CHB1214 INDIVISA MANENT

CENTRAL HOUSE BULLETIN

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READING— JOHN 1:1-18 It is my hope that our celebration of Christmas will be And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us; rooted in the joy of having known and seen the loving- and we have seen his glory, the glory of the only Son kindness of God. May this joy fill you to overflowing of the Father : fullness of truth and loving-kindness. so that the poor and vulnerable who need to hear a message of hope, will receive it through you. REFLECTION This year, the Church invites us to celebrate the RESPONSE joyful life of those men and women who have made the Gospel and the service of God’s people as the O God, we give You thanks for all women and men foundation of their life. This year, we celebrate the whom You have called to follow Your Son Jesus Year of Consecrated Life. In the Philippine Church, this through the practice of the evangelical counsels celebration is also with special attention to the poor. of chastity, poverty, and obedience.

There is, in this invitation, a two-fold challenge. To May these consecrated women and men be firstly, joyful witnesses. Nothing discredits the live out more intensely their baptismal promises Gospel more than witnesses who are unhappy and by becoming splendid witnesses cynical. To be sure, it is not the happiness born of a and effective proclaimers of Your Gospel naïve understanding of the world that we are called for the renewal of Your Church. to. Because poverty and its ill effects on those who are vulnerable; corruption in high and low places; May they inspire Your people and violence – past and present - are all very real. It by their commitment to live holy lives is rather the happiness of those who having known in and to serve You with an open heart their life of God’s kindness, have learned to love from and willing spirit in others, especially the poor, afar what this kindness deems to make of the world. the abandoned, marginalized, and the most needy. And so we are joyful “even when it is in tears that we must sow”. Sustain Your Church with more vocations to consecrated life. Secondly, there is in the Church’s invitation, a Enrich those You have called challenge to live in inclusivity rather than exclusivity. with the grace of perseverance, mercy and Filipinos are very family-oriented people and compassion. nowhere is this more evident than in our celebration of Christmas. God’s love however, challenges us to May they value their calling as a priceless treasure outgrow the narrow confines of our own loving. Will until they possess the fulfilment of the Kingdom in our love embrace those beyond our own families? heaven. Who else can our love include? The poor continue to be our partners in our search for life that truly We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, humane. It is they who will lead us to a discovery of who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy where our real dignity lies. Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

Prayer for the Year of Consecrated Life Fr. Jose Aripio, SSP CHB1214 INDIVISA MANENT

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terminologies in English, Mathematics and Science to DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS the local language thus confusing the students and even the teachers themselves about the lessons. Also, 3 Cruz, Rebecca de Veyra (CHA-ASU) the teachers raised the lack of materials and trainings 5 Doria, Dexter Ayuban (CHA-AdS) especially now that it is most needed because they are still in the period of transition. Khasochan, John Pongpat FSC 15 Emperador, Ron Ron Paul (CHA-LIFE) However, during the part where the teachers were Fiestada, Yamie (LSVP) asked to share their sentiments, they emphasized that they do understand the strengths of the program. The 17 Estanol, Chris Marie (LSVP) teachers appreciate how each student will be trained 21 Ramirez, Michael Niño Loria (Postulant) and can excel in his field of specialization, students are given the chance to be critical thinkers thus creating Castro, Gliceria Hernandez (CHA-ASU) an independent learner and that the program embraces 22 Alonzo, Marikit (JHIS-LS) technology and incorporates it with learning. 24 Luistro, Armin FSC Moreover, DLSZ brought the Faculty Lasallian 25 Santos, Josephine (LSVP) Immersion Program (FLIP) to Guiuan Elementary School where teachers of DLSZ were able to observe teachers 31 Ondo, Jenny (LSVP) of Trinidad Elementary School and learn techniques K12 SEMINAR – WORKSHOP IN GUIUAN from them. On the other hand, DLSZ teachers also demonstrated their best teaching practices thus sharing NORTH DISTRICT their techniques to the teachers of Trinidad. Further, the teachers of Tubabao Island attended DLSZ’s Psychological First Aid Training where they learned to process their students during and after a calamity.

Meanwhile, Barangay Officials of Barangay Trinidad also underwent the Community-Based Monitoring System training so that they can do the surveys for their respective barangays. Also, DLSZ successfully distributed the disaster emergency kits to all the barangays in Tubabao Island. Lastly, the team met with the local urban planner and discussed the interventions and the project with them.

