INTRAMURALS 2012

written by: Krisha Mae Pastoriza | Wood and Furniture Technology  - Junior Trainee

Last August 16, 2012, we celebrated the 197^th birthday of the Father ad Teacher of Youth – Don Bosco. It wasn’t just an ordinary for all Bosconians esp. of DBTC – Pasil since it was also the beginning of the Intramurals. Bosconians were of high spirits as they coursed through the different activities for the day.

As a commemoration of the event, the day kicked off with the celebration of the Holy Mass. During the mass, the celebrating priest (Fr. Orly Borres, SDB) asked each of the departments to stand and say a virtue which they commonly share. Some of the virtues that was mentioned were Patience, Humility, Unity, Peace, Respect, Enthusiasm, Love – these virtues are a reflection of an Ideal Bosconian.

After the Mass, the different departments had their photos taken. Bosconians showed off their friendly smiles and cheerful character during the photo shoot. They continued to show their smiles and joy as they paraded around the streets of Suba and Pasil. Though the heat was intense, Bosconians continued to show their endurance and pleasant manner. Arriving at the Don Bosco Gym, everyone stood proudly in front of the Philippine Flag as the National anthem was sung. Then, a prayer was sung led by a Junior Trainee. Fr. Orly welcomed each of the visitors and participants. After the welcome address, selected trainees marched with the DB Flag as others solemnly listened to a Hymn to Don Bosco. As the flag was raised, an enthusiastic and loud “Viva, Don Bosco” was heard all over the compound. Silence filled the covered court as the students waited for the Intramurals Torch was to be lighted up. Once it was lighted, an earsplitting applause then followed. A solemn promise was made by each of the participants as they recited the Oath of Sportsmanship. Then, Fr. Jude Albarando, SDB declared the Intramurals officially open.

Some highlights of the Opening of the Intramurals include the Flag-Raising Competition and Cheer Dance Competition. Here are the results of the different competitions:

§  Flag-Raising Competition (Wood and Furniture Techonology – Juniors)

§  Banner Design Competition

o   1^st – Wood and Furniture Technology – Juniors

o   2^nd – Mechanical Technology – Juniors

o   3^rd  - Automotive Technology – Juniors

§  Cheerdance Competition

o   1^st – Mechanical Technology – Seniors

o   2^nd – Small Engine

o   3^rd – Wood and Furniture Technology – Seniors

§  3-point Shootout

o   Administration and Instructors Team

§  3-man Shootout

o   Wood and Furniture Technology – Juniors

§  Obstacle Shot

o   Small Engine

           

Indeed, it was a tiring day. But at the same time, it was a fulfilling day for everyone as all went home with big smiles painted on their faces.

Mass of the Holy Spirit | Parents' Orientation | Showcase of Talents

Written by: Rey Anthony Ocier | Mechanical Technology - Senior Trainee

July 7 2012: a half-day affair with Parents, Trainees, and DBTC staff defined by thanksgiving to our Loving God and a showcase of talents.

This day proved to be a fulfilling day that marked the opening of a new semester for the Training Center. It was also a venue to welcome the new Junior Trainees as well as the returning Senior Trainees. 

The day opened with a Holy Mass which where the trainees proved themselves ready for spiritual service. Some trainees served as part of the Priest’s assistants dressed in Immaculate white, while others helped in animating the liturgy as members of the choir that led the singing of the songs and psalms for the Mass.

After the Mass, it was followed by the introduction of the DBTC staff and the Orientation of the Parents that was officiated by the instructors.

At the end of the Orientation, everyone gathered inside the gymnasium for the program. The program was certainly a revelation as Trainees (mostly Junior Trainees) showed their personal talents and shared them to a supportive crowd of fellow Trainees, parents, instructors, and DBTC staff. As we saw the dance moves of the Automotive Juniors, Garments, and small engine trainees and as we listened to the songs sang by the choir... it just goes to show the giftedness of each Bosconian – the willingness to share it for the benefit of others.

As a trainee myself, I can’t help but be amazed at my co-trainees. It would seem that all they know is have some fun, but given the opportunity, they can also be very responsible in terms of serious matters. As my companions shared their talents, I also shared my talent as I helped in the decoration and design of the stage both for the mass and the program. Being able to help in my little ways is a fulfillment for me, but I consider it a big fulfillment to see my co-trainees, my friends, my brothers, to be able to help share their talents as well.

