Edwin C. Laruan: Devotion and expertise in Sports

By Cyrus A. Natividad


Mr. Edwin C. Laruan, current Sports Director together with former Sports Director, Atty. Alejandro S. Somo.

When then CPU TV Coordinator, Mr. Edwin C. Laruan, was appointed to a “higher calling,” to be the Director of the CPU Office of Sports and Athletics, the decision was not as difficult except that he had to leave behind such an “enjoyable, professional production crew… at the studio.” Laruan took over the position as director from Atty. Alejandro S. Somo, who retired from University employment earlier this June.

Speaking at CPU TV’s Looking Forward public affairs program on Friday, October 26, Laruan emphasized his devotion to and expertise in sports, particularly, football. He was born in Barotac Nuevo in Iloilo, and was raised in a family who had, and still have, a keen interest in sports. On a side note, Barotac Nuevo is well known as the football capital of the Iloilo province.

The scope of his responsibility, according to Laruan, includes the supervision of all CPU coaches and assessment of their performance. He is also tasked to plan and coordinate every time another batch of new students come to CPU to study through the athletic scholarship program. For events at all levels—local, national and international—he is involved in formulating the budget and developing strategies. Moreover, being the Sports Director carries the task of being the overall team leader of the CPU Golden Lions.

Training and support for the athletes, among others, require some expertise. Laruan’s experience in playing football and coaching has helped him focus on helping the student athletes not only develop their skills and abilities but to also observe discipline especially in maintaining their physical fitness. He also emphasized that students must understand that the University is firm when it comes to enforcing the qualifications for their scholarship.

Laruan is a graduate of Mass Communications from WVSU and had worked with several media outlets in Iloilo City before joining CPUTV Productions. Laruan is married to Anja Kaitlyn, and together, they have a son, Edwin, Jr., and daughter, Marie Claire.

Centralian bags 3rd spot in NAGT Subic 2019

By Keziah G. Huelar


CPU “Ironwoman” Jacqui Rosee Lamparero, bags 3rd in the Women’s Elite Standard Distance Category during the NAGT Subic Leg 2019.

Central Philippine University “Ironwoman” Jacqui Rosee Lamparero, a 1st year BS Psychology student, placed 3rd in the Women’s Elite Standard Distance Category during the National Age Group Triathlon Subic Leg 2019 held at San Bernardino inside Subic Bay Freeport on January 27, 2019.

Lamparero finished the 1.5 km swim, 40 km bike ride and 10 km run in 2 hours, 30 minutes, and 32 seconds. She is a member of the CPU Golden Lions Varsity Team in Athletics.

It can be recalled that Lamparero grabbed the top spot during the Sprint Distance 16-19 Age Group Female Title in the National Age Group Triathlon 2017 Subic Leg on January 29, 2017 at ACEA Subic Bay (formerly Sands of Triboa) with a time of 1 hour, 19 minutes, and 45 seconds. The Sprint Distance includes 750 m swim, 20 km bike and 5 km run.

In 2016, the 17 year old athlete topped 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 National Age Group Triathlon 2017 Subic Leg at ACEA Subic Bay.

The National Age Group Triathlon-Subic Leg is organized by the Triathlon Association of the Philippines in cooperation with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, and Green Triathlon.

Golden Lions Bags awards in ILOPRISAA 2017


CPU bagged the top spots in Football Secondary Boys. Photo Credit – Chad Gerona Alba.