De La Salle (DLSP) and De La Salle Santiago Zobel (DLSZ) held its One La Salle Yolanda Rehabilitation and Recovery Project interventions in Guiuan, Samar last November 17-22, 2014.

Among the various activities conducted is a Seminar – Workshop on the basics of the K12 Curriculum for 43 teachers and principals of Guiuan North District. Ms. Sylvia Patiño, DLSZ Grade School Reading Coordinator, served as the Speaker at the said seminar- workshop.

Ms. Patiño talked about the basics of the K to 12 program including its objectives, its differences from the older curriculum, its strengths and weaknesses and its significance towards today’s generation. CONGRATULATIONS TO On the latter, Ms. Patiño together with the participants BR. AIKEE ESMELI FSC identified “cobwebs” or the things that the Guiuan Br. Aikee Esmeli FSC recently finished his Masters North District teachers find difficulty in understanding. in Public Affairs Major in Agrarian and Rurban The teachers raised concerns about teaching using Development Studies at the University of the Philippines the Mother Tongue. They find it difficult to translate Los Baños. CHB1214 INDIVISA MANENT

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HOTEL BENILDE MAISON DE LA SALLE HOLDS FIRST LEAD MISSION ASSEMBLY

Last November 29 to 30, the first Lasallian East Asia District (LEAD) Mission Assembly was held at the Hotel Benilde Maison De La Salle. Based on the 2014 General Chapter, the Assembly’s objectives were: to reflect, discern, and articulate the realities of the Lasallian Mission in LEAD; identify the appropriate supports needed by the Sectors from LEAD; and articulate pertinent recommendations to LEAD including structures for Mission. Three delegates per Sector—the Sector Leader together with two lay partners—attended the assembly.

Day one opened with welcoming remarks from LEAD Visitor Br. Edmundo Fernandez. This was followed by a short orientation by Br. Steve Hogan. Most of the first day consisted of presentations of Sector Reports highlighting: their strengths and areas of improvement; areas to focus on; and assistance needed. After their deliberations, the delegates also attended the Affiliation Rites and Dinner Reception of Mr. Jose T. Pardo at the campus.

On the second day, the delegates were assigned into thematic groups and then proceeded in tackling the different priorities for the Lasallian Mission set by the General Chapter: vitality of a Shared Mission, Lasallian Pedagogy, marginalization and the promotion and protection of the right of children and young people, evangelization and catechesis, and, finally, cooperation and involvement with the Lasallian tertiary sector.

The spirit of collaboration was ever present throughout the entire assembly, giving Sectors the opportunity to share best practices and work together on the challenges of the District and its Sectors. This first LEAD Mission Assembly marks a significant milestone in the future of the Lasallian Mission in East Asia as well as the future of LEAD as a District. CHB1214 INDIVISA MANENT

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2ND LASALLIAN EAST ASIA DISTRICT ASSEMBLY Last December 3 was the gathering of 140 Brothers from all over LEAD and other Districts along with two Sisters from the Hermanas Guadalupanas de La Salle for the 2nd LEAD District Assembly at Microtel, , Philippines. Dynamic activities and games opened the Assembly, organized by the Team Building Committee, which included Br. Michael Broughton, Br. Antonio Cubillas, Br. Rey Mejias and Br. Dennis Magbanua. The delegates were also divided into small groups to share their experiences focusing on the themes, “Multi-Sectoral: Breaking Boundaries” and “Age Range: Sharing my wisdom with the Brothers”.

On the second day, the Brothers and Sisters had an insightful morning session with the theme “Healthy Relationships in Ministry and Religious Life”, headed by main resource person, Ms. Eba Galvey of the Emmaus Centre for Psycho-Spiritual Formation. The afternoon sessions, meanwhile, followed the experiences and wisdom of Manila Cardinal Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle on “The Role of Catholic Schools in the Evangelisation of Asia.” The Veneration of the Relics of the Founder and Renewal of Vows followed during the Mass at the Most Blessed Sacrament Chapel of De La Salle University. Afterwards, the University hosted the dinner wherein tokens of appreciation were presented to the members of the District Council and the Leadership Team for their service in the first four years of LEAD.

