Neste G. Taala, host of CPU TV Program Centralian Profiles, interviews Yaneshla Aparicio and her mother Chrysta Aparicio.
In the era of social media, Millennials are keen to share whatever’s going on inside their minds. Most of the time, these posts are not being monitored by their parents. Can you blame these parents? They have their own busy schedules too. However, one mom shares her secret on how to be part of her child’s social media life.
In an interview on “Centralian Profiles” on August 7, Miss Chrysta June Aparicio shared that to be able to monitor her daughter’s posts online, she created a page, the Facebook account Chaela and CJ Moments, where both she and her daughter, Yaneshka Aparicio, are admins.
On the FB page where they upload their videos, Miss Chrysta always has the final say on what gets posted, and, according to her, her daughter is fine with that. It’s not about having lesser freedom than other kids have; rather, it is being more responsible with what you post: “Think before you click.”
“Social media really has a lot of effects on them … It’s really important that we, as parents, are guiding them,” Miss Chrysta June explained.
To recall, Yaneshka is a Grade 5 pupil of CPU who made a VLOG (Video Blog) “Alas Dose Na, Fresh pa ba Kayo?” which went viral with 1 million views, 17 thousand shares and 16 thousand likes.
Faith and Excellence – Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on interviews Mr. Rinand C. Escuban in the CPU TV Program, Centralian Profiles.
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit.”
Most scholars credit the said quote to Aristotle, the famous Greek philosopher from Stagira who was popularly known as the teacher of Alexander the Great. However, other scholars would argue that the said line should be attributed to Will Durant. According to them, the quote was written in 1926 by Durant, who is an American philosopher best known for his work “The Story of Civilization.”
Whoever really said it, one thing is certain, excellence is not a chance occurrence, but rather a promising development refined by time and discipline. Thus, at Central Philippine University, Centralians are trained to be lovers of excellence. However, beyond that, at the heart of Central education is the desire to root oneself in Christ who made everything excellent in His own timing and purpose.
For Rinand C. Escuban, the university has instilled in him the values of excellence and discipline that have provided him with opportunities and various promotions in his professional career. A 1985 CPU graduate of Bachelor of Science in Commerce, Escuban now resides in Canada with his wife and three kids.
When asked how his journey in CPU started, Escuban shared in an interview with Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on during the CPU TV Channel program “Centralian Profiles” that studying in CPU was the dream and prayer of his father, Mr. Fernando S. Escuban also known as “Tay Nanding”: “My father thought to himself that if he stayed in La Carlota he would not have the chance to succeed, so he left and rode a ferry to Iloilo. There, he stayed with the Espinosa family in Muelle and they helped him. He heard about Central Philippine University, and although he just finished grade 5, my father took the courage to go to CPU to look for a job. Mr. Mariano Caipang, my mother’s uncle, helped him get a job. My father became the first watchman and janitor of the University Church.”
Escuban recounts that the first Filipino president, Dr. Rex D. Drilon talked to his father about the important task of working in the University Church: “Lolo Nano (Mr. Mariano Caipang) recommended my father to Dr. Drilon. The university president then approved my father’s employment and he told my father, ‘You are the first watchman of the church. Always remember that you get your living from CPU. Always remember to uphold the dignity of your work.’” According to Escuban, the words of Dr. Drilon and ignited his father’s passion and inspired him to pursue excellence in any kind of work.
Sharing the legacy of Tay Nanding, Rev. Jalando-on talks about how Tay Nanding inspired Centralians to pursue the godly kind of work ethic: “When I talk to the new hires, I always share the life of Tay Nanding to establish the culture and attitude of working hard. Tay Nanding would always say that he was not just a janitor, but that he was working in the house of God.”
With his father’s passionate perspective, Escuban also served at the University Church as assistant janitor: “Whatever work I was given, I did it according to the values I learned in CPU. The Bible says, if you find something to work on, do it as unto the Lord.”
