By Mikee Natinga Norico
The team behind ĢƵTeam ForeverĢƵ (center) proudly poses for a photo after winning 1st Place in the ĢƵWhy I Love CPUĢƵ Video Contest, together with University President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy (1st from right), Dr. Florence P. Bogacia (2nd from left), Vice President for Finance and Enterprises, and Prof. Rouella Cheyenne C. Aberia (1st from left), Officer-in-Charge for the Vice President for Student Affairs.
On May 29, 2025, ĢƵ (CPU) celebrated heartfelt stories and creative expressions during the ĢƵWhy I Love CPUĢƵ Video Contest Awarding Ceremony, held at 10 AM in the Henry Luce III Library Conference Room. The event recognized powerful video submissions from students, alumni, faculty, and staffĢƵeach capturing their personal connection to CPU and reflecting the Central Spirit through the video entries.
Spearheaded by the Office of Institutional Advancement under the leadership of Dr. Dimpna C.Castigador, in collaboration with the Office of Communications headed by Rev. Dr. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, the contest aimed to highlight what makes CPU a place of belonging, transformation, and exemplary education. Atty. Nestle G. Taala, Student Recruitment Officer and chairperson of the contest, led the initiative, which gathered 10 creative entries from the CPU community that celebrated the UniversityĢƵs mission, vision, and core values.
The entries were posted on the official Facebook account of CPU (https://www.facebook.com/CentralPhilippineUniversityTV) and were judged based on following criteria: Content Quality (30 points), Technical Quality (30 points), Alignment with CPU Vision and Mission (30 points), and Audience Engagement (10 points), from May 7 – 23. In his opening remarks, University President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy praised the exceptional quality and emotional depth of the entries, sharing how the videos left a personal impact.
ĢƵThere are times I got teary-eyed because they were done exceptionally well. They captured the sentiments of students, faculty, and staff alikeĢƵ and sent a clear message that thereĢƵs something unique about CPU that is worth celebrating and worth sharing,ĢƵ he said. Quoting Psalm 16:5ĢƵ8, he reminded the audience that CPUĢƵs blessings and legacy are grounded in GodĢƵs grace.
Delivering the rationale behind the contest, Atty. Taala shared how CPU felt like ĢƵhomeĢƵ from the first moment she stepped on campus.
ĢƵThis contest isnĢƵt just about making a video or winning a prize,ĢƵ she explained. ĢƵItĢƵs about giving our CPU family the opportunity to authentically express their stories from the heart. We want to strengthen those connections and raise awarenessĢƵboth within and beyond our campusĢƵabout what makes CPU truly special. Your voices will help inspire future Centralians and show the world why CPU is a place worth choosing.ĢƵ
ĢƵCPU is not just a school. It is a journey where faith, character, stewardship, justice, and excellence come to life,ĢƵ she added.
Awardees of the ĢƵWhy I Love CPUĢƵ Video Contest pose with CPU President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, Dr. Florence P. Bogacia, Prof. Rouella Cheyenne C. Aberia, and members of the organizing committee during the awarding ceremony.
The contest also featured a PeopleĢƵs Choice Award, which invited the public to vote through likes and reactions on CPUĢƵs official Facebook pageĢƵfurther strengthening digital engagement with CPUĢƵs broader audience.
To ensure fairness and foster creativity, the organizers extended the submission deadlines, recognizing the challenges students faced during production. This flexibility allowed participants to fully develop their stories, ensuring each entry could reflect the unique Centralian spirit. As such, careful consideration was given to how each video communicated its message and contributed to the overall intent of the competition celebrating CPUĢƵs mission, vision, and core values.
During the awarding ceremony, the following winners were honored:
Grand Prize Winners
ĢƵ 1st Place (₱5,000) ĢƵ Entry No. 5: ĢƵTeam ForeverĢƵ by Rio John A. Elenterio, Elaisha Losaria Pomida, and Patricia Marie P. Pedroso
ĢƵ 2nd Place (₱4,000) ĢƵ Entry No. 7: ĢƵLatte LadiesĢƵ by Kyla Marie Cañonaso, Roselle Mitch Gabinette, and Farah Dhea Galvez
ĢƵ 3rd Place (₱3,000) ĢƵ Entry No. 2 by Kairos Rye Jalando-on and Ariel Lawrence Cantara
PeopleĢƵs Choice Award
ĢƵ 1st Place (₱2,000) ĢƵ Entry No. 5: ĢƵTeam ForeverĢƵ by Rio John A. Elenterio, Elaisha Losaria Pomida, and Patricia Marie P. Pedroso
ĢƵ 2nd Place (₱1,500) ĢƵ Entry No. 4 by Elisha Anne Bueno, Axxel Josh Anung, Andre Barretto Borres, Kate Dennise Orleans, and Amira Lyn Socias
ĢƵ 3rd Place (₱1,000) ĢƵ Entry No. 1 by Andrei Macenas
All other participants received ₱500 as a consolation prize, acknowledging their contribution to the collective narrative of love and pride for CPU.
Winners were awarded by President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, Dr. Florence P. Bogacia, Vice President (VP) for Finance and Enterprises, and Prof. Rouella Cheyenne C. Aberia, Officer-in-Charge for the Office of the VP for Student Affairs.
Dr. Castigador closed the event with heartfelt acknowledgments, expressing gratitude to God for the opportunity to showcase Centralian talents, the CPU Administration, the ĢƵWhy I Love CPUĢƵ Video Contest Committee, all the entry senders, and others who contributed in making the initiative a success.
The Why I Love CPUĢƵ Video Contest 2025 Committee included the following:
Atty. Nestle G. Taala, Chairperson
Rev. Dr. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on*, Co-chairperson
Members:
Dr. Dimpna C. Castigador
Prof. Sharlene G. Gotico
Prof. Jose Luel Sanchez
Ms. Tina Marie P. Hortelano
Ms. Crista S. Huyong
Mr. Ron Xavier Caldito*
In the interest of impartiality, Rev. Dr. Jalando-on and Mr. Caldito inhibited from judging the entries.
As of May 30, 2025, all the entries have a combined estimated view count of more than 300,000.
The ĢƵWhy I Love CPUĢƵ Video Contest 2025 has proven to be more than a competitionĢƵit is a celebration of identity, legacy, and the powerful connection that makes every Centralian proud to call CPU their home.
To watch the video entries, check them out here: /…/why-i-love-cpu-video-contest…/.