THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE PARISH OF THE LORD OF DIVINE MERCY DECEMBER 2018 www.pldm.ph /pldmsikatuna VOL. 6 NO. 3

On November 30, 2018, Most Rev. Honesto F. Ongtioco, D.D., Bishop of the Diocese of Cubao, installed Fr. Herbert P. Santos as the 7th Parish of the Parish of the Lord of Divine Mercy (PLDM). Every installation ceremony is a historic and memorable one but what made this particular event extra special was that this Bishop Ness and Fr. Herbie together with the former parish was Fr. Herbie’s first installation as a parish priest following of PLDM: Msgr. Clem Ignacio (1st parish priest, current Vicar General his ordination last February 22, 2016. Fr. Herbie was assigned of Archdiocese of ), Fr. Ronald Macale (4th parish priest) and to PLDM by Bishop Ness at the Chrism Mass on April 29, 2018 Fr. Steven Zabala (6th parish priest, current Vicar General of the to take effect on June 15, 2018. Fr. Herbie physically Diocese of Cubao) transferred to the Parish in July this year. failings and to continue praying for them to have the heart of The installation ceremony took place during the 6:00 PM Jesus, our Good Shepherd. Mass and was attended by Fr. Herbie’s family, friends, guests and parishioners. Also present in the ceremony were priests During the Installation Rites, Fr. Herbie professed his faith and who made a mark in his formation, brother priests from the renewed his ordination promises before Bishop Ness who led Dioceses of Cubao and Pasig and the Archdiocese of Manila him through the rites, emphasizing his role as the shepherd of and guest priests who have been serving in PLDM. the community. He was accompanied by the Bishop towards the Baptismal Font then proceeded to the Confessional Room, In his homily, Bishop Ness thanked Fr. Herbie for accepting was given the key of the Tabernacle and was led to the the Lord’s invitation: “You had your own plans but Jesus Presider’s chair. offered something better and you had the courage to say, ‘Yes, I will follow you Lord.’ And so, you will draw many people At the end of the Mass, Fr. Herbie gave a heartfelt message of to Jesus.” thanks to everyone who made that day possible: The Bishop said, “Fr. Herbie is a very dedicated person. “It is in this light and with heart full of joy that I give thanks to Katulad ng sinasabi ng mga streets dito — ‘Madasalin’ at God for entrusting to me this beautiful community of the ’Maamo‘ siya. So, you can be guaranteed that he has those Parish of the Lord of Divine Mercy as my first flock, a people to qualities as a priest.” love, to hold and to care for. Sabi nila, ‘first love never dies.’ You are my first love.” And as the Year of the Clergy and Consecrated Persons ends the following day, he thanked everyone for the support given “…In my last five to the priests and asked the faithful to forgive them for their months here, I have found the parishioners to be very supportive, very loving, passionate and kind. Hindi po kayo mahirap mahalin and it is testimony to the previous pastors who have been here for the past 25 years molding this vibrant Bishop Ness together with Fr. Herbie and his family and relatives community to what it is now.” Patricza Braganza & Jerry Jimenez 2

PLDM parishioners joyfully celebrated the birthday of Mama Mary on September 8 with a 6:00 AM Mass presided by Fr. Herbie, followed by several activities led by the Family Crusade (FRC) and APC-Botocan.

FLOWER OFFERING. The FRC handed red roses and estampitas of Venerable Fr. Patrick Peyton, CSC to the mass-goers.

