Fr Bebot's Birthday Party powered by the Centennial Group

The ever supportive and generous Centennial Group of the parish did not pass up the chance to once again show their appreciation for the Redemptorist community here in Davao and in particular today that of their much loved parish priest, Fr. Nestor "Bebot" Gaspe, CSsR.

Days before Fr Bebot's birthday, news was already circulating in the community that once again the Centennial Group was up to some serious party planning. This was confirmed when no less than formal invitations were handed out inviting the whole community to a Birthday Bash for Fr Bebot hosted by the group.

On the big day itself, there was bated anticipation among everyone about the evening’s event. Already the youth of the parish had announced their undying love for Fr Bebot with a very spirited Mananita at 4a.m. in the morning outside his room, hence would the Centennial Group be able to up the game to the day’s celebrations?

And so it was that after Vespers, the community gathered at the basketball court which was already very nicely and definitely well prepared and setup to satisfy the way to every priest n seminarians' heart, that is of course through his stomach! Fr Bebot was guided to his place of honour and soon the celebrations began.

First up was a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday to the birthday celebrant. In addition, in a touch of class, fresh roses were also presented to him by various members of the Centennial Group as well as by some students and fellow priests.

Then it was time of the main event! With stomachs already antipating the great meal that was to come, Fr Allen, CSsR led us all in a very grateful thanksgiving for the food, for the generous people who prepared n provided it as well as for the person for whom it was all prepared for. After that very spiritual trifecta, the attention shifted from Fr Bebot to the buffet table.

For a Singaporean foodie like myself, there as a very pleasant surprise. The spread included Khong Bak Pau and Char Siew. It was almost as though I was back home again! All feelings of homesickness, if any, magically evaporated in an instant.

During dinner, Fr Brendan Kelly, CSsR came up to pay tribute to Fr Bebot for his hardwork n dedication as both Parish Priest as well as Vicar of the Cebu Province and later Fr Bebot himself, together with Fr Cruz came up to entertain everyone with his own rendition of “It’s a Wonderful World”. The Centennial Group then closed up the evening’s entertainment with a rousing country and western dance item.

Thanks again to the Centennial Group for a great evening of food and entertainment but even more so fellowship because that is what being community and church is all about. To gather to show our appreciation and love for one another, that we are all God’s gift to each other in our own way, in our own vocation.

Until next time, this is Mark signing off.
In necessariis unitas, in dubiis libertas, in omnibus caritas .