On February 6, 2020 the Iloilo Convention Center was filled with Centralians who gathered for the CPU BOT Night.

The BOT Night was hosted by the Board of Trustees of Central Philippine University to welcome alumni who came home to attend the 2020 Grand Alumni Homecoming. As stated by Atty. Peter Irving C. Corvera who co-hosted the event, “..this is probably the first ever BOT night.” The event was also an opportune time to recognize the members of the CPU Corporation, the CPU Administration, Deans and Principals, Department Chairpersons, and Academic and Non-Academic Unit Heads. Various alumni chapters and batches were also recognized.

As it was designed to be an evening of fun and fellowship, the attendees enjoyed mingling and reconnecting with classmates, friends, former teachers and others. During the program, they were treated to musical performances and a dance showcase of Centralian talents. A brief AVP of select highlights and milestones

in the life Central Philippine University was also shown. Centralians and friends in attendance were also given the opportunity to be a part of The CPU LED WALL DISPLAY PROJECT. This project involves the purchase and installation of 2 LED Walls on campus – at the Main Entrance and the Flagpole Rotonda. These LED Walls will help us keep our campus beautiful by eliminating the use of printed materials for announcements and wil also allows us to keep up with technology and modernization. Atty. Corvera challenged those in the audience to give back to their beloved Alma Mater through this project. At the end of the program, pledges both in Philippine peso and US Dollars already came pouring in.

Attendees took home gift bags with Ilonggo delicacies and some lucky ones brought home gadgets as part of the raffle prizes. As the fellowship continued with music from the Totong Villaruz Band, THE CPU BOT Night proved that when Centralians gather, love and laughter surely fill the air.

Carmelle Frances M. Romero Office of the PresidentTHE CPU BOT NIGHT

CPU GRAND ALUMNI MOTORCADE

GMA KAPUSO ENTERTAINS CPU COMMUNITY

Central Philippine University's alumni paraded throughout Jaro, Iloilo in their chosen vehicles during today's motorcade event.

Christine Arsenal on behalf of CPUHS batch 1983 shared her thoughts about today's event, " This reunion is a fun way for all of us to catch up. A lot of us are able to attend because information about the reunion was disseminated properly and evenly to all the alumni. This is a global reunion and we are glad that everything is well organized!"

Atty. Peter Corvera and Ms. Carmelle hosted the first-ever CPU BOT Night.Alumni and friends pose for a commemorative picture.

The crowd went wild as the Kapuso stars Rayver Cruz, Kyline Alcantara and Gabby Concepcion heated up the Rose Memorial Auditorium with their respective talents during the Kapuso Campus Tour which is part of this year's CPU Grand Alumni Homecoming, February 6.

"I am a big fan of the Sharon-Gabby loveteam that's why I am so happy that I got the opportunity to meet Gabby for the first time in person," says Melani Valencia, a faculty of CPU Elementary School.

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The CPU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PALAWAN CHAPTER was organize through the persistent determination of Trustee Carl de la Peña of the CPU Alumni Association, Inc who kept coming to Palawan in order to meet with selected CPU alumni/ Centralians he could religiously get in touch with. Eventually, the Palawan Chapter had an organizational meeting last March 28, 2019 at the Ancient Dynasty Kitchen then at SM City – Puerto Princesa, hosted by a generous couple, Francis and Janelyne Lara. The highlight of the said meeting was the election of the Charter Officeers who were inducted into office by noless than the CPUAAI Preident then, Engr. Isagani Jalbuena, who came all the way from CPU, Iloilo city, along with Trustee Levi delo Santos and CPUAAI Liaison Officer, Mrs. Tina

Marie Hortelano.The following are the Charter officers: PRESIDENT – Rev.

Dr. Harold Peñacerrada; VICE PRESIDENT – Engr. Carlo Plagata; SECRETARY – Mrs. Luz L. deGuzman; AUDITOR – Dr. Madeline Dajay; PIO: Mr. Rey Gloria; MUSE: Ms. Madel Thelia Lucena; BOARD OF DIRECTORES: Gen. Benjamin Dofitas, Jr., Mrs. Deborah G. de los Reyes, Mr. Francis Lara, Ptr. Dennis P. de los Reyes and Dr. Chistopher Marlowe A. Caipang.

Our upcoming project sometime after the CPU GRAND REUNION is a Medical/Denbtal/Ophthalmological Mission Outreach in on of the tribes of the indigenous peoples of Palawan.

