VOLUME II ISSUE 1 JUNE - JULY 30, 2010

SAMCC Prayerfully welcomes

new Academic Year
Send us
Your Spirit,
was the theme of the Holy
Spirit Mass last June 7,
2010, indicating that the
Academic Year 2010-2011
in Saint Anthony Mary Claret
College had finally opened.
It has been a tradition that
the sophomores sponsor
the said activity as well as
to welcome the freshmen
and the new members of
the Claret College family.
The faculty and staff,
team of formators of each
congregation, seminarians
from different congregation
and guests were all there.
Fr. Victor Sadaya, CMF, now
CCC
assigned to the Theology
the celebration of the Holy seminary community
House shared his words of
Officers Eucharist celebrated by Fr.
Elias Ayuban, Jr., CMF,
elected and bestowed these
responsibilities to them.
gratitude after serving this
take Oath together with Fr. Restituto This was the
institution for a long time.
The Holy Spirit
On June 12, 2010 a Audal, Jr., CMF and was held day when the door of mass was presided by Fr.
new set of seminarians was in the Stephen Sala Chapel. responsibility opened wide. Restituto Audal, Jr., CMF,
given the chance to be official The mass was a blessing to All were excited to profess Local Superior of the Claret
leaders of the community. the officers for their being part and take their oath which is seminary community,
The leaders' oath taking was of the Central Coordinating their vow of responsibility, together with other formators
formally opened through Committee (CCC). The especially the freshmen who from different congregation.
CCC Officers/p4 SAMCC welcomes/p4

EDITORIAL page 2/ NEWS pages 3-7/ FEATURES pages 8-9/ CLARET SEMINARY COMMUNITY pages
10-11/ FEATURES pages 12-15/ FROM OUR POSTULANT BROTHER page 16/ FROM OUR THEOLOGIAN
BROTHER page 17/ POEMS pages 18-19/ SHARE WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND FACEBOOK PAGE page 20
 2
Rich harvest; discerning Harvesters
EDITORIAL
The Claretian Philippine Province is now ready
to embrace an innovation in the formation program for the
young Claretian Missionary aspirants. This was decided
upon by the new Provincial Council emphasizing formation
as their main focus on the recent Provincial Chapter.
According to the book The Mirror of the Young
CLARETIAN (2009), the formation program for the young
Claretian Missionaries in the Philippines at College level
is four years, followed by Pre-Postulancy, Postulancy
and Novitiate, respectively. As for the innovation, the
seminarians after three years at College level will directly
undergo Postulancy and Novitiate; after which they will
finish the fourth year at College level and graduate with the
degree of AB-Philosophy.
More often than not, an organization would not
decide for an improvement on its part if the organization
itself would not benefit from it. The same idea follows the
Claretian Missionaries' endeavor to follow St. Anthony Mary
Claret's dictum that a Son of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
needs to do "whatever is most urgent, timely and effective,"
following the signs of the times and the promptings of the
Holy Spirit.
But did the Council ask the question, "How will
result. It was then found out that there were three apparent We find it easier to take a long journey using the
our younger brothers who'll be the first batch to undergo
groups of seminarians: those who increased the percentage same old roads rather than to follow the unfamiliar shortcut
this change in our formation process respond?" The
of their willingnes to be missionaries, those who decreased trail offered to us by an experienced pilgrim. This happens
seminarians will surely thank the Council for their concern if
and those who remained the same. Seminarians whose especially if it's our first time to go out of our own comfort
ever they considered such question, but if not, this would be
"willingness" percentage remained the same was the fewest zones or if we aren't sure of our own destination. But if we
the proper time for us all to look deeper into the seminarians'
group while those that decreased was the most numerous. look more closely, we can far better see the convenience it
point of view about this innovation in formation.
Those that increased their "willingness" percentage fall in can bring. Here we have the opportunity to conserve more
It was on March 24, 2010 when the former
between the first two groups. With this result, Dr. Espino can our energy, time and efforts. We must not also forget that
second year seminarians were informed that they would be
only speculate that the maturity level the seminarians had we are fully equipped and provided with "The Compass"
Pre-Postulants next school year. Their initial reaction was
when they made their decision of entering the seminary still and "The Map" before embarking in this journey. Moreover,
more of a joyful celebration. They brought with them this
have great effect on their discernment. Also counting the we are not alone in this journey. We are with our Guide and
good news as they had their two-month summer vacation.
fact whether the decision was self-decided or rather, largely Friend, who is Himself "the Way, the Truth and the Life"
They were also required to have summer classes outside
influenced by other persons such as family and/or friends. John 14:6.
the seminary taking up three subjects, three units each. The
As one Claretian priest nailed it down into a question: "Pinili We find hope through these reassuring words
question whether to embark themselves or not in the new
o pinilit?" (Self-decision or forced?) by one concerned Claretian priest: "There is really no
formation process was discerned over and over again. Their
It can be said that it is easier for a camel to change in the formation program because our goal is still the
initial celebration was altered by deep and more serious
pass through a needle's eye than for a seminarian to be same. This is a project of the whole Philippine Province and
reflections.
exactly sure if he will really be a Claretian Missionary priest we are all blessed to be part of it. Confusion and resistance
The batch now entered their third year college
or brother. This reality embraces all the attributes of how can be expected in dealing with a development like this, but
formation and assumed the responsibility of being animators
important discernment is in the life of a seminarian. The new as Claretians, we must be open to all possibilities."
(leaders) of the community. Inside the batch, casual
formation program is really a wise decision and a new aid Eventhough the future's uncertainties hold us
conversations include questions such as, "Will you continue
for the discernment process because seminarians on this back in fear; we must put our trust, faith and acceptance to
to be part of the new formation process?" or frankly, "Do you
situation will really be more convinced with their decision. the outcome that God will graciously give for us to continue
still want to become a Claretian Missionary?"
That is to say: to extract finer particles, one must decrease moving forward. We must learn how to let go and let God
Dr. Illuminada Espino, the professor who had
the size of the holes in a filter. unfold His will for us.
been handling the batch's Psychology class for two years,
On the other hand, is it practical to harvest This innovation in the formation program will
initiated a kind of survey. On this survey, she asked her
unripe fruits from a fruitful tree just to ensure that we can surely keep us on burning with the fire of God's love with
seminarian students to put in scale or "measure" their
harvest all fruits before they become overripe and rotten Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Blessed Virgin Mary and
willingness to continue their formation as future Claretian
or before it can be eaten by others? If that's the case, we St. Anthony Mary Claret always at our side to guide us.
missionary priests or brothers through a percentage scale:
must be ready to intake the fruits' sour taste or use our Caritas Christi urget nos!
100% corresponds to a "willing" and "sure" seminarian.
last resort to be ready to use other effective means, be it
After doing this survey for two consecutive years, she then
artificial or natural, so that we and the fruits will both find our
compared the survey's previous year result to its recent
fulfillment.