The CPU Golden Lions brought home various awards during the 52nd Iloilo Private Schools Athletics Association, Inc. (PRISAA) Meet held on November 15-25, 2017. The Western Institute of Technology (WIT) is this year’s Iloilo PRISAA host. The following are the results:

Champion:    

Athletics – Secondary, Boys

Basketball – Secondary, Girls

Beach Volleyball – Secondary, Boys

Beach Volleyball – Tertiary, Women

Chess – Elementary, Boys

Chess – Secondary, Boys

Chess – Secondary, Girls

Football – Tertiary, Men

Football – Secondary, Boys

Futsal – Secondary, Girls

Table Tennis – Elementary, Boys

Table Tennis – Secondary, Boys

Table Tennis – Secondary, Girls

Table Tennis – Tertiary, Women

Taekwondo – Secondary, Boys

Taekwondo – Secondary, Girls

Taekwondo – Tertiary, Women

Tennis – Elementary, Girls

Tennis – Secondary, Boys

Volleyball – Secondary, Boys

Volleyball – Secondary, Girls

Volleyball – Tertiary, Women

Dance Sports, Latin-America – Secondary Level

Dance Sports, Modern Standard – Secondary Level


The CPU Golden Lions Volleyball Secondary Girls garnered the top spot in PRISAA 2017.

1st Runner Up

Beach Volleyball – Secondary, Girls

Chess – Tertiary, Women

Football – Elementary, Boys

Table Tennis – Tertiary, Men

Taekwondo – Tertiary, Men

Tennis – Elementary, Boys

Tennis – Secondary, Boys

Tennis – Tertiary, Women

Volleyball – Elementary, Boys

Volleyball – Elementary, Girls

Volleyball – Tertiary, Men

2ND Runner Up

Badminton – Secondary Level

Badminton – Tertiary, Men

Basketball – Tertiary, Men

Basketball – Tertiary, Women

Chess – Tertiary, Men

Karatedo – Tertiary, Women

Swimming – Elementary Girls

Mutya ng PRISAA

GOLD

Binalaybay – Elementary Level

Current Events – Elementary Level

Philippine Folk Dance – Elementary Level

SILVER

Philippine Folk Dance – Secondary Level

BRONZE

 Filipino Oration – Tertiary Level

Atty. Alejandro S. Somo, CPU Director for Sports said that Softball, Volleyball and Tennis events in Iloilo School Sports Council (Integrated Meet) 2017 on December 5-9 will have its respective venues at Central Philippine University.

ISSA Meet Closing Ceremony held in CPU


Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Director, CPU Office of Communications led the opening prayer.

Every beginning has an end and every end is a new beginning—Central Philippine University hosted the Iloilo School Sports Association Inc. (ISSA) Closing Ceremony at Alumni Promenade last November 29, 2017.

The program started with an opening prayer led by Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Director, CPU Office of Communications, and then followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem.

The opening remarks was given by the Vice President for Students Affairs, Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico. He welcomed everyone and extended his congratulations to the men and women behind the 2017 ISSA Meet for doing their job in running all the events. He quoted Denis Waitley, an American motivational speaker, writer and consultant, saying, “Losers live in the past. Winners learn from the past and enjoy working in the present towards the future. May this closing ceremony remind us to continue to give the best in what we do, so that by the end of the day, we will never regret that it is the end.” Moreover, Rev. Gico challenged the participants to set their goals high and never stop until they get there. Afterwhich, Centralian Rusieljs G. Lunasco rendered an intermission number.


Vice President for Student Affairs, Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico congratulated the men and women behind the success of ISSA.

CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles highlighted the importance of sportsmanship in his inspirational message.

The ceremony was graced by the presence of CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, who gave an inspirational message. President Robles extended his acknowledgement to Dr. Warren Uy, President of Hua Siong College of Iloilo, for his fellowship in ISSA 2017. He also thanked the Sports Directors of the different Schools for their cooperation and excellent job in making sure that we had a successful competition. Dr. Robles also emphasized the significance of ISSA Meet to the lives of the participants, “This kind of event is supposed to be for developing character, responsibility, right conduct, and sportsmanship for all those who are participating: our athletes, our coaches, our referees and, of course, those in the leadership position.” He further shared that the most important thing in a competition is not about winning or losing, but how one plays the game.


Rev. Francis Neil Jalando-on, Director, Office of Communications together with Golden Lions Sports Director, Atty. Alejandro Somo received the plaque of recognition from the ISSA.

CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles together with Rev. Francis Neil Jalando-on, Director, Office of Communications during the ISSA Closing Program.

