Interview with Mr. Loven Ramos, Artist by Philippine President's Media Team
Loven Ramos says on Facebook (4 April 2012):
“I am missing the chance to meet President Aquino in Phnom Penh today because 1.) 11 professors from my university are staying with us today at the hotel 2.) I have way too much work for the opening of our new exhibition on Friday, Khmer Revelry, at 1961 and also the Woven Words Poetry Workshop with Luis Batchoy on Saturday. 3.) I am running seriously low on funds for all the traveling we’ve been doing to Phnom Penh!
So instead of sulking for the missed opportunity, I am thanking the heavens for a chance to be interviewed by the president’s media team as one of the featured Filipinos in Cambodia… (thanks Léon Franco for the link!)”
ABOUT LOVEN RAMOS
Loven Ramos is a Centralian visual poet who moved to Cambodia in 2005 as a graphic designer for a local hotel. Six months to his contract, he received calls from other hotels and institutions to help them with their design work as well. Realizing the potential of the business, he quit his job and opened his first venture in Cambodia – a design and photography studio called Spoolworks.
Now able to balance his commercial work with his passion for the arts, he was able to work on his series of artworks about Cambodian monks which led him to exhibitions all over Cambodia, the Philippines and Singapore. The same series of artworks also got him an invitation to represent the Philippines and Cambodia in the 2008 Beijing Olympics Global Art Exhibition.
His passion for the arts and design enabled him to open several businesses and projects like Poetry, ArtDeli, the One Shop, Hotel 1961 (all in Siem Reap) and recently, the ARTillery in Phnom Penh. The Phnom Penh Post recently called him one of the kingdom’s most dynamic, young “ART-repreneurs”, always bringing art to the core of his business endeavors.
Loven also does photographic tours and historical tours of Angkor on a regular basis, and he has led these tours to prominent celebrities and government officials like Senator Loren Legarda, Senator Piya Cayetano, and business tycoon Ben Chan.
Loven is still based in Siem Reap with his wife Faith, also a Centralian and his son Freedom.
BUSINESS VENTURES / PROJECTS:
SPOOLWORKS
A photography and design studio established in 2005
- As a designer, Loven has handled design and brand management for major companies in Cambodia and worldwide such as Raffles Hotels, Sofitel, Aman Resorts (Indonesia), Orient Express, Voyageurs sans Bagage (France), 2BU ad agency (Australia) and Xyclo (USA)
- As a photographer, Loven has been the photographer to official state visits and events for the following leaders and celebrities: HRH Queen Sofia of Spain, President Ruth Dreyfuss of Switzerland, Princess Maha Chakri of Thailand, and pop star Ricky Martin.
POETRY
A clothing and lifestyle store opened in 2009
- Featured in the Philippine Star and Garage Magazine
An art gallery and cafe opened in 2010
- Featured in publications like Travel+Leisure, DestinAsian,
An art hotel and gallery dedicated to the 1960’s opened in 2011
- Featured in a short documentary on Canada’s Evasion TV Channel
- Featured in a documentary on travel to Southeast Asia in GMA 7’s I-Witness Program
- Featured in CNN’s Go.
ANGKOR ART EXPLO
The first bi-yearly art festival in Angkor and Battambang started in 2011, next one is in January 2013
- Brought in 5 artists from the Philippines to co-exhibit with 30 other artists from Cambodia and all over the world
- Established the “Art in the Countryside” program through a 200 km journey on art bicycles
ARTILLERY
A café, boutique and art gallery opened in 2012
Know more about Loven Ramos and his works at http://www.lovenramos.com/
Central Philippine University Blog is proud of you. Your works and achievements are inspiration to us. God bless you and your family!
Interview with Mr. Loven Ramos, Artist by Philippine President’s Media Team
Loven Ramos says on Facebook (4 April 2012):
“I am missing the chance to meet President Aquino in Phnom Penh today because 1.) 11 professors from my university are staying with us today at the hotel 2.) I have way too much work for the opening of our new exhibition on Friday, Khmer Revelry, at 1961 and also the Woven Words Poetry Workshop with Luis Batchoy on Saturday. 3.) I am running seriously low on funds for all the traveling we’ve been doing to Phnom Penh!
