THE MYSTERY, GRACE, AND INSPIRATION OF THE BISHOP'S PALACE

Tagbilaran City, Bohol – Shepherding a flock is one of the hardest occupations in the planet for me. Like a Bishop, he shepherds his flock which include his priests and parishioners to the right path and encourages them to preach the good news of salvation to all people. It is not that pastors are perfect. If that is the case, then pastorless churches would be the norm in the society. Most important, it is that God calls on us to honor those who lead us spiritually, particularly “those who labor in preaching and teaching”, as it is stated in 1 Timothy 5:17.
We live in a sophisticated, fast-paced, and complex world, and our expectations for “high performance” shepherds often set the bar at unattainable heights. We may switch focus instead and become high-performance church members who honor our Bishops and Priests with words of encouragement and prayer. A supportive note or a “thank you” in the church’s entrance will go a long way to inspire our Priests and Bishops to serve with joy and efficiency.
Coming to a place where our shepherds stay is both a mysterious and inspiring experience for me. There is that kind of enigmatic glow that tries to awaken my curiosity of how our dear priests and bishops spend their day to day living. As a child, I use to hear my kins talking about convents and so-called bishop’s palaces. When I would try to imagine a bishop palace, it is a picture of grandiosity and elegance in my mind. Like kings and queens, I always thought that a bishop palace is a home of people with royal bloods, of which I was proven wrong. I believe so, a bishop’s home is called a palace because we inherit it from the Spanish era. However, literally most of the bishop’s palaces in the Philippines are manifestations of grandeur and sophistication even up to today. Thanks to our Spanish forefathers who left us with these grand structures we can surely enjoy with.
For one, the Bishop’s Palace in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, always give me a feeling of excitement and awe-inspiring moments everytime I am inside it. For the second time of visiting such place, I can say that its mystery and grace lives on. The mystery lies on the old structures evident in the palace such as grand doors, great windows, chandeliers, and ancient furniture and fixtures. And its grace is the splendid gentleness of the people living in it. From Most Reverend Leonardo Y. Medroso, Bishop of Tagbilaran, to his priests and staff, they are all an epitome of gentleness and grace with the inspiring glow of the Holy Spirit. The Bishop’s Palace in Tagbilaran also serves as priests’ home especially for those sick priests who need care and attention. Sick priests are routinely visited by nurses and caregivers to help them perform their activities for rehabilitation. They are all well taken cared of.
So what would a house of bishops and priests have to do to display the presence of God? Its people would have to live like Him. Dynamics like hospitality, the loving acceptance of all kinds of people, a quickness to service, a tangible love for one another and the people outside, giving them a feeling of being safe and accepted regardless of color or class. A patient tolerance of one another’s weaknesses would be a great way to start a saint-like living in a pastor’s place. Saint Paul said that we should walk in a manner “worthy of the Lord”. And he also said that being worthy means that we will be humble, gentle, bearing with one another in love, eagerly maintaining the unity of the Holy Spirit in the bond of peace.

