Rev. Joseph Morris Forbes encouraged Centralians to establish a legacy of excellence and faith.
Social media nowadays has a feature which shows your “memories” or enable you to “rediscover your day.” This is because we love to dwell on the fond memories that we have. Along this vein, Central Philippine College President, Rev. Joseph Morris Forbes, wrote to Centralians in 1949, “As one of your teachers and counsellors, I hope and trust that you are happy in your memories… But I hope that they are not too satisfying. Those who do not have some inter-mixture of disappointment in their memories will never press on to a higher achievement. As true Centralians, you consider life as an ascending pathway; thus, tomorrow must be better than today.
Rev. Forbes became Acting President of Central Philippine College on September 19, 1947. He handled the tremendous job of rehabilitation, reorganization and administration. He also taught philosophy, the subject nearest to his heart; English; sociology; education; and Bible. As a pastor, he emphasized the Christian education that Central offers. He said, “There is a great place for the kind of Christian education that is being offered here at Central. More and more, the Philippine government will need good Christian leaders of faith and integrity.”
As we face a world today in which success is sometimes defined by the amount of material resources that we have, we have to be reminded of the words of Paul in 1 Timothy 6:10 that says, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
In the same manner, Central Philippine College President, Rev. Joseph Morris Forbes, wrote to the class of 1950, “May every sacrifice that your parents and you have made bear some very real fruitage in providing you a means of success, and as Centralians, you know success to be measured in terms of spiritual values, rather than in material emoluments.”
However, Rev. Forbes was not just a philosopher. He was also “a doer, an indefatigable worker, a man of action.” The 1955 CPU Golden Book of Remembrance says this about him: “He would often be seen not only directing, but also working with the road workers. He was just as friendly with them as with the faculty and students. When walking the campus, he can be seen setting a stone in its right place or pulling out some unsightly weed or picking up pieces of paper. Rev. Forbes bending over a hoe, or carrying some stray piece of lumber or scrap iron, or pushing the lawnmower, was a common sight.”
All throughout these years, Centralians from 1905 up to the present, are challenged to excel in every endeavour that they face, and to become exemplary in their actions. Rev. Forbes has left us a challenge to make a lasting mark in this world—“As Centralians, each of you must make a worthy achievement in the realms of service to our present day community life. The College program has endeavoured to make you aware of the standards of Christian citizenship in a deeply troubled world. It has sought to inspire you to commit your life to that valiant struggle for a world of justice and brotherhood (sisterhood).”
(References: Centralite 1949, 1950, Golden Jubilee Year 1905-1955 Souvenir Program)
RV E. Esgrina and Ren Lurenz B. Madrilejo (both left) hopes that the CPU Mobile Info app will promote the university here and abroad.
After re-launching The Centralian Link, the official publication and media forum of Central Philippine University, the Office of Communications, headed by its Director, Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on has been exploring initiatives to further improve the efficiency of delivering news and information to Centralians here and abroad.
Thus on January 14, 2019 with the guidance of University Webmaster, Mr. Mark Clemens J. Ortaliz, Office of Communications on-the-job trainees RV E. Esgrina and Ren Lurenz B. Madrilejo took on the task of developing the “CPU Mobile Info” Application – a downloadable android mobile app for the public to give them real-time information and announcements of university events, entrance examinations, etc. It is also user-friendly version of the university website.
Esgrina and Madrilejo are both senior students taking up Bachelor of Science in Information Technology at the CPU College of Computer Studies. According to Esgrina, the purpose of developing the app was not only to keep up with the technological trends but to make it easier for Centralians to navigate the CPU website through their mobile phone. “The app will give Centralians easier access to information and announcements through their mobile phones which is more convenient. It will also give other people a chance to get to know the services offered by the university in a user-friendly portal.”
Madrilejo shares that the task of developing the app wasn’t easy but with the guidance and support of the Office of Communications they were able to come up with an interface that responsive to the needs of the community-at-large. “At first we doubted if we can really make the app but Sir Mark encouraged us in every step of the making the app.”
The app provides simple mobile navigation for easier access.
As a tag-team, Esgrina was responsible for the mobile interface while Madrilejo took on the task of developing the content. Madrilejo shares that while developing he learned new things about the university such as its history and other significant events. “The app will really help you get to know CPU.”