So instead of sulking for the missed opportunity, I am thanking the heavens for a chance to be interviewed by the president’s media team as one of the featured Filipinos in Cambodia… (thanks Léon Franco for the link!)”
ABOUT LOVEN RAMOS
Loven Ramos is a Centralian visual poet who moved to Cambodia in 2005 as a graphic designer for a local hotel. Six months to his contract, he received calls from other hotels and institutions to help them with their design work as well. Realizing the potential of the business, he quit his job and opened his first venture in Cambodia – a design and photography studio called Spoolworks.
Now able to balance his commercial work with his passion for the arts, he was able to work on his series of artworks about Cambodian monks which led him to exhibitions all over Cambodia, the Philippines and Singapore. The same series of artworks also got him an invitation to represent the Philippines and Cambodia in the 2008 Beijing Olympics Global Art Exhibition.
His passion for the arts and design enabled him to open several businesses and projects like Poetry, ArtDeli, the One Shop, Hotel 1961 (all in Siem Reap) and recently, the ARTillery in Phnom Penh. The Phnom Penh Post recently called him one of the kingdom’s most dynamic, young “ART-repreneurs”, always bringing art to the core of his business endeavors.
Loven also does photographic tours and historical tours of Angkor on a regular basis, and he has led these tours to prominent celebrities and government officials like Senator Loren Legarda, Senator Piya Cayetano, and business tycoon Ben Chan.
Loven is still based in Siem Reap with his wife Faith, also a Centralian and his son Freedom.
BUSINESS VENTURES / PROJECTS:
SPOOLWORKS
A photography and design studio established in 2005
- As a designer, Loven has handled design and brand management for major companies in Cambodia and worldwide such as Raffles Hotels, Sofitel, Aman Resorts (Indonesia), Orient Express, Voyageurs sans Bagage (France), 2BU ad agency (Australia) and Xyclo (USA)
- As a photographer, Loven has been the photographer to official state visits and events for the following leaders and celebrities: HRH Queen Sofia of Spain, President Ruth Dreyfuss of Switzerland, Princess Maha Chakri of Thailand, and pop star Ricky Martin.
POETRY
A clothing and lifestyle store opened in 2009
- Featured in the Philippine Star and Garage Magazine
An art gallery and cafe opened in 2010
- Featured in publications like Travel+Leisure, DestinAsian,
An art hotel and gallery dedicated to the 1960’s opened in 2011
- Featured in a short documentary on Canada’s Evasion TV Channel
- Featured in a documentary on travel to Southeast Asia in GMA 7’s I-Witness Program
- Featured in CNN’s Go.
ANGKOR ART EXPLO
The first bi-yearly art festival in Angkor and Battambang started in 2011, next one is in January 2013
- Brought in 5 artists from the Philippines to co-exhibit with 30 other artists from Cambodia and all over the world
- Established the “Art in the Countryside” program through a 200 km journey on art bicycles
ARTILLERY
A café, boutique and art gallery opened in 2012
Know more about Loven Ramos and his works at http://www.lovenramos.com/
Central Philippine University Blog is proud of you. Your works and achievements are inspiration to us. God bless you and your family!
Central Philippine University Alumnus’ Photos Featured in Yahoo NZ
We take pride and honour in featuring the photographs of Engr. Karl Hipolito that Yahoo NZ featured in Yahoo NZ Total Travel Destination of the Month: Coromandel.
See Karl’s photos and captions of Coromandel.
You will find the Coromandel Peninsula as you travel in the North Island of New Zealand. The peninsula is located in the Waikato Region and Thames-Coromandel District and stretches 85 kilometres north from the western end of the Bay of Plenty. Its shape forms a natural barrier to protect the Hauraki Gulf and Firth of Thames from the tempest of the Pacific Ocean.
Cathedral Cove and surrounding area are very popular among local and international tourists. Approximately 150,000 visitors come to this place each year. Probably, the fact that some shots for Chronicles of Narnia were taken made the place more popular.
Stingray Bay
ABOUT ENGR. KARL HIPOLITO
Karl graduated Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Communications Engineering in 2000. He passed the BSECE board in 2001.
He received the loyalty award for studying at CPU in Kindergarten, Elementary (1991), High School (1995) and college.
