San Pedro Calungsod

Sinulog | Queen of Mardigras - Cebu’s Grandest Festival

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 02:16:00 +0000

Sinulog is Cebu’s or even probably the Philippines’ grandest festival. It’s a bold statement to claim but if you ask anybody who has been to Sinulog they will definitely agree. With that said, Sinulog isn’t just a one day event, it is celebrate over a month with full of activities including novenas, processions, contests, parades and photo contests just to name a few.

Below is a complete list of the official Sinulog 2017 schedule of activities including their dates:

Dec. 1, 2016 January 31, 2017 — Sinulog Street Fair, Osmeña Boulevard

Dec. 30, 2016 — Sinulog Fun Run

5:00 A.M. Elimination Sinulog 2017 Dance Crew

January 5, 2017 (Thursday) — Opening Salvo: Walk with Jesus

4:00 A.M. Assembly Time (Area) Fuente Osmeña
4:30 A.M. Start of Walk-Fuente Osmeña Blvd. – Basilica del Sto. Niño
5:30 A.M. Installation of Hermano & Hermana Mayores 2017

January 6, 2017 (Friday) — Sinulog 2017 Kick Off

10:00 A.M. Sinulog Trade Fair @ SM City Cebu
2:00 P.M. Solemn Mass (Basilica Del Santo Niño)
3:00 P.M. Launching Parade (Basilica Del Santo Niño to CCSC)
5:30 P.M. Novena mass
7:00 P.M. Opening and Launching Program, Fuente Osmeña

January 7, 2017 (Saturday) — Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan

1:00 P.M. Parade of Participants (Capitol to CCSC)
2:00 P.M. Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan at CCSC
5:30 P.M. Novena mass
7:00 P.M. Ms. Cebu 2017 Pre Pageant Night @ Ayala Activity Center
10:00 P.M. Concert @ the Fuente Osmeña, Party Bands

January 8, 2017 (Sunday) — Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan

3:00 A.M. Cebu City 2017 Marathon – www.cebumarathon.net
1:00 P.M. Parade of Participants, Plaza Independencia to CCSC
2:00 P.M. Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan at CCSC
5:30 P.M. Novena mass
10:00 P.M. Concert @ the Fuente Osmeña, Party Bands

January 9, 2017 (Monday)

10:00 P.M. Concert @ the Fuente Osmeña, Party Bands
5:30 P.M. Novena mass

January 10, 2017 (Tuesday)

10:00 P.M. Concert @ the Fuente Osmeña, Party Bands
5:30 P.M. Novena mass

January 11, 2017 (Wednesday)

9:00 A.M. Airport Welcome (Balikbayan Flights)
5:30 P.M. Novena mass
7:00 P.M. Ms. Cebu 2017 Coronation Night @ Waterfront
8:00 P.M. Sinulog Idol @ Fuente Osmeña Circle9:00 P.M. Concert @ Fuente Osmeña, Party Bands

January 12, 2017 (Thursday)

9:00 A.M. Airport Welcome (Balikbayan Flights)
5:30 P.M. Novena mass
6:00 P.M. Balik Cebu, Welcome Party @ Ayala Center Cebu6:30 P.M. Sinulog Festival Queen Runway Competition and Photo shoot

January 13, 2017 (Friday) — Visual Merchandising Contest

4:00 A.M. Walk with Mary (Area) Fuente Osmeña – Sto. Niño
9:00 A.M. Solidarity Meeting (All Competing Contingent/Floats/ Higante/ Puppeteers) @ Cebu City Sports Center Gym
6:00 P.M. Sinulog 2017 Dance Crew Finals @ Cebu City Sports Center
7:30 P.M. Sinulog Festival Queen 2017 Coronation Night @ Cebu City Sports Center

January 14, 2017 (Saturday)

6:00 A.M. Fluvial Procession of the Miraculous Image of the Sto. Niño
9:00 A.M. Re-enactment of the Baptism of Queen Juana and Rajah Humabon
12:00 P.M. 12th “The Street Vibration & Big Bike Rally 2017” by V-max Owner’s Group, Inc Cebu Chapter
2:00 P.M. Solemn Procession of the Miraculous Image of Sto. Niño
7:00 P.M. Sinulog Fireworks Competition @ SM City Cebu

January 15, 2017 (Sunday) — Sinulog Grand Parade

4:00 A.M. Mañanita Mass @ Basilica del Sto. Niño
6:00 A.M. Pontifical Mass
8:00 A.M. Holy Mass @ Cebu City Sports Center
9:00 A.M. Sinulog Grand Parade Carousel Kick Off
7:00 P.M. Grand Finale and Grand Fireworks at CCSC
9:00 P.M. Pyrospectacular Show (Pyromusical Show at SM City Cebu)
9:00 P.M. – 2:00 A.M. Sinulog DJ Mixing Grand Finals Night at Fuente Osmeña Circle
12:00 MN Sinulog Fireworks at SRP

January 16, 2017 (Monday) — Awarding Ceremonies

January 20, 2017 (Friday) — “HUBO”

January. 31, 2017 — Judging Sinulog 2017 Photo Contest

Febuary 1, 2017 — Judging of Finalists in Short Film/Video Documentary and Music Video Contest

February 4, 2017

1:00 P.M. Screening of Finalists Sinulog Short Film Festival @ SM City Cebu
6:00 P.M. Awarding Ceremonies Photo Contest, Short Film and Video Documentary Contest @ SM City Cebu

February 4, 2017 – February 13, 2017 Photo Exhibit Winning Photos Sinulog 2017 @ SM City Cebu

This official Sinulog 2017 schedule of activities was provided by the Sinulog Foundation.

Now that you know the schedule of activities for Sinulog 2017 you can now plan your personal activities ahead of time. Staying updated is the best way to savor every moment of this once a year festival.

For first-timers, expect Cebu City to be “really” crowded especially during the Sinulog Grand Parade. You will see the whole city flooded with people, dancing and marrying everywhere. Expect to have parties everywhere, there will be non-stop music, drinking and just pure fun.

There will be rarely any public transportation available going to the center of the city, or probably even none. Most of the public vehicles are re-routed and people just walk all over the city. There is also a possibility that some mobile networks will have a difficulty in finding a signal. Imagine 6-8 million people crowded all over the heart of the city and most of them use their mobile phones at the same time. The network usually gets busy.

