2007 SARF Grand Reunion

Goes to CASICIACO

(Luzon Region)

By: Jo Aguilar

October 19, 2007, Eight (8) member Chapters of the SARF Luzon Region with the exception of SHJHS Palawan trekked to the City of Baguio with excitement to celebrate the Feast of St. Magdalene de Nagasaki, Patroness of the SARF last October 20.

It was indeed an exciting event considering that it coincided with the Annual Regional Grand reunion of 8 SARF Chapters namely SEMN-Antipolo, SSC-R-Cavite, OLPGV-Tondo, OLCP-Mira-nila, SNDT-Quezon City, SSBP-Quiapo, SHJHS-Palawan and this year’s host, CARES-Baguio Chapter.

A trip to Baguio is always a pleasure for anyone be it by a local or tourist. And why not? if only to stay away from the unbearable heat of the lowlands and enjoy the cool breeze of the City of Pines and its soothing slow pace of life and the quiet atmosphere of Baguio which was once the seat of the American Government in the Philippines.

The registry indicated One Hundred and Fifty Seven (157) participants to the reunion. Taking part in the event may have been quite expensive but it was worth every penny of their stay. The SARF delegation were housed at the newly renovated CARES Seminary which was partially damaged by fire some years back but showed no signs of destruction, thanks to the ingenuity of the people in charge of reconstruction. The visitors enjoyed their billet at the third floor of the Casiciaco Recoletos Seminary (CARES). Where they had a view of the City’s skyline through its Dormers, typical of European built houses.

On day of arrival, prayers and dining were the order of the day followed by a welcome program headed by CARES Rector and SARF Spiritual Director, Rev. Fr. Bernard C Amparado, OAR. The Program included a special participation of the CARES Seminarians who wowed the audience with their rendition of songs, and a “Doble Cara” act by Bro. Neil Bullos thereby initiating a passing of the hat for the benefit of the Seminarians. Sis. Teresita G. Caballero,SAR mother of OAR priest Rev. Fr.Jonathan Caballero played the accordion.

As Climax to the program, Baguio Chapter attired in the native costumes of the five (5) tribes of the Mountain Provinces namely Benguet, lfugao, Bontoc, Apayao and Kalinga otherwise known as BIBAK. Presented native dance steps to the tune of a modern song attached to the theme of the game show Deal or no Deal. With simultaneous rapping indicating the events and participating chapters of the affair. This was well applauded by the audience.

            The morning of October 20, 2007 was a busy day for the SARF. Rising at around 4:30 A.M., the activity started with the morning prayers and the morning Mass which included the Rites of Acceptance and Promises for the new members of the Third (31d) Order from the eight chapters. Acceptance to the Novice were eleven (11) while Twenty Nine (29) made their Promise all coming from the participating Chapters. 

The main Celebrant and Homilist was our Prior Provincial Rev Fr. Lauro V. Larlar, OAR and Concelebrating were OAR Priests, Rev Fathers Bernard Amparado, Emilio Larlar, Rex Bangcaya, Emil Almayo, Bebot Avanzado and Vincent Cadelina. Readings were done by SARF National President Amelia Casino and Vice President Evelyn Balingit. While a beautiful rendition of the responsorial Psalm was done by CARES youth and Seminarian Geraldine Guanzon and Bro. Jerick Troy Siozon. All Offerings were participated in by the presidents of the eight chapters as well as the SARF National Officers. It was a solemn beautiful ceremony. The Homily by the Prior Provincial was strong, informative and very inspiring to all.

Greetings and picture taking followed the event and after a sumptuous breakfast and an hours rest, talks by Rev Fr. Rex Bangcaya, OAR and President of spirituality began. Snacks were served amidst the sharing where speakers from each chapter voiced their response and reaction to the talks given by Fr. Rex.

The local Recollect Augustinian Youth (RAY) presented a sort of May pole dance in the native tradition while the OLPGV of Tondo Chapter presented a Filipino dance as intermission.

A grand lunch was prepared by the host Chapter,elebration of the feast of St. Magdalene de Nagasaki, venue of which was at the refectory of CARES. The Japanese ambience designed by Bro. Neil Bulbs was just perfect for the occasion.

The lunch break and rest gave enough energy to another round of talks this time by SARF National Spiritual Director Rev. Fr. Emilio I. Larlar, OAR. The captive audience took very careful note on his talks which implied on the SARF Spirituality. Which in fact concerned every member of the Third Order it was the first time that majority of the SARF had the chance to listen to Fr. Emilio, who was so down to earth and very fatherly in his approach. He stressed very strong points and very realistic facts which were of great concern to the Third Order.