SAMCC welcomes...from p1
Fr. Elias Ayuban, Jr., CMF, the
new College President of SAMCC
and the Rector of the community,
gave the homily to the college
family, sharing his life from the
old days of being a seminarian. It
indeed made everyone laugh and
gave everyone the opportunity to
learn from his own experiences.
This celebration of the
Holy Eucharist was followed
by a program prepared by the
recognition for the freshmen this
sophomores with Dr. Beulah
year. Then the sophomores gave
D. Nuval, Dean of the College,
their presentation, welcoming not
as master of ceremony. Fr.
only the freshmen but also the new
Anthony Carreon, CMF, gave the
members of the family. It started
CCC Officers...from p1
were elected as leaders. During the mass, the
CCC officers were seated in front and arranged
in alphabetical order according to their respective
Responsible Teams. Before the offertory, they
took their oath, accepting with their whole heart
the responsibility of their positions.
For the whole semester everyone is
hoping for good leadership through these officers
and through the help of the whole community.
The Central Coordinating Committee officers
are:
3
more dramatic. Sem. Bryan
Angelo Dumag gave the response
on behalf of the freshmen batch.
And lastly, a farewell speech was
given by Fr. Victor Sadaya, CMF.
Certainly, Fr. Vic will be considered
as an unforgettable man, formator,
priest and friend.
Then followed the
simple snacks and fellowship of
the students inside the Claret
Seminary Refectory. After which,
with a dramatic entrance while classes were formally began; the
walking on the chapel aisle. They beginning of a hopeful academic
sang "Welcome to the Family" with year. (Sem. David Mark Andion)
their gestures and voices blended
like angels making the atmosphere
Sem. Rheadh Dela R. Torre, CCC Sem. Kim Jolo Suan, Sports Responsible Team
Coordinator Animator
Sem. Mckenzie Villaceran, CCC Vice Sem. Jeffrey Rasay, 1st Year Batch Animator
Coordinator Sem. Patrick Dustin Pahuyo, 2nd year Batch
Sem. Jervin Antonio, CCC Secretary Animator
Sem. Froilan Panganiban, CCC Secretary Sem. Mon Andrei Ebdani, 3rd year Batch
Sem. July Patrick Layugan, Art and Culture Animator
Responsible Team Animator Sem. Adjan Ustare, 4th year Batch Animator
Sem. George Marckhail Jhune Suarez,
Discipline Responsible Team Animator Sem. John Kenneth Villavicencio, Board
Sem. Nelson Doctama Jr., Food Member
Responsible Team Animator Sem. Wigbert Papa, Board Member
Sem. John Benedict Mendoza, Library Sem. Bernabe Morales, Board Member
Responsible Team Animator Sem, Bryan Angelo Dumag, Board Member
Sem. Jacob Schwarzberg T. Moscare, Literary
After the Oath taking, the ribbon cutting
Responsible Team Animator
and blessing of the CCC Store followed. The
Sem. Adrienn Earl Narzabal, Liturgy Responsible
celebration was concluded by the first Fraternal
Team Animator
Gathering wherein each batch presented their
Sem. Shannon Paul Cambaya, Maintenance
own unique and delightful presentations. (Sem.
Responsible Team Animator
Bryan Angelo R. Dumag)
Sem. Michael John Penalber, Music Responsible
Team Animator
Sem. Kurt Jerry Uy, Service Responsible Team
Animator
 4
Sports R.T. launches 1st sem Sports Fest 2010
"Sports is one of the reasons that
made me stay in this vocation until now," the
resounding words of Bro. Efren Decrito, the
assistant to the formators, reverberated in
the air of the seminary open court last June
14, 2010 during his giving of the opening
remarks at the opening of the Sports Fest for
the first semester of this current school year.
Bro. Efren ended his short message thanking
everyone who participated in the event and
at the same time challenging the seminarians
to be actively involved themselves in sports
throughout their formation years.
The Sports Fest is a semester-long
sports event competition in the seminary,
spearheaded by the Sports Responsible
Team and done once a semester every
school year. This sem's Sports Fest is
dubbed after its theme "We, not me". The
essence of this sem's theme was capsulated
in his introduction when the emcee Sem.
Mark Panganiban said, "Truly this Sports Fest
is a game of a team which is to be enjoyed
by all and not just a play of an individual
seminarian."
Moreover, to advocate fairness
and parity in the different line-up of games,
the R.T organizer has divided the Claret
college community into five different teams
with a team captain has also assigned for
each team. Each of the formators is also a
member of one of the five teams. The names
of the different teams are all patterned from
animated TV characters and different youth
cultures of today's generation: Digimon,
Jejemon, Jarjarmon, Pokemon and Jajamon
respectively.
When the tic-tac signaled 4:30 p.m.
and together with the ringing of the bell, the
different hyperactive five teams gathered at
once in the seminary open court, with the aim
of participating in this once in a semester-long
event. Wearing the prescribed sports attire,
each seminarian fell in line where his team
is assigned to. With much vigor and energy,
each of the team had already let loose their
outrageous cheers and yells into the air even
before the outset of the Opening Program
which made that particular minutes of the
hour a blast of exuberance to be reckoned
with and to be remembered by this year’s
members of the community.
Then the proper Opening Program
was started with a prayer led by Kim Jolo
Suan, the animator of the Sports R.T. In his
prayer, he asked the grace of God that the
sports fest will be blessed with the spirit of
camaraderie and brotherhood throughout the
duration of the festival. This was followed
by the swearing of oath of sportsmanship
by all the members of the team led by Sem.
Rogerwin Artienda, one of the members of
the Sports Responsible Team.
The program proper ended with
Froilan Panganiban, freshman seminarian,
who led the traditional torch run and lighting
of the Sports Fest torch as a symbolic act
of igniting the fire of sportsmanship and
camaraderie in every Claretian's heart for
every game he plays.
Finally, the most awaited part of the
hour, the play time. Everybody cheered the
more when the emcee declared, "The Sports
Fest 2010 is formally opened." It was indeed
an Opening of a semestral opportunity for
every team to show off its team's skills and
hard work. The endless potency of answering
the question, "Who will stand as the winner
in the end?" still remains a question and
will remain yet to be seen. (Sem. Dante C.
Boringgot )

First Recollection bears Community

As part of the
Claretian seminarians'
formation especially in
terms of deep relationship
to God, the seminarians
of St. Anthony Mary Claret
College(SAMCC) undergone
their two-day recollection with
Rev. Fr. Elias Ayuban,CMF
as reollection master last
June 25-26, 2010 at SAMCC
chapel. The recollection
started at 5:00 in the
afternoon through Holy Hour
with integrated confession.
Fr. Ayuban's first recollection
entitled, The Community: is a
place of life.
At night, June 25,
the first session started
at 8:00 in the evening.
Fr. Ayuban tackled the
paradigm shift of Traditional
model as the community of
'observance' and the Present
model as the community of
'personal relationship' and its
characteristics.
The following day,
June 26, the second session
started at 8:00 in the morning.
Fr. Ayuban focus about the
Decalogue of Community Life
and he gave three points of
reflection in order to know the
value of community life. After
his discussion, he encourage
the Claretian seminarians
to make their batch sharing
and this fruitful and valuable
recollection ended at 12:00
in the afternoon through
personal reflection and
meditation.
(Sem. Lymar Joy F. Olivar)

Inaugural Ceremony of New Administration held
June 30, 2009, marked
the day of the new administration
of the Philippines. It was the
inaugural ceremony of the
president-elect Benigno Aquino
Jr. and vice-presidental-elect
Jejomar Binay.
While people crowded
at the Quirino grandstand
to witness the momentous
occasion of the new president
and vice president of the
Philippines, seminarians also
joined the celebration through
watching the live telecast of
the said event. Meanwhile Fr.'s
Resty, Ama and Elias were
fortunate to be given one of the
VIP seats during the occasion.
Fr. Ama who has just arrived
from Spain before that day
never got jetlog hence was
even full of energy to attend the
important event of his 'idol'.
Watching in the
television seemed like also
attending at the Quirino
5
grandstand. All people were
jubilant and full of hope for a
new Philippines which aspires
to eradicate poverty through no
corruption in the government.
People danced and sang as
the TV personalities entertain
the crowd while waiting for 12
noon for the new president to
be proclaimed. Ogie Alcasid
and Noel Cabangon led the
crowd in singing the songs
they composed for the new
administrartion.
The president's
speech inspired many people
especially when he said, "Kayo
ang Boss Ko." It was indeed
a sign of a humble president
who owed what he had to the
people who supported him.
Meanwhile, the whole Makati
were also very proud of their
mayor Jejomar Binay to be
elected as the vice-president
of the Philippines. Many did not
think that he would win since he
was not that famous all over the
Philippines compared with his
number one rival Mar Roxas
who was a senator . Noynoy
and Binay were for people a
perfect combination; Noynoy
representing the elite and noble
strata of the society and Binay
from the marginalized people.
In the afternoon after
watching the inagauration in the
television, the seminarians were
allowed to go to the Quezon
City circle to witness the party
which was attended by Noynoy
who wants to be known as
'P-Noy' and Binay as 'V-Nay.'
Seminarians were allowed only
until 7 in the evening to witness
the event. Some seminarians
had their RT lite moments and
some enjoyed the afternoon by
enjoying each others company
in other places.
At the end of the day,
seminarians culminate all that
happened to them through their
thanksgiving prayers and pleas
for the betterment of the whole
Philippines. (Sem. Christian
Fernandez)

