What are the opening hours?

Monday 7:30am - 5pm Tuesday 7:30am - 5pm Wednesday 7:30am - 5am Thursday 7:30am - 5pm Friday 7:30am - 5pm

https://www.facebook.com/109407734681739/

Nurses' Notes Publication, Lopez Jaena Street , Jaro, Iloilo City (2026)

12/01/2026

𝐒𝐜𝐫𝐮𝐛𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐩𝐭: 𝐀 𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐦 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 | 𝗦𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀

𝗡𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁: Emergency and Disaster Nursing

𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗺: San Andreas

“𝙄𝙩’𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙡. 𝙄𝙩’𝙨 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙖𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙬𝙚’𝙡𝙡 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙖 𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙫𝙞𝙫𝙚.” - Ray Gaines, San Andreas

When the earth trembles and everything turns into chaos and havoc, who are we to hold on to when disaster hits? The movie San Andreas reminds us that destruction often arrives without warning, and by the time it lands, it will shake not only the surface but also the very foundation of our lives. This film shakes more than just buildings, towers, and mansions, but also the human spirit, and tests the unyielding resilience of the heart of a man. Beneath the strong roar of earthquakes and sudden crumble of cities lies a story of survival, adaptability, and the will to save others even when the world is slowly crumbling down before everyone’s eyes.

From a nursing perspective, especially in emergency and disaster nursing, it demonstrates the importance of preparedness, resilience, and response in times of calamity. It captures the essence of what it means to respond when everything else fails. The movie follows Ray Gaines, a rescue pilot, as he races against nature’s fury to save his family after a devastating earthquake tears through California. This emphasizes how significant time is, particularly in situations where every second counts and every action and decision determines survival. The line “It’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when,” spoken by Lawrence Hayes, perfectly captures the mindset and theme of disaster nursing. It reminds healthcare professionals that disasters are inevitable, and it is only through anticipation, training, and presence of mind that lives are saved. Thus, nurses must always be prepared to respond – physically, mentally, and emotionally because it is through the presence of a calm mind that they will be able to guide others to safety.

Emergency and disaster nursing is not only about first aid or triage but it encompasses emotional endurance and empathy. Just as Ray dives into danger to save others, nurses too step forward and into uncertainty to deliver care amidst their own fears and doubts. They provide stability and tranquillity when the world feels unsteady, hope when all seems lost, and reassurance when panic overwhelms everyone. It also reflects vital practices such as teamwork, communication, and compassion that can transform moments of despair into opportunities for healing and hope. With that, this film portrays how preparedness and presence of mind can make the difference between life and loss—a message deeply resonant with the nursing profession.

For student nurses, San Andreas reminds us that disaster nursing is not just a profession—it is a calling. It means standing firm when everything else falls apart, offering comfort in confusion, and being the quiet strength that assures others they are safe and seen.

We may not always be able to stop the ground from shaking, but like Ray of San Andreas, we can learn to rise from the rubble and rebuild—with courage, care, and compassion leading the way.

Caption by: Misty Melgajero
Layout by: Riz Isabel Molina

12/01/2026

𝗡𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗗: 𝗔𝗻𝘀𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗼 𝗣𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲-𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗡𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽

A quiet force that turns compassion into action, leadership in nursing emerges in every decision, every unheard voice amplified by the desire to serve, and every moment of care under pressure. It starts with a purpose, responsibility, and the courage to stand for others.

These principles are then brought to life through programs that connect educators with the next generation of nurse leaders. Thus, building on this commitment, two faculty members from the Central Philippine University College of Nursing (CPUCON), namely Dr. Raymund Partisala and Prof. Harley Dela Cruz, served as scholars under the NurseLEAD Program.