CPU Mobile Info provides a simple platform that will help users know more facts about the university, its job openings, school calendar, etc. It also provides a feedback mechanism to provide an on-line assessment of the services and programs offered by CPU.
One salient feature of the app is its easy access to Seeds of Faith, a daily devotional guide for readers. Such feature highlights CPU’s commitment in sharing the Word of God not only to Centralians but to the world-at-large.
According to Rev. Jalando-on, the Office of Communications is set to launch the said app in Google Play Store on April 2019. Meanwhile, you can download the latest beta version of this Android app in https://www.dropbox.com/s/z4355mttlvqvlxb/cpu_app_m_v14.apk?dl=0
The Valentine family devoted their time, talent and treasure to serve God by serving Centralians.
Every Valentine’s Day I would remember the love story of Rev. William Orison Valentine and Ina Jane Van Allen.
Rev. Valentine was a graduate of the Colgate Theological Seminary in New York. He answered the call of God to become a missionary and joined the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society (ABFMS). In 1895, he was sent to Rangoon, Burma, and then to Mandalay where he became principal of the Baptist Mission High School for Boys. In his eighth year in Burma he suffered a severe sunstroke and returned to America for treatment.
He was disappointed that he could not continue the mission work due to his condition. However, soon his disappointment turned into joy when he met a beautiful nurse in the hospital. He fell in love with Ina Jane Van Allen. It is a love story that reminds us that God works in mysterious ways. The couple got married in 1903 and planned to do mission work. They were sent by ABFMS to Iloilo City.
In 1905, Rev. William O. Valentine, became the principal of two newly-opened schools, the Jaro Industrial School and the Bible School. Jaro Industrial School started as an elementary vocational school for boys who worked for their board and tuition. The first batch consisted of 20 boys.
Early students of Jaro Industrial School with Rev. William Valentine and Mrs. Ina Valentine at the center.
Rev. Valentine recounted that “it was decided that in this new school, no boy, no matter how rich, should be admitted who was not willing to work for his food… All must work for their food. The original purpose of the school was to provide opportunity for poor Filipino boys to receive a good Christian industrial education by working their way through school. Actual work experience and earnest study of the Bible were the core of the curriculum.”
By 1907 the enrolment of the school reached 300. The boys were working in the farm and in various trades. Rev. and Mrs. Valentine were hands-on in the school affairs. Mrs. Ina Jane Valentine taught some subjects, worked as a nurse of the school, and at the same time cared for the three Valentine children born in Iloilo between 1904 and 1913.
Rev. Valentine worked hard to have the school incorporated and recognized by the government. His objectives were reached in 1913, the year when the school began to also admit female students. In 1915, the first two years of high school were opened and by 1921, the first batch of high school students graduated.
In 1914, Valentine returned to America with his family for further studies at Valparaiso University, where he received a degree in education, and at the University of Chicago, where he presented a master’s thesis in the department of practical theology. His thesis entitled “Moral and Religious Values of Industrial Education,” recounted the success of work-study schooling at Jaro and other schools in Burma, South Africa, and India which had developed a similar philosophy of institutional self-support through the work of students.
With the completion of his studies in 1916, Valentine received a new appointment as provincial missionary for Negros Occidental, Philippines. He and his family went to Bacolod and became the pastor of Bacolod Evangelical Church.
He was instrumental in building a new mission house to replace the smaller chapel and he encouraged Filipino Baptist pastors to preach at Sunday services. He also established dormitories for boys and girls who attended public schools. These students received a Christian education at the mission house.
Because of his passion for Christian education, Rev. Valentine set about not only to establish new churches but also private schools in Bacolod and throughout the province like the Ilog Private Academy in the southern part of Negros Occidental. Mrs. Valentine taught kindergarten in the Bacolod school. The school and the church grew in quality and quantity during the eleven years that Rev. and Mrs. Valentine served there.
In February 1928, tragedy struck. Rev. Valentine died in Bacolod of malaria complicated by a heart disease. He was buried at the American Cemetery in Jaro, Iloilo City. Mrs. Valentine returned to America and bought a home offered by the Baptist Mission Society in Granville, Ohio, across the street from Denison University where all three Valentine children studied. She died in 1979 at the age of 100.
