CPU is highly encouraging its alumni here and abroad to register for the upcoming Alumni Grand Reunion to be held at the CPU Campus on February 5-9, 2020.
Come home to CPU and be part of this momentous occasion!
Deadline for registration will be on October 31, 2019. To properly accommodate you and your guests, we highly encourage you to register early.
Please download the Registration Form, Advertising Contract and Homecoming Program for your convenience.
For questions and inquiries please don’t hesitate to contact us at:
e-mail: homecoming@cpu.edu.ph
contact numbers (CPU Alumni Office): (033) 329 2904 or 329-1971 to 329-1979 loc. 1033
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!
Summer Picnic of the CPUAA North Eastern USA with its president Rev. Felix Colinco (first from right, in blue) and Ms. Gladys Pearl H. Gico-Jabalde (sitting fourth from right).
The Central Philippine University Alumni Association of North Eastern USA held an alumni summer picnic at the Calvary Baptist Church of Clifton, New Jersey on July 21, 2018.
Invited guest speaker, Ms. Gladys Pearl H. Gico-Jabalde (CPU BS Nursing Batch 1977) in her message entitled “Just Do It,” talked about the importance of obedience and gratitude in one’s walk with the Lord. She shared the favorite Bible verses of her parents, Mrs. Pacita Huelar Gico, a graduate of CPU Baptist Missionary Training School, and Rev. Jose T. Gico, Jr., a graduate of CPU College of Theology, as well as that of her aunt’s, Mrs. Felicidad B. Huelar, a graduate of the CPU College of Education.
She shared her experiences as a pastor’s kid waking up early to attend Sunday Service. According to her, one’s faith is not only a passionate endeavor but a faithful discipline one must work with fear and trembling. Mrs. Jabalde shares that “obedience of the Word of God is the mark of a true Christian.”
Mrs. Jabalde also encouraged fellow Centralians to continually share the message of the salvation: “My daddy said to me, ‘You do not stop telling others about the Lord. You continue until you die to the end. Tell your spouse, children, brothers, sisters, coworkers, neighbors, friends, everyone. Do not be ashamed to share the good news with them. That’s your responsibility as a believer. The Lord will teach you, equip you, empower you, mold you and help you on what to say. The Holy Spirit is going to be with you all the way. Just continue His work.’”
Recollecting on the wisdom of her parents and aunt, Mrs. Jabalde shared that when they were still alive, she was able to preserve their conversations about God and the Bible through a recording teddy bear. She shared the sound clips of the said conversation during the picnic.
As a family of Centralians serving the Lord, Mrs. Jabalde highlighted the importance of families not only in strengthening and encouraging one another, but in helping each other fulfill their purpose in the Lord.
At the end of her message, Mrs. Jabalde read a poem entitled “Do It Anyway” by Mother Teresa.
Remembering memories and making them last – the CPU DHS Batch 1988 celebrates their Pearl Anniversary.
An ode to 30 years of Centralian camaraderie—The Central Philippine University Development High School Class of 1988 celebrated their Pearl Anniversary by conducting a three-day event filled with different activities from July 20 to 22, 2018.
Ninety (90) alumni from the Batch 1988 gathered together to rekindle their Central Spirit. The batch held a Pinoy Olympics showcasing beloved childhood Filipino games. They also danced the afternoon away at Prism Nightlife in Smallville, Mandurriao and enjoyed a nostalgic meal at Netong’s Batchoy. The batch also had a reunion with their beloved teachers at Tatoy’s-Atria.
A dance intermission given by the alumnae during the Gala Night at Casa Real.
With the theme “An Evening in Black and White,” Batch 1988 held their gala night at Casa Real. Together with friends and family, they reminisced their time at CPU, celebrating the Central Spirit and, more importantly, the faith that CPU taught them to cherish. They also looked forward to more celebrations with fellow Centralians.
As part of giving back to the community, the batch held a feeding program and gave out school supplies in the Municipality of Dumangas. The said outreach was spearheaded by Hon. Ronaldo Golez, Mayor, Municipality of Dumangas and alumnus of the said batch.
Members of the CPU BSN Batch 1993 at Washington D.C.
