The primary topic of speakers during Commencement Exercises is about success. As the Batch 2017 graduates go out of the portals of CPU, here is one success story from the Bible — the story of Joseph the dreamer.
Joseph succeeded in spite of the circumstances that he faced. He was rejected at home. His brothers did not like him because he was favored by their father, Jacob. He experienced an attempted murder by his brothers. He also became a commodity that was for sale. He was sold to merchants and was sold again to Potiphar. He became a slave. Later, he was falsely accused of rape and was thrown into prison.
How did Joseph survive these circumstances? What lessons can learn from the life of Joseph?
First, like Joseph we need to trust God in spite of the circumstances.
Joseph was given a big dream by God. Joseph had all the right to question God — his life was going downhill and his dreams are nowhere near its realization. In spite of this, Joseph trusted God. Later, when everything became clear, Joseph said, “God sent me ahead of you… to save your lives by a great deliverance. So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God.” (Gen 45:7-8)
Are we trusting God in spite of the circumstances?
Second, like Joseph we need to fulfill our responsibilities in spite of the circumstances.
Joseph was faithful, reliable and dependable. He rose in the ranks to become the manager of all the properties of Potiphar. In the prison, he also became the assistant warden. Later, he became the second most powerful man in Egypt next to the Pharaoh. Egypt during this time was the most powerful empire of the whole world.
Are we doing our job in spite of the circumstances?
Third, like Joseph we need to maintain our integrity in spite of the circumstances.
Joseph was tempted by Mrs. Potiphar every day to have an extra-marital relationship. He was handsome and well-built. Egyptian women were probably good in seduction. Just put in mind Cleopatra who was able to seduced Julius Caesar, and after his assassination, also seduced the successor, Mark Anthony. Joseph maintained his purity and firmly stood his ground and said no.
Are we maintaining our integrity in spite of the circumstances?
May the life of Joseph continue to challenge every one of us. Congratulations to the 2017 graduates of Central Philippine University!
Like a running in a race, the participants (including students, parents and friends), and teachers too – will have endless dreams and expectations for a candidate who will march to get his/her award (diploma) at the college commencement excercises. Honor students among them will receive medals aside from receiving a diploma and even cash rewards on stage.
How many of them will pursue a post graduate education, find a job or venture into the world for business or employment ?How many of them wil be employees or how many will establish their careers (nurses, teachers, accountants, engineers.. etc.)
As `perenial as the grass’, there will be those who will get employed and also many who will be unemployed indefinitely – as they stride further on for a job. Many more will be counted in addition to thousands of graduates who still strive to get a job, here or elsewhere. Despite the reality, many would be enlightened, challenged to pursue the search for the greater rewards after graduation.
Success can only be achieved by an enduring belief in oneself, walking with faith and press on to success! If God is with us who can be against us? (Roman 8:31)
Here is my short composition for those who will strive to find success.
It’s the hottest day we have this week, and hoping that our athletes at the PRISAA in Iba, Zambales, and at the Palarong Pambansa in Antique are not so badly affected. Just as we pray for your victories, we ask God to lower down the degree of heat which we guess to be at a high of 30 to 40 degrees celsius.
The summer period has remarkably changed into a harmful season, unless we are consciously on guard for the effect of heat on our skin; worse for people who have high blood pressures and them who are not used to drinking a lot of water. The terrible heat strikes anytime of the day – for many weeks now. It eventually prevails in the evening. I go for the open air outside of our home with a glass of cold water and contemplate. Thank heavens – for many years we survived the heat. My mind intruded into the scientific theory of fire at the center of the earth; quite imaginative and jokingly I thought if hell could possibly be there.
We recall many things and experiences with this kind of season. What I remember was a trip to Boracay on a non-airconditioned bus. We didn’t catch up the AC trip that left an hour ago. In the trip was a Dutch tourist who reminded everyone that “Hell is nowhere but here on earth!..and adding that “let me go down! this bus is a moving hell!” (chuckle..sweat coming down our cheeks …uncontrolled laughter at the back).