Prof. Elsa instructs Seminarians on Time Management

Time, as Saint Augustine said is continuum and moving
forward always that's why we value time most. Because we can't
undo and change what had happen on the past, what most of us
do is to manage time properly to beat procrastination.
Last July 24, 2010 the seminarians had a
seminar about time management given by Professor
Maria Elsa Hufano. She said that one of the
keys to being able to manage your life is
the ability to manage time. This statement
was somewhat striking because some
seminarians doesn't know how to manage
their time. She said that in order for us to
manage time properly is to set first the priorities
and then to plan for daily schedules. But it takes
time to put specific things to be done especially if the
individual is a busy person. Because of this Prof. Elsa
advised to make a list of the things or job that you have
to do. It could be a kind of diary, a planner, a master list
or Personal Schedule like most of the seminarians do. Most people who
do not have time management often forget things; they are stressful and
do not have priorities.
The main job of Time Management is not only to be able
to manage life but to beat also procrastination, as was said
earlier. And in order to beat this procrastination, one needs
to lessen the time wasters or time-eaters such as being
a perfectionist, online chatting and over sleeping. The
key to proper time management is know what are
the important and urgent things we have to do,
what is not important but urgent by the time
being and the not urgent but important things
must also be set likewise. Things that are not
important and not urgent things which are
mostly time wasters must be also considered
and lessened.
These important concepts must
be put into a table and will surely guide the
seminarians what things to do first, now that they
were informed. Time management isn't just being discussed, written
and planned, but moreover be applied, especially in living in the seminary
community. (Sem. John Michael Guias)
 6
Claretian Missionaries keep the Fire Burning
How old is the Claretian Con-
gregation now? Since we are now on
year 2010 and it was on 1849 when the
congregation was founded, then 2010-
1849= 161.
It's the 161st anniversary of the
Claretian Missionaries. 161 years of the
keeping the great fire alive, of spreading
the Word, of changing lives, of soaring
up high, of helping others, and of being
more like Christ. It's been 161 years
also since the "Great Enterprise" start-
ed but still the calling for the service of
the people did not stop; as a matter of
fact 5 brothers renewed their vows and
2 brothers made their Perpetual Reli-
gious Profession. These brothers who
replied to God's call through renewing
their vows were Bro. Michael Capist-
rano, CMF, Bro. Efren Decrito, CMF,
Bro. James Maung Maung Tar, CMF,
Bro. Anthony Van Tung, CMF, and Bro.
John Xue Rui Jun, CMF. Also, let us not
forget our brothers who have decided
to offer their lives for the service of the
people of God; they were Bro. Charles
Jocris "CJ" Mortela, CMF and Bro. Nic-
er O. Natulla, CMF. They were all young
people who continues to keep the fire
burning in their hearts. The ordination
touched and changed lives not only of
the brothers but the parents' and visi-
tors' lives as well.
After the ordination, lunch was
served in Bulwagang Claret. While all
enjoyed the food, that time was also a
time of communion with other people.
Everybody enjoyed: priests talked with
the other priests, seminarians with the
visitors and with their co-seminarians,
and even the provincial superior open-
ly approached the seminarians, visi-
tors and other priests. After this lunch,
blessing of the new Provincial Office
followed. Everybody was enthusiastic
to see the new office of the Provincial
Superior, the provincial Secretary, their
place of meeting, and the Prefect of
Spirituality, Apostolate, Formation, and
the Provincial Econome.
At 1: 30 pm the seminarians
went to Claret School. They were very
enthusiastic; many were excited to have
their encounter with the students. As
the students fetched the brothers, you
can see into their faces that they were
nervous and thrilled. The seminarians
shared their experiences inside the sem-
inary, their vocation story, their dreams,
their joys and happiness. They also had
their jamming with the students as they
shared their talents and as the students
also shared their talents. At snack time
you can here them sharing stories of
what happened in the classrooms and
what the students
did.
Games
then followed af-
ter they eat their
snacks. Solidarity
among the semi-
narians, postu-
lants, theologians,
and priests as
they played can
really be seen. In
this event, people
who are not usu-
ally playing par-
ticipate in the games. They also played
with the students in the game soccer
which they don't usually play; many first
timers joined the game to experience
how and what is it to play soccer. No
one was exempted in playing. Team by
team worked together to attain victory.
After hours of playing, the sem-
inarians went home. Usually they end
the day in a night prayer but during this
day it's through a fraternal gathering;
ending the day by offering and shar-
ing the God given talents. The fraternal
gathering's theme was "161 years of
Keeping the Fire Burning". Everyone
showed their God given talents as they
danced, sang, did a skit, gave jokes and
serenaded. It's not only the seminarians
who performed, but the formators as
well. They showed their talents which
is not usually seen; singing and playing
the guitar. The program ended with the
singing of the Claretian song Ideal in His
Mind which truly describes what a Clar-
etian is. 161 years have passed but the
fires within our hearts are still burning
and keep a flamed. (Sem. Louie James
Gonzalez)

Seminarians Proclaim the Word of God
in Bible Proclamation Contest
The Word of God
must not only be read, it must
be proclaimed. This is what the
eleven seminarian contestants (7
seminarians from the Claretians
and 4 from other congregations)
did last July 27, 2010 on the Bible
Proclamation Contest held at the
Rafael Briega, CMF Auditorium
at Saint Anthony Mary Claret
College.
Present during this
program are some professors of
the college, all SAMCC students,
Fr. Elias Ayuban Jr., CMF, the
College President who gave the
opening remarks, and Dr. Beulah
D. Nuval, the College Dean who
explained the contest's criteria
for judging and also gave the her
closing message. The first two
members of the panel of judges;
Ms. Elizabeth G. Talusan and Mrs.
Imelda P. Lopez, were especially
invited to be the juries of this
contest because of their experience
as lectors and commentators of
different parishes here at Quezon
City. Fr. Restituto Audal Jr., CMF,
the Local Community Superior of
Claret Seminary, seated as the
main judge.
The contest started at
8:00 in the morning. Each
of the contestants were
given enough time to read
and proclaim the Bible
passage from the book
of the prophet Jeremiah
chapter fourteen verses
seventeen to twenty-
two, which narrates
7
about Yahweh's message to the
wicked country of Jerusalem
through Jeremiah's prophesying.
The chosen Bible passage was
also the first reading of that day's
celebration of the Holy Eucharist.
After all the eleven
contestants had proclaimed the
Responsible Team, served as
Bible passage through projecting
the masters of ceremony during
their voice without the use of a
this event. Much more than the
microphone; four outstanding
preparation made by the Literary
seminarians were awarded
RT who sponsored this event; the
with the certificates and prizes
participation and support of the
sponsored by the Dean.
whole college made this contest a
Sem. John Kenneth
success.
Villavicencio accepted the third
This endeavor does
prize; Sem. James Jalon got the
not only help in developing the
second prize while the first place
communication skills of the
was a tie by Sem. Xavier Von
seminarians; moreover this can
Villarma, a Claretian seminarian
be included as part of the initial
and Sem. Rocky Abraham
preparations in formation for future
Sibayan from the Alagad ni Maria
Claretian Missionaries proclaiming
Seminary.
and living the Word of God as
Sem. Dante Boringgot
Servants of the Word. (Sem.
and Sem. David Mark Andion,
Jacob Schwarzberg T. Moscare)
both members of the Literary

Seminarians reflect at 2nd Recollection

The last two days of the month of July, the 30th and 31st, were the days into their own rooms and retired soundly
scheduled for recollection by which the college seminarians had given the time to to sleep bringing the life-lessons of the
stop for a while; to be in silence and to reflect on their significant and insignificant movie on their minds to be ready for the
experiences they had have for the past month. It was the second recollection next day's sharing.
scheduled for this semester of this school year; the earlier took place last June 25-26, July 31, Saturday, the second
2010. day of the recollection at exactly 8 o'clock
The said recollection started at 5 o'clock in the afternoon of July 30. in the morning, the seminarians gathered
Opening it with the simple ritual where seminarians received the grace of healing at the auditorium. The first part of the
in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, an activity which was integrated within the hour of that day was devoted solely for
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. Having 69 seminarians confessing catered only Fr. Elmer's discussion on some points
by the three invited Claretian priests available for confession, made the Sacrament of reflection in the movie in connection
of Reconciliation lasted for two hours. After which a sumptuous dinner was being to the topic of his talk, "The two faces we
shared by all, still maintaining the atmosphere of silence. work with: The F.A.C.E. of the ego and the
At exactly 8 o'clock in the evening, the seminarians gathered at once in the F.A.C.E. of the true self." The rest of the
FS chapel extension to watch the movie entitled, The Legend of the Fall. At the onset remaining hours were dwelt on further discussions on the given topic.
of the show, Fr. Elmer Cantular, CMF, Claret postulants' master and the one who The recollection ended thirty minutes before the angelus bell rang, ending
facilitated the recollection, gave a concise account about the film as well as explained it with a prayer song led by the Music Responsible Team.
succinctly the relationship of this movie to the main topic of the recollection. "Look for It is said that recollections are part of the seminary activities given to
some of the important details on human relationship in the movie and find out which the seminarians that hope to develop their spirituality aspect of their seminary life.
among the characters discovers and exercises his true-self," The community was There are still upcoming scheduled recollections for the coming months wherein
then engrossed so much with the movie for the rest of the hours. At 10 o'clock in the the seminarians need to immerse themselves with, to continue in developing their
evening the movie concluded. Seminarians, still observing the subdued silence went spirituality. (Sem. Dante C. Boringgot)
 8

Written by: Sem. Rheadh R. Dela Torre

Let me tell you a story. everyone has to be perfect.