LIVING ROSARY. Led by Fr. Herbie, APC Botocan celebrated Mama Mary’s birthday through a Living Rosary. The balloons that formed a huge rosary were released afterwards. Each faithful also released a balloon with a personal letter to God attached to it. There were also presentations for Mama Mary and a simple salu-salo to mark the event. October is the month of the Holy Rosary. To celebrate the devotion, the (FRC) organized the GIFT-GIVING. The FRC and APC-Botocan held separate gift- annual Living Rosary inside the church on October 27 at giving activities for the senior citizens, the sick and the 7:00 PM. indigent seniors in the Parish. Edith Medina & Zeny De Los Reyes The Living Rosary, which aims to bring people to a prayerful way of life, involved parishioners who formed a human rosary. Representing each bead were members of various areas and organizations, nuns, seminarians and our parish Bliss I residents and guests priest. joyfully celebrated the Feast of the Lord of Pardon With lights dimmed, Fr. Herbie was the first one to light his with a Mass presided by Fr. candle as he led the recitation of the Creed. This was Herbie Santos. followed by each participant who lit a candle and said his/ her part in the five-decade rosary. After each decade, a At the end of the Mass, Fr. Marian song was sung while the FRC prayer was recited at Herbie introduced the the end. seminarians who have their weekend immersion The solemnity of the occasion was even heightened with at the parish for at least a candles formed into a cross on top of the altar and the year: Reynald Garzon and image of Our Lady placed on the center aisle. It was indeed Lex Geram Amboy (3rd a holy and peaceful night for the parish as each faithful felt year); Emmanuel the warm embrace of the Our Lady. Sumayang (2nd year); Quinoy Jay Cañete and Jose John Fuertes (1st year); and Ronald Martinez (1st year pre- Venerable Patrick Peyton, founder of the FRC, underscored Theology). They are taking up Theology at the San Jose the power of the rosary when he proclaimed: “A world at Seminary and will help in deepening the faith of the prayer is a world at peace.” Edith Medina parishioners. After the Mass, a procession was held around Bliss I in honor of the Lord of Pardon. Bliss I residents, together with Fr. Herbie, seminarians and guests, joined in the procession while praying the rosary. Approximately thirty people joined Sitio The traditional salu-salo prepared by APC Bliss I headed by Lambak’s Dawn Rosary Sis. Naty Barquez became the avenue for fellowship and Procession on October 6, community bonding. The raffle portion served as the the eve of the feast of Our culminating activity of the celebration. Jack Decena Lady of the Holy Rosary. Starting at 5:15 AM, the As of today, Centro procession traversed Divino is 97% Sikatuna Village’s streets complete. and ended at the main church in time for the 6:00 We appeal to you to AM Mass. help us finish the construction of our The procession has become a tradition for the residents of Pastoral Center — Sitio Lambak, led by its APC Coordinator, Nerry Tabuzo. Bong our 25 year old Rillo dream.

DALO Y Editor-in-Chief: Patricza Andrhea T. Braganza Associate Editor: Kyle Franz U. Laluces Contributors: Karen Buensuceso, Josh Constantino, Jack Decena, Gio Dela Cruz, Zeny Delos Reyes, Jerry Jimenez, Edith Medina, Bong Rillo Photographers: Joyce Altabarino, Sammy Cuartero, Joice Geromiano, Efren Manuel, Julian Rillo Editorial Board: Rev. Fr. Herbert P. Santos, Sylvia Florence V. Posadas, Sherry P. Verzola 3

