Modern nightlight – the entry of Perseus Gamuza Jr. showcased Iloilo’s developing evening scenery.
Perseus Gamuza Jr., a member of the CPU Junior High School Media Arts, placed second in the Charter Day Tourism Promotions Photo Contest held by the City Tourism Development Office.
Gamuza’s entry entitled “Light Trails at SM City Iloilo” captured the iridescent scenery of the Diversion Road, showcasing the development of Iloilo City and its evolving lifestyle. He received Php 3, 000 and a Certificate of Recognition for his winning photo entry.
It can be recalled that Gamuza was hailed champion during the CPU Festival of Lights and Music at Central 2016 1st Photo Contest.
Gustilo credits his success to his training in the CPU College of Nursing and to his faith in God that gave him the confidence to perform his best.
Centralian Alvin John Gustilo bested more than 50 other competitors from all over the globe in the oral presentation category during the 2nd Technological Competency as Caring in the Health Sciences 2018 held in Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan on August 17-19, 2018.
Gustilo was the co-author and lead presenter of the study entitled, “Transitioning Experience of Middle Nurse Managers.” According to him, the objective of the said study was to record and assess the experiences of and the diversity of positions offered to nurse managers.
Centralian Alvin John Gustilo receiving a Certificate of Recognition for his outstanding performance in the oral presentation category.
He shared that being an instructor of a nursing review center gave him the advantage to clearly explain and highlight the salient points of the study with confidence. Gustilo also credits the University for training him to pursue excellence and, above all, to have faith in God, knowing that his achievements are for God’s glory.
Hailing from Banate, Gustilo graduated from the CPU College of Nursing in 2012, and he has been a Junior Researcher at the A1 Passers Nursing Review & Research Center since 2013.
With his mobile app PaDS, Software Engineering graduate, John Elmer Loretizo was hailed as the Grand Winner of National Geographic’s “Everyday Genius”.
After a rigorous screening and several of interviews, John Elmer Loretizo, a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering, Batch 2018, tops this year’s GMA Network Excellence Award (GNEA) in the technology-based category. His mother, Mrs. Mary Jean Loretizo, received the plaque and the cash award of PhP50,000.00 on his behalf during the awarding ceremony on August 10, 2018.
“I am thankful and happy for [CPU] for I, once again, have given her honor,” said John Elmer.
Loretizo’s mother, Mrs. Mary Jean Loretizo, in his behalf received the award.
It can be recalled that Loretizo bagged the top spot with his innovative phone application PaDS or Patient in Transit Diagnostics System. It is a mobile app that sends a patients diagnostics to the target hospital for treatment preparation. When asked on how he came up with the idea for PaDs, Loretizo shares that it was his experience when he himself was seeking medical treatment that made him realize the importance of such innovation.
A recepient of the GMA Excellence Award, Loretizo has yet again brought pride to CPU.
GNEA is given to outstanding graduates who are set to make their distinctive mark in Philippine broadcast media in two categories: technology-based and communication. Out of all the entry books submitted nationwide, the screening committee chose the top five finalists for each category. The finalists underwent a final interview with the executives of GMA Network.
Eagle Scout, Vance Raphael Anthony S. Praire showing his bidbook.
Excellence in leadership and community service—Eagle Scout, Vance Raphael Anthony S. Praire, Grade 10-SSC, Newton and CPU Junior High School Governor, ranked number one in the 2018 Search for Outstanding Boy Scouts of the Philippines, Western Visayas held at the Boy Scout of the Phillipines (BSP) Headquarters on August 11, 2018.
Praire bested seven contenders: two from Aklan, two from Capiz, one from Guimaras, one from Iloilo and two from Negros Occidental. He, together with Eagle Scout Sean Patnubay from Aklan (Rank No. 2), will represent Region VI in the National Level on October 13-17, 2018. The screening process will take place in BSP Manila while the awarding will be held in the Philippine International Convention Center.
