BUNDLES OF JOY - a gift of generosity

Christmas is around the corner once again. As we celebrate the joy of Jesus' birth, we remember the generosity and the love of God for his people. in the teachings of our faith, we imitate the generosity and love towards others. and is so much felt during the season of Christmas - a season when we share the blessings that God has showered upon us throughout our lives.

Through the years, Don Bosco Youth Center - Pasil has been so much blessed with people who've been helping in the mission of making the youth feel loved and appreciated for who they are.

Donations (goods and financial help) from the different parts of the world have been pouring in to make this coming Christmas an event to be remembered with much love and joy.

We'd like to particulary mention the generosity of Mrs. Lisa Delfin and her friends for the untiring support they've given our youth center since 2007. Our deepest gratitude to you and your friends, Mrs Lisa! Rest assured of our constant prayers for the intentions you have. Happy Holidays!

From:
The Salesian Community and the DBYC Youth of Pasil

 

COSTUME PARTY 2011

By: Christine Umpad (DBYC MEMBER)

Heavy rains poured down the night before the month of October bid us goodbye. But it didn’t hinder the celebration that took place in the court of Don Bosco Youth Center (DBYC) – Pasil. A party which wasn’t just a simple celebration, it is a celebration preparation for a greater occasion the following day – the All Saints’ Day.

People dressed as policemen, scouts and other authority in the society was here. But the thing that shocked me was when I saw some characters in fantasy books and movies coming to existence! Are they here to party with us?

All these people were actually in their costumes. This night was a costume party! It was the fourth costume party held in DBYC. The festive night turned the court into a new world that opened the door of reality to fantasy.

The author, Christine Umpad(right) together with her sister, Charlene (left) and their mother Glennie (center). 

The party started with a hearty meal. After each one of us had our fill, the program soon followed for us to enjoy the rest of the evening’s celebration. Fr. Orlando Borres, SDB officially opened the program. Each of the youth groups had its own representative for the “PA-STARAN” – the evening’s showcase of presentations.

Savio Friends Club brought down the house through their amazing dance number. A sort of funny children-dance was presented by the Biblos youth members that brought giggles among the crowd. Juventus showcased another face of their talents – singing, through the golden voices of their singing sirens. A cute dance was soon followed by the fairy-clad members of the Auxilium. And of course, the KOA members had their share of entertaining the audience with their dance number.

As expected in every contest, there would emerge winners. The band of Sports Club strummed their group to the third place. While the second place was owned by the Friends of Laura Vicuña (FLV), who reminded us that we must be united as one nation through their drama and dance. “ A musicale of the classical story - Sleeping Beauty with a twist!” – this was the reaction that the audience uttered when they saw the presentation of the group who bagged the first prize- the Don Bosco Children and Youth Choir ( DBCYC). With the effort they gave, they surely deserved to bring home the bacon.

What a night of surprises it was! The 2011 Costume Party was truly a highlight this month… an unforgettable experience and an event worth remembering to each one who witnessed the celebration. A memory that will be cherished forever!

BENEFACTORS: please support our cause...

Sto Niño Parish @ 41

The Sto. Niño Parish of Pasil celebrated its 41^st Anniversary of Foundation in jovial festivity. Headed by Fr. Andy Mendoza, the Rector of the Salesian Community and Parish Priest, the celebration began early in the morning, 7.45 am, with a parade which was joined in by the different groups of the parish. It was further enlivened by the reorganization of the DON BOSCO DRUM AND BUGLE CORPS leading the festive beat of drums and the cute groove of the majorettes. After the parade, everyone was invited to join a backgrounder of the parish’s history that was done inside the church. The energetic Fr. Andy (animated the whole audience)  with icebreakers and catchy tunes as he delivered his talk. 

