Rekindling friendships – Batch 1969 celebrates the Central Spirit by re-exploring Panay.
The CPU BS Nursing batch 1969 saw more of Iloilo province and Antique as they celebrated their golden anniversary on February 7-12, 2019.
The group started with a mini program at the Knowledge for Development Center, Henry Luce III Library. They then visited the College of Nursing at the Loreto D. Tupaz Buiding and the Iloilo Mission Hospital (IMH) where they had their lunch together with Dr. Elmer Q. Pedregosa, IMH Administrator.
On February 8, CPU BSN batch 1969 sailed to Tambaliza, Concepcion, Iloilo. The batch enjoyed the view, the beach, and a table full of seafood during lunch time. The feast was prepared by their classmate, Erlinda V. Arlos.
Fun in the sun – CPU BS Nursing Batch 1969 explores Iloilo and Antique during their batch reunion.
The batch experienced a more fellowship in Dingle, Iloilo on February 9. The event was hosted by Mr. Ramilo and Mrs. Zenaida Tadeo at their residence. On February 10, they headed to Mrs. Zenaida K. Tubianosa’s home in Antique where they commemorated four classmates who had gone on ahead of them. The night was then filled with entertainment through the song and dance numbers presented by the Cultural Group of Antique.
On the last day of their reunion, some witnessed the dedication service for the College of Nursing Virtual Simulation Laboratory and Learning Resource Center while others proceeded to Pavia, Iloilo for a lunch fellowship hosted by Mrs. Delia G. Daus.
In an interview, Mrs. Angel Robles, one of the organizers of the said event, shared that they chose this kind of itinerary “because it’s very simple and we don’t have to do a lot of work. We don’t need to dress up.”
To Lydia Robles, reunions “[are] the time for you [and your classmates] to meet again, to reminisce happy memories, and, sometimes, to share each other’s experienc
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles receives the donation from Pastor Lloyd Basco, a faculty of the CPU Junior High School and a cousin of one of the graduates of BSN ’79.
The CPU BS Nursing Batch 1979 recently donated US$900 and PhP22,300 for the laboratory. This is just one of the various batches of the CPU College of Nursing that has contributed to the Nursing Virtual Laboratory.
The said donation was received by CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, on January 29, 2019 at the CPU Alumni Affairs Office. It was turned over by Pastor Lloyd Basco, a faculty of the CPU Junior High School and a cousin of one of the graduates of BSN ’79.
At present, the College of Nursing Virtual Laboratory is already operational. The latest addition to the lab is Apollo, “an adult male patient simulator [that] has the most authentic physiology in the industry. Apollo offers simulation facilitators a range of opportunities with which to expose their learners to immersive training scenarios: scenarios where they may suspend disbelief and develop critical thinking, stress management, and patient care skills—all while gaining confidence and competence in procedure and protocol.” (https://caehealthcare.com/blog/cae-apollo-new-face-new-name-same-high-quality-simulation/)
The aim of the lab is to prepare students and develop their skills through depictions of real life situations in the laboratory.
The following are the members of the BS Nursing ’79 who gave towards the completion of the Nursing Virtual Laboratory:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Seisa challenged the students to strive hard for success in her message at the Loreto Tupas Building Audio Visual Room.
Born to a family of 17 children in Lambunao, Iloilo, Ann Seisa (formerly Ann Catedrilla) resolved to overcome poverty. She worked her way towards graduating from the College of Nursing at CPU. She struggled and faced all the challenges with a faith and determination.
On February 1, 2018, Seisa shared her experience with CPU Nursing students at the Loreto Tupaz Audio Visual Room. Everyone was silent as Seisa came up on stage and introduced herself. Everyone was in anticipation to hear the story of one of the most successful CPU nurses who have worked in the US. They would receive her challenge for today’s generation of would-be nurses from Central Philippine University.
The challenge began with a background of how her life was before she got what she desired. She lived in a mountain farm with her parents and her 16 siblings, but she was determined to get a degree in Nursing from Central Philippine University.
Lambunao is a faraway town from Jaro, Iloilo City where her dream school CPU is located. Sometimes, she would ask the bus driver or the conductor if she could just stand up during the trip so that she would not be charged with the fare or if she could pay only half of the fare. She worked hard from home to school. She would wake up very early and cook rice with some eggs boiled on top. She would use charcoal embers in ironing her clothes as she had only one set of school uniform back then.