Somehow I long for moments in time (when I was a student). We go for the Eskimo, the coolest bar –downtown in Iloilo City. Actually, a snack bar serving delights and ice cream varieties. You’re already chilled with your Five Pesos (5.00) during that time; comes with sidings of cookies and candies.
On the other hand, there were those who would steal for a hot bowl of Lapaz batchoy (also trending during that time). But the `real thing’ really during those long summer seasons of the 70’s, was the ice-cold Coke! Almost the same still, but now it seems that Coke tastes different from what we used to enjoy.
Anyway to overcome the summer heat, I recommend plain drinking water without ice. Going out without a headgear or umbrella may not be a good thing to do. Take a bath at least twice a day and stay indoor if there is no urgent matter to go out for. Indulge in fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C.
Now seriously, this phenomenon we call `Climate Change’ is uncontrollable unless every nation, every person here on earth work in cooperation with one another for preventive action. It is dependent on our attitude and respect to God’s creation that we can possibly turn back the twist of time. We can help in the preservation of nature, this beautiful world that God has created for all of us.
On April 7, 2017, Filamer Christian University gave Rev. Sharon Rose Joy Ruiz-Duremdes the academic award of doctor honoris causa or honorary doctorate, Doctor of Pedagogy. In Photo: Rev. Dr. Sharon Rose Joy Ruiz-Duremdes is flanked by Dr. Pimentel, Dr. Cortel, Judge Nery Duremdes, and Dr. Chan (Photo Credits: Filamer Christian College).
A woman unfazed by the trials of the life is rare – such a feat is immortalized by her steady inclination to the Author of all things, her devotion to a cause greater than herself and her commitment to the things that go beyond her lifetime.
Rev. Sharon Rose Ruiz-Duremdez has inspired hundreds of Centralians. Her work and ministry has led others to pursue the calling of living and leading for Christ. A well-loved professor of the Central Philippine UniveristyCollege of Theology and a passionate servant of the Lord, her life is a testimony that the goodness of the Lord bestows favor and grace to those who put Him first.
In 1968, Rev. Sharon graduated in CPU with a degree of Bachelor of Arts in English, Magna Cum Laude. Her stay in CPU has molded her to become a woman of faith – passionate for serving the Lord and fervent in helping others. “My parents were teachers, they emphasized the importance academics but they wanted their children to be nurtured with Christian values first and foremost.”
Rev. Sharon became the third Centralian who became a part of the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines. Her heart for servant leadership has made her a true ministry worker. “During the TOSP interview, I was asked on what is my role and contribution as a citizen in the development of the society – I am still very much answering that question today.”
According to Rev. Sharon, apart from being an institution devoted to producing exemplary Christian graduates CPU is also a venue for developing friendships that last. “CPU is a place where there is deep closeness among faculty and students forged by respect and common love for the university. Sentimentally, the Central spirit is very much alive. If you graduated from CPU and met someone who also graduated from CPU, although you were from a different batch, there would be an immediate sense of brotherhood or sisterhood – a common way of understanding and looking at life the Centralian way.”
After graduation, Rev. Sharon volunteered as an overseas missionary of the Convention of Baptist Churches. She went to Semerarang, Indonesia and worked with Indonesian students. There she developed a deep fulfillment for sharing the gospel which became her definition of success.
Rev. Sharon entered the portals of the CPU College of Theology in 1973 after studying in Berkeley Divinity School in California, USA. In the college she found joy teaching young people about the word of God and encouraging them live their lives for the glory of the Lord. “It is in the area of theology that we develop a deep understanding of the truths of life. You will understand that the ministry is meant to be for others – it is faith training.”
Several people inspired her to be the woman she is today. The most notable of which are her parents and professors in CPU; “My father was an educator. He encouraged me to develop my ability of expressing what I am thinking. On the other hand, my mother helped me in understanding other people and caring for them. My mother was a very passionate Christian, she told me that to have a deeper meaning of life one has to serve the Lord.”
