Tonight was the party of the DBYC. All the children dressed up for the occasion and waited in anticipation for the party to begin after the rosary was said.
Wednesday 22 December 2010: DBTC Christmas Party and Caroling Contest
Today was the Christmas party for the trainees. There was a caroling contest where each section performed a Christmas song and prizes were given for the winning group. There were also individual performances and renditions on the guitar, base guitar and drums. The trainees also played the party game 'Eat all you can' - teams must take it in turn to eat something from a plastic bag as quickly as possible, for example a bread roll. It was a lot of fun and the expressions on the faces of the trainees were priceless!
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| Machine Shop Seniors - Bragion |
Tuesday 21 December 2010: Pasil's playground of hope
Today a very good and descriptive article appeared in 'The Freeman' a local newspaper describing the work of Don Bosco Pasil by Marisar Ivy Cabatingan.
"Pasil is identified as one of Cebu City's most depressed areas. It is popular not only for its fish market but also fr its notoriety being considered as one of the city's hotbeds of criminality and the breeding ground of many things illegal.
However, more than being known for its thriving fish market and more than having a tainted public image, a closer look at impoverished Pasil will make one realize that it is also home to thousands of families fated to suffer the sad and devastating consequences of poverty. And as in all cases poverty affects children the hardest.
It was because of this reality forty years ago that inspired the Don Bosco Fathers and Brothers to involve themselves, organize and establish the Don Bosco Training and Youth Center in Pasil. With the mission of helping out children living in poverty and hopelessness, the center was built to reach out and provide guidance to out-of-school youths of Pasil who would otherwise be victims of various kinds of social evils when left unattended to.
"Pasil is identified as one of Cebu City's most depressed areas. It is popular not only for its fish market but also fr its notoriety being considered as one of the city's hotbeds of criminality and the breeding ground of many things illegal.
However, more than being known for its thriving fish market and more than having a tainted public image, a closer look at impoverished Pasil will make one realize that it is also home to thousands of families fated to suffer the sad and devastating consequences of poverty. And as in all cases poverty affects children the hardest.
It was because of this reality forty years ago that inspired the Don Bosco Fathers and Brothers to involve themselves, organize and establish the Don Bosco Training and Youth Center in Pasil. With the mission of helping out children living in poverty and hopelessness, the center was built to reach out and provide guidance to out-of-school youths of Pasil who would otherwise be victims of various kinds of social evils when left unattended to.
Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 December 2010: The relic of St. John Bosco vists Pasil
The weekend had finally arrived when the relic of Don Bosco would visit Pasil! Everyone was extremely excited and the center was buzzing with activity.
The relic van which had transported the relic from its starting point in Italy, driven by two Italians and no one else, travelled from the Cathedral in Cebu City to the entrance to the area of Pasil. The streets had been cleaned of rubbish and the street vendors had been asked the move for the special occasion. The streets had never looked so wide! There were cheers and shouts of welcome when the van of Don Bosco arrived. The casket was unloaded and moved onto an open lorry. The lorry processed through the streets of Pasil to the center. There were many people lining the streets and clambering over roofs to try and get a better glimpse of the relic and flowers were thrown by spectators onto the relic. There was also a marching band and traditional native Sinulog dancers to accompany the relic to the center. Once inside the center a special hand over ceremony was conducted when the representative from the Cathedral officially gave the relic to the center and the casket could take its pride of place on the stage. A special welcome mass was then held by Fr. Andy, rector of the parish of St. Nino.
Saturday 18 December: Don Bosco Quiz
The trainees competed in a quiz this morning organised by the two pre-novices. Earlier in the week a mini quiz had been held. The top 10 trainees from that quiz were the main contestants. There were cash prizes and gifts which had been donated by the Salesian family. It was a very tight contest with it coming down to tie break questions. The crowd were able to win prizes too.
First prize was won by Edmund Paquibot. Second prize was given to Dixter Torreon and third prize went to Kevin Fernandez.
First prize was won by Edmund Paquibot. Second prize was given to Dixter Torreon and third prize went to Kevin Fernandez.
Friday 17 December 2010: Preparations for the Relic of Don Bosco
Preparations are now coming to a close as Don Bosco's relic will travel from Boys Home, Liloan, to the Cathedral in Cebu City and arrive at Don Bosco Pasil at 4pm on Saturday 18th. Preparations started months ago and there are many committees which have involved the whole community. The center is now full of activity as people are busy preparing for this special event.
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| The stage which is being built |
16-24 December 2010: Misa de Gallo
Today is the start of Misa de Galio. For the next nine days before Christmas there will be a dawn mass at 4:30am and an evening mass at 8:00pm. It is a Filipino belief that if you attend mass every day during this period then your wishes and desires will come true, such as a sick relative becoming healed. The Church was so full this morning that it overflowed!! People brought out chairs and benches to sit in the street.