The Foundation Day would not be complete without thanking the Almighty for the goodness and generosity He has blessed the people of Suba and Pasil. And so at 5.30 in the afternoon, everyone gathered in the church once again to celebrate the Holy Mass. It was presided by a true-blooded son of DB-Pasil, Fr. Orlando Borres. Fr. Boni Bacatan and Fr. Andy concelebrated in the Holy Mass.

After the mass, members of the church groups and chapels went straight to the Don Bosco Gymnasium for a fellowship of food and fun. The different groups prepared food and shared it with others during mealtime. After the meal, The Barangay Officials in close collaboration with the group JIBOREN, prepared a program as a closing activity for the much-honored event.  the program showcased the innumerable talents which Pasil has truly been blessed – from singing to dancing, the presenters really gave their best… with the cheers and shouts that the people exerted, it was obvious they had a great time.

DB-PASIL CHRONICLES: MONTH OF JULY 2011

July 1:

Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus: instead of the regular Wednesday mass of the trainees, Fr. Orly had it moved to this date to celebrate the solemnity.

In the evening, some of the DBYC members joined the mass at 6pm and later joined the procession as well. The KOA group, as it was their feast day, prepared a program to make the solemnity more special. They prepared a short skit, a dance number, and invited the choir for a song number.

July 11:

A family close to the hearts of Fr. Andy, Fr. Boni, and Fr. Orly visited the Pasil Community of Don Bosco. Roy Dael, his wife Hiyam, and their children came to meet the priests who had their theological studies at Kremisan. The Dael Family were close friends of the three priests since they became the adoptive family during their stay abroad. It was a joyous reunion for everyone. They took their supper in the community refectory. And after the simple meal, they were brought down to the gym to be welcomed by the DBYC members in the form of a program. They were delighted with the program that was prepared but more so because of the warm reception they received from the Salesians and the youth of Pasil.

July 14-15:

The trainees had their first major exam during these dates. The teaching staff used the gym as the place to administer the tests so as to minimize the possibility of cheating among the students. It was a joy to see the students doing their best to get good marks from their tests.

July 28:

The Salesian Community had their monthly recollection and this time they went to Simala for a pilgrimage – the home of the highly revered OUR LADY OF SIMALA. They had their personal prayer and reflection. Afterwards, the community had their daytime prayer. Upon finishing the prayers, they had their community sharing about their family background. It was an enriching moment as it brought together the intimate realities that is key to knowing each other better. 


N.B.
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DB-PASIL CHRONICLES: MONTH OF JUNE 2011

June 5:

The EPC community (Catechists, Legion of Mary, Choir, DBYC) organized a simple program to thank Rev. Gino for his work and support during the summer activities. It was definitely a night full of gratitude, many expressing the kindness and friendship they have shared with Rev. Gino – a few couldn’t help shed tears. He is scheduled to depart for Manila to continue his Theological Studies.

June 6:

Don Bosco Training Center - Pasil started their classes today. However, the Senior Trainees will still come on June 8. The start of classes brought back the joyful atmosphere typical of any Salesian School.

June 11:

Batch 54 of DBTC – Pasil had their graduation ceremonies. It was held at the Sto. Niño Parish after the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. It was a solemn and momentous event for the graduates as their sacrifices finally paid off. The parents were evidently happy as well for their son’s/daughter’s achievement.

Also, a group of DBYC youth leaders joined the SYALA assembly, which was held in DBTC – Labangon. It was for them an enriching experience as it was their first time to join the said event.  

June 18:

Around 40 couples got the opportunity to be united in the Sacrament of Marriage as the Sto. Niño Parish organized a ‘Mass Wedding’. The project was headed by Fr. Andy Mendoza to give couples the chance to receive the graces of the Lord in the Sacrament of Marriage. Days before the event, Fr. Andy together with Fr. Boni and Fr. Orly heard confessions for the couples to prepare them for the wedding. The ‘Mass Wedding’ was presided by Fr. Andy himself at 10.00 am.

