Party with Centennial Group (Again)...

We have yet another new contributor, talented Br.Bond, whom we will be expecting to contribute much much more articles. (a little constructive motivation won't hurt, keeekeekee!!)
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On March 22, 2010, Redemptorist Davao Community and Centennial Group had a memorable party together. This party combined many cerebrations; those who were birthday cerabrants of this month, farewell for our Indonesian brothers who was about to leave us and the brothers who graduated this school year.


I would say that it was the memorable party because this party did not happen easily due to the brown out during 5.45-7.00 and it was also our last party together with some of our brothers. The party started roughly around 7.15. by the opening prayer of Fr. Cruz. When I came down to the refectory, I was surprised to see Fr. Senen dressed in Hawaiian attire. Then I realized that it was the theme of this particular party. The funny thing was that most of the brothers dressed very formal.


The foods were plenty on the table. We enjoyed eating and chatting with one another. I guessed that this party was so joyous and lively because we finished our school year already (regardless with the results of the grades). During the party, we had a little program for the birthday cerebrants and fare well to our Indonesians brothers. One of the programs which I really appreciated was the Hawaiian dance performed by centennial group.

After all the official programs were presented, Fr. Cruz and his friend sang a few songs and the floor was opened. We joined in in the dancing, shouting and laughing. Everything was almost perfect, except for the dishwashers of the day (wink!).

(Bond)

Year-end evaluation

I think it is not too much to say that here in St. Alphonsus Theologate, Davao, we are our own formators (this does not mean that our prefect and socious have abandoned us and that we are left on our own) because we are involved a lot in planning and deciding what we would like to do in our formation program. At the beginning of every school year, the first thing we usually do as a student body together with our formators is the student planning wherein all of us will look at the core values from the ratio formationis and then will discuss about what and how we are going to do (objectives/means) in order to accomplish those values we would like to see in each of us as a Redemptorist. Thanks to the kind of formation we have here that all do have a say in this process. Everyone can and is encouraged to voice out their thoughts and suggestions. That is why our formation is not something that is imposed upon. Rather there are a lot participation and dialogue.


However, there is a saying that no pain no gain which is also true in this case. Instead of celebrating and enjoying ourselves after the final exam week and the end of the academic load, we had to spend long hours in a class room doing evaluation. Since we were the ones who planned all these things, we were the ones who evaluate them. Planning and evaluation are like a burger and fries. They always come together in a package. So more participation means that we have to go through a lot more meetings. And I think it's worth it after all. Therefore, every year we have to set aside days for student planning, mid-year evaluation, and year-end evaluation, which is around 8-10 days of exhaustive meetings all in all.


Anyway, this year we allocated 3 days in March for the year-end evaluation and peer evaluation. This is the time we look back at what we have done throughout the school year to see if we have reached our goals and objectives in formation that we planned together when we started off the school year. It is the time we reexamine ourselves. What areas of life we did well (strengths)and what we still need to improve or can do better next time (weaknesses).


With the big number of students this school year our capo (Bro.Bird) saw that there was a need for us to come up with something new in terms of the way we go about our evaluation so that it would be done efficiently and effectively. Therefore we decided to revise a little bit the evaluation form and the way we proceed with the sessions. In the end i think we did OK. It was not perfect. It was still long and tiresome but I’m sure that the process will get better and better each time we do it.


After we had done all that, we continued with what we call ‘peer evaluation’. Everyone was given 27 small pieces of paper according to the total number of students here in this community. In each paper, we had to write to every person what we saw as good in him and what he needed to improve. So comments and feedback were both positive and negative. Then we were given time to reflect upon what others wrote about us. After that we came back in a big group again and said a few words in response to the comments received. Mostly we expressed appreciation, thankfulness, and apologies. We ended the activity with prayer and showing of signs of peace and love to one another.

This peer evaluation is indeed one of the venues where we can actually practice a fraternal correction which we believe would help us grow and become a better person and most importantly would help us live together as a real and brotherly community wherein everyone loves and cares for one another.



PS. Special thanks to Mama Betty (one of our benefactors) who generously provided a very nice place and a sumptuous meal for us during this peer evaluation. We really appreciate it.

(-Boy-)

Blessings, Renewals, Celebrations, Farewells & lots of Love

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)

From Davao with Love

As our academic year come to a close, our Indonesian deacon Rev. Efrem shares with us his experience here.
Br. Efrem will be leaving back to Indonesia tomorrow, and will be ordained on 3rd May. We wish him all the best. However, he will be coming back to our community as a priest and as a student next school year. We really look forward to this interesting dynamics.

