FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT The Official Publication of Santuario de San Antonio Parish We Care Because We Pray 27 November 2022 (Violet) Instagram: @ssapnewstoday Tel. nos.: 8843-8830 / 31 Santuario de San Antonio Parish Forbes Park, Makati City www.ssaparish.com Facebook: Santuario de San Antonio Parish Parish Bulletin IN THIS ISSUE: How to Prepare for Advent Like Mary How Do You Keep the Music Playing? Favorite Christmas Memory Simbang Gabi Children’s Corner Education Amidst the Pandemic: A Call for Sponsors Light a Parol What Lights Your Candle of Hope? By Sandee Alonzo Notice the Gospel readings in Mass these past weeks? “You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of My name…” (Luke 21: 16-19). “For the days are coming upon you when your enemies will raise a palisade against you” (Luke 19:43). “They did not know until the flood came and carried them all away” (Matt 24:39). What do you feel when you hear these Apocalyptical messages? Many, including me, can’t help but feel fear of more suffering to come and restlessness for the Last Judgment. I pray we will have faithfully worked for the Kingdom of God and given ourselves generously to Jesus when that time comes. I find it strange, though, that we should fear when we are supposed to be in a Season of hope. What is there to fear? Death? Perhaps what gets us worked up is the idea that all we hope for could be unattainable… because we will only know our fate in the afterlife. Sometimes, I wonder, if all that Jesus promised will come true. Will I reach my ultimate goal to become a saint in Heaven one day and meet my Creator face-toface? Will God provide all the graces I need to remain in friendship with Him all my life and reach it? Maybe you are hoping for the same things too. So, have you thought of the reason for your hope? (1 Peter 3:15) The source for our Christian hope is a strong faith, as it was written “faith is the assurance of things hoped for” (Heb 11:1). And our faith has pretty strong grounds to be true! Let me share a few. In Advent, we are reminded with excitement when age-old prophecies were completely fulfilled in the Birth, Life, Death and Resurrection of Jesus! Around 165 to 900 years before Jesus was born, different prophets living in different times in history foretold that the Messiah would be born a Child (Is 9:6-7) of a Virgin (Is 7:14) in the line of David (Jer 23:5) in Bethlehem (Mic 5:2). It was prophesied that He would heal the blind, lame, and deaf (Is 35:5-6); would be betrayed by a friend (Ps 55:12-14); would be pierced by nails and by a sword (Ps 22:16, Zech 13:7); (continued on page 7...)

PARISH BULLETIN 2 How to Prepare for Advent Like Mary By Sandee Alonzo The Incarnation is the height of God’s love for us. God loves us so much that He planned to share Himself with us from the very beginning. God sent His only Son to come down to become human because He wants to be near us. This is what Advent celebrates and it gives us so much joy to marvel at this mystery! But why do we have to prepare for Advent if it is something of the past? Why do we have to celebrate it yearly? (excitement aside) Because Advent is not just about when Jesus came to us for the first time 2000 years ago, there are two more Advents where God shares Himself to us! Advent comes from the Latin Adventus which means “a coming to a place”; this translates to the Greek, παρουσία (parousia) or presence. Advent reminds us of when Jesus will come again in the Last Judgement and of our daily anticipation of it through His presence in our lives in the Eucharist. The Catechism tells us that we must renew our ardent desire for His second coming: “When the Church celebrates the Liturgy of Advent each year, she makes present this ancient expectancy of the Messiah, for by sharing in the long preparation for the Savior’s first coming, the faithful renew their ardent desire for His Second Coming” (CCC 524). So how should we prepare? Lest we face Jesus underdressed at the Wedding Banquet when it starts (Matt 22:1-14). Thankfully, we have His earthly parents as our guide. We can look at Mama Mary (and St. Joseph!) as our example and ask for her help to nurture us like she did with the Child Jesus. By imitating Mama Mary, we clothe ourselves in the most perfect wedding garment any human can dress in! St. Louis de Montfort even said, “when the Holy Ghost has found Mary in a soul, He flies there. He enters there in His fullness… to the full extent to which she makes room for her Spouse.” (36, True Devotion) There is so much to learn from the Blessed Virgin Mary, but for now let me zoom into 3 of her 10 virtues, as listed by St. Louis de Montfort, that we can try to practice this Advent and every day forward. 1. Continual Prayer Mama Mary was always in a state of prayer. “Mary pondered these things in her heart” (Lk 2: 19). Let us, like Mama Mary, be in continual prayer. This Advent, we are reminded that God from the very beginning wants to be in communion with us… so let us take every opportunity to be in communion with Him. St. Paul tells us to “pray constantly” (1 Thess 5:17). How do we remain in a constant state of prayer in the busyness of life? To be in a constant state of prayer is to be in a loving relationship with God always. It is only in loving God that our capacity to pray (an act of love) and do good increases, in as much as we cooperate with God’s movement in our lives. Thus, we must ask God for the sensitivity to be aware of His presence and grace, so we become ever ready to move generously as He prompts. 2. Lively Faith When we meet Jesus in the Eucharist, like what we always say in the Angelus, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to Your word” (Lk 1:38), let’s practice her lively faith, the kind of faith that is alert and always believes. Mary showed her great faith through her Fiat in the Annunciation by fully believing in God’s promises in the prophecies -- that the Messiah is her Son. St. Alphonsus Liguori wrote in The Glories of Mary: “the holy Virgin had more faith than all men and all the angels. She saw her Son in the stable of Bethlehem, and believed Him the Creator of the world. She saw Him flying from Herod, and yet believed that He was the King of kings. She saw Him born, and believed Him to be eternal. She saw Him poor and in need of food, and believed Him to be Lord of the universe, laid on straw, and she believed Him Omnipotent. She observed that He did not speak, and she believed Him to be the infinite Wisdom. She heard Him weeping, and she believed Him to be the Joy of Paradise. Finally, she saw Him in death, despised and crucified, but although the faith of others might have wavered, Mary remained firm in the belief that He was God.” Now, we need Mama Mary’s unwavering lively faith to really believe Jesus’ words when He said that the Bread is His Body and the Wine is His Blood. (continued on page 7...)