By Rev. Dr. Harold T. Peñacerrada, Charter President

CPU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PALAWAN CHAPTER

THE COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING (COE) ALUMNI FOOTBALL FRIENDSHIP GAMESBy: Engr. Vitini Edhard O. Idemne, CPUAAI Trustee

The CPU Grand Alumni Homecoming – College of Engineering (COE) Football Team Alumni Friendship Games, was held last February 5, 2020, at the CPU Halfmoon Drive Field.

The uniforms of each team were sponsored by Centralian Engineers from Meralco, NGCP, Global Business Power and Globe Telecom, as well as some friends. The teams were comprised of engineering football team alumni and current players. Team Globe

Telecom won champion, followed by the Team Meralco (2nd), with Team NGCP and Team Global as the third and fourth place, respectively. Dean Dany C. Molina welcomed everyone while Dean Emeritus Walden S. Rio did the kick off and gave the inspirational talk. The games were organized by Mr. Reylin Manajero and Engr. Vitini Edhard Idemne.

It was in December 2018 when I thought about parents who desire to send their children to outstanding schools to pursue a college degree. As I went around our beautiful town plaza I thought of how to connect the parents of our community with my beloved alma mater, CPU. I thought that one possible avenue for this purpose is through an alumni association so I decided to visit the CPU Alumni Office to check if there is an existing alumni association in Concepcion to connect with. I found out that there was no organized chapter in the town yet so I discussed the matter with the CPUAAI officers. CPUAAI President Isagani Jalbuena and Ma’am Tina Horelano convinced me to initiate the move to organize an alumni chapter in Concepcion. I discussed the matter with then Mayor Milliard S. Villanueva and he encouraged me with his full support for this plan; in fact he was the first to sign a membership application form and encouraged other alumni to sign up too.

Our first meeting was held last January 13, 2019 at the Mayor’s conference room with only 6 members in attendance: Delvy V. Balasbas, Maribel E. Arib, Flory V. Ortonio, Shirly Z. Dugayo,

Nora E. Deomampo and Ninfa Z. Esteban (elected President). Mayor Milliard was elected Vice President. Every month we had a meeting of officers and charter members until we decided to have our First General Membership Meeting on April 21, 2019. On that same day the CPUAA Concepcion Chapter was born and its first set of officers were formally inducted into office by CPU President D. Ted C. Robles with CPUAAI President Isagani J.Jalbuena, CPUAAI Past President Dan P. Dorillo, Alumni Liaison Officer Tina Hortelano and Mrs. Angel Robles as witnesses. The CPU TV Crew was present to document the proceedings. With our theme “Rekindle the Central Spirit and strengthening the Concepcionanon Ties”, I saw how the Concepcion Centralians cooperated to make our first assembly a success – from the program, accommodation and food preparation.

Thanks to CPU and CPUAAAI for assisting and giving full support to our chapter; hoping that we could give CPU a portal for our fellow Cncepionanon to earn quality education as we all embrace the Central Spirit as one.

God bless the Concepcion Alumni; God bless CPU!

By Ninfa Z. Esteban, CCAA Founding President

CPU CONCEPCION ALUMNI ASSOCIATION UPDATES

Have you ever gone to camp? How about a church camp? We might all have, and it was probably one of the most memorable times of our young lives. So meaningful and real were the events at camp, that they have shaped most things we have become since the time there. Camps gift us with life changing experiences. Camp Higher Ground continues to gift us with Jesus Christ.

Our Convention Baptist faith heritage, through the American Baptist Missionaries acquired a piece of land, 54 hectares to be exact, at Barotac Viejo, Iloilo. It sits high in the mountains over-looking a bay with small islands and the Isle of Negros in sight. The land also has a playful terrain home to lush trees and fresh air. When the sun goes down, you hear sounds of nature- candid and persistent. When the morning breaks, you are greeted with dew and chirping melodies.

Pastors of the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches would bring their congregations to the camp for purposes of revival, inspiration, and transformation. Pastors Wives and Pastor’s children

(i.e. PK) would also be there to help with the work and witness a Christ-centered event that strengthens the faith of the community and introduces the Gospel of Christ to the young.

Having common experiences and shared memories at the one and only Camp Higher Ground, the Convention Baptist Pastor’s Kids organization and the staff and officers of the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches gladly enjoins us to continue the legacy of faith of sharing the Gospel of Christ in and through the Camp at Barotac Viejo. The development of the camp also celebrates our common faith in Christ and offers opportunities for talents gained, wisdom discerned, and treasures discovered to be source of overflowing blessing for our Baptist constituency and legacy benefiting of the next generation.

We give glory to God for what has been and we are excited to be a part of the growth and development of the camp in the coming years- leading more lives to Christ and sharing to the community a foretaste of sustainable-abundant life in Christ. Shalom and Salaam.