Ann resolved to pursue her desire to get a diploma in Nursing, and to become rich, because she said “it’s a matter of choice.” She was reading Napoleon Hill’s book “Think and Grow Rich” at the age of 13. This was something she divulged to her father who blessed her on her quest for success.
All those hardships had prepared her to be a success in all her plans and desires. Upon graduation from CPU, Ann was able to proceed to Manila. She got a job as a nursing aid with the help of a Centralian supervisor in the hospital where she was employed. After a year, she went to the United States with only a suitcase and a hundred dollar pocket money. No relatives, no family.
She did her best at every opportunity and managed to climb, step by step, up the ladder of success. She started as an attendant in a nursing home, then after 6 months became a nursing head. All those hardships “made me what I am today,” she stressed. “Nothing is impossible if you set your mind to accomplish it,” she added.
Seisa encouraged the nursing students to be a thousand percent confident. “Know what you want, go after it, and learn everything you need to achieve it. Develop people skills—know how to deal with people, to get along well with people.” She also shared to them the 3E’s of success: Energy (by eating well, sleeping well, and exercising), enthusiasm (being dynamic and believing in what you can do), and excellence (as what Centralians are known for).
“When you have accomplished, do not forget where you came from. Give back to Central Philippine University,” was her strong advice to the nursing students who gave her a long round of applause.
Ann Catedrilla-Seisa is married to a banker from the U.S. Federal Reserve back in the 80’s. They now have two professional daughters: Christen, 32 and Andrea, 26 who are managing two of their businesses in the U.S.
The Seisa Family gave a donation to the CPU College of Nursing Virtual Laboratory and to the Senior High School.
1977 Nursing Alumna, Ann Catedrilla-Seisa presented two checks amounting to $20, 000 each for the the construction of the Senior High School Building and the College of Nursing for its 5-million-peso Virtual Laboratory.
Following her inspiring message as speaker of the College of Nursing International Balik-Turo Program, 1971 CPU High School and 1977 Bachelor of Science in Nursing alumna, Ann Catedrilla-Seisa donated a check amounting to $20, 000 for the construction of the Senior High School Building and another $20, 000 to the CPU College of Nursing for its 5-million-peso Virtual Laboratory. Together with Atty. Salex E. Alibogha, Acting Dean, CPU College of Nursing, Seisa presented the checks to CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, at the CPU Administration Building, BOT Conference Room on February 1, 2018.
During the turnover of the checks, Mrs. Seisa shared how her stay in CPU has inspired her to pursue excellence and success in her career. “CPU has been an instrument to where I am today. I believe that they molded me with great Christian values, good ethics, professionalism and I am who I am today because of my training at Central Philippine University and it’s time to give to the university that gave us so much to ensure that the next generation of Centralians will be able to sustain the greatness of this university.”
Dr. Robles expressed his thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Seisa and to Centralians here and abroad who continue to love and support the university. “I would like to express my deep gratitude to Ann and Loy Seisa for their valuable contribution to the university, not only in terms of financial contribution but also for their moral support to the university.”
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles and Atty. Salex E. Alibogha, Acting Dean, CPU College of Nursing with BSN Batch 1977 Ann Catedrilla-Seisa, her husband, Mr. Narciso “Loy” Seisa and batchmates.
It can be recalled that in 2008, Mrs. Seisa and her husband, Mr. Narciso “Loy” Seisa, sponsored the construction of the covered stage located in the center of the Loreto D. Tupaz Building in honor of her parents Mr. and Mrs. Ponciano Catedrilla. She and her Batch BSN 1977 donated 2 million pesos for the repainting of the Loreto D. Tupaz Building.
In 1986, the couple founded the Vagthol’s Residential Care Center, Inc. in Los Angeles, California. The center started as a boarding facility for senior citizens. Now, the center serves individuals with Phenylketonuria (PKU).
Mrs. Seisa is also the Chief Executive Officer of Solarex Energy International. She was a volunteer at the Frank D. Lanterman Regional Center and later became a member of its Board of Directors and the chair of its Program Services and Strategic Committee. Currently, Mrs. Seisa serves as managing partner for ASN, LLC and Vagthes, LLC, real estate holding companies.