27 November 2022 3 How Do You Keep the Music Playing? A Reflection on St. Cecilia By Franco Chan St. Cecilia was born in Rome in the 2nd century AD where she grew up a Christian, despite being ostracized by many non-believers. When she was to be married, she spoke of visions of an angel who protected her virginity from even her husband’s desires. This stirring devotion converted her husband to Christianity, but ultimately led to his death and St. Cecilia’s execution years later -- having been required to abandon Christianity -- and pay homage to Roman laws. Her persecution made me recall instances during the more difficult periods of “The COVID Years” (as I often call them), when I found myself abiding faithfully to all sorts of safety laws and quarantine protocols, and resorting to a less communal practice of celebrating the Eucharist online through pre-recorded Masses. While this was a convenient and comfortable blessing, I often wondered when all that was “upside-down,” would right itself again, and when I could bring my family back to hear Mass in a church again. Still, despite this helpful service amidst the apparent danger present, I wonder if I could have nearly been as brave and devout with my own faith as St. Cecilia was with hers. It’s a deeply reflective exercise to ponder what risks any of us are still willing to take for our faith in a world fragmented by beliefs, ideologies, convictions, politics…or even diets. Because St. Cecilia refused the Roman law, she was condemned to being burnt to death in a bath, yet miraculously, she remained unharmed for at least a day. An executioner was dispatched to behead her instead, though even he struck her three times but failed. Christian legend holds that she survived for three days after this ‘execution’ preaching to her fellow Christians who tended her wounds, while praying to God. In honor of God’s saving grace, her last request was that a church be erected on the site of her execution. She then died shortly afterwards -- a martyr -- with a devotion that continues to touch the hearts of many. In the 14th century, it was believed that if you had visions -- like the ones St. Cecilia had of her “chastity angel” -- it would most likely be accompanied by music, as music was “the language of the angels”. It was following this belief that late 16th century paintings were being made of her (like the one pictured in this month’s bulletin), depicting her with an organ or other instruments, leading to her eventual association with music and organs. The painting by Guido Reni seems to remind us with his depiction of St. Cecilia that she always had her eyes transfixed to the visions from above -- a careful and dedicated focus on God -- our divine Conductor. As our lives slowly swing back and forth like a pendulum towards a “normal” that we all hope to be living together soon, let us all find comfort in knowing that our faith is one that never fails. That through models of faith, like St. Cecilia, we, too, can draw strength from the unseen, sustain through the desolate, and be still to calmly listen to God’s own Voice, like music of angels, in our hearts. Painting of St Cecilia by Guido Reni, 1606

4 PARISH BULLETIN Favorite Christmas Memory By Various Parishioners Christmas is indeed the most wonderful time of the year! With all the preparations on how we celebrate Jesus’ birth, there is quite No One and no other celebration that unite the whole world with all the joy and good tidings which only Christmas brings. Let’s hear it from our parishioners what Christmas memory is utmost in their hearts… Perhaps, one of my fave Christmas memories, as a child, is when our family would eagerly await the Midnight Mass at SSAP. I think, at the time, there was only one Christmas Eve Mass, so the Church would always be overflowing with people. Our family would line up early for the opening of the Church doors and make a mad dash to get seats for the long Mass! But it paid off because we’d get to enjoy the dramatic Christmas Mass with the beautiful choir songs from our very comfy seats. - Micki Poe When I think of Christmas, I remember my Mom. A lot of my fondest memories of the Season were because of her -- from decorating the tree to setting up the Belen, going for a ride to admire the Christmas lights on the streets, designating a Sunday afternoon for wrapping gifts, even the simple breakfast of ensaymada with hot chocolate -- and going to midnight Mass. I can go on and on. While my Mom had already gone to Heaven, I continue to share all these experiences with my husband and kids. It makes us feel that she is with us, celebrating this special Season, of the birth of our Lord. - Caren Tordesillas My favorite Christmas memory was attending Simbang Gabi in Bangkok. I didn’t want to miss the Novena Masses -- so I was happy to find out, that the Filipino community there -- also celebrated it, just like we did in the Philippines. This was also the last Christmas we spent with my Dad before he passed away and the Christmas I found out I was pregnant with my youngest son. - Anna Palabyab-Rufino    Christmas is indeed a special time each year. Singing and praying the Advent prayers together in front of the Advent wreath on our coffee table. Having the children in their pj’s on our staircase anxiously waiting to go downstairs on Christmas morning to open their presents and have brunch together with songs and laughter. - Marichu Kahn