PRAISING GOD IN PANGLAO ISLAND

This year’s trip to Cebu and Bohol was never a smooth way for me and my Aunt Espie, because we have to go through the continuous rainfall even during the time when we’re already on board the fast craft en route to Tagbilaran City. Everytime we retire in our place after visiting the Basilica del Santo Niño de Cebu, we always hear bad news on television of natural calamities such as flash floods and landslides hitting the neighboring provinces in the Visayas region as well as first-world countries like Australia and Brazil. Upon knowing all those distressing news, it came as a realization on my part that because we human beings don’t care much for nature and our Mother Earth, she ended up abused and misused. And the catastrophic result is coming back to devour us.
I am feeling blessed being able to return to Bohol this year, which is the birthplace of my father, the late Gregorio B. Calamba, Sr. He was born in Bilar. Though, I was born and raised in Davao City, I can feel a certain connection with Bohol, especially during the first time I set foot in this God-blessed province three years ago. Bohol is the home of several nature’s bounty, from sea to hills. Not to mention, are the gentle Bol-anons, who always have a ready smile for all visitors, both local and foreign. Bol-anons’ love for mother nature is an inspiration for people who will have the chance of visiting such magnificent province in the Visayas. Bohol, if continuously protected by Bol-anons from exploitations of monstrous commercialism will surely be a living paradise for us Filipinos.
Our visit to Panglao Island is also a thanksgiving for the great blessings and graces showered upon us for all these years. Professor Espie Chinel Aparis expressed her heartfelt thanksgiving to the Lord and Mary Immaculate for the successful completion of her 8th book entitled “Carrillon of Prayers”, a prayer collection book she shares with everyone who needs a prayer book companion which they can bring with them, wherever they go. The “Carrillon of Prayers” is published by the Mary Immaculate Health & Educational Foundation, and the foundation invites prayer advocates to share their blessings for reproduction of more copies of this one-of-a-kind prayer book. Aside from prayer book reproduction, part of the proceeds of donation shall go to the Mary Immaculate Learning Center, in which poor but deserving school children will have a better place for early education.
The wonders of Panglao Island never fail to amaze me. Panglao Island is an awesome creation of God that we need to take good care of for our children’s future environment. Often the marvels we see in creation prompt us to worship God. This theme is repeated throughout the scripture: “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiword”, from Psalms 19:1. Creation’s stimulus to praise need not be limited to the visual. It can also be widened to include hearing nature’s songs. The gentle sound of waves in Panglao Island is both a song and dance of praises for God. As we go about our daily routine, we can tune our hearts to the melodies God has placed in His creatures and let them serve as an added springboard of praise to the Creator.

ENJOYING DUMALUAN BEACH RESORT

PANGLAO ISLAND, Bohol – The last time we wrote about a world-class white sand beach was with this corner’s feature story entitled “Basking on an Immaculate Beach” tackling the awesome tourist spot called Alona Beach in Panglao Island, Bohol. This writer was amazed by one of the awesome hidden wonders of Bohol, its pristine white sand beaches in Panglao Island during that first visit. However, this time around, a visitation to Bohol’s Panglao Island for the second time is a higher level of excitement and surprises. Our host, the Most Reverend Bishop Leonardo Y. Medroso, booked us with yet another resort in Panglao Island which offers its very own features distinct from other beach resorts in the island, the Dumaluan Beach Resort.
Dumaluan Beach Resort, is a couple of blocks away from the famous and grandiose Bohol Beach Club. Both of them were gifted with a long stretch of white sand beach in Panglao Island. The Dumaluan Beach Resort is more unique when it comes to offering great vibes during the night time. Continuous soothing band music keeps the night alive while you are taking your sumptuous candlelight dinner in its beachside restobar. This writer was able to observe guests from neighboring resorts to be frequenting the Dumaluan restobar every night besides during daytime when they come to Dumaluan to avail of its thrilling aquasports such as Jetskiing, Kayaking, Parasailing, and Scuba Diving. And for the child in you, Dumaluan also offers Banana Boat and Flyfish rides, which can be both entertaining and exciting.
Dumaluan Beach Resort has a variety of amenities and services innate in an awesome beach resort. Swimming Pool, Kiddie Pool, Billiards, Table Tennis, Hoops, Diveshop, Souvenir Shop, Function Hall, and Laundry Service are just a few of its special features. Dumaluan Beach Resort also offers Countryside Tour Service showcasing the best of Bohol, namely: Hinagdanan Cave, Loboc River, Blood Compact Site, Tarsier Sanctuary, Baclayon Church, Hanging Bridge, Python Snake and other endangered animal watching, Man-made Forest, and the world renowned Chocolate Hills. Aside from the land tour, Dumaluan Beach Resort offers Island Hopping and Dolphin Watching Tour. And here’s good news for the cyberspace techie individuals, the Dumaluan Beach Resort restobar is a WiFi hotspot, which this writer enjoyed so much, as well as foreign guests from other beach resorts who frequent the restobar to communicate with their loved ones via Skype.
“Enjoy the View”, Dumaluan Beach Resort compliments itself to this famed statement, which also served as their tagline. Dumaluan Beach Resort is located in a blessed serene spot at the south of Panglao Island. Dumaluan Beach Resort is a family-oriented resort that is popular for enjoyable recreation and relaxing vacation. It is one place that can offer a person total relaxation, immaculate white sand beach, great accommodations, fun-filled outdoor activities and very hospitable people. At Dumaluan Beach Resort, one can truly loosen up and unite with loved ones and friends, while perfectly cherishing every moment in an enjoyable vacation away from a busy lifestyle. Dumaluan Beach Resort is truly a place to remember!

