wing, and Group Commander of Tactical Operations Group 6 based in Dingle, Iloilo. He was also Chief of the Air Force Modernization Projects Management Office in 2011, and the Assistant Chief of the Division Staff for Operations, 3rd Air Division in Zamboanga City in 2012-2014.
He momentarily left the PAF when he was assigned as the Assistant Chief of Unified Command Staff for Operations (U3), then the Chief of Unified Command Staff of Central Command in 2015. Later, he became the Deputy Wing Commander of the 520th Air Base Wing stationed at Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base, Pasay City and in 2016, he was designated the Deputy Commander of Air Education, training and Doctrine Command where he got his promotion to Brigadier General. He was the designated as Wing Commander, 520th ABW prior to his assignment as the Air Force Inspector General where he was promoted to Major General.
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.
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!
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 113th 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.
The 25th “Year of Service” celebration of the CPU Alumni Association Special Chapter-The Rotary Club of Jaro Centraline (RCJC) was held last Sunday evening, July 29, 2018, at Gerardo’s, The Castle Hotel on Bonifacio Drive, Iloilo City. It was attended by the officers of the club and other notable people in Iloilo City. Both the Rotarians and Rotaractors (Youth Chapter of RCJC) consider the event as a historic assembly of RCJC’s past presidents.
Seated at the presidential table was Rotary District 3850 Governor, Mr. Lindon See Diet, the guest speaker and inducting officer at the event; Current CPU Alumni Association President, Engr. Isagani J. Jabuena; Charter President, Dr. Andresito Millamena; Outgoing RCJC President Jude Marsh R. Grande; and Incoming President RCJC President, Mrs. Evelyn Rose A. Catilo (see related article).
President Grande, R.I. (Rotary International) of 2017-2018, banged the gavel and called the event into order. The program started at 6:00 PM, with Centralian, Pastor Jec Dan Borlado, leading the invocation. Dr. Lorna T. Grande, Dean, CPU College of Business and Accountancy, acknowledged the Rotarians and guests.
Dinner was then served. All the while, the affair was being shown live on widescreen TV, courtesy of the CPU Office of Communications, which provided coverage of the program with Mr. Dionisio Coronado and his team from CPUTV.
RCJC welcoming its new members.
A brief history of the Rotary Club was read by the RCJC Charter President shortly after dinner was served: The Rotary Club of Jaro Centraline was founded by Dr. Andresito “Nonong” Millamena, also a member the CPUAAI Board of Trustees and CPU Corporation, in 1993. He served as Club President from 1993 to 1994.
Some of the Centralian past Presidents have also served at Central Philippine University in different departments and offices. Among them are the late CPU BOT Chairman Narciso “Narcing” Maravilla who served as RCJC President from 1997 to 1998; Ricardo “Ric Patricio, Planning Officer, Office of CPU President) and RCJC President from 2004-2005; Alma “Tita Doc” Frondoza, Asst. Dean of the College of Medicine and served as Chapter President of RCJC from 2005 to 2006; and Dr. Fely P. Chin, former Vice President for Academic Affairs and who served RCJC from 2006 to 2007; Novy Lagradilla, CPU Alumni Association Liaison Officer and served as Chapter President from 2008 to 2009; Freddie “Butch” Salvania, Franklin Hall Dormitory Coordinator and served as RCJC President from 2010 to 2011; Johnny “JV” Villanueva, faculty and served from 2012 to 2013; and Jude Marsh R. Grande, Engineering faculty, 2017 to 2018, and served as RCJC President.
It was a “Night of the Presidents” as the past presidents of RCJC, since it was founded in 1993, were invited to the affair and were awarded with personalized gold medals by new RCJC President Catilo.
The newly inducted officers of the RCJC are: Evelyn Rose Catilo, President; Trinidad “Trenz” Sorongon, President Elect; Jude Marsh Grande, Secretary; Rotarian Lorna T. Grande, Treasurer; Cyrus A. Natividad, Chairman for Public Image; Lyds Grio, Director for Membership; and Budz Senorio, Chairman, Rotary Foundation.
In his message, President Grande promised to do more, having been elected as the current Club Secretary. Under his leadership, RCJC was able to initiate and sustain a feeding program to the indigents and youth of Barangay Tirador in Janiuay, donate desks to selected schools, launch youth and sports program with which he was able to mobilize a Fun Run in support of Central Philippine University’s Alumni Homecoming in 2017, and other various socio-civic projects.
President Evelyn Rose Catilo delivered her inaugural speech with a commitment to extend more to the needy and do her best to make RCJC a worthy cause. Mrs. Catilo selflessly facilitated, among others, a gift-giving activity to indigent communities at Christmas and medical missions intended to support senior citizen in selected communities.
The Inducting Officer DG See Diet who has been visiting Rotary Clubs in Iloilo City admired the cooperation of the Rotary Club of Jaro Centraline and CPU Alumni Association, Inc. He expressed gratitude to Central Philippine University for the support it has been giving to RCJC.
Engr. Isagani J. Jalbuena, CPUAAI President, delivered his message of support to the Rotary Club of Jaro Centraline, “As a Special Chapter of Central Philippine University Alumni Association, your club is assured of support and cooperation on any activities and partnerships during my leadership.”
The program was hosted by Miss Camelle Frances M. Romero, Administrative Officer, CPU Office of the President.
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.
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