LETTER TO KABALENS for SILVER JUBILEE CELEBRATION 2011

30 November 2010

Dear Kabalens,

Kumusta ka la, Kabalens? Kulan mo la ey? Siopara so akapanpari ed sikatayo ey?

Kabalens, our beloved Alma Mater, the Mary Help of Christians College Seminary in Bonuan Gueset, Dagupan City is now 25 years old! Yes, singano karuman labat tayo ingapo. All the former Rectors are still alive with us: Fr. Butch, Msgr. Sabangan, Fr. Oliver and Bishop Rene. Fr. Ayong whom most of us know is the current Rector. Imagine that in 25 years, we have produced 74 priests from our seminary – out of the 292 who graduated, out of the 740 who entered! Thanks be to God!

Kabalens, it is not true that we have produced more lawyers than priests. It is true many have become lawyers, but still greater have continued to serve the Lord. We thank the loving care and protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Help of Christians!

Kabalens, would you like to come to Bonuan again for a Grand Reunion to celebrate the seminary’s silver anniversary? Would you like to see your batchmates and contemporaries again? We sincerely would like to see you again. You are and have always been welcome to visit “our” seminary. You will see a lot of changes…. but the structure is still the same. There is permanence in the vast metaphysical world that changes….

Kabalens, please don’t get angry if we tell you that your presence is important. For the love of Bonuan Seminary. For the love of Mary. For the love of Jesus – who once called you to become a priest in this institution. Let us forgive and forget all our bad experiences as long as we have learned good lessons from them. Just come back. Come home…

Kabalens, here are details: The grand celebration is February 12, 2011 which is a Saturday. Registration starts at 9AM and there will be sports. Don’t worry, the Limon Hall which will be rededicated is already air-conditioned. There will be lunch and program at 12NN, and then at 4PM, Archbishop Socrates Villegas will preside over the Mass. At 6PM, we shall have early dinner to be followed by the Musical-Play of the Seminarians on San Lorenzo Ruiz. There will be a lot of time for talking and celebrating.

Kabalens, kaya lang, siempre, may contribution tayo. I am sure you would like to help the seminary in some way. Maybe, batch by batch big donations. Pero, mahirap ang buhay ngayon. That is why we decided to ask you for a one-time donation. It will cover registration, lunch, dinner, snacks and play ticket for the occasion, plus free alumni-homecoming t-shirt pa. P2,500.00 lang. The proceeds will go to the repair of the seminary comfort rooms. Okay ba? Biro mo, ang CR nila, ginamit pa natin noon. Huh!

Kabalens, please come home to Bonuan again. February 12, ha? See you soon!

Love and mwah,

Your Bonuan Kaba (a.k.a. Kabalens din yan).

silver anniversary logo

Twenty-Second Batch 2006-2010

AWAO, Edward Fernandez
BUGTONG, Gary Rex Afos
LOPEZ, Angelo Bantang
PABLICO, Mark Edzel Sajonas
PANINGBATAN, Emmanuel Padua
PECSON, Danille Chad Crisostomo
QUINTO, James Anthony Salunson
SUPNET, Isaiah Miguel III Matubis
VALDEZ, Vishnu Banaag
NAVATO, Ronaldo Daguno

Twenty-First Batch 2005-2009

ANDRES, Jaime Jr. Garcia
AZARES, Kenneth Camil Sonido
DE LEON, Bryan Jeric Visperas
DORIA, Clemence Gilbert Bacus
EBREO, Angelo Marquez
GUERRERO, Marionne Dumapias
LALAS, Norman Paul Petonio
PAMO, Meynard lean Aragones

Twentieth Batch 2004-2008

BACANI, Jorge III y Samson
CEREZO, Alvin Divino y Bulusan
CHIONG, Dalton y Viray
DE GUZMAN, Franklin y Quenano
ESCANO, John Christopher y Galimba
FRANCISCO, Greg y Caoile
LOPEZ, Edward y Garcia
PASCUA, Mark Jayson y Parayno
REINTAR, Karl Sigfrey y Zamora
ROSAL, Roy Joel y Ocang

