A Season of Joy. Waiting in Joyful Anticipation by Pisha Banaag. Advent:

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1 December 17, 2017 We Care Because We Pray Third Sunday of Advent Forbes Park, Makati Advent: A Season of Joy Waiting in Joyful Anticipation by Pisha Banaag We often associate waiting with a less than positive experience. It can mean bad customer service, inefficiency and even incompetence, as with dining in restaurants, surfing the internet, and driving in city traffic. Waiting nowadays becomes even harder as we have become so used to getting a response almost instantly in this digital age. I admit that I get anxious when things don t happen according to plan. There have been a number of times in my life when something I wished and prayed for so long never arrived or came to be. During those times, I was often tempted to give up or detach myself completely from God and the people around me, out of spite and desolation. However, I realized that waiting is always part of our faith journey as Catholics. Abraham waited for the fulfillment of God s promise to make him the father of a great nation. Moses waited for God to bring his people into the Promised Land (and he did not even live to see that day). Elizabeth waited for God to bless her with a son. This Season of Advent is another time of waiting for us, but it is one of joyful anticipation. We not only celebrate Christ s first coming through His birth, but we also joyfully anticipate His second coming in full trust that this promise will be fulfilled. We don t just wait in passive nonchalance we joyfully prepare ourselves spiritually and find deep in us the willingness to open our hearts to receive Christ when He comes again. In this season, beyond the gifts and the festivities, we joyfully realize the beauty of our arduous journey as Catholics -- because what ultimately awaits us is the fulfillment of this greatest promise.

2 parish bulletin Celebrating Christmas with our Parish Community by Letty Lopez We expected a big turnout being the last LeCom meeting of the year plus the Christmas party guaranteed to catch fire with food, games, music and pure imagination. Jun Rodriguez, however realized that their EMHC meeting would fall on the same day. Why don t we combine our meetings so that it s easier to switch to the party mode and save on food and venue? Great idea! I hope no one will drift off, remarked a lay minister. The trouble with meetings is that you have to look alert and feign interest and nod at the crucial moments especially if you re seated nearest the one speaking. Father Reu chose to deliver a one-liner: Use Advent to give something up for someone who needs it more. Bernie Andulte fixed the hall with white parol, fresh greens and red pot et fleur. The buffet had delectable food; with warm reds and chilled whites to spice up the appetite. Edmund Lim went around making sure everybody was dining well, What are you drinking? he asked. Sparkling peach! I grinned. That s definitely under strength. Isa and Marie initiated the games - create a Christmas tree that will defy explanation. That s when synchronized chaos erupted so merrily. Bernie s parol was lifted to Cecile s head while bags of gourmet food (from Eleonore and Dee) found themselves strewn around the feet of Lucille. Sean stood motionless as he bravely watched Jaime and Totoy snip and tuck pieces of green paper around his chest. By the way, do you notice how life and food are connected in any celebration? In today s Gospel, Isaiah spoke about the Great Feast that awaits us because we belong to one community bound together in fellowship. One priest gave a succinct reminder, Get used to enjoying the company of good persons because that s how it s going to be at the Great Banquet. And who built the most creative tree? Lucille s group! There was so much bonny good cheer spread around the hall that it glowed, danced, and gleamed, in perfect harmony. This is joyful Christmas, in our Parish Community! 2

