A couple of years after my student days in CPU, I found myself conforming to the lifestyle of a metropolis. I survived the training period with an industry that later allowed me to go to many places, meet many people and circumstances in Metro Manila. My daily grind as a salesman then consisted of waking up at Four A.M., one hour of walking, running or going to the gym. I prefer walking, while our residence was just near the highway.
The highway that I travelled most during my stint is the Epifaño de los Santos Avenue (a.k.a. EDSA) which has become a by-word for democracy. Later on, when we had the first People Power revolution in EDSA in 1986, everyone has to walk from home or places of work around Metro Manila. I still cherish the experience of being there and taking part in the making of history. The EDSA People Power (popularly known worldwide as a bloodless revolution) was a result of the long overdue struggle for freedom of the Filipino people; a bubble that burst after more than a decade of suppressed freedom of expression, of rights and privileges in society.
The death of Ninoy Aquino started the campaign for civil disobedience and sustained anti-government demonstration. Then the youth had a lingering question in their minds: What will happen to us – to our future if this government is not changed? Generally people had fears ever since the State of Martial Law was declared. But the youth of that time pursued the answers to the question that they posed themselves. This resulted to the toppling down of the Marcos dictatorship.
We look back to the EDSA People Power of 1986 so that we are reminded that government emanates from the people; and democracy is reliant upon the will of the people.
I revisited EDSA a few years ago during its anniversary celebration. More of the same were recalled, spoken, and committed. I was drifting on the memory of the people power revolution when familiar faces showed up. Centralians! They’re the cream of the crop of the old CPU Republic among those who dreamed and worked for social change. Long before the EDSA Revolution, we have a student group that meet on certain days- to discuss some ‘edible’ issues about our country and the government.
Contrary to what some people in the campus during that time thought about our group, and what we’ve been talking about; those were glorious moments when we sought wisdom from the Word of God to guide our confused minds on the political development unfolding in our country at that time.
I had coffee with my long lost friends along EDSA. We didn’t talk much or recall the events that led to the bloodless revolution, but of the Central that we love; the Central that trained us to be patient, resilient and forgiving. We may have had reservations, but certainly we believe that God is guiding us all along. We pray for our nation, we pray for the Filipino people. May God bless us all.
It will be graduation soon. Without talking a lot about it, we believe that we have children who will attain success, or something, by their own endeavors; some degree of achievement that will make us proud.
We keep track of their activities in school, get excited with their grades, but more important is the tracking of their development or improvement along the way. We need to be updated with their requirements or concerns with their teachers or their subjects. Even more significantly is to know what they need – mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
Is it enough that we buy them books, gadgets, stationeries, or just give them money to buy at their own leisure? We become excited or restless for our children about their interest and eagerness in procuring their requirements (for success); sometimes we become exhilarated with the way they present their proposals; or the way they prescribe things to buy and how it works! (fortunately, most of us are working in the age of computers and riding on in what we call the information super highway).
It doesn’t matter if, sometimes we are supplanted by the more techy things or novel ideas coming from the mouths of our tech-savvy kids. And the more you are overwhelmed, the more you become excited; appreciating them for trying their best and getting there – where you had never been before.
“We’re in another generation” is true – this is how the new generation responds when their parents try to compare their lifestyles (with their acts together) from the old generation.
If anything, I am most happy with children who reciprocate us with good attitudes. It’s not money or things, but it is when they allow us to be with them – guiding them, advising them; suggesting or approving anything they buy or prescribe. It’s our time together in the bookstore or the mall that pays back for our struggles along the way for their success.