Nineteenth Batch 2003-2007

ABREU, Linneus Carl y Baligad
APOSTOL, Stanley y Abalos
AUSTRIA, Jason y Manangan
BATAOIL, Christians Joy y Delos Angeles
BULATAO, Jupiter y Soriano
DEL ROSARIO, Glenn y Cudiamat
FERRER, Julius Abraham y Cruz
NUESCA, Andres Jr. y Flomar
ROMERO, Ranndolph y Gutierrez
TOMELDEN, Ryan y Joves

Eighteenth Batch 2002-2006

CALAUNAN, Leo Mar y De Vera
DORIA, Hubert y Bacus
DULDULAO, Kristian Allen y Dela Cruz
FERNANDEZ, Joseph y Tirao
GAVINA, Roland Anthony y Sajonas
PICARDAL, Christopher Ray y Fabros
TENORIO, Orlando Jr. y Fontanilla
TOLENTINO, Qumar jessie y Teneza

Seventeenth Batch 2001-2005

ABACCO, Teofilo Isidro III y Bucao
CALULUT, Lemon y Laberinto
CASTANEDA, Mark Lester y Abad
FERNANDEZ, Adonis y Yden
GAMATA, Orlando y Legacion
GUIBANI, Jean-Paul B.
HEBRON, Jasper y Roma
MOISES, David y Agustin
MOLINA, Matt Jason John y Junatas
PAET, Harold y Bobiles
PARAYNO, Richard y Abad
SORIANO, Kristoffer Allan y Cayabyab
TULIAO, Marvin John y Malicdem

Congratulations to Batch 2010!

Sixteenth Batch 2000-2004

BALANON, Rex Belle N.
CLATA, Henry P.
DULAY, Jonathan A.
ESTRADA, Gerard Pio III B.
FERNANDEZ, Jogeemar T.
LLOREN, Ronald P.
OFRANCIA, Francis M.
PUASANOS, Russel John E.
SORIANO, Montini Yani L.
GUIBANI, Ryan Crisanto B.

Fifteenth Batch 1999-2003

CARINO, Dexter Z.
CUISON, William Bryan Q.
DALIT, Lari Angelo E.
DUCUSIN, Christian Cesar R.
FRASER, John Adonis D.
NARVAS, Jufri Jan Louis M.
OINEZA, Amiel Christian M.
PADUA, Christopher Brian R.
PAGDANGANAN, Christopher R.
QUESADA, Rejoice V.
SERQUINA, John Dexter

Fourteenth Batch 1998-2002

ANAPI, Dan Anthony G.
CALDERON, Edilberto A.
CUCHAPIN, Noel Ildefonso D.
DEL CASTILLO, Alexander R.
DELGADO, Edward Jr. S.
ESPINOZA, Estephen Mark R.
FAMA, Castelo Angelo T.
GALIVO, Eric C.
GALIVO, Vernie L.
JIMENEZ, Efren Jr. U.
LOPEZ, Leo Paol D.
NEDIC, Leo C.
OCAMPO, Valdem Joseph A.
PATAWARAN, Jonathan Jose G.
SARMIENTO, Gregorio C.
TAMONDONG, Alvin G.
UNTALAN, Ma. Angelo D.

Thirteenth Batch 1997-2001

BUYAO, Mark Aldrin R.
CASTRO, Angel Jr. L.
CEPEREZ, Vener C.
CUCHAPIN, Ian Verisimo D.
CUISON, Julius S.
DIVINA, Demetrio Jr. U.
ESTRADA, Eric B.
FERRER, Mario Lito S.
LOMIBAO, Frederick S.
MALICDEM, Rogelio Jr. C.
MARTIN, Divino E.
MESA, Ruel Z.
MONTEALEGRE, Erwin G.
PARAMIO, Mark Anthony M.
PULIDO, Bryan Paul P.
PUZON, Dominique Jose S.
RAMIREZ, Roland B.
ROQUE, Antonio Jr. G.
UMAGTAM, Democrito B.