27 November 2022 5 Santuario de San Antonio Pastoral Team Fr. Amado Baranquel, OFM - Guardian Fr. Reu Jose C. Galoy, OFM - Vicar Provincial, Parish Priest, Friary Procurator Fr. Jesus E. Galindo, OFM - Member Fr. Robert B. Manansala, OFM - Member and Provincial Delegate to the Poor Clares - Luzon Fr. Marlowe Rosales, OFM - Acting Guardian Parish Bulletin Editorial Team Rachelle C. Wenger – Editor-in-Chief Monica Madrigal – Asst. Editor Albernina Pascual - Asst. Editor Sandi Suplido-Adalem - Asst. Editor Caren Tordesillas – Art & Design Jojo Guingona – Photo Editor Peachy Maramba – Contributing Writer Lianne Tiu – Contributing Writer Fr. Robert B. Manansala, OFM – Contributing Writer Cesar Inducil - Contributing Writer Conchitina S. Bernardo - Contributing Writer Marion Chan - Contributing Writer Letty Syquia - Contributing Writer Sandee Alonzo - Contributing Writer Cecilia Tordesillas - Contributing Illustrator Santuario de San Antonio Parish Tel. nos. 8843-8830 / 31 Email: [email protected] Website: www.ssaparish.com Website email: [email protected] Instagram: @ssapnewstoday Parish Pastoral Council Marie Tycangco – President Karen Limpe – Vice President Crissy Castillo - Secretary/RDIP Head RDIP Kirsten Camungol - Website Administrator Macie Carlos – Website Administrator When I was a child, our family would always go to the traditional Christmas Eve Mass then have Noche Buena. We had the family specialty chicken pakam for brunch and opened the gifts under the tree. Santa Claus once surprised me with a pretty walking, talking doll. The unforgettable Christmas holiday was spent in Rome with our gracious guardians Ambassador & Mrs. Bartolomé Umayam and their twins. (I was a high school senior at Marymount Rome.) We had an exquisite Christmas Eve dinner at their residence. On Christmas Day, we went to the Vatican to pray in the magnificent Basilica di San Pietro. The twins, a cousin, my sister and I walked around the piazza nibbling roasted chestnuts and gelato (in freezing winter weather). I learned how to bake blueberry pie. I tasted marrón glacé and I read books by the window while the Siamese cat sat on my lap for hours. I appreciated the warm hospitality of our second family and the wonderful time going around the eternal city.   The Umayams gave us a home away from home. They remain precious lifelong friends. But I missed my parents and five brothers. Decades later, I still watch the Pope’s Masses and Angelus prayers online and feel the special bond with Rome. - Marivic Rufino I love everything about Christmas – decors, gifts, parties, outreach … anything related to Christmas just makes me happy. But on December 24, 2012, I was still very sick and unable to move much and of course I couldn’t do any of my usual Christmas activity. Ian dropped by earlier that day (we weren’t married yet) and caught me watching the 25th anniversary of Les Miserables. He left right away but came back at almost 12 midnight to bring a very big poinsettia plant and played Christmas carols on his iPad. That gesture made me very very happy. - Tricia Monsod

PARISH BULLETIN 19 April 2020 6 Simbang Gabi By Chit U. Juan When I was still in school many decades ago, Simbang Gabi meant staying up until the sun rose after a party or dinner, and then having bibingka and puto bumbong after the dawn Mass. As you mature, you find more significance in waking up to catch the Mass for the whole stretch -- 9 mornings of looking forward to the singing of praises in church and hearing the words commemorating the time towards the birth of Christ. Since 2008, I have proudly completed (maybe except one or two mornings in 14 years), the Simbang Gabi and I still look forward to celebrating it every year. Even during the lockdowns, we would gather around the living room to watch Online Mass at 5 am. So, I am very happy that face-to-face Masses have resumed and so look forward to the regular normal Simbang Gabi. I always look forward to the cool mornings when we arrive at the church, making sure we had seats, and seeing the same people year after year, with a promise or commitment to complete the Novena. I call them “classmates” in my mind and I know they feel the same way when they see me. We take our proper seats (we try to sit in the same pew each time) and smile as we try our best to keep our eyes open and avoid falling into slumber. But what is the real significance of Simbang Gabi to you? Ask yourself why you do or do not even try to come and feel the spirit of Christmas with this age-old tradition? If you have not, maybe this is the time to check it out and feel His presence and feel the community spirit, too. If you are one of the classmates I am referring to, we hope to see each other again and reconnect after two years of not having gone physically to our Simbang Gabi Masses. For me, I look at it as a small gift to Him, no matter how humble and modest. To wake up for nine mornings, earlier than usual, and to feel His presence in church and through our classmates, is a feeling one cannot describe. The fulfillment of the promise is a good exercise in sacrifice but rewarded so soon by blessings you cannot explain. One has to experience Simbang Gabi to know what it feels like. One has to experience going for the whole experience of completion -- completing the nine mornings and maybe foregoing late dinners and parties -- because you need to be up very early. I particularly like the morning Masses more than the anticipated ones, the evening Masses seemingly are easier to complete. But whichever you choose, you will feel the blessings immediately, whether imagined or real. Why don’t you give it a try this Season? To celebrate His birth and to thank Him for your still being around despite all the health scares and the pandemic. It is a great way to say “Thank You, Lord. And Happy Birthday!”  

