The Rose Memorial Auditorium was the venue of the Esports.
Golden Lions Esports and CPU Republic hosted a collegiate esports tournament titled “DUEL IN THE DEN: CONQUERORS” for Centralian Fest 2023. With 68 teams altogether from different departments battled their hearts out to conquer the den and claim the title of champion in their respective games.
The 68 teams initially faced off against each other at the elimination stages which started on March 25 and eventually narrowed it down to 8 teams where 2 teams from each game compete in the finals held from April 12-13 at Rose Memorial Auditorium. While there were delays due to technical issues, for the most part, the event was successful and the whole venue felt like it was an actual esports tournament. Aside from watching and supporting the players in the auditorium, there were also merchandise stores available on the side where everyone can buy posters and stickers drawn by DMIA students from the university.
After insane and hype matches, the College of Business and Accountancy’s Phoenix A won Wild Rift, College of Engineering’s Titans A dominated Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, and Junior High School’s Jaguars A swept Call of Duty Mobile. However, the main game that everyone was waiting for was Valorant wherein the College of Computer Studies’ “Warriors A” triumphed over Senior High School’s team. The whole two-day event amassed around 3,000 viewers and one can feel everyone’s passion for esports and the teams they are rooting for.
“Back then, I would only work with a handful of talented people. And we would all be taking double, sometimes even triple responsibilities just so we could have a functional system. These days, I can’t even count on my fingers the number of people I work with in Golden Lions Esports. A high school pipe dream turned into reality. That is how I could describe Duel in the Den,” Christian Lexis Tan, the managing director of Golden Lions Esports on his thoughts about the overall event.
On Tuesday, April 11, 2023, teams representing academic departments of Central Philippine University (CPU) participated in an early morning parade on campus. Dressed in sports uniforms, the participants walked to the University gymnasium, impressing everyone with their enthusiasm. This marked the opening of the Centralian Sports Fest, an inter-departmental sports competition initiated by the CPU Student Republic (CPUR) and scheduled to take place from April 11 to 19, 2023.
Marc Hermel G. Agriam, OIC, Office of Sports and Athletics said, “This holistic event aims to cover for the lost sports activities that could have been enjoyed by the students during the pandemic period of two years.” On the other hand he said, “This could be a preparation for new schedules of activities to come with the University Day – a change of school calendar with which the Intramurals and U-Day conform to the University Foundation Day celebrations in October.” Agriam added that, “There are plans to return to the normal start of classes in the month of June, making the summer period return to what it used to be –from the months of April to May.”
Athletes represent their departments at the opening of the Centralian Sports Fest.
In an interview by the Centralian Link (Weekly publication of the Office of Communications), Agriam added that, “Sports is a big factor that promote preference to students. CPU’s performance in local, regional and national sports events are looked upon by the young people to be a good influence in their education and training. The outcome of sports is a big help for CPU in terms of promotion and recruitment.”
Norelle ‘Mutya’ sings at the Home Court of the Chicago Bulls.
At the opening of the Chicago Bulls vs Detroit Pistons game in the United Center on West Madison Street, Chicago on April 9, 2023, Centralian Norelle Grace Villanueva (aka ‘Mutya’) made a superb performance in singing the American National Anthem “The Star Spangled Banner.” She was well applauded by about 20,000 spectators.
She was on vacation with her parents in Chicago when she was referred by someone to join an audition for the anthem performance at the opening of the NBA spring season between the Bulls and Detroit. Mutya was able to pass the audition.
Born to parents Omega Grace Villanueva and Franklin Fernandez of Salvacion Buenavista, Guimaras, Norelle enrolled at CPU taking up a Bachelor of Science Business Administration degree, Major in Marketing Management from 2020- 2022.
In the tradition of ‘Pinoy Got Talent’, Norelle has joined the ‘voice kids’ competition in Manila in 2016. In the same year, she joined the World Championships of Performing Arts (Headed by Jed Madela). She will be a Special Guest of BAMBOO Live in Chicago in the coming months this year.
Since childhood, Norelle was thought to be a destined singer by her family and relatives. Noriel looks forward to perform at her beloved Central Philippine University someday.
Dr. Robles delivers his opening remarks at the University Gym during the opening of the JPT Football and FUTSAL Championship.