After the talks and reactionsgroupings by chapter followed )refreshing the SARF on the lives and spirituality of St. Magdalene de Nagasaki and St. Ezekiel Moreno. After all it was the feast day of St. Magdalene and the reunion theme was “St. Ezekiel Moreno, his Spirituality and its relevance to the SARF way of life.”

The grouping was something to behold since everyone actively participated and many points were stressed in the discussions, veryone actively participated and an atmosphere of interest was aroused indicative of serious mood by the chapters cut short by the bell. Where it was announced that each chapter had to choose a representative to participate in the following contests; 1st, Life of Saint Ezekiel Moreno, 2nd on the Life of St. Magdalene de Nagasaki and finally on SARF Spirituality. Questions were technically prepared and answered individually by each chapter representative. Tabulations were done and results immediately known.

After the exciting contest, the awarding of prizes followed. Winners in the different Categories were as follows: Most Cooperative Chapter went to SHJHS Palawan received by chapter President Carmencita Onda a “Kayabang” (Native basket) full of extra large potatoes. Most Disciplined was OLPGV- Tondo accepted by Mila Mayor, a “Kayabang” of Baguio products. The Most Active Chapter went to SEMN Antipolo given to a beaming President Bro. Edwin Ruiz another “Kayabang” of Fresh mixed Baguio vegetables.

In the Question and Answer Category, Best in St. Ezekiel Moreno obviously went to the SEMN- Antipolo since it would have been disastrous if they lost the award, considering that their Chapter was named after the said Saint. The Best in St. Magdalene de Nagasaki would have been won by everyone since the patron Saint of SARF is St. Magdalene. However, topping the Chapters and Bringing home the trophy was SEMN-Antipolo. The trend was broken when the Best in SARF Spirituality was won by San Sebastian Basilica Parish of Quiapo, Manila. The award was presented by Rev. Fr. Bernard Amparado and was proudly accepted by Sis. Ceres Alcantara.

The climax of the awarding ceremony came and everyone was excited as to who would receive the trophy donated by Mr. Avmir Pangilinan, Vice President and Area Supervisor, Luzon, Region I of Metro Bank. The trophy which reads,” For Exemplary Performance Dedication to Religious Practices, Apostolic Works, Communitarian Spirit, Marian Activities, The Chapter of the Year Awards went to SEMN-Antipolo Chapter Brother Edwin Ruiz, Antipolo Chapter President received the award from Rev. Fr. Emilio I Larlar, the National Spiritual Adviser of SARF. Who was assisted by Rev. Fr. Bernard C. Amparado,OAR and CARES President Nenita Ursais. It was a glorious moment for SEMN Antipolo. Indeed it was a moment to cherish for a dedicated chapter who grew through the years in fulfillment to the call for a life of Holiness. Putting before them their life in the community, their Marian fulfillment, prayer life, Apostolic Works, and Living the Rule of Life. Congratulation SEMH-Antipolo, You are truly an Augustinian.

The next day was Sunday October 21. After Holy Mass, the SARF had breakfast and were soon bound for a sight seeing affair. A tour of the City, to see the sights of the Summer Capital of the Philippines. The SARF members excitingly boarded the bus and their private vehicles, bringing along their snacks. Some came back early to take pictures by the Shrine of St.Magdalene de Nagasaki which was reconstructed and decorated by CARES Seminarian Bro John Pangan. His artistic nature made the image of the Patron Saint of SARF look alive. Miraculously, the Patron Saint made the sun shine after a few weeks of strong rains to brighten the SARF reunion and made the affair into a success.

Lunch had the rest of the SARF back and a last moment to close the reunion. Souvenir items were on sale by the CARES Chapter and Huggy goodbyes took place. Not long after, the San Sebastian Bus was filled and gradually rolled out of the Casiciaco gate on a trek towards home.

           Meantime, the Casiciaco Recoletos Seminary, which boomed with almost Two Hundred People, went back to its quiet state. The delegates were gone, the Priests and Seminarians were out on a Semestral break. Left behind were the CARES SARF and Personnel to do mopping up operations while the noise of the reunion seemed to echoed the laughter and applause of the just concluded affair.

In the evening, the once light filled Seminary was dimmed simply stating that another day is done, but the memories remain in the annals of DVD’s, CD’s and Photographs for future generations of SAR to look into. Learning from its victories and failures and improving them with the passing of the years.

To the Almighty, we give thanks for a peaceful and successful event and we pray for perseverance in our call to a life of Holiness, Viva! SARF Philippines.