Otherwise, there’s no use looking back and counting our efforts and support for them. We can count it in our heads, but at the same time we can continue on paving the way for them. We should not stop influencing them to go to the right direction – proud and prepared for the challenges that will come along their way. Congratulations to the parents whose labors have paid off. God bless./ By Cyrus A. Natividad
The day greeted me with an early faux pas after I sat in the front seat of the Uber taxi and was mistaken for a party animal who was suffering from a severe hangover by the driver. To validate his presumptions, I offered to pay him in cash after giving him a lecture on the pathophysiology of neonatal prematurity the entire trip to cover up for my embarrassment for being disoriented and exhausted from yesterday’s shift, thus the haggard-look. I was saving lives, you know. Thank God he was honest to remind me of automatic electronic banking and gave me well wishes for my trip “don’t get ripped off in Paris.” The truth is, nothing beats the excitement of catching up with a childhood friend after several years of just ogling each other’s lives on Facebook. Better yet, our several ill-attempts to meet in our dear hometown in the City of Love, brought us to an unexpected rendezvous in the City of Light for Paris Fashion Week instead. After two hours and a half of drifting in a mini-coma in Europe’s bullet train, the torrential rain of Paris welcomed me in an unforgiving fashion. I braved the cobblestones of Rue Moliere, drenched, with Google Map leading me to the hotel where my friend and I were booked. After hovering from one street to another, I finally got to the hotel, left my luggage and went straight to the venue which was thankfully a few blocks away from where we stayed.
Centralian smiles – Ruth Marcille Tinsay Gico and Audrey Dusaran-Albason at the Oxford Fashion Studio.
It was filled with people, of course, clad in all-black or something between the MTV Music Awards and the Grammys. “I’m here for Audrey Rose Dusaran-Albason, a designer. I’m her assistant,” were the words that came from my mouth when I was asked by the tall mademoiselle who was at the door. I was handed with an ID card and was ushered to the backstage where models ran around in their undergarments and fancy clothes, assistants painstakingly did their steam iron tasks and designers neurotically freaked out. Audrey Rose or “Smol,” as she was fondly called by her friends was somewhere along Rue de Rivoli panic buying for shoes in lieu of the ones she bought from SM City that didn’t fit her casted models. Although the eldest, “Smol” (small), is the most petite among the three daughters of Dr. Rey Dusaran (CARES) and Professor Adelfa Dusaran (College of Nursing), both actively working as faculty members of Central Philippine University. Originally from Dumangas, Iloilo, Smol grew up in the City of Iloilo and was a loyalty awardee of Central Philippine University, the place where we shared our fondest moments from grade school to graduate school.
Audrey and Ruth poses with a model wearing Audrey´s design.
“Nini!” as we endearingly call each other, echoed through the white walls of the hallway when we finally met after she was stuck in traffic for more than an hour. Still the unpretentious, humble friend and classmate that I knew despite her notable growing reputation in the fashion realm, we situated ourselves on the carpeted floor and got straight to business. Both armed with needles, we sutured the tulle and faux pearl designs on the new shoes like the full-fledged nurses that we were. Having completed Bachelor of Science in Nursing on 2006, we both enrolled in graduate school and finished our Master of Arts in Nursing on 2010. She worked at West Visayas State University Medical Center for a few years after that but her passion for fashion was just too strong for her to ignore. She took up short courses at TESDA and eventually got formally enrolled at the Fashion Institute of the Philippines. The opportunity opened doors for her to work as an intern for the world-renowned Francis Libiran and paved the way for her own clients as she continued to rub elbows with the dignitaries.
“Why gugma, Nini?” I curiously asked about her collection after running my fingers through the laces and tulles of her dresses. “Because I think the Visayan region is underrepresented in a way. Culturally, Tagalog and Luzon are more recognizable. I think the other Philippine languages are just as beautiful and just as expressive so I chose to highlight that in my collection title”, she answers. Gugma, in the designer’s native language of Hiligaynon, translates to “love”. Her collection is inspired by the natural landscape of the Visayan islands – its beaches, rivers, lakes and waterfalls, along with the flora and fauna abundant in the Philippine forests. Tulle and luxurious silk gazaar in shades of soft grays, silvers and beige were embellished with individually handcrafted fused tulle and glitter-layered and fused piece by piece and then cut out and beaded into shapes of Anahaw, Ilang-ilang and bamboo. Speaking of gugma, she is married to Jude Chester Albason, a contractor in Iloilo City, with whom she shared a love for ultimate Frisbee and their adorable son named, Sage.
Friendship means supporting each other´s passion, Audrey and Ruth adding final touches to shoes to be worn by models.