3 December 17, 2017 In Search of Our Star by Jean R. Chavez In this Season of Advent, how do we shepherd our 21 vocational and 25 college scholars to follow their STAR as they search for a meaningful existence that escapes the claws of poverty? Donned in their school uniforms, the Scholars Choir performed during the 4:30pm anticipated Mass last December 2, officiated by Fr. Reu Jose C. Galoy, OFM. Former Parish sacristan Ruben Sanchez (now a licensed Engineer) and Ivy Borja (BS Psychology) were skillfully accompanied on the piano by Robin Tabada (BS Education). Together they filled the Church with their melodic rendition of solo and duet song numbers, backed by the harmonious blending of the choir member s voices praising God s glory for the gifts and talents bestowed upon them. In anticipation of an evening of merrymaking, Bays 2-4 of the Parish Center were festooned with colorful paper flowers and balloon arrangements welcoming the SSAP scholars gathered in a triple celebration: Christmas Party for Batch , Graduation Party for Batch and Homecoming of all from Batches 1997 to Long tables laden with wrapped gifts, raffle prizes and cash gifts in envelopes -- all donated by generous people wanting to share their blessings -- were set near the stage. After the Christmas message, Fr. Reu awarded a visibly surprised Carmen Menchu O. Bautista a Certificate of Appreciation for 21 years of exemplary service as Chairperson and Co-Chair of the Scholarship Program. Under her leadership, the Program s goals and visions were defined and her fund-solicitations to augment the Parish Council s budget allocation, paved the way for the acceptance of financially-strapped college students into the Program. When people in dire need knock on our door, how can we turn them away? Conquering their sense of helplessness and insecurities brought about by want, our scholars move into the future, not only equipped with their expertise, talents and skills, but also sensitive to the needs of others. As they lift their HOPE in God, His unfailing love shall rest upon them. Emboldened by their spiritual and moral values formation grounded on integrity, trust and perseverance, these trials along the rugged path are not hindrances for them because the Lord shall look upon them kindly. Called to receive recognition were the following awardees / achievers: Kristine Balza, the evening s lively emcee, 2nd Honors, Assumption College (BS Education, Major in English); Christine Torres, 1st Place, Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa 2017, IETI College, Inc. (BS Information Technology) and Board Exam Passers, namely, John Nikko Borja, TUP (BS Electronics and Communications Engineering) and Cheysel Joy Calosor, PCU (BS Social Work). All the way from Calapan, Mindoro where she teaches Integrated Music Theory at the Divine Word College came April Garcia, 2007 BS Education (Major in Music) at the Philippine Normal University. She sang her composition of both music and lyrics, paying tribute to the Scholarship Program and how it had transformed her life. When we work unceasingly to develop our potentials and create a loving relationship with God, with our inner selves and with others, a condition of absolute well-being reigns. PEACE is knowing that God is with us in everything that we think, do and act. The exuberance of youth was evident in the scholars glee as they partook of a sumptuous meal, participated in the games and claimed prizes and cash gifts. Their creativity unmasked during their skit presentation; shyness and inhibitions were thrown away as they gamely posed in the Photo Booth for a memento of a wonderful evening among friends. Service of God and neighbor creates a deep, intimate relationship with our Maker which results in pure JOY. We pray for the joy of the Lord to overflow in our hearts in gratitude that we too may manifest it with others in brotherly service. A video presentation of our graduates here and abroad showed them beaming with happiness as they talked about their work experiences. Scholarship Program members headed by Chairperson, Mariza V. del Rosario, Fr. Reu, former PPC President Edmund Lim, PPC President Jun Rodriguez and PPC Vice President Girlie Sison, Social Workers Jackie Macasias, Nimfa Dumago and Admin Aide Fatima Miraflores and representatives of our partner schools felt overflowing pride seeing how the seed of LOVE we have planted has borne fruits far and wide. The love of God can work miracles in our lives and in the lives of people we touch. The true spirit of Christmas fills our parish community knowing that marginalized families may wish upon their STAR of HOPE, PEACE, JOY and LOVE, as their sons and daughters are made whole according to God s purpose: being the best that they can be. Santuario de San Antonio Pastoral Team Fr. Baltazar A. Obico, OFM - Guardian Fr. Reu Jose C. Galoy, OFM - Vicar Provincial, Parish Priest Fr. Judee Mar Maquinad, OFM - Bursar Fr. Jesus E. Galindo, OFM - Member Fr. Efren C. Jimenez, OFM - Member RDIP - PB Editorial Team & General Informatio Marie Tycangco - Head, RDIP-PB/Editor-in-Chief Javier Luis Gomez - Asst. Editor/Writer Ramon M. Ong - Asst. Editor Dennis Montecillo - Asst. Editor/Writer Clarisse Gomez - Asst. Editor/Writer Ervin Co - Asst. Editor/Writer Pisha Banaag - Asst. Editor/Writer Peachy Maramba - Contributor Lianne Tiu - Contributor Conchitina Bernardo - Contributor Jeannie Bitanga - Website Administrator Alexa Montinota - Asst. Website Administrator Edward Lu - Art & Design Colorplus Production Group Corp. - Production Santuario de San Antonio Parish Center Office Tel. nos ssap_info@yahoo.com Website: Website webi@ssaparish.com Parish Pastoral Council Jun Rodriguez President Girlie Sison Vice President Marie Tycangco Secretary 3