So there you have it! Plan your Sinulog activities ahead. .

Contact Information:

Sinulog Foundation Inc. Office Cebu City Sports Center Osmeña Blvd. Cebu City, Philippines
Call us at: +63-32-253-3700
Telefax : +63-32-254-5010
E-mail : info@sinulog.ph

ABS-CBN airs documentary about Pedro Calungsod, the second Filipino saint

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 25 Mar 2016 04:17:00 +0000

ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs will examine the life of the former missionary catechist and his influence on the Filipino faithful in a special documentary.

Many groups and chapels dedicated to him have sprouted not only in the Philippines and Guam, but also in the United States and other countries with Filipinos. Calungsod’s patronage also includes the youth and migrant workers for dedicating his young life to God and his missionary work.

Happy New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 01 Jan 2014 00:32:00 +0000

New year comes with glows of hopes in our mind. It gives us new confidence and courage for a fresh start. Wishing everyone to have a neverending happiness and prosperity.

Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 25 Dec 2013 00:05:00 +0000

Wishing all the Hope, Wonder and Joy that the Season can bring, and may the Holiday Spirit be with your Family and Friends today and throughout the New Year.

Merry Christmas!!!

Pedrito and the love that keeps on giving

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 07 Dec 2013 23:07:00 +0000

Aldrin and Matthew were
certainly as adorable as
Pedrito, especially with their
hearts of gold. San Pedro,
these kids are yours!

Cousins Aldrin and Matthew made my heart melt today. While selling Pedrito dolls for our ‘Abante Bisaya’ campaign, these two cute boys, together with Aldrin’s dad came to us with 2 plastic bags filled with one-peso coins, saying they want to help the typhoon victims, as well as have a Pedrito doll. They were so excited to get a doll, but then while counting, we realized they only got Php 200 (The doll costs 650). Unfortunately, I was the one tasked to tell the dad, “Sir, the doll costs Php 650.”

My heart broke into pieces as I watched as the excitement in the eyes of these two boys went from excitement to sadness. I wanted to cry as they told me, the money came from their own savings. They just wanted to help. So, together with their dad, they told us, “Okay, we will not get Pedrito anymore, but we will donate the money.” And so they left… I so wanted to give them a doll.

Pedro intervenes…

Five seconds after they left, six of us, YouthPinoy volunteers, who were there decided that we couldn’t just let them leave like that. They deserve to have that doll. Each one took his wallet and gave what they could to raise the amount needed to purchase the doll. We then looked for them; one searched all over from the 5th floor to the 1st; one hurried over to the information booth; one ran to the other building of the mall, all the while praying to San Pedro, St. Anthony, Mama Mary, to Jesus, calling all the saints, “Where are Matthew and Aldrin?”

Finding Jesus

It was a moment of grace when we found them and handed our little gift to these two young boys. It was like walking on the clouds with Jesus. We were full of smiles and laughter as we talked more with them, got to know their family and just thanked them for what they had done.

Matthew and Aldrin reminded us to keep on giving and sharing — without asking for anything in return. We found Jesus in them that day. And as we celebrate the first week of Advent, we can’t help but be thankful for the grace of knowing Matthew, Aldrin and the dad.

Truly a glorious way to start Advent.

by Jandel

Leveled-up ‘Pedrito’ fundraising to benefit typhoon victims too

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 07 Dec 2013 23:03:00 +0000

MANILA - The youth group that earlier re-launched the sale of limited-edition Pedrito Dolls to support Church-led relief operations in Bohol and Cebu after the killer earthquake last month has decided to upgrade its fundraising project to also benefit the victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda in Eastern Samar and Leyte.

YouthPinoy has gotten in touch with selected parishes in Metro Manila, looking at the possibility of directly selling Pedrito Dolls to parishioners as well as quickly raise funds for the displaced typhoon victims. The group has reportedly sold 500 dolls for the first three weeks of its fundraising via online sale. YouthPinoy officers April Frances Ortigas and Nirva’ana dela Cruz have flown to Tagbilaran to remit the proceeds of the sale to Bishop Leonardo Medroso last November 7.

“With all the recent events now in the Visayas, our task became bigger. The call to help out our brothers and sisters in need became more urgent—not only in Bohol and Cebu but to the whole island of the Visayas,” Ortigas said.

Ortigas said the decision also stemmed from the request of followers of the Saint Pedro Calungsod Facebook fanpage—which YouthPinoy administers—for Pedrito Dolls to be readily available in the market. As of press time, ordering Pedrito Dolls is still done online and payment is coursed through the bank—a process which patrons find tedious and inconvenient.

In an online poll, Facebook users supported the idea of selling Pedrito Dolls in the parishes. More than 1,000 fans have “liked” the idea of aggressively marketing the Pedrito Dolls a day after the online poll was mounted.

A certain Facebook user Ruby Beloved Joy said “yes please, that would be a lot easier to avail them. Not all parishioners have online access plus the fact that those of the purchasing age are not that techie to order online.”

The feedback from netizens has convinced the group to upgrade the sale of Pedrito Dolls, especially as proceeds are meant for the relief drive for the Visayans. Calungsod himself was a Visayan, who was claimed as a native of Cebu, Bohol and even Iloilo.

“There’s a lot of people who are willing to help and many of them sent us message through social media, text and email, requesting to have more Pedrito Dolls available. There’s a flood of orders, and we are grateful that these orders not only comes from people who wants to have a Pedrito Doll, but people who have generous hearts for the Filipinos,” she added.

Ortigas said that YouthPinoy volunteers—who tag themselves as Online Missionaries for using social media as a tool for evangelization—are offering their time and energy not only to raise funds for the victims of calamities in the Visayas, but to also continue promoting the life and martyrdom of Calungsod.

“The call to help, the call to reach out and the call to extend this mission is strongly present in our hearts because too many have lost their lives and properties. Too many people need help so we are extending more of St. Pedro. Through these dolls, we could help more people and we could touch more lives. Letting them know that St. Pedro Calungsod is praying for us and is with us amid these trying times,” Ortigas said.

YouthPinoy adviser Msgr. Pedro Quitorio said proceeds of the upgraded Pedrito Doll sale will be channeled primarily to the diocese of Borongan in Eastern Samar and archdiocese of Palo in Leyte. This excludes the dioceses of Tagbilaran and Talibon in Bohol and the archdiocese of Cebu, which were the initial beneficiaries of the fundraising after being hit by a 7.2 –magnitude earthquake last October 15.