There was a man looking for the perfect woman. Including us!
So he searched for her far and wide, for someone
who was intelligent, beautiful and charming. During my summer classes outside, while
(Note: This is not my personal story, no matter I was on a bus going to the school, I passed a
the many similarities, okay?) And after many huge display of used cars. People came with
years of exploring and waiting, he finally found their old cars, wondering if they could exchange
that woman. So he courted her to ask for her them with newer ones.
hand in marriage. I began to think: If there was a store that
But sadly, she rejected him (sob). In his specialized in "trading-in" of families, formators,
misery, he realized why: because that woman leaders, parents, roommates, professors, parish
was searching for the perfect man. priests, friends, etc. - I bet that business would
beat Shoemart in sales.
Let me tell you another story. Unfortunately, there is no such place.
I remember a friend of mine who told his formator But there is one thing we can "trade-in".
one day, "Father, I have finally found the perfect You can "trade-in" your heart of stone to a heart
seminary to be in! They are such wonderful of flesh (Ezekiel 36:26).
people. I'll leave our seminary now and transfer
to that seminary!" I have discovered something terrible
The priest replied, "Oh please, do not join about myself. When I persistently see the wrong
that seminary!" in others, I am shocked that many times it is
"Why not?"my friend asked, baffled. because I subconsciously cannot stand the
"Because then," the priest smiled, "that wrong that I myself do. I hide my sins behind
community won't be perfect anymore." the sins of others. Somehow, it is easier for me
to pull down others than for me to rise from my
Why are we like this? We want perfect weaknesses.
relationships, perfect seminary set-up, perfect Who is the loving man?
families, perfect roommates, perfect professors, He who sees imperfection in others and
perfect food, and perfect formators- we insist prays, "Lord, help me to change."
on it! We demand it! But for all that to happen,

All of us want peace. Only few are initiating violence
against others. As much as possible, we don't want to be in
conflict with others in order to live a peaceful life. One who is
in conflict with another should swallow his pride to avoid any
violence resulting from it.
If peace is defined by the world as the absence of
conflict, violence, and war, then anyone who doesn't like any
of those mentioned are 'peace advocates'. But these 'peace
advocates' can be classified in two: the peace lovers, and the
peace makers. These two have a different attitude towards
peace. We always think that these two are just words that
could be used interchangeably for it seems that they mean
the same. They may, but they can't.
Let me show you the difference between these two
with a simple example. For example, Rowan and Aldrine are
both seminarians. Rowan is a peace lover, while Aldrine is a
peace maker. Both of them don't want to be in conflict with
their brothers in the community. It so happened that Rowan
and Aldrine were close to each other and they were able to see
that one of their brothers in the community keeps a cellphone
with him. With this knowledge, Rowan wanted to keep it as a
secret because he’s afraid that if he will call the attention of
his brother, he might be rejected and be in conflict with him.
While Aldrine, with this knowledge called the attention of his
brother and of his formator about the matter. Aldrine took a
risk in order to correct the mistake of his brother.
The attitude of a peace lover like Rowan tolerates
any mistake, any violence, and any wrong doings and doesn’t
care at all to correct any of these because of fear to be hated,
rejected, and criticized by others. He does this for the sake
of “peace.” While peace makers like Aldrine are persons who
does the opposite. They correct any mistakes and do not
tolerate any violence and misbehaviors around them. They
are not perfectionists because they don’t want everything to
be perfect; they only want things to be in order. They settle
any matter in a manner of dialogue. They believe that what is
wrong, is wrong, it can never be right.
So we see the difference of the two, in their attitude
towards peace. We can be peace advocates anytime, but
what is important is that we choose to be a peace maker than
a peace lover.
9
In darkness a spark will be seen.
We sometimes think of negative aspects when
it comes to the word "darkness". Children are afraid of
the dark. Horror movies emphasize darkness with thrilling
scenes. Darkness belongs to the "emo". And we always
refer it to the bad side.
When I was a young boy I always call my
grandmother to sleep with me, whenever my father and
mother would go out. I remember how I persist not to turn
off the lights, because I had a bad mark on darkness as a
comfort zone of vampires and other mythical creatures.
When I became an adolescent, my perception
when I was a child changed. It changed a lot; darkness for
me is now more as an instrument. Darkness would occur
so that we will realize how great the light is. If there's no
darkness, then it would be impossible for me to value even
though the tiniest spark that comes to my life. On a party,
when the party uses fireworks for the celebration it will not
be that wonderful if it is not in the dark. Darkness gives
emphasis on small things. It makes the moon shine, yet the
moon surrenders to a greater light.
I can apply this thought to my vocation. In my
formation to become a missionary priest, one would realize
that the people in darkness need to see light even though
it’s a spark. But I, a seminarian need to surrender to a
greater Light which is God. And I know that realizing these
thoughts about darkness will help me understand more
fully the urgency of the light.
When we believe that in darkness there is a spark
to be seen, then there's no need to be afraid of the dark.
10
11
 12
It all started when the whole members of our household
converted our family’s primitive faith and wholeheartedly
embraced Catholicism. I was in Grade 4 then, ten (10) years old
to be exact.
I was an extra active "Batang Handog" in Iglesia ni
Cristo then. In this particular religion, Catholicism for us as a
whole was considered to be the religion of Satanism. There
were elaborative reasons given and they are too many to mention
here. Because of my too
personal involvement with our
previous religion, the idea of our
mother to convert to Catholicism
was somewhat a nuisance that
needed to get rid off from her mind.
I, myself was the first person who took the audacity to repel the
absurdity of her idea. And who would think that her absurd idea
and verbal coercion took me to the unusual dimension of my life
as a Catholic.
My baptism in the Catholic faith on December 25,
1991 was in particular a 3600 turning point of my found new life
as a Catholic. Moreover, who had thought then that it was also
considered to be the point of origin of my present treading path
of vocation?
I could still remember exactly when the priest said the
formula of baptism while sprinkling my head with water. In there,
I really experienced the exact baptism words of Jesus by God
the Father "This is my Son on whom my favor rest!" I didn't know
what those words really mean for an elementary kid like me.
However, what I had just remembered was after that baptism I
was exactly a different person. I remember after our classes in
the afternoon I sneaked out and visited the church and attended
the mass scheduled every afternoon for the highschool students. Every
Sunday, I began attending Catechesis. From then on, I loved to be in
the church and everything that has to do with the church. This attitude
went on until I reached high school and became a Catechist and member
of the knights of the altar. And without even knowing it that every time
I was asked what course I would get when I will be in college, I usually
gave an instant answer that I wanted to become a priest. My mother,
the only person knows me well especially when it comes to the deepest
desire of my heart, was in a way supported me all the way. Maybe she
had also a vision that I would become a priest someday, she asked our
parish priest that I would be his convent boy. The idea to be living in the
convent gave me somewhat a good feeling especially that I would be
closer to the church particularly to God.
During those years living in the parish convent, I became
closer to our parish priest, Fr. Benjie Inocencio, O.M.I. In fact,
I considered him not only as a parish priest and my idol but
much of all I regard him as my spiritual director. He became
my “father” and indeed his being missionary priest added more
influence to my dream of becoming a missionary someday.
All possibilities of entering the Oblates seminary after my high
school graduation were already set and already prepared by
my mother and Fr. Benjie.
However, I have enough
awareness of our family
situation at that time, Fr.
Benjie asked me to discern
for the last moment whether
I will be going to the seminary and follow
my desire or be in college to get a diploma and work afterwards
to help my family especially my three younger siblings.
Nevertheless, I took the road contrary to my desire – got the
Education course and graduated after four years. Afterwards
worked and sent my younger siblings to college and finally
financed their schooling until they finished. I was happy acting
as a father to my younger brothers and sisters. In fact I enjoyed
my life as an independent, single and workaholic young religion
teacher and parish coordinator. Moreover, the work also gave
me the reason to forget about my desire to be in the religious
vocation because of my being busy.
During those years of happy memories of being with my
students and our parishioners sharing with them my life and
knowledge, I came to think at times that I was not satisfied
with the happiness that I felt. I became restless sometimes
and felt the deepest spiritual insatiability within me despite the
many achievements I had done for the day in my work. Not until I
came across with the writings of St. Augustine which says, "My heart
is restless until it rests upon the Lord", that my eyes were opened and
began thinking of that deepest desire of my heart since I was a child.
It made me realized that God maybe is calling me once again to make
an insurmountable reflection for my life’s vocation. By that reflection, I
realized that I was really called by God since then yet I just kept ignoring
the calling because of my family. Now that I have been through with
my responsibility towards them and I see that they are now also happy
building their own family, I have come to a decision that this time for my
life to be happy I should follow and respond to God’s invitation to be in
the religious life even if this mean giving up everything I love to do and
love to be with in my present life.