27 November 2022 7 (...continued from page 1 - What Lights Your Candle of Hope?) and would rise from the dead (Ps 16:10, 30:3) -- another prophecy that Jesus Himself would say (Matt 17: 22–23, Mark 9:30–32). All of this happened with proof. We have multiple independent attestations of the Birth and Ministry of Jesus: two from apostles and two secondary sources, all written close to the time of the Crucifixion with the approval of St. Peter. What are the chances of making it all up or copying from each other? Unlikely, because we know from tradition that the primary account is the Gospel of Matthew and the others were simply written for a different motive to address a specific need of the Church. And the small inconsistencies -- in numbers, style, and omission of events -- don’t justify copying. The empty tomb was similarly attested by the Gospel writers (Matt 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20) and St. Paul in 1 Corinthians 15 -- a surplus of the already acceptable two witnesses. Not to mention, Jesus’ postmortem physical bodily appearances to the Twelve, St. James, St. Paul, and 500 men at once over a span of 40 days. It is harder to believe these appearances are hallucinations, because, being subjectively and privately experienced, not two people can see the same hallucination at the same time. As Catholics, we can enjoy an overwhelming certitude that our facts are historically verifiable by fellow believers, agnostics, and atheists alike. What would it take for us to hope again? What could be our reason to despair now if all these prophecies came true exactly as they were told? Do not despair! The object of our faith -- Jesus, our Light -- gives us many reasons to hope and rejoice! “Most High glorious God, enlighten the darkness of my heart. Give me a right faith, sure hope and perfect charity.” (St. Francis of Assisi) References: Hahn, S. (2007). Reasons to believe: How to understand, explain, and defend the Catholic faith. NY: Doubleday. Orchard, B. (1994). The evolution of the Gospels. Retrieved from https://www.catholic.com/magazine/print-edition/the-evolutionof-the-gospels Seeking Truth. (2020). The historical evidence for the resurrection (Part 2 of 3). Retrieved from https://www.seekingtruth.ph/ uncategorized/the-historical-evidence-for-the-resurrectionpart-2-of-3/ Seeking Truth. (2020). The historical evidence for the resurrection (Part 3 of 3). Retrieved from https://www.seekingtruth.ph/ uncategorized/the-historical-evidence-for-the-resurrectionpart-3-of-3/ (...continued from page 2 - How to Prepare for Advent LIke Mary) We must strive to be constantly aware of Jesus’ presence in the Eucharist beyond the appearance. And so, when we receive Jesus in the small, humble piece of wafer, we make sure to do so in a worthy manner, in a state of grace. 3. Universal Mortification or Constant Self-Denial Mama Mary showed constant self-denial when she submitted herself completely to God. “Not my will, but Thine, be done” (Lk. 22:42). And she instructed us to do the same when she appeared to St. Bernadette on Feb. 24, 1858, “Penance, penance, penance. Pray for sinners.” Then when Mama Mary appeared to the children in Fatima, on Aug. 19, 1917, she told them to “Pray, pray very much and make sacrifices for sinners…” To uproot our tendencies to sin, St. Louis de Monfort says “in order to empty ourselves of self, we must die daily to ourselves. This involves our renouncing what the powers of the soul and the senses of the body incline us to do” (81, True Devotion) Suffice to say, we need to make sacrifices -- the greatness of which is only measured by the love we put in it. We can offer these deeds in prayer and say, “for the holy souls in Purgatory”, “for the conversion of sinners everywhere”, or “for whatever my Mama Mary sees fit”! So, as we keep seeking Christ who comes to us for eternity in the Eucharist --through which we celebrate the past -- await His second coming, and daily renew our love for Jesus -- let us ask for Mama Mary’s help to clothe ourselves in her virtues and bring us closer to Jesus this Advent. Let us pray.  O Jesus living in Mary, Come and live in Thy servants, In the spirit of Thy holiness, In the fullness of Thy might, In the truth of Thy virtues, In the perfection of Thy ways, In the communion of Thy mysteries; Subdue every hostile power In Thy spirit, for the glory of the Father. Amen. References: Catholic Church. (2000). Catechism of the Catholic Church: revised in accordance with the official Latin text promulgated by Pope John Paul II. United States Catholic Conference. de Montfort, L. (2013). True devotion to Mary. Catholic Way Publishing. Ligouri, A. (1750). The glories of Mary. https://www.ecatholic 2000.com/liguori/glories50.shtml Martimort, A. G., Dalmais, I. H. & Jounel, P. (1986). The Church at prayer (Vol. IV). https://litpress.org/Products/GetSample/ 6241/9780814662410

