Christmas at CPU: 10th Festival of Lights and Kantahan
CPU AAI Officers and Members.
The anticipated annual "Festival of Lights" and "Kantahan sa CPU" once again heighten the Christmas celebration at Central Philippine University. The switching on of Christmas lights last December 6, 7:00 PM at the Alumni Promenade Concert Park signaled the start of Christmas festivities at Central.
The customary fireworks display followed the switching on of Christmas lights, one event that the crowd numbering to approximately 2,000 was waiting to take place.
The following night, December 7, children, teens and adults trooped to the opening of the "Kantahan sa CPU", a nightly videoke singing contest.
The alumni crowd at the Alumni
Promenade. At the inset is President
Robles.
Now on its 10th year, the lights festival and kantahan events draw alumni and visitors, mostly coming from nearby barangays, to CPU. CPU Alumni Association, Inc. (CPUAAI) and CPU have jointly sponsored the "Festival of Lights" and "Kantahan sa CPU" for several years now. These events have made CPU a major Christmas destination in Iloilo City; one of the factors that led the Iloilo City council in November 2001 to declare CPU as a tourist destination.
Highlight of the "Festival of Lights" opening celebration was the induction of CPUAAI Officers of 2009. Members of the CPU board and corporation, alumni guests and friends attended the affair.
Dr. Teodoro Robles, CPU's new president gave the inspirational message. He exhorted that the CPU alumni are playing a significant role in preserving the Central Spirit, contributing to its present, and working in partnership for its future. "The active participation of CPUAAI in the life of Central Philippine University enriches and strengthens the University in countless ways", he said.
Diona Ines, Atty Von Lovel Bedora,
Councilor Lyndon Acap, CPU President
Teodoro Robles, Councilor Jeffrey Ganzon,
Joshua Misajon, simultaneously switch
on the Christmas lights at CPU
Recognizing Jesus Christ as our one true light, Dr. Robles said that no amount of beautiful lights could match Jesus Christ, who illumines the whole world from the darkness of sin. "So as the CPUAAI Officers and Board of Trustees members continue on their journey towards a greater Central and when we switch on that light to commence our annual Festival of Lights, let us bear in mind that Jesus Christ is the life giving light that we must shine forth with kindness, gentleness, compassion and love", he concluded.
For lots of people, Christmas season is a time for children and the whole family to gather, to share fun, and revere the birth of our savior Jesus Christ through Christmas lights and music. If that's you, then you will settle yourself to come to CPU with your family and friends this Christmas season.
Fireworks adorn the skies as the colored
lights highlighte the University Church’s
unique Malayan architecture.
You may sit and relax in one of the benches at the Centennial Walkway while watching the bright colored lights that outline the unique and awesome Malayan architecture of the University Church. The lights along the Anahaw Drive offer a dazzling promenade so that when you walk through it starting at Weston Hall, you will have the ethereal feeling of passing through a spectrum. Then the sight of the gigantic Christmas tree of lights looming ahead at the flagpole area adds to the breathtaking effect.
After all, what could be more simply "Filipino Christmas" than having kiosks of your favorite foods at Halfmoon Drive and eating with your family and friends? You may either enjoy and marvel at the promenade of lights or cheer and emote with the singers at the "Kantahan sa CPU".
A portion of the crowd during the
opening of the Festival of Lights.
For sure, you can ooh and aah over the children, teens and adults contestants, competing in their respective categories dressed in their best evening show garbs. Don't miss the familiar "ssssisss…boom!" a voice simulating an explosion to signal that a contestant has been eliminated for singing out of tune or timing.
So head on over to what's sure to be a nightly kickoff to your Christmas spirit. Come to CPU's "Festival of Lights" and "Kantahan sa CPU". The singing contest begins at 6:00 PM and it will run until December 20. There are cash prizes for top three winners in each category.
Auditions for the "Kantahan sa CPU" is ongoing. Please contact Tina at 3292904 or 3291971 local 1033 for further information.