The NurseLEAD is a leadership program developed by the University of the Philippines Manila College of Nursing (UPCN) to strengthen leadership and expertise in public health nursing educators through structured training, mentorship, and collaborative engagement. The initiative aims to equip nurse educators with essential competencies in leadership, collaboration, self-awareness, systems thinking, and innovation. By strengthening these skills, the program prepares them to respond to the evolving challenges of public health and nursing education, while fostering the ability to translate leadership principles into effective teaching, community engagement, and improvements in health systems.

For Dr. Partisala, being a participant in the NurseLEAD program, enhanced his role as a clinical instructor by broadening his approach beyond the teaching of clinical competencies alone. As he shared, the program “deepened his appreciation of leadership, collaboration, self-awareness, ethical practice, and systems-based thinking as essential components of clinical education. Through NurseLEAD, I was able to integrate leadership development into my instructional strategies, mentoring students to become reflective, socially accountable, and community-oriented nurses.”

Furthermore, he successfully completed all program requirements and earned 45 CPD units, reflecting his dedication to professional growth. As part of the program, he presented his capstone project, “TechTalks for Health: Leveraging ICT Tools in Community-Based Nursing Education and Health Promotion,” which introduced innovative strategies to enhance student engagement and community health awareness, shared the project’s concepts and outcomes with his fellow clinical instructors to foster collaborative learning and inspire teaching innovation, and was implemented in instructional and clinical settings to put leadership training into practice.

In line with this, the UPCN NurseLEAD Program Validation Team conducted a Capstone Validation Visit at the CPUCON last January 8, 2026. Led by UPCN Dean Dr. Sheila Bonito and NurseLEAD Program Coordinator Prof. Josephine Cariaso, the delegation aimed to provide academic and leadership support through technical assistance, mentorship, and collaborative dialogue, while also sharing best practices, reflecting on leadership experiences, and contextualizing leadership concepts within local institutional and community settings. In addition to validating Dr. Partisala’s capstone project and offering constructive feedback on its conceptual framework, implementation strategies, and alignment with public health nursing goals, the NurseLEAD Team also supported Mr. De La Cruz’s interprofessional education initiative with the KABALAKA Reproductive Health Center, highlighting the value of interdisciplinary and community-based approaches in strengthening nursing education and promoting health.

CPUCON Dean Prof. Melba Sale also noted that the visit served as an opportunity for the deans of both colleges to exchange experiences on programs related to the outreach and community projects of CPU, gain a deeper understanding of the significance of the platform offered by NurseLEAD in the academe, and showcase one of the university’s best features—the Birthing Center and the KABALAKA Reproductive Health Center–unique programs that function as direct patient centers within the college.

For NurseLEAD participants and clinical instructors such as Dr. Partisala, collaborations such as these are vital in strengthening nursing education and clinical practice. He emphasized that through these partnerships, innovative teaching–learning strategies are fostered alongside evidence-based, leadership-driven practice, strengthening the social accountability of nursing institutions. Ultimately, such collaborations sustain a culture of leadership, continuous improvement, and transformative nursing education that remains responsive to the evolving needs of communities and the broader health system.

Not everyone can be a leader, but those who accept its call rise with purpose, courage, and a commitment to serve beyond themselves. In nursing, this call is answered through collaboration, compassion, and commitment —where leadership becomes not a title, but a responsibility to shape the future of care and uplift the communities we serve.

Caption by: Renelyn Faith S. Gabucay
Layout by: Gwyneth Frondoza

10/01/2026

𝐒𝐜𝐫𝐮𝐛𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐩𝐭𝐬: 𝐀 𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐦 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
𝐍𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭: 𝐌𝐒
𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐦: 𝐟𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 (𝟐𝟎𝟏𝟗)

How could two hearts collide when the world insists they stay five feet apart—when every inch closer is a risk, and every shared breath is a whispered defiance of fate?

Rachael Lippincott, Mikki Daughtry, and Tobias Iaconis’s “Five Feet Apart,” which came to life on screen in 2019 under the direction of Justin Baldoni, was more than just a romantic story. It was a delicate portrayal of love constrained by circumstance, how it overcomes human fragility, and the desperate longing to connect despite life’s cruel limitations.

