Tag: Alumni

CPU alumna donates $100K for the CE Building

By Keziah G. Huelar


Filena “Pani” Peñacerrada was a active member of the Baptist center Church Choir.

The late Filena “Pani” Peñacerrada, an alumna of the Central Philippine University High School Batch 1974, donated $100,000 for the construction Christian Education Building of the University Church this November 2018.

A loyal friend, Centralian, and servant of the Lord throughout the years, Nang Felina Peñacerrada, has been a supporter of the many programs spearheaded by the University Church.

According to Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, the said donation is of great contribution to the projected construction of the Christian Education Building. “The assistance extended by ‘Nang Felina Peñacerrada is a big help. Our projected budget [for the Christian Education Building] is 14 million pesos. Almost half of that [amount is already guaranteed because of that donation] and that is of great help… in the implementation of the Christian Education Program, not only for the church, but also members of the [CPU] community and [our] students. The building [could] also serve as a venue for fellowships, small group [meetings] without hampering activities inside the church,” Rev. Sian further explains in Hiligaynon.


Filena “Pani” Peñacerrada devoted her life in serving God by helping people.

The Christian Education Building will be erected at the back of the parsonage facing the left side of the University Church. It will be a multi-purpose building which will house the Christian Education Program office as well as function rooms for different activities and programs of the University Church. Rev. Sian clarifies in Hiligaynon and English, “[The building] will be a big help. Although the University Church is quite big, we still do not have enough room… [For example] our Sunday School is conducted in the lobby while preparations for worship service goes on [and that] creates a disturbance. [Or] when there is an activity in the church, small gatherings have no venues. [Also,] when we haves guests, for example, stranded pastors, we can offer our facilities to them. [The building] will be a big boost for the Christian Education Program.”

The Christian Education Program has always been an integral part of the University Church ministries. This program includes the children’s ministry, the youth ministry, the family ministry the community ministry, and, mainly, the student ministry.

The University Church and the Christian Education Program is forever grateful for the donation of ‘Nang Felina Peñacerrada and others who have also contributed greatly to helping expand the CPU ministry. Rev. Sian expressed his gratitude in Hiligaynon and English: “I’m very grateful to those who support the Christian Education Program. ‘Nang Felina Peñacerrada had always been a great supporter when she was alive. Even when she passed away, she left us with a great gift. We feel very blessed that we were included in her last will and testament. The Christian Education Program is flourishing because of the presence of volunteers and families who are involved in the ministry… That is why I am very grateful for people who possess the spirit of volunteerism.”

Rev. Sian believes that the completion of the Christian Education Building will soon become a reality because of the testimony and generosity of people like Nang Felina Peñacerrada: “All of this has been realized because of the generosity of those who believe in our Christian Education Program as well as the construction of the Christian Education Building… I’m very grateful for the full support of the administration for this project [especially that of Dr. Robles and the Board of Trustees]. Because of this support, we may be able to gather enough funds by January so that we can [immediately] start the construction even if [we don’t have the whole budget yet]. It’s a leap of faith on our part, but we have seen in the past that God is able to raise up in our midst generous people who believe that by giving to the program of the Lord, they are investing in spreading the [Gospel of the kingdom of God]. We are building lives here. [We believe], in God’s perfect time, it can be completed.”

For donations and inquiries regarding the construction of the Christian Education Building, please call (033) 329-1917 loc. 1013.

Palada, GSFA talk about possible partnership to benefit orphans

By Cyrus A. Natividad


Dr. Manny Palada (center) together with Pastor Jonathan Española and Mr. Cyrus A. Natividad.

Last Monday, November 5, Dr. Manny Palada visited the Good Shepherds Fold Academy, a former American School in Buenavista, Guimaras, where he met with a long-time, Centralian friend, Thelma Pagsuberon, who is a member of GSFA’s Board of Trustees. The meeting with Pagsuberon was joined by other members of the GSFA Board of Trustees: GSFA Chief Operating Officer, Pastor Jonathan Española; Pastor Roberto Tabuena; Mr. Cyrus A. Natividad, the President of the GSFA Alumni Association. The meeting resulted to a possible partnership on sustainability, development, and outreach. The Good Shepherd’s Fold Academy has more than 200 orphans who can benefit from this partnership.