Serving CPU just like his father did, Escuban became the Director of the CPU Students Affairs from 2001 to 2011. He also became the Director of the Office for External Affairs from 2006-2009 and the OIC Director of the Human Resource Development Office in 2010.
Having finished his pre-school up to his post-graduate education in CPU, Escuban shares that the spirit of excellence was widely taught to Centralians: “When I was in elementary, our teacher taught us that whenever we were asked on why we decided to study in CPU, we should give two reasons: first, is that CPU is a Christian institution, and second, it has a high standard of education.” Escuban recalls that his elementary and high school teachers always talked about the value of discipline and excellence—that they were passionate in training exemplary Christian learners for life who would represent not only the university but Christ in the professional workplace.
In 2011, Escuban had the opportunity to live and work in Canada. There, he started as a call-center agent in Recycling Rewards, a company that works in partnership with Children’s Wish Foundation to help children who are terminally ill. With his hard work and persistence, Escuban was promoted to Community Relations Manager and eventually as Corporate Partnership Manager. “God opened opportunities for me and family to go to Canada and I thank God that despite the absence of Canadian education, I was given the opportunity to be recognized by the company.”
After seven years, Escuban, together with his family, visited CPU to perform in the 40th Anniversary Concert of the Bahandi Singers of which he is a member. All the proceeds of the said concert were given to CPU scholars. According to him, the choir is growing with almost 400 members around the globe dedicating their voices for God: “Being away from CPU for almost seven years created great nostalgia. I have spent so much of the best years of my life serving God through various positions in this university. I am always very sentimental when it comes to Central Philippine University. So always be reminded that being here in the university is not an accident—it is a calling from God. Whatever your position is—president, vice president, dean or janitor—consider it a calling from the Lord. And as it is a calling, you will never how long God will use you. Always be excellent and give your best to the university and the Lord will qualify you, the Lord will equip you, the Lord will do His things through you for His glory and honor.”
For his message to Centralians, Escuban, encourages his fellow alumni to be excellent, to remember their roots in CPU as a Christian institution representing Christ to the world: “Wherever you are right now, you may have your own perspective of what CPU is now, but I assure you that as long as CPU recognizes that its beginning is from the Lord and there are people here working for the Lord who loves Him so much, this university will remain a university for as long as God wants it to be. This university is founded with God at the center and I’m sure, God will never allow this university to fail, not this time and not in the next 112 years. Whether you are here or outside of the university, have that peace of mind that God is holding this university and it is safe.”
Remembering Rev. Dr. Juan Ancheta, “Manoy Johnny” – a man of faith, a beloved Centralian.
Rev. Dr. Juan Ancheta, “Manoy Johnny,” died on August 1, 2018. He was a good man, a kind man, a generous man, a humble man, a man with a vision and a mission that he lived fully and well. A man who never stopped giving of his life and of his resources to those in need.
CPU has lost one of its best. He will be remembered lovingly, kindly, and with respect by many.
Perhaps, his last public message to his “Fellow Centralians” was a letter he sent on July 6, 2018 to the 10th CPUFOAAI Global Reunion in Chicago. It is more than a letter to Centralians, however. It is a message of goodwill, conviction, and hope for anyone who has the eyes and ears to see and to hear what this good man has to say to his generation and the generations that come after him.
He will be missed and will be long remembered with both joy and sadness, but always with gratitude for a life well lived, and a legacy worth continuing.
We thank his family for sharing him with the world that he loved so much, and served so well.
The Celis-Ancheta and Pagsuberon-Cruz Hall of the CPU College of Theology Building is a testimony of Manoy Johnny’s generosity and above all his prayer that CPU may produce godly men and women who will preach the Gospel to the different corners of the globe.
My sincerest greetings to all of you on this 10th CPUFOAAI Global reunion.
My parents taught us, their children, to love God, to get a good education, and, to love and respect relatives and neighbors.