Isang kultura sa ating mga Pilipino ang
pagtawag ng kuya sa lalaking mas nakatatanda sa atin.
Sa pagdaan ng mga araw, ako ay naging
kuya sa aming pamilya. Bata pa lamang ako, nasa
gulang na anim, nagsimula na akong maging isang kuya
dahil sa aking nakababatang kapatid. Masarap maging
kuya dahil ikaw ang nasusunod, ikaw ang nilalambing
at ikaw ang nangungulit. Ngunit naisip ko din kung
masarap rin kayang magkaroon ng kuya? Simula’t
sapul ako'y masaya dahil nagkaroon ako ng kapatid
na mas bata sa akin. Masarap ang aking pakiramdam
sa bawat pagbulong n'ya sa aking tainga na, "Kuya
mahal kita, salamat ha." Ang sarap 'di ba, dahil alam
mo na naghahanap ng lambing ang iyong kapatid. 'Di
ba masarap rin magmahal at maglambing ang mga
kuya?
Sa paglipas ng mga
panahon aking napagtanto
na mahirap din pala
ang tungkulin
ng isang kuya,
hindi ito biro,
at kung minsan
din ay gusto mo
nang sumuko
dahil sa mga
problemang
dumarating.
M a h i r a p
maging kuya p e r o
masarap. Maraming pagkakataon na ang kuya lagi ang
pinapagalitan ng magulang, kahit hindi nya ito kamalian,
pilit pa rin siyang pinagsasabihan kahit wala na sa
tamang lugar. Mahirap din na mag-ipon ng pasensya, lalo
na kung punong-puno ka na, at wala nang mapaglagyan
sa puso na sinira na. Masakit man isipin, dapat itong
dalhin at tanggapin dahil ito ang realidad ng buhay na
maging kuya ka at magdusa.
Minsan din aking naisip at napagtanto kung
bakit ako ang pinili ng Diyos na maging kuya? Pwede
namang iba, bakit ako pa? Ngunit akin ding naisip na
alam ng Diyos na kaya kong lagpasan ang kahit anong
pagsubok na ibigay Niya.
Naitanong ko din, bakit mahirap magdala ng
problema? Bakit ko pinoproblema ang aking problema?
Ano bang maidudulot nitong kabutihan kung hindi ko
ito haharapin? Dumating ang kasagutan: dapat ko
itong harapin ng may lakas ng loob at kapal ng mukha.
Habang ako'y nasa banyo, naliligo at umiiyak; kasabay
ng daloy ng tubig at kasabay din ng dilim sa pagpuklaw
ng ningning, gusto ko nang mawala dito sa mundo dahil
lang sa mga walang kwentang bagay. Ngunit nang
lumaon akin ding natanto na ang kamatayan ay hindi
solusyon upang lumisan ang problema, bagkus, ito'y
hinaharap at hinahanap, sa gayo'y matatamo ang tunay
na kaginhawahan.
Sa aking pag-iisip at pagmumuni-muni,
aking naitanong muli sa aking sarili, "Masarap nga ba
talagang magkaroon ng kuya?" Naitanong ko ito sa
oras na naghahanap ako ng isang kuya na tutulong sa
akin dahil hindi sapat ang isang kaibigan, lalo na kung
ang problema ay mabigat. Siguro
masarap magkaroon ng
kuya na mag-aaruga
s a i y o ,
tutulong
sa 'yo at bibigyan
ka ng importansya; isang
taong magpaparamdam sa 'yo ng
lambing ng isang kuya. Ako ay nauuhaw sa
lambing at pagmamahal ng isang kuya, kailangan
ko ng kuya na tutulong sa akin sa oras ng kagipitan, at
kariwasaan. Kuya ding nagpapasaya sa oras na 'di ko
na kaya ang aking pasanin. Naisip kong minsan parang
malabo na itong mangyari dahil ako ang panganay
sa amin. Datapwat mali ang aking akala, dahil ako'y
nakahanap ng kuyang kahit hindi ko literal na kapatid,
kapatid din ang turing saakin.
Ang sarap ng pakiramdam kapag nakahanap
ka na ng kuya, iba ang iyong mararamdaman kung
matatagpuan mo siya; ang galak sa puso ay halos
tumatalon na. Masarap magkakuya lalo na kung iyong
kilala ang kanyang katauhan. 'Di ba masarap magkaroon
ng kuya na nilalambing ka paminsan-minsan; napupunan
nya ang dapat niyang punan.
May tatlong klase ng kuya: ang kuya na ayaw
magpalambing, ang kuya ang gusto laging nilalambing
at ang kuya na walang pakialam lambingin mo man siya
o hindi, ayos lang ito sa kanya. Sa unang klase, ayaw
magpalambing ng kuya dahil siguro hindi siya sanay
lambingin. Nagreresulta ito ng paglayo niya sa'yo. Ang
ikalawang klase ng kuya na gusto naman ng lambing,
minsan 'di natin alam na s'ya pala ay humahanap din
ng lambing, kaya tayo naman ang nagpupuno nito. At
ang huli, ang kuya na wala lang, naisin mo man o hindi
13
ayos lang sa kanya dahil alam n'ya na dun ka liligaya. Sa
kabilang banda, kung minsan naiisip din nyang lumayo
o maglambing.
Masarap nga ba talagang magkaroon ng
sariling kuya na mag-aaruga sa'yo, maglalambing, at
lubos kang bibigyan ng pansin kahit anong oras? Siguro,
oo dahil iyong mararamdaman na talagang may tunay
kang kuya na iyo ding Superman.
Ako'y naghahanap ng aking masasandalan;
mayroon
naman ngunit
hindi ganoon
kasapat.
Mayroon
akong nais
pagbuhusan
ng problema na ako'y
patahanin at lambingin, ito
ay tumutugma lamang sa ikalawang
klase ng kuya. Ang hirap ng sitwasyon, lalo na
kung ika'y rinding-rindi nang ilabas ang iyong emosyon
sa harap niya. Hindi mo naman ito mailabas dahil sa
kanyang kagustuhan. May pagkakataong kailangan mo
talaga ng kuya at gusto mong nasa tabi mo lang siya;
di ka n'ya iiwan hangga't di ka tumatahan, para bang
sanggol na hangga't hindi tumatahan, hindi to iniiwanan
ng kayang ina. Darating din ang panahon na s'ya lang
ang gusto mong kausap. Parang mas nanaisin mo
syang kausap kaysa sa mismong irog mo dahil sa kanya
mo makikita ang imahe ng pagiging kuya. Masaya ako
dahil nakatagpo ako ng mga kuya na laging nandyan sa
aking tabi, upang ako'y alagaan at gabayan.
Ngunit iyo bang naisip kahit minsan na
nasasakal na rin sila, dahil sa pagiging isip bata mo.
Para kang humihingi ng pagkain sa nanay mo, bigla
na lang manlalabing. Nasasakal sila sa sobra mong
protekta, nasasakal sila dahil sa ugali mo. Isipin mo
naman iyon. 'Wag kang maging manhid, kahit nagiging
manhid sila sa'yo, pabayaan mo sila. 'Wag mong sakalin
ang kagustuhan nila, kung ayaw mong mawalan ng
kuya. Ipakita mo sa kanila na importante sila sa'yo. Sa
gayon, maipakita din nila kung gaano ka kaimportante
sa kanila.
Ang sarap magkakuya, lalo na kung kaibigan
mo siya. Kaya ikaw na bumabasa ngayon, kung mayroon
kang kuya 'wag na wag mo s'yang sasakalin, hindi ito
magdulot ng maganda. Tandaan na ang paglalambing
ang unang batayan dito, bagkus, ang pag-aaruga at
pagmamahal ang unang-una. Tandaan nating ang ating
kuya ang laging magsisilbing lakas natin, anumang oras,
saan man tayo pumunta.
14

Menswear is as exciting as it can get. Barriers are broken Fashion is an ever-

down and more men are admitting that the tough-guy evolving thing. We have to
attitude does not equate to boring and insipid. Key trends in evolve with it. There are just some things
menswear include many interesting innovations and revivals we cannot wear after the fad has subsided and when
pushed to the edge. We're not mourning the economic slump a specific style that once was all the rage has suddenly become a
anymore. Instead, we're celebrating a new optimistic era. crime. Some styles remain classics and will always be in vogue but
These are the post-recession manly must-haves: there are those that should only be seen in old faded pictures. For
men, here are those style taboos:
1. Under-tights- Still within the bottoms arena, tights worn
under shorts are the guys answer to the leggings. Usually 1. Blaring-loud T-shirts - They've never been the 'it' thing, yet
made with a thicker fabric than its feminine counterpart, it's these pesky T-shirts with prints all around have been poisoning
more masculine and accentuates the shape of the calves. our consciousness by being too loud. Graphic tees are fine; in
2. Parkas- Less on its winter antifreeze purposes and more fact, they're great. But there's a line between a nice graphic tee
on its chic aesthetics, the traditional anorak is made lighter to and an offensive one
be a raincoat. With the increasingly erratic weather the fashion
2. Hawaiian shirts - If it's a joke, we get it. If it's a costume, we
industry has taken a proactive role in making rainwear more
get it. If you're being ironic in Hawaii, we get it. But if you wear it
stylish and bearable to put on.
to work or for drinks, then we have a problem here.
3. Short suits - What we didn't expect from short suits is
3. Too much bling - Over-accessorizing never works. A few
their persistence. With the advent of the under-tights, they're
pieces of jewelry is always a good thing shows you have style.
more confident that their presence will be felt. Immaculately
But two necklaces, earrings, a bracelet, a flashy watch and a
polished suits are cropped to the knee and paired with
ring for every finger are a tad too much. When dressing up,
rugged rubber shoes. Socks are optional. But when worn,
restraint is always the key on making your look work.
layers are recommended.
6. Sagging jeans - Loose and relaxed, great. Three sizes
4. Skinny suits - We saw sloppy looks for men and body-
hugging ones for women last season. This time, the roles are too big and sagging like they're falling off, not so great.
There isn't a single fashion trend right now that suggests
are reversed. As this space reported a couple of weeks
that sagging jeans are okay.
ago, women's fashions are going slouchy, and now, we're
9. Dressing too "young" - Many women complain that some
announcing that men are going back to the skinny trend.
men over the age of 30 dress too young for their age. And they
Gianfranco Ferre, Roberto Cavalli and Emporio Armani
have a great reason to complain about it. Hipster is a big trend
showed this in Milan, while Givenchy and Kenzo went for more
right now and many guys in their teens and 20s are getting into
comfortable alternatives in Paris. And one more thing, cuff those
it. But if you're a thirty something gal with an 'adult' sense of style,
pants. Bare ankles are the new standard.
how comfortable you would be dating a guy your age who dresses
5. Red - Huge designers are giving men more exciting palettes
like a kid?
this season and red seems to be the centerpiece of the color
10. Square-toed shoes - Anyway you look at it, these horrendous
parade. Gucci offers suits, Paul Smith provides entire ensembles,
shoes have no place in modern fashion anymore. Those with a slight
Dirk Bikkembergs presents separates, Jean Paul Gaultier has
curve and aren't so squarish are forgivable, but those bluntly boxy
trenches and Bottega Veneta dyes jackets in the fiery shade and its
ones are simply not cool. You don't have to go the uber-pointed route.
variations.
Just stay away from square.