Dr. Palada looked into the possibility to produce vegetables crops in a few hectares of arable land within the GSFA property. The produce will be shared by the stakeholders with possible income to be shared for the orphanage and campus development.

Manny, as Dr. Palada is known to friends and associates, is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Major in Plant Science from Central Philippine University. He earned his Master of Science in Agronomy from U.P. Los Baños, and his Doctorate in Horticultural Sciences-Vegetable Crops from University of Florida, Gainsville, Florida, USA. He is a visiting professor and a member of the Board of Trustees of Central Philippine University.

Manny has become an authority on moringa research, production and marketing. As such, he has earned the moniker “moringa man from Central.” As an organic agriculturist, Manny is dedicated to promoting malunggay (Moringa oleifera), which abounds locally and has been found to be a good source of anti-oxidant, vitamins, minerals, and the like.

CPU-WSAA to hold grand Alumni Homecoming in December

By Cyrus A. Natividad


WSAA officers planning their Grand Alumni Homecoming this coming December. Photo Credit: Ruth Fernandez 

The Work Students Alumni Association (WSAA) of Central Philippine University is looking forward to a Grand Alumni Homecoming on December 15, 2018. The plans were laid down by WSAA officers in a meeting led by its vice president, Dr. Alberto Java, last Saturday, October 27, at the CPU campus.

So far, they have planned to have motorcade from CPU to Plaza Libertad and back. The motorcade will start at 7:00 AM and registration will be at 8:00AM, upon the arrival of the participants. A devotional will then be held before the program proper.  This year’s Work Student Alumni Homecoming will revolve around the theme “Labor is Honor.”

Many of the work student alumni, who are now business executives, administrators, ministers and even government officials, have attributed their success to having been part of the work-study program at CPU.

All work student alumni are invited to attend this gathering in December. For inquiries and registration please contact Dr. Bert Java at 09153659681 or Ms. Ruth Fernandez at 09166276293.

CPU-Rotary Club of Jaro Centraline joins End Polio

By Cyrus A. Natividad


On the Red Line: The Rotary Club of Jaro Centraline supports the enduring mission to END POLIO. Rotary Clubs – all over the world simultaneously celebrated this action for humanity.

The Rotary Club of Jaro Centralian joined other Rotary clubs of Iloilo City in an early morning fun-walk-run activity from Injap Tower across SM City, along Diversion Road, Mandurriao at 5:30 AM to the Esplanade Park where everyone enjoyed a short Zumba. The event was in support of Rotary Club International’s “enduring mission” to eradicate polio all over the world, “End Polio Now.”

RCJC president and civic advocate, Evelyn Rose Catilo, encouraged all members to continue being active in engaging in humanitarian activities in pursuit of saving lives and helping eradicate polio in the world: “The Rotary Club of Jaro Centraline embraces the Central Philippine University concept of generosity and service.”

A statement from the Rotary International reads, “Since 1985 Rotary has led the battle against polio, and kept the pressure on as worldwide cases plummeted from 350,000 per year to several hundred. When India went off the list of endemic countries in 2012, we took one more step toward eradicating a human disease from the earth for only the second time in history. Now, Rotary and its partners are This Close to making that dream a reality” (https://www.rotary.org/en/rotarys-fight-end-polio-now).

CPUAAI holds 2018 CPU Alumni Homecoming and General Assembly

By Keziah G. Huelar


The officers of the CPU Alumni Association inc. – serving Centralians here and abroad.

Keeping the Central Spirit alive—Centralians numbering to 491 from here and abroad gathered together to celebrate Central Philippine University’s 113th Founding Anniversary and to rekindle their friendships and fond memories during the 2018 CPU Alumni Homecoming and General Assembly held at Rose Memorial Auditorium on September 29, 2018.

With the theme “Fostering CPU’s Legacy, Let the Central Spirit Shine,” CPU alumni were welcomed by the CPU Symphonic Band at the Rose Memorial Auditorium steps. They were then treated to a day of fun, food, and friendship. It was a celebration of God’s goodness to CPU and a celebration of being a Centralian.

The morning meditation was led by Rev. Dr. Bernabe C. Pagara, Dean, CPU College of Theology. For the program proper, Ms. Crsita S. Huyong, Coordinator, CPU Cultural Affairs Office, led the Philippine National Anthem and the Alma Mater Song. A special production number from the CPU Sari-Saot Dance Troupe then followed.