PARISH BULLETIN 8 LET’S LEARN SOME GOOD MANNERS! Illustration by Caris Tordesillas (3 years old) THIS WEEK’S ECO TIP! Illustration by Cecilia Tordesillas (7 years old) When putting up your tree, choose decorations that can be reused. Opt for classic designs that will be loved for years, as opposed to trend pieces that you’ll be tired of by next Christmas. When invited to a party, send RSVP Your friend and his/her family spent time planning a day of fun activities and preparing food. Let them know if you will be able to go or not so they know if they should expect you.

27 November 2022 9 Education Amidst the Pandemic: An Appeal for Sponsors By Jean R. Chavez, SSAPFI Scholarship Ministry Committee We are living in extraordinary times with the stillongoing COVID-19 pandemic lurking around us. In the face of adversity, many applicants choose to succeed and continue a life of learning. For School Year 2022-2023, the Santuario de San Antonio Parish Scholarship Ministry has 74 continuing and new scholars taking up various college and technical-vocational courses. Pre-pandemic, the SSAPFI Scholarship had 45 scholars. In 2020-2021 and 2021-2022, the numbers increased to 64 each year, as many of the applicants lost their previous grants, and many families suffered loss of income. Started in 1996, the Santuario de San Antonio Parish Foundation, Inc. (SSAPFI) – Scholarship Ministry receives a yearly allotment from the SSAP Foundation, Inc. These funds come from parishioners and proceeds from “FrancisFest,” a yearly fund-raising event. Through generous sponsors and “walk-in” donors who share their blessings for a worthwhile cause, the Scholarship Ministry has managed to help our scholars pursue education and face the difficulties of distance or “blended” learning. Our scholars and their parents who barely make a living struggle with challenges: lack of access to gadgets such as laptops, mobile phones, tablets, computers, etc., poor and unstable internet connection and cost, weak or non-existent signals especially in remote areas, etc. The SSAPFI Scholarship Ministry places a lot of importance on spiritual, moral values formation in helping our scholars become better Kristiyanong Mamamayan. HOW TO HELP? Sponsors/donors may offer to choose the following options: 1. Pay the tuition in full or on semestral basis, including the food, transportation and internet allowances 2. Pay the tuition only 3. Pay the food, transportation and internet allowances or any of each allowance 4. Donate any amount Check is payable to SSAP FOUNDATION, INC. c/o Scholarship Ministry. THANK YOU for partnering with us in investing in the education of our youth. GOD BLESS YOU for your support and generosity. Photos and names of scholars seeking financial assistance are withheld in compliance with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) ruling requiring the protection of their identity / privacy. However, these and their profiles are available upon request by any interested sponsor or donor thru SSAPFI Scholarship Program c/o Socio Pastoral Worker, Mrs. Jackie Macasias, telephone number 8843-8830 or cellphone number 09214578717 from Mondays to Saturdays, 8:00am to 4:00pm. The following is a list of applicants interviewed and approved as “Highly Recommended” during the Deliberation Meetings of SSAPFI Scholarship Ministry Committee members: PROFILES OF APPLICANTS FOR SSAPFI SCHOLARSHIPS School Year 2022-2023 FEMALE, 20 years old 3rdYear, BS Hospitality Management Mary the Queen College of Quezon City GWA 1.49 Tuition: 1 School Year P 18,000 Food Allowance P 10,000 (P50/day, P1,000/month x 10 months) Load Allowance P 4,000 (P400/month x 10 months) Transportation Allowance P 20,000 (P100/day, P 2,000/month x 10 months) Total Allowance P 34,000 / school year TOTAL For 1 School Year P 52,000