Alam naman natin na
ang mga kwarto dito sa seminaryo
ay maliliit ngunit malilinis. Alam
din natin na ang mga kwartong
ito ay ang mga kwartong ating
tinatambayan at tinutulugan.
Ang kwarto ay isang
lugar kung saan kadalasan tayo'y
nasa loob nito at naglilibang. Ito
rin ay isang lugar na karamihan sa
atin ay itinuturing na sagrado, dahil
dito natin inilalabas ang ating mga
emosyon sa oras na hindi na natin
kaya.
Mayroon akong dalawang
kuya dito sa seminaryo, sa
katunayan sila ang mga
pinakakasundo ko dito, sila ang
laging gumagabay sakin at sila
rin ang laging nagpapatawa sa'kin
sa oras na ako ay malungkot. Sa
araw-araw na pagpasok ko sa
kwarto ng dalawa kong kuya lagi
akong sumasaya, bakit? Dahil
pagpasok ko sa kwarto nila sila
agad ang sasalubong sa akin at
sasabihin na, "Kumusta ka na,
ayos ka lang?" sila agad ang
kumakausap sa akin, minsan
nga ay niloloko at iniinis nila ako
agad 'pag pasok ko. Sa tuwing
15
ako'y papasok sa kanilang kwarto aking nakikita ang kalinisan nila, wala man
lang nga yatang alikabok sa kanilang kwarto sa sobrang linis nila, sobrang sinop
nila sa gamit, kaya dahan-dahan ako sa aking pagpasok, wala din akong tsinelas dahil nagagalit sila kung
madudumihan ang kanilang sahig. Tumutugma sa kanilang personalidad ang kanilang kwarto: mabait, malinis,
at maaruga; katulad ng pag-aaruga nila sa akin.
Kapag ako ay nasa kwarto nila , gumugulo ang mundo nila sa sobrang kadaldalan ko; mahilig kasi
ako sa mga kwento at mahilig din akong magkwento. Sa kwarto nila nabuo ang mga karanasan na hindi ko
malilimutan, tulad ng hampasan ng unan, kilitian, kulitan , kwentuhan, sigawan, bulihan at marami pang iba.
Kakaiba nga sila, wala silang pinipiling tao; ang ganda ng asal nila. Lagi kong natatandaan ang mga oras
na nang-aasar ako sa kwarto, lagi kong inaasar ang isa kong kuya kung sino sa amin ang mas mayaman,
sasabihin ko sa kanya, "Kuya, yaman mo talaga!" sasagot siya ng "Bataa mas datu ka saako, kadaghan nimo
gamit." Dahil hindi ko maintindihan ang sinabi niya, susuportahan ako ng isa ko pang kuya at isasalin niya sa
tagalog ang sinabi sa bisaya.
May mga oras din na nag-aaway kami dahil lang sa inisan. Lalabas ako ng kwarto at sisigaw:
"Tandaan n'yo 'di na 'ko babalik d'yan, promise!" Ngunit hindi ko sila matiis, paglipas ng ilang minuto babalik
na naman ako sa kwarto na 'yun. Mahirap iwanan yung kwarto lalo na mga tao sa loob nito.
Sa kwarto na yaon ay maraming nangyaring kulitan, kasiyahan, bangayan, usapan, maraming
natuklasan, maraming kwento ang nabuo at napagkwentuhan, marami din nagbago sa diwa ng relasyon, mas
naging malapit pa ako sa kanila at gayun din naman sila sa akin. Masaya ako dahil dito ko sila nakilala ng
husto, kung saan amin ring natuklasan ang aming mga kahinaan na nagpalalim sa aming pagkilala namin sa
isa't isa. Ang kabaitan nila ay sobra-sobra.
Sa kabilang banda masasabi kong ang kwartong iyon ay imahe ng aking mga kaibigan dahil hindi
lang ito basta kwarto, ito ay isang kwarto na puno ng kasiyahan, at ang kasiyahan na ito ay nagmumula sa
puso. Ang kwarto rin na yun ay masasabi kong sentro at puso ng aming dormitoryo.
Kaysarap isipin na ang kwarto na yun, ang maglalapit sa akin sa mga sinasabi kong kuya ko, hindi
nga lahat dito nabuo, ngunit halos lahat ng kasiyahan, kalokohan, at kwentuhan ay nabuo dito. Bihira lang
ang pinapapasok nila sa kwartong nila, sobra nilang higpit lalo na sa kalinisan, tulad ng kalinisan ng kanilang
mga puso. Kaysarap humiga sa kama nilang matigas ngunit punong-puno ng likas na kaligtasan. Kaylinis at
kaylamig ng simoy ng hangin gaya ng pag-aaruga nila sa akin.
Sa katunayan ang mga taong nasa loob ng kwarto na iyon ay siyang nagsisilbing kwarto ng buhay
ko. Ito’y dahil sa kanila ako tumatakbo kung ako ay may pasanin, sa kanila ako sumasaya kapag kami ay
nagbubulihan, higit sa lahat sa kanila ko nakita ang tamang kwarto, ang kwarto ng pagmamahalan at ang
kwarto ng kagalakan. Naipakita nila iyon sa pagsisilbi nilang gabay at kuya ko.