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In a loving family, a child becomes sensitized to love, and learns to respond with love. The experience of loving appreciation in the home or in the community gives us some measure of self esteem, love, and friendship. This is what I have experienced here in the Davao Community, particularly as a student of SAT-MI.

Although it has been only a year of stay here in the Davao Community (a very unique community where I have ever stayed in), I found love and friendship in diversity.

I still remember at first I encountered many difficulties in adjusting with the life here due to rhythm of life, study and even lack of English skill in conversation. In my part, I was struggling and even asking myself: “why do I have to come here?”, “Why do I have to face the other difficulties in my life?” Then I noticed, there were so many “why” which needed immediate responses and answers. Really, life was difficult, yet it was meaningful when I realized the meaning of suffering as the other side of the coin of life. As I went along, I began to realize that I do not walk alone. I had my friends that really helped and walked together with me. I was also motivated and encouraged by my fellow brothers and the community. I realized, it was not as difficult and impossible to do, that’s why I could say it was really challenging experience.

I am pretty sure that the new students, (particularly foreigners) coming to Davao community will have the same feeling as I did. It might sound insignificant to some, but I can’t hide my feelings to say that I am happy with this community, It is unique in its own, and has a very big sense of family where everyone has motivated and encouraged me and even gave me the experienced of being at home. For me, SAT-MI is not merely a community and formation place, it is where we are fully known, loved and received just as we are, you and I.

It is true that the experience of being known and loved in a special way in human friendship frees me from disbelief and opens me to believe that God could love me in a special way. Jesus makes it clear that we can be His friend only by loving one another. “I have called you friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you” (Jn15:12-15).

Rev. Efrem Bolly CSsR

SATMI Closing of the School Year

Today, another successful school year ended in the SATMI theologate. All the SATMI students, staff and some Redemptorist superiors from different units from Asia Oceania joined to mark the end of school year.

The closing up of the school year was started with the holy mass. The main celebrant was fr. Ben Ma. The celebration of the Eucharist was done meaningfully and in a creative way. Soon after the mass all the staff together with students and superiors tagged in a community picture. Then under the proclamation of the rector the fellowship meal followed.

Students were very happy that they were free of studies for few months but of course not for the final year theology students, since they have their comprehensive exams. Towards the end of the fellowship meal Fr. Rector gave away the graduation certificate for the students who were leaving. Then our SATMI students performance were finally put up in a grand scale.

Everything went on well and the students and the fathers greeted each other by wishing each other good luck for everyone’s future endevours.

Thus ended the school year for 2009 – 2010.
(-Suresh)

Hopping to Physical and Spiritual Healing

A big thanks to our bro Ryan, who contributed his "virgin-work". We just found out he's a very good writer, so we'll be looking forward to many more contribution from him in the future :P
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Some people would associate lent with mastering one’s will to change, an opportunity to make necessary changes like reducing negative habits or starting positive behavioral patterns. People engage in fasting and penance in order to die to their physical needs and false securities, to change their life for better. Sad to say some would misconstrue it as punishing our own bodies in order to glorify God. What a traumatic and horrific experience! Those who are caught in this dilemma should consider an alternative.

What we surely need is healing and restoration of our wellbeing. The island hopping last February 22 had surely granted this chance. The physical and spiritual charm of the sea has always captivated most of us. I could still remember how the students talked and spend time to reaching a consensus. In the end, nearly all liked the sea rather than spending it somewhere else. Island Hopping, fun and healing power of the sea in one package deal.


We went on with our usual routine. As usual those who are in charge of moving the provisions woke up early than the rest. Although some were sluggish because of personal pre-occupations of term papers and reports, but most were there and were excited of the trip. Still, some preferred burying themselves with assignments, but we were glad that our senior confreres - Allen, Phaiboon and Remi were with us.



It took almost an hour to reach our first stop, Bago Santa Beach in Talicud Island. We enjoyed the white sand and the clear water, the chow, the company and the girls in their bathing suite. We eat, talk, play – our trademark! After the meal we moved to our next stop, Corral Garden. Swimmers and non-swimmers alike plunged themselves in a 20 to 30 foot trench. The only person who relished the underwater view the most was Eugene with his scuba.




Again, we wasted a great time together, for the last time in this semester, I suppose. We went home tired, exhausted but rejuvenated. Thanks to the company of confreres and the healing magic of the sea.
PS:
Hippocrates coined the word "thalassotherapy" to describe the use of seawater in health restoration and maintenance. Thalassotherapy comes from the Greek "thalassa" meaning water and "therapia" meaning to heal. The Greeks soaked in sea water hot tubs and heated seaweed baths, drank and inhaled sea water for health, got sea water massages, had sea green facials and body wraps, and used sea water pools for hydrotherapy and elimination of toxins from the body.
There is more to the sea than just fun… the healing hand of God within our reach.