The Central Spirit at the Capitol—The Central Philippine University Bachelor of Science in Nursing Class 1993 held their Silver Jubilee Celebration at Washington D.C. on July 29 to 31, 2018.
During the said get-together, 63 Centralian alumni rekindled their friendships and recalled their nursing days at CPU. Apart from touring the different historical sites such as the White House, the group held a family picnic at the Embassy Church and a gala night at the National Union Building.
Section D was the most represented section with 17 alumni. Jonathan Gapilango was hailed as Silver Reunion King while Mary Love Magbanua was crowned as Silver Reunion Queen.
CPU BSN Batch 1993 Section D together again after 25 years.
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, in his message to the batch written in their program, said, “Your 25th Reunion is a testament of how blessed you have been these past years and how privileged CPU is to have you as alumni. I hope that this occasion be filled with glittering eyes and glamorous smiles as you exchange stories of the good old days and as you celebrate God’s greatest glory and enduring grace.”
The Reunion Planning Committee was composed of Vivian Piang-Canneti, Overall Chair; Jonathan Gapilango Vice Chair; John Xerxes Estenor, Gala Chair; Mary Love Magbanua and Marilyn Junin-Jabasa, Gala Co-Chairs; Florigyn Gonzales-Cordero, Finance Chair; Voltaire Buenjemia, Communications Chair; Patricia Palonpon-Heramis, Picnic Chair; Carol Joy Limoso-Cabahug, Tour Chair; Elipido Sandig and Leo John Espinosa, Logistics Chair.
CPU takes pride in its strong community of alumni around the globe. As Centralians gather to celebrate the Central Spirit, they place at the center Christ which is the heart and foundation of CPU.
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 10th 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 7th 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:
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:
Excellence in the service of Ilonggos, Joana Christine Q. Rabulan inspires Centralians to persevere and pursue greater heights for the glory of God and the pride of Central. Photo Credit: Joana Christine Q. Rabulan
Scientia et Fides—The heart of the Centralian experience is the fulfillment of young lives in becoming exemplary Christian learners for life. To embody the pursuits of excellence and faith is the reason for the university’s existence. Central Philippine University is home to outstanding individuals that have made a mark in their respective workplace and community.
One of these individuals is Joana Christine Q. Rabulan, a Centralian alumna of CPU kindergarten until tertiary education. She graduated with the degree Bachelor of Science in Accountancy at CPU.
Recently, Rabulan was awarded the prestigious 2017 Top Branch of the Year Nationwide, Mall Branch Category, Banco de Oro Universal Bank (BDO)—the No.1 bank in the Philippines. As the branch head of BDO SM City Iloilo B Branch, located in SM City, Mandurriao, Iloilo City, she has dedicated her passion and perseverance in providing excellent banking services to Ilonggos. “I manage the overall operations, sales, and housekeeping area of the branch. I have 30 people (officers and staff) under me and my responsibility is to achieve and/or exceed the branch yearly targets and loans targets. My team and I focus on giving excellent service to all our clients.”
According to Rabulan, the award is a recognition of her commitment to her work. “This prestigious award is a huge, huge affirmation of my and my team+s persistent, hard work and output for the branch. To be awarded with this is a testament of God+s abundant grace upon the team. Our branch had stiff competition given that we had other mall branches all over the country who were also working hard to try to get the national awards. For our branch to be No. 1 overall for 2017 gives us a sense of pride and humility as well as this feeling that all our sacrifices were worth it. Each officer, each staff, including our guards and messenger, have contributed greatly to garner these awards. We also extend our utmost gratitude to all our clients for their continued trust and support.”
Sharing her experiences as a Centralian, Rabulan talked about the people who have helped her along the way to achieve her potential. “Two of the people I hold with high regard and I deem to be my mentors are, my mother and my professor in accountancy. My mother is Mrs. Corazon Rabulan, a CPU College of Education professor who has been with CPU for decades and who is an excellent teacher to her students. She has imbibed in me the value of hard work, integrity, and excellence in achieving my results. She is an intelligent, very gracious, and humble person who is strict but fair. The other one is Mrs. Gloria Biado, my accountancy part-time professor at that time. She was very clear whenever she explained the subject matter to us and was a calm, intelligent teacher. I even said to myself at that time she was our teacher that I wanted to be like her when I pursued my career.”
