Remembering memories and making them last – Central Philippine University, Capiz Emmanuel Hospital, Iloilo Mission and Nurses Alumni Association held its 92nd Homecoming and 28th Loreto D. Tupaz Memorial Lecture with the theme “CCINAA Nurses’ Resiliency: Key in Withstanding Global Challenges at the Amigo Terrace Hotel, May 10, 2017.
In his opening remarks, Atty. Salex E. Alibogha BSN Class 1992 and the President of CCINAA spoke about the relevance of this year’s theme to the passion and commitment of Centralian nurses. According to him Centralian nurses are known to be excellent throughout the world. He credits this to the evidence of quality nursing education and strong alumni support.
For welcome and greetings, CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, whose wife is also a nurse, commended the dedication and strength of Centralian nurses. He recognized their achievements and contribution to the Centralian community.
On the other hand, Dr. Elmer Q. Pedregosa, Hospital Director of Iloilo Mission Hospital acknowledged key people who contributed to the success of Iloilo Mission Hospital of being recognized as one of the excellent institutions for medical service.
Prof. Lily Lynn V. Somo, Dean of the CPU College of Nursing and Health Science encouraged Centralian nurses and nurses-to-be to preserve the unity of their Centralian spirit. She also emphasized the importance of Christian values in the service of their profession.
Thereafter, a tribute to the late Loreto D. Tupaz was made by Mrs. Elsie S. Italia, BSN Class 1974. In one of the published articles of Dr. Florentino P. Alerta entitled “Miss Loreto D. Tupaz – The Florence Nightingale of Iloilo” dated August 5, 2005 in The News Today, he talks about the late Loreto D. Tupaz as the “Grand Dame of Discipline”, quoting his article: They may have called her as the “Grand Dame of Discipline”but it is these virtues that our “Nanay” never forget to pass along to her students. Miss Tupaz serves as an example for her students. Her name connotes discipline and punctuality. The “Miss Tupaz Syndrome”may have passed down the nurses that have trained under her bringing nursing care to the highest degree in the Philippines.
For the memorial lecture, Phebe L. Pendon, BSN Class 1992, FAACVPR, RN, RP and Registered Clinical Psychologist talked the role of nurses in the global development. The resiliency of nurses is an important factor in developing communities and strengthening medical ties all throughout the world.
The event also recognized Silver Jubilarians (Class 1992), Ruby Jubilarians (Class 1977), Golden Jubilarians (Class 1967), as well as the honor graduates, the Loreto D. Tupaz awardee and the board placers of the November 2016 Nursing Licensure Examination.
An induction of the new alumni members and the new CCINAA Board of Directors was led by the President of the CPU Alumni Association Inc., Mr. Daniel P. Dorillo.
We have reasons to stop by and appreciate the newly dedicated Alumni Terrace in front of the CPU Alumni Affairs Office.
First is that people, especially Centralians could relax after walking from elsewhere to the Alumni Office; stop by to chat with friends and fellow Centralians, or wait for somebody from the outisde or inside of the alumni office. It’s cool out there – owing to the fresh green scenery of the Alumni Garden and of the Halfmoon Drive across.
Alumni, Friends and BOT shares a conversation before the dedication program.
The second reason is that we can read the names of past administrators of Central Philippine University, past Chairmen of the Board of Trustees and of the CPUAAI Board; and Officers and Members of the Board of Directors of CPU Alumni Association, Inc. as well – emblasoned on geometrical slabs of brass on corners of the Alumni Terrace.
Outgoing BOT Chair, Atty Peter Irving C. Corvera unveils the brass marker.
But the admirable thing reallly about the construction of the square concrete with low grills is that it is one of those CPUAAI projects to be treasured forever, to be proud and thankful for the thoughtfulness of Centralian Alumni- realizing projects every year.
The dedication was held at 4:00 pm, Thursday, May 4, 2017. CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles led the ribbon cutting together with outgoing BOT Chair, Atty Peter Irving C. Corvera, and Mr. Daniel P. Donillo, CPU Alumni Association President.
Officers of the CPU Alumni Association Inc.