It can be recalled that Jethro Mark G. Jerez, currently, a Grade 12 student at the University Senior High School, bagged the same award for Central Philippine University when he was in Junior High School.
Criteria in the selection process includes: scholastic standing, academic and non-academic awards received, competitions participated in, school leadership activities, community leadership activities, church-based activities, scouting activities organized and joined, and personality and communication skills.
Central Philippine University congratulates its 65 new social workers who successfully passed the Social Work Licensure Exam held in the cities of Manila, Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Legazpi, Lucena, Pagadian, Tacloban, Tuguegarao and Zamboanga by the Professional Regulation Commission on July 2018.
CPU got an overall passing percentage of 62.50% while the national passing percentage is 49.96%. According to the PRC, 2,508 out of 5,020 passed the said examination.
Celebrating Centralian excellence—April Joyce C. Catalan, a CPU 2018 graduate of Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy, ranked fifth in the Pharmacy Board Exam held on August 5, 2018. Catalan got a rating of 91.22, earning her a spot in the top ten. Catalan is the first Centralian to be included in the top 5 after the College of Pharmacy was reopened last 2011.
CPU also hails 37 new pharmacists who successfully passed the said exam of which the university received an overall passing percentage of 91.89%.
According to the Professional Regulation Commission, 2,927 out of 4,230 passed (or a national passing percentage of 69.19%) the Pharmacist Licensure Examination given by the Board of Pharmacy.
The Pharmacy Department was then under the College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences. On 2017, the department became a college. In 1963, Nenita Lemery, ranked No 1, Pharmaceutical Board Exam while in 1968, Patricia Tayco placed 2nd. Central Philippine University dedicates its passion in producing excellent medical practitioners in promoting the health ministry for the glory of God.
The Professional Regulation Commission announced that 2, 648 out of 3, 644 examinees successfully passed the March 2018 Medical Technologist Board Exam, 34 of which are Centralian graduates. In the said examination, CPU got a passing percentage of 77.27% and a national passing percentage of 72.67%.
Faith and passion – Janeen Dale B. Geroso encourages young women to believe in the power of their dreams. Photo Credit: Janeen Dale B. Geroso Facebook Page
Janeen Dale B. Geroso is breaking the conventional definition of what it means to be a beauty queen. With a headstrong perspective on life, faith, and success, Janeen is encouraging young women to pursue their own definition of what is beautiful—to be oneself in an era that overlooks what is skin-deep.
At an early age, Janeen developed a passion for beauty pageants. Encouraged by her teachers and family, she viewed the pageantry as a platform to empower other women and to share her advocacy in promoting environmental awareness.
Currently a third year student taking up Bachelor of Science in Biology with specialization in Microbiology, Janeen has a deep appreciation for the life sciences. “The study of life fascinates me; there is so much to discover. I definitely love the challenge of learning and discovering. In Biology, there is always something new to learn.”
When asked why she chose CPU for her tertiary education, Janeen shared that the university’s reputation in academic excellence and faith ultimately made her want to be a Centralian. “CPU has always been my dream school. Though I lived in Bacolod, I would hear stories about how good the education here is and that the university is really centered on God. CPU is also one of the top universities in Western Visayas.”
Grace and confidence – Janeen entices the crowd in her long gown.
Janeen recently joined the search for Miss Paraw Regatta 2018. After weeks of pre-pageant activities, she was crowned Miss Paraw Regatta 2018 first runner-up on February 15, 2018 at the Iloilo City Diamond Jubilee Hall.
According to Janeen, the search for Miss Paraw Regatta 2018 is her most memorable beauty pageant experience to date. “This, by far, is a pageant experience that I will never forget. We went to different parts of Western Visayas to see the beautiful flora and fauna and I also get to be surrounded by beautiful and strong women who support each other.”
For Janeen, the best part of joining beauty pageants is the friendships that she formed and the chance to share advocacies that showcase how women empowerment can change and help the community. “My advocacy is the restoration and conservation of mangrove forests. I grew up near the beach, so it’s a cause close to my heart. We often times neglect the impact of not taking care of our mangrove forests.”