He is working currently in one of the IT industries in Auckland. Prior to migrating to New Zealand, he worked in Manila for three years and a year in Singapore .
Karl told CPU Blog:
“In my past time, photography is my stress reliever. I love traveling in and outside New Zealand to capture the wonders of the world through my lens. I find completeness when people appreciate my work. In fact, come March 28, I am scheduled to fly to Europe to snap more and more sights to share to the world.”
“Getty Images have also considered some of my photos for selling and licencing them globally. I am so ecstatic and inspired to share more as my photographs are being recognized internationally. Not only I am proud of my works but so happy to make my fellowmen proud too.”
Your Alma Mater, Central Philippine University is surely proud of what you have achieved.
See more photos of Engr. Karl Hipolito at Karl Hipolito’s Photostream.
Life Can Begin Again – Christ Emphasis Week Theme Song

Verse 1
I want something real, not fancy words
I’m done with my false hope.
I want something whole, something pure
I’m tired of enslaving rules.
Refrain:
‘coz deep inside I’m broken, deep inside I’m weak.
The twist and turns of this life made me feel so down, oh down.
Chorus:
Show me your love Oh Jesus, teach me how to live for you.
Give me a sense of freedom, ‘coz nobody else will do.
I’ll take that zig zag, zig zag road if you’ll stay close with me.
This is the day, this is the hour to sing, life can begin again.
Verse 2
Having this clear night without stars is just like an illusion.
I want something fresh, simply new, somehow there’s something more than this.
Refrain:
‘coz deep inside I’m worn out, deep inside I’m dry.
I need your traveling grace now, Oh give me one more chance, just once more.
NOTES ABOUT THE SONG
“Life Can Begin Again” is the theme song of the 2011 Christ Emphasis Week at Central Philippine University.
The composer, Pastor Joshua Zonita, is a graduate of the College of Theology, CPU. He is Chaplain of Filamer Christian University in Roxas City.
The Filamer Praise and Worship Band rendered “Life Can Begin Again” during the opening convocations of CEW.
For those who don’t know, Filamer Christian University is a sister-institution of CPU.
What do you want from life? – Christ Emphasis Week Update

What a sight to see the students coming in groups, walking towards Rose Memorial Auditorium, University Church, and EMC Conference Room, to attend the Christ Emphasis Week convocations. Indeed, the students who received Jesus Christ as personal Lord and Savior in their hearts, whether they came forward or not, are now heaven’s treasure trove.
To give us a first hand peek of this week’s event, may I share with you Kuya Kevin’s blog about his recent Christ Emphasis Week experience. Kuya Kevin is Kevin Sanders, a Christian missionary based in Manila. It’s for the third time that Kevin has come to Central Philippine University as one of the CEW speakers.
PHOTOS DURING THE CEW CLOSING CONVOCATION…
Christ Emphasis Week – What Do You Want Out of Life?
It’s Christ Emphasis Week (CEW) again at Central Philippine University.
This year’s CEW theme is “What do you want out of life?”
The CEW text is in John 1:37-39.
Beginning July 18 until July 23, class periods are shortened to give time to the regular CEW convocations scheduled for elementary, high school, and college students.
Nelson Ayala and his team from the Agape Philippine-American Ministries composed this semester’s CEW speakers.
Just a reflection, if Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the LIFE, then the question is not only “What do I want out of life?”
It is more comforting and God-directed if we could also be asking and reflecting, “What does LIFE (Jesus Christ) want from me?”
Watch scenes from last year’s Christ Emphasis Week through the “Awakened!” video:
Students must get the best out of what CPU is offering…ATTEND THE CHRIST EMPHASIS WEEK!
Achieving Success in the US – A Successful Juan Story
Getting the opportunity to study abroad
In 1961, Juan became the Director for Mission and Evangelism of the Convention Baptists. Through the help of Rev. Jesus Vaflor, CPBC General Secretary (1954 – 1964), Juan got the chance to study Master of Divinity in Berkeley Baptist Divinity School, Berkeley, California.
When he went to Divinity School, he found out that his studies wasn’t a full scholarship. He had to work for his board and lodging. The work he experienced in the US school was worse than in CPU for he had to wash plenty of dishes, big stew pots, toilets and scrub floors. Receiving nothing from the Philippines, he found extra income by working in a Dog and Cat Hospital.