What does being a
Filipino mean? Is it the same
as when Spanish says "being a
Spanish" or when an American
says "being an American"? When
we say "FILIPINO" what images
come to our mind?
The first image appeal to
the sense of sight. If Filipino/a is a
woman; she can be from the barrio
or province, she is brown-skinned,
medium built, black haired, with
smiling face, gracefully balancing
on her head a winnower or a
basket or an earthen jar filled with
water. If the Filipino is a man, he
is patiently following his carabao
as the beast pulls the plow over
the rice paddies. If he's still a boy,
he is swimming in the river or
climbing guava trees; flying a kite
or catching fishes and shrimps.
If she's a girl, she's playing piko,
patintero, tumbang preso, siklot or
making balls from coconut leaves
or making a broom from coconut
midribs.
In the city, the Filipino
is the same brown-skinned,
medium-built office or factory
worker, vendor and other callings
of trade in the city. He is a devout
Catholic believing in one Almighty
God, or a faithful follower of other
religion. Anywhere, be it in city or
barrio, he is a man or woman or
child holding a candle as he/she
takes part in the Maytime Santa
Cruzan procession, or dancing the
Tinikling or Pandango sa Ilaw. He
can be a boy climbing the greasy
palosebo or enthusiastically
jumping at a pabitin. He can
be anyone pleasurably eating
pinakbet, diningding, sinigang,
adobo, durian or drinking from a
young coconut fruit newly picked
from a tall coconut tree.
A Filipino can be anyone
laboring along with several other
man of the neighborhood as they
carry on their shoulders a nipa hut
being moved to another location,
known to us as Bayanihan. This is
locally called Paghahawak-kamay
which connotes cooperative work.
A Filipino can be
someone spending his/her last
peso to entertain guests at a fiesta,
or borrowing his/her neighbor's best
mat or bed sheet to accommodate
an overnight visitor.
The Filipino is patient
and hardworking like a carabao, but
brave and ferocious like a tamaraw.
He/She is always joyful, fun-loving,
helpful, cooperative, deeply
religious, hospitable and friendly. A
Filipino is all these and more - you
will readily recognize him/her by
his/her looks, manners, customs
and his/her own traditions.
Look at a Filipino and
you will always remember a
country of seven thousand emerald
islands scattered like jewels
between the blue Pacific Ocean
and China Sea. Look at a Filipino
and you will remember the four-
colored flag of red, blue, yellow
and white gracefully waving in
the breeze. Look at a Filipino and
you'll remember heroes like Rizal,
Bonifacio and Mabini, and events
like People Power Revolution,
Tirad Pass and the champion
Manny "the Pacman". Filipinos are
all these and more - you will readily
recognize them because there is
nobody else like them; they are
unique.
 16
A piece of
“blah-blah”
Matatagpuan kita sa mismong paghahanap ko sa 'Yo
Iibigin kita sa mismong pagnanasa ko sa 'Yo
-San Anselmo
At most, I am already stuck in the place where at first
I didn't want to be. Now that I realize this, the journey gets
more thrilling. I have made a lot of reflections that at first I
never expected to happen in the course of my life.
Postulancy is the stage where Claretian seminarians
are put to the test (it's actually what you can give to the
congregation the scope to form a well-pondered judgment
that you seem to offer) in preparation for novitiate. But in the
process you will not learn it in a single day. You will not notice
that what the program is doing for you is very essential for the
next stage of formation.
I had my serious crisis inside this program as early
as two weeks after arriving in the house. The close friends I
had journeyed with before in the college went out so soon.
I was so isolated after that. I could not get out of my room
because the brothers left in the community are not my close
friends. That I'm doomed to this particular batch that in the
first place I really don't like. But my formator told me once,
"You have no choice, Sandy."
I could not grasp where God was. I was struggling
inside that I even lost the enthusiasm to go to the mass, do
my responsibility in the house, and what I hate the most-
caring for my brothers.
"Panginoon saan kita mahahanap?"
But my dearest brothers, it is oh so true that seasons
change. A lot of questions were addressed to me. More of
my weaknesses were raised to me than to things where I am
strong. I said what's the use of reading our personal book
entitled "Living your Strength" if what my formator demands
me is to expose the bad and dark side of my life? Why talk
on things that make me feel sad, gloomy and lonely? Why
not talk on things that could make me feel inspired and be
motivated more in this kind of life?
"Saan kita matatagpuan?"
I was about to quit. I was about to surrender. I was
about to say I'm fed up. But a single, simple but powerful
question broke my heart: Will you also leave me, Sandy?
That one made me stay- I'm telling you. That one
caused me to fall in love with the true master. Only Jesus
are the words that our formator keeps on hammering into our
heads. The Lord was asking me, "Will you also leave me?"
And there was the question 'why?' Why do I feel so
isolated in this kind of community? Why do I want to be alone?
Why do I lose the enthusiasm to fulfill my responsibility to the
community? Why do I want to go away?
Is it because I don't want to see the real me? Well,
will I find my true self outside? Will I be sure that there is
someone out there who will always guide me in times of
sorrow?
Will I also go away from the Lord? Will I also abandon
my vocation just like what my previous batch mates did? They
might feel happy with their life now but I'm quite sure that they
miss what it takes to be in a religious life. I am quite sure that
they are not completely happy of what their status is. Once
you are called, you are called. Even if you have the freedom
1 EDITOR’S NOTE: "blah-blah" could also be replaced with the word "musings" by the author.
1 to go somewhere, you will always feel that there's something
you can't deny. There are a lot of circumstances where you
will realize that all of these are connected to your life - that
there is no such thing as 'accident'.
Postulancy for me is the point where you will be
doing things you will not expect in your life. Yup, you might
claim that you want to be a missionary someday. But along
the way, there are a lot of pieces in your life that are needed
to be collected and then tested. This stage is not a chicken-
and-egg problem to be solved. This is not the program where
you will just be a happy-go-lucky seminarian who studies his
lessons if he wants, clean and will act politely if the formator
is around or brag the things he is good.
Postulancy is a great discovery of self. If you know
yourself now, I think you are practically wrong. Question: how
do you act in your community? How open are you to your
brothers? How honest are you when you do your duties and
responsibilities there? How sincere are you when you judge
or criticize or correct your brothers? Among all the brothers in
your community, with how many of them have you shared the
deepest inner secret of your life? Mmm, this one is a tough
question that will tempt you to answer philosophically or if not,
logically. But mind you, Postulancy is not academic. Using
your philosophy will just be trash in here. You will not think all
the time. You just need to prepare your heart. What's inside
there? What's its secret? What's its priority? Why does it beat
everyday? To whom is it in love with?
My dearest brothers, most of you become my
companions for almost eight months. And I think what we
have shared in each day of our stay was so lax. I was trying
to imagine how I will evaluate our being together during those
times but I think I can only surmise. I can't be sure if you have
to put your heart in your hand just like the Virgin Mary in her
picture with Jesus the child. And I don't think I have let you
come into my heart. (Have you ever knocked mine? Or had
I?)
I have shared once to some of you that if you want
to love, you should know that it is not easy. What I mean
about love here is not romantic but love that is bearable to the
brothers in the community. Of course, putting yourself after
them is difficult. That letting your brothers come to you but
hurt you while you intentionally open up yourself to them could
be a very unfair situation. But that is love. Remember the
anecdote of the man trying to save the scorpion drowning?
If you have brothers in the community whom you do
not like (which I presume is inevitable), you must love them
more than you are giving to those brothers you are comfortable
with. You should start thinking and doing that you will not get
anything from the people whom you love. Remember Jesus
reminds us that we will see no reward if we only love those
people who love us. This one is very striking. This one happens
everywhere. Even in other institutions. But what matters is
how you handle the gap. In a religious life, if one is not on
good terms with some of his brothers, the tendency is always
to show off; to run away; to disclose himself. But I bet you are
already familiar with the different stories of the prophets in the
Old Testament who have been hiding from the Lord because
of too much discomfort; because of too much fear of sudden
hurt and sudden pain. But how will you grow anyway
The same question I raised to myself. How will I
grow if I keep on denying things? How will I grow if I keep on
being attached to the material desires (those who still keep
their cellphones inside their books, better start pondering
again)? How will I grow if I always choose to be isolated in
the community? How will I grow if I always complain of the
responsibilities my brothers keep on throwing at me? How
 17
will I grow if I refuse to be tired, to be Response from our newly professed brothers during their
hurt and to be criticized? How will I
ever say to the Lord that "Yes Lord, yes Perpetual Religious Profession
Lord, I want to follow you" but inside I
don't even give a damn to my brothers
and how will I grow if I allow myself to I can no other answer make, but, thanks, and thanks. 
choose what is not good?
Once you become more open by : William Shakespeare
to your life now (and as early as now),
the better. I imagine you being the "real
you" now. When time comes that you To our dearest family our parents and family members who
will decide to pursue your formation in
the Postulancy, it will be a great journey are around, brothers in the congregation; college community, theology
all the way already! community, ICLA community, IHMP convent community, CCI community,
"Iibigin kita sa mismong pagnanasa ko Provincial Superior Rev. Fr. Leo Dalmao, cmf and his council, to our
sa Iyo."
common friends, sisters and brothers of other congregations, Claretian
What I desire now is to love in sisters, spiritual directors and mentors, St. Anthony Mary Claret
excess. I have conquered my community
problem, my personal problem, and my College professors and staff, sponsors ,benefactors and collaborators
'hiding' attitude. Finally I talked to the
Lord so sincerely that I am so willing to here in Quezon City and other missions, it is difficult to express our
surrender my self to Him, for the sake heartfelt gratitude and love to you all. I want to say so much, but I can
of the mission the same as what He
told His disciples. His question "will you hardly find the words. So, I'll just say that you are the greatest blessing
also go away?" has been answered.
You also ask yourself that question and in our life.
reflect and you'll see if it will not tear
your heart. Imagine Jesus, the Lord of
Lords is asking you that. This morning, our perpetual profession, is the expression of your
But my dear brothers, there is
so much to learn in life. Especially in love to us. This wonderful gift of God to us will not be achieved without
this kind of life that you are taking in.
To become a Servant of the Word is to your help. Thank you! Thank you for being with us today and also being
share your own brokenness to the world. around during our difficult times. Your support and understanding gave
Let the people around you know your
weak points in life because only throughus the strength to continue pursuing this wonderful vocation. Without
that can they see and appreciate your
limitations. Let them know who you are, you we would probably give up .But then you would come to remind us
really. Discovery of true self is a verythe meaning of our life and the meaning of our call, to love God above
luxurious achievement already. Times
when you stumbled in the middle of all things and to love his people. Thus we became so passionate,
your fight in life. Times when you cannot
really move to do things accordingly. a missionary burning with the fire of love. And we came to profess
To become a missionary in the future to follow Christ more closely, and offered our life for the service of
I think is to give yourself to the Lord
the word every moment and forever. These are all because of you.
and to others and not to give in to life's
difficulties.
Thus, I am sincerely grateful to God for giving such loving family,
"Fall in love with the Lord and it will caring congregation, encouraging mentors, supportive sponsors and
decide everything" as Pedro Arrupe
said. benefactors and unwavering faithful friends.
I want to hear from you soon how
"ladlad" are you in the community. Viva Cristo Rey, Viva Mother of our congregation, Viva
Just a piece of blah-blah from a distant Claretians.
brother.
Thank you.

