Don Bosco's Feast Day

Article Written by: Karen Castigador, Youth Group Animator (Savio)

January 22, 2013, a day after the feast of Señor Sto Niño…

All Bosconians all over the world joyfully celebrated the Opening Salvo for the Feast Day of Father and Teacher of Youth, St. John Bosco. The members of DBYC – Pasil prepared a special rosary in honor of their beloved Saint. This was headed by the Youth Animators and Leaders of DBYC – Pasil.

Every evening, different youth groups were tasked to take part in the novena prayers. For the ‘Triduum’ active youth leaders and animators planned a series of activities after every rosary. It involved games, a quiz bowl, and an obstacle course. On the first day of the triduum, a blind volleyball game was organized. The children were divided into two groups for the activity. There were lots of screams and running. It was fun to watch to members as they expressed excitement in playing the game. On the second day of the triduum, a quiz bowl took place dubbed “1, 2, 3, GO”. All members joined the quiz to help sharpen their knowledge about St. John Bosco. On the third day of the triduum, an obstacle course was organized. 10 representatives from three groups need to get through a maze, and then race through a path with a sack on both feet and then go through a narrow spot made of a straw rope for one to win the game. Of course, everyone was in high spirits as they enjoyed themselves.

During the feast day, the members were all encouraged to attend the Holy Mass at 6pm in the parish. The Church was almost filled with devotees of St. John Bosco. After the mass, a procession was held around the streets of Suba and Pasil. After the procession, DBYC members went to the DB Gym for a special rosary. After the rosary, a variety show took place. Different Youth Groups showcased their talents by dancing to the tune of Don Bosco songs. There were also games and the awarding of prizes for the past activities during the Triduum Days. After which, all the members (around 150) were given snacks (burger and tetra-packed juice) which was sponsored by some good benefactors.

It was a great evening and hopefully for the next years to come, may the works of St. John Bosco be spread even more. 

View our Photos: http://www.facebook.com/donbosco.pasil/photos_albums

More Fun in Pasil, Cebu! (Feast of Sto. Niño)

Article Written by: Kenneth Taneo, Youth Group Animator (Savio)

“It’s more fun in Cebu.” – a quotation derived from the recent Department of Tourism’s campaign slogan, but indeed, this holds truth. This is evidently shown in every 3^rd Sunday of the month of January wherein we Cebuanos celebrate the Feast of our Patron, ‘Señor Sto. Niño’. During this event, we wholeheartedly give praise, thanks, and glorify Him for the bountiful graces we have received.

We are fortunate here in Pasil since our Parish’s Patron is Sto. Niño as well. We had an Opening Salvo by means of a parade along the streets of Suba and Pasil after which we solemnly celebrated the 1^st novena mass presided by Fr. Adrian “Andy” Mendoza, SDB (Parish Priest). In the Youth Center, we also had our daily novena prayers.

Traditionally, Don Bosco Youth Center prepares a program called the ‘YOUTH NITE” as a simple means of showcasing the talents, skills, abilities, and potentials of the young people of the area. Above everything else, the ‘YOUTH NITE’ is organized yearly as a way of expressing our gratitude towards God. This year’s theme and storyline was that of a ‘Movie Marathon’ mainly because it was inspired from the different movies that people have seen like Titanic, Charlie’s Angels, etc. The program was a success for the organizers have evaluated and arrived at the conclusion that they have conveyed the message of the program that no matter what kind of praising you’ll offer to God, as long as it comes from the heart, it is already in itself a way of expressing gratitude to Him.

Within the novena days, our parish had also prepared some activities and programs that have strengthened the participation and confidence of the people especially in showing off their talents. Some activities worthy of note is the Parish Nite, and the Halad – different chapels and clusters offered a Sinulog Dance as an offering to the Child Jesus. Of course, the DBYC also joined in rendering the Sinulog Dance in front of the people of Suba and Pasil.

The day before the feast day came, so many devotees woke up early to join the annual fluvial parade. According to the local news, there were around 248 vessels who joined the said event. In fact, most of the vessels rented were from the people of Suba and Pasil since it has been a part of the culture to start the so-called ‘Disperas’ with a bang. Afterwards, the people paraded the streets in which those who participated in the ‘Halad’ repeated their performances with grander costumes and more-synced dance steps. In the afternoon, people once again gathered inside the Church to attend the Pontifical Mass presided by Msgr. Labajo of Talisay City, Cebu.

Sunday, the actual Feast of the Child Jesus… many people crowded the streets and went to the different houses to celebrate the fiesta. So many devotees had much prepared for their visitors and relative for they want to serve them the best food possible. Somewhere else in Cebu particulary the Fuente area, tourists witnessed the Sinulog Festival (dubbed as the mother of all festivals in the Philippines). It was a sight to behold as colorful costumes, drum beats, and awesome choreography made the event more exciting. In the evening, it is obvious that people may have retired early to their beds from the day’s fun and revelry… but for teenagers like me, there’s still enough time to go to disco bars to continue to celebrate this great event with the thought that this should be a day that would end with lots of good memories for my friends and I.

View our Photos: http://www.facebook.com/donbosco.pasil/photos_albums

DBYC Xmas 2012

Article written by: Christine Umpad, DBYC member (Savio)

 

Every year, there is that season that we always anticipate to come – Christmas. Everyone, whether you are a child, youth or even an adult – all is excited about this. Why? Because this is the season of gift-giving, family gather, and almost daily parties. But do we really understand the real essence of Christmas?

All of us has his/her own way or tradition of celebrating this feast – buying luxurious gifts and clothes, going to some place to unwind, preparing for parties and many more. Yet, there are people who (in silence) choose to celebrate Christmas by helping those who are less fortunate than them. They reach out to seek for people that need their assistance esp. in the ‘material’ way. Don Bosco Youth Center is always lucky to have these people. They are those that are responsible for the success of our DBYC Christmas Party 2012. We had this celebration last December 22, 2012, 7.00pm at the Don Bosco – Pasil Gymnasium. Through the support of these benefactors and the Salesian Community, the DBYC members each received a “BUNDLE OF JOY – a package of items” and some clothing and a new pair of slippers. As one DBYC member said, “Nalipay kayo mi nga apil mi sa mga nakadawat ug pinaskuhan. Makatabang jud ni namu ug sa among pamilya (I’m really thankful that I am one of those who received a Christmas gift. This would be a great help to me and my family).”

Everyone wore a joyous smile. This joy is something that cannot be paid with any amount. They were very grateful to the benefactors and the Salesian Community. As a symbol of gratitude, they presented the best of their talents. A number of groups danced, some of them showcased their golden voice.

The DBYC’s benefactors were really blessed and will be truly blessed by God for they shared their blessings with us. I believe that this is the real essence of Christmas – the joy of sharing and loving. May God continue to shower His blessings and love to the benefactors and to their family and friends.

View our photos:  http://www.facebook.com/donbosco.pasil/photos_albums