In 1964, Juan got a job in a Methodist church. This paved way for the United Methodist denomination to call him to pastor a church in 1965. While working as pastor, Juan did extra job as a house parent. He needed income to finance his wife’s travel to the states.
Venturing into real estate
In 1973, their neighbor’s house was up for sale at a low price. Having the amount, the Anchetas bought the property. Then prices of real estate properties went up because of inflation in the US. It provided the Anchetas the opportunity to resell the property at a much higher price. Thus, began the real estate business of Juan and Nellie Ancheta.

Luzon Kasapulanan pastor participants to the 2008 Celis-Ancheta Seminar that was held in Roxas, Oriental Mindoro. Seated at front row are Dr. Val Gonzales (resource person) and his family members
The business did not deter them from God’s work. Juan remained as a full time pastor while Nelly busied herself with the church’s women organization and US-wide ministry involvement. Their faithfulness to God and the Christian ministry provided more business opportunities for them.
The apartment business grew and it provided Juan and Nellie the means to extend the blessings that God endowed them through financial donations. CPU has been the recipient of the generosity of the Anchetas.
The annual Celis-Ancheta Seminar for pastors of the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches is one of the continuing education programs that the Ancheta family is supporting through their endowment fund donations at Central Philippine University.
Further educational advancement
Juan finished his Doctor of Ministry at the American Baptist Seminary of the West, Berkeley, California in 1984. A humanist by heart, he translated every opportunity to serve his fellowmen as his spiritual fulfillment.
His passion for service is given life both in the Philippines and the United States. As pastor, he zealously devoted himself to evangelism work with the Convention of the Philippine Baptist Churches. Proving himself to be a genuine servant of God, he was given the honor as Pastor Emeritus of Melrose Methodist Church, Oakland, California.
CPU Alumni Involvements
Imbued with true Central Spirit, Rev. Dr. Ancheta has kept the high ideals of CPU by tendering selfless service, invaluable assistance, and financial help to further the religious, educational, and humanitarian causes of the University. Indeed, his unconditional generosity, social consciousness, humanitarian concerns are Christian acts worth remembering and emulating.
He is active in the CPU Alumni Chapter of Northern California, which he and Nellie were pioneer members. Both Dr. Ancheta and Nellie were among the first five persons who started the CPU Alumni Chapter of Northern California in 1969. They both had served as either president or treasurer of the CPUNorCal.
When Nellie had a stroke in 1995, he was chosen by the group to take her place and continue to lead the group until 2009 when the Chapter accepted to host the 2010 Global reunion in San Francisco.
When the Chapter finally accepted to host the gathering, Dr. Ancheta asked to be replaced by a younger leader. He found joy in being one of those who started the CPU Alumni Chapter of Northern California.
Devotion to CPU’s welfare
For his lifetime commitment and Christian achievement as minister of the Gospel and humanitarian leader, Central Philippine University takes pride and pleasure in giving Rev. Dr. Ancheta due recognition and honor.
The Anchetas have been known for their passion for service and generosity in helping church related institutions in the Philippines , and Central Philippine University is a recipient. The Celis-Ancheta Hall for the College of Theology dedicated and inaugurated on June 25, 1997 is concrete evidence.
When Nelly joined her creator in 1998, Juan at 70 years old spend his life fulfilling Nellie’s unfinished dreams of helping those who are in need and developing the work of God both here and abroad. For his benevolent work, Rev. Ancheta received the Honorary Doctorate Degree from Central Philippine University on 3 September 1998.
Juan’s later successes
At age 83, Dr. Johnny Ancheta is still strong and busy in their business and in the work of the Lord. He testifies how the Lord is gracious to him and the members of his family. When Nellie passed away, Junell quit his teaching job and his graduate studies to take care of their business. He is blessed with three grand daughters.
On January 25, 1999, Juan married Aurora Carnaje, a US-based nurse and graduate of CPU.

Johnny and Aurora met Dr. Bernabe Pagara, the Dean of the College of Theology during their November 2010 visit at CPU.
His son, Jorge is working in the Alameda County and living alone.