Stella and Will’s journey as teenagers who both have cystic fibrosis depicts how distance can be both a boundary and a bridge. Despite their physical separation, their fates remained to be intertwined, as they found themselves gravitating toward each other. Together, they fostered a connection that transcends the physical and delves into the emotional and spiritual realms of care. As they explore love in their own ways, they begin to rediscover what it means to truly live, a testament to the resilience of human spirit and how love can expound boundaries even when life is measured in careful breaths and limited spaces. Beneath its youthful tenderness lies a story that reminds us what it truly means to live fully—to breathe deeply, to feel freely, and to reach for another soul even when touch is forbidden. It reveals how the white and soulless corners of the hospital can be transformed by the radiant colors and warmth of hope and quiet defiance, blooming even in places where it is least allowed to exist.

Resonating profoundly in the nursing profession, Stella and Will’s journey emphasizes the significance of empathy, compassion, and therapeutic connection in patient care. Just as how the characters see each other beyond their illnesses, nurses too must possess the mind and the heart to understand their patients deeply and genuinely. With a compassionate touch, they must reach out not only to heal the physical wounds but also to listen to their stories with empathy and to bring comfort to the unseen emotional scars that accompany illness. In moments when words may falter and silence fills the space, a nurse’s presence can become a source of strength. It reminds us that a nurse’s role extends beyond administering treatments. It requires us to master the art of listening, notice the tremor in a voice, the cracks beneath a facade, and to respond not only with skill but with sincerity and compassion.

With that, Five Feet Apart lingers long after the final breath, not because of its tragedy, but because of the silent truth that it offers to its audience. The film serves as a reflection to both nurses and student nurses: that even when we cannot close the distance, we can still reach out and let our warmth embrace those who need it.

So, can love really cross the boundaries of distance and fear? Five Feet Apart gently answers—yes. Two hearts can indeed collide. Not through touch, but through presence. Like this form of love, nursing, too, is an act of courage—to reach beyond barriers and care beyond limits, even when the world insights we stay apart.

Written by: Gabucay, Renelyn Faith
Layout by: Molina, Riz Isab

09/01/2026

𝘾𝙋𝙐 𝙉𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙎𝙩𝙪𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝘾𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙘𝙞𝙡 𝙂𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙨 𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙍𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙜𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝘼𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙡𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙩𝙝 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙐𝙉𝙀𝙎𝘾𝙊 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

The Central Philippine University (CPU) College of Nursing Student Council participated in the International Assembly of Youth for UNESCO (Y4U) 2025, conducted from November 21 to 23 at Forest Crest Nature Hotel and Resort in Nasugbu, Batangas, where national and international youth organizations gathered to share perspectives, strengthen leadership capacities, and advance youth-driven initiatives aligned with UNESCO’s advocacies through structured discussions, collaborative engagements, academic competitions, and cultural presentations, leading to the council’s renewed international affiliation and confirmation of good organizational standing.

During the assembly, the CPU College of Nursing Student Council secured renewed international affiliation as a youth organization recognized under UNESCO and received a commendation confirming its good organizational standing. This distinction reflects the council’s sustained engagement in service initiatives, cultural advocacy, and programs aligned with international development frameworks.

Throughout the multi-day gathering, participants took part in leadership forums, recognition ceremonies, community-product exhibitions, and cooperative challenges designed to strengthen teamwork. Intellectual competitions focusing on general knowledge, written expression, and visual communication highlighted the academic excellence and creativity of the delegates, while cultural presentations fostered mutual understanding among participants from different backgrounds.

The event concluded with an inspirational address delivered by Atty. Chel Diokno, who underscored the importance of moral leadership, empathy, and accountability in shaping future leaders.

