By Nancy Arandela-Fernandez, CPUAAI Trustee
“A Night with Katchry Jewel Golbin” was, without a doubt, an amazing experience for CPU alumni and friends who heard this singing sensation at Faith Baptist Church (FBC) last December 7, 2016. The mini concert-cum-devotional was sponsored by the CPUAA-Greater Manila Chapter. Katchry is a CPU alumna (AB-English ’16).
For The Glory of God – Katchry performs at Faith Baptist Church with performers ifrom the Greater Manila Area CPU Alumni.
‘Alienette Coldfire’ (her name in social media) rendered only four songs that evening but the affair was still a rare treat to all who came and was certainly worth their trouble – i.e. the stress from braving the chaotic after-office Manila traffic! Her audition piece for the France Got Talent competition, ‘La Vie en Rose’, was her opening number followed by ‘I Dreamed A Dream,’ that memorable song from Les Miserables. Her rendition of the finale, ‘The Prayer,’ was so heartwarming that an encore was requested. She obliged with a Christmas favorite, ‘O Holy Night.’ It was perfectly clear why she has become the darling of music lovers here and abroad. In the middle ofthe evening’s program, a news flash was received and was immediately announced that she has made it to the finals of the competition. She is scheduled to return to France very soon to further compete in the next round of the Search. To show its support, the Chapter collected and turned over to her a love gift after the program. More importantly, a special send-off prayer was led by Pastor Byron A. Quimpo, senior pastor of FBC. “It feels good to be surrounded by godly people”, she was heard saying.
We are also grateful to the Psalm 103 Music Ensemble that beautifully played the Prelude, the Postlude, and expertly provided the accompaniment to all the songs. This 5-member group of Christian musicians is composed of Ms. Christine Grace V. Manzala (piano/keyboard), Judge Elma Rafallo-Lingan (viola/violin), Ms. Edna H. Gomez (Flute/oboe), Mr. Noel F. Gomez (violin), and Judge Lily V. Biton (cello/violin), the Centralian in the group.
We certainly appreciate the presence of our CPUAAI President, Mr. Dan P. Dorillo, who graced this latest activity of the Chapter. We were really honored. A heartfelt Thank You, too, to the Chapter’s members for their wholehearted participation: Atty. Sam P. Dorillo for the Invocation; Engr. Rey V. Cordova (Chapter President) for his Welcome Remarks; Mrs. Ivanna G. Dela Pena for the meaningful and inspiring devotional message; and, Pastor Jesse Ray Porras for being the most effective MC. Our gratitude also goes to the indefatigable Ms. Lily Ann Q. Demayo for overseeing the physical arrangement and the sound system at the venue; to Ms. Rose Y. Taganas, Ms. Gaye A. Parcon, and Ms. Nancy A. Fernandez for serving as ushers and ‘errand girls.’ As we know, no gathering is complete without tasty food (especially to us, Ilonggos)! We’re so glad we can always count on Engr. Carl Dela Pena and staff for the scrumptious and satisfying fare. That night we thoroughly enjoyed the pancit molo, ibus, pancit guisado, adobo buns, baye-baye, flowing coffee and iced tea, and many more.
After the program’s angelic music, there was warm fellowship all around. It was evident there was a lot of catching up and bonding happening among the alumni present. The Central Spirit is sooo alive and burning!
Indeed, it was a night to remember!
POSTSCRIPT
Katchry, with her sister Kathryne, flew back to France last Friday, December 9 for the Grand Finals of FRANCE GOT TALENT scheduled last Tuesday, December 13 (Wednesday in Phl). The result? ….. She won 3rd place out of 12 finalists – a truly awesome feat for a blind Ilongga who dared to tread unfamiliar grounds – beyond borders – to achieve her dreams.
CONGRATULATIONS TO KATCHRY, AN OUTSTANDING ALUMA REAPING HONORS FOR HERSELF, HER FAMILY (her mother, Estrella, is also a Centralian – HS ’79, BSC ’84) AND CPU…. THE CPUAAI AND THE WHOLE CPU COMMUNITY IS PROUD OF YOU! – Dan Dorillo, CPUAAI President