ABES in partnership with RCSD

The Andres Bonifacio Elementary School in Talomo, Davao City is one of the best performing schools in elementary education among public schools in Talomo District. During its 34th Foundation Day celebration last November 29, 2010, pupils, parents, teachers, guests, and partner organizations of the Andres Bonifacio Elementary School gathered full of excitement and enthusiasm to make the occasion more meaningful and grace-filled, such as the Rotary Club of South Davao.

The 34th ABES Foundation Day activity commenced with a colorful parade and an entertaining opening program. ABES Music Lovers Club, Dyann Kate Rodriguez, Kate Marie Getalla, and ABES Dance Club kept the morning’s energy high and joyful with their dance and song numbers. Mr. Vicarius Abayon, ABES-SCG V-Chair gave the program’s opening remarks citing the humble days of ABES and its overflowing gratitude to its benefactors and stakeholders. Mr. Jose N. De Lara Jr., District Supervisor, inspired everyone with his speech giving emphasis on the importance of education and the role ABES play in its concrete realization. More importantly, ABES Principal, Ms. Asuncion S. Infiesto, extends her warmest thanksgiving to everyone who took part in the memorable celebration especially to the Rotary Club of South Davao.

The Calisthenics Contest became one of the highlights of the occasion as pupils from different grade levels performed at their best during the competition. It showcases different calisthenics styles in field demonstration. The pupils’ colorful costumes and props made each presentation very lively and entertaining.

The Rotary Club of South Davao headed by President William Yong, in the spirit of service above self, donated chairs to the Andres Bonifacio Elementary School Reading Center during its foundation day celebration. RCSD likewise conducted free feeding activities for the pupils as well as distribution of Vitamins and the conduct of Dental Education by Dr. Marselle Lozano and Dr. Veronica Falcon respectively, both active members of RCSD Family. Reinforcing the dental lecture from Dr. Falcon was the distribution of toothbrush with toothpaste to the pupils of Andres Bonifacio Elementary School, which were donated by Rtn. Jacob Chua.
The 34th Foundation Day of the Andres Bonifacio Elementary School was both a meaningful and memorable occasion for everyone present because it showed how strong and healthy is the partnership between Andres Bonifacio Elementary School and the Rotary Club of South Davao for the promotion of education, health and wellness to the poor but deserving children in depressed communities. Another “Rotary Service” in action.

VIVA PIT SENOR! VIVA SENOR SANTO NINO!