To read more about this event in a local newspaper click here:
The tradition continues | Sun.Star Network Online
To read more about this event in a local newspaper click here:
The tradition continues | Sun.Star Network Online
Sunday 12 December 2010: Graduation
Today was the 53rd Commencment Exercises of the trainees. All trainees attended and the parents of those graduating. After the mass the trainees processed into the center and were presented to Fr. Adrian Mendoza, SDB (Rector/Parish Priest), Fr. Abundio Bacatan, SDB (Youth Director/Administrator) and Bro. Carlo Mango Bacalla, SDB (Training Director) to be presented with their certificates.
The new graduates swore loyalty to the center by pledging, "I, a graduate of the skills and training program, do hereby solemnly swear that I will uphold the honor of my Alma Mater, Don Bosco Training Center, promise to cherish the dignity of the labor and to do my duties with industry, persverance and honesty. I also promise to dedicate all the skills, knowledge and ability which I have aquired for the betterment of my own life as well as my community and my country in general. So help me God ..."
The new graduates swore loyalty to the center by pledging, "I, a graduate of the skills and training program, do hereby solemnly swear that I will uphold the honor of my Alma Mater, Don Bosco Training Center, promise to cherish the dignity of the labor and to do my duties with industry, persverance and honesty. I also promise to dedicate all the skills, knowledge and ability which I have aquired for the betterment of my own life as well as my community and my country in general. So help me God ..."
Wednesday 8 December 2010: Don Bosco Youth Center celebrating the feast of Mary's Immaculate Conception
The Don Bosco Youth members celebrated the feast of the Immaculate Conception by organizing a special rosary and special games as their expression of love and devotion to Mary. All the activities in the Don Bosco Youth Center (DBYC) were made special because of a special feast in honor of our Blessed mother the Immaculate Conception.
The program started with the holy rosary which was done by walking around the center carrying the blessed mother. After the rosary, Fr. Bonni, SDB, gave the Good Night Talk (GNT) to the youth by giving information and speaking about the significance of the Immaculate Conception and at the same time giving them "formation".
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| The decorations were made by the Auxilium Sodality |
Wednesday 8 December 2010: Feast Day of Mary's Immaculate Conception - Training Center
“Mary Our Mother”
By: Filjan Tolibas
Can we pause for a moment and think of an experience in which our mothers have shown how much they have sacrificed their lives out of their great love for us.
When we were still babies our mother took good care of us. She offered her life and time so that we would become healthy and be good children in the future. She woke up early in the morning just to prepare food. And when we needed something our mother was always there to address our needs. When we wanted attention she was there to cuddle us and make us happy. When we were hurt, mother was always there to comfort and to tell us not to worry for “Mama is here”. She is always there for us. A mother’s love for her child is unbounded. This love shows no limits; it goes beyond borders. Truly, this is a love that is truly willing to sacrifice oneself.
Our blessed Mother loves us so much to the point of sacrificing her own Happiness and freedom by saying “Yes” to the call of God, to become the Mother of Our Lord Jesus Christ. The Angel Gabriel told Mary "Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you!" Mary was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, Luke 1:26-38. From the very beginning she knew already that as mother of our Lord it takes great responsibiltyand sacrifeces. But despite of that she still say YES to the call. Can you even imagine how she must have felt at that time?
December 2010: The coming visit of Don Bosco's Relic
On December 5 Don Bosco's relic will arrive in the Philippines and the preparations are well underway. The relic will visit Don Bosco Pasil over night on Saturday 18 December and everyone is very excited. The relic left Italy in June 2009 and is making its way around the five continents of the world to visit all the Salesian regions.
The relic consists of an urn which contains a replica of St. John Bosco's remains as displayed for veneration in the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Valdocco, Turin. The urn contains Don Bosco's right hand which has been carefully preserved. The sculptured face is made with Don Bosco's own death mask.
The visit of the Don Bosco relic is in preparation for 2015 which marks the 200th anniversary of Don Bosco's birth near Turin in Italy on August 16 1815.
December 1 and 2 2010: Caroling
The DBYC have been treated to special caroling performances over the last two nights.
The first to perform were the Seminarians from the Don Bosco Formation Center. They were dressed in Santa hats. They danced and sang many Christmas songs and had their own band provide the music.
The first to perform were the Seminarians from the Don Bosco Formation Center. They were dressed in Santa hats. They danced and sang many Christmas songs and had their own band provide the music.
Sunday 21 November 2010: Christ the King
A special mass was held in celebration of Christ the King with all the children waving red flags. They were treated to a sermon by Fr. Andy who explained the significance of the day. After the mass, different activities were organised in the youth centre including a skittles tournament and a basketball tournament. The children were able to win prizes and it was great to see the center so lively with children.