In high school, I had two friends; one had his parents pay for his tuition, but the other had a blind pastor pay part of his tuition fees. This friend helped the pastor in his work. One Sunday, my friend introduced me to his pastor who told me that, “a happy life depends largely on the individual’s philosophy. But watch out and guard yourself against all kinds of greed. According to the Bible, Jesus says that “‘A man’s true life is not made up of the things he owns, no matter how rich he may be. Jesus concluded, this is how it is with those who pile up riches for themselves but are not rich in God’s sight. For your heart will always be where your riches are.’”
I am cognizant that I was able to complete my college degree because of part-time work that was given to me by Central Philippine University. I cleaned the Kindergarten classrooms for four years. Without the part-time work, I doubt if I could have completed my theological education in four years. I am very grateful for the help CPU gave me.
I went to Berkeley Baptist Divinity School (now American Baptist Seminary of the West) on a work-study scholarship. I mopped the hallways of the dormitory, washed dishes in the school’s refectory. The part-time job paid for my books, tuition, board, and lodging.
Looking back, I often wonder what my life would have been like had I not known the blind pastor (Rev. Hilario Castillo) who introduced me to Jesus Christ. What would my life be if I had not walked through the portals of Central Philippine University and Berkeley Baptist Divinity School? I do not know if I could have accomplished my dreams had it not been for these two institutions of learning.
CPU has provided education to many students who could not afford to pay for their tuition fees. CPU has extended help to many because of the generous people, alumni chapters, and donors who are supporting the programs of the university. I cannot think of other ways to express my gratitude to CPU and American Baptist Seminary of the West than to give some funds, however small, to support the programs of the two institutions that provided me not only with good theological education but also helped me to accomplish my parents’ dream of having their children have a good education and love God.
In closing, I would like for all of you to have a good time reminiscing about your time at CPU and include in your conversations possibilities to assist CPU to be one of the best institutions of learning.
I am sorry I cannot be with you to celebrate the 10th Global Reunion of the alumni of Central Phillippine University, but, enjoy yourselves.
Blessings,
Rev. Dr. Juan F. Ancheta
Rev. Dr. Juan Ancheta, “Manoy Johnny,” and family were the donors of the Celis-Ancheta Hall of the CPU College of Theology. Rev. Ancheta will always be remembered by the many people he had served and touched by his life, and especially for his generosity and support to the continuing education for pastors program of the College of Theology through the annual Ancheta Lectures.
*Note: Rev. Dr. Lester Edwin J. Ruiz delivered the letter during the 10thCPU Global Reunion in Chicago, Illinois.
Dr. Mona Lisa Siacor, faculty of the CPU College of Theology, commits her life to a discipline of faith complemented by an academic dedication.
In 2010, National Geographic aired a series entitled “Great Migrations.” It had seven episodes revealing the majestic rhythm of wildlife and its determination not only to migrate for survival but to echo the natural principle of stewardship between generations.
In one of its episodes, “Born to Move,” NatGeo featured the migration of the monarch butterfly.
Each fall, millions of monarch butterflies migrate from the Northeastern U.S. and Canada to Central Mexico, because of this monarch butterfly is known for its two-way migration, just like birds.
The documentary showcased the amazing persistence and determination of the monarch butterflies as they travel almost 3000 miles—the journey ultimately culminating after four generations. What is amazing about this phenomenon is the fact those later generations of monarch butterflies who have never been to their ancestral breeding grounds return to the exact trees where their parents roosted before.
Centralians also experience their own migration, and for Dr. Mona Lisa Siacor, faculty of the CPU College of Theology, the journey is a testimony of Christ’s grace and purpose.
Dr. Siacor graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Science Major in Math in 1990 from the university. Her calling and interest eventually led her to the portals of the CPU College of Theology where she finished her Masters of Divinity in 2007.
In 2010, Dr. Siacor started her seven-year-journey as a scholar studying Doctor of Philosophy in Protestant Theology at the University of Regensburg. Her stay in Germany exposed her to the different disciplines of Protestant theology and a grassroots perspective on Protestantism.