-Sem. Sandy Bahia, Jr. -Bro. Nicer O. Natulla, cmf

 18
FOR YOU, ANONYMOUS
Written by: Sem. Jacob Schwarzberg T. Moscare
My heart beats fast
but it's relaxed.
My body trembles. The reason: I can't remember.
Every drop of sweat with your smile so sweet,
Focus ain't easy.
Excitement follows your warm touch.
Constellations gather at my head,
my eyes turn blind dead.
Red-winged hearts hover, forcing me to surrender.
Your voice so soft, fair skin so smooth,
Pop-punk music that lingers.
I am a weak superhero wrestling with your embrace.Can you unman our conjoined lips?
Days are brighter,
nights are warmer.
Wall clock hypnotizes, I feel helpless.
Please don't escape again my friend,
Just listen to these last words.
Wish this conversation never ends
so listen to my heartbeat.
Can you hear the words? : "I'm sorry,
Thank you and I love you..."
Now you're gone,
but I'm not alone.
Here with mem'ries we wove together.
Missed that childish feeling
'cause everything changes
All's left is hope
in the ending
that's not
Happily ever after...
BOTO MO
Sa panulat ni: Kuya Jacob
Mga Pilipino'y sadyang magagaling.
Maayos na daan
kanilang sisirain.
NOTHING COMPARED TO HER Silence . . .
Written by: Riptide Wrtten by: Incognito
You're graceful but your grace falls gives me space to meditate.
You're lovely but your love leaves spares me time to recreate,
Can you pull away from this embrace? ideas, thoughts, opinions and states
For this heart belongs to the furnace clearly seen by me in grace.
In what forest of the night is God's residence,
Maria can't reach with her burning light where His Wisdom reinstates,
What distant deeps or skies where me and Him meet
Burned the fire of her eyes? and talk how to wash others' feet.
You're thoughtful but your thought falls makes my whole life complete.
You're charming but your charm flings creates my own life's space.
helps my life resonates,
For this kiss won't give bliss. for others to imitate.
When the stars threw down their spears
And watered heaven with their tears
Did she smile of that dread hand?
Did she make sadness into the land?
Mama
Written by: Sem. Jacob S.T.M.
You're graceful but your grace falls
You're lovely but your love leaves Lovely eyes,
I can feel her heart seize me, Deep blue skies.
You're nothing compared to her, Brightest star: Your Purest Heart.
you're the enemy.
i.
Mabilis na lumilipas ang mga panahon,
Sa pormasyon 'di natin binibilang ang mga taon.
Napagdaanan na natin ang hirap ng kahapon,
Ngunit patuloy pa rin ating pakikihamon.
ii.
Bakasyon natin sa labas,
Ginugol sa summer class.
Naguluhan, nalito, nayanig sa mga pagbabago
Ngunit 'di nakalimutan mga aral na tanging galing sa seminaryo.
iii.
Pag-unlad sa pormasyon, sorpresang nakakagulat,
Gayun pa man, nasasabik din at nagpapasalamat.
Lakas ng loob kasabay ng suporta at pagninilay,
Pagbabagong ito, atin ding bagong buhay.
iv.
May mga bagay pa rin tayong kinatatakutan,
Mga agam-agam at kabiguang nararanasan.
Saan kaya tayo dadalhin ng kinabukasan
upang ipagpatuloy ang ating sinimulan?
v.
Diyos ko, Birheng Maria gabayan N'yo po kami't pagpalain.
San Antonio Claret kami'y inyong ipanalangin.
Ang apoy ng aming bokasyon
patuloy N'yo pong pag-alabin...
 19
TULANG PAGHANGA SA MGA DAKILANG TULA Mourning comes
Sa panulat ni: Sem.Jacob Schwarzberg T.Moscare Written by: Riptide

Sa aking pagdalo sa summer class isang umaga, Beautiful eyes, beautiful lies
Sa aking pakikinig, napukaw ang aking diwa. And would these vile days end?
Pagkatao ni Rizal sa kanyang mga tula, When our hearts in doubt felt missing
Pagkamaka-bayang nagbibigay pag-asa. Which nothing leaves for anything.

Gayon na lamang pagpapahalaga n'ya sa edukasyon, And all you do was dreaming
Lalo na't kaugnay nito ang relihiyon. Soothsayed an unimaginable bliss
Pagmamahal sa Pilipinas na walang halong kundisyon, Believing that it could exist.
But all you do was screaming
Payo sa mga kabataan noon at ngayon.
My word meant a thousand thoughts
Tunay ngang walang makatatalo sa kapangyarihan ng panulat, But you were there and I am here
Mga tulang naisatitik mula sa damdamin at gumaganang utak. What had conjoined us was fear
Mga mensaheng pumupukaw sa pagtulog upang maging mulat, That showered then until to the hot tear.
Alay sa Inang Pilipinas ng kanyang dakilang anak.
I have known our kismet would never meet
But let your dazzling eyes be open.
For the truth was unseen often.
Desperately I need to bid goodbye with this pen.
Selosa
For our fate appeared like raindrops
Sa panulat ni: Sem. Santiago Jalon III Salin ni: Sem. July Patrick Layugan It made me see through
That our love is insipid and untrue
Akong babaeng amiga, Ang kaibigan kong babae,
Hence unworthy of staying to be somber.
Perte gud ka-selosa. Sobrang napakaselosa
Kung sa uban ko mangumusta, 'Pag sa iba ako nangungumusta,
Nah! mo smile apan magselos na. Nah! ngingiti siya pero nagseselos na pala. Beautiful lies, Beautiful eyes.
It came to subvert and to hurt
Akong ex nag-chat sa iyaha, Ang aking ex nakipagchat sa kanya, Our kiss never was the answer
Chickboy daw lang kagwanga. Sabi'y babaero daw ako. Scorn our end it would be better.
Nituo ang akong amiga, Naniwala naman ang kaibigan ko,
Nah! ni smile apan nagselos na. Nah! tatawa siya pero nagseselos na pala.

Nag-aaway mi, pero ok na, Nag-away kaming dalawa pero ngayo'y bati na,
Hantod karon nalibog pa sya, Hanggang ngayon nalilito pa rin siya,
Kung mutuo ba sya sa iyang miga Kung sa kaibigan niya siya'y maniniwala,
Nah! Nag-smile apan nagselos na. Nah! ngingiti ngunit nagseselos na pala.

Bisan og selosan kaayo ka, Kahit napakaselosa mo,

Ako dili magduha-duha Ako'y di mag-aalinlangan
sa imu makipag-amiga, na sayo'y makipag-kaibigan
Kay di ko katisngi kung wa ka. Dahil hindi ako mapakali 'pag wala ka.
Facebook group: Claret Seminary: SHARE what's on your mind…

Sex education to be taught in

Claret Seminary

Sem. Adrienn Earl Narzabal value of HUMILITY

June 21 at 1:49 pm

Sem. James Jalon Every community is an association of some kind and every community is
established with a view to some good; for everyone always acts in order to obtain that which they
think good. But, if all communities aim at some good, the state or political community, which is the
highest of all, and which embraces all the rest, aims at good in a greater degree than any other, and
at the highest good. June 21 at 1:59 pm

Sem. Alvin Dave Gallardo "its not all about me"... I used to think that the world revolved to the
things I do, but I was quite wrong
June 21 at 5:21 pm

Sem. Adjan Ustare For me there are many important lessons that one can learn inside the
seminary where we are being formed holistically. Living my life to the fullest perhaps is the most
important lesson I learned, it means being patient and clam in different situations, having a sense of
humor to face a new day with a positive out look. June 22 at 8:10am

Sem. John Romar Cajes Value of Sharing

June 22 at 3:51 pm

Sem. Brian Isleta the most valuable lesson that I learned in the seminary is to value ones friendship
that will able you to sustain in this kind of life through cracking jokes and understanding the people that
surrounds you and to be understood as well.......hahahahah June 22 at 8:34 am

Sem. Phil Ignatius Evale the most valuable lesson that i've learn in the seminary is to value my
prayer,time
Junemanagement,discipline
18 at 9:39 am and friendship.......
June 22 at 9:21 am

Sem. Ferdie Jones Madiano acceptance and maturity

June 23 at 9:09 am

Sem. Sherwin Gallardo I learn many things here,ngmature ung isip q d2

June 23 at 9:57 am

Sem. Bernabe Morales Sharing and Perseverance!.,

June 23 at 1:11 pm

Sem. Michael John Peňalber to listen. :D

June 25 at 3:49pm

Sem. Ariel Calo i learn how 2 manage my tym properly and 2 discipline my self..
June 27 at 1:43pm