June 22:

The DBYC members started the Novena for the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. They began with a special rosary sponsored by the KOA. After the rosary, the image of the Sacred Heart was paraded in the streets of Pasil to inform the people of the upcoming Feast of the Sacred Heart.

June 26:

Fr. Boni, through the generosity of the members of the BCBP (Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals), held the MEDICAL-DENTAL MISSION in the DB Gym. Many came to receive free check-ups and medicine. It was an event that showed the goodness of people – despite the difficulties in life, there will be people who are willing to help.

N.B.

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DB-PASIL CHRONICLES: MONTH OF MAY 2011

May 1:

The new DB-PASIL COMMUNITY had their first community meeting in the refectory, which started at around 8.30 until 11.10 in the evening. The agenda of the said meeting were the following:

- Daily Schedule

- Monthly Schedule

- Designation of Responsibilities

May 2:

Fr. Andy attended the yearly rectors' formation held at the Don Bosco Retreat House - Lawaan. It will be from May 2-6, wherein the rectors' formation would be culminated by their presence in the first profession of the novices of 2010-2011.

May 5:

Bro. Jp, together with Bro. Ramil Maranan and Bro. Keith Belciña, renewed their vows at the DBFC Chapel, 6.30pm (Solemn Vespers). It was presided by the Fr. Provincial who gave a simple but profound talk. Among those who were also present were the families of the candidates for first profession and the rectors of the different Salesian settings of the South Province.

May 6:

Eight new confreres were added to the number of Salesians as the novices of 2010-2011 (Amici Christi Novices) made their first profession at the DBFC Chapel, 9.00am. The chapel was filled with both religious and lay people who wanted to witness the birth of new workers for the mission of Christ through Don Bosco's charism of serving the young. Fr, Andy, Fr. Orly, Rev. Gino, Bro. Jp as well as the Youth Animators and Catechists of the Parish represented the Salesian presence in Pasil.

The DBYC members joined the 6pm mass at the parish to celebrate the feast of St. Dominic Savio. After the mass, the image of St. Dominic Savio was paraded around the streets to remind the people of the Feast Day of St. Dominic. The procession ended at the Don Bosco Center and was soon was followed by a program prepared by the Animators of the Youth Center.

May 7:

A singing contest organized by the parish workers was held at the SUBA SPORTS COMPLEX, 8pm. it was based on the popular contest ‘American Idol’ and was named ‘Parish Idol’. It was an open contest for the parishioners and was divided into two categories, adult category and teen category. A number of people watched the program – among them were the DBYC members, parishioners, and the Salesians as well.

May 9:

Around 500 people joined in the EPC Grand Outing, which was organized by Fr. Andy. The parish rented around 5 buses to accommodate everyone. All was in a jovial mood and the day was blessed with good weather. Also, the outing was the opportune time to welcome the new members of the community – Fr. Orly and Bro. Jp. Members of the DBYC presented a dance and song number. Moreover, games were organized for the enjoyment of everyone.

May 24:

In honor of MHC, a special mass was celebrated in the evening. It was followed by a procession around the streets to remind of people that today marks MHC’s feast. After the procession, as a yearly tradition, the cooperators and parish workers together with Fr. Andy organized a simple get-together. However, Fr. Orly and Bro. Jp came late for the celebration as they joined the perpetual profession of Bro. Louie Domasian, SDB at Lawaan.

Later, the DBYC headed by Buboy Barwado organized a program in honor of our Blessed Mother entitled, ‘Marian Musical Talent’. It featured a repertoire of music originally composed by DBYC members. It was a fitting end to celebrate Mary’s feast.

May 28:

As part of the celebration of the 40^th anniversary of the establishment of the parish, the youth organized a spin-off of the popular TV Show ‘Pilipinas Got Talent’. It had for its title, ‘Parish Got Talent’. It was held in the Don Bosco Compound and the program started after the regular rosary schedule of the DBYC members. It was graced by the people of Pasil and was quite a success. The Salesians were also present to support the activity. The winning performers were given a trophy and cash prize.