Another person who helped her develop her potential is Dr. Elisa Griño, the Head of the English Department of the CPU College of Arts and Science. “I was impressed with the way Dr. Griño communicated with other people. She encouraged me to excel and to further develop my mastery of the English language.”
An advocacy close to her heart, Rev. Sharon shares that it is the upliftment of women in ministry, work and society that moves her to action. According to her it is vital that women learn about themselves and identify themselves as someone who has a significant contribution to society. “Women need to discover their God given gifts and talents. My work with women has brought me to communities. There I saw the necessity for me to divest my attention to the plight of women. There is a lot to be done.”
Seeing the victims of an unlivable society, Rev. Sharon forged a revolution against inequality. “Every person is worthy of human dignity. Before I engaged in my advocacy I realized three things: first, I should have a very clear vision of the future and I should draw people to that particular vision. Second, I should be making life livable for others through my talents, abilities and skills. And last, for my advocacy to be successful, I should empower others to join me.”
Rev. Sharon shares that it is not easy to engage in advocacy work, she has encountered a lot of challenges along the way but it is her fervent obedience to her the calling God gave her that made her persevere. “When you engage in an advocacy like this you won’t have many friends. You have to speak the truth, when you do this people who are in power will be threatened because they want to stay in position – many people will not like you. You will have to go on survival mode.”
In her fight for others, she encountered persecution but remained consistent with her purpose. “I was persecuted and put in jail. But when people saw the consistency in my words and actions, the goodness of the Lord was manifested, others began seeing my side of the story – the grace of the Lord sustained me. Just like what Matthew 5:10-12 says: Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you,persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me .Rejoice and be glad,because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
Rev. Sharon’s greatest joy is seeing younger people respond to God’s calling in their lives. As a theologian educator it is the passion of her students in learning and pursuing the word of God that gives her fulfillment. “Seeing younger people say to me: You make a lot of sense, always brings joy to my heart.”
Here is a good advocacy on education for the new year. It reads: “Read for 20”. The advocacy is a corporate initiative launched by a major daily. It was intended to help bring back the Filipinos’ interest in reading and learning. The younger generations are more inclined to social media.
The decreasing habit of reading printed copy classical books, and even fundamental references is an apt observation. Most students are inclined to write reports and researches with the help of the internet only. Except that it’s fast, final results may not be as good as one that was researched on the original books properly. I would like to endorse the “Read for 20” advocacy because while we can do it anytime, anywhere on the more accessible computers and cellphones-hardcopy reading for me is more retentive. Twenty minutes of reading any printed magazine, newspaper, books or paperback every day is what it takes to develop interest in reading, and improving reading skills.
Last Christmas, I was reminded that we can always go back to being a child, Someone has given me a gift which I thought was a children’s story book, based on its cover. Perhaps due to my curious religious question about the advent, I deserved the “little” book entitled “The Expected One” by Scott James. The book satisfied my curiosity and answered the need for the spiritual missing links.
“The Expected One”- a hard-bound with similarity to “The Noah’s Ark” which was presented to me by my elementary school teacher is a valuable gift. Thanks Pastor Neil! I read the book instead of watching a film- the usual fill-in activity at home before the clock strikes at 12 midnight. Then the noche-buena is served and everyone enjoys the traditional native feast.
To enjoy life is to move on. Moving on requires leaving the old attitude of regretting and procrastinating on account of sentiments and lingering in the past. There’s a constant awareness in most, if not all people with regards to what they have. What they have sometimes make them sad or depressed. And instead of evaluating their self-worth, then find it easier to get intimidated for what others have, or for what status in life they are in.
So maybe we should not leave this issue out from the list of New Year’s resolutions. Simply put, we need to appreciate life by living it– celebrating and enjoying its real purpose. So start enjoying life by moving on this year – 2017, move along with the development of people and society. This is the first step in getting a lease of life for the new year.
