Jennie Claire Adams foresaw her martyrdom in Hopevale

by Francis Neil G. Jalando-on

*A woman of faith and prayer – Jennie Clare Adams has devoted her life by serving God as a missionary nurse in Capiz Emmanuel Hospital.*

Last December 20, 1943, 11 American Baptist missionaries and a little boy became martyrs of the Christian faith when they were killed by the soldiers of the Japanese Imperial Army in the hills of Tapaz, Capiz. One of these Hopevale Martyrs was Jennie Claire Adams, a missionary nurse who was assigned to the Capiz Emmanuel Hospital.

Jennie Claire Adams was fond of writing in her diary. She was also very poetic. Her record of wartime events, culled from her diary, is now known as The Hopevale Booklet. In one of the poems that survived World War II, Miss Adams wrote about the commitment of missionaries even in the face of death. Here is her poem published in the Centralite 1946:

“Let me live bravely;
For life has many battlefields, Where valor must be shown,
Many darkened corners, Where pain and fear are known,
Life calls for sacrifice, To share the highest good,
To serve courageously, Sometimes to give life’s blood.
As others lived and gave, Let me be brave.

Let me serve faithfully;
Content with work to do, Whatsoever life may bring,
I’m serving others well, Thus do I serve my King.
May I not weary grow, When tasks seem burdensome,
Nor turn aside distraught, Before life’s work is done.
As others served, proved true, Let me be faithful too.

Let me die heroically;
Steadfast in faith and calm, When that great day is near
Knowing no hour of dread, Feeling no anxious fear,
For death is but a door, Closed tight on pain and strife,
A door that opens up That we may enter Life.
As heroes die, Still brave and true, Let me die, too.”

Jennie C. Adams attended the Western Reserve University School of Nursing, Bailey Training School for Nurses and the Nebraska Wesleyan University for her nursing care education. As a missionary nurse she became the superintendent of the Capiz Emmanuel Hospital from 1923 to 1943. She also became the head of the hospital’s Training School for Nurses in 1923. She worked together with Dr. Frederick W. Meyer at Capiz Emmanuel Hospital and stayed in Capiz for twenty years up until she died in Hopevale.

It can be recalled that during the World War II, the United States Army moved the mission hospital from Roxas to a schoolhouse in Dumalag. But Miss Adams and several nurses chose to remain in Capiz the Emmanuel Hospital building to attend to patients.

On December 17-20, 2018, the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches will spearhead the Hopevale Diamond Commemoration to be held at Central Philippine University, Filamer Christian University and in Hopevale, Tapaz, Capiz.

Who is Francis Howard Rose?

By Francis Neil G. Jalando-on

*Rev. Dr. Francis Howard Rose was the epitome of the Central Spirit.*

Rev. Dr. Francis Howard Rose is a very popular name in the campus of Central Philippine University. One reason may be because the Rose Memorial Auditorium was named in his honor. However, there is more to Rev. Dr. Rose than this.

He was the Acting President of Central Philippine College from 1938 to 1941. Before that, he was the Acting Principal of Jaro Industrial School from 1914 to 1916.

He was the one who designed the CPC/CPU seal in 1923. He was also the one who designed Weston Hall in 1932. He named the hall in honor of his son who died during the construction period.

He composed many of our Central Songs, and through one of these songs, he is credited with coining the term “Central Spirit.”

He was also a good fund raiser. He spearheaded the campaign for the construction of Weston Hall, Franklin Hall, and Valentine Hall in 1932.

During World War II, he was one of the 11 American Baptist missionaries who went to Katipunan, Tapaz, Capiz when the Japanese forces invaded the Philippines. He became a martyr on December 20, 1943.

Here is a martyr’s hymn entitled “Christ Died For Us–W e Die For Christ” by Rev. Dr. Francis Howard Rose, one of those who died in Hopevale.

All human progress up to God
Has stained the stairs of time with blood;
For every gain for Christendom
Is bought by someone’s martyrdom.

For us he poured the crimson cup,
And bade us take and drink it up.
Himself he poured to set us free.
Help us, O Christ, to drink with thee.

Ten thousand saints come thronging home,
From lion’s den and catacomb.
The fire and sword and beasts defied;
For Christ, their King, they gladly died.

With eye of faith we see today
That cross-led column wind its way
Up life’s repeated Calvary.
We rise, O Christ, to follow Thee!