All the participating schools of this year’s ISSA Meet were given a Plaque of Recognition. These included: CenterPhil Montessori, Iloilo Doctor’s College, Iloilo Scholastic Academy, Westbridge School, St. Robert’s International Academy, John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime Academy, Western Institute of Technology, St. Joseph School of Iloilo, Inc., Sun Yat Sen High School, Hua Siong College of Iloilo, Ateneo de Iloilo, and Central Philippine University. All the athletes who won in their respective sports events were also given medals and a Certificate of Appreciation.

A turning-over of hosting was done during the latter part of the ceremony. From Central Philippine University and Hua Siong College of Iloilo, it was handed down to Ateneo de Iloilo to host the Iloilo School Sports Association Inc. (ISSA) Meet 2018. Afterwards, Dr. Warren Uy declared ISSA Meet 2017 officially closed. The emcee, Pastor Arliss Cloma, ended the ceremony with a closing prayer.

CPU holds Athletes’ Dedication Service


The dedication service started with a praise and worship session.

For the pride of the university and for the glory of God—CPU held a dedication service at the Rose Memorial Auditorium on October 13, 2017 for the Centralian Golden Lions who will be representing the university in the Iloilo Schools Sports Association (ISAA) and Private Schools Athletic Association games (PRISAA).

In his message, Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, University Church Senior Pastor, encouraged the athletes to use their talents as a testimony to God’s goodness. He highlighted Hebrews 12:1-2: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”


Atty. Alejandro Somo, CPU Sports Coordinator encouraged CPU Golden Lions to offer their talents and skills to the Lord.

University Church Senior Pastor, Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian tells athletes to focus on Jesus.

Rev. Sian shared that athletes need discipline which means throwing off anything that hinders them. He also cited the importance of focus—focusing on the goal of winning and, more importantly, focusing on Jesus, “Fix your eyes on Jesus who is the author and finisher of your faith, who gave you talents and abilities to be an athlete. Obey your coach, ultimately obey God. To your cloud of witnesses, may your life as an athlete be a testimony of your faith.”

The dedication service was facilitated by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes led by Pastor Jec Dan S. Borlado.

CPU Golden Lions dominate ICDVL

by Atty. Alejandro S. Somo


The CPU Golden Lions College Women Volleyball Team together with their Coach, Anthony A. Arnilla, Asst. Coach John Kenneth A. Panes and CPU Sports Coordinator, Atty. Alejandro S. Somo.

Three CPU Golden Lions Volleyball Teams, namely High School Girls, College Men and College Women, emerged as Champions in the recently concluded Iloilo City Developmental Volleyball League (ICDVL) competition held at the Ateneo de Iloilo and Central Philippine University gyms. The championship games took place last September 16, 2017.


Beaming with pride, CPU Golden Lions continues to inspire Centralians with their discipline and perseverance.

The High School championship game was held between CPU and Dumangas National High School in the morning of September 16 at the Ateneo Gym. CPU won with a 3 sets to 0. The team was coached by Coach Jeffrey G. Alcarde and Asst. Coach Alain G. Tarrazona. The college games were held in the afternoon at the CPU Gym. The men’s game was between CPU and ISAT-U. CPU won 3 sets to 0. The team was coached by Coach John Kenneth A. Panes with Asst. Coach Gary H. Medalle. The women’s game between CPU and Superfly (a collection of Varsity Alumni from different Schools) followed. CPU won again with 3 sets to 0. The team was coached by Coach Anthony A. Arnilla with Asst. Coach John Kenneth A. Panes.


For the glory of God and CPU – CPU Golden Lions College Men Volleyball Team with their coach, John Kenneth A. Panes, Asst. Coach Gary H. Medalle and Atty. Alejandro S. Somo.

Thank you to all who supported and encouraged the teams. We could not have done it without you. To God be the Glory!