His eldest, Junell and his wife, Ritsuko have three children, namely: Joan, 13; Jane, 10; and Ellena, 8.
In November 2010, Dr. Johnny Ancheta and wife, Aurora Carnaje Ancheta visited their Alma Mater, especially the College of Theology
Juan Ancheta’s story remains as one example of a man’s successful search for better life, which he achieved through hard work, determination, and most of all, his faith in God.
Indeed, the “greener pasture” is always waiting for those who are willing to commit their lives to diligently work for it, not only for personal welfare but for the greater purpose of helping humanity.
Photo credits: Engr. Pio Go, College of Theology, and Link
A Successful Juan Story
This is not the typical “Juan tamad” story we might have heard from our parents or yayas. The common Juan story relates to the Filipino’s laziness and usually ends in tragedy or humiliation of poor Juan.
The story of Juan F. Ancheta typifies the industrious and diligent Filipino who is hard working, God fearing and successful.
Juan F. Ancheta grew up in San Andres, a remote coastal town in Tablas Island, Romblon. Born on May 19, 1928 to a very poor family of eleven siblings, Juan struggled to live a hard life in their barrio.
Traditional farming and fishing were the town’s livelihood because machines were still unavailable and a luxury during those times. The way of life in the barrio raised him to develop a strong body structure and determined spirit.
He was graduating high school when he passed the test to be one of their town’s sanitary inspector. However, his conversion to Christ through an evangelization team from CPU changed everything. His commitment to follow Christ was so intense that after his baptism on April 2, 1950 he decided to go to CPU in May and took up the Theology course.
Work student days at CPU
During his beginning months at Central Philippine University, Juan recalled being rough in ways, clumsy and his physique gave the CPU community the impression of a rural boy. He had the feeling that he is not fit to work in a city church. However, his unorthodox qualities proved to be an asset because it helped him survived and overcome the difficulties of college life.
He was about to quit school after two to three months for lack of financial support. Determined to finish his schooling, he approached Dr. Joseph Howard, the dean of the seminary. He begged for any kind of work.
Juan’s first job was to varnish the newly acquired chairs in Johnson Hall. Next he was assigned the janitorial jobs in the elementary building, which was then made of lumber.
As a work student, he polished the floor, cleaned the toilets and mowed the lawn. In order to mow the lawn of Elementary School, he had to borrow the lawn mower of Rev. Ralph George, who lived in one of the mission houses. He did not mind being seen by the throng of students as he pushed the lawn mower. A town mate of his recalled that many times he heard Juan singing while scrubbing the floor. That town mate remembered sharing pandesal with Juan for some short respite.
Weekend pastoral work at Ito Baptist Church
After two months in school, he was given a weekend assignment in Ito Baptist Church, Cabatuan as part of seminary training. The place was a Huk area. (Huk is the short term for HukBaLaHap which stands for Hukbo ng Bayan laban sa mga Hapon, a guerilla group which fought the Japanese army but its ultra nationalist stand after the Liberation made it an anti-government group similar to the NPA of today.) The Huk was so strong in Ito but he managed to establish the presence of Christian ministry in that area.
Juan was assigned as weekend pastor but was not intimidated by rich people because he strongly believes that he is a minister of God. Juan shares, “I may be clumsy but it is the work of God and not mine. Why should I be ashamed?” Apprehensive of his safety, CPU decided to pull Juan out of the area. Shortly after, the Huk rebels overran Ito.
Finding a partner in life
He believes that to avoid any idea of misconduct you have to woe somebody outside of your parish. He was looking for a person who can help in the ministry, one who loves serving God and has a strong Christian character.
He found these qualities with Nellie a dedicated person, honest and very independent. She got the qualities that would enhance the ministry. Nellie also studied Theology. Juan and Nellie’s calling into the ministry runs parallel. Both of them were faced with good opportunities when they decided to enter the seminary.
Juan and Nellie got married on May 23, 1958 in a simple wedding at the Johnson Chapel. He was so poor that after the wedding, he could only afford ice cream for his guests.
He intended to bring his wife to his boarding house after the wedding but a fellow pastor secretly gave him P10.00 to spend for a night in a downtown hotel. At that time, a night’s lodge was only six pesos.
Juan and Nelly are blest with two son’s, Junell and Jorge.