Tag: cpu

University Church Board of Education and Deacons sponsor seminar on Financial Solutions Today

By Cyrus A. Natividad


Resource speaker J. Galang lectures on Financial Literacy and Management at the University Church , CPU.

The University Church Board of Christian Education, and Deacons sponsored a free seminar on “Financial Solutions Today.” The seminar was held on August 25, 2018. Faculty, staff and retirees were invited to a financial literacy session conducted by a team from Nutriwealth Foundation School of Wealth and Wellness.

The seminar entitled “Building a Strong Financial Foundation” presented knowledge and ideas that are timely and helpful to employees, young people, and retirees. Resource speaker Jay Galang, founder and chairman of Nutriwealth, lectured on Value Chain Methodology.


Young people, faculty and staff and retirees joined the Financial Solutions Seminar at the University Church, CPU.

The participants were enlightened on the following topics: The Law of Building Wealth, the Law of Decreasing Responsibilities and the Rule of Money—all discussed with Biblical references. A formula on financial success was also shared by Mr. Galang. He reminded the participants that “financial planning and management principles should be observed in implementing a business or project.” He added, “The two most important principles are cash flow and stewardship.” Galang also emphasized that the cash flow must be guarded with stewardship.

The Value Chain Formula, a principle which Galang’s Foundation shares, is about involving the farmers, producers, and consumers in the blessings of God. As an example, he shared the idea that farmers can benefit from the value chain, which is producing rice and crops and selling it by themselves to supermarkets instead of selling to traders who rakes up most of the profits by whole selling it to the markets.

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.

Wait On God

By Cyrus A. Natividad

It is disturbing news that a high incidence of suicide pervades our country—especially in the Visayas. Many in other countries are also resorting to this morbid solution to end their problems. Most of these are young people who should have been in school, who could have become great in their professions. Most of them felt neglected by society, by their parents and, regrettably, even by their own selves (or so it may seem).

Take this instance as an example. Sometime in a not so distant past, a 17-year-old young lady hanged herself inside her room. Her parents, in pain and bewilderment, blamed her boyfriend for not replying to her text messages for many days. However, is the boyfriend solely to be blamed? Technology? Social Media? One sociologist from DSWD points out that critical factors to be considered here are the role of society, parents, and even the victim herself.

The question here is Why? An individual is educated for at least 8 to 10 years in the Philippines. This period must be long enough to inculcate the basic values of life and realities in an individual’s mind. Also, these individuals have families—mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, various relatives—who should be able to comfort, guide, or advise them about the complexities of life. On the other hand, it is a fact that individuals commit suicide because of problems which could have been solved through many alternatives that they could not see nor find.

As we ponder upon what these individuals were seeking but and could not find so that they took it upon themselves to take their own life, I would like to present a bigger question: Did they believe in God? If we believe in God then we can wait on Him. He is our creator, our protector, and the author of life and of our destiny.

Perhaps, it is faith that may have been miserably missed in the lives of these hapless individuals.

John 3: 16 in the Bible assures us that “God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believe in Him shall not perish but will have an everlasting life”.

In this season of Lent, may we look back to the Garden of Gethsemane and see Jesus praying earnestly, “Let this cup pass over me”—a plea that if possible He would not sacrifice His life. But then He added in His prayer, “Not my will but Thy will be done”—a resolve that the will of God must be accomplished. Jesus died on the cross—a prophecy that was fulfilled. The power of the cross lies in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He died and rose again for our salvation.

Jesus gave his life freely that we may find peace and freedom in Him. Here is a beautiful poem by Helen Steiner Rice entitled “Wait on God” where we are called to find strength in the Lord when our own falters.

God’s love endureth forever—

What a wonderful thing to know

When the tides of life are against you

And your spirit is downcast and low.

God’s kindness is ever around you,

Always ready to freely impart

Strength to your faltering spirit,

Cheer to your lonely heart…

God’s presence is ever beside you,

As near as the reach of your hand,

You have but to tell Him your troubles,

There is nothing He won’t understand…

And knowing God’s love is unfailing,

And his mercy unending and great,

You have but trust in His promise

“God comes not too soon or too late

So wait with a heart that is patient

For the goodness of God to prevail

For never do prayers go unanswered,

And his mercy and love never fail.

The Challenge of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ


By Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the highlight of the Holy Week.

With this perspective in mind, I would like to share one message, one implication, and four challenges on the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The message of the resurrection is that God is the God of life. The statements of Jesus as recorded in John are about life. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life,” “I am the living water,” “I am the resurrection and the life,” “I am the bread of life.” All of these point to the truth that our God is the God of life, and the giver of life. John 10:10 affirms it, “I have come that you may have life, and have it to the full.” Because our God is the God of life, together with Peter and Martha, we can declare, “Thou art Christ, the Son of the Living God.”