Being named after the Holy Image of the Infant Jesus is a great blessing to me. Outpouring of graces, blessings, guidance and protection from the Most High has been my strength and my family’s as well to carry on with life and spiritual living. Witnessing the magnanimous expression of faith in Cebu for the celebration of Sinulog festival in honor of SEÑOR SANTO NIÑO DE CEBU is not a usual privilege for me. But my unwavering faith to the Holy Infant Jesus never waned. A kind of faith built through strong family relations and deep spiritual foundation, which was handed from generation to generation. On my part, my Aunt, the Health & Fitness, Personality Enhancement, Leadership Excellence, and Spiritual Wellness guru, Professor Espie Chinel Aparis, shared to me the manifestations of miracles from Señor Santo Niño de Cebu to all my families and loved ones.
Once again, for the second time in my earthly life, I was able to attend Sinulog 2011 focusing more importantly on the celebration of the very inspiring devotion to Señor Santo Niño de Cebu. The first time was in the year 2008, which was my thanksgiving for a successful nursing board exam.
This year, during our arrival in Cebu City, we were met with continuous rainshowers. We headed first to DOTC Regional Office (beside the Malacañang in the South) to drop our things, where we were welcomed by the Regional Director himself, Mr. Geoffrey Rodriguez, who happened to be a close relative of ours, who also has an awesome devotion to Señor Santo Niño. He arranged us to join him in his house-hopping spree among his staff for the fiesta celebration, which we failed to join. Because we were stuck at the Basilica del Santo Niño de Cebu due to the heavy rains. However, we were so blessed to have attended two Holy Masses for a day. Incidentally, a Mindanao Bishop, Bishop Patricio Alo was the presider of the second mass we have attended.
Going back to the main reason of the celebration, allow me to share with you the historical background of the SANTO NIÑO DE CEBU, as told by Rev. Fr. Restituto Suarez, O.S.A. and the Augustinian Fathers in Cebu City: On April 28, 1565, Juan Camus, a sailor in Legaspi’s fleet, found a modest house of the then village of Cebu the Image of Santo Niño which at the time all agreed had been brought from Europe. Deeply impressed by this finding and aware of its significance, Legaspi ordered an official inquiry conducted; the document, drawn on May 16 of the same year and still extant in the archives of the Santo Niño Convent of Cebu, tells us from the testimony of eyewitnesses that the Image was found inside a small pine box, preserved in almost perfect condition; it had on a little shirt and a cap; two of its right hand’s fingers were raised in a gesture of blessing, while the left hand held a globe symbolizing the world.
In a solemn procession, the Image was carried to the provisional Church the Augustinian Fathers were using at the time; later, another Church was built on the exact location where the Image had been found: this is the site of the Santo Niño Church where the Augustinians have cared for the Image and the Filipino people have venerated it through the centuries.
As earlier authenticated entry in the Journal of Pigafetta, clerk in the Magellan expedition, explains the origin of Santo Niño: on the day Queen Juana was baptized by Father Pedro Valderrama, chaplain of that expedition, Pigafetta himself presented her with the Image.
During the last World War, a bomb fell inside the Church, but the Image was found unscathed. It was one of the numberless miracles and powers attributed to the Holy Image.
In 1965, the interior of the historic church was renovated for the observance of the Fourth Centenary of the Christianization of the Philippines held in Cebu City. It was during this centennial celebration that the church, on April 1, 1965, was elevated to the rand of Basilica Minore by the Sacred Congregation of Rites with all the rights and privileges accruing to such title.
With the full cooperation and support of the Filipino people and sanctioned by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, the Augustinian Fathers have built a marble chapel inside the Basilica. Construction of the chapel started in August 1975. This fitting shrine of Santo Niño now serves as the center of devotion of Catholic Philippines. Here the miraculous Image of the comforter of the first missionaries and now Patron of the Philippines is being honored and venerated.
To preserve our religious and cultural heritage, former President Ferdinand E. Marcos has, since August 1, 1973, declared the Basilica and Convent of Santo Niño as National Shrine together with other historical places in the Philippines.
To date, more and more people are gaining their faith to the revered Señor Santo Niño de Cebu. The last time I was in Cebu for the Sinulog celebration, a million devotees was reported to have flocked to Cebu to visit Señor Santo Niño. But this year, 3.5 million devotees were reported present in Cebu to shout their faith out loud saying: VIVA PIT SEÑOR! VIVA SEÑOR SANTO NIÑO!