For the welcome remarks, Engr. Isagani J. Jalbuena, President, CPUAAI greeted and welcomed the alumni and guest.


CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, CPU BOT Chairman, Atty. Von Lovel Bedona, CPUAAI President, Engr. Isagani J. Jalbuena and CPUAAI Corporate Secretary and Director of the CPU Office of Communications together with the recognized Centralian achievers.

CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, in his message, highlighted the importance of being together to celebrate the Central Spirit: “We thank God for bringing us together today from many different places. We are grateful that many Jubilarians are present here today. We hope that every year, we will have the presence of many different alumni chapters to make our celebration lively.”

Atty. Von Lovel D. Bedona, Chairman, CPU Board of Trustees, during his turn to give a message, encouraged the alumni to enjoy their visit to CPU and their fellowship with one another.

Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Corporate Secretary of CPUAAI and the Director of the CPU Office of Communications, then led the roll call of alumni. Afterwhich, Centralian achievers were recognized and awarded. The recipient were Clem Marnel R. Burgos, Champion, 5th International Competition of Arts and Culture in Yerevan, Armenia; April Joyce C. Catalan, First Place, 2018 Pharmacy Licensure Examination; Alfie Ahmed Diasnes, World Champion, Jeju World Taekwando at Hanmandang, Jeju Island, South Korea; Susie Yanson-Jennings, recipient of the Audrey Kaplan Inspiring Women of Southwest Award; and Iñigo D. Garingalao, Regional Winner, “Dangal ng Bayan,” 2018 Search for Outstanding Government Workers.

In his response on behalf of the alumni awardees, Mr. Garingalao highlighted the Central Spirit of excellence in the workplace: “This recognition, my friends and fellow alumni, is more than [just a] praise and [a] pat on the back. This is for us [an] affirmation that we have been true to being Centralians even as we have left the halls of Central… ”

After the response, a dance intermission was given by Aleia Robbyn J. Muyco and Mr. Mico Andrei J. Hechanova, Grade 8 students and CPU Junior High School Champion, National PRISAA 2018.

Engr. Jalbuena gave a CPUAAI President’s Report highlighting the projects and the plans of the CPUAAI. Next, the new officers of the various alumni chapters were inducted and recognized and charter memberships to the new alumni chapters were presented.

Dr. Robles, during the CPU President’s Time, thanked the CPU alumni for their continued love for and support to CPU. He also highlighted the importance of the alumni community working together to make the bond of the Central Spirit stronger around the globe.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Flora Grace Guillergan-Cudiamat, President, CPU Federation of Overseas Alumni Association, talked about the scholarships given by the alumni community as a way of supporting young and passionate Centralians. After which, Mr. Rey L. Balago, Corporate Treasurer, CPUAAI gave the Treasurer’s Report and Atty. Noel C. Siosan, Jr. presented the nominees of the Mr. and Ms. CPU 2018 Alumni King and Queen 2018.

The homecoming and general assembly also awarded and recognized the Jubilarian batches:

Batch 1958 – 60th Anniversary

Batch 1963 – 55th Anniversary

Batch 1968 – 50th Anniversary

Batch 1973 – 45th Anniversary

Batch 1978 – 40th Anniversary

Batch 1983 – 35th Anniversary

Batch 1988 – 30th Anniversary

Batch 1993 – 25th Anniversary

Batch 1998 – 20th Anniversary

The closing prayer and benediction was led by Rev. Roger T. Quimpo, Associate Pastor, University Church.

Multi-awarded export entrepreneur is a Centralian

By Cyrus A. Natividad


Centralian excellence – Dr. Jovylyn Simoy-Espalabra life is a testimony of faith and perseverance.

Dr. Jovylyn Simoy-Espalabra left Central Philippine University in 1984, a graduate of AB Political Science. She was diligent in her studies and an interesting person during her college days. She started off as an entrepreneur, handling various ventures, even with international corporations. Dr. Simoy-Espalabra is currently the Chief Executive Officer and President of Virgo Industrial Products Philippines, an oil trading company exporting oil abroad.