For the second consecutive year, PLDM families geared up to march in a colorful October 31 parade with their kids dressed as their favorite to evangelize and to catechize on heaven and the communion of the saints. It aims to counter the infamous Halloween scares, ghouls and fictional hero- worshipping and to stick to the Catholic tradition of honoring our Saints on this day. PLDM’s Worship Ministry added new twists to the event: an Exhibit of Saints was put up and catechism modules were given to participants. Diocese of Novaliches; and Sis. Mona Victoria, a Prep teacher EXHIBIT OF SAINTS. To increase awareness on the lives and from Claret School. works of these holy men and women, an Exhibit of Saints was organized by the Parish Youth Ministry (PYM) at the second After the presentation of participants, the little PLDM saints floor of the church. Soft opening was held on Oct. 7 with PPC paraded around the community with the Parish Hymn playing Coordinator Sis. Sylvia Posadas and formal opening was done in the background. After the parade, everyone gathered in by Fr. Herbie a week after. The exhibit housed photos or front of the church for some snacks and the awarding of printed images, icons and statues of Saints that were lent by winners: Best in Costume: Clarissa Geordana Odra as St. Joan benefactors. Frequent announcements and showing of Saints’ of Arc; Most Creative: Chryx Ryza Legaspina as St. Therese of images on the screen in masses encouraged many church- the Child Jesus; Most Original: Jillian Penaroyo as St. Elizabeth goers and would-be participants to visit the exhibit. The of Hungary; Best Interpretation: Jayden Immanuel Marcos as exhibit ran until November 2. St. ; Best Impact: Lincoln Docog as St. CATECHISM. Participants in the Parade of Saints, ages 6 to 12 years old, were asked to attend catechism classes before the A special audit team composed of Bro. Olan Junio, Sis. event. For three consecutive Saturdays (October 6, 13 and 20), Patricza Braganza and Bro. Joshua Constantino provided real- they were oriented with the lives of Saints and taught to time facility for the judging process. The PYM dressed as emulate them. The classes were facilitated by Bro. Rodel angels, acted as marshals together with the Barangay Enciso, PLDM’s resident volunteer catechist. A total of 15 kids Sikatuna BPSO and the Madasalin Neighborhood Association were given certificates for attending all the catechism classes. security forces. PARADE OF SAINTS. Amidst the lingering threat of super- TRICK-OR-TREATING. After the awarding ceremony, the much- typhoon Rosita on the day of the parade, the parade was held. awaited Trick-or-Treating commenced in the neighborhood, The weather cooperated and the skies cleared. Out of 59 along Madasalin and Maningning streets. Parishioners registrants, 54 kids participated in the parade. Dressed in their generously gave treats and goodies to the little PLDM saints. costumes, the PLDM kids proudly modelled the Saints they represented in front of the panel of judges who evaluated The PLDM Social Communications Ministry covered the event them based on a set criteria. The judges were: Bro. Mark through photos and videos posted on Facebook. Also, Manila Purugganan, an Ateneo campus minister; Bro. Ougie and Sis. Bulletin posted news on the occasion online and in their Marithel Blando, Family and Life couple-heads from the tabloid, Tempo. Bong Rillo

You may have noticed these physical changes in our church: Confessional Box is now well-lighted and the Act of Contrition is posted so that the parishioners can go to confession comfortably and be guided accordingly • Tabernacle has only one vigil lamp instead of two, in accordance with liturgical norms • Kneeler and Prayer to St. Faustina are placed near her First Class relic • Veneration Wall of Saints is located on the right side, facing the altar, with new candle holders; old candle holders were given to area chapels • Divine Mercy stained glass is now lighted from 6-10 PM • Church bells toll the 3 o’clock prayer and other prayers at specific hours • Two units of 65” TVs were installed facing the parishioners to make the Mass more participatory, and 1 smaller unit facing the altar, to guide the presider; all units were donated • Common comfort room at the 2nd floor was refurbished and cleaned • Church cleaning is ongoing, led by Fr. Herbie, to ensure parishioners’ comfort and well-being • Counting of Mass collections has been streamlined, with security procedures in place • New Bulletin Board was installed at Maamo side Our parish, through the servant-leadership of Fr. Herbie, continues to improve church facilities and services to make worship meaningful and edifying. 4

PLDM Execom members (Joice Geromiano, Sherry Verzola, Fil Viniegra, Totie Vivero, Sylvia Posadas and Maiette Zee Se Ki) attended the celebration of the 15th anniversary of the Diocese of Cubao that launched the Diocese’s 8-point Priority Agenda 2018-2025. Bishop Ness Ongtioco gamely posed for this photograph.