Meanwhile, thousands of Visayans are reeling from the aftermath of the devastation caused by Yolanda, which made land fall in various Philippine islands over the weekend. At least 10,000 unidentified people are feared to have perished due to the strongest typhoon recorded in world history.

Each Pedrito Doll is sold at P650 and under the YouthPinoy fundraising project, the P100 proceeds of each doll will be donated to Church-led relief operations in the affected dioceses. Pending the announcement on which parish will host the Pedrito Sale, placing of orders is still coursed through youthpinoy.com. (YouthPinoy)

Bohol bishop thanks ‘Pedrito’ buyers for generosity

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 07 Dec 2013 22:58:00 +0000

TAGBILARAN City - The Bishop of Tagbilaran expressed his gratitude to the hundreds of ‘Pedrito’ doll patrons after receiving the first remittance of donations from the sale of the said dolls.

“I thank these people who buy these dolls of San Pedro Calungsod…They were not afraid that they would be deceived. They were so generous,” Bishop Leonardo Medroso said in an exclusive interview upon meeting YouthPinoy Vice President Sky Ortigas, who flew to Boholto remit P50,000 in initial donations from the sale of ‘Pedrito’ dolls to the Diocese of Tagbilaran.

Willingness to help

Bishop Medroso praised ‘Pedrito’ buyers for not just wanting to have a ‘Pedrito’ doll of their own, but for being willing to give money that will “help other people suffering in Bohol.”

This intention, according to him, is admirable and demonstrates Filipinos’ readiness to help others.

“They know that this money of theirs that they used to buy this small [doll] will go to the relief, rehabilitation and restoration of our communities here in Bohol destroyed by the earthquake,” Bishop Medroso added.

Still recovering

Since the earthquake, everyday life has yet to return to normal with super typhoon ‘Yolanda’ cutting off power and water supply in the province of Bohol.

At present, the city of Tagbilaran enjoys water and electricity rationing, while the power situation in nearby towns like Calape, Loon and others is expected to stabilize within a month with most areas suffering from daily brown outs.

Online orders for ‘Pedrito’ may still be made through http://youthpinoy.com/home/order-your-own-pedrito-doll/.

From the P650.00 sale price of one ‘Pedrito’, P100.00 goes to the restoration and rehabilitation of Bohol.

For more information, email pedritodolls@gmail.com [Nirva’ana Ella Delacruz]

by Jandel

In Dire Need of Aid

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 17 Nov 2013 08:50:00 +0000

One week ago Typhoon Haiyan, one of the most powerful storms on record, hit our Country causing widespread devastation and thousands of fatalities. Today, an estimated two million people are still homeless and in dire need of aid in wake of the typhoon. Please consider donating to the aid effort via recognized relief organizations. Thank you.

DSWD
Dollar bank account: Land Bank of the Philippines
3124-0055-81

Philippine Red Cross
http://redcross.org.ph/donatenow

World Food Programme
http://wfp.org/donate/typhoon

Save the Children
http://rplr.co/stcdonatehaiyan

UNICEF
http://rplr.co/unicefdonatehaiyan

Habitat for Humanity
http://rplr.co/habitatdonatehaiyan

A Chapel for San Pedro Calungsod

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 29 Oct 2013 07:59:00 +0000

Since it opened last May, SM Aura Premier has been synonymous with luxury and global brands. Yet it still believes in enriching the community’s spiritual needs with the recent launching of the San Pedro Calungsod Chapel at the mall’s top level.

Surrounded by the Skypark with its lush greens and water features, the Chapel is the perfect place to stop, rest, and reflect. It is named in honor of San Pedro Calungsod, the first Visayan saint, who is considered a role model for the youth. Martyred in Guam for his missionary work in 1672, he was beatified by Blessed Pope John Paul II on March 5, 2000 and canonized by Pope Benedict XVI at Saint Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City on October 21, 2012.

Located at the mall’s top level, it gives worshippers a top of the world, closer-to-God feeling with its unorthodox yet highly aesthetic and tubular design. Shaped like an abstract cave, it has a semi-circular opening that evokes images of the cave of the Resurrection. Gracefully designed ribs lead to the backlit altar-front, inviting the faithful inside for reflection and prayer. The wood and marble finishes give the Chapel a simple natural feel. It also has 12 stations of the Cross, a statue of San Pedro Calungsod and the Virgin Mary.

The Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod’s dedication ceremony began with the unveiling of the marker took place, by SM chairman Henry Sy Sr., Mrs. Felicidad T. Sy and their family with Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano. Bishop Mylo Hubert Vergara, Dd. led the dedication ceremony and concelebrated Mass with members of the Sy family and their guests. The bishop later presided the chapel’s ceremonial turn over to its chaplain Fr. Romy Samaniego.

Capping the event was a MOA signing by SM Prime Holdings president Hans T. Sy and SM Hotels and Convention Corporations President Elizabeth T. Sy with Rev. Father Mariano Baranda, Chancellor of the Diocese of Pasig.

Quietly elegant, the Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod can seat almost 300 people. Masses schedule are Mondays to Saturdays 12 noon and 5 p.m. and on Sundays, 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. .

The Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod is located at the 7th level of SM Aura Premier, 26th Street Corner McKinley Parkway in Taguig City.

Pedro image to tour Cebu, Leyte parishes

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 20 Oct 2013 23:24:00 +0000

To celebrate the first year since Pedro Calungsod became a saint, the Archdiocese of Cebu plans to bring his image to different parishes in Cebu and in Naval, Leyte starting tomorrow.

After a 10 a.m. mass at the St. Pedro Calungsod Parish in the South Road Properties today, the image of the young Cebuano saint will start its “Duaw Lungsod 2013” leg at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, then would proceed to the Sto. Tomas Villanueva Parish in Danao City tomorrow.

The mass at the chapel will be celebrated by Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma and would serve as formal kick-off for the Duaw Lungsod.

The Duaw Lungsod starts today until Nov. 30, said Margarita Matheu, a member of the Archdiocese’s Secretariat.

From Danao City, the Cebuano saint’s image will be brought to the parishes in the towns of Daanbantayan, San Remegio, Balamban, Barili, Ginatilan, Samboan, Boljoon, Dalaguete, and Argao.