10 PARISH BULLETIN This scholar is an active member of San Jose Tagapagtanggol Parish. She has improved a lot in her verbal skills and has overcome her shyness. At home she takes care of a 3-year-old sibling and an 80-year-old grandmother. She hopes to one day contribute to the family income through a stable job. * * * FEMALE, 19 years old 2nd Year, BS Hospitality Management La Consolacion College – Caloocan City GWA 1.69 Tuition: 1 School Year P 66,000 Food Allowance P 10,000 (P50/day, P1,000/month x 10 months) Load Allowance P 4,000 (P400/month x 10 months) Transportation Allowance P 20,000 (P100/day, P 2,000/month x 10 months) Total Allowance P 34,000 / school year TOTAL For 1 School Year P 100,000 Her father has been working as a maintenance man at the SSAP for 17 years now. She looks forward to working in a crew ship or a hotel after graduation. There is also the possibility of being a flight attendant. She works as a part-time Call Center agent to help pay the bills. * * * FEMALE, 20 years old 2nd Year, BS Hospitality Management Our Lady of Fatima University, Quezon City GWA 1.60 Tuition: 1 School Year Tuition P 72,000 Food Allowance P 10,000 (P50/day, P1,000/month x 10 months) Load Allowance P 4,000 (P400/month x 10 months) Transportation Allowance P 20,000 (P100/day, P 2,000/month x 10 months) Total Allowance P 34,000 / school year TOTAL For 1 School Year P 106,000 Her father is a family driver in Alabang while her mother works as a family cook in Makati. She loves to play the guitar. This course could open up opportunities for her to travel and learn about the hotel and food business. * * * MALE, 20 years old 3rd Year, BS Tourism Management World Citi Colleges, Quezon City GWA 1.70 Tuition: 1 School Year P 85,000 Food Allowance P 10,000 (P50/day, P1,000/month x 10 months) Load Allowance P 4,000 (P400/month x 10 months) Transportation Allowance P 20,000 (P100/day, P 2,000/month x 10 months) Total Allowance P 34,000 / school year TOTAL For 1 School Year P 119,000

27 November 2022 11 A resident of Rizal this scholar was referred by Fr. Reu Galoy, OFM. His father works as a stay-in chef in Bataan while his mother is a housewife. His two brothers are employed. He was a runner up in “Mr. Tourism,” a school ambassador and is active in extracurricular activities. * * * MALE, 20 years old 3rdYear, BS Internal Auditing Far Eastern University GWA 2.71 Tuition: 1 School Year P 58,000 Food Allowance P 10,000 (P50/day, P1,000/month x 10 months) Load Allowance P 4,000 (P400/month x 10 months) Transportation Allowance P 20,000 (P100/day, P 2,000/month x 10 months) Total Allowance P 34,000 / school year TOTAL For 1 School Year P 92,000 An only child, his father works as a driver. They occupy one room together with an uncle and they share in the utility expenses. Very competitive and active in school organizations, he dreams of working in a big accounting firm like SGV. * * * FEMALE, 21 years old 4th year, BS Culinary Arts and Kitchen Operations Lyceum of the Philippines University GWA 1.36 Tuition: 1 School Year P 30,000 Food Allowance P 10,000 (P50/day, P1,000/month x 10 months) Load Allowance P 4,000 (P400/month x 10 months) Transportation Allowance P 20,000 (P100/day, P 2,000/month x 10 months) Total Allowance P 34,000 / school year TOTAL For 1 School Year P 64,000 Her father is a delivery person while her mother is a delivery receiver. An older sister who is an Accounting graduate and working with PNB Life can no longer provide her financial assistance. She has high grades but did not qualify to become a Lyceum scholar. She dreams of becoming a chef. * * * FEMALE, 20 years old 2nd Year, BS Information Technology Lyceum Alabang GWA 2.0 Tuition: 1School Year P 64,000 Food Allowance P 10,000 (P50/day, P1,000/month x 10 months) Load Allowance P 4,000 (P400/month x 10 months) Transportation Allowance P 20,000 (P100/day, P 2,000/month x 10 months) Total Allowance P 34,000 / school year TOTAL For 1 School Year P 98,000

12 PARISH BULLETIN This college scholar is well-mannered and pleasant. Her father works as a stay-in family driver. The family resides in Barangay Langgam, San Pedro, Laguna. She has four siblings and the eldest, an HRM graduate, resides in Sweden with her Swedish husband and child. Her brother is a Criminology graduate but is still jobless. She studied at the San Pedro Relocation Center National High School but finished her senior high school at the Lyceum of Alabang where she was a scholar and graduated with honors. She hopes to be a professional IT Analyst and Web developer. Having acquired above average grades in her freshman years, she would like to pursue her course at the Lyceum of Alabang, where, as a past high school scholar graduate with honors, she shall be granted a 10-20 percent tuition discount. * * * MALE, 29 years old 3rd year, Juris Doctor University of the East Manila GWA Tuition: 1 School Year P 96,000 Food Allowance P 10,000 (P50/day, P1,000/month x 10 months) Load Allowance P 4,000 (P400/month x 10 months) Transportation Allowance P 20,000 (P100/day, P 2,000/month x 10 months) Total Allowance P 34,000 / school year TOTAL For 1 School Year P 130,000 The eldest among 8 children, his father is a carpenter. He worked as a convent boy with the Franciscans where he was given the opportunity to study. He took Philosophy in OLAS thinking he could be a Franciscan priest or brother. When he started his Juris Doctor degree, he was supported by Fr. Jonald and Fr. Percy and worked as a part time teacher in Bestlink College earning P130/hour. With Fr. Tayem’s help, he applied for a scholarship to continue his degree in Juris Doctor. He hopes to work with the Public Attorney’s Office. He lives in a rented room with two of his classmates. * * * FEMALE, 22 years old 4th year, BS Criminology Divine Mercy College Foundation, Inc. GWA 1.83 Tuition: 1 School Year P 50,000 Food Allowance P 10,000 (P50/day, P1,000/month x 10 months) Load Allowance P4,000 (P400/month x 10 months) Transportation Allowance P 20,000 (P100/day, P 2,000/month x 10 months) Total Allowance P 34,000 / school year TOTAL For 1 School Year P 84,000 She dreams of working in the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP). Her mother works as a barangay tanod. She sells overrun clothes online to support her education. She is hoping to get a sponsor for her college education. Now in her final year in college she is looking forward to finish her practicum.

