Tag: CPU President

CPBC holds 6th Biennial Assembly


Christ as the Center – members of the Convention gathered together to make a human formation of the CPBC acronym.

United through faith and love anchored in Jesus—The Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches held its 6th Biennial at Central Philippine University from May 22-24, 2018.

With the theme “Partnering in Mission: Venturing Beyond Familiar Spaces,” the event gathered 962 participants from 372 churches. Baptist pastors and leaders all over the country came to rekindle Christian friendship and to further equip Baptist leaders in advancing the work of the Lord throughout the globe.


CPBC General Secretary, Rev. Dr. Jerson B. Narciso with Baptist Ministers from Korea.

In his message to the CPBC, CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, recognized the university’s partnership with the Convention in producing exemplary Christian learners, “Indeed, working with the Convention has truly developed a deeper desire for the university to pursue and support programs that empower men and women whose lives have been dedicated to serve the ministry and whose response to the call of mission is hoped to have inspired others, especially the younger generation, to take the path less traveled.”

The first day of the convention featured an opening parade and Kinasadya where members of the convention made a human formation of the acronym CPBC in the CPU Football Field. It was then followed by the Gathering of Praise and Opening Celebration.

In his keynote address, CPBC General Secretary, Rev. Dr. Jerson B. Narciso, welcomed the participants to the 6th CPBC Biennial Assembly, “How beautiful and pleasant it is when all of God’s children live and work together in unity in the household of God.”

He then went on to talk about this year’s theme that highlights unity and partnership among the members of the convention: “I want you to take note that we are witnessing a significant breakthrough of God’s people coming together from different churches and places here and abroad to share the common vision of reaching out to more people through the Living Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.”


CPBC Palawan in blue during the opening parade.

The members of the Negros Kasapulanan of Baptist Churches Inc. were all smiles during the parade.

Leading the parade is the Luzon Convention Baptist Fellowship.

The Iloilo Kasapulanan Baptist Churches Inc. brimming bright in red.

The Antique Kasapulanan Baptist Churches Inc. pauses before continuing the parade.

According to Rev. Narciso, the annual assembly is one of the venues of CPBC member to immerse themselves in Christian fellowship and to equip themselves for God’s mission: “I am confident that through this time of engagement, worship, learning, sharing, and reflection we will all be enriched, encouraged and equipped by our varied and unique experiences as we respond to the challenges of the ministry in our time.”

On the second day, the convention held the dedication of the CBPC Ministries Building at Fajardo, Jaro. It was then followed by the Morning Worship with Rev. Edwin Lam as speaker, Biblico-Theological Reflection by Rev. Danilo Borlado, and a lecture by Rev. Dr. Ann Borquist, Rev. Taku Longkumer and Kate Longkumer. The evening gathering featured guest speaker Rev. Ngwedia Paul Mszia, President of the Baptist World Alliance.

During the last day, Rev. Filipe Espindola spoke during the Sanctuary Hour. Interest Groups were also held, catering to different church ministries: 150 participants attended the Ministry with the Homeless with Mrs. Ruth Callanta, 126 participants joined the Ministry with LGBT with Pastor Danilo Borlado, 126 participants attended the Ministry with People Living with HIV-Aids with Prof. Rea Angelica Villeza, 150 participants attended the Ministry with the OFW and their families with Pastor Mary Malou Borlado, 100 participants joined the Ministry with Disaster Survivors with Ms. Henna Caipang, 84 participants attended the Ministry with Person in Conflict with the Law with Pastor Wilson Andion, 100 participants for Doing Mission to Sports Interest Group with Pastor Randy Camponion, 58 participants attended the Corporate Safekeeping with Atty. Zacarias Bedona Jr., and 66 participants attended the Financial Literacy with Mr. Jay Galang.

The closing celebration held the communion and installation of a new set of CPBC Board of Trustees and Officers with Rev. Felix Tingson as guest speaker.