I fiddled with the carefully crafted headpieces that were tucked nearby, “did you make these as well?” I said. “No, these were created by Dr. BJ Chavez. Do you remember him?” she answered. How can I forget Mr. CPU of the year 2000? After the constant babbling of idle gossips, our tete-a-tete was cut short when we were called to bring her collection to the backstage of the runway. Long-legged models gracefully met us like Middle-earth elves waiting for their time to move down the catwalk. I helped Smol suit them up in my internalized role as a designer assistant and felt like a pro for those brief, yet magical minutes. Closing the show with her ethereal, whimsical, ballerina collection, I watched her gleamed with excitement and flabbergasted with the overwhelming response of the audience for her collection. “They clapped for me, Nini!” “They were all smiling!” escaped her unassuming lips after strutting the runway with her model. The next minutes to hours (I lost track of time) catapulted her to instant stardom as snapshots were taken with models and visitors that were enthralled by her collection. As the only Filipino designer, she was also interviewed by a Filipino TV Network correspondent to be featured on Philippine national television.
When the euphoria died down and the adrenaline faded, we headed backstage to pack her collection. We then walked through the dark alleys and cobblestone streets of Paris like two wandering tourists with a giant suitcase, giggling our way to the hotel. It was almost midnight so all the shops were closed except for a convenient store nearby. We got ourselves some chocolates, pretzels and cup noodles, and celebrated the night like little girls in a slumber party. She fell asleep shortly as the stress of the day took a toll on her instantly; and as my languid self-fought for the last string of consciousness, I thought to myself… dreams do come true.
Audrey Dusaran-Albason is a 2006 CPU graduate of Bachelor of Science in Nursing and in 2010, she finished her Masters in Nursing also in CPU. She is the daughter of the Dr. Rey N. Dusaran, Director University Research Center, CPU and Mrs. Adelfa D. Dusaran, CPU College of Nursing Faculty. Her love for fashion encouraged her so study Fashion Design at the Fashion Institute of the Philippines. She has undergone internship under the world renowned designer Francis Libran.
With a brand that speaks to the modern woman in a contrasting medley of the classic and contemporary, six of Albason’s design under the collection “Gugma” were recently featured in the Oxford Fashion Studio Paris Collections AW 2017 at the Hotel D’Evreux, 9 Vendome, Paris France on March 4, 2017. She was the only Filipino that was invited in this event.
Audrey Dusaran-Albason relfects the delicate Filipino Flora in her design.
January 12 seemed like any other ordinary day – revolving around my 1-year-old baby boy, Sage (who is my entire universe these days) and doing some household chores. Before going to bed though, I decided to check my newly opened email account (which I decided to make a month ago strictly for client inquiries). Imagine my surprise and disbelief then when an email with the subject heading of Paris Fashion Week jumped up at me from my phone screen, right next to that message we all received from Andy from Google. I know right? Well like any other sensible, reality-oriented human I skimmed thru the message, laughed a little and forgot all about it. The next day though, I had trouble sleeping so I decided to check the message again and click on the links just to pass the time away. When these legit-looking PDF files started pouring in, my heart skipped a beat.
Fast forward to February 27, and I am about to board my plane to Paris (writing all this down makes it seem more like a dream really). I have literally never been anywhere else but the Philippines and I will be traveling some 7,000 miles alone. Of course I was horrified. All I had was my rough relationship with Google Maps and my equally rough handful of French phrases to carry me through. I visually imagined that if anything goes wrong, I can always snuggle up in a corner with my worn-out paperback copy of Ann of Green Gables and wait for my husband to rescue me. Hahaha.
After an eternity (21 hours and 30 mins to be exact), I was safe and sound in my hotel along Rue Moliere, just a few brisk walks away from the Louvre and all the other tourist spots.
Arriving on the 28th of February, I had a few days to spare before the show day on March 4, so I braved the cold weather and the intermittent rain to get acquainted with all the wonders of Paris. A fellow Filipina, Apple, was gracious enough to show me around on my very first afternoon in the City of Light. We ventured into the dizzying world that is their Metro station from the Pyramides all the way to the Trocadero where I finally came face to face with the iconic Eiffel Tower. We saw other tourists perfecting the art of fingers-pointing-at-the-pyramid-tip-photos at the Museum Louvre. (Before I continue let me tell you how much more difficult it is to write all these places down as it is trying to say them in broken French). We marched the entire length of Avenue des Champs-Elysees like wanna-be rock stars from the Place de la Concorde to the colossal Arc de Triomphe. Imagine walking uphill in this mile-long avenue with your high-heeled boots and you will definitely catch yourself giving a silent salute to these beautiful, well-dressed French women who sashay these Paris streets without breaking a sweat. It was a struggle for me, and yes, I was wearing my Keds! We walked along the banks of the River Seine while I, upon seeing the little makeshift shops lining the street, mentally calculated how much those vintage Vogue magazines cost in Philippine Pesos (and whether or not my haggling skills in Divisoria and Quiapo can still be of use here). The perfect ending to that marvelous afternoon though, was delicious sidewalk Nutella crepe and some hot cappuccino.