Soon after Rev. Valentine died, the Negros Kasapulanan of Baptist Churches and the Bacolod Evangelical Church renamed the mission house in Bacolod as the Valentine Hall. In this Valentine Hall, two Baptist institutions were born. In 1948, Baptist leaders in Negros met and decided to establish a college to be housed in the Valentine Hall. This college was named as the West Negros College, now West Negros University. In 1950, the Bible Institute under the Department of Christian Education of the West Negros College became a separate institution and was renamed as the Valentine Memorial Academy. This Bible School is now known as the Convention Baptist Bible College.
The Lord indeed works in mysterious ways. Even though Rev. Valentine passed away, his legacy gave birth to two successful learning institutions in Bacolod City and thereby, his legacy lives on.
Back in Iloilo, the Central Philippine College also decided to rename the then Administration Building as Valentine Hall, in honor of its first principal. Later, when the annex building was completed near the Valentine Hall, it came to be named as the New Valentine Building. Soon after, a new tradition was started. Every Foundation Day on October 1, University officials come to the American Cemetery to lay a wreath of flowers on the tomb of Rev. Valentine and other American Baptist missionaries.
In 1969, CPU conferred a posthumous doctoral degree upon Rev. Valentine. He was accorded a Doctor of Pedagogy, honoris causa. When CPU celebrated its 100 years on Oct. 1, 2005, a bronze bust of Rev. Dr. William O. Valentine was unveiled during the Foundation Day ceremony to honor the life and ministry of the first principal of CPU.
More than 113 years ago, God authored the love story of Rev. William Valentine and Mrs. Ina Jane Valentine. Their love for each other extended to their ministry in the school and the church. Theirs was a love without borders. All Centralians and members of the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches are recipients of God’s love through this couple.
God has authored love stories in the Bible, and will continue to do so throughout the ages. All we have to do is submit our relationship to God and be ready for God will do something wonderful through our lives.
Angeli and Peter Billiones’ love for each other is testimony of obedience and surrender to God’s will. Photo Credit: Peter Billiones
Growing up in the same church, Jil and Pete knew each other since they were young. Now a married couple, their relationship is not an account of young love blossoming into permanent affection. Rather, their journey as husband and wife is a testimony of how God favors a relationship that puts Him first at all times.
Back then Angeli Aragona-Billiones (Jil) and Peter Billiones (Pete) often crossed paths at Full Gospel Community Church when they were little but it was not until they studied at Central Philippine University that they got to know each as close friends.
Pete took up Bachelor of Science and Accountancy and later shifted to Marketing Management. Jil, on the other hand was a Tourism student. Both served as student leaders in the Chi Alpha, a Christ-centered organization aimed at spreading the Gospel among the youth.
According to Pete, his stay in CPU influenced him to be excited about serving God through others. “[Being in CPU] helped me learn to live by faith and not by sight. It also taught me the value of impacting one life at a time especially during Christ Emphasis Week. Being in CPU made learn about the importance of having global impact through local leadership. CPU encouraged me to put God in everything I do.”
With his father and all of her uncles as Centralian alumni, Jil developed a deep appreciation for CPU’s dedication to cultivate an atmosphere of community and family. Sharing her fond memories of CPU, Jil talks about how her professors would go beyond academic lessons to mentor her and her classmates about Christian values. “I still remember how my teachers would take the time to talk about how good God has been and they would always tell us that their door is open if we need to talk about anything. [My stay in CPU] encouraged me to be resilient and to always look forward to better things in life. I felt God moving in my life while I was in CPU.”
Pete and Jil dated after they graduated from CPU in 2014. With the guidance of their parents and mentors they earnestly sought a God-centered relationship which was not easy but according to them was definitely worth it.
The couple eventually married in July 2015. Now, they are serving full-time in the ministry and managing their business Rosy’s Delicacies, now known as Teddy Bear Treats, a business started by Jil’s parents.
Teddy Bear Treats markets authentic Filipino delicacies in the local and international market. They offer all kinds of Ilonggo delicacies such as pinasugbo, toasted mamon, biscocho and many others.
On discovering God’s will for their relationship, Jil talks about how she sought God’s guidance through prayer and reading the bible. “The moment I realized I was falling for him, I asked God to keep him away if he’s not for me. God always did that in the past I didn’t even have to ask, boys just come and go it’s important they don’t know I ever like them, because then it would be awkward and Peter and I have such a good friendship I didn’t want to lose that. When I knew he was the one, I said to God, “He’s yours not mine so I’ll always be second in his life because he has to put You first.”