Representing the College of Nursing Student Council were Governor Camille Angela Belandres, Board Members Ralph Belle Gonzales and Alhea Mejicano, Office of the Governor Secretary Geraldine Rae Bibanco, and Kyra Francisco, who actively engaged in both competitive and collaborative segments of the program. Joining them were student nurse representatives from the CPU Republic, Senator Bea May Altubar and Ofe Marie Arones, reflecting the growing presence of nursing students in national and international leadership platforms.

The delegation also expressed appreciation for the guidance of Prof. Harley Dela Cruz, Atty. Salex Alibogha, and Dean Melba Sale, whose mentorship contributed to the council’s successful participation.

Through its involvement in the International Assembly of Youth for UNESCO 2025, the CPU College of Nursing Student Council continues to expand its global engagement, reinforcing its role in advancing youth leadership and socially responsive initiatives.

Written by: Jeoff Ashley Torres
Layout by: Julia Christine Galino

08/01/2026

||𝗩𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵||
𝗧𝘂𝗸𝗹𝗮𝘀 𝗟𝘂𝗻𝗮𝘀 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗻𝘁𝗶-𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗯𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗧𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘁: 𝗔 𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗼 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗯𝗲𝘁𝗲𝘀

Diabetes, a condition characterized by chronically elevated blood sugar levels, remains a significant public health concern in the Philippines. It is currently the fourth leading cause of death in the country. According to the International Diabetes Federation, as of 2024, the prevalence of diabetes among Filipino adults stood at 7.5%, accounting for approximately 4.7 million cases.
In response to this growing health crisis, a team of Filipino researchers from the University of the Philippines, led by College of Pharmacy Associate Professor Bienvenido Balotro, has developed a standardized herbal anti-diabetes tablet. Known as the Tuklas Lunas herbal antidiabetic tablet, this formulation offers a cost-effective, plant-based alternative for managing diabetes.
The tablet functions by inhibiting the α-glucosidase enzyme, which plays a key role in the breakdown of carbohydrates into glucose. By blocking this enzyme, the herbal tablet helps regulate blood sugar levels and reduces the risk of sudden spikes—a critical factor in preventing serious complications such as kidney failure, cardiovascular disease, and nerve damage.
This cost-alternative innovation was presented by Assistant Professor Raymond Fernando Yu at the 2nd Pharma and Healthcare Expo held on February 26, 2025. The product was developed under the “Tuklas Lunas” Program, a flagship initiative of the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD). The program harnesses the country’s rich biodiversity and scientific talent to develop world-class pharmaceuticals using locally sourced medicinal plants.
The formulation incorporates bioactive compounds previously studied for their potential in managing metabolic disorders, including cardiac glycosides, saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, and tannins. These compounds were derived from Philippine medicinal plants, emphasizing the program’s commitment to sustainable and indigenous resources.
A utility model for the tablet has been filed and secured through the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines, signaling a major step toward potential commercialization.
This pioneering breakthrough is more than just a medical advancement—it’s a celebration of the Philippines’ rich natural resources and the brilliance of local scientific minds. By transforming indigenous medicinal plants into a powerful, standardized anti-diabetic treatment, the Tuklas Lunas herbal tablet exemplifies how the country’s biodiversity can be harnessed to solve urgent health problems. It reflects a future where Filipino innovation thrives by drawing strength from its own soil, proving that sustainable, homegrown solutions can lead the way in addressing global diseases like diabetes.
In light of this, we are left to ask: Is it time we looked inward—to our land, our science, and our culture—for world-class cures?

Written by: Gabucay, Renelyn Faith
Layout by: Alyann Ardiente Oquendo

05/01/2026

𝗖𝗣𝗨 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗡𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗲𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗢𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

The Central Philippine University College of Nursing (CPU CON) officially opened the second semester of Academic Year 2025–2026 through a General Orientation Program held at the Rose Memorial Auditorium. The event welcomed nursing students and faculty members across all year levels and was creatively themed after the Netflix series Stranger Things.