Dusaran-Albason´s collection Gugma which translates to love showcases the passion and artistry of Ilonggo craftsmanship.
A day before the show, I knew I was going to be nothing but a bundle of nerves. Not helping at all was the fact that by this time, I was feeling a lot of separation anxiety for leaving my little baby boy for the longest time yet. So I booked a day tour to the Palace of Versailles, just to unwind and keep my mind off things. (Yes, it was a tour for my sanity and not my vanity, but it was absolutely gorgeous nonetheless!) Besides, I´m in the Fashion industry and who doesn´t love Queen Marie Antoinette?
Iloilo´s pride Audrey Rose Dusaran-Albason showcases in her collection Gugma.
After a few hours, I found myself in an Uber ride, on the way to Place Vendome. This was THE day, so I traded my trusted Keds with a pair of heeled boots I hastily bought at H&M, just to honor the occasion. This I would regret as soon as the first fitting was over and I realized I had to buy 2 extra pairs of shoes for the models who couldn´t fit into the size 9 flats I bought from SM (they were from Parisian, see the humor in that, hahaha). Because it was raining so hard and the traffic was unbearable, I couldn´t get any Uber ride back to the venue. So there I was, in heels and without my coat (I assumed a nice warm car would be available courtesy of Uber anyway) walking the length of Rue de Rivoli from Forever 21 to the corner at Rue Castiglione. The only saving grace of that walk though, was I discovered Angelina and the world famous Laduree along the way.
When Oxford Fashion Studio asked me to fill up a form detailing information about my collection, I didn´t really give it much thought. I must admit, that the opportunity they presented was so totally unbelievable and somehow over-reaching for a recent fashion school graduate based in the little town of Iloilo, with nary a Philippine magazine feature or celebrity endorsement to her name, that I thought it was simply impossible that I´d get through this first step of the process. Sometimes I get a little too pessimistic for my own good. But looking back now, I think “Gugma” was a wonderful choice. The Visayan region is in a way underrepresented as part of the three main islands of the Philippines. Culturally, when people refer to the Philippines, there´s nothing more recognizable than Manila and Tagalog. But I think the other lesser known Philippine languages are just as beautiful and just as expressive. So “Gugma” it was, and “Gugma” it remained. In the native language of Hiligaynon, this word translates to “love”. It’s a popular word often used in several other Visayan language – it is all-encompassing in its range and simplicity.
This collection is inspired by the natural landscape of the Visayan islands – filled to the brim with beaches, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, hot springs and other topographical treasures along with its abundance of unique flora and fauna. Tulle and luxurious silk gazaar in shades of soft grays, silvers and beige were embellished with lace and individually handcrafted fused tulle and glitter- layered and fused piece by piece and then cut out and beaded into shapes of Anahaw, Ilang-ilang and bamboo.
By 8pm, me and my friend Ruth Marcille Gico (who doubled as my backstage assistant and has been the Angel Gabriel incarnate for agreeing to accompany me at such short notice) arranged the garments back stage. Being chosen to show as the finale is equal parts thrilling and nerve-wracking. As I saw my models line up before their walk, I felt light-headed and the threat of unsightly tears was beginning to form. Better than Nutella crepes and cappuccinos, the warm applause of the crowd that greeted me as I bravely walked halfway through the runway was the perfect ending to my first Paris Fashion Week experience.
So, merci beaucoup Paris! It was one crazy beautiful adventure discovering you on my own. Losing myself in your cobblestone streets and all the while rediscovering the little girl inside – surprised that she´s still unafraid, and absolutely hopeful after all this time.
I´m thankful for unbelievable, over-reaching dreams and the ability to pursue them. For the man beside me whose faith in me knows no bounds. For Sage and his many other mommies while I was away.
