Christmas Party and Induction of Officers for 2017-2018
December 10, 2016 1000 Bascom Ave. San Jose CA 95124
It was a rainy day on the 10th of December but the anticipation for several weeks about the event did not deter the CPU Northern California Alumni Association family. Some had to drive three hours or more but, that too, was not a reason to miss the big event. You see, each time there is a gathering of this group, it always paints a picture of a family gathering; so eager to see each other with laughter, sharing of food and fun. Hearts overflowing with joy and love characterize each time we meet.
The beautiful ladies of the CPU Northern California Assn. posing with the traditional and nostalgic Filipino lechon.
Our delightful Pat Desales was our master of ceremonies that day and kept the program going. The Gasacao family provided the sound system and music. Pastor Eduard Faalam gave a Christmas message. A thought provoking question he asked everyone that day was: “What gift can you give to Jesus this Christmas?” Singing was led by Ortha D. Lumanlan and Pat Desales, and Lisaer Carlo Pineda provided a special violin number. This was followed by the induction of officers for 2017-2018. Our very own FOAA VP Northwest, Lee Plagata inducted the group. After the induction, Kathy Leyble Kriewall, incoming president, gave her acceptance speech. Kathy emphasized the unity, love and respect amongst each other as describing the CPUNorCalAA family. Dear to her heart was a quote by Beth Moore, “Effectiveness depends on our connectedness.” This quote reflected several of her platform points, e.g.: a. an updated directory to be distributed to all CPUN or CalAA members; b. intentionally connect with younger alumni; and increase membership by personally being involved in connecting with other Centralians. In addition, there is a plan to have a newsletter featuring both a seasoned member and a younger alumni, to help bonds grow stronger, an on-going prayer ministry, meeting workshops, and involvements that make a difference both locally and abroad, like being a part of Operation Christmas Child or a Gift Giving Outreach to the remote places in Iloilo province to school children, or locally, hosting a fellowship meal with the Firefighters, Veterans or members of the Law Enforcement.
Oath taking of alumni officers for 2017-2018 led by Mr. Lee Plagata.
Leveraging from the love, unity, and respect already in place, additional efforts in connecting with each other and the desired actions to make a difference and sharing what has been entrusted, with the Lord Jesus as our Ultimate Leader, success of these dreams and visions will become a reality.
Centralian Camaraderie – the smiling faces of the CPU Northern California Alumni Association.
The outgoing and fabulous former president Marah Rafols Torres gave some acknowledgements, which was followed by a surprise appreciation presentation to her for a “job well done”. We concluded the event with dancing, visiting, packing some “take home” and a swift clean-up. Hearts were warm, full of joy, and many will bask in the glow of such a fine time and thank God for a chance to be together as a family. It was a delightful and memorable event!
Alumni Updates 