Dr. Robles and Atty. Corvera unveiled the brass markers situated in the two corners of the Alumni Office portico. CPUAAI President expressed his gratitude to all the generous Alumni of Central Philippine University, and for the Present CPU administration for the `all-out’ support.
A healthy merienda cena followed inside the Alumni Office.
Ma. Teresa SV Caipang passion for healthcare was recognized during the Summit Conference of CALTCM
Ma. Teresa SV Caipang, RN, BSN, MSN, Director of Nurses of Norwalk Skilled Nursing and Wellness Centre and a 1980 alumnae of the CPU Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program received the top spot for Best Practice in Nursing awarded during the Summit Conference of California Association of Long Term Care Medicine (CALTCM) – April 29, 2017.
During the event, she presented the fall quality program in from of more than 250 attendees comprising of doctors, advanced practice nurses, nurse leaders, director of nurses, administrators and other health care professionals.
Ma. Teresa SV Caipang bagged 1st Place in the search for Best Nursing Practices in the Summit Conference of CALTCM.
The California Association of Long Term Care Medicine (CALTCM) is the professional organization for California physicians, medical directors, nurses, pharmacists, administrators, and other professionals working in long-term care. CALTCM promotes quality patient care across the long-term care continuum through medical leadership and education. (http://www.caltcm.org/about).
Attorney Josua C. Alim will sing with Atty. Plaridel Nava during the Pasidungog 2017 concert of Katchry Jewel S. Golbin and Creative Designer Audrey Rose Albason Dusaran on May 5, 2017, 5:30 PM at the CPU Rose Memorial Auditorium. Both Centralian lawyers are members of the City Council. Alim however is a member of the CPU Alumni Association Board of Directors.
Atty. Plaridel Nava
Alim and Nava are known in Iloilo City as the `Singing Councilors’; more often invited to sing in public gatherings and social functions. This must be the reason why they maintain loyal constituents and have always won as City Councilors for years.
Atty. Alim will also perform a duet with the celebrity during the concert./CAN
On April 7, 2017, Filamer Christian University gave Rev. Sharon Rose Joy Ruiz-Duremdes the academic award of doctor honoris causa or honorary doctorate, Doctor of Pedagogy. In Photo: Rev. Dr. Sharon Rose Joy Ruiz-Duremdes is flanked by Dr. Pimentel, Dr. Cortel, Judge Nery Duremdes, and Dr. Chan (Photo Credits: Filamer Christian College).
A woman unfazed by the trials of the life is rare – such a feat is immortalized by her steady inclination to the Author of all things, her devotion to a cause greater than herself and her commitment to the things that go beyond her lifetime.
Rev. Sharon Rose Ruiz-Duremdez has inspired hundreds of Centralians. Her work and ministry has led others to pursue the calling of living and leading for Christ. A well-loved professor of the Central Philippine Univeristy College of Theology and a passionate servant of the Lord, her life is a testimony that the goodness of the Lord bestows favor and grace to those who put Him first.
In 1968, Rev. Sharon graduated in CPU with a degree of Bachelor of Arts in English, Magna Cum Laude. Her stay in CPU has molded her to become a woman of faith – passionate for serving the Lord and fervent in helping others. “My parents were teachers, they emphasized the importance academics but they wanted their children to be nurtured with Christian values first and foremost.”
Rev. Sharon became the third Centralian who became a part of the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines. Her heart for servant leadership has made her a true ministry worker. “During the TOSP interview, I was asked on what is my role and contribution as a citizen in the development of the society – I am still very much answering that question today.”
According to Rev. Sharon, apart from being an institution devoted to producing exemplary Christian graduates CPU is also a venue for developing friendships that last. “CPU is a place where there is deep closeness among faculty and students forged by respect and common love for the university. Sentimentally, the Central spirit is very much alive. If you graduated from CPU and met someone who also graduated from CPU, although you were from a different batch, there would be an immediate sense of brotherhood or sisterhood – a common way of understanding and looking at life the Centralian way.”
After graduation, Rev. Sharon volunteered as an overseas missionary of the Convention of Baptist Churches. She went to Semerarang, Indonesia and worked with Indonesian students. There she developed a deep fulfillment for sharing the gospel which became her definition of success.
