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!
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 50th 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.
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.
Mrs. Evelyn Rose Catilo is the new president of the Rotary Club of Jaro Centraline.
Newly inducted Rotary Club of Jaro Centraline (CPUAAI Special Chapter) President Evelyn Rose Catilo is a B.S. Medical Technology graduate of Central Philippine University, Batch 1979.
Evelyn worked at the Iloilo Mission Hospital. She is a pioneer technician of the Heart Station Department. She was later sent to the Philippine Heart Center for Asia to train on ECG Interpretation and also to perform a D-2 Echo and Stress Test.
Carrying her true Central Spirit, she made sure to involve herself in worthy causes and charitable outreach. Thus, in 2014 she joined the Rotary Club of Jaro Centraline and started participating in outreach programs for indigent communities.
Evelyn is an exemplary Centralian much as she is a very active Rotarian. On her second time as RCJC President, Catilo promises to follow this year’s Rotary International motto “Be an Inspiration.”
Evelyn Rose Catilo is married to Wenifredo Orbe Catilo and together, they have 3 children.
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.
Mr. Jonathan Gapilango together with his wife Rowena Neri-Gapilango.
In recognition of his commitment and dedication to the nursing profession, Mr. Jonathan Gapilango of the CPU Bachelor of Science in Nursing Batch 1993 was hailed as the Nurse Administrator of the Year by the Philippine Nurses Association of America during its 39th Annual Convention at Hyatt Regency in Jersey City, New Jersey on July 28, 2018.
Gapilango is currently the Director of the Outpatient Oncology Service Line of the J. Phillip Citta Regional Cancer Center in New Jersey.
The recognition last July 28 was not his first. In 2017, Gapilango was chosen as one of the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) Surveyors. He was also a recipient of the Philippine Nurses Association of America Foundation, Inc. 2017 Fellowship Award. His research proposal entitled “The Impact of Nurse Navigation on Emotional Well-Being and Psychological Distress Among Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer Patients in a Community Setting” received US$1,000 in research grant. In 2014, the PNAA hailed him as the “Research Nurse of the Year.” He was also one of the speakers of the International Balik-Turo of the CPU College of Nursing on June 21, 2018. He lectured about the current trends in cancer management.
Philippine Nurses Association of America was established in 1979 as an organization committed to uphold the integrity of the nursing profession and to provide professional opportunities for its constituents.
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:
alumni 