After graduating in 2017 from the University of Regensburg, she returned to the Central Philippine University bringing with her her insights and testimony.
Recently, she attended the Summer School under Dr. h.c. mult. Hans Schwarz, Professor Emeritus of Protestant Theology University of Regensburg Universitätsstr to present a paper entitled, “The Crosses that Filipino Women Migrants Carry.” According to the abstract of her research, the study entails the travails of the working Filipino woman migrant and an analysis of her sad experiences due to having to work abroad. The cultural worldview plays a role in the ability to persevere and that globalization is one of the main causes of her suffering. Her suffering is compared to the Christian understanding of the daily cross-bearing that Jesus expected of his followers.
According to Dr. Siacor, migration is one of the trending issues around the globe, “There is a need to participate in the dialogue of global concerns for migration. Migration can be seen in the Middle Ages, in the Bible, and the best way to discuss this phenomenon is through academic presentation and study.”
As part of her dedication to the study of theology, Dr. Siacor currently teaches MDiv 600 (Inter-Testamental Literature) and MDiv 602 (Postmodern, Postcolonial Theologies).
With 22 years of service to the university, Ma’am Siacor is a testimony that Centralians always come back to the university, carrying with them the testimony of the Lord’s goodness and faithfulness.
Dionisio Coronado Jr. of the CPU TV Channel officially ends the station’s cable channel subscription to focus on social media in order to promote CPU events and profiles.
After more than two decades in partnership with a cable company, CPU has decided to expand its reach and go global! CPU TV will now be using Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/CentralPhilippineUniversityTV/) to broadcast live and recorded events. This initiative is a response to cope up with the technological trends of communication and to reach out to more Centralians across the globe by sharing the Central Spirit through social media and other forums to unite the growing community of CPU alumni.
In the past, CPU reached the consciousness of the viewers of Iloilo City through its partnership with cable companies (Skycable, Sun Cable and Cable Star with CPUTV Channel 33, 25, 8 and 31). The dedicated channel featured programs held at Rose Memorial Auditorium as well recorded materials or documentaries.
Mr. Clem Burgos, Champion, 5th International Competition of Arts and Culture, during an interview with the Centralian Profiles. The said video was broadcasted live in Facebook.
Under the guidance of the Director of the Office of Communications, Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on and his team, CPU TV is launching new programs, including talk shows, pageants, concerts, ministry and educational programs, and even graduation ceremonies via Facebook.
Within the university the CPU Alumni Association Inc., the CPU Republic together with the different colleges and departments have already signified their interest in collaborating with Central Philippine University due to the development of worldwide communications through CPU TV.
Three Centralians, namely: Joriz Lanz Cometa, (BS Biology, Batch 2018), Ray Peregrino, Jr. (4th Year BS Mechanical Engineering), and Nicole Anike Dorgu (1st Year BS Civil Engineering) attended the Philippine Model Congress 2018 held at the Philippine Senate on June 2-3, 2018.
During the congress, the group presented the Comprehensive Sex Education Act of 2018 as youth committee delegates. The annual model congress aims to gather student leaders all over the country so that they would understand and experience the law-making process of the country.
A passionate debater, Nicole Anike Dorgu (1st Year BS Civil Engineering) shares that the congress made her realize the power of speaking of your mind. Ray Peregrino, Jr. (4th Year BS Mechanical Engineering) encourages fellow youth to use their time and energy to advocate progress and inclusive development.
Durgo shared that the congress encouraged her to use her voice to empower others and to advocate for causes that impact the community and the country: “It was my first time joining a congress so I took home a lot of life lessons and realizations, but if I were to condense all of my learnings into one thought, it would be that nobody is too young or too old to make a difference. Young though I may be, I have a voice. I have ideas and I am determined to make a positive difference in this country.”
Young and passionate – student leaders all over the country joined the Philippine Model Congress 2018 held at the Philippine Senate.