In a conscious choice to be in step with the times, the Diocese of Cubao Social Communications Ministry led by Fr. Herbie Santos, its director and our Parish Priest, organized the 1st General Assembly of all Parish Social Communications (formerly, Media) Ministries held on October 27 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral School Auditorium. The event, which started with a Mass presided by Bishop Ness Ongtioco and concelebrated by Fr. Herbie, had for its theme: The Search for Truth: Social Communications at the Service of Peace. Delegates listened to and interacted with the esteemed set of speakers: Bishop Mylo Vergara, Chairman of the The PLDM-based Sagrada Familia de Manila Singers joined the Episcopal Commission on Social Communications (ECSC) and fund-raising concert/competition at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Fr. Lito Jopson, ECSC Executive Secretary, discussed the Parish last September 8 and ranked 5th. Way to go! (Photo c/o SFdM Importance of Social Communications in Church Ministry; Mr. Facebook page) Edwin Lopez of EWTN Asia-Pacific tackled the Importance of Accurate Data in Social Media; Fr. Jboy Gonzales, SJ, Asst. Director for Formation, Ateneo de Davao, presented a lecture on Recognizing and Eliminating Fake News, and Promoting a Journalism for Peace; and Ms. Tina Monzon-Palma, Broadcast Journalist, ABS-CBN News Channel, talked about the Relationship between Mainstream and Church Media. The wide range of topics clearly engenders reimagining the Church in a digital milieu where the diocese, parish and faith community engages in designing an Integrated Pastoral Communications Plan that leads to solidarity, stewardship and synergy within the . Before the end of the session, each vicariate met and elected its Vicariate Social Communications head. Sis. Sherry P. Verzola, coordinator of PLDM’s Social Communications Fr. Jerson Pineda led the annual blessing of pets in honor of St. Ministry, was again elected as the head for the Vicariate of St. , patron of animals, last October 4 after the . 6:00 AM Mass.

Our beloved Bishop, Most Rev. Honesto “Ness” Ongtioco, D.D., celebrated his 70th birthday last October 17 at Lantana with a Mass followed by a super-fun and tummy-filling barrio fiesta- themed dinner for his Diocese of Cubao family. Wearing yellow- themed shirts for vicariate identification, the PLDM Parish Pastoral Council led by Fr. Herbie came in full force. Another much-awaited part of the night was the surprise number from Bishop Ness’ very own priests who sang gaily The Dawn’s “Salamat” to everyone’s delight. Mabuhay, Bishop Ness! Happy Birthday! 5

PARISH FORMS ITS 1ST MOTHER BUTLER GUILD UNIT PLDM formed its first Mother Butler Guild (MBG) on July 10. This newly-formed group is composed of women whose main concern is to take care of priestly vestments and altar vessels and linens, as well as ensure the cleanliness and beautification of the parish church . MBG had its first activity — a familiarization session — on August 18. National Vice President and Diocesan MBG President, Sis. Fely Calimbas and her fellow officers, Sis. Beth Valera and Sis. Alice Paguio, spearheaded the activity. They Prize catch photo: PLDM’s former parish priest, Vicar General Fr. Steven were welcomed by Sis. Merlyn Notario and Bro. Bong Rillo, Zabala (20016-2012) and Fr. Ronald Macale (2000-2006) flank current PLDM Worship Coordinator and Assistant Coordinator, parish priest Fr. Herbie Santos at the Prague Castle last October 5 during respectively. A total of 16 PLDM-MBG members attended. the Diocesan Annual Clergy Retreat. (Taken from Fr. Steve’s Facebook post) The members were given a formal orientation and initial training on September 5. A few days after, 6 members of the group joined in an intense clearing and cleaning of the sacristy, with subsequent church cleaning activities. According to Bro. Bong, the PLDM-MBG will have a provisionary status for 3 months, until such time that it will be given a full status as a mandated church organization. Recruitment of MBG members is still ongoing. Jack Decena