The 2nd Jerry P. Treñas (JPT) Dinagyang Men’s Football and Women’s Futsal Championship are held at Central Philippine University from January 11 to 14, 2023. The Men’s Football Championship started off on Monday, January 9, 1PM at the Big Field. On Wednesday, January 11 at 8AM, the opening ceremony for the Women’s Futsal Championship was held at the CPU Gym, with Futsal delegations from different Schools and Universities in Iloilo with a guest team from the University of Makati, Metro Manila.
A short program was held before the games. Pastor Jec Dan Borlado led the opening prayer. The singing of the National Anthem followed. CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles welcomed the teams from different schools and Universities. He acknowledged the presence of City Officials led by City Councillor Rudolph Ganzon (in behalf of the City Mayor). Also present at the opening of the event was CPU Sports Director Engr. Marc Hermel A. Agriam.
Councilor Ganzon thanked Dr. Robles and CPU for the support and accommodation of the event. He said, “This is just a start and it’s a good step in promoting Sports Tourism in Iloilo.” It was learned that one of the aims of promoting the event is to develop and improve women athletes from Iloilo -for the future FIFA Women’s World Cup.
CPU Golden Lion’s Natasha Gene F. Cabantug led the athletes in the Oath of Sportsmanship. The tournaments started with the symbolic kick off by sports officials and guests inside the gym. The games started between CPU Golden Lions and the Ilonggo United Teams.
Ochona, a CPU Senior High School student, bested ten other contenders y during the Quest for Centralian Star 2019.
Roselle Joanne Ochona, a CPU Senior High School student, bested ten other contenders from different colleges in the university during the Quest for Centralian Star 2019 at the Alumni Promenade Concert Park on September 18-19, 2019.
With the theme Game of Thrones (depicting not the series’ story but its production design), this year’s contestants showcased their talents through performances in acting, singing, dancing and hosting among others, as they battled for the “iron throne” – the Centralian Star title.
Among 11, top five contestants were named for the Final Interview. They were:
Roselle Joanne Ochona of the Department of Senior High School
Mark Agustin Capote of College of Engineering
Gellour Vinz Delfin of the Department of Junior High School
Jamille Kate Alba of College of Medical Laboratory Science
Danica Joy Da-anoy of College of Medicine
The Quest for Centralian Star, now on its 15th Season, began as a contest for CPU’s Centennial Year in 2005. However, the committee, as well as the Centralian community, saw it as an avenue to discover a well-rounded student who does not use his/her talents to show off but instead offers his/her talent for the glory of God.
As the celebration for University Day had kicked off on September 2, 2019 with the Sports Parade, Central Philippine University took a little breather from academics and was able to focus on such activities where students discover their passion and potential even for a short while.
Students, faculty, staff and alumni will join the U-Day Foot Parade on September 26, 2019.
The highlights of the University Day Celebrations: the Foot Parade and the Picnic will be on September 26, 2019. The route for the Foot parade will be from the CPU Campus to Jaro Plaza and vice-versa. The anticipated Street Dance, Poetry Choir, Folk Dance, Debate Competitions as well as the Battle of the Bands are also slated on the same day.
The Dancesport, Creative and Interpretative and Hip-Hop Dance contests are scheduled on the next day. On September 28, the Alumni will gather at the Rose Memorial Auditorium for the Morning Devotional and Homecoming Celebration. The Choral competition will be on the afternoon of the said date. The Alumni are encouraged to come in their denim and neon attire for the Alumni Night at the Royal Garden Hall and Convention Center. The University Day Celebrations will conclude with a Memorial Service at the Philippine American Cemetery on October 1, the 114th Foundation Day of Central Philippine University.
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, CPU Acting Sports Director and Iloilo PRISAA 2018 General Sports Manager, Mr. Edwin C. Laruan, and Iloilo PRISAA 2018 Chairperson, Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico with the Plaque of Recognition.
The Iloilo Private Schools Athletic Association, Inc. presented a Plaque of Recognition to Central Philippine University for winning in several PRISAA events—making CPU the overall Champion in the recently concluded 53rd ILOPRISAA sports competition held at different venues in Iloilo City from November 15 to 18, 2018. CPU was declared Champion in 32 events, First Runner Up in 18 events, and Second Runner Up in 9 events.