Dr. Simoy-Espalabra has received many accolades from different organization and institutions. The Orchard in Dasmarinas, Cavite awarded her Most Outstanding Trusted Female Export Entrepreneur and Business Marketing Advocate of the Year on April 14, 2018. On June 18, 2018 she was in Tokyo, Japan to receive the 2018 Outstanding Export Entrepreneur ACSR Royal Elite Group for Humanitarian Service. She is a recognized and certified as member of the Royal Dignitaries by The Royal Society Group. She was hailed as the Most Outstanding Trusted Female Entrepreneur and Business Marketing Advocate of the Year by the Asia Pacific Awards Council, Inc. last April 21, 2018. Likewise, she was awarded Most Outstanding Female International Business Icon by the Ambassador’s Choice Seal Excellence Asian Awards last September 8, 2018. She had also been recognized by the International Organization APEC (Asia Pacific Excellence Council) for her attendance and active participation in the business industry summit and conferences abroad. Moreover, she was conferred with an honorary doctorate in Philosophy in Business Administration by the Brethren Evangelical School of Theology.

Dr. Simoy-Espalabra is married to Mr. Troy Espalabra and, together, they have three children.

Winners of 16th CPU Alumni Golf Tournament


Engr. Isagani J. Jalbuena, CPUAAI President gives Mr. Edwin C. Laru-an, Director, CPU Office of Sports and Athletics Office Php 10, 000 for their Grants-in-Aid program.

The following are the winners of the 16th CPU Alumni Golf Tournament held at the Sta. Barbara Golf Course, Sta. Barbara Golf and Country Club, Sta Barbara, Iloilo on October 6, 2018.

Class A

Champion – Joshua Jeoung – 38 points
Runner Up – Oskie Arenas – 35 points

Class B

Champion – Robert Petate – 40 points
Runner Up – Ryu Seung Ha – 38 points

Class C

Champion – Nonoy Braga – 42 points
Runner Up – Boy Jalbuena – 38 points

Class D

Champion – Agustin Molina – 57 points
Runner Up – Gonzalo Espa – 40 points

Seniors

Champion – Han Yong Soo – 49 points
Runner Up – Rene Villa – 40 points

Ladies

Champion – Angela Youn – 40 points
Runner Up – Jong Jeong Suk – 36 points

Centralian

Champion – Nonoy Braga – 42 points
1st Runner Up – Rene Villa – 40 points
2nd Runner Up – Francis Gino – 38 points

The event is an annual golf for a cause tournament held by the CPU Alumni Association Inc. According to Engr. Isagani J. Jalbuena, President, CPUAA Inc., they were able to raise PhP 10,000. The said amount was given to the CPU Office of Sports and Athletics Office for their Grants-in-Aid program.

CPUAAI presents the Alumni King and Queen during the Alumni Night 2018

By Cyrus A. Natividad


CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, with his wife, Ma’am Angel Robles and Atty. Salex E. Alibogha, Dean, College of Nursing with the CPU Alumni King and Queen 2018, Mr. Rodaniel Sevilla and Mrs. Grace Poli Blair.

This year’s CPU Alumni Night was made more exciting and fabulous by the big turnout of spectators who were waiting on who will be crowned as the “Alumni King and Queen.”

In the recent years, the search had been limited to the quest for Alumni Queen only. However, CPUAAI President Isagani J. Jalbuena commented that “the need to bring back the King [the search for the Alumni King] was generally a demand from the CPUAAI.” It was thought that the search for the Alumni King would bring in more alumni sponsors, classmates and mentors. Also, it was argued that since students hold the annual search for both Mr. and Ms. CPU, it seemed fitting that the alumni should have a parallel event. Thus, the “Search for the Alumni King and Queen” was brought back in 2018.

The purpose of the “Alumni King and Queen” is to raise funds for the CPUAAI, especially, on special projects that CPUAAI and CPU have identified. This year’s proceeds of the “Search for the Alumni King and Queen” will go to the proposed Audio-Video Room in the Alumni Promenade Park.


The winners of the CPU Alumni King and Queen 2018.

Pastor Jec Dan S. Borlado, CPU Elementary School Batch 1997, opened the program with an invocation. Engr. Jalbuena then welcomed Centralians and friends attending this year’s Alumni Night at the Ruby Hall of Grand Xing Hotel, Iloilo City. Afterwards, the Sari-Saot Dance Troupe entertained everyone with a special dance number and the door prizes and election results were announced while dinner was being served.