Anne of Green Gables, puts it so wonderfully when she says, “I´ve had a splendid time, she concluded happily, “and I feel that it marks an epoch in my life. But the best of it all was the coming home.”
Every vote counts – Centralians line to cast their ballots.
Central Philippine University Republic (CPUR), known as the oldest student government in the Philippines is so close to my mind after official results came out with names of winning candidates in the recent CPU Student Republic Elections 2017.
Centralians gather at the precinct booths located at the Promenade Park to exercise their right of sufferage.
Here are the newly elected ‘national government officials’ of the CPUR SY 2017-2018.
President – Jan Christian “Yan yan” I. Espanola
Vice President – Sidrik L. Gotico
Senators
1. Sainthia Joy D. Sorilla
2. Aila Rose F. Asuelo
3. Bryan C. Robles
4. Charles Arthel R. Rey
5. Clem Marnel R. Burgos
6. Andrew C. Perez
7. Leslie Jeanne L. Landoy
8. Gio Paolo B. Sorilla
More elaborate modern campaign materials are used by the candidates now – a far cry from what we have during our time. Group streamers and consolidated tarpaulins usually hanged by party slates – in designated areas are less expensive than personally financed campaign materials around the campus.
And as with real political campaigns in our country, the social media is more effective than anything else. The one who got more friends on Facebook should have gained more votes; FB Shares must have sponsored the campaigns more than we could have imagined. These are my personal observations during the past election period of the CPUR.
A sea of red (Koalisyon) and green (Reform) filled the CPU Promenade Park as Centralian cheer for their respective student parties.
The indulgence of recollecting bits and pieces of history during lunch and coffee breaks- a few days ago was also a must (thanks to our involvement in the CPUR until now). We talked about how young student leaders during those days – can be future leaders, or leaders of today. Those were the days when debates and campus politics in CPU got the better of students forming their own political parties; framing up their own agenda for governance.
We love to recall the activities- the campaign period, the commitments to change- not only on campus freedom, but on the peoples’ sentiment for national democracy; the restoration of student governments around the country in 1981. Then President Ferdinand E. Marcos suspended the operation of all student organizations in the Philippines when he declared Martial Law in 1972.
Almost at the same time when a parliamentary form of government was forming in Manila, students lost no time in getting ready to restore campus government for the studentry. Thus, at Central Philippine University the CPU Republic (after a long period of hibernation)was reborn. Rallies for change and restoration of democracy continued to drumbeat in downtown Iloilo and public plazas.
Preconceived stalwarts of the United Students’ Party(USP), the Alliance of Democratic Students (ADS), and the Partido Nang Mag-aaral at Sambayanan (PANGMASA) immediately went to select students to be their official candidates in the foreseen CPUR elections very soon. It did not take long for the students at Central to organize ‘political parties’, and have their party platforms, media interviews and buntings of party candidates.
The first President of the newly restored CPUR was Gerardo Sonalan of our PANGMASA PARTY. In this year, the Central Echo was reborn as one of our colleague in the Senate, CPUR Senator Vitini Edhard Idemne pushed for it. In 1983, another PANGMASA candidate won the CPUR Presidency – Gualberto Cataluña, Jr.
Later, ADS and PANGMASA Party coalesced and became ‘Koalisyon ng Demokratikong Mag-aaral Para sa Sambayanan (now simply called ‘Koalisyon’). Mr. Manuel “Mawe” de la Fuente who is now a pastor in New Jersey, USA, was the standard bearer and became President of CPUR in 1984.
Without social media during those times, we can only have the so called ‘Radyo Puwak’ to promote our candidates and share party platforms. Glee Clubs and fraternities were supporting casts in their own rights. Intead of tarpaulins (that are not yet available), sack cloths or flour sacks and newspapers were used to print slogans and list of candidates.
It pays that passenger jeepneys are marked with the name CPU on all sides, so that we also provided the drivers with CPU stickers with our party name on it.
It is worth noting that the CPU Republic which has gone through the dark days of Martial Law has found the light of day – when democracy set in (or so it seemed). But the CPUR of today, nonetheless are blessed with countless possibilities of effectively relating and putting out their campaigns on social media and internet platforms; cellphones and other gadgets in the campus – and even to the world!