The award was given to Central Philippine University on the December 10, 2018 at the Educational Media Center Conference Room, CPU. The Plaque of Recognition was signed by Iloilo PRISAA 2018 General Sports Manager, Mr. Edwin C. Laruan, and Iloilo PRISAA 2018 Chairperson, Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico.
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, proudly received the plaque when it was presented to him by Mr. Laruan and Rev. Gico at the Administration Conference Hall on Tuesday, December 11, 2018. He acknowledged the efforts of the athletes and their coaches which resulted to their Championship and another great honor to Central Philippine University.
The University’s winning as Champion in the Iloilo PRISAA Sports Competition was largely due to the support of the entire CPU community, the CPU Board of Trustees and the University President. According to Mr. Laruan, who is also the CPU Sports Director, the Administration allowed the purchase of the needed new and additional athletic items, which boosted the athletes’ performance and morale.
Meanwhile, selected Centralian athletes will be participating next in the forthcoming Regional PRISAA in Bacolod.
CPU Vice President for Student Affairs and Chairman, ILOPRISAA, Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico highlights the role of the athletics and cultural competitions in showcasing the best of Iloilo.
Central Philippine University welcomed hundreds of athletes together with their coaches from 51 schools all over Iloilo City as they flocked to the Rose Memorial Auditorium to witness the opening of the 53rd Iloilo Private Schools Athletics Association Sports and Cultural Meet on November 15, 2018.
The invocation was led by Rev. Samuel R. Escobin, Associate Pastor, University Church. It was then followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem, led by Ms. Crista S. Huyong, Coordinator, CPU Cultural Affairs Office.
CPU Vice President for Student Affairs and Chairman, ILOPRISAA, Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico, welcomed the athletes, coaches, and guests to the event. In his speech, Rev. Gico highlighted the role of Iloilo PRISAA in showcasing the sports prowess and competitiveness of the Ilonggo youth: “We are challenged to further develop the athletics skills and the level of performance of our athletes with the aim of training them to be at par to compete internationally… Indeed, this is a tall order but it is possible. This is because from the ranks of PRISAA we have produced athletes that can compete… globally.”
Centralian majorettes welcoming the athletes and coaches from the different schools and universities in Iloilo.
After which CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, in his welcome remarks, encouraged the athletes and coaches to exhibit sportsmanship and unity for the pride of the Province of Iloilo: “You are in the frontline in this competition. We are here because we want to experience sportsmanship, responsibility and interaction with each other because eventually we will be a team [representing the Province of Iloilo].”
It was then followed by the introduction of the inspirational speaker, Ms. Juliette C. Gayoso, by Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Director, CPU Office of Communications, coach of the CPU Golden Lions table tennis team and the recipient of the 2014 Most Outstanding Coach Award.
Gayoso is an alumna of the CPU High School Batch 2009. In 2013, she bagged the National PRISAA Champion for Table Tennis Individual Girls and in 2014, she was recognized as the Most Outstanding Athlete. Gayoso graduated from the university in 2014 with the degree of Bachelor in Elementary Education. In March 2015, she ranked eighth in the Licensure Examination for Teachers.
Inspirational Speaker, Ms. Juliette C. Gayoso, encourages the athletes to be grateful for the skills bestowed to them by God.
In her message, Gayoso shared her experiences as a student-athlete. According to her, the sum of her journey could be expressed as SAD, an acronym that stands for sacrifice, attitude and discipline: “[For] me, I sacrificed my social life for the sake of my sport and I never regretted any of it.” She went on to share about the importance of recognizing the hard work and sacrifices of the all coaches in shaping the attitude and skills of the athletes: “Our coaches are there for a reason. Bear in mind, your coaches have families too, they have a job, and some of them are also teachers. The times they should be resting or spending time with their family, they are at the court, at the table, at the pool, at the mat—at your practice. They are our parents in sports. They are to be treated with respect, gratefulness, and appreciation.”
Ending her message, Gayoso highlighted the importance of discipline: “What we learn here in sports, we carry on in life. What becomes of us because of sports, we become in life. It is a constant battle. We carry on… the value of sacrifice, attitude, and discipline [and they] will [later serve as] skills [when you] face the daily tournament of living.”
