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.
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.
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.
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 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).
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.
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:
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.
Escolta with his friend and former co-worker Mr. Cyrus Natividad.
From a humble working student at Central Philippine University, Gerry A. Escolta has realized his dream of becoming a Certified Public Accountant. He is now a CPA who owns the G. Escolta Management Consultancy Services that provides management consultancy services to several companies in Sta. Rosa City Laguna and parts of Metro Manila.
His hardships and difficulties during his college days only made him more determined to pursue his plans to finish college and become a CPA. Escolta recalls that he would wake up very early from the municipality of Passi where he came home to every weekend and catch one of the few jeepneys that go to Iloilo City every Monday. Escolta finished his Bachelor of Science in Accountancy at Central Philippine University in 1981 and succeeded to pass the CPA Board Exam in Manila the following year.
He came back to CPU very recently to visit friends, former classmates, particularly his co-work students at the Student Service Enterprise. He did not forget his work 40 years ago—checking the enterprise stocks and serving his customers with courtesy. He studied his lessons diligently during work intervals and learned from the accounting process of the enterprise as well.
Escolta believes in quality and to have studied at CPU is a fortunate experience. He constantly thinks about how he could have succeeded if not for the Work-Study Program of Central Philippine University.
He emphasized that “labor is honor.” Labor was what made him a deserving work-student, a determined career person and now a very successful Certified Public Accountant.
Escolta revisited CPU with a plan to organize a Student Service Enterprise Alumni Association (CPU SSEAA). For those who have been a work student before and assigned to the SSE, please contact Gerry Escolta on this number: 09155477296.
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