She shares that beauty pageants are platforms for women to impart their advocacies and to showcase their confidence and their heart to others. It is also a venue for women to meet together and discuss issues that affect the community, promoting social awareness.
During her pageant journey, Janeen shares that it is the support of her family and her faith in God that made every experience worthwhile. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without the help of my family and the prayers of those who support me. I’m active in my church back in Bacolod City and I really believe that my faith has helped me throughout my journey.”
For Janeen, becoming a beauty queen does not mean wearing the crown, being garbed in beautiful dresses, or getting the applause. A beauty queen is one who has a genuine heart that inspires others, bringing out the best in them. “You don’t need a crown if you know you’re a queen in your own right. Kindness is power; helping others, encouraging those around you, and knowing that beauty is what’s on the inside—that is my definition of beauty.”
As for her advice to young women who want to join the beauty pageant scene, Janeen said, “Believe in the power of your dreams. Pursue what is in your heart. Your dreams will open doorways of opportunities for you, trust in God’s plans.”
Four Centralians passed the preliminary screening of this year’s search of the Ten Outstanding Students of Iloilo Awards spearheaded by JCI Regatta. TOSIA finalists include Nestlee Taala from the CPU College of Arts and Science and John Elmer Loretizo from the College of Engineering, and Honey Parreño and Meliza Louise Javellana from the CPU Junior High School. They will be joining other contenders from different colleges, universities and high schools all over Iloilo City in vying for a spot in the coveted TOSIA Circle of Five.
The stages of the competition include The Stopover: Preparation; Starting Up the Engine: The Road to Excellence, a leadership seminar; The Checkpoint: Nomination and Portfolio Screening; TOSIA Roadblock: Essay Writing Round; The Detour: Interview Round; The Pit Stop: TOSIA Bootcamp; and lastly, The Finish Line: Awarding Ceremonies.
TOSIA 2018 aims to recognize student leaders who excel in academic, community, leadership and faith—four pillars in creating positive change. The annual search for outstanding students is held in partnership with the Department of Education-Iloilo and Department of Education Division of Iloilo City and the Commission on Higher Education-Region 6.
(2nd Place, Essay Writing Contest, 2018 Annual Evaluation and Exhibits of Student Campus Organizations)
The CPU Biological Society booth with members. Photo Credit: Kerr Hechanova.
The annual migration of the monarch butterfly is a unique and amazing phenomenon. The monarch is the only butterfly specie known for two-way migration just like birds. They travel for miles as a group, just to reach that specific place where they can reproduce. They travel for days—oblivious of hunger and exhaustion, heedless of whatever that might come their way, just to reach their destination. Despite this, we see the Great Migration as marvelous event of nature. It’s a spectacle that anyone wouldn’t dare to miss.
Just like monarch butterflies, every student organization has its own journey. They have their own stories to tell and destination to reach. Each one of them has their own goals and mission to accomplish. As a group, they share their time—making sacrifices and committing themselves to the success of every event and for the achievement of every task. They share their talent—showing everyone what they have to offer; that they’re not just a name but a collective with substance and action. And lastly, treasure—the essence of what their fraternity and organization is all about—why it has been created and what more it could offer.
Amidst the divergence in beliefs and aims to pursue, every organization share the same goal: to put into action whatever they stand for and leave a legacy. This is what makes us whole. This is what makes CPU one—the diversity and uniqueness of every fraternity and organization strives for the betterment of all.
When the monarch butterflies are finished reproducing, they go back to the place where they were born. That is why it is called a two-way migration. Someday, when everything is said and done, when every shared time, talent, and treasure is used well for the triumph of each fraternity and organization, we will all look back to where we all started and to the one who nurtured our time, talent, and treasure, to the one who set our little fire ablaze, our Central, dear Central, Central Philippine University.