This year is the 75^th anniversary of their martyrdom. The commemoration of their faith and courage will be on December 17-20. You are all invited to go to CPU and celebrate their life and ministry with the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches, Central Philippine University, Filamer Christian University, Capiz Emmanuel Hospital, Iloilo Mission Hospital, Capiznon Kasapulanan of Baptist Churches, Bacolod Christian College of Negros, and Antique Christian Center with our international partners: the American Baptist Churches, International Ministries, Japan Baptist Union, and Canadian Baptist Mission.

Jiggy Manicad: The truth behind the stories

By Cyrus A. Natividad

*Jiggy Manicad shares the inspiration behind his stories to Centralians at the Rose Memorial Auditorium.*

The University Senior High School was privileged to hear the story of one of the country’s outstanding broadcast journalists, Jiggy Manicad of GMA’s 24 Oras. The lecture entitled Jiggy Manicad’s Stories was held at the Rose Memorial Auditorium on Monday morning, October 8, 2018.

The storyteller shared the essentials of broadcast journalism through his narrative of his experiences in the field. His encounters in the field taught him how to climb the “ladder of success” through patience, perseverance, and dedication. One of his ultimate achievements is becoming a part of the team of reporters who climbed Mount Everest.

In his own life story, Manicad endured the hardships of being his own supporter for his education and a “hunter for opportunities” for his future.

After finishing high school, Manicad was uncertain about going to college because he knew that his family could not afford to send him to school. He worked, earning from his writing and other odd jobs. He had decided to enroll in a vocational course so he could quickly help his family. However, his friends prevailed upon him to take the journalism course in UP Los Baños instead.

*Manicad encourages Centralians to be storytellers.*

So he could afford college, Manicad availed of UP’s Socialized Tuition and Financial Assistance Program and worked part time writing for the College Editors Guild. Life, though, was not easy for Manicad even after college. Upon graduation he worked as a production assistant/driver. His first coverage work was with ABSCBN’s Magandang Gabi Bayan.

Manicad worked on various tasks while he was with GMA. He first worked as a scriptwriter for GMA’s Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko. His assignments included being a photographer, reporter, until he was given the job as newscaster.

All of what he learned and mastered in broadcast journalism is a result of working without complaining. His achievements were also a reward for volunteering his concepts and strategies and offering big ideas. In fact, the Mount Everest project was his idea.

The Kuratong Baleleng rubout, a combat mission in Basilan, the infamous Ozone Disco fire in Quezon City where among his first big stories. His development in investigative journalism was what made him a name in broadcast media. His tip: start with a big story. In an interview, he suggested that a reporter should ask the right questions, no matter how hard they may be and to capture the people’s emotion with a strong video. He concludes that what really makes a story sensational is the truth behind the story.

JM Suelo: On leadership and action

By Cyrus A. Natividad

*Suelo together with CPUR officers and representatives of Jollibee Food Coorporation.*

Central Philippine University Republic (CPUR) President John Michael Suelo talked about his achievements, plans, and desires during an episode of Looking Forward, a public affairs program on the CPU TV Facebook Page last Friday, October 5, 2018.

The interview was a great opportunity for Suelo to tell all Centralians about how “realpolitik” works for CPUR and CPU: “That’s loving both my Republic and my Central.” This principle has resulted to many admirable projects and programs that Suelo successfully implemented, such as “Hope from Scratch” project where scratch paper were transformed into useful notepads distributed to underprivileged students. This was in partnership with Jollibee Foods Corporation. Another was the PETMALU (Plastic Elimination to Make a Livable University) project to minimize the proliferation of empty plastic bottles and containers inside the campus.

Through the initiative of the CPUR President’s Office, Suelo was able to bring two National Senators, Bam Aquino and Riza Hontiveros, to speak in the CPUR sponsored Iloilo Youth Forum on the Philippine Economic Situation and the Iloilo Mental Health Summit, respectively.

Through his office, Suelo has also extended financial assistance and sponsorships to student activities particularly to the work students.

The CPUR President sits as Ex-Officio Member in the CPU Board of Trustees. Suelo has perfect attendance in the Board of Trustees Meeting.

Suelo easily won the votes of student in the last election due to his promising programs that would make “everyone matter in the campus” and where “matters of concern [would] be addressed.”

