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.”

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.

By Edwin C. Laru-an

80 minutes is not enough for Central Philippine University and Barotac Nuevo National Comprehensive high School to decide who will lift the JR ROBLES U16 championship trophy at the Iloilo Sports Complex on May 13, 2017.

Both teams showed their will to win in every ball possession, but it was BNNCHS who first blinked in the 36th minute when ace defender Edwin Doctora was sent out by referee Stephen Beria for striking Christian Dequilla of CPU. With ten men playing on the pitch BNNCHS went more aggressive to convert a goal but the defense of the Golden Lions was too tight for them. 

Three minutes before the final whistle during the extra period Raphael Joseph Paz of CPU converted a right foot strike near the box past BNNCHS Best Goal Keeper Brain Bedia for a 1-nil lead. Coach Domingo Subo´s side could not recover anymore after defender Mark Anthony Bedia was sent off for reckless tackle and settled for 1st runner up. On the other hand, I, PAG ASA FC defeated Sta. Barbara National High School 3-2 to grab the 2nd runner up trophy.

K.J. Guidoriagao of IPFC scored two successive goals in the 49thand 59th minute, SBNCHS did not give up, Best Striker Arn Philip Silao gave hope to his team with a superb right volley in the 64th minutes. Six minutes latter Godfrey Sontillanosa equalized the score 2 all, two minutes before the final whistle Jay Sonza was the hero for IPFC finding the back of the net for the winning goal.

Meanwhile Tyler Kim Rivera of CPU takes the best midfield award and CPU´s Antonio Velario IV as Best Defender. Fair play award was given to I PAG ASA FC. Also present during awarding is Mr. Pablito Araneta, consultant for sports province of Iloilo, Engr. Duffie Botavara, tournament director and Mr. Leandro Hautea of Iloilo football Association. “I would like to thank the 12 teams who participated in the tournament and also Governor Arthur Defensor for allowing us to use the ISC football field and also to Dr. Ma. Janelyn Fundal Of ISC.”  JR Robles said.

 By Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on

The National PRISAA games in Iba, Zambales from April 23 to 28, 2017 has taught me a lot of lessons. Let me share to you 7 things that I have learned.

First, you play with the venue that you are given.

Athletes may have been practicing in conducive venues in their respective schools but when you play in a competition like the National PRISAA you cannot expect the venue to be like that of your school. For example, the Table Tennis tables are not at par with the international standard tables that CPU has. The playing area is open; the wind is breezing anytime, and sun glare is a distraction. You just have to focus and play, and do not dwell in murmuring.

In some ways, this is the same with life. You may plan everything based on your expectations but life oftentimes has a way of ruining your plans. You just have to adjust and go on.

Second, you play in any weather condition.

The intensity of the heat in Iba, Zambales is so high that you can probably cook an egg in a frying pan. Athletes here have to drink twice or thrice as much as their regular intake in order not to be dehydrated. Everyone is wishing that they could have played in air-conditioned areas.

Life is the same. It is not always fair weather. Everyone has to brave the heat of life, or has to navigate the stormy relationships. Expect the unexpected in life and you will not be caught surprised.

Third, you play with the decisions of the referees.

There will always be bad calls coming from the referees. There are widespread reports that most referees were newbies and just undergone a seminar days before the event. This will surely account to the many non-calls during crunch time. But athletes and coaches should take account of this because the referee´s decision is final. Momentum and morale can be broken because of inutile officiating, but then the game must go on. Athletes should rise above it.

Life is unfair and that is a reality. There are many people who got away and are getting away with their “crime.” But this should not deter us in doing good. Galatians 6:9 reminds us not to be weary and lose heart — “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Fourth, you play with the schedules that are posted.

Athletes and coaches cannot demand on what schedule their team should play. Some would play here early in the morning, and some late at night. If your schedule is in the middle of the day, then you must brave the heat and play.

In life, time waits for no one. Planet Earth will just continue turning 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. We need to be productive and efficient people with the time given to us by God. At the end of the day, let us ask ourselves if we have contributed something that will make our world a better place to live in.

Fifth, you play with the lots that that you have drawn.

For seeded teams, you are assured of separate brackets. But for non-seeded teams, you just draw the lots and hope that you will land in a weak bracket. If not, then you will be assured of early elimination. But the attitude of players should not be based on what bracket you are in. If you happen to land in a higher seed bracket, then make use of the opportunity to learn from high caliber opponents.

In life, we are born in this world without our consent. We cannot choose on whose family we are born into. But this should not be a hindrance. Life is what we make it. If you happen to be born in a poor family, then strive hard not just to survive but to excel. If you are born in a rich family, then it is your privilege to help the poor by sharing your blessings, and not squandering it on vices.

Sixth, you play with the opponents that their regions have sent.

A team cannot stand and just point their finger to another team that they want to play. You cannot choose your opponents. You just have to play to your strength and hopefully win.

We are not alone in this world. We exist with other people. Some may like you, and some may hate you. But all of us are competitors in one way or another. We all want to succeed. We just need identity our strengths and gifts, and use it to succeed in life.

Seventh, you play within the rules.