The third day of the Assembly focused mainly on presentation of reports. Capitulants of the 45th General Chapter Br. Tom Lavin and Br. Sockie dela Rosa shared the draft reports and priorities of the said Chapter. Brothers who attended the Centro Internazionale Lasalliano (CIL) on the Revision of the Rule also presented their report, namely, Br. Pat Tierney, Br. Rodrigo Treviño, Br. John D’Cruz, Br. Anselm Ling John, and Br. Vincent Fernandez. Br. Steve Hogan then discussed the outcome of the 1st LEAD Mission Assembly. In the afternoon, Dr. Maureen Cleary OAM of Governance & Management Pty Ltd in Australia facilitated the discernment and proposal of recommendations of the Brothers to the 2nd District Chapter. After Mass, Mrs. Vicky Amalingan-Sales treated the Brothers to a special dinner.

On the fourth and final day, Visitor, as President of the Chapter, nominated Br. Tom Lavin as the Chapter Coordinator and Dr. Maureen Cleary as Chief Facilitator. Afterwards, LEAD Visitor Br. Edmundo Fernandez gave his State of the District Address. PARC General Councilor, Br. Ricardo Laguda, then gave the closing remarks that signified the end of the Part 1 of the 2nd District Chapter. After the celebration of the Eucharist, Brother Visitor expressed his gratitude to the Planning Committee, namely, Br. Tom Lavin, Br. Gus Boquer, Br. Michael Broughton, Br. JJ Jimenez, Br. Joseph Klong, Br. Rodrigo Treviño, and Br. Richie Yap, as well as the people who worked behind the scenes during the assembly: Ms. Aimee Patiño, Mr. Keane Palatino, Ms. Grace Lazo, Mr. Marc Gepaya, Mr. Demy Cruz Jr., Mr. Marco Polo, Ms. Nena Portillo, Ms. Che Che Manguiat, Mr. Anton del Rosario, Mr. David Leaño, Ms. Pauline Zamora, Mr. Miguel Ortega, Mr. Dexter Doria, Mr. Randy Casayuran, Ms. Remy Bautista, Ms. Nancy Martin, Mr. Norman Calara, Mr. Richard Jimenez, and the managers and staff of Microtel. CHB1214 INDIVISA MANENT

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BR. GUSTAVO RAMÍREZ BARBA APPOINTED GENERAL COUNCILOR. “Dear Brothers, Partners and Members of the Lasallian Family:

“A proposition of the 45th General Chapter calls for the Brother Superior to appoint a General Councilor to accompany our association for the educational mission, particularly Lasallian Higher Education. I am happy to announce the appointment of Brother Gustavo Ramírez Barba to this position. Brother Gustavo is presently the Visitor of México-Norte.

“Brother Gustavo, who holds a doctorate from the University of San Francisco in the United States, has served as president of Universidad La Salle Noroeste in Ciudad Obregón and is currently a member of the Board of Trustees of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. He has served as RELAL’s Secretary for Mission and as a Regional Director for the International Association of Lasallian Universities. He was a delegate to the 45th General Chapter (2014) and the 2nd International Mission Assembly (2013) as well as a member of the 44th General Chapter Preparatory Commission. Brother Gustavo is highly respected by Brothers and Partners and communicates with them in Spanish, French and English, the three official languages of the Institute.

“Please join me in thanking Brother Gustavo for accepting my invitation to serve the Institute as a General Councilor. As I welcome him to this position of fraternal leadership, I am confident that his contributions will significantly enhance our global Lasallian mission of Christian and human education.”

Fraternally,

Brother Robert Schieler, FSC Superior General

AFFILIATION OF MR. JOSE PARDO Last November 29, 2014, Mr. Jose T. Pardo was formally presented with the Institute Letters of Affiliation. This honor is granted to members of the Lasallian Family who have contributed tremendously to the Institute through their involvement in the Lasallian Mission and have grown in appreciation of the Lasallian spirituality.