Cities

The image of St. Pedro Calungsod will also be visiting the cities of Carcar, Lapu-Lapu and Cebu City, particularly the Sto. Rosario and San Nicolas parishes.

The image will also travel to its namesake parish in Barangay Cantabaco in Toledo City on Nov. 2.

While on Nov. 16 to 18, the image will be brought to the parishes belonging to the Diocese of Naval in Leyte.

On Nov. 30, the image will be brought to the Templete at the SRP for a pontifical mass.

On Oct. 21 last year, then Pope Benedict XVI formally canonized St. Pedro Calungsod along with six new saints at the Vatican City.

Postponement

While the Archdiocese of Cebu postponed the 9th Visayas Pastoral Assembly in Consolacion, Cebu today due to the effects of the earthquake that hit Cebu and Bohol last week.

Matheu told Sun.Star Cebu yesterday that due to earthquake and the series of aftershocks that had rocked Cebu and Bohol, Palma decided to postponed the event with respect to the Diocese of Talibon and Tagbilaran in Bohol.

Both dioceses were severely hit by the earthquake, Matheu said.

Attending bishops and clerics from the dioceses of Tagbilaran, Talibon, Dumaguete and Maasin were supposed to join Palma in celebrating the first feast anniversary of St. Pedro Calungsod.

This year’s assembly was supposed to tackle the pastoral plans set by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the PhilipP) for next year.

By Justin K. Vestil
SunStar Cebu

‘Pedrito’ dolls relaunched to help rebuild Bohol churches

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 19 Oct 2013 19:28:00 +0000

Emely Lingat, 20-year-old, a staff of the New Media
committee of the National Commission for Calungsod
canonization shows some of their Pedrito dolls in honor
to patron Saint Pedro Calungsod. Some priests suggest that
instead of robots, Pedrito dolls is a perfect gift for children
this christmas. The doll is worth 650php at CBCP.
INQUIRER PHOTO/JOAN BONDOC

MANILA, Philippines – Buy a stuffed doll fashioned after Pedro Calungsod, the country’s second Filipino saint, and help the victims of the Central Visayas killer quake.

The Catholic group YouthPinoy has relaunched Pedrito, the Calungsod doll, to raise funds for the restoration of the churches damaged by the 7.2-magnitude earthquake that hit Bohol and Cebu provinces as well as to help bring the calamity victims’ lives back to normal.

For every Pedrito doll sold, P100 will be donated to Church-led relief and restoration operations in Bohol and Cebu.

Each doll still costs P650, the same price at which it was sold a year ago for the October 21 canonization of Pedro Calungsod.

LOBOC CHURCH (Bohol)
Located on the banks of the Loboc River,
the Parish Church of San Pedro and San Pablo was built
in the 17th and 18th centuries by the Jesuits.
It was enlarged in the 18th and 19th centuries by
the Augustinian Recollects. The 19th-century additions
included a bell tower, porticoes in the façade and the
funeral chapel. Paintings were added in the 20th century.
The church was converted into a major part
of a three-story convent

According to YouthPinoy officer in charge April Frances Ortigas, it is just fitting for Calungsod, considered a native son of the Visayas, to “help” in the restoration of the Church in his hometown after the loss of lives and properties, including that of centuries-old churches, due to the powerful earthquake.

“We are relaunching the Pedrito dolls, with the proceeds of the sale to go to the victims of the earthquake in Cebu and Bohol. We in YouthPinoy believe that St. Pedro Calungsod is telling us to help his kababayan rebuild the Church there, by which we mean not only the structures but the hearts of the people and their faith in God,” Ortigas said in a statement.

She added that the Pedrito dolls would also remind Filipinos that they could be “little saints” themselves by helping the needy, especially those who are displaced and left homeless by the calamity.

“We can be little saints in our own ways. Through these Pedrito dolls, we are helping propagate the life and example of St. Pedro and also helping rebuild the Church in the Visayas,” Ortigas said.

The 15-inch Pedrito doll, conceptualized by the New Media Committee under the National Commission of the Canonization of Pedro Calungsod, was brought to Rome as a way of sharing updates about Calungsod’s sainthood.

The doll, which carries a “missionary” sling bag and an iPad cum Doctrina Christiana, was said to be the personification of a missionary youth or “lakwatserong misyonaryo.”

The “traveling and embraceable” image of the martyr has already been to the Vatican City during the canonization of Calungsod and to Rio de Janeiro for the recent World Youth Day in Brazil.

LOAY CHURCH (BOHOL)
The Church of Santisima Trinidad was built in 1882.
It was declared a national historical landmark
on Aug. 18 2003.

In an interview with YouthPinoy, New Media Committee head Eilleen Esteban explained how Pedrito was meant to adopt the very Pinoy culture of “picture-picture” by having Pedrito meet pilgrims, have his picture taken with them and post them on social media as part of a geotagging tracking of his whereabouts.

More Pedritos became available to the general public due to a high interest generated by the doll.

Esteban cautioned that the dolls should not be mistaken for religious images to be venerated on altars.

Calungsod, born in the Visayas, was a lay catechist who died while conducting missionary work in the Ladrones Islands, later named Marianas Islands, on April 2, 1672. He was struck by a spear and his skull split by a machete blow. His body was later thrown into the sea.

BACLAYON CHURCH (Bohol)
The Baclayon Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate
Conception is one of the oldest churches
in the Philippines. The church, made from coral stone
cut from the sea, was completed in 1727.
It was declared a national historical landmark in 1994.

He was beatified by Pope John Paul II on March 5, 2000, and was canonized on Oct. 21, 2012.

Those interested to buy Pedrito dolls may visit www.youthpinoy.com/home/order-your-own-pedrito-doll to make a reservation.

Ortigas said buyers would receive instructions regarding payment and pick-up or shipment in an e-mail confirmation of their reservation.

By Tina G. Santos
Philippine Daily Inquirer

St. Pedrito Dolls for quake-ruined churches

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 19 Oct 2013 19:10:00 +0000

Pedrito Dolls! This iconic toy is great for gifts to your siblings,
children and godchildren OR even to yourself!
Place your orders now because this is for a limited time only!
Each doll costs P650/each and are only available in the Philippines.

The public will again have a chance to own a limited edition of the “Pedrito Doll” of San Pedro Calungsod.