The annual second-semester orientation was conducted from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and aimed to familiarize students with the program’s outcomes, expectations, and guidelines for the upcoming term. Key speakers provided important reminders regarding academic policies, conduct, and professional standards within the College of Nursing.

In her devotional message, Pastor Justine Mije emphasized that the gathering served as a reminder of the nursing community’s identity—resilient, committed, and always ready to serve. Students were also introduced to their respective instructors and participated in interactive games and activities. Special numbers performed by fellow students highlighted the talents within the College of Nursing, drawing enthusiastic support from the audience.

One of the highlights of the program was the presentation of the Nightingales Merit Awards, which recognized students and organizations for their leadership, competitive achievements, and participation in university-wide, national, and international events. Awardees were honored in various categories, including leadership, university week competitions, academic and sports events, and special participations.

A senior nursing student shared that the orientation felt sentimental, noting that witnessing underclassmen participate reminded her of her own beginnings in the program. Another student described the event as engaging and informative, citing the interactive games and clear reiteration of program guidelines and dress code policies.

The orientation concluded earlier than scheduled and officially marked the start of the second semester, setting a positive and motivated tone for the academic journey ahead for CPU College of Nursing students.

Written by: Mikaela Columna
Photos by: Praved'a Banaag, Alexie Beatrice Gelvezon and Gwyneth Marie Frondoza

05/01/2026

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿!

It’s now time to get back on track!

Have you listed your New Year’s resolutions yet? Or your goals for 2026? Well, it’s definitely time to open our books and review our lessons once again.

We hope you enjoyed your much-needed vacation and the time you spent resting with your families and friends. Now it’s time to study hard and ace our subjects. It is time to be the academic achievers that we are.

Central Philippine University – College of Nursing warmly awaits your arrival once again. Today, 𝙅𝙖𝙣𝙪𝙖𝙧𝙮 𝟓, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔, marks our first day back on campus after a long and well-awaited holiday break. We will return in our uniforms, bringing our books, pens, and notebooks.

As we return to our studies, let us remind ourselves of our goals and the importance of discipline, focus, and perseverance. Every lesson, activity, and assessment brings us one step closer to growth and success. 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙚𝙘𝙩 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙧𝙚𝙗𝙪𝙞𝙡𝙙 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙨𝙩𝙪𝙙𝙮 𝙝𝙖𝙗𝙞𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙚𝙫𝙚 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝙜𝙤𝙖𝙡𝙨, 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙥 𝙖𝙩 𝙖 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚.

Caption by: Winnielyn Lencioco
Layout by: Miles Cameseria
Photos by: Vianneie Dominique, Bernadas, Mikaela Columna, Gwyneth Marie Frondoza, KZ Pagantihon, & Quencess Linette Traje

03/01/2026

𝐷𝑖𝑣𝑎𝑠 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑛'𝑡 𝑏𝑜𝑟𝑛 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦 𝐽𝑎𝑛𝑢𝑎𝑟𝑦 2— 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝑁𝑁𝑃 𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑙𝑦 𝑏𝑟𝑜𝑘𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑢𝑙𝑒𝑠.✨

Being around this queen feels like instant sunshine with a bold splash of sass and wit. Nurses’ Notes Publication wouldn’t be the same without his bubbly energy, cheeky charm, and never-ending stories that keep everyone entertained.

𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐑𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐭 𝐁. 𝐋𝐨𝐳𝐚𝐝𝐚 𝐉𝐫., our 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗘𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿 and 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗱. As you step into 2026, may 𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙚, 𝙖𝙗𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚, and 𝙢𝙖𝙞𝙣-𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙧 moments come your way. We can’t wait to see you strut confidently toward your dreams and absolutely ace your studies.

We’re beyond grateful to have such a fun, vibrant, and unforgettable soul in our family—someone who truly knows how to light up a room and own it.

Never let anyone dim your light—it was made to shine. Keep slaying, bae. 💅✨ May God guide you always.