School Year 2012-2013

The Lord has sent a multitude of young people in the care of Don Bosco...

Don Bosco Training Center - Pasil starts its school year with countless blessings from the Almighty...

• The number of trainees has significantly increased in comparison to the number of the previous year's enrollment. Currently, we have 38 Seniors Trainees and 89 Junior Trainees. Hopefully, these young people would find their stay at DB - Pasil an enriching experience (spiritually, mentally, physically).
  
• Fr. Adrian Mendoza, SDB remains the Rector of the Salesian Community and Parish Priest of Sto. Niño Parish. Fr. Orlando Borres, SDB takes on the roles of Administrator, Training Center Director, and Youth Center Director. Fr. Jude Albarando, SDB ministers to the needs of the parishioners, trainees, and youth center members through the reception of the Sacraments. Bro. John Paul Rasay, SDB spends his second year of Practical Training. The Salesian Community is truly grateful for the work rendered by Fr. Abundio Bacatan, SDB as Administrator of DB - Pasil for two years. May our Loving Father bless him as he takes his new responsibilities at Don Bosco Technology Center - Labangon. 

• Fr. Andy would be gone for a few months as he travels to the USA for missionary talks. In Fr. Andy's absence, Fr. Jude will take the responsibilities as parish priest. May the Lord keep him safe and in good health.

"DA MIHI ANIMAS COETERA TOLLE"
- Don Bosco


P.S.
here's a link of the recent activities of DB - Pasil: http://www.facebook.com/donbosco.pasil/photos

DBTC: Improvements and Damages

It is known to many that the structures of DB - Pasil aren't as good as it used to be. Wear and Tear has taken its toll on the walls, rooms, and other parts of the building. thankfully, through the generosity of our benefactors, we have been able to make some improvements in the building.

Improvements:

Improvements on the dilapidated Refectory Floor. 

Installation of grills in the Rooms and Corridor for security reasons.

Unfortunately, together with the improvements that were made, we have been struck by new damages. Last February 6, 2012, the islands of Negros and Cebu were hit by an earthquake. The people (Trainees, Staff, Salesians) of DB -Pasil were all safe, but the building was another reason to worry about. Cracks appeared all over the place - some cracks are wide enough for a finger to fit through.

Despite these problems, we are full of hope that Divine Providence is on our side. We pray for God's grace to bestow on us the support we need to continue our work for the young people of Pasil. In His time, we fervently wish that the entire renovation of the compound would soon be a reality. We would like to thank everyone who have generous to us in one way or another. Rest assured of God's reward for you in His Eternal Kingdom!

St. John Bosco, pray for us!

Kudos, JENYFER VILLAGONZALO, RN!

Don Bosco Youth Center has received another blessing from our Loving Father in the academic victory of Jenyfer Villagonzalo. Jennifer was one of the 22,760 who passed the recent Nursing Licensure exam. Jenyfer worked her way through college as a scholar of DB - Pasil. Despite the rigorous study load of her college course, it is truly awe-inspiring how she has managed to balance her time between studying and helping out in the operations of DB-Pasil. 

Congratulations, Jen! As you embark on a new journey in the profession you have chosen, may you always strive to be a witness to Christ's love for all and may you always keep the values that Don Bosco has taught you... Godspeed! ^_^

"DO YOUR ORDINARY DUTIES, EXTRAORDINARILY WELL."

  - DON BOSCO

DBTC (JANUARY 31 2012): DON BOSCO'S FEAST / DBTC INTRAMURALS

Feast Day of Don Bosco. Today, the trainees had the opening of their intramurals for this semester. It began with a mass at the Sto. Niño Parish – Fr. Orly presided the mass. After the mass, the trainees paraded around the area of Suba and Pasil to announce the opening of their intramurals and the Feast Day of Don Bosco. As they ended the parade at the DB Gym, the Opening Ceremonies of the Intramurals commenced with the lighting of the torches, presentation of the DB Flag, recitation of the Oath of Sportsmanship, and the Dance Contest per section. For the Dance Contest, the Automotive Seniors bagged the 1^st place, followed by the Woodworking trainees at 2^nd place, and the Garments trainees in 3^rd place.