Perigrino, on the other hand, shared that the congress helped them become better nation-builders and future leaders of the country: “The simulation on legislative process definitely paved the way for us to correspond on the theme, ‘Redefining the Role of the Filipino Youth,’ and become better nation-builders who are more committed and involved in civic engagements and youth empowerment. Moreover, my involvement on this national delegation exposed me to different people with different perspectives and advocacies in life; thus, I was able to better comprehend the pressing issues of our country. Lastly, because of PMC, I was able to meet new friends from different schools and was able to exchange significant ideas and experiences.”
Dr. Leonor M. Briones was the keynote speaker during the 57th ACSCU Annual convention in Cagayan de Oro City. In photo: Dr. Leonor M. Briones together with CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, Dean, CPU College of Theology Rev. Bernabe Pagara, Prof. Anna Mae Zerrudo, OIC, CPU International Programs and Prof. Kay Arden Gallo.
Dr. Leonor Magtolis Briones is the keynote speaker at the Association of Christian Schools, Colleges and Universities (ACSCU) convention in Cagayan De Oro City on May 15, 2018. The ACSCU regularly gather to support each other and to discuss problems in education.
Briones recognized the roles of Christian Schools in Philippine Education, stating that church-instituted schools were established a lot earlier than public schools. She went on to explain that it is the faith of people that have made them to set up schools and they recognized this as part of their faithfulness to God. The early missions of foreigners contributed much to the institution of schools and universities.
She reminded participants who are stakeholders and administrators of the colleges and universities not to be competitors but to unite to face the challenges in Christian Schools. She added, “Public and private schools should be complementary.”
In particular, Briones confronted issues in the development of K-12. As former Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Silliman University, Briones recalled how she saw a staggering loss of income of 40 million in a small university and yet considered how important the K-12 program is to the educational development in the country. Briones likened the existence with K-12 to the biblical story of Joseph who predicted a seven years of prosperity and seven years of suffering; only, it would be the reverse with K-12. She acknowledged the free tuition fee program in universities and colleges was implemented as a result of the five years of sacrifice in implementing the K-12 program.
Furthermore, she urged teachers that “what we teach in schools should be the truth. To be free, we need to teach teachers to seek the truth.” Adding, “Seek ye the truth and the truth shall make you free.”
Dr. Briones is a woman of faith and public service. She is Secretary of the Department of Education and honorary Centralian conferred with the Doctorate Degree in Public Administration, honoris causa by Central Philippine University. She obtained her Bachelor in Business Administration Degree, magna cum laude, from Silliman University and Masters in Public Administration degree from the University of the Philippines-Diliman, College Honors awardee. She obtained her post-graduate diploma in Development Administration, Major in Public Enterprises, with distinction,from Leeds University in England, United Kingdom; Certificate in Policy for Public Enterprise from the Harvard Institute for Institution Development, Harvard University, Massachussetts, USA; and Certificate for Innovations in Governance from the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University.
Nestle G. Taala, AB Mass Communications, Cum Laude and Alton Bigelow Awardee encourages her fellow graduates to dream big.
“Miracle is just another term for hard work… and prayer.”
Central Philippine University is indeed a dream came true. I first entered CPU when I was in second year high school because of a youth convention held at this very auditorium. It was then the time I decided to be a Centralian when I would be in college. I was planning to take up Journalism alone but the school offers Mass Communication in general and I compromised because of that dream. So I became a Centralian and it felt like home.