With love,
𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝑵𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒔’ 𝑵𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒔 𝒇𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒚

24/12/2025

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗚𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗹𝗹

My sister and I would wait by the balcony, hearts racing as we imagined the presents meant for us. Big dolls, shiny shoes, pink dresses, matching watches, and expensive toys are waiting for us.

They came well wrapped in colored papers.

One for each daughter—neatly labeled with their nicknames and with a familiar note: “Para sa mga prinsesa ni Papa.”

Every Christmas, boxes arrived before our father ever did.

𝘽𝙪𝙩 𝙋𝙖𝙥𝙖 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙘𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙝𝙤𝙢𝙚.

“Oh, mga anak, tumatawag na si Papa nyo,” said Mother.

“Hello Papa! Thank you for the gifts, they’re very pretty!”

“I’m glad you like them, mga anak. Be good and listen to Mama, okay?” he’d reply.

“Papa, uuwi ba ikaw?”

“Sorry, mga anak ko. Hindi muna makakauwi si Papa ngayong Christmas. Bawi nalang ako next year. Is that okay baby?”

“OKAY!” my sister and I both shouted.

For papa, gifts meant love.

𝙁𝙤𝙧 𝙪𝙨, 𝙜𝙞𝙛𝙩𝙨 𝙢𝙚𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚.

We played with our toys, smiling for photos, convincing ourselves that this was what Christmas looked like.

Years have passed.

Dolls are displayed.

Toys were replaced by phones.

And our wishes shifted to makeup and clothes.

As we grew older, the boxes felt heavier.

The little girls known by him grew into teenagers.

The colorful boxes still arrived, but the excitement had slowly dulled.

We would unwrap his gifts politely, smiled for the camera, but a feeling of longing lingered beneath our laughter.

“Papa, uuwi ka ba?” I asked, my younger sister listening closely beside me.
“Sorry, mga anak, mukhang hindi rin ako makakauwi ngayon. Marami pa kasi akong aasikasuhin sa opisina. Bawi na lang si Papa sa susunod.”

After Papa hung up the call, we felt a slight pang of sadness lingering not only in us, but in Mama as well.

The atmosphere grew heavy and gloomy.

The food went cold.

We had gifts, yes, but the empty chair at our table reminded us what we were missing.

That night, after celebrating Noche Buena with the family, I imagined him packing the presents we had received. I pictured the toll of his work and finally understood that no amount of money or gifts could ever replace the gift we want most—𝙩𝙤 𝙘𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙖𝙜𝙞𝙘 𝙤𝙛 𝘾𝙝𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙢𝙖𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙝𝙞𝙢.

Years have passed.

That night, alone in his small apartment abroad, He stared at the pile of boxes he had bought for them.

His heart tightened.

He had worked so hard to provide.

To give them gifts, thinking that money could replace the moments he missed.

He looked at their pictures.

He saw their forced smiles and the empty chair.

Then finally understood.

Now in their twenties, the sisters sat across from each other at the same dining table.

That year, no box arrived.

They wondered.

Knock, knock, knock

Three slow knocks on the door.

Mother froze

My sister and I looked at each other

And hearts suddenly pounding

When the door opened, there were no colorful boxes. No pasalubong.

Only a man, soaked from the rain.

“Pwede pa ba akong pumasok?” he asked.

For the very moment, no one moved.

Then my younger sister ran first. She didn’t speak. She just hugged him, and I followed her.

Tears spilling freely now.

Years of waiting collapsing into that one embrace.

“Ang laki niyo na,” their father whispered.

“Maligayang pasko mga anak.”

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙜𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙜𝙞𝙛𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙬𝙖𝙨𝙣’𝙩 𝙞𝙣 𝙖 𝙗𝙤𝙭

𝙄𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙛𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙮.

Caption by: Eveanda S. Santo
Layout by: KZ Pangantihon

24/12/2025

𝗦𝗶𝗺𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗚𝗮𝗯𝗶

Every December, Christmas truly begins for us when the clock strikes at 8:00 PM in our barangay.