Connecting with people, especially our loved ones is the ‘next thing’ that helps. I remember Dr. Illenberger (a.k.a Nitz) and her advice on keeping in touch- “Connect with love ones, friends and `best friends forever’ (BFF on Facebook). That way you will know if they are living fine, or are getting on with some bad conditions.”
“Likes” and positive comments for them are considered ounces of health, or maintenance pills. Appreciative comments motivate, and constructive criticisms give encouragements. Of course there are limitations to everything that we do. It pays to help other people as long as we don’t compromise or procrastinate with our work. Comforting others improves our comfort zones and in the development of ourselves.
On the other hand, do not “miss the train” by being too busy with other passengers waiting for another train to arrive. For life to be truly enjoyable, we should know our calling and live it. Prayer is a vehicle to God “from whom all blessings flow.”
Lastly, never look at what others have; look up and give thanks for what the Lord has given you. Amidst the hardships and challenges, it is still a beautiful life.
“Do not be afraid or discouraged, for I the Lord your God, am with you wherever you go” –Joshua 1:9
Faith and Perseverance – Pastor Bonnie E. Cadosale, Minister of Pakao Evangelical Church.
You probably have met persons with disabilities, who never had chances to rise above their situations. They have chosen to live a life of inactivity and apathy. They are neglected, ignored for who they are; denied of opportunities and recognition in society (let alone a circle of friends).
I met a person with disability whose infirmity has never been a hindrance — to live among his fellowmen with significance and a role to play. I was interested to talk to a “differently-abled” who has been serving God for twenty years. He was enabled by the Lord to become a Pastor and is leading a congregation of a Baptist church under the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches.
Pastor Bonnie being oriented for the interview by production staff.
It was at the 76th Annual General Assembly and Institute of the Convention Baptist Ministers’ Association in Camp Higher Ground, Barotac Viejo, Iloilo where I met Pastor Bonnie E. Cadosale, a Minister of Pakao Evangelical Church in the upper south of Kabankalan, Negros Occidental.
His story reflects the place where he comes from – high up in a mountain area of Kabankalan, where livelihood and employment were rather limited. His opportunity to get a college education and eventually to employ was remote. But his resilience and strong faith were what God has looked upon. God gave his blessings so that Pastor Cadosale could enroll in the Theological Education by Extension program of Central Philippine University, an outreach project of the university from the late 1980s up to early 2000s.
So he preached in that mountain village; started with one, two and more people coming to listen to his story of hope and faith. He was able to gather a considerable number of followers that later enabled him to start a small congregation. Furthermore, he began seeking help to build a physical church. His prayers were answered with help from other churches in Negros; cement and construction materials were delivered.
He maintained leadership with more people joining in the Sunday worship service. His determination has become stronger than ever in his desire to procure an audio system (at least a microphone), and some copies of a hymnal.
Pastor Bonnie E. Cadosale is a product of his faith and devotion to the Lord. God’s answer to his prayers is the missionary support of pastors from many evangelical churches. Above all else in the Baptist mission which is centered in preaching the Good News of salvation in Jesus Christ. Cadosale is grateful to Central Philippine University for providing him the theological education. The extension program has stopped long ago, but he wishes that the same will be reopened in Kabankalan for their young people who want to pursue theological education but cannot afford to go to a formal school. With the CBMA, I would like to echo his idea for the extension program to be one of the projects to be supported and sustained by the Baptist ministers. May the Lord bless those who continue to build his kingdom here on Earth. To God be the Glory!
It’s great to be there at Camp Higher Ground in Barotac Viejo on the 76th Annual General Assembly of the Convention Baptist Minister’s Association, Inc. (CBMA). Camp Higher Ground is undisputedly one of the coolest places in Northern Iloilo. There’s an office building and a multi-purpose hall, a basketball court and some unique raw bamboo houses. But the surrounding nature — trees and green living things make it a good site for spiritual retreats.
CBMA President Rev. Samuel G. Talha being interviewd by Cyrus Natividad, Media Relations Officer.