Youth Pinoy is relaunching the Pedrito Dolls in a bid to raise funds to help restore the churches ruined by the recent earthquake in Bohol and Cebu as well as help aid victims of the calamity.

YouthPinoy officer-in-charge April Frances “Sky” Ortigas said it is just fitting for Calungsod, who is considered a native son of the Visayas, to “help” in the restoration of the centuries-old churches damanged by the 7.2-magnitude earthquake.

“We are relaunching the Pedrito Dolls as proceeds of the sale will go to the victims of the earthquake in Cebu and Bohol. We in YouthPinoy believe that St. Pedro Calungsod is telling us to help his ‘kababayans’ by helping rebuild the Church there, by which we mean not only the structures but the hearts of the people and their faith in God,” she said in an article posted on the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Phippines (CBCP) website.

Ortigas added that the Pedrito Dolls also remind Filipinos that they can be “little saints” themselves by helping the needy, especially those who are displaced and left homeless by the calamity.

“We can be little saints in our own ways. Through these Pedrito Dolls, we are helping propagate the life and example of St. Pedro and also help rebuild the Church in the Visayas,” she said.

For every Pedrito Doll sold, Ortigas said, P100 will be donated to Church-led relief and restoration operations in Bohol and Cebu.

Each doll costs P650, the same price it was sold for a year ago during the October 21 canonization of Pedro Calungsod.

Those who are interested to buy Pedrito Dolls, log on to http://youthpinoy.com/home/order-your-own-pedrito-doll/ to make a reservation. Buyers will receive further instructions regarding payment and pick up or shipment in an email confirming receipt of their reservation.

The Pedrito Dolls were originally launched in 2012 to help promote awareness about the second Filipino saint. The “travelling and embraceable” image of the martyr has already been to the Vatican City during the canonization of Pedro Calungsod and in Rio de Janeiro for the recent World Youth Day in Brazil.

by Leslie Ann Aquino
Manila Bulletin

Pope Francis to bless Calungsod Image

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 18 Oct 2013 13:57:00 +0000

Pope Francis will bless a mosaic image of San Pedro Calungsod, the second Filipino saint, at the Vatican’s St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, Italy on November 21, said Cebu Archbishop and outgoing Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) president Jose Palma.

The blessing of the image of the Visayan martyr will be followed by a mass to be officiated by Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle.

“The Holy Father said he will just do the blessing and told the cardinal (Tagle) to say the mass,” the prelate said at the Philippine Conference on New Evangelization (PCNE) held at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila from October 16 to 18.

Palma said he and some other bishops will fly to Rome for the occasion Calungsod’s image will be placed permanently inside the basilica alongside the image of San Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint, whose image has been there for the last 25 years.

Palma said it is an honor for the Philippine Church that another Filipino saint will have an image inside the basilica aside from San Lorenzo Ruiz.

“We should feel privileged that the image of our two saints will be seen when you go to the St. Peter’s Basilica.”

Christina I. Hermoso
Manila Bulletin

Sevilleno, Largo shine in St. Pedro Calungsod Run

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 14 Oct 2013 01:19:00 +0000

CHRISTY Sevilleno and Michael Largo captured the 10-kilometer crowns in yesterday’s “Saint Pedro Calungsod Fun Run: Walk of Faith, A Run for Truth.”

Around 2,000 runners answered the starting gun for this running event that is held in line with the celebration of the feast of Saint Pedro Calungsod.

In the end, it was Sevilleno who stood out as she reached the finish line at the Ayala Center Cebu’s the Terraces in 47 minutes and 24 seconds to win the women’s crown.

Largo, on the other hand, crossed the finish line in 36 minutes and 36 seconds to top the men’s division.

The proceeds of the running event will be used for the scholarship program of the Saint Pedro Calungsod chapel administration for deserving altar boys and servers.

Meanwhile, Joel Delposo emerged victorious in 5k category, finishing the race in 17 minutes and 31 seconds for the men’s crown.

The Delechos siblings, Keisha Mae and Irish, finished first and second, respectively, in the distaff side. Keisha Mae topped the race with a time of 23:31 while Irish clocked 23:37 to finish second.

In the 3k race, Andog Mejares and Joy Postanes came out on top. Mejares topped the race in 10:41 while Postanes clocked 15:19 to win the female side.

The running event was handled by race director Joel Juarez and Cebu Ultra Runners Club president Tony Galon.

DALE G. ROSAL
Cebu Daily News

Church kicks off Pedro’s anniversary

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 14 Oct 2013 01:15:00 +0000

Novena prayers marking the nine-day preparations for the first anniversary of the canonization of St. Pedro Calungsod started last Saturday.

The church celebrations on Oct. 21 will focus on four sites – the new San Pedro Calungsod Chapel in SM Seaside City, the Calungsod Archdiocesan Shrine in D. Jakosalesm Street, the San Pedro Calungsod parish in barangay Cantabaco, Toledo City as well as the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral.

Msgr. Vicente Tupas, rector of the Calungsod Chapel, whose modern design features 100 walls of different heights and widths, presided over the 6 p.m. Mass yesterday.

Oct. 21 is the day Calungsod, the teenage Visayan martyr, was officially declared a saint in Rome a year ago.

His feast day is celebrated on April 2, marking his death in Guam where he was part of a Jesuit mission and was killed by native Chamorro people in 1672.
On Oct. 21, Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma will lead a concelebrated Mass at 4 p.m. at the cathedral, seat of the Cebu Archdiocese.

Margie Mattheu, executive secretary of the Pastoral Planning Board, said three archbishops and 14 bishops are expected to attend the Mass which will also open the 9th Visayas Regional Pastoral Assembly in Cebu City.

The Mass will also kick off the Duaw Lungsud/Nasud where Calungsod’s image will be brought to different places in Cebu and in Naval, Leyte
Also on Oct. 21, a procession will be held inside the Archbishop’s Residence compound where the Calungsod shrine is located.

The Rosary will be prayed every 5 p.m. followed by daily novena Mass at the shrine presided by Msgr. Ildebrando Leyson.

The Cebu celebration is led by the Commission for the Promotion of the Devotion to San Pedro Calungsod headed by Msgr. Cayetano Gelbolinogo with Msgr. Marnel Mejia and Fr. Charles Louis Jayme.