By Jec Dan S. Borlado

A CAMPER’S RETURN 2020: CAMP HIGHER GROUND

We are unique, diverse, and many - yet, united by our common heritage of the Central Spirit inculcated at the CPU Elementary School. Most of us were born in the year 1984. Our elementary years were in the 90s. Internet was unknown to us then, but we had lots of radio and television. We used dial telephones and our jeepney fares were as little as 1.25 cents on the Jaro-CPU jeep. Memorable games during our elementary years were- “sikyu”, Chinese-garter, Pog, “hulin”, Teks, Jackstone, and Chinese-japanese (jackstone with monggo-filled bags). There were also “plastic balloons” and raffle draws at the local “tiangge”.

The music of our decade were from Rivermaya and Eraserheads among other OPM artists. For international hits, we had the Backstreet Boys, N’Sync, Pearl Jam, Mariah Carey, and much more on MTV and VTV. The WWF or World Wrestling Federation had a following and “ligoy” was caused sometimes by “Family Computer”, Nintendo, or Tekken.

The flavors of our elementary years were ice scramble, kiamoy, ice pop, chuki-chuki, safari, pizza pie (1/4 and ½ slice at the canteen), and the grilled liver sold at the bottom of stairs of the Elementary building. Ma’am Famaranco would sell us some yema when we needed our daily sugar rush.

We had a sad moment when Ma’am Margilyn Pastolero died during our final years in elementary. We had 2 principal changes during our time. From Principal Padernilla to Principal Idmelao, then from Principal Idmelao to Principal Dy Buco.

The CPUES Class of 1997 is the first chartered class from the Elementary Department of the CPU Alumni Association. We were chartered on January 2018 as we celebrated our 20th year since graduation from Elementary school at the Alumni Promenade Concert Park with current Principal Janet Jaco, University President Teodoro Robles, and Former Principal Evangelica Padernilla coming to grace the occasion.

By Jec Dan S. Borlado

CENTRAL PHILIPPINE UNIVERSITY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Class of 1997

As of January 2020, there are 42 people who have confirmed to go back to the camp on February 8, 2020.

1. Carl De La Peña2. Josette Jalando-on3. Tita Padojinog4. Ernesto “Nonong” Carvajal5. Marlon Brasiĺeño6. Riel John Rafols7. Jec Dan Borlado8. Melanie Crispolon9. Gaudencio Boko 10. Matteo Chaim Borlado11. Joniel Howard Gico

12. Rudel Obed Dianala13. Jing Pagunsan14. Jones Somosierra15. Glori Edna Libo-On16. Samuel Gallego17. Mara Joy Castillanes18. Jenkins Bañas19. Jesse Ray Porras20. Orpha Vic Fara-On21. Manuel Dela Fuente22. Alpha Sorensen

23. Danilo Borlado24. Mary Lou Borlado25. Francis Neil Jalando-on26. Jimboy Lapatha27. Dindo Pillora28. Harold Peñacerrada29. Elwin Deo Arroyo30. Eleazar Blando31. Maydin Acero32. Gerville Guartero33. Faith Basiao

34. Vita Gasataya35. Jesher Gasataya36. Ivanna Dela Peña37. Flora Grace Cudiamat38. Perla Waters39. Linzy Waters40. Hermely Jalando-on41. Nora Gierza42. Adele Grace Fegarido

ECHOES ECHOES ECHOES ECHOES “ I’m happy to be here. It’s always good

to go back to your Alma Mater. Always remember to go back to your roots and make sure to have connections with the Centralian community.”

Perfecto “Jun” Yasay Jr., Former Secretary of Foreign Affairs

“Of course this Global Alumni Homecoming is a success to the highest level!”

Fluellen Ortigas, Class ’65 HS, Political Science ‘69

CPUAAI FELLOWSHIP BRUNCH

CHAIRMAN/EDITOR: Dan P. DorilloASSOCIATE EDITORS:

Rea F. Villeza Vitini Edhard C. Idemne EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS (Central Echo Staffers):

Zharina Stephanie LugoKathleen FrugalidadOnesiforo BerinaFrancis Mathew Gappe

THIS ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS

Carmelle Frances M. RomeroGabriel OrtigozaJec Dan S. BorladoVitini Edhard O. IdemneRev. Dr. Harold T. PeñacerradaNinfa Z. Esteban

CONSULTANTS: Dr. Ted C. Robles Engr. Isagani J. Jalbuena

ADVISER: Esther Rose Romarate

PUBLISHED BY CPUAAI President – Atty. Joshua C. Alim Vice President – Dr. Florentino P. Alerta

T h e C E N T R A L B E A C O N February 7, 2020 EDITORIAL STAFF

The population of Central Philippine University alumni in California is getting bigger and senior active members of the alumni living in Central Valley who can no longer afford to drive a long distance to attend CPU alumni gatherings in the Bay Area decided to create a new chapter of the alumni association in the valley. In this connection, the Central Philippine University Alumni Association of Central California (CPUAACC) was created.