The way up to camp Higher Ground is simply a mountain side which we often pass by on the way to Northern Iloilo — until we went there to fellowship with one prestigious, historical organization of pastors. It is a significant celebration that it has to be covered by Central Philippine University TV’s new program, Profiles of Central.
We interviewed a number of Pastors and Officers of the CBMA organization. We came to know those behind the strong organization of ministers and movers of the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches’ missions all over the country. The CBMA is part of the oldest umbrella of Baptist churches in the country – the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches, which the Jaro Evangelical Church in Iloilo City (oldest Baptist Church in the Philippines) belongs.
Donated bamboo cottages being prayed over by members of the CBMA.
We are proud to know among others that two of our Centralian Pastors hold the highest positions in the CPBC and CBMA organizations. Rev. Dr. Jerson B. Narciso, an ordained minister of the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches who had served in different capacities and later as University Chaplain of Central Philippine University is CPBC’s General Secretary, and Rev. Samuel G. Talha, Professor of the CPU College of Theology, and Department of Social Work is now the CBMA President. Both are supporting CPU in one way or another.
It is good to note that both heads of CPBC and CBMA have good plans for their respective organizations. It is a high calling for their intellectual, spiritual and theological endeavors — to expand, improve and develop the potentials of the Camp Higher Ground site. This year’s theme is: “Unleashing Ministers’ Full Potentials.”
Adrian Palomar, Operations Manager of ICONTECH explains iCONs features.
How many types of cellphones have you used, and how soon did you change one after the other?
Do you still cling to that obsolete N5210, or have you changed your lifestyle with the latest smartphone?
The powerful smartphones include user-friendly and convenient information systems. They get the better of communications, such as the social media and other user connectivity. They reach out to the vast sea of humanity by a touch of a fingertip. The information technology revolution is an evolution of logic and awareness – purposely to interact and entertain.
On January 24, a newly founded enterprise called ICONTech in partnership with Central Philippine University launched a user friendly-student information system currently available for Android based phones.
It was amazing how CPU Nursing alumni Jennifer Sumindol and Adrian Palomar, and the bright students from Central Philippine University College of Software Engineering were able to join their heads together and revolutionize what we call a social media application exclusively tailored for CPU.
iCON is a student development-centered application that enables students to showcase their profile, chat with other students and receive messages from a group. A CPU Admin, Central Echo, CPUR and CPU Communications pages are also provided in order to receive timely news and announcements.
The teacher-student communication system is embedded in the Learning Management System of the Application. Students can now have social interactions with their teachers with regards to their assignments and advisory.
iCON is a product of young minds – Alumni and graduating students of Software Engineering course (the first and only one in the country). The possibilities and opportunities that the iCON App can bring are endless.
Rev. William Orison Brown Valentine,the first principal of Jaro Industrial School.
It was coincidental that I pass through the corridor of one of the oldest buildings of CPU. It’s called Valentine Hall. To my very young mind as a fresh high school graduate visiting the University, I wondered why there is a memorial building dedicated to a saint Valentine, or so I thought.
The old Valentine building is considered a historical site by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines f
It was not so long before I can dig up the history of this old building. I sought someone who readily explained to me why there is a Valentine Building at Central Philippine University.
CPU was founded by the American Baptist Missionaries in 1905. Rev. William Orison Brown Valentine became the first principal of the institution which they named Jaro Industrial School. Rev. Dr. Valentine established the first school in the country to teach that “there is dignity in labor.” He was so dedicated in his mission work, giving education to students who are willing to work and study. It was his labor of love that developed the small school for boys into what is now one of the best Universities in the country.
The Old Valentine Building survived the test of time, and stands as a symbol of love for education in the campus. Previously, this building was the home of the CPU Administration. At the present time, it houses the College of Education and the College of Arts and Sciences. There is now a new Valentine Annex Building, but the old one represents a memorial of the founder of the University. A photo contest entitled “Sights of Central” was launched, thanks to the Office of Communications for organizing the event, and one of the winners is the entry of Barry Jone Matutina — a meaningful picture of the old Valentine.
The old Valentine building is considered a historical site by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.
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