By Ador Vincent S. Mayol
Cebu Daily News

Calungsod chapel bares fiesta activities

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 14 Oct 2013 00:57:00 +0000

The Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod at the SM Seaside Complex in South Road Properties, Cebu City will celebrate its first fiesta celebration that coincides with the first anniversary of the canonization of the Visayan Saint on Oct. 21.

The theme for this celebration is “San Pedro Calungsod…A Man of Faith…A Man of Truth.”

The celebration will begin with a Mass at 6 p.m. on Oct. 12. Novena is set from Oct. 12 to 20 at 3 p.m., to be followed by a Holy Mass at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. There will be a 9 a.m. Mass on Oct. 13 and 20. Presentations from different choir groups happen is scheduled 5:30 p.m.

A solemn procession is on Oct. 20 at 6:45 p.m. from the Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod going to the Mambaling flyover, and back to SM Seaside Complex. On the feast day on Oct. 21, a Holy Mass will be celebrated at 8 a.m. to be followed by the Pontifical Mass at 10 a.m. Masses will also be offered at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. on the same day.

There will be a Sky Lantern display on Oct. 12 at 7 p.m. and a run-for-a-cause, Run for San Pedro Calungsod on Oct. 13 at 4 a.m. at the SM Seaside Complex. The run will feature 3K, 5K, and 10K distances.

Artist Mar Vidal will conduct a free art workshop for the acolytes from the different Cebu parishes on Oct. 19 at 8 a.m. at the chapel’s function hall. A poster-making contest will follow at noon. Winners of the contest will be announced during the 6 p.m. Mass. The winning entries will be displayed for public viewing in SM City Cebu on Oct. 20 and 21.

A fireworks display will be on Oct. 20 at 8 p.m. and on Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. Libera, a boys’ choir from England, will perform on Oct. 31 at 8 p.m. at the chapel.

For ticket inquiries, call the Arts Council of Cebu at 233-0452.

Cebu Daily News

The Saint A Year After

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 14 Oct 2013 00:42:00 +0000

For a young man with humble beginnings, Pedro Calungsod is now being accorded with a 10-day celebration for his deep devotion and fidelity to the Catholic faith.

From an acolyte to a saint. That's a career path the millions of us will never get to tread. I have no problem with that; I'm fine as an erring human with a hearty appetite. Just so you know, Calungsod's life was not anywhere near ours. His was full of drama, suspense, danger and lots of masses and hours of kneeling.

From what researchers have dug about him, Calungsod was not one who hogged attention.

He was not one who would take a selfie 10 times a day and post each selfie on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. He would have shied away from the limelight, which he will have much of this month.

We give special attention to Calungsod every October starting last year when he became what we would never ever become: a saint. He was canonized on Oct. 21, 2012 in Rome.

A modern chapel and a templete have been built in his honor at the SM Seaside Complex at the South Reclamation Properties (SRP). The chapel is an architectural delight with its 100 uneven walls and streamlined interiors. I was there for the first time yesterday for the press conference on the first year anniversary celebration of the canonization of San Pedro Calungsod.

The chapel seats 800 people but only about 50 attend the single mass at 6 p.m. every day except Sunday. There are two masses on Sunday, at 9 a.m. and at 6 p.m. The SPC Chapel is open the whole day for supplicants who wish to offer their intentions and take selfies, not necessarily in this order.

Msgr. Vicente Tupas Jr., rector of the SPC Chapel, says that since the sainthood of Calungsod, devotees have told him of the "graces and miracles" they have received through the intercession of San Pedro Calungsod.

On Oct. 12-20, the chapel will have daily activities to promote the feast of Saint Pedro Calungsod. Novena prayers and masses will be held every 3:45 p.m. and again at 5:45 p.m., and a chaplet of the Divine Mercy and Holy Rosary at 3 p.m.

It's not all prayers though. Not everyone has the focus and endurance to pray like the late Pedro Calungsod or the Pope. So there's a poster-making contest and a free art workshop, a medical outreach by the Sweet Alert Society, and a fun run.

The fun run on October 20, Sunday, is going to be held at the Cebu Business Park. The distances are 3K, 5K and 10K and finishers of each distance get a medal.

The medal, engraved with the face of San Pedro Calungsod, is blessed. A runner who cheated on the distance will be revealed when he starts to burn upon wearing the medal. (Joke only, Msgr. Tupas.) Calungsod was a man of truth so piyait must die.

Sorry, I meant, cheaters have no chance at sainthood.

Big day is on October 21, Monday. Expect traffic congestion at the SRP leading to the San Pedro Calungsod Chapel.

Pilgrims who travelled to Rome last year for the canonization of Calungsod have a special mass at 8 a.m., just before the pontifical mass at 10 a.m. Since they're pilgrims, they will not mind hearing another mass even if it's a longer one. They did this in Romehear two, three Calungsod masses a day. But it would really be a stretch if they wait for, and attend, another mass at 4 p.m.

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma has described Pedro Calungsod as "a very popular saint." Let's boost his popularity by taking part in the celebration of his first anniversary of his canonization.

Calungsod was Bisdak.

Michelle P. So
Caught in the Net

San Pedro Calungsod Movie

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 14 Oct 2013 00:31:00 +0000

Francis O. Villacorta’s film “San Pedro Calungsod: Batang Martir”

“Hopefully by mid-November we have a complete film. We will also have a shoot in Cebu,” Villacorta said.

Villacorta also said this is not the typical MMFF film because this will give the audience a glimpse at what and how far Christianity has gone since 1668 during the mission of San Pedro Calungsod.

Effect to the young

He believes that the film will have a positive effect on the youth citing that life doesn’t have to be long to be able to make something of it.

“Just like San Pedro Calungsod, it was a short life but a meaningful one. That’s why we are celebrating him in this film. There should be a celebration of Christianity which is our aim and hope of this film,” Villacorta added.

When asked how would they draw the attention of Filipinos to watch the movie, he stressed that the audience will appreciate the adventure, fears and tensions in the film.

“I hope the youngsters will watch the film because the story telling is great and they will realize that the saint had done something admirable that should be a model [for all]. We want to tell the youth to be like San Pedro Calungsod wherein the sacrifices he did in the name of Jesus Christ and the Christian faith was very admirable,” he added.

His advocacy as a film maker is to affect people’s lives thus doing works on the lives of saints in film and theater.

“Hopefully this will be a hit but if now, we will still be happy because what we really want is that this will have an effect in the lives of the audience in a small positive Christian way,” Villacorta furthered.