When asked how they maintain a God-centered relationship, in unison, Pete and Jil share that it is by putting God first and obeying His word that helped them love and respect one another as God would have intended. “I earnestly asked God to help me love Jil as He commanded men in the bible to love their wives”, Pete says.
In 2016, Pete and Jil decided to go to Zamboanga and serve a newly planted local church. “[When] we realized that our 1st baby wasn’t formed, instead of being bitter with God [we submitted to His will]. He talked to us personally in our devotionals to respond to the call and trust His plan rather than our own personal dreams and desires.” Their experiences in the mission field strengthened their reliance on God – how He provides and promotes and most importantly how He blesses two people who pursue to glorify Him wholeheartedly.
When asked what advice they would give to young couples, Pete and Jil emphasizes that it is pursuing God first that makes a healthy and God-centered relationship. “Read the bible. There are a lot of dos and don’ts. The bible will explain what real love is and how it is different from lust. My parents told me, no trial and error. If a guy pursues you, he has to be serious about it. Don’t go into a relationship with him unless he has plans to marry you. So one day randomly while I was at home, God told me, not audibly, that I’ll meet [the man] I would marry two years from now. I said two years from now are you sure? Like this exact same day. I didn’t believe it but I took note of the day. At that time Peter and I weren’t even close. He never crossed my mind. Exactly two years from that day. He courted me. And so many affirmations I believed he was the one. God is not mute that He cannot speak. He speaks, but we don’t even read His word so how can we tell if it’s Him or not?” Jil shares.
Looking forward, Pete and Jil are considering joining foreign missions. “Our heart is to the Unreached People Groups who have never really heard of Jesus. Imagine how unfair that we in the Philippines could go to church, read the bible, and pray to Jesus and millions are dying without even knowing the name of Jesus.”
Pete and Jil’s testimony is a powerful description of how two people can uplift and support each other but it is ultimately a crowd of three with Christ at the Center that ultimately makes a relationship shine for His glory.
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles and Mr. Tomohiro Yanagisawa, Nichiigakkan Co., Ltd. Executive Officer officially signs the partnership.
Central Philippine University and Nichiigakkan Co., Ltd. signed a partnership agreement at the Administration Building Conference Room on February 7, 2019. The agreement between the two parties aims to provide employment and training opportunities for CPU nursing graduates in Japan. It also seeks to establish cooperation and mutual trust and pursue a formal, integrated, and long-term agreement between CPU and Nichiigakkan Co., Ltd.
The agreement was signed by Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, CPU President and Mr. Tomohiro Yanagisawa, Nichiigakkan Co., Ltd. Executive Officer. Present during the signing are Atty. Salex E. Alibogha, Dean, CPU College of Nursing and Prof. Anna May Y. Zerrudo, Officer-in-Charge, CPU Office of International Relations and Cooperation.
Starting April 1, 2019, Japan will be accepting foreign caregiving staff. This is in line with the Japanese government’s revisions on its Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act which created a new residence qualification for the “designated skilled labor” visa.
Nichiigakkan Co., Ltd. hopes to invite Centralian nursing students to join in a mentoring program until graduation for definite employment in Japan.
After the signing, Atty. Alibogha and Prof. Zerrudo gave the representatives of Nichiigakkan Co., Ltd. a tour of the Loreto D. Tupaz Building and the College of Nursing Virtual Laboratory.
CPU hopes that the said agreement will open more doors for global competitiveness in nursing practice and education. The university believes that the partnership is an opportunity for the university to showcase and promote the Centralian brand of nursing to Japan.
Services that Nichiigakkan Co., Ltd. offers include medical support, long term care, child care, health care, language education and therapy.
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, Engr. Constantino M. Senon and Engr. Dany C. Molina, Dean, CPU College of Engineering together with the students faculty and staff of the college.
Recollecting memories as CPU College students—The Central Philippine University College of Engineering held a talk entitled “If I were an Engineering Student Again” at the University Church on February 6, 2019.
The opening prayer was led by Engr. Vitini Edhard O. Idemne, faculty member, Electrical Engineering Department.