“Bilisan niyo, magsisimula na ang Simbang Gabi!” my mother would call out as the church bells echoed through our barangay. The sound alone was enough to fill the night with excitement. The air felt cooler, softer, and somehow kinder.

That night was even more special.

“Andiyan na sila!” someone whispered excitedly as our OFW family members walked toward us, smiling, carrying pasalubong and warm hugs.

“Sa wakas, kumpleto na tayo ngayong Pasko,” my father said softly. In that moment, standing together under the glowing Christmas lights, we felt whole again. Inside the church, candles flickered as prayers were whispered, and the choir sang.

Outside the church, joy danced freely.

“Tara, habulan!” the kids shouted as they ran around, laughter ringing through the night. Along the driveway, bright stalls lined the path.

“Cotton candy! Popcorn! Mais!” the vendors called out cheerfully. The smell of roasted corn mixed with the cool December breeze, and the colorful lights sparkled like tiny stars.

After the Mass, we gathered near the stalls.
“Isa lang ha” my mom reminded us, smiling.
“Isa lang… pero malaki!” my sibling jokes, making everyone laugh. As we walked home together, holding snacks and sharing stories, I felt a warmth that no cold night could take away.

“Ganito talaga ang Pasko” my lola said, looking at all of us.
I smiled, realizing she was right. In those 8:00 PM Simbang Gabi nights, surrounded by faith, laughter, and family, Christmas wasn’t just a season, it was a feeling. Bright, magical, and complete. 🎄✨

Caption by: Steven Carl Ballenas
Layout by: Caleb Chan

24/12/2025

𝐂𝐏𝐔 𝐂𝐎𝐍 𝐂𝐨-𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐈𝐖𝐎𝐂𝐍𝐄𝐏 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐒𝐲𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐮𝐦 𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐎𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐲 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞

The 𝘾𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙡 𝙋𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙥𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙐𝙣𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝘾𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙜𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙉𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜 (𝘾𝙋𝙐 𝘾𝙊𝙉), reinforced its commitment to advancing healthcare education and practice as it co-hosted the𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙒𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙, 𝙊𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙢𝙮, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙉𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙀𝙙𝙪𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙢 (𝙄𝙒𝙊𝘾𝙉𝙀𝙋) at 𝙂𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙓𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙄𝙢𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙃𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙡 this 𝘿𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧 𝟏𝟑, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓. The conference gathered healthcare professionals, educators, and specialists to address critical developments in wound, ostomy, and continence care.

As one of the event’s key academic partners, CPU CON, under the leadership of 𝘿𝙚𝙖𝙣 𝙈𝙚𝙡𝙗𝙖 𝘾. 𝙎𝙖𝙡𝙚 and the College faculty, played an active role in supporting IWOCNEP’s mission of strengthening specialized nursing practice through education, collaboration, and innovation. The partnership aligns with CPU’s involvement in advancing wound, ostomy, and continence nursing education, where clinical training and professional development are translated from academic discourse into hands-on practice. The College’s participation highlighted its sustained efforts to contribute to initiatives that respond to the evolving demands of healthcare both locally and globally.

The opening remark was delivered by 𝘿𝙚𝙖𝙣 𝙈𝙚𝙡𝙗𝙖 𝘾. 𝙎𝙖𝙡𝙚. The keynote speaker for this event was 𝘿𝙧. 𝙍𝙤𝙗𝙚𝙧𝙩 𝙀. 𝙋𝙤𝙣𝙟𝙚, Former Chief Operating Officer of Healthway Qualimed Hospital Iloilo and a retired government nurse with more than three decades of experience, delivered the keynote address, providing a framework for the discussions and setting the tone for the conference.