Meanwhile, Ina Tiongson from the HPI Synergy Group, the producer of the film emphasized they are doing the film not for the money.

“This is something different and not your typical commercial film. So we think that this is something that we should do,” she added.

The film is slated for a nationwide theatrical release on December 2013.

Rocco Nacino replaces JM de Guzman in San Pedro Calungsod biopic

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 06 Jul 2013 23:35:00 +0000

Ang Kapuso actor na si Rocco Nacino (kaliwa) ang napiling pumalit kay JM de Guzman (kanan)
upang gumanap bilang San Pedro Calungsod sa biopic ng Pilipinong santo.

Ang Kapuso actor na si Rocco Nacino ang kapalit ni JM de Guzman sa biofilm na San Pedro Calungsod, Batang Martir, official entry sa 39th Metro Manila Film Festival sa December 2013.

July 6, ay kinumpirma ito sa PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) ng writer-director ng pelikula na si Francis Villacorta at ng Hubo Productions, ang producer ng pelikula headed by Ida Tiongson.

Sa nakaraang exclusive interview ng PEP kay Direk Francis, sinabi nitong si JM ang "ideal actor" upang gumanap sa much-coveted role ng bagong santong Pilipino mula sa Cebu.

Kung kaya't sa simula pa lang nang i-conceptualize ni Direk Francis ang proyekto more than two years ago ay si JM na ang kanyang nasa isip.

Pero lumipas ang mga buwan at marami nga ang nangyari, tulad ng hindi pagkakatuloy i-produce ng ibang indie producers ang pelikula, at may mga personal na "pinagdaanan" si JM sa kanyang buhay.

Hanggang sa ang ama na nitong si Ronniel de Guzman ang personal na tumawag kay Direk Francis na wini-withdraw na ang partisipasyon ng anak sa proyekto dahil sa "health reason."

Ayaw raw ng ama ni JM na mag-take ng risk ang production, sakaling magkaroon ng "aberya" sa daloy ng shooting nang dahil kay JM.

Kung kaya't kahit gustung-gusto nilang mag-ama gawin ang project, nag-sacrifice na lamang si Mr. de Guzman to withdraw his son from doing it.

Nirespeto naman ng production ang desisyong ito ng ama ni JM, at laking pasasalamat na rin nila sa kanya sa concern.

FINDING THE REPLACEMENT. Dahil sa pangyayaring ito ay ilang araw ring nagdiskusyon ang mga tao sa likod ng San Pedro Calungsod, Batang Martir kung sino bang aktor ang nararapat na kapalit ni JM.

Nakapag-contract signing na nga kasi ang producers with Direk Francis noong July 3 sa Makati office ng Hubo Productions, bukod pa sa naisumite na ng produksiyon ang P500,000 bond sa Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), ang organisasyon na namamahala sa taunang MMFF.

Ilan sa mga aktor na nakunsidera upang gumanap sa pangunahing tauhan ay sina Coco Martin, Dominic Roco, Paulo Avelino, Alden Richards, Kristoffer Martin, at Enchong Dee.

Nakapag-inquire ang production sa ilan sa mga managers/ handlers ng mga nabanggit na aktor. Pero yung iba'y hindi swak ang schedule at ang iba nama'y na-consider at hanggang deliberation pa lamang among the group at hindi na umabot sa formal inquiry.

Hanggang si Rocco Nacino na nga ang naging final choice to play Pedro Calungsod sa MMFF film.

Sabi ni Direk Francis, "Ilang araw rin kaming nag-usap sa production, with my executive producer and associate producer.

"Ipinagdasal ko rin siyempre kay San Pedro Calungsod to enlighten my mind to choose kung sino ang magpi-fit sa role.

"Aside from JM, si Rocco kasi, based on the physical traits, hindi nalalayo kay San Pedro among our actors sa generation nila.

"Pinoy looks, tama lang ang height, can act, and nakatulong din sa weight ng decision yung pag-portray niya ng Pedro Calungsod in television last year."

Last October 2012, sa "kainitan" ng historical canonization ni Calungsod—kasama ang iba pang bagong santo mula sa buong mundo—sa Saint Peter's Basilica sa Vatican City, Rome, Italy, naglabas ang GMA News TV ng mini-documentary program sa buhay at kamatayan ng nasabing martir. Si Rocco ang gumanap na bida rito.

Wala nang inaksaya pang panahon si Direk Francis in looking for his "final" Calungsod nang mag-withdraw si JM, kaya kinausap agad nito si David Fabros, ang head ng GMA Artist Center, ang talent management arm ng GMA-7 kunsaan contract artist si Rocco.

Kuwento ni Francis, "Hindi kami nahirapang kausap ang GMA Artist Center dahil siguro they believe in the project.

"Aayusin lang ang schedule ni Rocco dahil may regular taping days siya ng teleserye niya.

"I was informed na Rocco is excited about this good news, and he doesn't feel a bit uneasy for being a replacement only or dahil second choice siya.

"Naniniwala akong given the right motivation, passion, and understanding of the character of Calungsod, Rocco can play the role well, with justice.

"After all, baka it's God's will talaga na mapunta sa kanya ang role, through the intercession of San Pedro Calungsod."

WITH BLESSING. Kasalukuyan pang inaayos ang ibang detalye para sa formal contract signing ni Rocco para sa paggawa niya ng pelikula.

Pero officially ay may "basbas" na ito ng direktor, base sa pagsang-ayon na rin verbally ni Fabros sa komunikasyon nito kay Villacorta.

Sa pamamagitan naman ng text message na ipinadala ni Rocco sa PEP associate editor na si Erwin Santiago kaninang umaga, ipinarating ng aktor ang kanyang kasiyahan sa pagkakapili sa kanya upang gumanap bilang San Pedro Calungsod.

Aniya, "I feel honored to be considered for the role. I'm just happy to be part of the project."

Samantala, masaya rin ang producer ng pelikula na si Ida Tiongson sa naging takbo ng mga pangyayari, dahil naging healthy naman daw ang discussion ng production sa aktor na papalit kay JM.

Sabi ni Ida, "I am happy, at ease, and at peace now that we have a new actor to portray Pedro Calungsod.

"Hindi biro ang maghanap ng aktor to play the part 'coz after all, he's a new Filipino saint.