CPU hopes that more donations will be raised to complete the 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.
A commitment to a greater Central – the completion of the Nursing Virtual Laboratory will help catapult the CPU College of Nursing as a Center of Excellence in the region. Shown in picture is CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles and Atty. Salex E. Alibogha, Acting Dean of the College of Nursing accepting the donation from Dr. Helen A. Hofileña, sister of BSN Class 1990 graduate Mr. Jessie Almonares.
The Central Philippine University College of Nursing Class 1990 donated $1, 156 or 58, 724 pesos for the completion of the soon to be constructed P5-million Virtual Laboratory of the College of Nursing. The said donation was received by Atty. Salex E. Alibogha, Acting Dean of the College of Nursing and CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles at the Board of Trustees Conference Hall on January 30, 2018.
According to Atty. Salex, the funds for the said laboratory have reach 2 million pesos. He hopes that funds can be completed before 2018 ends. The Virtual Laboratory will help the College of Nursing attain a “Center of Excellence” status in the region. The fund raising campaign for the proposed project has been ongoing with Nursing Alumni Associations worldwide. It will continue until the amount is enough to finance the proposed project.
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles signs the receipt of the donation from BSN Class 1990.
The Nursing Virtual Laboratory will provide simulation of various nursing procedures such as IV therapy, parenteral medications, for patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and others. They expounded that this is part of the Outcome-based education (OBE) curriculum. The lab will help prepare students develop their nursing skills, depicting real life situations, before doing it on actual patients. It will be a facility that will have doll simulators, IV virtual laboratory monitors, and camera for other students to watch how procedures are being done while in another room. With this Virtual Laboratory, CPU students will be able to practice their delivery of health care and errors will be minimized on real patients.
CPU President, Dr. Robles thanked the CON Class 1990 for their continuous love and support to the university. He also encourages Centralians here and abroad to support the cause as the College of Nursing gears for new heights in the field of competitive nursing.
The College of Nursing hopes that more donations will be raised to complete the project on time. 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.
College of Nursing Acting Dean, Atty. Salex Alibogha presents the token and Certificate of Appreciation to guest speaker, Susie Jennings, CPU BSN Class 1978.
With the aim of producing globally competitive nurses, the Central Philippine University Bachelor of Science in Nursing Batch 1978 held the International Balik-Turo Program on Global Trends in Nursing at the AudioVisual Room, Loreto D. Tupaz Building on January 11, 2017.
Susie Jennings, guest speaker and CPU a BSN Class 1978 alumna was introduced by Ma. Lourdes Sampiano, Clinical Coordinator. 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 Jesus Christ and the promise of eternal life. Her commitment and dedication in serving God and the community has tagged her as the “The Blanket Lady” after she gave away blankets to the homeless in the freezing cold of November 1993.
College of Nursing Acting Dean, Atty. Salex Alibogha with guest speaker, Susie Jennings, Ma’am Angel Robles and CPU College of Nursing faculty.Alumni and participants alike eagerly listen to Jenning’s lecture.
In her lecture, Jennings emphasized the importance of being aware of the global trends in nursing. She interposed that the challenges can be met with preparedness and cognizance as a student, before one enters professional practice.
She also inspired the participants by encouraging them to pursue nursing not only as a profession but as a God-given ministry to serve others and to glorify God. Her testimony has uplifted the Centralian alumni community here and abroad through her heart for community service.
In his opening remarks, Atty. Salex E. Alibogha, Acting Dean of the CPU College of Nursing thanked the batch for hosting the seminar-forum and for their continued commitment and support to the college. He also highlighted the importance of holding seminar-forums like this to orient Centralian nursing students about the global trends in nursing which will be crucial for their practice later on.
The general objective of the International Balik-Turo Program is to conduct an academic exchange to update and enrich the perspective of Centralian nurses on international health care issues. Its specific objectives include discussing health care issues confronting the world, explicating the roles of nurses in global health care issues confronting patient care, and encouraging aspiring nurses to express their own perspectives on international health care issues affecting the nursing profession.
The CPU BSN Batch 1978 will also be spearheading this year’s 2nd Natividad C. Caipang Memorial Lecture. The final date will be announced soon.
alumni 