In an interview with some of his classmates, Suelo is said to be very creative and innovative, successfully pursuing many good programs and projects for the students and the campus. However, he is not done yet. He is still working on many other plans and projects for the students and the University.

For his part, JM Suelo would like to be remembered as an effective president who did his best to succeed for the betterment of the studentry—even long after his term in CPUR ends.

Suelo will be going to Hong Kong on October 25 to 27, 2018 to attend the 7^th Pro Bono Conference spearheaded by the Asian Law Student’s Association.

Students highly satisfied with CPU Graduate School

By Cyrus A. Natividad

*Dr. Rowena M. Libo-on (fifth from right) has made initiatives for CPU to partner with numerous universities around the globe.*

Students of CPU Iloilo City and CPU Extension Schools abroad, Myanmar, Vietnam and Japan, among others, are highly satisfied with the quality of education that CPU Graduate School provides. Dean of Graduate Studies and Director of the Office for Transnational Programs, Dr. Rowena M. Libo-on, announced this good news in a recent interview in CPU TV’s public affairs program, Looking Forward.

Moreover, government agencies like the Ministry of Education and Training in Vietnam (MOET) recognizes the quality educational programs that Central Philippine University extends to their country. It is likewise satisfied with the relationship of their students and the well qualified Filipino teachers that CPU sends to their universities.

CPU’s transnational programs and scholarship exchanges, according to Dr. Libo-on, is well-coordinated with the Commission on Higher Education at the Philippine Embassy in Vietnam and with the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs in CPU. The program provides good exposure for CPU teachers in other countries.

CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, was particularly mentioned by Dr. Libo-on as very supportive of the transnational programs.

South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines visits CPU

By Keziah G. Huelar

*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.

Chinese students commend CPU and its English Language Program

By Cyrus A. Natividad

*Bobby Cheng (right), is a CPU MBA student from Chengdu, China. He is grateful for having studied the English language at Central Philippine University. Photo Credit: Bobby Cheng*

Filipino Chinese Youth Culture Promotion (FCYCP), Inc. is a brainchild of Xu Bin, a Chinese chemist who came to study English at Central Philippine University. Xu Bin and twenty students from China in his FCYCP group are enrolled in CPU in the Doctoral Graduate Program in Education and Public Management.

Like most foreign students in CPU, Xu Bin’s group started with English language courses in CPU. Two years after, Xu Bin is grateful for having been to CPU and learned English. He acknowledges that these lessons were very important so that he could continue with his studies: “I could not have enrolled in the Graduate School’s Doctor in Management/Public Administration course at present [if not for these lessons].”

*Mr. Xu Bin and his wife, Huili Chen has been part of the CPU family for two years. Photo Credit: Xu Bin*

Asked who advised him to study in CPU, Xu Bin declares, “It’s God who guided me here.” A Christian convert, Xu Bin attends the University Church with his family every Sunday. Furthermore he explains, “I like CPU very much; Centralian students, faculty and staff are very nice people”.

Bobby Cheng, a CPU MBA student from Chengdu, China is grateful for having studied the English language at Central Philippine University. Admitting that he could speak English when he first enrolled in CPU seven years ago, Bob attributes his current proficiency to the excellent language learning program given to foreign students: “I would like to thank the people who helped me much here in CPU, particularly the faculty and staff at the CPU Department of Languages and Mass Communication. I enjoy studying here in CPU.”

Bob took up his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management in CPU and currently in his last year in Master in Business Administration Graduate Studies Degree. He is the only child as a result of his government’s One Child Policy in China. He is staying in Iloilo City with his mother who takes care of him while he is on his thesis dissertation and until he graduates. Bob wishes to work in business back in his country as soon as he graduates.

Centralian Star 2018 – The Joy in Giving

By Nestle G. Taala

*The CS Committee together with the donations to be given to the Manaolan Elementary School, teachers and its pupils.*

The Centralian Star (CS) is just one of the many contests and events taking place during the University Day celebration. It started in 2005 during the Centennial Celebration of CPU as a new major contest. Since the organizers, Ms. Dyna Lynn Madalag, the chair of the committee; Marvin Segura and Doriedel Lozanes, CPUR Officials; and the cultural committee, saw that it was well-accepted and enjoyed by spectators, the contest became an annual inclusion in the U-Day.