The achievements of the Convention in 2016-2018 include the institutional review and assessment, the proposed amendments to the CPBC by-laws, the testimonial and turning over ceremony for Benjamin Shun Lai Chan and Lesley Turley, the revival of the Manugbantala publication, revival of the Palawan Mission, the Magtanong sa GS Program, the initiated Camp Higher Ground Restoration Fund Campaign for the rehabilitation of Camp Higher Ground, the first International Mission Conference in Hong Kong, the construction of CPBC Ministry Building, production and printing of CPBC Primer, distribution of free hymnbooks, partnership with Vietnam Baptist Convention, a liturgical guide published in coordination of CBMA, and the Save Marawi Fund.

CPU commemorates the life of Otoniel Gonzaga


A world-renowned tenor, Centralian and friend – Otoniel Gonzaga’s faith and music will continue to live on.

To remember Otoniel Gonzaga, a world renowned tenor, Centralian and friend, the CPU community, together with friends and family, gathered to celebrate his life, love, and music at the University Church on February 14, 2018.

For the opening, liturgist, Rev. Ruth G. Lunasco, read “In Loving Memory” written by Rabbi Jack Spencer Jr., “We sing the song of our beloved, we aspire their qualities of spirit, we take up their tasks as they would have shouldered them.”

Mrs. Sampaguita T. Juarez, in her message, talked about Otoniel’s love for music and his commitment to share his craft to others. “Singing was in his heart. Toni’s mom, who was a concert artist, inspired his love for singing.”


CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles reminisced on how the CPU community came to enjoy the life and music of Otoniel Gonzaga.

For the response from the Gonzaga family, Mr. Joel G. Juarez thanked the Centralian community for remembering Otoniel and celebrating his life and music.

Friend and classmate, Mr. Alessandro Caipang described Otoniel as a vibrant character whose life was and music touched many.

Mrs. Ruth Tirol Jarantilla, Otoniel’s cousin, talked about his fondest memories with the opera singer.

Mrs. Sampaguita T. Juarez talked about Otoniel Gonzaga’s love for music.

For the recollection, CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles reminisced how the Centralian community enjoyed the love and music of Otoniel. He also thanked the Gonzaga family for their invaluable contributions to the university and their dedication to Central. “When I first entered the portals of this institution, I was only a year younger than Otoniel Gonzaga; thus, I was able to enjoy the entertainment of his music. We have heard his music not only in the university but also all over the globe, during university fundraising events where he was featured as singer and artist. Not only us but also the world had enjoyed his music.”

Dr. Robles went on to talk about the legacy of Otoniel. “We will remember him not because of his music, but of what he and his family meant to the university. The Gonzaga family was one of the pillars of development of CPU after World War II.”

Otoniel’s cousin, Mrs. Ruth Tirol Jarantilla, shared her fondest moments with Otoniel, recalling that his heart for music has inspired many others, not only to master the said craft but also to look to God as the author and creator of music. “To many, Otoniel was a talented artist, a world renowned musician, and the first and last tenor to sing Verdi’s Otello in Europe and in Japan. He was, and still is, no less than extraordinary. He will now continue to sing and have a concert with the angels in heaven. I will not bid him goodbye but until we meet again.”

His former classmate, Mr. Alessandro Caipang, remembered him as man who loved all things bright and beautiful—a man who always shared his joy with others. “It is a great privilege to honor a gifted Centralian, an Ilonggo, a friend, a classmate, a world-renowned artist, and a great opera tenor. We were among the first grade 7 pupils of CPU and the campus was our playground. I recall when he was asked to sing “You’ll Never Walk Alone” in class and it was the first sign that he would become a great singer. He was an excellent steward of God’s gift.”


The man behind the music – Otoniel Gonzaga’s life was a melody that inspired others.

After the recollection, Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian gave a prayer for the family which was then followed by a musical tribute by the Bahandi Singers.

For the response from the Gonzaga family, Mr. Joel G. Juarez thanked the Centralian community for remembering Otoniel and celebrating his life and music.