The implication of this message is that we must not allow the world to kill Jesus again and again nor force him to remain in the tomb. Thus, as we resist the forces of death in our midst, let us ponder on these challenges from the word LIFE.

L – LIVE a life that shows that Jesus is alive in our lives and not dead. Similar to what happened to Lazarus, Jesus Christ is commanding us to unwrap ourselves from the grave clothes, thus freeing us from the bondage of death-like situations. Let us always picture out Jesus shouting at us, “Get out of there.”

I – (Be actively) INVOLVED in the ministry of resurrection. Let us be active in the ministry of resurrecting our brothers and sisters who are living a spiritually dead life and those who are victims of modern day Sadducees and Pharisees.

F – FULFILL God’s expectation to be bringers of life and not death. We are expected to always seek life and not destruction. Let us cry together with Jesus every time we see death and destruction, and then let us do something about it.

E – ENCOURAGE one another to be united in taking away the stone in the tomb. Jesus is asking us to collectively “roll the stone away.” There is strength in unity. We must participate in the task of putting away the barriers that impede us in having a life in its fullest.

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.

Faith across the borders: The story of Rev. Danilo A. Borlado

Pursuing the leading of Christ – Rev. Danilo A. Borlado has committed his life to serving OFWs in Hong Kong, encouraging them to grow in the Lord.

Almost all Filipino families have a relative abroad—mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters forfeiting the solace and comfort of home to provide a better future for the families they leave behind. It is no easy journey but their hearts remain steadfast knowing that they and their loved ones will meet again soon.

Rev. Danilo A. Borlado, Vice President of the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches has dedicated his life to encouraging and ministering Overseas Filipino Workers in Hong Kong. It is his heart’s desire that Filipinos far from home will be encouraged by the love of Christ through a community of believers.

His journey with the Lord started when he entered the portals of Central Philippine University. He was enrolled as a student of the CPU College of Agriculture in 1975 when he came to dedicate his life to Christ after attending the Christ Emphasis Week. Two years later, he decided to study Theology in the same university. “I came to know the Lord and commit my life to Him in one of the Christ Emphasis Week celebration. After that, I was engaged with religious organizations in the university. I kept growing as a young Christian through the Campus Crusade for Christ and became part of the University Church choir.”

According to Rev. Borlado, his engagement with the University Church and religious organizations in the campus helped him realize that he had a calling to serve Christ as a minister. “I began to feel that there was an urge, a prompt, to share the love of Christ to others.” His stay in the CPU College of Theology deepened his biblical knowledge and theological perspective towards the poor and powerless. “I had empathy for the less fortunate and vulnerable people, maybe because I came from a poor family myself.”

After graduating from college, he took up his Master of Divinity in the college then pursued his Master of Theology in Australia. He then became a minister at the Baptist Center Church and taught part-time in the CPU College of Theology.

When asked what he loves about the ministry, Rev. Borlado shares that it is seeing people commit their lives to Christ that makes him realize his purpose. “I enjoy helping people. Seeing people commit to the Lord in a personal way, not just intellectual or head knowledge, but to be able to shed light on what it means to know God. Seeing them grow in the Lord gives me great joy. And there is also an added dimension particularly that we are in the OFW ministry in Hong Kong—being able to assist, strengthen and encourage our OFWs abroad. ”

In 1999, Rev. Borlado was invited to attend a Mission Conference in Hong Kong. There he visited two churches, one of which is the International Baptist Church Filipino Congregation. Months after his visit, the convention encouraged him to apply as pastor in the said church. “There were eight applicants and I was the one chosen. I saw that as the Lord’s leading to move into a new area of ministry, specifically in OFW ministry.”

After serving the church for six years, Rev. Borlado established the New Beginnings Christian Fellowship which is now serving and ministering OFWs in Hong Kong for 11 years. There are indeed many challenges of leading a church in a foreign land but Rev. Borlado shares that God has equipped him in the early stages of his ministry. “There was a bit of a struggle on our part because we have teenage children at the time. It wasn’t easy for us to leave them behind. We cannot bring them because the education in Hong Kong is so expensive. That experience taught us to experience firsthand the very struggles of the OFWs that we would be working with, that we would be ministering to. We experienced the loneliness, the pain of separation and living away from your family, and that put us in a better situation to understand and sympathize with the OFWs are going through. That made us minister effectively to them.”