It was then followed by the welcome remarks given by Engr. Dany C. Molina, Dean, CPU College of Engineering. In his message, Engr. Molina highlighted the importance of reflecting on and learning from past experiences not only to apply its lessons to the present but to mentor future engineers that they too may gain a heart of wisdom.
Engr. Ceasar Rico S. Acanto, Chairperson, Electrical Engineering Department, introduced CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, as first speaker.
A graduate of the CPU Electrical Engineering program in 1964, Dr. Robles shared his journey as a working student. He encouraged aspiring Centralian engineers to tread their academic and professional journey with excellence, faith, and perseverance.
Engr. Jeriel G. Militar, Chairperson, Mechanical Engineering Department introduced Engr. Constantino M. Senon, a graduate of the Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Batch 1967 and the current Senior Vice President Emeritus of Stantec, Washington, USA.
Engr. Senon, who is a frequent speaker of the college’s seminars and lectures, talked about the importance of pursuing knowledge and experience. According to him, it is a crucial skill to love learning and to be open to new ideas.
Both speakers shared their testimony and emphasized that one’s faith in God and surrender to His will that will make one not only a successful engineer but a happy and purposeful person.
After the talks, an open forum was held. After which Engr. Bernie C. Cangrejo, Chairperson, Packaging Engineering Department gave the closing remarks.
Republic of Korea Ambassador to the Philippines, Mr. Han Dong-Man and CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles together with CPU Administration officials and CPUAAI officers.
Promoting Philippine-Korean friendship—The Republic of Korea ambassador to the Philippines, Mr. Han Dong-Man, visited Central Philippine University on January 28, 2019. Ambassador Han paid a courtesy call on CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles; after which the ambassador spent time with CPU faculty, staff, and students in an open forum at the 4th Floor Henry Luce III Library.
For the welcome remarks, Dr. Robles talked about CPU’s growing partnership with numerous South Korean universities and its cultural and academic bond through the hundreds of South Korean students studying in the university.
According to Ambassador Han, 2019 marks the 70th year of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and South Korea. Thus, it is important to look back on the breakthroughs and the future opportunities and partnerships in store for both countries: “This year marks the 70th year of establishing our diplomatic ties. It’s quite fitting and timely to elevate and deepen our ties in many different areas including the academic sector.”
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles with CPU Administration officials talk with Ambassador Han.
In his message, Ambassador Han discussed about the milestones of the inter-Korean summits between North and South Korea, the US-DPKR Singapore Summit joint statement, and the bilateral relations of the Philippines with South Korea. He also talked about the impact of the ASEAN Chairmanship of the Philippines during the ASEAN 2017 Summit and the possible cultural, academic and people to people exchange and opportunities in tourism, education, and employment.
Partnering with various government agencies, Ambassador Han aims to encourage 2 million Koreans to visit the country this year. He highlighted the potential of Iloilo City to be a tourism hub in the region.
Republic of Korea Ambassador to the Philippines, Mr. Han Dong-Man highlighted the strong bond of South Korea and the Philippines.
Expressing his optimism in the relationship between the Philippines and South Korea, Ambassador Han looks forward to more partnerships and exchanges in tourism and research.
After his message, Centralians asked about his stand on climate change, the diplomatic relations between South Korean and the Philippines, and the economic, educational and cultural partnerships both countries can look forward to.
Allyn Margarejo Sta. Maria with Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Director, CPU Office of Communications.
Allyn Margarejo Sta. Maria could still recall the very first time she stepped onto the volleyball court of the CPU Gym. She could still remember the cheers and shouts from spectators, the look of determination in the eyes of her fellow Centralian athletes, and the sweat and tears they poured to claim victory. These are lasting memories etched in passion and with faith.
Allyn currently works as the Marketing Head of Generika Drug Store which has over 750 pharmacies all over the country. Apart from her task to promote and establish Generika as a trusted brand, she is also the Team Manager of the Generika Ayala Lifesavers, a volleyball team franchised by Generika Drug Store. Allyn shares that the team is part of health and wellness advocacy of Mr. Ted Ferrer, President of Generika Drugstores.
She is a 2002 graduate of the CPU Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program. During her college days, she devoted herself to different passions such as student leadership, debates, and even beauty pageants. She was a CPU Republic official, a former Miss CPU High School, and subsequently chosen as Miss CPUR. However, according to Allyn, “Volleyball is my first love.”