In the afternoon, Parlor games and Indoor games were organized by the instructors. Indoor games included Table Football, Chess, and Billiards. After the games, Fr. Orly gave everyone snacks of Bread and Chocolate Drink to add to the celebration.

CHRISTMAS PARTY 2011

by: Karen Castigador

    DBYC MEMBER (SAVIO CLUB)

December 23 , 2011 was a day to be remembered for the Don Bosco Youth Center family as it marked the most anticipated event of the institution. It was also the day for all animators , leaders and members  to celebrate the joy of our savior being born, JESUS CHRIST. Tonight was the Christmas party of the DBYC. 

Everyone dressed up for the occasion and waited in anticipation for the party to begin. Unlike any other parties, the event started with a holy rosary that was animated by the leaders of the DBYC and followed by a delicious dinner sponsored by our benefactors. Each member received a packed meal of spaghetti,  fried chicken,rice, and a slice of leche flan along with a soda. Everyone was so excited to receive their dinner.

             

After dinner, the Christmas Caroling Competition started. It was opened by our very own rector, Fr. Andrian Mendoza. Blazing performances were made by the different youth groups: Friends of Laura Vicuna (FLV) ,Sport's Club, Auxilium, KOA, Biblos and Juventus. Each member hit the floor as they showed their ever wondrous talents to the public. There were also production numbers from the members of the choir and games to set off the heat of the said competition. And to our surprise, a special number was presented by the Salesians of Don Bosco - Pasil. Fr. Andy, Fr. Boni , Fr. Orly and Bro. JP showcased one of their unforgetable performance on stage.

Finally, " Bundles of Joy " were distributed to every child. The sizes of the gifts were clustered A, B, C, and D depending on the attendance and performance of each member for the year. The children were called one by one to get their bundles. It was such a mesmerizing and amazing part for we felt the real essence of Christmas. Along with the distribution was the awarding of those members and animators who did their best to become role models to their fellow Bosconians. Awarded as the DBYC member of the season was Biblos member, Korina Tabay and as the Outstanding Animator is Sport's Club animator, Fritz Villanueva. After which,the awarding of winners for the competition then took place... The KOA got the trophy for 3rd place, followed by the FLV in second place and the Sports Club who brought home the bacon as they emerged the champions for this years Caroling Competition.

With this, we can always say that we really are a family for we  always do our best to participate in all activities so it may be a fruitful and succesful one. However, without the help of our Salesians, Benefactors and Divine Providence, any endeavor would never be possible... and so our heartfelt gratitude our Loving God, our Blessed Mother, our Benefactors, and our Salesians.

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY DAYS 2011

By: John Kenneth Taneo
        NATIONAL ASSEMBLY DAYS DELEGATE (DECEMBER 2-4 2011)
                          YOUTH ANIMATOR, DON BOSCO - PASIL

December 15, 2010 – December 16, 2011 is the Year of the Youth. A year that is full of programs, activities and formations that will strengthen the faith of today’s young people. One of these events was held last December 2-4, 2011. During these days the Salesian Youth Movement or commonly known as SYM celebrated an occasion entitled, “SYM NADS 2011” with the theme: ”Go and bear fruit – fruit that will last” and it was held at Don Bosco Technology Center ( DBTC). It was a gathering of the youth from the different Don Bosco settings all over the Philippines. Each setting had its own delegates/ participants. 

The said Assembly was formally opened by an opening mass at the New Gym of DBTC and it was presided by Archbishop Jose Palma. Mostly the students of DBTC filled the gym and there were also young people from the nearby schools and parishes. Before it ended, the animators of DB-Pasil danced the theme song of CBCP year of the youth, “Make A Stand”. Afterwards, there was a youth forum entitled – “Love Rocks” which was handled by the Episcopal Commission on Youth. The participants actively participated in the discussions. Some asked questions directed at the guest speakers, who honestly shared their experiences. After the guest speakers shared their experiences, all participants were assigned in groups and they shared their insights and realizations on the given questions. Before the night ended, there was a Youth Jam prepared by the youth of DB- Lourdes. There were bands making pleasant sounds to our ears - youth nowadays really love these kinds of entertainment. Unfortunately, one of the participants met an accident. He sprained his arm and was brought to the hospital for further check-up.