CPU Futsal teams win 1st and 2nd places in the Iloilo City Age Group Futsal Tournament

The Iloilo City Sports Development Division and Jaro Football Club organized an age group futsal tournament that was played from July 29, 2017 to August 13, 2017 and held at Iloilo City National High School. According to Marc Hermel G. Agriam, one of the organizers, “this event was designed to be a developmental tournament for schools in Iloilo City.”

There were four categories in this futsal tournament: boys born 2000 and below, girls born 2000 and below, boys born 2002 and below, and boys born 2005 and below.

There were 8 teams that participated in the Boys born 2002 and below category. The results were 1st: Central Philippine University Team A, 2nd: Ateneo de Iloilo, and 3rd: Central Philippine University Team C.



CPU players in the Boys born 2002 and below category.

In the Boys born 2005 and below category, 5 teams joined the competition. The results were 1st: Central Philippine University Team A, 2nd: Lapaz FC Team B, and 3rd: Lapaz FC Team A.


CPU players in the Boys born 2005 and below category.

In another category, Boys born 2000 and below, 7 teams participated. The results were 1st: Iloilo National High School, 2nd: Central Philippine University, and 3rd: Jalandoni Memorial National High School.


CPU players in the Boys born 2000 and below category.

In the Girls born 2000 and below category, 4 teams competed. The results were 1st: Iloilo City National High School, 2nd: Central Philippine University, and 3rd: Iloilo National High School.


CPU players in the Girls born 2000 and below category.

May this tournament hone young Ilonggo and Ilongga football players so that they may represent our country in future tournaments.

Jacqui Rose, “Ironwoman of CPU” joins in the Triathlon Asian Championships


For God and country – Lamparero flashes a smile with fellow Filipino athletes.

Jacqui Rose Lamparero, a CPU senior high school student participated in the 2017 ASTC Triathlon Asian Championship on July 21, 2017 held at Jakabaring Sport City, Palembang, North Sumatra, Indonesia. The race was organized by the Asian Triathlon Confederation.

Lamparero was able to finish the 750m 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 with a time of 01:05:43.


The perseverance of a Centralian champion lies in the faith to endure – Lamparero (Second Biker)  in yellow and blue. 

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 1st 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 a time of 1:19:45. The Sprint Distance includes 750M swim, 20K bike and 5K run.

The CPU Golden Lions and the whole CPU community continue to support Jacqui Rose in her training and future races. Centralians are cheering and praying for her.

CPU Golden Lions play a friendly match with the Sepak Takraw Philippine Team


Members of the Sepak-Takraw National Team and CPU Golden Lions Sepak Takraw Coach pose with VP for Finance and Administration Dr. Florence P. Bogacia, VP for Student Affairs Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico, and Atty. Alejandro Somo, CPU Sports Office Director.

Who does not want to see an exhibition game of “Sepak Takraw” by the Philippine Team? Who would not get excited with the “friendly match” between the Philippine Team and the CPU Golden Lions?

On Friday, July 21, 2017, the CPU Golden Lions Team had their “dream match” as they played against Sepak Takraw Philippine Team at the CPU covered Gym. In the warm-ups and preliminary game, the national team showed off what it can do to win medals for the country. Some members of the team were in France to participate in a European tournament. The first regu of the Philippine is considered as among the Top 5 in the world.


Members of the Sepak Takraw National Team pose for posterity in front of the CPU Administration Building.

The match brought so much thrill and excitement to the students, coaches and spectators at the covered gym. With “no guts and no glory” in mind, the CPU Golden Lions roared. They did their best to make the most out of the spectacular chance to play a “friendly game” with the Philippine Sepak Takraw Team. In the 3 sets that were played, the Philippine Team bested the CPU Golden Lions team with a score of 8-21, 19-21, and 13-21. CPU Coach, Pastor Keith Dune Gallos, tried to put his best Regu in the second set in order to win a game. It was a close match. Much to the delight of the crowd, the CPU Sepak Takraw team led by 17-15. But eventually, they Philippine Team won the game. But it only shows that the CPU Sepak Takraw team, the 2017 National PRISAA games champion, can go toe to toe with national team.