12 27 November 2022 FEMALE, 19 years old 3rdYear, BS Office Administration National Teachers College GWA 89.30 Tuition: 1 School Year P31,000 Food Allowance P 10,000 (P50/day, P1,000/month x 10 months) Load Allowance P 4,000 (P400/month x 10 months) Transportation Allowance P 20,000 (P100/day, P 2,000/month x 10 months) Total Allowance P 34,000 / school year TOTAL For 1 School Year P 65,000 Her father is a Grab driver while her mother does part-time work. To help the family she works as a part- time service crew at McDonald’s and earns about P2-3,000/mo. She participates in activities of the Basilica Minore as a server, music choir and youth member. She was referred by Bryan Tolentino of the Young Franciscan Advocates of the said Parish. * * * FEMALE, 20 years old 3rdYear, BS Accountancy National University Manila GWA 2.70 Tuition: 1 School Year P 72,000 Food Allowance P 10,000 (P50/day, P1,000/month x 10 months) Load Allowance P 4,000 (P400/month x 10 months) Transportation Allowance P 20,000 (P100/day, P 2,000/month x 10 months) Total Allowance P 34,000 / school year TOTAL For 1 School Year P 106,000 Her father works as a delivery man earning Php 16,000/month while her mother is a secretary on call with the same employer with an income of Php 5,000-15,000/month. On weekends, she works as a baby sitter and earns Php 500. Referred by Bryan Tolentino of the Young Franciscan Advocates of the Basilica Minore, she has been with the Youth Ministry of the same Parish since 2020. She wants to specialize on taxation but first she has to pass the licensure exams for CPA after graduation. * * * FEMALE, 21 years old 3rd Year, BS Hospitality Management STI Muñoz GWA 1.36 Tuition: 1 School Year P42,000 Food Allowance P 10,000 (P50/day, P1,000/month x 10 months) Load Allowance P 4,000 (P400/month x 10 months) Transportation Allowance P 20,000 (P100/day, P 2,000/month x 10 months) Total Allowance P 34,000 / school year TOTAL For 1 School Year P 76,000

PARISH BULLETIN 14 Her father is a tricycle driver while her mother is a barangay health worker. She wants to work as a chef in a cruise ship. She sells “kakanins” during her free time, using the cart given by their congressman. She was referred by Bryan Tolentino of San Pedro Bautista Parish where she is a member of the Music and Youth ministries. * * * FEMALE, 19 years old 1stYear, BS Tourism Management National Teachers College GWA 81.00 Tuition 1 School Year P 46,000 Food Allowance P 10,000 (P50/day, P1,000/month) Load Allowance P 4,000 (P400/month) Transpo. Allowance P 20,000 (P 2000/month x 10 mos.) Total Allowance P 34,000 / school year TOTAL For 1 School Year P 80,000.00 Now an orphan, she is the half-sister of the SSAPFI scholar who died in a motor accident last July 2022. She is active in various ministries at the Basilica Minore de San Pedro Bautista. She loves to join beauty contests, has a good personality and wants to become a flight attendant. She was recommended by Bryan Tolentino of the Basilica Minore de San Pedro Bautista. * * * MALE, 23 years old 3rd Year, BS Psychology National Teachers College GWA 1.75 Tuition 1 School Year P 41,000 Food Allowance P 10,000 (P50/day, P1,000/month) Load Allowance P 4,000 (P400/month) Transpo. Allowance P 20,000 (P 2000/month x 10 mos.) Total Allowance P 34,000 / school year TOTAL For 1 School Year P 75,000.00 He is the family’s breadwinner after his father died. His mother operates a sari-sari store in San Jose, Quezon City. He was a delivery driver / service crew in a fast-food chain. He finished his 1st and 2nd year college at the University of the East but stopped for 2 years when his father died. After paying his tuition balance and securing his documents in UE, he decided to transfer at the National Teachers College where tuition is more affordable. He is a member of the Young Franciscan Advocates since 2019 and the Parish Youth Ministry at the Basilica Minore de San Pedro Bautista. He hopes to begin work as a Call Center agent starting this month so he can have more time for his studies. He is determined to finish Psychology.