The Adoracion Nocturna Filipina (ANF), together with Fr. Herbie, led the community in the Adoration Vigil to honor our dearly departed loved Pinangunahan ni Fr. Herbie ang kasalang parokya na ones last October 27. isinagawa noong Nobyembre 10 sa PLDM Church sa tulong ng Family and Life Ministry sa pamumuno ni Bro. Fil Viniegra. Ayon sa ating kura paroko, ang tunay na kaligayahan ay hindi Fr. Alan Cruz prays for the dearly nasusukat sa pangakong binibigkas natin kundi sa mga departed and blesses the pangakong tinutupad natin. Ito ang kanyang iniwang hamon envelopes placed by parishioners sa mga bagong kasal na sina: G. Francis Casimiro at Gng. inside the tumba in observance of Brenda Parman-Casimiro; G. Arnel Geolagon at Gng. Lory Jane All Souls Day on November 2. Dandoy-Geolagon; G. Joaquin Juance at Gng. Russel Española- Prayers for the dead were offered Juance; at G. Dan Raet at Gng. Christina Yñota-Raet. Sammy in all November Masses. Cuartero

Members of the newly- formed PLDM Naglunsad ng isang Medical and Dental Mission ang ating Urban Poor parokya sa pangunguna ng Social Service and Development Ministry joined Ministry (SSDM) noong Setyembre 30 sa Barangay Malaya. in the Umabot sa 104 ang nakapag-avail ng libreng kunsulta at 43 Diocesan naman ang nakapagpa-bunot ng ngipin. Ang aktibidad ay celebration of the launch of naging matagumpay sa pakikipagtulungan ng APC Malaya, Kariton ni Kiko Knights of Columbus, Caritas Scholars at Barangay Malaya last November Council. 17. Ito ay nasundan ng isa pang Medical-Dental Mission noong Nobyembre 25 sa pakikipagtulungan ng SSDM, APC Sikatuna at Barangay Sikatuna Council na may dagdag pa na libreng ultrasound para sa mga buntis na siyam na linggo pataas na On November 17, Bro. Johnny Cardenas, kaloob ng Knights of Columbus. Dalawampu’t-pito (27) ang Interim National Chairman of PPCRV, gave nakapag-avail ng libreng kunsulta, 19 naman ang nakapagpa- an informative talk on leadership and good bunot ng ngipin at 38 na kababaihan ang nakapagpa- governance during the Ugnayan ng ultrasound. Barangay At Simbahan (UBAS). This event held at the PLDM Church was attended by Saludo sa lahat ng masisigasig na doktor, nars, dentist at barangay officials, church workers and boluntir sa pagbabahagi ng kanilang oras at talento at pati na public servants from Sikatuna, Malaya and Botocan. sa Pharma Care Laboratory at Lloyd Laboratories sa kanilang pagbibigay ng libreng gamot. Sammy Cuartero & Karen Buensuceso 6

In preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Our Savior, PLDM held the annual Advent Recollection on December 7 entitled “Ang Kaligayahan sa Mundo: Pakikiisa ng Pamilya” with Fr. Herbie as the resource speaker. The discussion focused on three main points – joy, family and unity. Fr. Herbie mentioned that the birth of Jesus brought joy to all of us. Jesus arrived in the context of a “Family”, a source of joy especially for the . The context of a family, Fr. Herbie said, is based on the Triune God – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit - whose love for us overflows. Jesus was born into an imperfect PPC Coordinator Sis. Sylvia Posadas (right) and Formation Ministry family like what we all have, showing us that God does not Head Sis. Mary Ann Cruz (left) present the certificate of appreciation to our Parish Priest Fr. Herbie Santos hesitate to enter into the chaos and troubles of men. with child through the Holy Spirit, loved her and Jesus, and Through the Sacrament of Baptism, we have become brothers trusted God fully. and sisters. We are the children of God. As a Church, we are one family. Fr. Herbie said, “If God is a family, and that we “Nakikiisa ang Banal na Pamilya sa Diyos. Part of their lives is to were created by Him to be a family, and that He gave the be one with God. If we imitate the Holy Family then our own Savior in the context of a family, then God’s message is simple families must be consecrated to the Lord. To keep the family – It is in the context of a family that we will find joy because we together, we need to be one with God.” were meant to nurture relationships.” In “Joy”, we, as a family must reach out and aspire to be Fr. Herbie pointed out aspects that attack the family today, united in the sufferings of others. In “Unity” we focus on a such as abortion, divorce, infidelity, and long distance common ground so that we may be one. The joy of Christmas relationships. We must strive to protect and defend the family. is manifested in our unity. How? Through the example set by the Holy Family. St. Joseph set an example: He protected Mary and the Baby Jesus, The recollection was enriched with personal stories shared by showing compassion to the Mary when she was found the speaker and some parishioners. Josh Constantino