Rev. Sharon entered the portals of the CPU College of Theology in 1973 after studying in Berkeley Divinity School in California, USA. In the college she found joy teaching young people about the word of God and encouraging them live their lives for the glory of the Lord. “It is in the area of theology that we develop a deep understanding of the truths of life. You will understand that the ministry is meant to be for others – it is faith training.”
Several people inspired her to be the woman she is today. The most notable of which are her parents and professors in CPU; “My father was an educator. He encouraged me to develop my ability of expressing what I am thinking. On the other hand, my mother helped me in understanding other people and caring for them. My mother was a very passionate Christian, she told me that to have a deeper meaning of life one has to serve the Lord.”
Another person who helped her develop her potential is Dr. Elisa Griño, the Head of the English Department of the CPU College of Arts and Science. “I was impressed with the way Dr. Griño communicated with other people. She encouraged me to excel and to further develop my mastery of the English language.”
An advocacy close to her heart, Rev. Sharon shares that it is the upliftment of women in ministry, work and society that moves her to action. According to her it is vital that women learn about themselves and identify themselves as someone who has a significant contribution to society. “Women need to discover their God given gifts and talents. My work with women has brought me to communities. There I saw the necessity for me to divest my attention to the plight of women. There is a lot to be done.”
Seeing the victims of an unlivable society, Rev. Sharon forged a revolution against inequality. “Every person is worthy of human dignity. Before I engaged in my advocacy I realized three things: first, I should have a very clear vision of the future and I should draw people to that particular vision. Second, I should be making life livable for others through my talents, abilities and skills. And last, for my advocacy to be successful, I should empower others to join me.”
Rev. Sharon shares that it is not easy to engage in advocacy work, she has encountered a lot of challenges along the way but it is her fervent obedience to her the calling God gave her that made her persevere. “When you engage in an advocacy like this you won’t have many friends. You have to speak the truth, when you do this people who are in power will be threatened because they want to stay in position – many people will not like you. You will have to go on survival mode.”
In her fight for others, she encountered persecution but remained consistent with her purpose. “I was persecuted and put in jail. But when people saw the consistency in my words and actions, the goodness of the Lord was manifested, others began seeing my side of the story – the grace of the Lord sustained me. Just like what Matthew 5:10-12 says: Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you,persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me .Rejoice and be glad,because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
Rev. Sharon’s greatest joy is seeing younger people respond to God’s calling in their lives. As a theologian educator it is the passion of her students in learning and pursuing the word of God that gives her fulfillment. “Seeing younger people say to me: You make a lot of sense, always brings joy to my heart.”
Hon. Demy P. Sonza has a passion for history and its preservation.
Twenty Seventeen of the Twenty First Century is another achievement year for Honorable Demy P. Sonza,Iloilo Provincial Board Member; Centralian leader, historian, and author. On Tuesday, April 18, 2017, Sonza’s 21st book – “Two Most Highly Decorated Filipino Soldiers in World War II: Jose C. Calugas and Ramon S. Subejano of Iloilo” was launched at the Casa Real De Iloilo (the old provincial capitol building).The launching was sponsored by the Office of Culture, Arts and Tourism-Iloilo Province.
Demetrio P. Sonza, fondly called Demy by his peers and circles at Central Philippine University is a prolific writer on any literary, historical, or social interests. Demy hails from the prestigious municipality of Sta. Barbara, Iloilo where the first Philippine Flag was raised outside Manila.
Sonza started working in CPU (mostly in publications and communications) at the office of First Filipino President Dr. Rex D. Drilon, another popular journalist.
Centralian Pride Katchry Golbin will once again showcase her talent in the upcoming “Pasidungog”.
If you were entertained by Katchry Golbin a.k.a. Alienette Coldfire, (3rd Placer, France Got Incredible Talent) in her last +dinner show+ at EMC- CPU last December 2016 (courtesy of the CPU Alumni Association), you will be excited to see her on May 5, 5:30 PM at the Rose Memorial Auditorium when she tandems her performance with CPU Cultural Groups, and with a special participation of Audrey Rose Dusaran-Albason – the only Filipino Fashion Designer invited in the Oxford Fashion Studio AW 2017 in Paris, France.