Twelfth Batch 1996-2000

ABEJERO, Eugenio C.
ALDANA, Mark Anthony M.
ALMOITE, Alain M.
AQUINO, Aldrin M.
BAQUIRAN, Marimar U.
BEMBO, Jhomark M.
CAPUA, Harly A.
CARUNGAY, Gerome S.
DAROY, Nathaniel M.
GOMEZ, Cloyd Dennis V.
LORENZO, Jimmy D.
MEJIA, Reydentor G.

Eleventh Batch 1995-1999

AQUINO, Ernest Jr. P.
ESTRADA, Fernan C.
FABIA, Laudemer I.
LIMBOS, Eric S.
LIMSON, Jeremy D.
LUZANO, Dionisio B.
NERIZON, Noel R.
PALISOC, Orville C.
RAYRAY, Ian Vincent G.
SORIANO, Arvin V.

Tenth Batch 1994-1998

ALANO, Jover A.
CENTENO, Aries L.
CEREZO, Jim S.
COLLADO, Jazel Ramon E.
GAVINA, Eusehito Jr. M.
JACINTO, Andres Alipio Cresente F.
JIMENEZ, Rudolph A.
LEANDADO, Bryant B.
MALSI, Edward U.
MAMAUAG, Darwin T.
QUINTANS, Antonio Ray R.
REPOLLO, Rinovic C.

Ninth Batch 1993-1997

ALIMORONG, John S.
BASCO, Allan Joel V.
BRAGA, Melchor Joseph C.
CACHO, Ulysses C.
FONTELERA, Hansel E.
LALAS, Xerxes Jess P.
LEGASPI, Crispin R.
PALMA, Christian V.
PENULLAR, Rommel C.
POSADAS, Darwin Z.
POSADAS, Lordwin Z.
POSADAS, Sherwin Z.
RAMIREZ, Rojohn B.
RIVERA, Joel C.
SARANILLA, Abrahan P.
SORIANO, Mario Heherson A.
TAMONDONG, Rolly G.
UNCIANO, Galahad Randall S.

Eighth Batch 1992-1996

ABRIO, Marvin S.
AQUINO, Ronald S.
ARISTON, Arnelle V.
ASTERO, Edison C.
BARROGA, Mar G.
CABIDA, Tomas Jr. P.
CARIAGA, Menandro Jr. L.
CERA, Jeremias B.
DE CASTRO, Alfred Felix E.
DE GUZMAN, Rommel R.
ESTARIS, Richard Juanito
GAGUTE, Firmo G.
HERRERIA, Christopher G.
MEJIA, Victor B.
NABUA, Uldarico M.
NATIVIDAD, Christopher G.
ROCA, Ryan L.
SISON, Christopher E.
SORIANO, Christopher A.
UBANDO, Christopher N.

Seventh Batch 1991-1995

BATALLA, Leo P.
BELTRAN, Elvis M.
CALLAO, Monico L.
CRUZ, Julius B.
DAROY, Jonas B.
DE GUZMAN, Renato N.
GAPATE, Benjie N.
JACOBA, Rico C.
MAMARIL, Marlowe D.
MANAOAT, Franklin C.
MEREMILLA, Jose Alvin Z.
MUEGO, Paul Edward N.
NICOLAS, Jose Jr. C.
PETROLA, Ramon Carlo G.
RAMOS, Tyrone Aristotle E.

Sixth Batch 1990-1994

Apusen, Liberato A.
Aquino, Sixto II M.
Austria, Joseph M.
Callanta, Wilson M.
Joven, Van Gary Q.
Tabaniag, Francisco S.
Villanueva, Bernardo Y.

Fifth Batch 1989-1993

Angeles, Arnulfo Jr. A.
Arsola, Angelito S.
Artacho, Marlo Gerardo V.
Atayan, Joselito A.
Batalla, June P.
Camba, Jonathan R.
Caronongan, Hernan C.
Celino, Anthony C.
Mina, Ariosto R.
Nicolas, Douglas C.
Ramirez, Orsino A.
Reyes, Crispin N.