May 31:

It was a night of honor for the Blessed Mother as the different youth groups participated in the 3^rd Marian Songwriting Contest, which once again, showed the giftedness and creativity of the youth of Pasil. The different youth groups rendered seven original songs, which were highly appreciated by the audience.

N.B.

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Tuesday 29 March 2011: Pasil Fish Market

Aside from Don Bosco, the Pasil Fish Market is the other large institution in the area and is the hub of activity in the early house of the morning. People come from all over the city just to buy fish here.

"Traditionally in Cebu, many folks get up as early as 3:00 am for the marketing routine. And when it comes to freshest fish and seafood at the best price, Pasil Fish Market has been the destination. It is said to be the biggest marketplace for seafood in the Visayas.

The Pasil Fish Port is the primary drop-off point for fish catch within Cebu and the neighboring islands. As such, it is also the major source for sea food and fish, whether it is for ordinary fried tilapia to be prepared on the tables of common households, for the authentic Cebuano dish “linarang” sold in the city slums and streets, for the ever famous “sutukil” or sugba, tuwa, kilaw (grilled fish, fish tinola, and raw fish in vinegar respectively), and for even the lavish restaurant seafood dishes.

Speaking of linarang, this is also what Pasil is famous for. It is a local food similar to fish tinola only that larang is cooked with more spices and ingredients such as green mango, tawsi, and tomatoes."

This article was taken from: www.pasil-fish-market-cebu-seafood-source.com

Monday 21 March 2011: Jenyfer, a working student, graduates

Congratulations go to Jenyfer today as she graduates from the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJR) after completing her Nursing course.

 

Saturday 19 March 2011: Walk for Life and Mass against the RH Bill

This afternoon the trainees showed their opposition to the RH Bill which is currently being debated in Congress. The trainees joined the Walk for Life which started at Fuente Osmena. The procession of thousands holding banners, candles and praying the rosary proceeded to the Metropolitain Cathedral in the city. The Cathedral was completely backed inside and the trainees had to sit outside in the rain. The mass was celebrated by the new Archbishop Jose Palma. Today was also his birthday and the feast day of St. Joseph. At the end of the mass there was an extremely moving monologue performed by a young girl. She described the views of the unborn baby as her parents were deciding to abort her saying, "Please don't kill me. Don't you love me?".

Walk for Life

Wednesday 16 and Thursday 17 March 2011: Local World Youth Cross and Icon visits Pasil

2011 and is the 'Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Year of the Youth'.

To coincide with the coming of the relic of Saint John Bosco in December 2010, December 2010 to January 2012 has been marked as the Year of the Youth. Saint John Bosco was the father, teacher and friend to the young so it is appropriate that the year commenced with the visit of his relic. 

The year will celebrate the young, their contribution to life and to the Church and in the hope of strengthening the young in their faith and ideally converting more to the Church. 

Learn more about Youth Pinoy which is connected to the CBCP here: www.youthpinoy.com

As part of the Year of the Youth there has been a year long nationwide pilgrimage of the National Youth Cross and Mother Mary icon. On Wednesday a replica of the World Youth Day Cross and Icon came to Pasil. 

Relic of Saint Don Bosco visits Suba and Pasil

Finally the video from the event in December:



An event that no one here will ever forget.

To read the original blogs click on the links below:

http://donboscopasil.blogspot.com/saturday-18-and-sunday-19-december-2010.html
http://donboscopasil.blogspot.com/friday-17-december-2010-preparations.html
http://donboscopasil.blogspot.com/december-18-and-19-2010-don-boscos.html

Friday 11 March 2011: Stations of the Cross

Evey Friday in the Lenten season the community of Pasil and Suba will be praying the way of the cross.

DBTC said the way of the cross around the center in the afternoon before leaving for the day.