27 November 2022 15 FEMALE, 20 years old 3rd Year, BS Tourism Management STI Muñoz GWA 1.30 Tuition 1 School Year P 44,000 Food Allowance P 10,000 (P50/day, P1,000/month) Load Allowance P 4,000 (P400/month) Transpo. Allowance P 20,000 (P 2000/month x 10 mos.) Total Allowance P 34,000 / school year TOTAL For 1 School Year P 78,000.00 A recommendation of Bryan Tolentino of the Basilica Minore de San Pedro Bautista she aspires to become a flight attendant. Her mother has been working with Icebergs for the past 20 years. As an alumna of STI, she can get a 50% alumni discount on her tuition fee. * * * FEMALE, 19 years old 2nd Year, BS Information Technology Taguig City University GWA 2.00 Tuition 1 School Year Free Food Allowance P 10,000 (P50/day, P1,000/month) Load Allowance P 4,000 (P400/month) Transpo. Allowance P 20,000 (P 2000/month x 10 mos.) Total Allowance P 34,000 / school year TOTAL For 1 School Year P 34,000.00 An only child she is determined to finish Information Technology at the Taguig City University, a government school. Due to her school’s location, she lives in a boarding house near the school and pays P1,000.00 per month. Her father drives for a doctor. * * * FEMALE, 21 years old 4th Year, BS Medical Technology Centro Escolar University GWA 1.37 Tuition 1 School Year P 78,000 Food Allowance P 10,000 (P50/day, P1,000/month) Load Allowance P 4,000 (P400/month) Transpo. Allowance P 20,000 (P 2000/month x 10 mos.) Total Allowance P 34,000 / school year TOTAL For 1 School Year P 112,000.00 Her father is a family driver in Alabang Hills who earns P 15,000 per month. Five years from now she sees herself as a Registered Medical Technologist working in a hospital.

PARISH BULLETIN 16 To our dear parishioners, We hope this letter finds you safe and well. The parol, a representation of the Star of Bethlehem, is our symbol of faith and hope during our troubled times. With the holiday season fast approaching, the CCD committee will be launching the Light a Parol project for 2022. Now in its 28th year, this is CCD’s annual effort to raise funds for the Franciscan Missions and its various outreach and special projects. We have been so thankful for our parishioners support these past years, most especially during the pandemic where your donations really mattered most. In those most difficult years, CCD was able to support frontliners by providing meals, help community pantries, and aid Parish operations and staff. We’ve also continued our yearly support of the Franciscan Missions. Additionally, CCD has continued to reach out to others in need in the greater community, most recently in supporting the needs of House of Somang, a home for the elderly, the House of Sarang, home for street children. With your help, CCD would like to continue making a difference in the lives of others. The proceeds from each parol that you purchase will allow us to reach out to many more under resourced families. This year, with the return of in-person Masses, we hope you will enjoy your prayer and reflection inside our beautiful Parish decorated and prepared by the Rustan’s Flower Shop team. The LAP donors will be published in our Parish Bulletin. Pledge forms are attached with this letter and your donations can be given to the CCD or SSAP offices or through direct deposit. We can also arrange for the pick up of your checks, if that is more convenient. Official receipts will be issued and donations will be accepted until December 22, 2022. Bank details are as follows: Bank : BPI - Bank of the Philippine Islands Account Name : SSAP-CCD Account Number : 0291-0417-52 LAP will be launched on Sunday, November 27, 2022, during the 6:00 PM Mass at SSAP, which will also be live streamed on the SSAP Facebook page and YouTube channel. We hope that by that time, through your kind donations, we can fill up our Parish grounds with numerous parols, a beautiful reminder of our faith and hope in our dear Lord. Hoping for your kind consideration this year. Thank you for taking the time to read this letter. Sincerely, Kit S. Zobel de Ayala Fr. Reu Jose C. Galoy, OFM LIGHT A PAROL 2022 CHAIRPERSON SSAP PARISH PRIEST Joyce Santiago Wang Vaya Kho Katty Roxas-Chua Qua Eleanor Gonzalez Marivic Ortigas – Borromeo CCD LIGHT A PAROL 2022 COMMITTEE Note: Once the deposit has been made please send a copy via email to [email protected] the deposit slip and pledge form.

27 November 2022 17 LIGHT A PAROL YEAR 2022 PLEDGE FORM I WISH TO TO DONATE THE FOLLOWING (please check the box) NAME of DONATION/GIFT RECIPIENT to be published in the Parish Bulletin QUANTITY CATEGORY Individual Donor (9” parol) NAME OF DONOR PHP 1,000 to PHP 4,000 Parish Donor (14” parol) PHP 5,000 EMAIL ADDRESS Parish Sponsor (20” parol) PHP 10,000 Parish Benefactor (30” parol) TELEPHONE PHP 25,000 Parish Patron (40” parol) MOBILE NUMBER PHP 50,000 For check payments, write payable to SSAP–CCD COMPLETE ADDRESS RECEIVED BY (CCD REPRESENTATIVE) SIGNATURE DATE Please submit this form together with your donation to the CCD Office or Parish Office. For more information please contact Leah Azarcon Landline : 88438834 Mobile Number : 09178193542 or 09055766832 email : [email protected] Bank Account Details: Bank : BPI Island of the Philippines Payable to : SSAP-CCD Account Number : 0291 0417 52 Thank you!

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