CPU HS batch 1964 acknowledges God’s faithfulness during 55th Year Reunion

By Nestle G. Taala

*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.

“To God be the Glory for the Things He has done!”

CPUAA chapters to help in organizing Alumni Grand Homecoming in 2020

By Cyrus A. Natividad

*Celebrating the Central Spirit – Centralians here and abroad are invited to come to CPU Campus on February 5-9, 2020 to celebrate its Alumni Grand Homecoming.*

“There is work to do.” This was how CPUFOAA current President Flora Grace Guillergan-Cudiamat explained how the many CPUAAI chapters will get involved in the preparation of the Alumni Grand Homecoming at Central Philippine University in 2020.

The oneness of Centralian alumni comes with the general sentiment of the Central Spirit of love, cooperation and generosity, between and among 156 CPUAA chapters all over the world.

In a meeting with members of the CPUAAI Board, Perla G. Londres Waters, Chair of the CPUFOAA Endowment Committee, agreed that there’s such a thing as Central Spirit at work that bring the alumni together towards the achievement of success for the coming grand reunion at CPU.

The idea of a global reunion started in Chicago in 1998, with the founding of CPU Alumni Association of North America. During the Centennial Celebration of CPU in 2005, the idea came up again with a group of overseas alumni who met and discussed possibilities.

The global celebration takes place every two years; hence, the reunion in CPU in 2020 is supposedly the 11th. However, as it is going to be a grand convergence of CPU alumni worldwide, CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles proposed to call it the 1st CPU Alumni Grand Homecoming and this was unanimously supported by the CPUAAI Board of Trustees.

A gala night will be held at the premier Grand Xing Hotel in Iloilo City.

Come and bring back the memories after many years. Attend the 1st Alumni Grand Homecoming at Central on February 5-9, 2020.

CPU BSN ‘79 donates for Nursing Virtual Lab

By Francis Neil G. Jalando-on

*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:

Al-Rawas, Mila Landoy

Caligdong, Beth Gordoncillo

Caligdong, Ray

Catalan, Girlie

Cerbas, Grace Uy

Gabio, John Mark

Geria, Geva

Orleans, Nelia Japsay

Padernilla, Godfred

Sagun, Leda Robles

Garcia, Marietta Tumasis

Santiago, Bobbie Cheryl Primero

Arandela, Mary Grace Prudente

Sandig, Sylvia Fernandez

Dollolasa, Leah Castor

Pagtanac, Geralyn Honorario

Paredes. Ma. Lourdes Bugna

Datuin, Helen Moscoso

Camporedondo, Nora

Britanico, Josephine Miane

Perea, Charity Yanson

Bamberger, Eden Jopson

Banares, Helen

Alvarez, Gilda Muyco

Rosales, Renee Fe Abrigo

Centralian gets promoted to Air Force Inspector

By Prof. Sharon Rose G. Munar

*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.

CPU Political Science Alumni Association holds 4th year reunion

By Cyrus A. Natividad

*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.

CPU Alumni Golfers Association and CPUAAI holds 9th invitational golf tournament

By Cyrus A. Natividad

Atty. Alejandro Somo, former CPU Sports Director, Mrs. Tina Marie Hortelano, CPUAAI Liaison Officer and Engr. Isagani Jalbuena, CPUAAI President has been supporting the Central Philippine University Alumni Golfers Association and CPU Alumni Association for years.

Everyone is invited to the Central Philippine University Alumni Golfers Association and CPU Alumni Association 9^th CPU Alumni Invitational Golf Tournament on October 6, 2018 at the Sta. Barbara Golf Course, Sta. Barbara Golf and Country Club, Sta Barbara, Iloilo.

A registration fee of PhP2,500.00 includes a Mulligan, dinner, and an entry in the raffle. The tee off is at 6 AM. It includes 18 holes, individual play using the stableford scoring system, based on the players’ September 2018 Handicap Index.

There will be four categories for the gentlemen with recognition for the Champion and 1^st Runner Up; one category for the ladies with awards for the Champion and 1^st Runner Up; as well as one category for the seniors players with recognition for the Champion only. There will be one category for CPU men with awards for the Champion and 1^st Runner Up and one Category for CPU all alumni ladies with recognition for the Champion only.

Dinner and the awarding ceremony for all the winners will be held on the same date at 6 PM at the Iloilo Golf and Country Club House.

Centralian showcases designs in London Fashion Week

By Keziah G. Huelar

*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.

CSC hails Centralian as “Dangal ng Bayan” Awardee

By Keziah G. Huelar

*Centralian Iñigo D. Garingalao promoting his advocacy for a smoke-free Iloilo.*

For his outstanding commitment to public service, Centralian Iñigo D. Garingalao, Executive Director of the Iloilo City Anti-Smoking Taskforce, was awarded one of the regional winners in the 2018 Search for Outstanding Workers under the Honors and Awards Program, Dangal ng Bayan Category at SM City Iloilo on September 6, 2018.

The said award is given to outstanding public official and employees “for performance of an extraordinary act or public service and consistent demonstration of exemplary ethical behaviour,” who have created an impact to the organization or to the public, and who have served the cumulative years of service in the government vis-à-vis their accomplishments.

To recognize his achievements and contributions to the community, the city government, in its Resolution No. 2018-536 dated September 11, 2018, congratulated Garingalao for being a recipient of the prestigious award.

Garingalao is a 1974 graduate of the CPU Elementary School, a 1978 alumnus of the CPU High School, a batch 1986 graduate of CPU Agricultural Engineering, and received his Diploma in Christian Ministry in 2011.

Centralian to be awarded as Audrey Kaplan Inspiring Woman by SJC

By Keziah G. Huelar

*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.

CPU BSN Class 1993 holds Silver Jubilee Celebration

By Keziah G. Huelar

*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.