The Alumni Queen 2017, Miss Charity Daine A. Gamboa, made her farewell walk. This was followed by the presentation of the Alumni King and Queen 2018 and their court.

The Alumni King and Queen 2018 were Mr. Rodaniel Sevilla and Miss Grace Poli Blair, respectively, who both come from the College of Nursing. The 1st Runner Up King and Queen were from the Medical Laboratory Science: Mr. Shenand Earl Ajito and Miss Ema Lin Tamayo Agraviador; the 2nd Runners Up came from the Junior High School: Mr. Jesse Penacerrada and Miss April Dream Te; the 3rd Runners Up were from College of Education: Mr. Randy Lero and Miss Noelynne Ramirez; finally, 4th Runners Up came from the College of Arts and Sciences: Mr. Tristan Robles and Miss Princess Farrah A Havas.

After the coronation of the Alumni King and Queen 2018 and their Court, they were serenaded by Mr. Ascension A. Bautista, CPU Symphonic Band Director. A royal dance then followed.

Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, CPU President, gave the closing remarks emphasizing the Central Spirit of the CPU Alumni. He also invited everyone to come back on next year’s Alumni Homecoming, and also on the Worldwide Alumni Homecoming on February 5-7, 2020 in the campus.  The program ended with a closing prayer and benediction by Rev, Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor, University Church.

The Program was hosted by Mr. Elwin Deo A. Arroyo, CPU HS Batch ‘93 and Miss Carmelle Frances M. Romero, Administrative Officer, Office of the CPU President.

CPUAAI presents newly elected Board Members

By Cyrus A. Natividad


CPUAAI Officers during the Alumni Night at the Ruby Hall of Grand Xing Hotel.

The Central Philippine University Alumni Association, Incorporated presented its newly elected members of the Alumni Board of Trustees for 2018. The annual election of officers was held during the Alumni Homecoming 2018 at the Rose Memorial Auditorium on Saturday, September 29, 2018.

Elected were five CPU alumni of good standing, namely, Dr. Florentino Alerta II, Esther Rose Romarate, Levi De Los Santos, Jeremy Bionat and Rey Balogo (re-electionist).

Alerta is a Medical Doctor and currently an active member of the medical staff at Iloilo Mission Hospital. He is a member of the Philippine Academy of Family Physicians and a fellow of the Philippine College of Occupational Medicine. He is a faculty/lecturer at the CPU College of Medicine and College of Health Fitness and Lifestyle Management. He is also a former member of the CPUAAI Board of Trustees.

Romarate has been a CPU faculty member since 1988. Presently, she is an Associate Professor with the Department of Languages, Mass Communication and Humanities and the Acting Chair of the same department. She is also a member of the University Church Bahandi Singers and the CPU Handbell Ringers. She is a CPU alumni from kindergarten up to college.

De Los Santos is currently the Director of CPU University Outreach Center. He is a member of the Philippine Society of Agricultural Engineers, Inc. and a former member of CPUAAI Board of Trustees.

Bionat is a retired Deputy City Prosecutor. He is lawyer by profession. He studied at CPU from high school until he finished his Bachelor of Laws degree. He has been the fraternity commander of CPU Crosswords and a past president of the CPU DHS Batch 1972.

The only re-electionist, Balogo is a graduate of Electrical Engineering from CPU. He is the incumbent CPUAAI treasurer and president of the CPU Library Student Assistant Alumni Association. He is a former vice president of Gideons International (2013-2015).

CPUAAI celebrates successful Alumni Homecoming 2018 with “Pasalamat Dinner”

By Cyrus A. Natividad


The CPUAAI Officers are committed to serve Centralian alumni here and abroad.

CPU Alumni Association President Isagani J. Jalbuena and all the Homecoming 2018 Committee members celebrated the success of this year’s Alumni Homecoming with dinner dubbed as “Pasalamat” at the EMC Conference Room on Tuesday evening October 2.

Jalbuena conveyed his gratitude to everyone who, in one way or another, supported and helped make this year’s alumni homecoming a success. The “Pasalamat” dinner included a videoke time with which the CPUAAI President requested everyone to “sing all you can” as you “eat all you can.” The alumni president himself dedicated a popular song for everyone.