Fourth Batch 1988-1992

Agustin, Jonas G.
Andoloy, Ruel E.
Cancino, Alvin M.
Gana, Raymond C.
Romero, Allen O.
Mejia, Rodolfo Jr. P.
Nicolas, Chester C.
Parayno, Ariel R.
Rabago, Rendrix B.
Repollo, Tony Leo C.
Sanchez, Mario Dominic C.
Tolentino, Arturo C.
Vinluan, Jasper T.
Viernes, Alfred T.

Third Batch 1987-1991

Baquiran, Roderick M.
Bulosan, Noel B.
Credo, Allan P.
De Vera, Windell David G.
Esquig, David Jr. I.
Estrada, Joseph F.
Gonzalo, Romano V.
Guzman, Tomas Jake III A.
Landingin, Manuel I A.
Mesa, Rafael Z.
Necesito, Leandro B.
Platon, Alvin Gerald P.
Quinto, Jimmy F.
Reyes, Antonio Jr. E.
Samson, Joseph A.
Severino, Jonathan Gavino B.
Sison, Teofilo H.
Viernes, Ildelito T.

Second Batch 1986-1990

Abuan, Allan Morris T.
Bancifra, Julius D.
Batulan, Marcial A.
Bonayon, Ronald I.
Cabantac, Ricardo R.
Caro, Patrick D.
Caronongan, Amelito C.
Layog, Fidelis B.
Nacor, Vicente C.
Martinez, Roseller M.
Pasaoa, Frederick A.
Reyes, John G.
Sablan, Ferdinand P.
Salosagcol, Rolando C.
Simangan, Peter M.
Silva, Elpidio Jr. F.
Sarte, Carlito G.
Sison, Fernando M.
Vinluan, Jesus Benigno Q.

PIONEERING BATCH 1985-1989

Bala, Jesus Jr. R.
Begonia, Celestino Jr. P.
Briones, Marcelino B.
Calix, Greg U.
Castillo, Ildefonso Jr. C.
De Leon, Theodore C.
Escano, Ma. Emmanuel Hugo G.
Fernandez, Rainier M.
Javier, Nelson M.
Lomibao, Milo P.
Managaytay, Edilberto A.
Manaois, Raymundo Jr. M.
Mayo, Lain M.
Paguinto, Noel C.
Peralta, Herman H.
Ramos, Romeo G.
Repollo, Joseph A.
Tamayo, Dante B.

THE SEMINARY FORMATORS with the ARCHBISHOP

We love you, Father Roy!

HOMILY on the

Funeral Mass for Fr. Roberto C. Villamil

12 March 2010

by Rev. Fr. Mario R. Morales, Rector of the Mary Help of Christians College Seminary

Last Friday, March 5, Father Soc, our Archbishop announced through a text message that, “Our brother in Christ, Father Roberto C. Villamil died in the grace of the Lord in Dagupan City at the age of fifty nine. At the time of his death, he was the procurator of the Mary Help of Christians College Seminary. He was born on January 5, 1951 and received priestly ordination on April 16, 1977.”

As Rector of the College Seminary, the Archbishop asked me to deliver this homily on the funeral mass of Father Roy.

It is very difficult to preach in this funeral. It is very difficult to preach about Fr. Roy – as a priest of the Archdiocese, a brother to his 5 siblings, a son to his dear Mamang and Papang, and a friend to many seminarians and the lay.

Allow me to give a short reflection. Fr. Roy’s preaching were always short. Allow me to read this homily. Fr. Roy’s homilies in the past few years were always read.