Central Philippine University and the CPU Alumni Association, Inc., in collaboration with the CPU Cultural Affairs Office will honor the graduates of 2017 in a concert entitled “PASIDUNGOG”- a double treat presentation of Ms. Golbin and Ms. Albason. Once again Golbin will deliver some of her classic, heart rending songs in French and Tagalog -including J’avais Reve D’une Autre Vie (I Dream a Dream), and La Vie En Rose (with Creative Designs provided by A.R.Dusaran Albason).
Interestingly, Katchry will have a Duet number with our very own City Councilor and CPUAAI Board Member Atty. Joshua Alim. The CPU Sari-saot will dance to the Wing’s Sonata by Composer Marisa Montelibano. Other Intermissions will be a Phantom of the Opera Medley by the CPU Handbell Ringers; the CPU Excel Chorale, and a Theme Song from Beauty and the Beast – with Chris John de Guzman and Miguel Davao./ C.A. Natividad
Princess with CPU Alumni President Dan Dorillo and Liaison Officer Tina Marie Hortelano
The demure young Centralian who dropped by the CPU Alumni Affairs Office on Wednesday, April 12, 2017 was Princess Ann Robles – also known as the first Ilongga Final MVP of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Juniors Division – Season 79. Robles was also acknowledged by Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog on a radio program.
The Junior High School graduate of Central Philippine University is now on her Senior High School and a member of the Varsity Volleyball Team of the National University. She is studying Humanities and Social Sciences among her track at the Senior High.
Perseverance and determination are among values she imbibed while in her Junior High School in CPU. She extolled her teachers and the Central Philippine University for being the foundation of her career in the national sports. Robles has been to many sports competitions, received so many athletic awards in different sports representing CPU particularly in the Palarong Pambansa.
Princess shares her success at the UAAP with Media Relations Officer Cyrus Natividad.
She’s open to share or impart her expertise on volleyball and physical training to Centralian students who aim to become what she is today, once she has the chance to come back. She is on vacation in Iloilo with her parents Mr. And Mrs. Rufelia and Rodrigo Robles.
The CPU Alumni Office invited her to talk on the Centralian Link live (thanks to CPUAAI President Dan Dorillo and Liaison Officer Tina Marie Poblacion).
The new batch of CPUR officials getting ready for the next school year
To celebrate the fruitful 2016-2017 academic year and to welcome the new CPU Republic administration, the CPUR held an awarding and thanksgiving night at the Alumni Promenade Concert Park on April 8, 2017.
For his welcome remarks, CPUR President 2016-2017, Jayson Troy Bajar, thanked everyone who was instrumental in the success of his leadership. He also encouraged the new CPUR officers to pursue a path of excellence in service.
Tupas receives a Certificate of Recognition from CPU and CPUR
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, in his message emphasized the importance of leadership in the academic community and its crucial role in partnering in the administration for the promotion of student development.
Keynote speaker, Nielex Tupas – Executive Director of the National Youth Commission, inspired the young leaders to remain dynamic and passionate as they serve the studentry.
A ceremonial pinning of the officers CPUR 2016-2017 national and local government units was then held, to thank them for the services they rendered to the university. An award was also given to the outstanding representatives, senators and CPUR advisers.
For his acceptance message, CPUR President–elect Jan Christian Espanola thanked the trust and confidence given to him as the new CPUR President, and will do his best for the development and upliftment of the Centralian studentry.
Central Philippine University and the CPU Alumni Association, Inc. with the participation of the Cultural Affairs Office will hold a FREE CONCERT honoring our 2017 Graduates and their parents on May 5, 2017, 5:30 PM, at Rose Memorial Auditorium. Dubbed “PASIDUNGOG” the concert features our alumna MS. KATCHRY JEWEL S. GOLBIN, CPU A.B. English Class 2016 (a.k.a. ALIENETTE COLDFIRE) AND 3RD Place, FRANCE GOT TALENT 2016, showcasing the creations of another alumna MS. AUDRY ROSE DUSARAN ALBASON, CPU Kinder 1992, Elem. 1998, HS202, BSN 2007, MAN 2010. She is the only Filipino invited in the Oxford Fashion Studio Paris Collection AW 2017 in Paris, France./ CLink
Alumni Updates 