Look & Feel Good: THE FASHION SHOW

When the UM Fitness & Wellness Centre’s shoutout of last year: “Make Sure You’re Fit!” was launched during its Christmas festival 2009, thousands of students of the University of Mindanao happily took the challenge to make sure that they are maintaining a healthy lifestyle as a student and they are striving to always keep themselves physically fit, mentally alert, spiritually mature, and socially responsible. Their responses were amazing.
Now, on its 21st year as the stalwart physical fitness and wellness arm of the University of Mindanao, the UM Fitness & Wellness Centre (UMFWC) embarked on yet another trendsetting challenge for its special physical education, fitness and wellness program, and career development students. “LOOK & FEEL GOOD” is the latest shoutout of the UM Fitness & Wellness Centre, which aims to promote healthy living, physical fitness, personal hygiene, good grooming, social graces and many others among its student populace. Being the latest shoutout of UMFWC, “Look & Feel Good” campaign reinforces the successful implementation of “Make Sure You’re Fit!”. Because UMFWC believes that when a person is physically fit and healthy, there is no single reason for him not to feel good.
The “Look & Feel Good” launching was presented last December 19, 2010 at the UM Main Gymnasium with a stunning Fashion Show, showcasing the very own students of the UM Fitness & Wellness Centre. UMFWC students have transformed to become elite models and super models onstage that night as they walk gracefully and elegantly in their varied kinds of party dresses. Professor Espie Chinel Aparis, Managing Director of the UM Fitness & Wellness Centre and a Personality Enhancement Guru, shared her God-given talents to this students cum models with workshops and lecturettes. On the other hand, Dr. Casilda Aparis, Assistant Director, and Mr. Boie K. Jamisola, Administrative Officer, conduct lectures on Spiritual Wellness and Good Grooming respectively for the students.
Showing this kind of fashion show tells the audience that when a person spends a lot of effort to put on make-up, undergo makeovers, wear expensive and beautiful dresses, put on high heels and to-die-for shoes, he or she must make sure that what’s inside of him or her is as good as what can be seen on the outside. “Look & Feel Good” means a perfect health inside and out!
The “Look & Feel Good” Fashion Show was made blessed and successful by the generous support and assistance of the following Major Sponsors: Congressman Karlo B. Nograles, Holiday Gym & Spa, Yurie Salon & Spa, Ms. Arce F. Kaluna and Family, Ms. Yvonnie Jonelas & Family, Rotary Club of South Davao, Brgy. Captain Ramon E. Reyes, Condo 4000, Mr. Abel James I. Monteagudo, Mr. Alex Gocotano, Atty. Roger Largo, Ms. When Dagondon, Ms. Jackie Pantig, and Ms. Maritess De Guzman.
“Look & Feel Good” Fashion Show’s Minor Sponsors include: Dr. Ferdinand Pascua, Ms. Leoncia Gaylan, Villa de Mercedes, Ms. Anne Zapanta, and Ms. Edelcris Bustarde. BENEFACTORS of the event are: Elsa R. Barrera, Joshua Ganzon, Joselito Miranda Kasim, Venus A. Magtrayo, Photopro Trading & Gen. Merchandise, Annamay Dionsay & Analiza Blando, Cecilia G. Quimsing, Analou G. Barot, Jenielyn T. Necesario, Dr. Glen Q. Llamera, Lovella S. Baynosa, Ma. Cecilia A. Gravino, and Mr. & Mrs. Efren Gabio.
Executive Committee members are: Prof. Espie Chinel Aparis – UMFWC Managing Director, Dr. Casilda C. Aparis – UMFWC Assistant Director, Mr. Niño A. Calamba – Senior Fitness Supervisor, Mr. Boie K. Jamisola – UMFWC Administrative Officer, and Mr. J.C. Benito C. Aparis, Jr. – UMFWC OIC.
STEERING COMMITTEE was comprised of: Chairman – Niño A. Calamba, Fashion Show & Pageant Director – Roy Vencent Miano, Technical Coordinator – Joffer Aparis, Program Coordinator – Jayzel Joy Ilao, Physical Set-Up – Jigger Balles and Harvey Rabe, Logistics – Melvin and Dondon, Secretariat – Boie K. Jamisola, Production Assistants – April Laroga and Josylmar Gilla.
WORKING COMMITTEE belongs to: Program – ARMANI TEAM, Prizes – LOUIS VUITTON TEAM, Documentation – HERMES TEAM, Stage Décor – VERSACE TEAM, Technical – DOLCE & GABBANA TEAM, Parlor Games – PRADA TEAM.