A twenty- five minute drive from Central Philippine University is the CPU Farm located at the south side of the Municipality of Zarraga. It is managed by the CPU College of Agriculture, Resources and Environmental Sciences (CARES). It serves as a Crop Research Laboratory, and at the same one of the income generating enterprises of the university.
Most of the 18-hectare farmland is planted with rice.
Our departure from the campus outdid the previous trips of the CPU Communications Group; we were upbeat on what Zarraga Farm or CPU Farm has to offer. The energetic Director of the CPU Office of Communications, Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on led the group that includes Keziah G. Huelar, Publishing Assistant, Mark Clemens Ortaliz, Webmaster, Donald Lebrilla, Coordinator EMC, Hermely A. Jalando-on, Purchasing Officer, Joel Somosierra, Office of the President Staff. We went for a field trip and see how Zarraga Farm is doing.
CPU Office of Communications enjoying a tour of the CPU Farm by Agriculturist Homer Deloso, Faculty, CPU CARES.
We arrived there and Dr. James Cabarles, Dean of CPU CARES welcomed us to the farm. A bunch of ripe bananas was obviously placed for us to easily plucked and eat. With Dean Cabarles was the Farm Manager, Agriculturist Homer Deloso (also a faculty of the CPU Cares). Insights were given and discussed.
Aside from the abundant ‘pantat’ (catfish) – a famous delicacy of the Municipality of Zarraga, the farm products (rice, vegetables, babanas, etc.) are normally consigned to the College of Agriculture for distribution to the Dining Hall and other customers inside the campus.
The farm raises more than fifty ducks – producing around 300 eggs every week.
The farm has 3 vermicomposting pits that produce organic fertilizers for the farm.
The farm hands – Naldo, Onyok and Epe prepared a delectable lunch at the farm. They prepared ‘adobado’ (sauteed pantat in coconut soup). The taste of Zarraga Farm-produced rice was terrific; the grilled pantat was mouth-watering. We dream that someday we can hold our picnics and spiritual retreats at the Zarraga farm (perfect food for the body and food for the soul).
The CPU farm is a product of the dedication and hardwork of the CPU College of Agriculture.
We made a tour of the research area, particularly where the breeding process of Pantat is done. We learned that 100 kilos of Pantat are harvested in the farm every week. The supply runs out at the municipal vendors level; reason why it Pantat harvest does not reach CPU anymore.
Farm to table – the CPU Office of Communication enjoyed grilled catfish bred and raised in the CPU Farm.
The farm is eighteen hectares with a workable area of 10 hectares. There are various green and leafy vegetables, mango trees, and most of the area are planted with rice. Across a narrow pond are growing mahogany trees – durable hard wood for future products and use. The farm animals included cows, goats, carabaos (used in plowing the rice field), fowls – chickens and ducks. And farm hands best friend – the domesticated ‘watch’ dogs.
The farm raises more than fifty ducks – producing around 300 eggs every week.
The air so fresh, food so abundant; the yellow and green crops paint a picture of God’s goodness. How can one forget a simple and beautiful life out there in the Zarraga Farm./ by Cyrus A. Natividad
The author with his acrylic work “Surge”. A comeback after a long engagement with digital art.
It’s time we have all kinds of art that everyone wants to view. That is, all kinds of art in different media collected in one event. Central Philippine University’s Centralian Artworks Exhibit on March 28 to 29 at the CPU Promenade and Concert Park is just that. All Centralian Artists and enthusiasts brought their artworks of different media to the exhibits in just a short notice. Oil, pastel, acrylics, water color (`been there, done that’); we have mixed media and installation art. What else is new?
There exists a Digital Artists Club at Central that has been doing their art on their own. But at this time, with their so many outputs to brag about – we can rightly lay claim to having more exciting artworks hanged in the exhibits. Digital art was the new thing that we had at the Centralian Artworks Exhibits (Thanks to Prof. Christa Huyong and the rest who have made the 2nd CPU-CAE a success).
Now it has become a conclusion that so many artists and talented people thrive in the campus. Because of this, we look forward to a bigger exhibit and possible artwork competition next year. In essence, art makes everybody happy; it takes boredom from students, faculty and staff. Art is one big reason why the University continues to grow and excel. Many different cultural competitions participated by Centralians have undeniably brought CPU to certain pedestals of art.