Weekly Centralian Link Publication Team led by Director Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on watches the game from a side bench of the covered gym.

In an interview earlier at the CPU Administration Conference Room, Pastor Gallos, Coach of the CPU Golden Lions Team excitedly said that “the game is a big booster to the CPU team, and that the Philippine Team is willing to extend training and technical assistance to the CPU Golden Lions Sepak Takraw Team.”

Another tournament with the CPU Golden Lions will be held on October, according to the team. The Philippine Team coach is a Centralian — Hector Memarion, AB Political Science Batch ’96. After the game, Coach Memarion told Coach Gallos that the CPU team have great talents and is strong in the spiker and setter, but has to practice double time in the tekong. He hopes that their training in Iloilo can help them get a Gold in next month’s competition in Thailand. The Philippine Team had previously won Silver at the SEA Games in Singapore.


An exciting offense and defense actions by the National Team. 

During the meeting, Pastor Jec Dan Borlado, area representative of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) took the opportunity of distribute Gideon’s Bible and motivational materials to the national players. He also encouraged the Philippine Team to link up with FCA so that they avail of the programs and spiritual guidance that this organization offers.


Spiker makes a winning hit for the Sepak Takraw National Team.

Dr. Florence P. Bogacia, Vice President for Finance and Administration, and Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico, Vice President for Student Affairs received a couple of Chinlone Sepak Takraw balls made in Myanmar from the Philippine Team during the courtesy call at the CPU Administration Conference Room.


Blue vs. Yellow – Centralian blocks spike in a game against the Philippine team.

There are, at present, 12 members of the CPU Golden Lions Team who are studying in CPU with a scholarship provided by the University, according to Atty. Alejandro S. Somo, Director of the Sports Office. It is great to note that former varsity players of CPU later became members of the national team.

Grade 8 Centralian gets a slot in the Philippine National Football Team


The U15 Philippine Football team poses with the CPU Junior High School Footbal team.

On July 9-22, 2017 the U15 Philippine National Football team will compete against teams in the South East Asian region in the Asean Football Federation (AFF) CUP in Chonburi, Thailand. The Centralian community is proud that one of the three Ilonggo players in the national team is a Grade 8 Junior High School student of Central Philippine University — James Tuazon.

James Tuazon, a thirteen-year old native of Brgy. Jalaud, Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo got the nod of the national coach, Emilio “Chieffy” Caligdong. The U15 (Under 15) national team is mentored by the former Azkal skipper who is an Ilonggo from Barotac Nuevo.


James Tuazon, a CPU Golden Lions player, is now part of the U15 Philippine Football team.

Tuazon started playing football at the age of seven. He received numerous recognitions such as Best Midfielder, Best Defender and Best Striker in the various tournaments that he joined. Football also brought him to Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. When asked about his experience in his training, Tuazon happily answered, “I have a very good experience as part of the national team. The training did not only develop my skills in football but our coaches also taught us to develop our attitude.”

His message for the young athletes is to follow their dreams and do not forget to study. He is also passionate and a voracious learner. “Football is my passion, and I love to watch videos about football” he added.  U15 Head Coach Chieffy Caligdong was amazed with the skills and attitude of Tuazon on and off the pitch. Caligdong scouted Tuazon during the Philippine Football Federation Festival of Football (FOF) in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental last March 2017.


Coach Chieffy Caligdong congratulates James Tuazon after scoring a goal.

In a friendly match last June 27, 2017 at the Iloilo Sports Complex between CPU Junior High School football team, Tuazon struck two goals for the national squad on the 65th and 72nd minutes. But the CPU Golden Lions, coached by Engr. Marc Hermel G. Agriam, managed to level the score courtesy of Hanns Soldevilla and Jil Sander Pillora on the 75th and 76th minutes respectively. Coach Agriam praised the effort of his players considering that they have a tied game against the national team. The parents of the CPU Golden Lions team were joyful of the outcome of the game.

The U15 Philippine team is in Iloilo for a month-long training camp.