The next day, the National Finals for the Bosco Quiz Bee was held. There were 2 categories- A (High School) and B(Elementary). In the category A, there were 5 contestants from different settings including DB- Pasil, while in category B, there were just 2 contestants. In category A, the first place and second place went to DB- Makati while in category B, DB – Caritas Don Bosco brought home the bacon. After a few hours, the participants gathered at the AVR for the talk of Fr. Mario Baclig, SDB. He talked about the nature and importance of youth groups as components of the SYM. He also shared the life cycle of a youth group. To sum up his talk, he gave 3 main topics/ ideas -“TODAY’S YOUTH IN TODAY’S WORLD”, “YOUTH GROUPS IN TODAY’S WORLD” and “YOUTH GROUPS IN SALESIAN MINISTRY”. After this, the participants had their workshops that were divided by sodalities/ associations and federations. After the workshops, 2 masses were held, one was in the AVR, which was headed by Fr. Allen Elevado, SDB, while the other one was held at the chapel presided by Fr. Favie Faldas, SDB. Dinner followed, and after dinner, a fellowship program took place wherein the different Don Bosco settings showcased their talents. After the program, everyone was asked to prepare themselves for the rosary as a fitting conclusion for a day full of work and fun.

The following day, everyone gathered at the AVR for the concluding Mass. The organizers acknowledged the efforts of the different committees and they also gave certificates for the different settings in participating this event most especially to those who volunteered themselves. Furthermore, it was followed by an awarding ceremony for the winners of the Bosco Quiz Bee. There was also a handover ceremony for the South Province/ SYM FIS as the new Secretariat of the SYM. After the mass, the participants began to bid goodbye to each other as they will be going back to their respective places. By bidding goodbye and going back to their settings, it is now time for them to apply what they have learned in the said event. And that’s the hardest challenge for each participant - that they will continue to strive and journey towards life with the Lord and that hopefully it will bear fruit… fruit that will last.

"Planted and Built-Up in Jesus Christ, Firm in the Faith!"

by: Cindy Castigador

               NATIONAL YOUTH DAYS DELEGATE (NOVEMBER 14-19 2011)

               YOUTH ANIMATOR, DON BOSCO - PASIL

This year's National Youth Day is very significant because this prestigious event falls within the CBCP's declaration of this year as the  year of the youth. The event was held at Manila, from November 14-19, 2011 with the theme of "Planted and Built Up in Jesus Christ, Firm in the faith." I am very grateful that I had taken part of this event. During the one week long activity,I had learned much! I enjoyed every moment with my co-pilgrims, facilitators and animators. We can distinguish three images on the theme of NYD namely: "PLANTED" - calls to mind a tree and the roots that feed it; "BUILT-UP"-refers to a construction of a house; "FIRM"-indicates growth in physical or moral strength. During the first plenary session with "Planted" as our topic, I learned a new version of the song Magtanim ay di biro. And it goes as follow:

"Matanim ay di biro, matuto kang yumuko, kung gusto mong matuto wag matakot mahulog.

(Magdusa, mamatay kung gusto mong mabuhay)2x"

The first image which is obviously the content of the song explains that of a tree which is firmly planted thanks to its roots, it would be blown away by the wind and eventually die. For me, the tree is referred to as person and the root is GOD. If you don't have faith in God, you will not eventually succeed. The second image is "BUILT-UP". Just as the roots of a tree keep it firmly planted in the soil, so the foundation of a house is going strong. Through our faith, we have been built up in God! In this topic, I realized that we should respond positively to God's call, trust him and put his words into practice. On the third topic, "Firm in the Faith", I was deeply touched with our group sharing. The topic was all about the issues and concerns of the youth and how can we solve it. 

The youth is the hope our nation. As a youth animator, I encourage all the youth out there to strengthen your faith in God. We are the future of the society as well as the church. Let us make our life meaningful and fruitful not only today but also for the rest of our lives. Let's stand firm in the faith, Do all works in love! Together, let's make a stand.