One area of the said contest called “For a Cause” collects ticket which cost P1.00 each for Popularity Vote (minor award only). The money accumulated on this is utilized for the advocacy program of the CS Committee. Hence, after every CS contest, the committee conducts an outreach program to a certain beneficiary.

*Giving back to the community – the pupils and teachers of Manaolan Elementary School together with CPU Republic officers and Centralian Star committee.*

This year, the CS Committee together with the CPU Republic and the Community Engagement and Service Learning Center organized an outreach program on January 11, 2019 at the Manaolan Elementary School, Badiangan, Iloilo. The team provided storybooks, sports equipment and a TV monitor to the school which will help teachers enhance the students learning experience. The pupils received hygiene kits as well.

After the outreach, Manaolan Elementary School expressed their gratitude to the CS Team and to the whole CPU community.

CPU Symphonic Band plays for the Home for Christmas Concert

By Cyrus A. Natividad

One of the best mini concerts in Iloilo last Christmas was performed at the Victory Plaza, Municipality of Santa Barbara by the Central Philippine University Symphonic Band.

The local government unit made the people of Santa Barbara happy by sharing the holiday blessings to them through a night of music and entertainment entitled Home for Christmas Concert as part of the Pamaskong Handog ni Mayor Doc Para sa Bayan project of the Santa Barbara mayor, Dr. Dennis S. Superficial, last December 21, 2018.

*A Symphony of Centralian Talent – Mr. Ascencion O. Bautista led the stunning performance of the band.*

The concert was made possible through the coordination of the mayor’s office and the efforts of Mr. Alfredo Y. Alas-as, Sta. Barbara Municipal Administrator and OIC- Office of the Municipal Mayor. CPU Symphonic Band leader, Mr. Ascencion O. Bautista, was then called to coordinate with the Sta. Barbara Tourism Office.

University President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles; Cultural Affairs Coordinator, Ms. Crista Huyong; and the CPU Symphonic Band were acknowledged by the Mayor during the said event. Mr. Bautista was particularly appreciated for his expertise as band director, arranger, and conductor.

Lessons learned from Dr. Rex D. Drilon

By Francis Neil G. Jalando-on

*The vision of a great Central – Dr. Drilon was know for his love and unwavering dedication to lead the university to greater heights.*

Dr. Rex D. Drilon has the distinction of being the first Filipino president of Central Philippine University. He was president of CPU from 1966 up to his death in 1971. Every year, in February, CPU honors his legacy by having a Dr. Rex D. Drilon Day. This year the celebration will be on February 21, 2019.

Perusing the old Centralites, here are three things that I have learned from Dr. Rex D. Drilon.

First: We must walk with a purpose.

Dr. Drilon is remembered as someone who would always say, “Centralians, walk with a purpose.” He is telling us to always seek God’s will in our lives.

Dr. Drilon wrote, “The World Outside is greedy, parasitic, deceitful, selfish, slanderous, quarrelsome—also kind, generous, noble, truthful, if you know how to reach hard enough beyond the superficies. You will be discouraged at first, but you need not be. For with your training at CPU, you are theoretically armed with the weapons of Christian character and Christian liberal-minded intellect that can make the difference in the eternal contest between the forces of darkness and the forces of light.” (Centralite 1968)

Second: We must learn to listen.

Dr. Drilon said, “The burden of my message is simple. In this day when the country is on fire, we must talk less and do more. The university world, as well as the outside world, is in terrible agony because we talk too much and do too little. Everybody is talking and nobody is listening. We must learn to listen so we can cure ourselves.” (Centralite 1971)

Third: We must always remember the CPU badge.

“The CPU badge that you will carry all your life long is a badge of honor…

You tarnish that badge and you tarnish yourself and your precious heritage.

You live up to it and you place all that is best on a pedestal for the world to see and perhaps to emulate…

We who remain on the campus will watch you make your mark in the world – a world that will test you by means fair and foul as to the kind of man or woman Central Philippine University has prepared you to be.

Stand fast by your Christian principles…, but in doing so do not be self-righteous. Self-righteous people are not trusted and they do not go very far.

When you do all these things – and more – you will be the salt of the earth wherever you will be and whatever you do – big or small.

Remember – always remember your CPU badge!” (Centralite 1969)

Thank you Dr. Rex D. Drilon for your words of wisdom.