Mr. Pardo’s works have reached beyond the Philippine Sector. He has been invited to be a member of the International Board of Counselors for the Institute. His work, both in the private and public sector, has garnered awards and recognition and serves as an expression of his Lasallian perspective and values. He is product of Lasallian education— since his primary ears up to his graduate degree in MBA—and is currently the Chair of De La Salle University’s (DLSU) Board of Trustees. It was fitting that his Affiliation was held during the Eucharistic Celebration at the Most Blessed Sacrament Chapel of DLSU. CHB1214 INDIVISA MANENT

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The times that I spent with my students, from the day we introduced ourselves to each other until now, STORIES these are the experiences I will never forget in SBMA. ARTICLE ABOUT ME BY SHAIRA AIMA B. AMBOLA For the first time in my life as a student, I now know My name is Shaira Aima B. Ambola, just an ordinary what it feels to be a teacher. 15-year old girl. Even though I’m a Muslim student, I’ve been joining activities that are related or involved Shaira is a student volunteer of the Saint Brother to Roman Catholic religion. I live in Poblacion, Miguel Academy program of La Salle Academy, she’s Bagumbayan, Kauswagan, , which is also a student of Br. Dan Sanding FSC. about 20 km away from my school, La Salle Academy (LSA). Though it’s hard for me to wake up at four in ESTEPHANIE C. ZAMORA the morning every day to get ready for school, I have Sa unang dating ko dito sa Samar, hindi ko taken my studies seriously in order for me not to get pinahalagahan dahil sa sobrang init. Palagi akong a failing grade. I always take three rides—jeepney, nagrereklamo sa mainit na panahon hanggang city limit PUJ, and sikad - to get to school, which is very nasanay na rin ako. costly for me and my parents because there’s still my allowance to consider. Nang nagsimula na ang klase sa St. Anthony Academy (SAA), panibagong hamon ang At first, I joined Saint Brother Miguel Academy dumating sa akin. Nahirapan ako sa pag disiplina (SBMA) just for the sake of being one of the top ng mga mag-aaral. Ibang-iba ang nakagisnan sa 10 graduating students, since extra-curricular una kong komunidad. Dito sa mataas na paaralan, activities is 20% of the final grade. One day, when kailangan ng mga mag-aaral ang kalinga na hindi one of the aspirants came in my classroom and nakukuha sa sariling pamilya. Unti-unti ko silang announced that they are recruiting volunteers of natutunang mahalin dahil sa kulitan at tawanan SBMA as teachers, I figured out that I should join this kapag nakakausap ko sila. Sa tulong din ng mga volunteering stuff in order for me to at least have ibang guro na gumagabay sa akin, ako ay natutong something to write on my extra-curricular activities gumabay din sa mga mag-aaral. sheet (that will be given this January 2015 to the top Ang isa pang naging hamon sa akin ay ang 15 graduating students). paggawa ng marka ayon sa panibagong sistema ng DepEd. Noong unang markahan, ako ang But, I have made a resolution after I taught those pinakhuling nagpasa ng mga marka ng mga bata children on my first day of teaching. na siyang ikinagalit ng mga gurong tagapayo ng mga seksiyon na hawak ko. Pinayuhan din ako ni Ms. During those sessions, I was really calm; I learned Luchie, ang aming punong-guro na hindi na dapat how to not have a stage fright; I was able to think maulit ang pagkakamaling nagawa ko. Kaya itong thoroughly about what was needed to be discussed; susunod na markahan, pagbubutihin ko ang aking I was able to talk properly—without having so many trabaho para hindi muli ako magkamali. “umm’s”—and I was able to breathe properly without hyperventilating. I was expecting the opposite to Ang higit na tumatak sa akin at aking happen, but instead I was able to teach properly. ipinapagsalamat ay ang matutuhan ko ang And while I was teaching, new emotions came to kahalagahan ng pagdarasal at pagsisimba. Ang me as I saw the faces of the children. Every time their SAA ay mayroong schedule sa pagsisimba at eyes widen as they look at me in front when I was pagdarasal kaya kahit papaano ay napagtutuunan talking; when they expressed their awe during the namin ng oras ang Panginoon. games and quiz bee; or when I greet them a good morning and they’d reply, I always feel that warmth Sa mga kapwa ko volunteers sa komunidad, when I see them. nagkakasundo naman kami pero hindi talaga maiiwasan ang ang hindi pagkakaunawaan In short, “I have loved and enjoyed teaching those paminsan-minsan dahil marahil sa kanya-kanyang children.” And I grew to love them even more with pag-uugali at pananaw sa buhay. Pero hindi ito each meeting; we would always meet on the 1st hadlang para hindi maiayos ang magandang and 3rd Sunday of each month. And that is my new pagsasama sa loob ng bahay. Ganoon din ang reason for joining SBMA; I want to see the children’s aming pakikisama sa mga ibang guro sa paaralan. faces as they have learned many things in just one- two hours. Kailangang makihalubilo upang makilala namin CHB1214 INDIVISA MANENT