The DBYC joined the Parish in the evening for the prayer. There were houses in the community which had been proclaimed as the stations of the cross. The group walked around Suba praying at every station they reached. For some who joined, it was the first time they had entered certain areas.

Saturday 5 March 2011: Happy Birthday Fr. Boni!

Today was Fr. Boni's 38th birthday!

At midnight the animators from the youth center went to the room of Fr. Boni. He was woken up to the sound of them singing him birthday songs followed by presenting him with flowers and cards.

In the morning the trainees presented a short program as part of the celebrations. There were dances, singing performances, poetry reading and gift giving. The staff were then all treated to a special dinner in honor of his birthday. 

In the evening many guests arrived for the celebrations. 150 DBYC children were invited. Thanks to a sponsor all the children were given a meal of rice, chicken and spaghetti and later ice cream. All the parish groups attended such as the Catechists. Food was served by all and it was a true feast. Each of the groups then performed as their gift to Fr. Boni. The DBYC children performed a cheer leading dance which was spectacular even if a little scary to watch at times because of the fear they may fall. The Catechists performed a very funny number which involved men dancing up as women in wigs and dresses and women dressing up as men. Fr. Boni was very touched by the event and the wishes and greetings everyone gave him.

Sunday 28 February 2011: Vocation Jamboree

Today some animators and leaders from the DBYC and also some trainees attended the Vocationa Jamboree at Mabolo Semenary in Cebu City. The theme was Jesus Calls... Sign up and Pray. Over 5,000 young people attended the event with over 50 different orders present such as the Dominicans and Augustinians. The young people prayed, had question and answer session, discussions with their fellow young people, singing, dancing, as well as confession and mass. The focus was on sharing about what you dream for the future and your desires in life. There was the hope that the young people would accept God in the life and perhaps if they were called join religious life.

Saturday 27 February 2011: Bro. Carlo runs the Death March - 160km

Bro Carlo ran the 160km ultramarathon in memory of those who lost their lives in the Bataan Death March. 

In 1941, during World War II, the Japanese forces landed on the Philippines islands which were held by the Americans. The Japanese committed many atrocities to the Filipinos. In 1942 the Japanese forced 75,000 American and Filipino prisoners of war to march up to 65 miles on foot with little food, water or medical help for over one week. Anyone who was unable to keep up with the pace was shot and left behind. No one knows the exact death toll but it is reported to be anywhere between 6,000 and 11,000. Allied forces proclaim that only 54,000 of the 72,000 prisoners survived. 

Thursday 24 February 2011: Savio's trip to the Eco House

Each group organizes their own activities and trips outside the youth center. Today the Savio Friends club organized a trip to visit Archival's Eco House in Talamban.

The young people were given a personal tour around the complex. They were shown the plants which could remove the impurities in the water collected from the house that was used for washing, pigs whose waste was collected to make bio gas,organic vegetables, worms used to make compost and much more. The house itself is made from recycled objects such as seats made from drinks cans. It was a great trip for the group and really opened their eyes to the need to reuse, recycle and reduce in order to help the environment.

Savio Group with former Cebu City Councilor Nestor Archival

 

Thursday 24 February and Friday 25 February 2011: Charter Day and EDSA Day

Filipino's celebrate Charter Day and EDSA Day with two national holidays. 

February 24 is Charter Day celebrating the day in 1937 when Cebu finally became a chartered city. despite being the more important city before Manila arrived with the oldest street, Magellan's cross and Fort San Pedro. Cebu City is now known as the Queen City of the South. 

February 25 is EDSA day, a very important date in the Filipino calendar. Once the Japanese lost the war in 1945 the Americans returned to the Philippines. They recognized the independence of the country but still were very influential. A republican form of government was introduced into the country following the American model. In 1972 President Marcos declared martial law. He dismantled the legislature, closed all the mass media outlets and installed a dictatorship. The period saw the economy decline, human rights violated, a communist movement develop and the Muslim groups grow. There was great public dissatisfaction and in 1986 an event known as 'People Power' occurred. Thousands of citizens gathered together in protest of the Marcos regime. Men, women, old and young gathered with flowers and rosaries in a face off with tanks and armed soldiers in a totally peaceful affair. The incident occurred at Epifanio de los Santos Avenue, hence the name EDSA. The event caused Marcos to flee to the country to America. It was a non violent event which finally toppled the dictator.  