According to Allyn, her employment at Generika gave her the opportunity not only to make a living but to continue her passion for volleyball: “I wasn’t really expecting that in my professional employment volleyball would still be part of my life. This is really a favor from God. All my passions intersect with my current job—only God could give me that kind of blessing.”
Allyn shares that in CPU, her mentors have always encouraged her to excel and to develop her skills by engaging in various activities and competitions. It was also in CPU where her faith was developed into a habit of depending on God on her next endeavors: “In CPU, I found a wealth of experience to interface with people from all walks of life. CPU taught me to excel, to stand, dress and talk properly, and most importantly, to give back to the glory of the Lord.”
Sharing her testimony, Allyn recounts how her faith helped her deal with the struggles and challenges along her way: “A philosopher once said that every man has a God-shaped void only God can fill.”
As a mom and an advocate of wellness, Allyn emphasized the importance of physical as well as mental health. According to her it is important to take care of oneself: “Mental hygiene is really about knowing yourself, getting the right emotional support, being open to guidance. It’s really about how well you know yourself and how you respond to your needs. Parents have a big role in the lives of their children. Educational systems cannot be substitutes for good parenting and nothing can substitute human interaction.”
For her advice to aspiring Centralians who also want excel in their passions, Allyn says, “Keep working hard. It’s all going to be worth it soon.”
Rymer G. Gengoni and his wife Laurie G. Gengoni together with Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Director, CPU Office of Communications.
A blank canvass speaks of a billion possibilities—countless probable strokes and unlimited conceivable shades of color. The process of creating a masterpiece requires the mastery of making infinite choices until finally something of artistic value is born.
More often than not, the task of choosing is easy for the artist, for he has already seen the final output in his mind. The challenge now is choosing among the options, separating intentional output from the incidental mimicry.
For Rymer G. Gengoni and his wife Laurie G. Gengoni, being an artist is not only a decision but also a free expression of one’s desire to introduce something beautiful to the world. Having graduated from the Central Philippine University Bachelor of Science in Advertising program in 2009, Rymer and Laurie use their artistic skills not only to produce memorable aesthetics, but to give art value.
Rymer is currently a currency and medallion illustrator while Laurie is a minting machine operator and 3D artist engraver, both at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. Their works range from designing commemorative coins to presidential medals, medallions, and others.
When asked how their passion for art started, Rymer shares that he developed an interest in digital arts during his stay in CPU. Formerly a commerce student, Rymer shifted to software engineering then finally advertising. Laurie, on the other hand, had no plans to take up advertising. She initially wanted to take architecture or fine arts but being a CPU High School alumna, Laurie decided to stay in the university and take up advertising.
Rymer and Laurie relate that apart from the high standard of education offered by CPU, it was the promotion of Christian values that made them choose the university. According to Rymer, CPU taught him to persevere and to have faith in God: “During my stay in CPU, I learned how to depend on God. There were many hardships along the way but I persevered.”
Laurie explains that her stay in the university taught her to chase quality over quantity: “In CPU, our professors taught us to always be excellent in our work and to be tedious with the details. It’s not about how much output you’ve [produced] but the quality of your output that matters. It’s about presenting the artwork in an eloquent way.”
One of their favorite memories from CPU, apart from the programs and club events, is their friendship with five other advertising students. The seven of them were known as “Sevendipity” – Alexis Gequilasao, Sheila Mae Estares, Dabbie Basero, Scarleen Yvette Bautista and Bernea Jesseluz Gadayan.
All seven of them have shared their highs and lows with each other, creating a strong bond of camaraderie under the Central Spirit. They still share their milestones, one of them being the wedding of Rymer and Laurie last August 24, 2018.
The encouragement of friends and family played a crucial role in the success of not only Rymer and Laurie’s marriage but in their professional career as well.
After graduation, Rymer worked at a studio and a cable station. It wasn’t until 2010 when he decided to go to Manila and seek out new opportunities. When he applied for the position in BSP, Rymer shares that he applied with other students coming from more prestigious schools. Although he was not expecting to get the position, Rymer knew that the skills he developed in CPU could rival any competition. In 2013, Laurie was also employed by BSP.