Though away from home, Rev. Borlado is encouraged by the stories and testimonies of faith of the OFWs that they are ministering to and that has fueled his heart for the ministry. “The experiences of our OFWs abroad are always a mixture. There are painful and sad experiences, the loneliness, not being treated well by their employers. Sometimes, you encounter OFWs whose children drop out from school, or their husbands have another woman to the extent that their marriages and families experience breakdowns, and OFWs incurring a lot of debt. Those are the sad stories, but there are plenty of encouraging stories, like an OFW having a lot of difficulty with the present employer then suddenly the contract was terminated and then by way of our prayers and comfort, the terminated employee was able to find a new wonderful employer who gives them more than the minimum wage, treats them like a member of the family and allows them to return to the Philippines more than once a year, all expenses paid; or OFWs who came to know the Lord personally, converted and committed their lives to the Lord Jesus Christ and see them grow in their relation with the Lord and serve God in the church and enroll in our discipleship training, attend our bible studies and cell groups. Those are some of the things in the ministry that are very inspiring.”

For his advice to young people who want to know their calling in the Lord, Rev. Borlado advises them to take heart and pursue God. “To the young people who might feel that they are being called to full time ministry, one of the things that made me hesitant when I felt the prompting of the Holy Spirit calling me to enter the ministry is the doubt about provision for myself and my would-be family, but the Lord proved me wrong because one of the very first things I learned is that when the Lord calls, He will provide. If you feel that the Lord is prompting you, is calling you to the ministry, please do not hesitate to respond and answer that call.”

To Centralians around the globe, he encourages them to anchor themselves in the Lord and see His goodness in their lives. “The experience of loneliness is always there, missing your family, missing your hometown, but always maintain your connection, your anchor with the Lord Jesus Christ. Never neglect, never take for granted the faith dimension because when our faith in God is strong and firm, when we are intimate with the Lord, His presence will comfort us in our moments of loneliness. His strength will sustain us in our moments of weakness and His provision will always be there. His reminders will always be there when we forget. Stay close to the Lord, He is our anchor. He is our strength.”

Rev. Danilo A. Borlado is married to Pastor Mary Lou Silencino Borlado. They have two children who are now pastors: Pastor Jec Dan S. Borlado (married to Mrs. Herme Agriam Borlado), and Pastor Deo Grace S. Borlado. They have one grandson – Matteo Chaim.

The Call to Serve

The call to ministry is a lifetime of service. It is a commitment bound in faith and perseverance found only in those whose hearts’ desire is to please the Almighty by offering their lives as living sacrifices. It is not an easy task. The road is long and tortuous, but at the end of one’s journey, one could hear his Creator say, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” with beaming love and adulation.

Rev. Jesse Magno, a 1990 CPU College of Theology graduate and Pastor Stevie Leysa, 1993 graduate of the same college have answered such a call.

Heeding the call at God’s perfect time

Dedication and Faith – Rev. Jesse Magno, President of the Luzon Convention Baptist Fellowship, encourages young people be passionate about their faith.

During his first year as a mechanical engineering student at Mindanao State University in General Santos City, Rev. Magno started participating in Christian-based organizations. At that time, he realized that he had a calling from God to be a minister, “As part of the organization, I was asked to share about the Bible, to stand in front of people and talk about God. And there, I realized that it seems that the Lord is calling me. It was not immediate, but every day I lived with that purpose that I have a calling.”

Rev. Magno was encouraged to study in the CPU College of Theology after Dr. Johnny V. Gumban, former Dean of the college, promoted CPU in a Convention assembly at General Santos City. According to him, CPU has equipped him for the long haul.

He is currently the President of the Luzon Convention Baptist Fellowship (LCBF). Under the LCBF are 22 churches. Rev. Magno mentors the leaders and helps them to achieve their vision for their church.

With his heart for preaching and helping others, Rev. Magno’s testimony has encouraged people to persevere and to trust in the purpose of God for their lives.

For his advice to young people who want to know their calling in the Lord, Rev. Magno shared that they should anchor themselves on the Lord and wait for His perfect timing, “There is a difference between sending and going. Moses was called but he had to wait before God could send him. Between the time of calling and sending, they must prepare themselves for ministry, they must seek God’s word fervently.”

Faith and heart for service

Pastor Stevie Leysa, Senior Pastor of Dumangas Baptist Church, is a testimony of God+s goodness and faithfulness to the Convention. Photo Credit – Pastor Stevie Leysa.

In 1983, Pastor Stevie Leysa was offered a distance theological education by the Convention because their church was looking for a pastor. Grabbing the opportunity, he entered the portals of the CPU College of Theology where his faith and heart for service was molded for the ministry.

When asked about what he loves about the ministry, Pastor Leysa shares that it is serving the poor and those in need that fills his heart with joy. As Senior Pastor of Dumangas Baptist Church since 1996, he has encouraged people to pursue God’s purpose, “It is serving the poor and the least that makes me love the ministry, reaching out to them, preaching the Word of God to them.”

He encourages young people who want to pursue their calling to be faithful in Lord and God will surely ordain their steps, “Just be faithful to the Lord then participate in the Lord’s work. By participating, they will learn if the ministry is really for them.”