Saturday 19 February 2011: A Saintly Love

This evening there was a special performance by the DBYC for Valentines Day. Each group has their own patron saint, such as St. Dominic Savio. The groups had to come up with their own performance of either dancing, singing or acting to show their love to their patron saint. The title of the event was 'A Saintly Love: expression of one's faith towards God'. The performances were really good ranging from action packed drama with sound effects, modern twists on the life story of the saints and dancing and singing. The DBYC band also performed. Prizes were given for the best performances; Knights of the Altar came third, second prize went to Friends of Laura Vicuna and first prize was won by the Childrens Choir. All the performances can be viewed below. 

Monday 14 February: Happy Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day was celebrated in a special way this evening. It was turned into Gratitude Day! 

Within the DBYC there are 8 groups: Savio Friends Club, Sports Club, Biblos, Auxilium, Knights of the Altar, Juventus, Friends of Laura Vicuna and Children's Choir. For each group there are two or more Animators or youth leaders; Jovit, Mirasol, Fritz, Theresa, Godwin, Ildie, Cheann, Cheche, Cris, Daryl, Stephen, Nova, Shuan, Lorenz, Johnfran and Jika. 

As a surprise for the animators Buboy, the President of the DBYC, had organized that all the children from the different groups show their gratitude to their animators. The children made paper flowers, hearts and cards for their animators. The animators really work so hard to keep the center running and to develop the talents and faith of all the DBYC members. As one animator later wrote of his Facebook status: "To all DBYC of Pasil on behalf of the animators thank you for the short program, the balloons, letters and the hearts you gave to the animators, it was a heart warming experience for us. Happy Valentines Day!"

Friday 11 February: Prayer Rally

Today the students of DBTC took part in a prayer rally against the new Responsible Parenthood, Reproductive Health and Population and Development Act of 2011 (also known as the RH Bill) which has currently been passed by the Senate and has now moved to the next house.

To read about the rally in the local paper click here: www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/forces-against-rh-bill

Sunday 6 February 2011: KOA go hiking

Every Sunday two novices Bro. Jake and Bro. Nino visit Pasil. They spent three months exposure time in Pasil last year so know the children of DBYC very well. Today, they took KOA (Knights of the Altar) hiking. The youth walked to a shrine which housed a statue of Mama Mary, to a small zoo where they got to see many animals such as snakes, tigers, alligators and birds, and finally to the Chinese Taoist Temple in Cebu City as it is Chinese New Year. It was a fantastic, even if tiring, day out. 

Friday 4 January 2011: Viewing of the Youth Night Video

This evening the DBYC youth all sat down after the rosary to watch themselves on the big screen. A projector was set up in the youth center and the video of Youth Night from Saturday January 8 2011 was played. The children loved watching themselves and there was lots of laughter and cheering.

The 11 videos are here:

February 19 and March 12 2011: Seeking new Trainees

Announcement:

What: Entrance examination schedule for the new applicants of trainees

Where: Don Bosco Training Center, L. Flores Street, Pasil, Cebu City

When: February 19, 2011 - 1st batch, March 12, 2011 - 2nd batch 

Who: Open to all boys and girls aged 17-25 years old. At least a high school graduate with a good moral character and interested to work. 

Requirements: Birth certificate, High School card or High School diploma

Registration fee of Php. 100.00 

Monday 31 January 2011: Don Bosco Day - DBYC

Tonight was the culmination of the 'I Touch' event. The new children were gathered for the 6pm mass. The church was packed and Fr. Andy spoke about the Salesian Family, both in Pasil and around the world. There was a special Our Father as all children held hands to sing the prayer. After the mass there was another parade around the streets of Pasil and Suba with the rosary being said.