Among the highlights were plenary sessions led by local and international speakers, including 𝘿𝙧. 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙡𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙎𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙝, who discussed the evolution of wound care and the importance of continence education in nursing practice; 𝘿𝙧. 𝙂𝙖𝙗𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙡 𝙊𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙜𝙤𝙯𝙖, who traced the impact of IWOCNEP in Philippine nursing education; and 𝘿𝙧. 𝙆𝙧𝙞𝙨 𝙍𝙖𝙮𝙢𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙁𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙞𝙨𝙘𝙤, who outlined the core principles of effective wound management. Global perspectives were shared by 𝙈𝙨. 𝙉𝙞𝙢𝙛𝙖 𝙅𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙡𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙋𝙖𝙡𝙤𝙢𝙤 𝘽𝙪𝙞𝙯𝙤𝙣, highlighting wound and ostomy care practices in the United Arab Emirates, while 𝘿𝙧. 𝘼𝙣𝙣𝙞𝙚𝙡𝙮𝙣 𝘼𝙯𝙤𝙧-𝙊𝙘𝙖𝙢𝙥𝙤 provided both theoretical and hands-on insights into ostomy care and management. Sessions on certification pathways and professional growth were delivered by 𝘿𝙧. 𝘼𝙡𝙚𝙭 𝘼𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙖𝙡𝙖𝙣, alongside policy-focused discussions on wound care coverage by 𝘿𝙧. 𝙍𝙤𝙮𝙘𝙚 𝙎. 𝙍𝙚𝙮𝙚𝙨. The mast plenary session was shared by 𝙈𝙨. 𝙁𝙞𝙖 𝘿. 𝙋𝙖𝙗𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖, who emphasized the development of sustainable wound and ostomy care practices.

Reflecting on the relevance of the symposium in today’s healthcare landscape, 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙛𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙤𝙧 𝙅𝙚𝙧𝙧𝙮 𝘼𝙗𝙡𝙚, 𝙍𝙉, shared, “With the increasing complexity of patient conditions, aging populations, and rising prevalence of chronic wounds, ostomies, and continence issues, healthcare professionals must remain updated with evidence-based practices and global standards of care.” He further emphasized that “IWOCNEP provides a platform for knowledge exchange, skills enhancement, and professional collaboration, allowing nurses and other health practitioners to bridge the gap between theory and practice.”

𝘿𝙧. 𝙂𝙖𝙗𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙡 𝙊𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙜𝙤𝙯𝙖, an adjunct CPU CON professor instrumental in introducing IWOCNEP to the College, also highlighted the practical value of the plenary sessions, “The advanced wound management discussions provide insights I can integrate into teaching, clinical instruction, and mentorship for nursing students and professionals.” He further emphasized that the learnings reinforce leadership, advance quality improvement, and promote patient safety in both academic and clinical settings.

The symposium concluded with closing remarks from the Asst. Chief Nurse of Healthway Qualimed and Ward Nurse Manager, 𝙎𝙞𝙧 𝙎𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙬𝙞𝙣 𝙅𝙖𝙮 𝙈. 𝙁𝙞𝙜𝙪𝙚𝙧𝙤𝙖, the symposium chairperson and a part-time instructor of CPU CON. formally wrapping up the symposium and acknowledging the contributions of all participants.

Through their active participation as co-hosts and partners of IWOCNEP 2025, the 𝘾𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙡 𝙋𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙥𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙐𝙣𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝘾𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙜𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙉𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙝𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙌𝙪𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙙 reaffirmed their roles as partners in progress—committed to collaboration, innovation, and excellence in nursing education and healthcare practice.

Written by: KZ Pangantihon
Photos by: Jia G. Jamona

Nurses' Notes Publication

12/01/2026

12/01/2026

10/01/2026

09/01/2026

08/01/2026

05/01/2026

05/01/2026

03/01/2026

24/12/2025

24/12/2025

24/12/2025

Address

Opening Hours

Website

Alerts

Contact The Business

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Monday	7:30am - 5pm
Tuesday	7:30am - 5pm
Wednesday	7:30am - 5am
Thursday	7:30am - 5pm
Friday	7:30am - 5pm