All games have rules. If you violate the rules, then you will be given a foul and then pay the consequence by adding a point to your opponent, a deduction or through a free throw or penalty kick. Athletes must know the rules and abide with it.

In life we need rules and boundaries. If there are no laws to regulate us, then it becomes the law of the jungle — only the fittest will survive. We have laws in our land but sad to say many are bending it, or not following it. In sports, there are instant penalties, but in real life only a few are enforcing it. But more than this, our motivation in doing what is right is because it is right, and not because we will be penalized if we are not doing it.

Hopefully, these lessons from sports can help us in our lives.

On the 4th day of the Palarong Pambansa in  Antique, High School Centralian Ramil Salarda gets a gold medal for winning first in the Taekwando competition. Salarda finds his way to victory once he joined the West Visayas Regional Athletic  Association contingent. He aimed for this opportunity, and through guts and determination was able to overcome his opponent.

Salarda owes his strength and endurance from years of consistent Training in Taekwando while diligently going to school and  learning endurance and discipline during practice at the gym.

Ramil Salarda who hails from the municipality of San Miguel, Iloilo is a Senior High School student at Central Philippine University. He is a Varsity player of CPU and a member of the Iloilo Kyorugi Team.

Before winning in this year’s Palarong Pambansa, Salarda is a  Bronze Medalist in Palarong Pambansa 2015 and 2016.

CAN- with update from Gibbs Geromiano Caluba/CPU Sports Office

Centralian excellence in sports – Nikhel Supeda Nowlakha, a grade 6 pupil of CPU Elementary qualified in the two week IMG Academy Bollettieri Tennis Program to be held at Florida, USA on June-July 2017.

The IMG Academy Bollettieri tennis program pioneered the concept of a residency program nearly 40 years ago and still sets the standard by which all tennis academies around the world are measured. Through the program’s focus on technical, tactical, physical, and mental instruction, they’ve developed champions at every level. With a program infrastructure that allows for student-athletes to grow and compete with others with similar skill sets, IMG Academy tennis represents the ultimate program for everyone from nationally ranked elite players with aspirations of being a professional to those who want to compete at all levels of collegiate tennis (www.imgacademy.com).

The program has trained thousands of young tennis enthusiasts. Notable alumni of the program include Andre Agassi, Björn Borg, Boris Becker, Pete Sampras, Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams.

Nowlakha who ranks  14th  in the Philippines among his age group, is no. 1 in Visayas. He has been representing CPU in various tennis tournaments across the country.  Last year, he ranked 4th in the tennis singles competition during Palarong Pambansa. This year, he placed 1st in the Western Visayas Private Schools Athletic Association (WVRISAA) tennis singles and doubles with his partner Jan Roger Lamparero, and will be once again representing Region 6 in the nationals. “I really want to win the gold this year for CPU.”

With his mother, Ma. Concepcion Supeda, Nowlakha  goes to the CPU Tennis Court from Mondays to Fridays at 6:00 in the morning so that he can practice with his coach Noel Sorilla. “My coach encourages me a lot, he teaches me a lot about tennis.” He shares that though he is competing for both tennis singles and doubles he prefers to play doubles. “I first started playing tennis doubles, so I’m used to it. If we make a mistake, my partner and I would just high five and encourage each other. Tennis taught me to have patience and to always push my body to the limit.”

At the age of 12, Nowlakha sees himself playing tennis for the rest of his life. However, he will have different priorities by then. “I would love to play tennis all my life but when I grow up, I will probably play it as a hobby. I want take up Bachelor of Science in Biology and become a Doctor.”

“My parents, my coaches, and my trainers inspire me to become a better player. I would encourage other young person like me who also wants to excel in tennis to train hard, to follow their coach and to not be lazy.”

Most of the 100 plus athletes and coaches of the CPU Golden Lions gathered for a convocation on April 17, 2017 at the University Church. The CPU delegation is the biggest delegation representing Western Visayas PRISAA in the National PRISAA on April 23-28, 2017 at Iba, Zambales.

Sepak Takraw Coach, Pastor Keith Dune R. Gallos led the singing of praise songs that were enthusiastically sang by the group. CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles inspired the athletes by telling them that it is already an honor and a privilege to land a spot in the National PRISAA competition. He reminded them that CPU is expecting them to play fairly and to the best of their ability. Winning the championship would just be an added bonus. Dr. Robles assured the athletes that the administration will continue to support the sports program of the University.

Vice President for Student Affairs, and at the same time, President of the WVPRISAA, Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico gave the inspirational reflection based on the life prophet Jeremiah when he was called by God. Rev. Gico imparted three important lessons: First, be prepared. Second, continue on doing the task that God has given you. Third, put your whole trust in God. With these points, he encouraged everyone to show to whole country the talents coming from Region VI.

For the Closing Remarks, CPU Sports Director Atty. Alejandro Somo put in mind to the athletes and coaches that they must bring the Central Spirit wherever they go, and should not forget that they are bringing the name of CPU. He reiterated that all of them must have faith in God, and should continually look out for each other.

The convocation was ended by a dedicatory prayer led by the University Church Senior Pastor, Rev. Cris Amorsolo Sian.

The convocation leader was Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, CPU Table Tennis Coach.