St. , popularly known as San PLDM observed the feast day of St. Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila, is the first Filipino on October 5 with a saint. He is the patron saint of Filipino Mass presided by Fr. Pete Montallana. youth, overseas workers, and altar After the Mass, the faithful lined up to servers. His feast day is on September 29. kiss the first class (bone) relic of St. He was born in the 1600’s in Binondo, Faustina which has been enshrined for Manila to a Chinese father and a Filipino almost 15 years at a side altar of our mother. In his youth, he served as an parish church. altar boy and worked as a calligrapher. In his homily, Fr. Pete reminded Later, he joined the Dominican everyone that there will come a time Confraternity of the Most Holy Rosary. He when, like , we will question the seemed set for a quiet life as an ordinary Lord for sending us trials despite our man of the faith, but the Lord had other plans. After being faith. We may question as Job did, but falsely accused of murder, he fled with three Dominican we must also defer to God’s response, for that is how we priests and a lay person on a ship that turned out to be show our complete faith in His plan for us. headed for Japan. Upon arrival, they were arrested and subjected to torture on St. Faustina, the Apostle of Mercy and our patroness, grounds of being Catholic and were forced to renounce their perfectly exemplified this complete submission to God’s plan faith. Despite temptations to give in due to the horrific as she continued to spread her visions of the Divine Mercy torture, Lorenzo, along with some of his fellow prisoners, did and live it even during the times when she was faced with not recant his Christian beliefs and remained faithful to the obstacles. She embodied this kind of faith up to the very end. Lord until the end. This strong faith found its anchor on the healing mercy of God. It challenges us to give credence to the most important Today, we remember St. Lorenzo and his inspiring last words: aspect of mercy: that we live it by sharing it with others.. Jesus, “Had I a thousand lives, all these to Him shall I offer.” He was I trust in You! Gio Dela Cruz later beatified in the by St. John Paul II on February 18, 1981 and canonized on October 18, 1987. San For longer versions of the news items and pictures, please visit Lorenzo Ruiz serves as a model of faith to the common man, the PLDM Facebook page facebook.com/pldmsikatuna a reminder that even the humblest person can be glorified and the PLDM website www.pldm.ph through his service and faithfulness to the Lord. Gio Dela Cruz Help us continue to publish DALOY! Your donations are most welcome. 7

The PLDM Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) took a quick break from pastoral work and celebrated a 70’s-themed Christmas Party on December 8 at the Hall in Centro Divino. PPC members enjoyed good food, entertainment, and each others’ company. The event was made more memorable as it was Fr. Herbie’s first Christmas Party as a parish priest. People came dressed in 70s costume, some even with headdress and matching boots. Fr. Herbie serenaded the group with “What Child is This?” The highlight of the event was the 70’s-themed presentations by the different ministries. The Family and Life Ministry and the Social Service and Special awards for Best in Attire were given for both male and Development Ministry sang “Last Christmas” and danced “Kiss Me.” female winners. The presentations of Social Communications/ Youth Ministries and Formation/Planning & Monitoring Ministries bagged the first prize. A lot of prizes donated by generous parishioners were raffled off by Fr. Herbie and PPC Coordinator Sylvia Posadas (who again emceed the program). Definitely, a night to remember!

