Centralians bag TOSIA Circle of Five

By Nestle G. Taala

Recognizing student leaders and young innovators in Iloilo – TOSIA semi-finalists in their group picture. Photo Credit: Sandro Silverio

Centralians Peter John Abaygar, Chriselda Elaine Ador, and Vance Raphael Praire were hailed as finalists in the 10th Search for The Outstanding Students of Iloilo Awards (TOSIA) during the recently concluded awarding ceremony, Salute to Excellence, at Robinsons Place Iloilo, Iloilo City on March 17.

Peter John Abaygar, a 5th Year  Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and the incumbent governor of CPU College of Engineering, and Niegil Libo-on, from the College of Arts and Scienceswork student and a CPU Republic Senator made their way to TOSIA Circle of Five College Category. Meanwhile, Vance Raphael Praire, of the CPU Junior High School is part of the TOSIA Circle of Five Junior High School Category.

Abaygar, in his speech, shared that his inspiration to do and excel more were his parents who always supported him when it came to his extra-curricular activities. He also highlighted the importance of his college as he received the said award. Abaygar was also proclaimed as the TOSIA Speaker and TOSIA Leader.

Libo-on, on his part, stressed how proud he was to be a CPU work student. He emphasized that work students were more than just work students. He gave himself as an example of a work student who was also a “youth leader, a community builder and now, a TOSIA Circle of Five.”

Praire, on the other hand, acknowledged how his journey to TOSIA went from being a Color Guard for last year’s TOSIA Awarding Ceremony, and now, belonging to the TOSIA Circle of Five.

Junior Chamber Inc. Regatta on its 10th year Search for The Outstanding Students of Iloilo Awards recognized institutions that have TOSIA Finalists for five consecutive years in which CPU Junior High School received a citation.

The awardees are grateful for the support of the administration, their coaches and mentors, and most especially to God, who sufficiently gives heavenly wisdom and strength.

Centralians hailed as TOSIA semi-finalists

By Keziah G. Huelar

Arigorat (first from right) has been representing CPU in various competitions while Abaygar (second from right) is an active student leader.

Excellence in leadership, academics and community service—Vance Rapael Praire and EJ H. Jimenez both from the CPU Junior High School, Peter John B. Abaygar and Eric John P. Arigorat both coming from the College of Engineering, and Niegil E. Libo-on and Chriselda Elaine V. Ador both from the College of Arts and Sciences were chosen by JCI Regatta as finalists in the search for The Outstanding Students of Iloilo 2019 in the Junior High School and College categories.

Ador is the current president of the CPU Psychological Society.
EJ H. Jimenez from the CPU Junior High School has been passionate about leadership and community service.
Libo-on is currently a student leader serving as senator in the CPU Republic.

Abaygar is a 4th year Civil Engineering student and the current governor of the CPU College of Engineering. He is also an Ayala Young Leader and a delegate to the 4th ASEAN Foundation Model ASEAN Meeting 2018. Arigorat, on the other hand, is a 4th year Mechanical Engineering student and a former president of the Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers-CPU Student Chapter. Meanwhile, Ador is the current president of the CPU Psychological Society while Libo-on is currently a student leader serving as senator in the CPU Republic. On the other hand, Jimenez and Praire are incumbent Governor and Vice Governor of the Junior High School.

TOSIA 2019 aims to recognize student leaders who excel in academic, community, leadership, and faith—the 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.

College of Medicine, JHS win Mr. and Ms. CPU

By Keziah G. Huelar

Mr. CPU 2018 Jasper Ruby from the College of Medicine and Ms. CPU 2018 Chris Sain Lyn N. Bongars from the Junior High School.

A night of grace, beauty, and wit—Central Philippine University crowns Jasper Ruby from the College of Medicine and Chris Sain Lyn N. Bongars from the Junior High School as Mr. and Miss CPU 2018, respectively, during the pageant night on September 25, 2018 at the Rose Memorial Auditorium. The pre-pageant events, on the other hand, namely the pre-interview and the talent’s night, were held on September 19 and September 21, 2018, respectively.

During the pageant night, Centralians with their cheers, banners, and balloons gathered to witness the final events and the crowning. The competition was broadcasted live on the CPU TV Facebook Page to give Centralians all over the globe the opportunity to witness the event.

Mr. CPU 2018 with Mr. CPU 2017.
Ms. CPU 2017 relinquishes the crown to Ms. CPU 2018

The opening prayer was led by Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Director, CPU Office of Communications. It was then followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem and the CPU Alma Mater Song led by Ms. Crista Huyong, Director, CPU Cultural Affairs Office.

For the welcome remarks, Miss Carmelle Frances Romero, Co-chair, Search for Mr. and Miss CPU 2018 Committee, thanked Centralians and the college and unit faculty and staff for supporting their candidates: “Tonight, we have 15 men and 14 women who will vie for the title of Mr. and Miss CPU 2018. For almost three weeks, we have seen these young men and women mature and grow, but more importantly, we have seen how they have decided to enjoy the moment they have prepared for—tonight’s pageant.”

Ms. Photogenic is Miss Senior High School.
Ms CPU 2018 in her active wear.
Minor Awards Winners- Male Category. 
Minor Awards Winner – Female Category.
Best in Talent  Award goes to Mr. Senior High School. 
Best in Talent – Male Category is Mr. College of Computer Studies.
Best in Talent Awardee is Ms. College of Hospitality Management.
Best in Formal Wear – Male Category is Mr. College of Engineering.
Best in Evening Wear – Female Category is Ms. College of Pharmacy.
Best in Casual Wear – Female Category is Ms. College of Nursing.
Best in Active Wear – Female Category is Ms. Senior High School.

It was then followed by the production number. Candidates and contestants in their Hawaiian-themed ensemble graced the stage with confidence and elegance as they introduced themselves and their respective colleges and units.

After the production number, the special awards were given:

  • Committee’s Choice – Mr. Education and Miss CARES
  • Best Production Number – Mr. Medicine and Miss CHM
  • Miss Photogenic – Mr. Medicine and Miss SHS
  • Miss Congeniality – Mr. Medicine and Miss CHM

Other awards were also given namely:

  • Best in Talent – Mr. Senior High School and Mr. College of Computer Studies and Ms. College of Hospitality Management
  • Face of the Night – Mr. College of Medicine and Ms. Senior High School
  • Best in Casual Wear – College of Medicine and Ms. College of Nursing
  • Best in Active Wear – Mr. College of Engineering and Ms. Senior High School
  • Best in Formal Wear – Mr. College of Engineering and Ms. College of Pharmacy
  • Best in Interview – College of Hospitality Management and Ms. Junior High School

The semi-finalists for the male category were Mr. SHS, Mr. Medicine, Mr. JHS, Mr. CHM, Mr. Engineering, Mr. CSC, and Mr. Nursing. The semi-finalists were for the female category, on the other hand, were Miss CHM, Miss SHS, Miss JHS, Miss Pharmacy, Miss Medicine, Miss Engineering, and Miss CBM.

After the final walk and final interview, Jasper Ruby from the College of Medicine and Chris Sain Lyn N. Bongars claimed the Mr. and Miss CPU titles, respectively. The Mr. and Miss CPU Republic titles were given to Mr. Engineering, Jason C. Sobrevega, and Miss Engineering, Clarice Anya Nicole D. Zaragga, respectively, while the Mr. and Miss CPU Day titles went to Mr. CHM, Earl John Kevin T. Escopel, and Miss Pharmacy, Marymil Valen N. Jalandoni, respectively.

Centralian tops 2018 Search for TOBSPA, Western Visayas

By Keziah G. Huelar

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.