Well, I know we are in the middle of lent and we really should be fasting, praying and reflecting, but with all the big important stuff happening around us, it’s really quite impossible not to be in a joyous and happy mood. Errm… as what I have been going around telling people… “I am very sure Jesus will understand, and if he’s here with us, he’ll be the first one to let his hair down and party.”
So the day before, 19th March, was the official last day of our academic year. Of course, we end it with a bang, or err.. maybe a modest little spark. We had our closing mass with Fr Ben as our main celebrant, and we had a nice big supper after that.
Well, my task here is to talk about what happened the day after, 20th March.
Early in the morning we heard that the temporary professed will be renewing their vows during the evening prayer. Of course, commotion started to build among the students concern, as no one really know what is going on, no one knows who’s in charge, and ahem.. there were no scheduled evening prayer on that day. So panic ran high on those who care, and for a long while everyone were just in a state of confusion. (hmm.. I guess this is something that happens around here quite often :P)
Anyway, after some time, finally Br. Ole took charge and everything came under control.
Yours truly, however, had other MAJOR issue to occupy the brain and induce cold sweat.
Weeks prior to this wonderful day, the Team of the Month had proposed to have a mini little celebration for the community, this was meant to serve as a celebration of the truly blessed academic year for all students and formators, and big farewell to those who will be leaving us (the deacons who will be ordained and move on to greater pastures). Of course, that suggestion came under HEAVY bombing and firing as our dear rector artistically rolled his eyes and wonder if we students even understood the whole concept of Lent and fasting (that fully accompanied with the “tsk tsk tsk..” and “Oh Jesus…” that made our guilt level shoot right to the max!).However, some of us chose this event to exercise our well trained resilience, and finally, our truly gentle hearted rector gave in and allowed us to hold this “sinful party”.
To add colour to the celebrations, the students decided to perform a song (a very brave move if you have heard us sing). As we were very busy with our exams prior to this, the only chance we could practice for the song was the afternoon of the day itself. When our dedicated choir master arrive, fate (or maybe just Davao Light) decided to play a prank on us and we had a brown out. Well.. so much for preparations!
Without any options, we gathered in our common room, brave the heat and practiced with the piano as best as we could. After the practice, the choir master chatted with us and when he found out we were performing that night, his jaw dropped to the ground (he must have really admired out guts). He was so worried that he offered to be present on the actual event itself to help us play the keyboard and give us some saving grace. God bless him :P
So finally, the big evening came. We gathered for evening prayer, of which the Thai Bro (Ole & Joe), Vietnamese Bro (Dominic and Joseph), Malaysians Bro (John and Terence) and Singaporean Bro (Eugene) had their renewal of vows.
Right after that, the party started !!!
Oh.. I forgot to mention, as most of the superiors from the region (Manila, Ipoh, Thailand, Vietnam) were present, the party was extra meaningful as we get showcase and share our community life with them. After a short time of eating, the program started.
The highlight of the night was the St Alphonsus Theologate Awards. A total of 6 awards were given out to students and seniors recognizing the special efforts and wonderful contributions of different members in making our community and better one. (the full details of the awards will be shown below).
In between the awards presentation, we had our talented composers Br RJ and Br Efrem perform their compositions, which garnered great applause.
And finally, we called upon our departing brothers (Shaun, Ole, May-T, Efrem, Vinsen, Robby, Raymond, David) to give them our best wishes and have our Rector bless them with a special blessing. Fr Brendan blessed the brothers with a beautiful Irish Blessing, and of course, he did not forget to end the official program by doing another round of ‘machine gun firing’ on poor ol’ defenseless yours truly.
Well, come on, the night is still young, we could not just end that way, so we continued with the jamming session. Of which our superiors joined us in singing and dancing. Members from all regions took turns to showcase their talents and lots of cheers and laughter were heard deep into the night.
God has truly blessed us during this special and wonderful academic year. We thank God for this great year, and we pray that the years to come would be even better and more wonderful.
Here’s our SAT awards nominees and winners:
2010 St. Alphonsus Theologate Mr Entertainer Award
This award goes to the student who has been the most entertaining and joyful among all, bring fun and laughter to everyone.
Nominees:
Br. Wanrop Boothod (Pui)
Br. Joseph Tran Dinh Phuong
Br. John de Agnel
Winner:Br. Joseph Tran Dinh Phuong
2010 St. Alphonsus Theologate Mr Congeniality Award
This award goes to the student who has been the most friendly among all, the one who has always make everyone feel at home and comfortable.
Nominees:
Br. Wanrop Boothod (Pui)
Br. Joseph Tran Dinh Phuong
Br. John de Agnel
Br. Robertus Melkior Bayo (Robby)
Winner:Br. John de Agnel
2010 St. Alphonsus Theologate Mother Theresa Award
This award goes to the student who is most caring among all, the one who has always been able to be a true friend to all, and has always provide comfort and a shoulder to cry on.
Nominees:
Br. John de Agnel
Br. Shaun Silagan
Br. Rufino Macasaet
Br. Vinsensius Nani Bili (Vinsen)
Winner:Br. John de Agnel
2010 St. Alphonsus Theologate Sainthood Award
This award goes to the student who is most diligent in prayer, the one who is most spiritual and the one who serves as an inspiration for us in coming closer to God.
Nominees:
Joseph Tran Dinh Phuong
Br. Jose Arnel Rallos
Br. Suresh Kelum Fernando
Winner:Br. Jose Arnel Rallos
2010 St. Alphonsus Theologate Student of the Year Award
This award goes to the most rounded student, the one who serves as an example for what a true Redemptorist in formation is supposed to be like.
Nominees:
Br. Dominic Tra Tran
Br. Poowanai tantikul (Ole)
Br. Terence Wee
Br. Rufino Macasaet (Jun)
Br. Robertus Melkoir Bayo (Robby)
Br. Jose Arnel Rallos
Winner:Br. Poowanai tantikul (Ole)
2010 St. Alphonsus Theologate Senior of the Year Award
This award goes to the most inspiring senior confrere, the one who exemplify a true Redemptorist in thoughts, words and deeds, and serve as a true model for the students.
Nominees:
Fr. Brendan Kelly
Fr. Senen Javier
Fr. Amardo Picardal
Fr. Allen O’Brien
Fr. Nestor Gaspe
Winner:Fr. Allen O’Brien
(-Terence)
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