Page 7 of 8 December 2014 ang bawat isa. Unti-unti ko nang nakagamayan had to adjust with the culture, dialect and attitudes ang pagtuturo sa mataas na paaralan kaya higit of the people in the community. Likewise, I realized kong pagbubutihan ang aking pagiging teacher that it is difficult to be away from my parents whom I volunteer dito sa SAA. used to talk with and share all the happenings in my life. CONSUELO CORAZON P. RAFINAN In my four months in Mondragon, Northern Samar, I Despite all those challenges, I still continue to be a learned a lot of things and discerned them especially volunteer. I continue to face all the challenges and the blissful as well as the excruciating moments I had handle them carefully as I continue to journey with experienced. the people around me. No amount of money is commensurate with my experiences here in Samar, There is a big difference between my volunteer work though I admit that it is not so easy to teach in a during my first two years in Bagac and my present formal school. The difficulties is due to the subjects work in St. Anthony Academy (SAA). During the given to me. Firstly, I teach Music and TLE that are first quarter here in SAA, I had a hard time coping not my expertise. Secondly, I am given an advisory up with requirements like, submission of students’ class in grade 8 that is so difficult to handle. There is grades on time. Reaching out to the other teachers so much learning, which I have to be grateful for. aside from my co-volunteers was another challenge I encountered. In addition, I could hardly understand Above all, I am thankful to God because He their dialect. never leaves me since the start of my journey as a volunteer. Likewise, I am also grateful to my parents Teaching high school students is quite difficult. The who molded me with good values and philosophies students have different wants and needs. In the in life that helps think positively especially in every past, there were times when I lost my temper and challenge I encounter here in the mission area. shouted at them but that strategy didn’t work. I Furthermore, my heartfelt gratitude to DLSP-LSVP for realized later on that I have to be careful in dealing the opportunity given to me as a Lasallian volunteer. with them. Now, I could say that I have already My experiences help me grow physically, mentally, adjusted myself with my students. They are the socially and spiritually stable. reasons why I continue as a Lasallian volunteer. Estephanie, Consuelo, and Josephine are Lasallian As a Community Director, giving constant reminders Volunteers assigned in the Kaupod Volunteers to my fellow volunteers does work well with them. So Community and teaching in St. Anthony Academy in to avoid misunderstandings, we discuss concerns Mondragon, Northern Samar. and try to resolve them. Estaphanie and Josephine are graduates of La Salle This is my third and last year as a Lasallian volunteer. I University, and Corazon of La Salle College try to make this year as the most unforgettable, fruitful . and happiest year as a volunteer. I will do everything for the sake of my students. I will treasure each Evangelii Nuntiandi moment with my co-volunteers, co-teachers, staff Let us therefore preserve our fervor of spirit. Let and superior. us preserve the delightful and comforting JOY of evangelizing, even when it is in tears that we must JOSEPHINE T. SANTOS sow. May it mean for us – as it did for John the I never dreamed to teach in a school far from my Baptist, for Peter and Paul – an interior enthusiasm family. However, due to some reasons, I am now here that nobody and nothing can quench. May it be in St. Anthony Academy, Northern Samar, away from the great JOY of our consecrated lives. And may my family. the world of our time, which is searching, sometimes with anguish, sometimes with hope, be enabled to Being a Lasallian volunteer is a great opportunity receive Good News not from evangelizers who are that came into my life and be a part of the Lasallian dejected, discouraged, impatient or anxious, but mission. I believe that the mission entrusted to me will from ministers of the Gospel whose lives glow with have a great impact into my life. fervor, who have first received the JOY of Christ, and who are willing to risk their lives so that the Kingdom My first three months in the mission area was not easy may be proclaimed and the Church established in for me because I encountered several challenges. I the midst of the world. CHB1214 INDIVISA MANENT

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“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” - Luke 2:10-11

In this season of giving, let us take the time to find Christ in those who are less fortunate. May His goodness enkindle in our hearts the spirit of peace, joy, and love for others. A Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year. MERRY CHRISTMAS Central House Administration