(-Ryan)

LOVE is in the Air…

Feb 14 2010 was a big day for us!

What comes to mind when you think of the date??? Valentine’s Day obviously…but…hmm… what would we good ol’ seminarians do on this special lover’s day beside locking ourselves up in our room and sulk? Haha! Well, we have our ways to make the best out of it.

Actually, what helped to make things simpler this year was the fact that besides celebrating Valentine’s day, it was also the Chinese/Lunar New Year. So the Chinese and Vietnamese (yours truly included) decided that since this we cannot go home and celebrate this very special day of ours back home, we might bring it over and celebrate it in a big nice way with the international community here.

Of course, we knew better than having the celebration on the 14th itself (being a Sunday, everyone is probably out partying, and ahemm… contrary to what everyone might think, I am sure some of us do have unforgettable Valentine’s celebrations somewhere out there :P), so we decided to have our little celebration on the 15th instead.

Just in case you are not clear with the celebration of the Lunar New Year, there are many rituals and customs to follow. Two of the very important events would be the reunion dinner (where all family members were to gather together for a truly sumptuous dinner on the eve of New Year), and the paying of respect to the Gods and elders on New Year morning. What we decided to do was to have a little Lunar New Year liturgy incorporated into the evening prayer, followed by the eating of a special Chinese new year dish… Yu Shang (literally translated as ‘raw fish’… I'll get more to it later).

So, during the evening prayer we started off with a little introduction, and while we sang the opening hymn, 4 of us Chinese and Vietnamese paid our respect to God with joss sticks. At the end of the divine office, a brief introduction was given to everyone on the ritual of tea serving to the elders. (as customary, the traditional Chinese would serve Tea to their elders on Chinese New Year morning). Right after, we invited our seniors up to the front and we started the ceremony.


It was rather awkward at first when the first 7 students prepared to serve the tea to the seniors, but as one student started kneeling, everyone follow suit. What came after was that all the students said their wishes to the seniors, upon which they serve a cup of tea to them. After drinking the tea, the seniors in return extend their wishes and blessings back to the student, and as a symbolic gesture, gave the students two mandarin oranges.


After the first group of students completed serving tea, everyone else was quite ready to get their hands on it. There were laughter and giggles, and everyone pretty much enjoyed the experience.


Now… here’s the thing. Actually, in the real tradition, the seniors are not suppose to return their blessings with mandarin oranges, instead, they were suppose to return with ‘Ang Pao”. (Chinese Red Packets, and of course… with $$$ inside the packet). We figured that the seniors would probably have to starve themselves if they were to give us Ang Pao, but seriously, how can we neglect such a good custom???


Well, thanks to the real BIG generosity of our Rector, we got to propagate this wonderful tradition. Fr Brendan had in fact prepared Ang Paos for all the students, and after the tea ceremony, he stayed back and gave it to us, without doubt, all of us received our “blessings” with a great display of our sparkly teeth.



After the liturgy, we adjourned to the refractory for yet another exciting activity. Oh… I forgot to mentioned, the Centennial group also decided to hold a party with the community on that evening to celebrate the birthday of Fr Allen and Br. Shaun.


Before the party started, Eugene took over the floor and introduced the special Chinese Dish “Yu Shang” or “Lou Hei” (schooping up). It was a dish in which all ingredients represented a good wish for the year, and while mentioning the wish, the particular ingredient is mixed into the center plate. At the end of the mixing, we have a colourful array of ingredients representing fortune, fame, love, health, etc etc… All were then asked to take a pair of chopsticks and mix and toss the ingredients as high as possible. (The higher they go, the more one receives receipt of the wishes). After the fun tossing, we started eating and the party began.




What came after was the usual games and songs, and Fr Allen and Br Shaun had their fair share of limelight for the night when they were asked to participate on activities for their birthdays.

Well, there you go, a truly wonderful day spent with a truly wonderful community. Although I’m far from home, I did feel the wonderful joy of Chinese New Year oozing in the air.
Here’s wishing everyone a truly wonderful and joyous year of the Tiger. May all your dreams come true, maybe you filled with blessings and graces. And as a typical Chinese would wish… may this year bring you fame, fortune, love, good health, good career, plentiful descendents, babies………

(-Terence)