FIRST, the Book of Lamentations says, that “the favors of the Lord are not exhausted, His mercies are not spent. Every morning, they are renewed. Great is his faithfulness. I will always trust in him.” Fr. Roy did not like to die. He believed in God’s mercy and goodness that he will get well again – like in the past, which has happened many times when he got ill. He was ready to go home. But God’s mercy has brought him to another home – where there will be no more illness, no more diabetes, no more medicines, and but more candies and chocolates…

SECOND, other passages in the gospels say that evil will not triumph, that in the darkest hour when Jesus lay dying on the cross, that suffering led to the resurrection. Fr. Roy is a priest – for almost 33 years. He was a pastor of this parish of the Annunciation and later in St. Gabriel before he was permanently assigned in the College Seminary. He anointed many sick people, and celebrated Eucharist even at funeral masses. He preached about his own faith in the resurrection. He prayed for the forgiveness of sins and for eternal happiness and peace. Those words now come true at this hour, for him too.

THIRD, we say to Father Roy the three most powerful words of human speech. He was not very open with these, and he never asked for these in his lifetime. He was humble and modest ALWAYS when he was honored. But, we need to say these to you, Father Roy:

THANK YOU, Father Roy, for the many wonderful years of your life. For bringing so much joy and love in your family. For the friendship you have shared with many of your brother priests. For the kindness and generosity you have shown to many seminarians. For the heart that served so many people in the Church.

SORRY, Father Roy, that you have to go now. Sorry for all our sins against you. For hurting you, for laughing, for keeping silent. Sorry for the not so good stories we have shared. Sorry for not taking really good care of you. WE FORGIVE YOU , Father Roy, of all your sins if in any way you have sinned against any of us.

Most of all, WE LOVE YOU, Father Roy. These words say it all. You are no longer with us, but you will always be in our hearts. We promise to pray for you – always. Please pray for us, too.

Eternal rest, grant unto you, Father Roy. Let perpetual light, shine upon you. May you now rest in peace. Amen.

THANK YOU, ST. JOHN VIANNEY!

We would like to thank all our friends who supported our play in the seminary. Thanks especially to the media which covered it: Eva Visperas of Philippine Star/Sunday Punch, Recah Trinidad of Philippine Daily Inquirer, Balitang Amianan (Dagupan), and the CBCP Monitor. We congratulate Fr. Jonathan Songcuan for doing a splendid job as Director once again!

A new basketball court will soon rise in the compound of the seminary. God bless all our donors. Thank you St. John Mary Vianney!

Padre Juan Vianney: Konpesor

PLAY ON ST. JOHN VIANNEY

A confessor is an equivocal term, that means, it can be understood in several ways. We would think that a confessor is one who hears confessions and gives absolution, like our priests. It is true. But it also means, "one who confesses faith in Christianity in the face of persecution but does not suffer martyrdom (www. thefreedictionary. com)." They have exemplary life and virtue.

Some of the confessors of the Catholic Church are: St. Athanasius, St. Anthony, St. Martin, St. Edward and others. St. John Vianney, the Cure d'Ars is also a confessor in both meanings we have indicated above.

2009-2010 has been declared by Pope Benedict XVI as the Year for Priests, in commemoration of the 150th year after the 'dies natalis' of St. John Vianney, who is soon to be declared the patron of "all" priests. Yes, not just the parish priests but of all our priests.

The Mary Help of Christians College Seminary, following the huge success of Damasku: Landas ni Pablo in 2009, is producing another play. This time, most fittingly, on Padre Juan Vianney: Konpesor. For the second time, Chad Pecson, now a graduating seminarian, wrote the book, and once again, Fr. Jonathan directs. The play is produced by the Archdiocesan Lay Formation Center.

There is a big surprise, a miracle we can say, about what happens in our experiences in the production of plays. We always use the desert minimalism as a strategy to highlight the meaning and the drama of the story and practice kabuki noir to approach complicated thoughts and feelings. The music is done by the seminarians themselves using Abraenian indigenous instruments, and the lights are only installed because of necessity. And yet, the production always becomes "huge" like last year, again like this year. Thanks to the seminarians who have such a big heart in putting all their best to do justice to the person, theme and message of both plays.

Be a part of this great project. Come and see: Padre Juan Vianney: Konpesor this week - February 18-21, Thursday to Saturday at 6pm. For tickets, make a donation to the seminary for the much needed repairs.