Both Rymer and Laurie share the same heart for their work. According to Rymer, they give their best at any given task: “What we are doing is our passion. We are in love with our work.”
When asked how they handle the pressures of their job, Laurie recounts that every time she is about to start on the molding and engraving of any medal or coin, she first prays to God for guidance: “I always pray before I start designing. It’s the drill for me. I ask God to guide me and to give me wisdom on how to do my work.”
Apart from their love for art, Rymer and Laurie also share the love that they have for each other. They were in a dating relationship for almost 11 years before they decided to get married. Rymer shares that during their college days, Laurie was always known as the simple and quiet girl in their group. He, on the other hand, was the class clown. In the words of Rymer, “Opposites attract.”
It was their strong foundation of friendship, the acceptance of their family, and ultimately, their faith in God that made them steadfast in their love for each other. Laurie explains that their love story is a journey of accepting and bringing out the best in each other: “We love each other’s imperfections and we celebrate each other’s victories. We always communicate with each other, even if we have the same workplace, we always make an effort to have quality time with each other.”
When asked about their advice to Centralians, who want to pursue not only a good career but a God-centered relationship, Laurie counsels that it is important to constantly pray and to stubbornly pursue their passion: “Always ask God for guidance. We are all in our own journey and it’s important to love what God gave you.”
Rymer, on his part, says that it starts with loving God: “Love God first and foremost. Love yourself, love the people around you. Everything is planned by God and when you seek Him, He will direct you to the right career path and the right person. We must believe in our faith and in the wisdom and guidance of God. Always remember to be grateful to God and to the people around you.”
Engr. Serafin ‘Apin’ Serra Frondoza was a loving husband, a good father and a Centralian who pursued God in all his endeavors.
On August 5, 2018, Engr. Serafin “Apin” Serra Frondoza passed away at the age of 76. Engr. Frondoza who was fondly called “Apin” by friends, died of complications. He is survived by sons Oliver Angelo, Seraphim Chrisus and Cheruim Chrisus, and daughters Paulyn Pearls and Serysolle Mae.
A necrological service was held in honor of Engr. Frondoza on August 8, 9:00 AM, at the Abecia Chapel of the Hills in Balabago, Jaro. His cremation followed at 11:00 AM. The last moments in his wake were attended by his next of kin and other relatives, his fellow members of the Central Philippine University Corporation, CPU alumni, and friends. His town mates from Agsanayan, Buenavista, Guimaras also paid their last respects to the well-remembered founder and owner of the Spring of Joy, a resort that caters to spiritual retreats and Christian fellowships.
Engr. Serafin Serra Frondoza, Jr. was born on December 7, 1942 in San Fernando, Buenavista, Guimaras to Serafin L. Frondoza Sr. and and Mrs. Angela L. Serra-Frondoza. He was married to the former Associate Dean of the CPU College of Medicine, Dr. Alma Millamena Alpas-Frondoza.
He graduated from Central Philippine University in 1967 with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. While studying in CPU, he was a work student (1963-1965).
He worked in different technical and management positions as General Manager, Plant Manager, Manufacturing Services Manager, and Quality Control and Technical Services Consultant in different companies from 1983 to 1993 in Malaysia, Indonesia and Mindanao.
Engr. Serafin Frondoza was a member of the CPU Corporation from 2002 to 2007 and a member of different CPU committees from 2004 to 2006, He was a recipient of the University Service Award, Pre-Centennial Celebrations of CPU on October 1, 2005.
As a Centralian, Engr. Frondoza loved CPU very much. It was rare not to see Mr. Frondoza in the campus, visiting friends, meeting committee members, having a cup of coffee at the Alumni Affairs Office.
The Frondozas are a close-knit family that have influenced even folks in Brgy. Agsanayan, Buenavista, where their residence and resort is located. He had formed relationships—whether they be with members of the provincial and municipal governments in Guimaras, barangay officials or with ordinary folks. Manong Apin also established a church at the Spring of Joy where many have been blessed.
“He was a very loving dad. He had this rule that he should call up his children, one by one, or we should call him up, every day.” Four of his children reside with their families in Manila and only the eldest, Oliver, lived with Engr. Frondoza in Iloilo City.
We shall miss Manong Apin, but his legacy of love and service lives on.
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