Mr. Alfie Ahmed Diasnes lighting the urn during the opening ceremonies of ILOPRISAA 2018.
After her message, an intermission was given by the E-Crew. It was then followed by the raising of the ILOPRISAA Flag by the ILOPRISAA officers and the singing of the ILOPRISAA hymn “Alay sa PRISAA” by the Kundiman Chorale of the John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University.
The lighting of the urn was led by Mr. Alfie Ahmed Diasnes, National PRISAA Champion, Taekwondo and Champion, 2018 Jeju World Taekwondo Hanmandang, Jeju Island, South Korea. The oath of sportsmanship was led by Ms. Glaudine C. Troncoso, National PRISAA Champion, Women’s Volleyball Team and MVP, National PRISAA 2018, Tagbilaran, Bohol.
Rev. Gico then declared the opening of the 2018 ILPRISAA Meet 2018.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Edwin C. Laru-an, General Sports Manager, encouraged all the players and coaches to be united in the goal of showcasing the best of Iloilo: “We are here for unity. We are here to choose the best athletes to represent the ILOPRISAA in the higher level. We may be [adversaries] in the game but let us be friends again after the match. We are here to gain more friends.”
CPU “iron woman” Jacqui Rose Lamparero dedicates her victory for the glory of God and the pride of Central.
CPU “iron woman” Jacqui Rose Lamparero, a 1st year BS Psychology student bagged the top spot in the Black Arrow Express 5150 Triathlon Subic Bay, Female 15-19 Category held at Subic Bay on November 4, 2018.
Lamparero was able to finish the 1.5 km swim, 40 km bike and 10 km course in 2:36:16, bagging first place in the said category. She finished 62nd out of 594 contenders around the globe.
Previously, Lamparero ranked No. 1 in the National Age Group Triathlon (NAGT) Leg 4 Women Sprint Distance in Cagayan De Oro, besting 30 other contestants from all over the country. She also won first place in the Sprint Distance 16-19 Age Group Female Title in the recently concluded National Age Group Triathlon 2017 Subic Leg on January 29, 2017 at ACEA Subic Bay (formerly Sands of Triboa) with 1:19:45. The Sprint Distance includes a 750 m swim, 20 km bike and 5 km run.
She also joined the 2017 Triathlon Asian Championship held at Jakabaring Sport City, Palembang, North Sumatra, Indonesia. The race was organized by the Asian Triathlon Confederation. Lamparero was able to finish the 750 m swim, 20 km bike and 5 km course in 01:21:31 placing 22nd among international contestants in the Junior Elite Female category. The winner, a Japanese, finished the race in 01:05:43.
The CPU Golden Lions Volleyball Team with coach Mr. Giovanni Yu.
The Central Philippine University Golden Lions was hailed as Champions during the Wilson 3×3 Basketball Challenge and 2018 Hukbong Dagat Volleyball League held at PAREF-Westbridge School for Boys Gym and Iloilo Doctors’ College Gymnasium respectively.
On November 3, 2018, the CPU Golden Lions Basketball Team led by Victor Demadara, Christian Caturas, Elcyd Pascual, and Jose Glen Cudo bagged the Wilson 3×3 Basketball Challenge championship, 19 and Under Category.
They will represent Iloilo in the national level in May 2019.
CPU Golden Lions Volleyball Team Tertiary Men claimed the 2018 Hukbong Dagat Volleyball League championship on November 5, 2018.
The CPU Golden Lions Basketball Team receiving their certificates for being hailed as Champions in the Wilson 3×3 Basketball Challenge. Photo Credit: Tobbe Diaz De Leon-Abad
CPU was represented by head coach, Giovanni Yu and players Dan Miguel Yu, Harry Flores, John Reece Infante, John Paul Guzman, John Paul Guzman, Joven Malihan, John Peter Orbina, John Louie Sorgon, Deo Ampardo, Kian Royce Andrade, Gifred Caoyonan, Jason Lloyd Dadivas, Paolo Doronila, and Francis Michael Espinosa. They were led by team captain, Jason Gabo.
They defeated the Hukbong Dagat team, ending the game with 21-23, 21-15, 15-11.
CPU Sports Updates 