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| Lining up to shoot at the basketball hoop |
Saturday 20 November 2010: CIC Alumni Feeding Programme
Next year is the silver jubilee of Fr. Andy's time at elementary school. His classmates have been reunited and have decided to complete three out reach programs into the local community. One of these programs was here in Pasil. The classmates donated and buckets filled with food (rice, noodles, tinned food, crisps, sweets etc.) were created for the youth center children. Fr. Andy's classmates visited Pasil on the Saturday afternoon - for many of them it was their first time to actually step into the heart of Pasil. The children performed for them before dinner was served and the gifts were given to the children.
Saturday 13 November 2010: Visit of delegates from the Human Rights Conference
An International Human Rights Conference focussing on developing a human rights consciousness in the youth was held in Cebu. On the Saturday the delegates experienced a different type of night out in Pasil arriving in the American style yellow school bus. They were treated to a tour of the streets of Pasil to see where the youth live and to begin to understand the realities of living in a slum. There was a dance performance and the youth also taught the delegates how to make puso (rice baskets). There was also a chance for the delegates and youth to interact with one another and get to know each other better.
Friday 12 November 2010: 'I touch St. Don Bosco'
As part of the coming relic of Don Bosco the youth club organised an event to spread the news of Don Bosco. Many meetings were held prior to the event where the youth discussed the story of Don Bosco. On the Friday night the youth visited the neighbouring barangay of Suba and invited the children of that area to join them in the chapels. There the Pasil youth said the rosary, told the story of Don Bosco and gave a good night talk followed by snacks and an invitation to the Suba children to join the youth club. It was great to see the young people taking an active role in spreading the word of Don Bosco.
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| Teaching in the local chapels |
Beginning of November 2010: Induction of the new trainees
It is induction week for the new trainees. They have been involved in various activities which are designed to give them confidence and help them get to know each other. A special team from Don Bosco Boys Town came to the center to lead the team building activities. Part of the induction included a hike and a trip to the beach.
Sunday 31 October 2010: Halloween Costume Party
Youth club members dressed up in amazing costumes for the Halloween Party; there was an Angel Gabriel, princesses, witches, a joker and many more. The youth presented a fashion show with prizes being given for the best costume. There was also an impersonator talent contest with some very good performances.
October 2010: Month of the Rosary
In the evening of Friday 29 October a special youth club was held to mark the month of the rosary. A statue of Mary was placed in prime position and was showered with incense. The youth sad the rosary in the dark, sang songs and performed some very moving dances.
Saturday 30 October also saw the trainees partake in a special rosary. They all bought flowers and a candle and made a giant rosary on the ground standing in special positions. It was a special sight to see.
Thursday 28 and Friday 29 October 2010: Trainees' exams
It's exam time for the trainees and a tense time for all – students and teachers alike. For the Seniors it marks the end of their time here in Don Bosco because if they pass they will proceed to On-the-Job training for a further six months. The Juniors will become the Seniors and will continue to study, develop and grow.
Thursday 14 October 2010: Foundation Day!
It's the 40th anniversary of the St. Nino Parish today. The whole community paraded round the streets of Pasil this morning to the sound of drums sporting matching t-shirts. It was great to see such a crowd and the church was full eager to hear Fr. Andy's explanation of the history of the parish. In the evening, the youth centre was transformed and a large buffet was served. There was a programme of many dance performances from various groups in the community. The youth club had choreographed a new dance especially for the event.
The Salesians of Don Bosco entered Pasil in 1967. Originally it was a Cebu Boys' Center under the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, the Salesians, represented by Fr. Luis Ricciarelli and the Society of the Divine Word Fathers joined hands and embarked on a project committed to help alleviate the sad plight of Cebu's wayward youths, thus helping curb the city's rapidly increasing juvenile delinquency problem. Such help was formally strengthened in 1969 with the opening of the Don Bosco Pasil Youth Oratory Center where youngsters had various programs, and where the community residents in general, could undertake recreational activities in the absence of parks and playgrounds in the district. Their efforts, fueled with the Salesians' strong desire to help the community, especially the young, extended to the administration of the newly established Church in the area, the Sto. Nino Parish in 1970. This later led to the establishment of the Skills Tarining Center in the early 1980s that provided vocational skills training to poor but deserving out-of-school youth to keep them off the streets from its evils and ploys.
The Salesians of Don Bosco entered Pasil in 1967. Originally it was a Cebu Boys' Center under the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, the Salesians, represented by Fr. Luis Ricciarelli and the Society of the Divine Word Fathers joined hands and embarked on a project committed to help alleviate the sad plight of Cebu's wayward youths, thus helping curb the city's rapidly increasing juvenile delinquency problem. Such help was formally strengthened in 1969 with the opening of the Don Bosco Pasil Youth Oratory Center where youngsters had various programs, and where the community residents in general, could undertake recreational activities in the absence of parks and playgrounds in the district. Their efforts, fueled with the Salesians' strong desire to help the community, especially the young, extended to the administration of the newly established Church in the area, the Sto. Nino Parish in 1970. This later led to the establishment of the Skills Tarining Center in the early 1980s that provided vocational skills training to poor but deserving out-of-school youth to keep them off the streets from its evils and ploys.
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