It was her faith in God that motivated her to excel and empower others. According to Rabulan, her stay in the university helped her get ready for the real world and translate her faith intoa excellent performance in her career. “During my student years in CPU, I was already proud to be a Centralian. I knew that when I got to the real world, I would be bringing with me the Christian values that the university had inculcated in me since kindergarten, as well as the strength that my learning years had molded into me. I believed that I would be a competent and a very productive graduate when thrown into the cut throat world of my profession. It was just a matter of time and I received that affirmation with the most recent top award in the country.”
Love for God, faith, prayers, love for work, sacrifice, selflessness, patience, humility, and the drive for excellence—these are the values Rabulan learned from her university.
For the next generation of Centralians Rabulan advises that they should carve their own path, write their own story. “Never listen to the naysayers; never let negativity touch your skin. Always remember that you have greatness in you. You just need to choose to harness it to its highest potential.” She further encourages them to persevere and work hard to achieve their dreams. “Perhaps I would like to echo what Mr. Denzel Washington said in one of the College Commencement speeches he delivered, ‘Don+t just aspire to make a living. Aspire to make a difference wherever you are.’ Finally, don+t ever let anyone tell you what you can or cannot do. You are the only person who can ever say that. Dream big, work hard for it, and never forget that at the end of each success, always acknowledge the grace and mercies of God. In each of our own journeys, we must never forget to always be grounded and keep our values intact.”
Atty. Joseph Celis, Director, National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) Region 6 shared how CPU honed him to act with integrity and discipline. Photo Credit: Aksyon Radyo Bacolod Facebook Page
Attorney Joseph S. Celis, Director of the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) Region 6 is a leader who exudes loyalty, love, and respect—among the core values he imbibed from Central Philippine University. Joseph Celis, also known as Jong-jong, revisited CPU after being installed with a Special Order as Director II at the Iloilo City NAPOLCOM Headquarters. He reminisced his good old college days as an idolized football star, an active student leader in the CPUR, and a member of the Political Science Student Organization and Order of Kalantiao.
The son of Jose A. Celis, CPU Commerce graduate and a businessman, and CPU Education graduate, Elvira Celis, Joseph studied in CPU from Kinder 1 up to Grade 2. He graduated from CPU High School in 1984 and he finished his AB Political Science, also from CPU, in 1988. Celis recalled how he was supported in his studies by their family business—the famous Jackson Steel Cabinet manufacturing in Western Visayas, producer of quality vaults and other equipment. He helped his father in the business while also doing well in school.
He proceeded to study at University of Santo Tomas Law School after he finished college in CPU. Later, he worked hard to finish his Bachelor of Laws at the Philippine Law School. After that, he was appointed to several government agencies as legal officer, Assistant Regional Director, and Director, particularly at the National Police Commission, which is attached to the Department of Interior and Local Government.
His early engagements in the police included monitoring, inspection of police stations, spot checking, and compliance level for the police assigned. His job also included press and media interviews. His first assignment was in July 7, 2004 as Acting NAPOLCOM Assistant Regional Director of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), after which, he was promoted to Assistant Director on December 2006. He became the Regional Director in December 2008.
He is the youngest Director in an Army Camp’s Instructional Defense Risk Association in Camarines Sur. He covered five provinces as NAPOLCOM Regional Director in Tuguegarao City’s Regional Office in 2010. In 2011, Celis served as NAPOLCOM Assistant Regional Director of Davao before being appointed in the same year as NAPOLCOM Regional Director for Muslim Mindanao. He has become the longest sitting non-Muslim Regional Director.
From 2004 to 2006, Celis was the Regional Director for Negros Island Region (NIR) while serving as concurrent NAPOLCOM Provincial Officer for Iloilo. He was assigned as Provincial Officer of Aklan and other provinces until his appointment as Regional Director of Western Visayas with Special Order: NAPOLCOM 2018-001, dated January 4, 2018.
Celis has been assigned another responsibility when he was elected President of Central Philippine University Elementary School Parent-Teachers Association for 2017-2018.
All his stints, positions and responsibilities, he carried on with excellence and integrity. These he attributes to his basic training at CPU, a strong Central Spirit and discipline in himself.
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 10thCPU 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.
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