But dreams sometimes, turn into nightmares. As I entered the portals of CPU, I’ve meet different people with different personalities. Each one could either make you or break you. Every person left lessons after all the experiences you had with them. Have heard hurtful words and I was down because of the people I thought would be my buddies forever. I got lost in the track and though every night I had my quiet time with the Lord and devotional, I was depressed and the feeling of anxiety was crippling. No one knew but there was a time, such a hilarious time when I thought of ending it all. To end the pain, to end this life. Christian ka pay amo na napaminsar mo! I always told myself. But being a Christian does not make one invulnerable to such things. During those times the verse Psalm 34:18 had been my refuge. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” And as time passed by, I had a realignment in my life. As a daughter of an OFW, I realized that it’s not worth giving up. Si Mama ko gapanglimpyo to sang kasilyas sang iban nga tawo tapos gainamo pako ni? She might not be there to pamper me with the words I needed but she became one of the very reasons for me to stand up.
My OJT, meetings, our productions, theater rehearsals, outreaches, sometimes they happened all in one day and I had to run for one appointment to another. Literally. And it was tiring. Very tiring. “Nan kay hap-an tanan.” But who cares? I love being productive anyway. And I knew those were God’s ways of healing my depressed soul. It wasn’t an overnight process but little by little, I felt healing. Indeed, He turned my mourning into dancing.
Now, I am speaking on behalf of those who were emotionally unstable for the past years yet no one knew about the struggle; those who had lost some friends along the way and had to eat alone in a fast food chain; those who had lost a loved one be it a father, a grandmother, or a brother during the toughest days of college life. I speak on behalf of those who weren’t anyone’s favorite and had to work their way to the top; those who went through self-doubt and self-blame often; those who nearly gave up but found a single light to hold on; those who had dreamt of CPU to be their Alma Mater and now had been honed intellectually, skillfully and spiritually; Lastly, I speak on behalf of those who made it! No matter what we all went through, WE MADE IT! The truth is college was just a walk in the park—Jurassic Park. But one thing remains certain: all the good and bad experiences are God’s mysterious ways to make us the kind of Centralian who is ready for anything.
The medal is a memory made tangible. Maybe what makes one an Alton Bigelow or Alma Mater Awardee is that one can still testify how faithful God in his/her life is with all the struggles he/she had faced during his college years. And I believe every Centralian can testify.
To Central Philippine University, our dearest Alma Mater, we thank you for molding us to be beyond better. For pushing us to our limits and to make us realize that we actually can. And so we did!
To our teachers and mentors, thank you for serving as our second parents and friends here at Central. This journey might not be made possible without your guidance and patience.
To everyone we’ve met along this journey, thank you for all the experiences! We’ve learned from you too.
And to the One who sufficiently gives, the Author of all of these, Father, we thank You more than we could ever express. Thank You for not leaving us nor forsaking us.
Batch 2018, I believe we are all proud to be a Centralian graduate. Now, it’s time for us to go out and to make Central Philippine University proud of us through Scientia et Fides.
The processional started at 8:30 AM. Rev. Roger T. Quimpo, Associate Pastor for Outreach, University Church, led the invocation. On behalf of the university President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Irving Domingo L. Rio gave the welcome remarks. He congratulated the students and parents for pushing through the difficulties in school. He also encouraged the graduating students to pursue their careers in nursing. He reminded them of how fortunate they were to have finished their nursing courses from CPU.
Charlie D. Baldon, Graduate Program Coordinator, introduced the guest speaker, Police Senior Superintendent Lemuel P. Nalangan. S/Supt. Nalangan described his life as “a matter of choice” long after 24 years of graduating from the CPU College of Nursing. He was a graduate of CPU BSN Class of 1994. He is currently Chief of Health Care Plans and Activities at the Philippine National Police, National Headquarters.
Police Senior Superintendent Lemuel P. Nalangan. S/Supt. Nalangan with the faculty and staff of the College of Nursing.
Nalangan recalled his memorable times in CPU and how he was prepared for the nursing career. He thanked his teachers and the school administrators during his college days. “I trusted in the education that CPU had given me.”
Although he believes that as a Centralian nurse, he should care for his patients as if they were family, he also recounted his dark experience in relation to his job with the PNP. “While my heart was to care for people, going along with soldiers at war in Mindanao was nightmare. But those experiences and trainings in combat were something that tempered my spirit, my heart, and made me strong physically, intellectually and emotionally.”