Art is one facet of life that makes it inspiring for people to achieve. This is one reason that made the University President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles to comment and persuade us that “an inter-school artworks competition is possible.” Many students, faculty and staff of other schools of Iloilo City would surely be eager to participate.
Let us continue to support the annual event as we also try to develop ourselves artistically. God bless!
This is how the line goes for Panay News on its April 7, 2017 Anniversary Issue: “Your brand, your story.” I am not writing about the Panay News we have known and loved for decades; I am writing about Daniel G. Fajardo, founder of Panay News – its former Editor in Chief; my former boss in the Business Section of the Number 1 Regional News Paper.
I have the same respect as his arms wrapped around me two decades later, at the presence of his successful children Atty. Abdiel Dan Elijah S. Fajardo who took over as Chairman of the Board, and Daniel S. Fajardo II, Chief Operating Officer. This was at a momentous evening in a classic restaurant in Smallville, Manduriao in Iloilo City; celebrating the 36th Anniversary of Panay News — Thirty Six years in the field of print journalism last April 7, 2017. We are congratulating this very successful media man ‘Danny’ Fajardo who has been mostly a mentor of the Ilonggo press people and media men.
There are two reasons why the former President of Iloilo Press Club is laudable. First he is a fellow Centralian (High School Batch 1965), known to be talented and guided by Christian ethics. Second is that he started the first professional local daily in Iloilo City, grew it, expanded and sustained its operation as the No. 1 and respected newspaper in Western Visayas.
Its advertisers presented stories of their successful businesses — attributed to the circulation of Panay News. The success of the newspaper brand Panay News and the integrity of its founder Danny Fajardo went through hand-in-hand for a long time.
Danny G. Fajardo and Panay News have extended scholarships to poor but deserving students in Central Philippine University previously through his promotions and partnerships with the University. Despite the social media and the advent of internet communications, Danny’s Panay News believes that they “will not be stymied by the modern phenomena of fake news and alternative truth because of their currency of truth and accountability.”
To the management and staff of Panay News, Congratulations and More Power!
People would have rejected your ideas, laughed at your situation, and even stripped you out of whatever respect you have in the world. Maybe you have nothing left except only a dream that you can hold on to. The thing is that achievements and materials that come with it are never stronger than self-esteem. This value helps people who strongly believe in their own self-worth. You are now prepared to face the world!
There was a man who lived his life in borrowed suits. But he has done more than any other to create the clothes he could never afford to acquire. The man was Elias Howe who invented the sewing machine. Most of us know Alexander Graham Bell who invented the telephone. People laughed at his idea of bringing the human voice along the wire so that it could be heard for miles. Bell’s self-esteem was very strong, so that he stood against countless trials to realize his idea. People no longer laugh at Bell since his invention succeeded to influence the world. Thomas Alba Edison tested the light bulb more than a thousand times before he succeeded. These people believed in themselves; had consistent faith in God. They believed in their inventions and committed to its success with the help of God.
Noah and his ark continue to symbolize man’s commitment and trust in God. People in their inventions, advocacies and adventures became victorious, getting over the barriers and challenges because they believed the best reward is the belief in oneself coupled with the belief in God. The almighty God helps those who help themselves. Ideas result from reality and experience; the necessity done out of their painstaking observations, studies and analysis.
You are a product of an exemplary Christian education which your Alma Mater – Central Philippine University is known for. Your School Graduation is a completion. Every completion is a new beginning – a so called commencement. Whatever belief you have in yourself is a great complement to what you have learned from your classroom.
Begin a new adventure with yourself. Criticism, intimidation and doubts will hold you back, unless you believe in yourself. You may listen to other people but follow yourself and hold on to your dreams. Sometimes intuition is better than suggestion – but it depends upon your faith. Faith is the antidote for fear.
Success comes with every acceptance you make. Consider that scarcity of good opportunities in our society is a reality. Don’t let this stop you from moving on to success – from abandoning your dream. Reality is that God knows what you will be, who you will become even before you were born. You may be faulted, blamed, slandered and disregarded, but see to it with steadfast determination that you realize your dream – through your commitment to God, your Creator and provider.
To the graduates of 2017, Congratulations and may God be with you!
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