4 parish bulletin Experiencing Christmas Joy Amidst Suffering by Michela Veloso A few weeks ago, I participated in the SSAP Community giftgiving event at the Philippine General Hospital. I remember how my heart broke as we stood in the center aisle of Ward 9, surrounded by beds of sick children, many of them were tiny, motionless babies needing the assistance of oxygen masks. I asked myself whether it was possible to spread Christmas cheer, given the situation of these patients and their families. The program began with a prayer and a few games. I was surprised at how quickly the energy in the room had changed. It was filled with excitement, laughter and the shrieks of the patients family members who were participating in the games! The older children watched and cheered from their beds as their eager and competitive parents participated in fun-filled games such as Bring Me and won prizes for them. There was also a magic show afterwards featuring Kuya Bibo who was more of a comedian than a magician. The patients, their families and the volunteers laughed their hearts out together. This was truly a beautiful instance of how momentarily, all worries seemed to have been forgotten and how great joy was experienced even during a time of great trial. Afterwards, a priest went around, administering the Anointing of the Sick. One family in particular caught my attention. A mother laid her hand on the forehead of her tiny baby after he had been blessed. Her eyes were shut tightly as she silently mumbled a prayer. This mother was clearly experiencing much pain, yet, a few minutes ago, she was one of our most eager and cheerful participants. It was a bit hard to fathom but as she opened her eyes and smiled lovingly at her child, I understood that her trust in God and His presence in her life gave her strength and made it possible for her to experience authentic joy despite the challenges she was facing. Later on, as I went around distributing gifts, I noticed that one of the older children didn t have any family with her. We talked for some time as she happily shared with me some things about herself. We eventually said our goodbyes but as I walked further away, she yelled, Ate! from behind and with the purest and most loving smile, added, God bless po. My heart was filled with love for this person I had just met. She probably didn t realize how her stories, kind words and even her genuine smile could bring so much joy in my heart. The PGH Gift-Giving event wasn t merely about the volunteers spreading joy but rather, the sharing of joy between visitor and visited. It was a reminder not to underestimate the seemingly small ways in which we express love for others, for God is love. And sharing the joy He brings, is what it truly means to celebrate Christmas not just during Advent but every day of the year! 4

5 December 17, 2017 CONGRATULATIONS KORO ILUSTRADO! KORO ILUSTRADO (KI), one of our resident choirs at SSAP, joined A Voyage of Songs 2017 Choral Festival and Competition in Taoyuan City, Taiwan last November 28 - December 1, KI competed in the Chamber Choir Category and got a GOLD B rating. The group also participated in the Equal Voices Category for Tenor/ Basses where they emerged as winner earning them a slot in the Grand Prix competition on December 30, 2018, together with six (6) other choirs, including Gloria Patri Choir, which is also from the Philippines. KI s conductor, Anna Tabita Abeleda-Piquero, was awarded the Best Conductor during the competition involving a total of thirteen (13) choirs from Singapore, Taiwan, Korea and the Philippines. Vocal Consort of Singapore bagged the Grand Prize but of which KI ranked 3rd with a score of 90.7%. Notably, KI is one of the 3 choirs awarded Gold A ratings during the entire competition. KI was also adjudged as among the crowd s favorites given the dynamic and highly entertaining repertoire it exhibited in the 3-day choral festival. Koro Ilustrado sings at our anticipated Mass service every 2nd and 4th Saturday of every month. 5

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8 LEASE / SALE FORBES DASMA URDA SAN LO BEL AIR MAGA CONNIE PERIQUET GATMAITAN CYNTHIA GATMAITAN MENCHACA TELS.: CELL (0917) /F SEDCCO BLDG., RADA ST., LEGASPI VILL., MAKATI CITY Christmas will always be as long as we stand heart t o heart and hand in hand. - Dr. Seuss