He expressed admiration to the graduating nursing students, and wished them all the good things to come in the future.
Joelah V. Rio, Academic Coordinator, led the recitation of International Code of Ethics for Nurses. The Scholarships and Awards were presented by Nelida L. Lamasan, Chairperson, Scholarships and Awards. Luke John L. Panaguiton, Governor, AHS Student Council 2017-2018 gave his response on behalf of the students.
The BSN Batch 2018 next sang their Class Song, “We’ll Make It Through,” followed by the benediction by Rev. Quimpo.
During the University Week, ISO showcased the different cuisines of member countries in a food booth. Photo Credits: Park Beom Cheol
Central Philippine University is internationally known not only for its exemplary Christian professionals but also for its hospitality to everyone who enters its portals from whichever part of the globe they may have come. For years, the university has welcomed students from every part of the continent. It has become a global corner where Centralians, regardless of language and background, come together to experience the “central life.”
With the growing number of foreign students every year, CPU created the International Students Organization (ISO), a student group catering to the needs and concerns of foreign students. Park Beom Cheol, current ISO President, shared that his stay in the university has been more memorable because of the said organization.
Park, a graduating Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication student, has been a Centralian since 2010. According to Park, he chose to study in CPU after visiting the university because of a football program. “I was studying in Dasmariñas when I visited CPU back in 2006 to play football. I liked the university atmosphere and also the fact that it is a Christian university. I chose Mass Communication because I want to be a sports reporter.”
ISO held a Christmas Party for the Kopino kids. Photo Credits: Park Beom Cheol
As President, Park, along with his fellow officers, has been spearheading programs that promote cultural awareness of the different countries represented by their members. They also conduct outreach activities to different communities in the city.
One of their activities is reaching out to Kopino (Korean-Filipinos) children. They organize arts and crafts sessions, storytelling, and book drives to create a healthy and fun learning environment. “Together, with a local church, we reach out to the children and hold activities for them. Most of the Kopinos have been left behind by their Korean father but we want to assure them that there are people who care for them. We want to motivate them.”
During the celebration of the university week, the organization also set up a food booth showcasing the different cuisines of the members’ countries.
ISO members and officers during the University Parade. Photo Credits: Park Beom Cheol
Currently, ISO has 80 members and to unite the group, Park said it was important to promote an environment where diverse ideas and opinions could be heard. “We have 80 members from 16 different countries. It’s really important that we listen to them and to address their concerns and to motivate them to participate.”
Park encourages other foreign students in CPU to be positive and to make the most of their stay in the university. “It is really hard at first but I want to encourage and motivate foreign students to voice out their concerns. ISO will be there for you. Don’t be afraid to share your difficulties because there are people who will help you.”
He also advises them to trust in God’s plan. “Be patient and positive. Everything depends on God’s plan. Changing plans is okay but do not change your goal. Change how to get there; do not change where God is leading you.”
Park’s study in the university made him appreciate Filipino culture and values and he gladly shares his experiences with fellow Koreans by writing in “Manila Seoul,” a feature page in the website www.srook.net. Here, Park promotes Iloilo City as a fun and friendly place for Koreans to stay at or visit.International Student Organization A.Y. 2017-2018 President: BeomCheol Park (John) e-mail address: beomkey91@yahoo.com Internal Vice President: Chaelim Hong (Cherry) e-mail address: richcl110210@gmail.com External Vice President: Saad Alaa S. Abdel Azim e-mail address: abdelazim.saadalaa@gmail.com Secretary: Nahyun Kim (Rachael) e-mail address: skgusdldhk@naver.com Assistant Secretary: Dan Mark C. Tumbagahon e-mail address: dm.tumbagahon@yahoo.com Treasurer: Sun Yu Lee (Sophia) e-mail address: sm04080@naver.com Assistant Treasurer: Wang Hai Ming e-mail address: wanghaiming1997@gmail.com
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