Once back in the center all the children, around 300, were given a rice broth with chicken, onions and ginger and juice. After the feeding there was a variety programme. It included many different games along with performances for example from the KOA (Knights of the Altar) and the Children's Choir.

It was a great evening and hopefully some of the new children will become permanent members of the DBYC so the message of Don Bosco can be spread to many more.

Food for 300

Monday 31 January 2011: Don Bosco Day - DBTC

Today was the feast of Saint John Bosco and the start of the Intramurals for the trainees of Don Bosco Training Center Pasil. The morning began with mass in the church. Fr. Bonni's key message was that you should not let the past be an excuse for your present. Don Bosco lost his father at the age of two years old. He also lost his teacher Fr. Calosso. Finally, he lost his best friend in the seminary. However, Don Bosco did not make excuses and instead became the Father, Teacher and Friend to the young which proclaimed by Pope John Paul II in 1988 during the celebrations for Don Bosco's 100th anniversary.

Next, there was a Grand Parade through the streets of Pasil and Suba with the statue of Don Bosco. All the sections carried their own banner and there was a Sinulog band. Once back in the center there was a grand opening; the national anthem was said, the Intramural torch was lit, there were opening and inspirational talks and the oath of sportsmanship.

Statue of Don Bosco

Machine Shop Seniors

Saturday 29 January and Sunday 30 January: I-Touch Saint John Bosco

Saturday 29 January - This afternoon was the beginning of another round of 'I-Touch'. As part of the arrival of Don Bosco's relic in the Philippines in December 2010 a 'Getting to Know Don Bosco' iniative was created. The DBYC were to spread the news of Don Bosco to children in the parish and try and recruite new members. In the area of Pasil and Suba there are around 30 chapels. The DBYC children were split into groups and were each assigned a chapel. They went to the area and gathered the children. It was amazing how many young children were excited to join in with the activity.

Monday 24 January 2011: Feast of St. Francis de Sales, the patron of Don Bosco

Today is the feast day of Saint Francis de Sales, the patron saint of St. John Bosco.

St. Francis de Sales was born in Savoy, France, on 21 August 1567. He was ordained as Bishop of Geneva in 1602. He dedicated his life to trying to bring those in Chablais back from the Protestant faith as a result of the Reformation. He educated the Christian people and showed them that spirituality was attainable in every walk of life. He saw his mission as a pastor, simply discussing theology with the Protestants, introducing them to the love of God and ensuring for the laity that devotion was pleasant and desirable. He used extensively the printed word and promoted work and culture, treating everyone with loving kindness and unpretentious wisdom. 

Sunday 23 to Friday 28 January 2011: Celebrations for the feast of St. John Bosco

Every evening for the next week there will be a series of activities for the celebrations of the feast of St. John Bosco. 

Sunday 23 January - After the special rosary, said in the dark facing the statue of St. John Bosco with extra prayers and songs at the end, there was a game of Labang-Labang. All the youth were thoroughly excited and it was a lively game. A grid was drawn out on the floor in water. One team stood on the grid and had to catch other members as they attempted to run past to get to the other end.  

Saturday 22 January 2011: Opening Salvo of the feast of St John Bosco

Tonight was the opening salvo for the feast of St John Bosco the founder of the Salesians. The children of the youth center paraded around the streets of Pasil with banners and a marching band inviting children to join them with the hope they would become new DBYC members. 

The feast of St John Bosco will be held on the 31st January to mark the anniversary of his death. For the next nine days there are many activities planned as part of the lead up to this special day. 

A short summary of the life of St John Bosco: 

St John Bosco was born on August 16 1815 in Becchi, Morialdo, Castelnuovo near Turin in Italy. His father, Francis Louis Bosco died when he was only two years old. He had a step brother called Anthony and a brother called Joseph. He was brought up by his mother Mama Margaret. The family were poor farmers and John had to help with the manual chores.