The “bato-bato-pic” game had a twist which elicited laughter from its youth participants. The Finance Ministry, Area Pastoral Council and Basic Ecclesial Community rendered an energetic dance number showcasing the songs “Bboom Bboom,” “Kiss Me,” & “Better When I’m Dancing.”

A game involving audience participation was facilitated by the The winners Formation of the Best in Ministry and Attire Planning & (Female): Monitoring Sis. Celeste, Ministry. Sis. Lily & Sis. Elma

The winners of the Best in Attire (Male): Bro. Jerwin & Bro. Denver

The Social Communications Ministry and the Parish Youth Ministry presented a lively song and dance number showcasing 70s songs such as “Sweet Sixteen,” “YMCA,” “Boogie Wonderland,” and more.

During the Christmas Eve (Midnight) Mass, Fr. Herbie, on behalf of the PLDM community, thanked the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC), ministries, organizations, areas and all sponsors and benefactors who helped make the Advent, Simbang Gabi, Misa de Gallo & Christmas season a blessed and happy occasion. 8

To close the 25th Ang Aming Kura Paroko Anniversary of the Buong pusong inihahandog ni Sis. Ledy M. Gonzales ang tulang ito para kay Fr. Herbie Santos. Parish of the Lord of Divine Mercy (PLDM), the parish launched “Living Our Legacy, Past Forward: PLDM@25”, a coffee table book that chronicles the parish’s background, its existence and plans The book was unveiled by FSZ and FHS. for the future. Held on Friday, November 30, at Pope Francis Hall in Centro Divino, the launch took place at the installation dinner of its 7th Parish Priest, Fr. Herbie Santos (see related story on page 1) The twin celebration was fitting and symbolic since it capped the 25 years of PLDM’s existence and began the tenure of the official new parish priest Fr. Herbie who is set to write the first six years of PLDM’s next 25 years. In attendance were PLDM’s immediate past Parish Priest and Diocese of Cubao Vicar General Fr. Steven Zabala who gave a background of the book and author, and primary writer Ms. Marie Filio who recounted its journey from writing to publishing. Fr. Steve profusely thanked everyone who made the book possible, specially acknowledging the outstanding book design and art direction of Mr. Chris Bayani. This was followed by excerpt readings by Sis. Mary Ann Cruz on PLDM’s corpus-less cross, and Fr. Steve reading the article on Fr. Herbie and vice-versa. The night ended with song performances from the two well- loved parish priests of PLDM that touched the hearts and stirred rousing applause from everyone present. Fr. Steve gave an emotional rendition of “Pass It On”, passing on the next years to Fr. Herbie as parish priest of PLDM. This was followed by their powerful and moving duet of the song “Pananagutan”. Book signing took place afterwards. The event was emceed by PPC Coordinator Sis. Sylvia Florence V. Posadas. Patricza Braganza

L-R, Back: Book Designer and Art Director Mr. Chris Bayani, Writer Ms. Marie Filio and Photographer Efren Manuel had their copies of the CTB autograph signed by Fr. Herbie and Fr. Steve.

“Past Forward: PLDM@25 Living Our Legacy is a coffee table book that chronicles the journey of a community that is steadfast and united in their aspiration of building a church of God and striving to fulfill their mission of making the Parish of the Lord of Divine Mercy a church of the poor. Italso showcases the milestones the community has achieved throughout its 25-year history. This souvenir book walks the reader through time and allows one to look back on everyone and everything that contributed to where PLDM is now. By looking at the past, it is hoped that the PLDM moves forward to another 25 years of fruitful community life strengthened by the ardent devotion to the Divine Mercy.”