Fr. Bong celebrates his 41st birthday

“It’s you who makes the difference” said Fr. Bong as he started expressing his gratitude to everyone present at the Eucharistic celebration for his 41st birthday last Sept. 16 at 5:00 pm at the St. Camillus Hospital chapel.  Fr. Bong’s concelebrants included Fr. Bienvenido Jonson and Fr. Angel Crisostomo as well as his two batchmates and friends, Fr. Jojo Eloja, presider, and Fr. Evan Paul Villanueva, homilist. Interestngly,  Fr. Evan’s homily and Fr. Bong’s response included a recollection of the experiences that forged the deep friendship between them.

The celebration of Fr. Bong’s birthday actually began as early as 4:00 am with the mañanita. Some hospital employees serenaded him and brought breakfast food to match the coffee prepared by Fr. Angel. Happiness was noticeable in the eyes of the celebrant as he accommodated every well-wisher.

Since it was his special day, Fr. Bong extended his blessings once again to the children of the Reception Study and Diagnostic Center and SPED. The Lay Camillian Family of Davao, some benefactors, friends, confreres and SCH employees joined him in bringing cheer to the children.  They served snacks, held a short program and gave the children a television unit, a portable organ and many other items gathered through the efforts of Fr. Bong.  The joy experienced by the children and their teachers was heartwarming.

In the evening after the Eucharist, dinner was served at the hospital’s basketball court.  While dinner was going on,  the scheduled program started with a cultural presentation by the students of Davao Oriental State College of Science and Technology (DOSCST). But in the middle of their presentation the rains fell.  We all moved to the hospital lobby where the program continued with short speeches given by Fr. Evan, Fr. Angel, and His Excellency, Bishop Patricio H. Alo. Some employees took turns expressing their appreciation for Fr. Bong and citing his characteristics, attitudes and personality traits. A video presentation showed more about Fr. Bong - his different hobbies and pictures from year 2005 to the present, surprising everyone especially those who did not know him well. 

The St. Camillus Hospital employees, not wanting to be left out, also shared their dancing prowess. The DOSCST students performed another dance number and as the program finale, selected SCH employees came in with the most exciting dance number of the night.  They danced to the tune of “Nobody” which is one of the most played songs in all FM stations. Their hilarious presentation kept everyone laughing until the music stopped.

To close - Happy, happy birthday, Fr. Bong! We love you and more power!

Mati celebrates its 72nd Parochial Fiesta

On September 10, 2009, parishioners and people from all walks of life flocked to St. Nicholas De Tolentino Cathedral to participate in the 9:30am Mass celebrating the 72nd fiesta of  St. Nicholas de Tolentino Parish.  Bishop Patricio H. Alo, D.D presided at the Mass while the diocesan and religious clergy of Mati, including Fr. Bong and Fr. Angel concelebrated with him.

The parish prepared for the fiesta by holding nighly presentations at Mati Baywalk from Sept. 6 to Sept. 10 under the theme “Mapadayunong paghalad sa kaugalingon aron makab-ot ang kahingpitan.” Different parish organizations and the local government of Mati participated in the activities.

Fr. Celso Singson, parish priest, expressed his gratitude to the provincial and municipal government officials of Davao Oriental who gave their support throughout the celebration. Bishop Alo in his homily stressed the importance of love and humility to achieve unity among us.

A reception followed after Mass at the parish convent.  Honorable Governor Corazon Malanyaon, Congresswoman Thelma Z. Almario and other local officials graciously lent their presence to the occasion.