The historic gathering of CPU alumni in Central Valley happened on October 19, 2013, at 6059 Silver Oaks Circle in Stockton, CA hosted by Viena Villasor-Quiroz (CPU BSN 1994) and making Stockton as CPUAACC headquarters.

Stockton has long historical ties with Iloilo where CPU is located. After World War II, President Dwight Eisenhower of the United States created the “Sister City” idea to promote world peace. Stockton is one of the oldest cities in the United States chosen to serve that purpose. On the other hand, Iloilo is the lucky city in the Philippines to be selected as the Sister City of Stockton. Hence, the Philippine flag has been raised side by side with the flag of the United States in front of Stockton city hall.

On 24 March 2019, CPUAACC hosted CPU College of Nursing Dean Atty. Salex Alibogha who came to raise fund for Nursing Virtual Laboratory project. CPUAACC members donated a healthy amount for the project. CPUAACC holds regular membership meeting every

quarter.In May 2019 CPUAACC donated a set of Prestan Manikins and

CPR Kits machine to CPU College of Nursing Virtual Laboratory. The donation was personally brought to CPU by the alumni chapter president and turned over to Dr. Ted Robles. Dean Salex Alibogha and some clinical instructors witnessed the simple ceremony. The CPUAACC chapter president conducted CPR training using the donated manikins to all clinical instructors. The goal is for the CIs to share their CPR skills to nursing students and to CPU family with the ultimate goal of saving a life.

In November 2019, CPUAACC reached out to Mindanao Quake victims through its chapter president. Relief goods such as sacks of rice, gallons of mineral water, canned goods, clothes, and chocolates were given to evacuees mostly living in a makeshift tents made up of “Trapal.”

On 05 December 2019, CPUAACC donated 8 sets of blood pressure apparatus to CPU College of Nursing to be used for the skills laboratory and on 06 December 2019, the CPUAACC president graced the Capping, Pinning and Candle Lighting Ceremony as guest speaker. CPUAACC is the first alumni chapter to donate monetary amount of P100,000 for CPU College of Nursing Virtual Laboratory.

CPUAACC leads the way!

By Gabriel Ortigoza, President

BRIEF HISTORY AND LATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT OF CPUAA CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

GRAND ALUMNI HOMECOMING OF THE COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING (COE)By: Engr. Vitini Edhard O. Idemne, Faculty

The Grand Alumni Homecoming of the College of Engineering (COE), last February 5, 2020 was held at 4th floor of the Henry Luce III Library. Along with this event was the election of the Board of Directors and officers of the College of Engineering Alumni Association.

The COE is blessed to have contributed to the leadership of CPU through three Chairmen of the Board of Trustees namely, Alfonso Uy , Narciso Maravilla Sr. and Pat Dionio; the current President Teodoro Robles, and four Vice Presidents: Jorge Y. Tamayo, Aurora Alerta Lim, Walden S. Rio, and Joniel Howard Gico.

Engineers Lim and Uy were awarded as Outstanding Chemical Engineers of the Philippines by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) in 2003 and 2005, respectively

The officers headed by their president Jeriel Militar (1st row left – right) are Mary Daryl Grio, Mildred Maravilla-Majeed, Rona Besa, Aurora Alerta-Lim [adviser and witnessing Board of Trustees CPUAAI], Atty. Joshua Alim the CPUAAI President and inducting officer, Vitini Edhard Idemne CPUAAI Trustee, (2nd row left – right) Sam Guillergan, Antonio Cadullo, Bernie Cangrejo, Diosdado Cadena, Elson Pedregosa [ not in picture]Dean Dany Molina [ Ex-Officio but voting member]

ECHOES ECHOES ECHOES ECHOES ECHOES ECHOES ECHOES ECHOES

“Nag-enjoy gid ako. It’s my first time to attend the Alumni Homecoming and it was great!”

Erna Tingatinga- Dolendo (Class ’77 , Theology)“It’s also my first time to attend this event and it was grand!”

Anneline Espulgar , Class ‘95

“The gathering is excellent. It’s nice to be here in our second home. It’s good to see the young generation around the campus.”

Eddy Badrina, BSE ‘69“Attending this alumni homecoming is refreshing. Every time

I’m at CPU, it makes me feel younger!” Ansil P. Alubog, Theology ‘80