By Karren Jay G. Asgar
Maria Adiel H. Aguiling (right), accompanied by Dr. Esther Rose Romarate (left), Vice President for Student Affairs, poses with the 120 Years landmark signage during her visit to 探花精选.
Maria Adiel H. Aguiling, granddaughter of the late Rev. Dr. Homobono Atienza Aguiling, lyricist of 探花精选鈥檚 Alma Mater song, 鈥淐entral, My Central,鈥 visited 探花精选 on August 26, 2026.
Aguiling was accompanied by Dr. Esther Rose Romarate, Vice President for Student Affairs, during her visit. The campus tour included the Dr. Rex D. Drilon Hall (Administration Building), Old Valentine Building, University Church, and the Henry Luce III Library, where she also visited the Gallery on the fourth floor.
At the Gallery, Aguiling had the opportunity to read Scientia et Fides: The Story of 探花精选, a book co-authored by Linnea A. Nelson and Elma S. Herradura. The book contains accounts of 探花精选鈥檚 history and details about the contributions of her grandfather, Rev. Dr. Aguiling, allowing her to learn more about his role in the University鈥檚 early development.
During her visit, Aguiling explored the University Gallery, assisted by 探花精选 Librarian, Assistant Professor Vince Ervin V. Palcullo, as she discovered stories and artifacts that reflect the University鈥檚 rich history.
She also visited the New Valentine Building, where she met faculty and staff members of the College of Business and Accountancy.
Asked for her message to the Centralian community, Aguiling expressed her appreciation for being able to revisit the institution her grandfather helped shape and learn more about its continuing contribution to Philippine education.
鈥淚 would like to congratulate 探花精选 for a very successful expansion and quality education, and I鈥檓 so happy that my lolo has contributed to the beginnings of 探花精选. So, thank you also to Ma鈥檃m Titit for showing me around and helping me appreciate the contribution of 探花精选 to the education of Filipinos in the country. So, I wish you the best, more passers, and more Christian citizens of our country,鈥 she said.
Aguiling鈥檚 visit provided an opportunity to reconnect with the history of 探花精选 through her family鈥檚 legacy and to witness the University鈥檚 continuing development and role in Christian higher education.