When John was just nine years old in 1824 he experienced the most important dream of his life. In the dream he saw himself fighting a large crowd of fighting boys. He tried to stop them but they did not listen to them. Suddenly, he saw a man who said to him, "Not with blows will you help these boys, but with goodness and kindness". Next, a woman appeared and John saw the boys change into a group of wild animals and then into a flock of lambs. John now knew he had to serve Jesus, Mother Mary and the young. 

Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 January 2011: Sinulog - feast of Santo Nino

This weekend the whole of Cebu celebrated the feast of Santo Nino. Santo Nino is also the patron of the parish in Pasil so there was a fiesta in the local area too. 

On the Saturday morning at dawn there was a Fluvial parade. The Parish and DBYC each had a boat which members boarded ready to sail to Mactan bridge. There were thousands of people present on the bridge waiting to catch a glimpse of the Santo Nino. The Santo Nino was placed on a special boat and was paraded around the waiting vessels for everyone to see before making its way to Pier One to enter the Basilica for a mass before traveling round the streets of the city.

Mactan Bridge

Thursday 13 January 2011: Pasil youth leader to join youth congress in Germany

This article by Ivy Cabatingan appeared in the local newspaper describing the DBYC leader Buboy and his travels abroad to Germany: 

"In a world of standards, it is refreshing to know that you don't have to be somebody to make a difference. All you need is to take a stand and inspire. If Buboy can do it, what's stopping us? 

In today's massive world population, only forty were chosen to represent the youth of the entire world in the International Youth Camp to be held in the city of Bonn in Germany from Jan. 13 to 25, 2011: Ten Germany youth, fifteen from selected European countries and only ten from the rest of the world. Two of them are Pinoys, only one of them is Buboy. 

Emmanuel Barwado, or 'Buboy' to his peers, is a youth leader of Don Bosco Youth Center in Pasil - a place considered by many to be one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the city. While drugs and crime run rampant in the streets of Pasil, Buboy sets a prime example of how one person can break free from the cycle, and be a role model for the whole community. He will be attending the International Youth Congress with another Salesian scholar, Mae Kristine Goopio from Don Bosco Youth Center in Dahican, Mati, Davao Oriental.

Saturday 8 January 2011: Youth Night

There are 25 chapels in the area of the parish. They have been grouped into clusters. Every evening each cluster performs a dance as a pray outside the Church to Santo Nino as part of the Sinulog celebrations. Following this there is a cultural performance from a different group in the community. Tonight it was the turn of the DBYC to perform. Practices had been taking place all week and everyone had been working hard.

The storyline of the event was music through time. There was a grandaugher and grandfather commenting on the different music genres thoughout the years. There were performances of hip-hop, ballet, 80's music, Hawaiin dancing and much more. It was an excellent show. All the audience were impressed with what the children and young people had produced. 

To view the 11 videos of the evening see below: 

Thursday 6 January 2011: Start of the feast of Santo Nino

Today was the start of the feast of Santo Nino. Before the Philippines was visited by the Spanish there were many native tribes. They would dance to the rythmn of drums which was similar to a water's current or Sinulog in Visaya. The natives worshiped their pagan gods through these dances.

Ferdinand Magellan landed in the Philippines in 1521. Magellan tried to win the trust of Rajah Humabon, a chief in Cebu. Humabon's wife, known as Queen Juana of Cebu, was very interested in a small statue of the child Jesus, or Santo Nino, that Magellan owned. Magellan gave it to her as a gift. Magellan offered to fight Humabon's rival tribe a group under Lapu Lapu. However, he did not consider the tides so the island of Mactan was out of reach by the Spanish naval guns. Therefore, his troops had to wade through the muddy land and were severely defeated. Magellan was killed during the battle.