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.