"For some reasons, I can see in Rocco's eyes that he can deliver the role of San Pedro Calungsod.

"Of course, I also trust the vision of our director, Francis, who created this material and he has researched to do the script for more than two years.

"I'm glad that you introduced me to him."

Si Ida ay isang bagong film producer, at isa sa mga na-produce na indie films ng kanilang Hubo Productions ay ang In Nomine Matris, nanalo ng Gender Sensitivity Award at Best Festival Actress for Liza Diño sa New Wave Section ng MMFF 2012.

A few days ago ay naisumite na ni Direk Francis ang formal letter nila informing the MMFF Executive Committee na si Rocco na ang kapalit ni JM. The letter was addressed to MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino, thru Jesse Ejercito na chairman naman ng MMFF.

Kasamang isinumite ni Francis ang formal waiver na pirmado ng ama ni JM na si Mr. Ronniel de Guzman, na pormal na pinuntahan ng una.

Kabilang pa rin sa original cast ng San Pedro Calungsod, Batang Martir sina Christian Vazquez, Ryan Eigenmann, Robert Correa, Carlo Gonzalez, Arthur Solinap, Mico Palanca, Geoff Taylor, Isadora Velasquez, BJ Forbes, Cholo Barretto, Johnron Tañada, at Kiko Matos.

Si San Pedro Calungsod ay isang Katoliko at tubong-Cebu.

Isa siyang migrant, sakristan, at missionary catechist.

Kasama ang Spanish Jesuit missionary na si Padre Diego Luis de San Vitores, nakaranas siya ng matinding pagpapahirap mula sa mga Chamorro natives sa Marianas (old Guam) sa kanilang pagpapalaganap ng Salita ng Diyos noong 1672, hangggang sa naging martir sila't namatay sa ngalan ng Kristiyanismo.

Pormal na na-beatify si Calungsod noong March 2000, by Pope John Paul II, at na-canonize bilang ikalawang santong Pinoy, ni Pope Benedict XVI, at Saint Peter's Basilica in Vatican City noong October 2012.

Pilgrims to promote ‘Barkada ni Pedro’ at World Youth Day

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 06 Jul 2013 00:57:00 +0000

Thirty-eight pilgrims from the Commission on Youth of the Archdiocese of Cebu will bring ‘Barkada ni Pedro’ (BNP) to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil during the World Youth Day celebration this month.

Marlito Cabigas, BNP administrator, said the delegation will promote San Pedro Calungsod to the participants of this international youth gathering through the facebook fan page.

If they ‘like’ the page, they will receive daily updates about San Pedro Calungsod and our Catholic faith.

Age not a bar for youngsters to pursue their civic duty

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 20 May 2013 06:23:00 +0000

Young members of the San Pedro Calungsod Parish Church in Toledo City reported for election duties for C-Cimpel in the last elections.

A number of volunteers from the Parish Youth Coordinating Council (PYCC) of Toledo City brought Election Returns (ER) of Toledo City to the operations center of the Cebu Citizen’s Involvement and Maturation in People Empowerment and Liberation (C-Cimpel) last Friday.

The youngsters, some even too young to vote, shared their experiences and motivation to go on election duty as poll watchers or C-Cimpel Voters Assistance Center volunteers.

Ruben Sucalit, an 18-year old Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education student, Gretchelle Famor, 17 and Rolando Nuezana, 15 were in the C-Cimpel main office in the San Carlos Seminary in barangay Mabolo, Cebu City to turn over ERs from Toledo City.

C-Cimpel fielded poll watchers in Cebu’s 3,169 polling precincts and also established Voting Assistance Centers in polling centers around Cebu.

C-Cimpel receives copies of the ERs in behalf of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) and the National Citizen’s Movement for Free Election (Namfrel).

Productive

Sucalit, said PYCC has 55 volunteers in C-Cimpel. He said they volunteered for election duties to do something productive this summer.

“We volunteered since we want to experience something that we have not yet done,” Sucalit said.

According to Sucalit, C-Cimpel poll watchers in Toledo City had a two-day training in April.

And young as they are, their were moments they became nervous during their election duty because of rumors circulating about troublemakers roaming around.

Sucalit, an ER collector and at the same time a poll watcher said: “Makuyawan ko sa kong experience as election returns collector kay ingon nila na kuyaw ang election karon kay although dili sya gubot, pero hilom kayo ang pamaagi.”

(I was afraid of my role as ER collector because some people said the election now is dangerous.)

These young men sacrificed their hours of sleep in order to be early during the election. Although you cannot see outward trouble, the election operators are doing their jobs silently.)

“We were already at the polling centers at 6 a.m. no matter how far the place would be, still we have to be there since it is our obligation,” Sucalit said.

No complaints

Sucalit and his other friends worked from 6 a.m. last Monday until 5 a.m. the next day.

These young men although they were up the whole election period, never complained. “Dungan mi ug uli atong higayona and we were so hyper. Wala mi doula ug kakapoy. Naanad nasad mi tungod sa among pagka PYCC nadala na lang sad ang training and our pastor and parish church also were there to support us,” Famor said.

(We went home together still very energitic. We are used to it, because we were trained in the PYCC, and our pastor and parish were there to support us.)

Although Famor and Nuezana, were not yet of voting age, they were assigned at the Volunteer Assistance Center and were tasked to guide voters to their assigned voting precincts. “We were the ones who assisted the people where their respective precincts are. And because we have to engage with people, we should not be shy in facing them,” Famor said.

“We assisted the oldies and the pregnant women and we were the ones who were confronted by people who had complaints in finding their precincts,” she added.

Nuezana, the youngest of the group said: “Kung unsay nakat-onan namo sa seminar, na di mo tubay sa makiglalis kay C-Cimpel mi, among gi apply among na learn.” (We applied what we were taught, not to argue with voters.)

“Nakat-on ug pataas pasensya kay daghan lahi lahi ug batasan during election. Naay uban aborido kayo ang ulo during sa pag pangita sa names nila,” he said.

(We have learned to be patient because we dealt with people whose demeanors are different. There are those whose tempers are already high because of difficulty looking for their names.)

And still fresh from the challenging election duties, these youngsters are setting their sights on another task – serving in the Flores de Mayo.

“Kami nagdala sa Flores de Mayo. Naa pa mi trabaho sa church, pero gi sacrifice sa to namo para sa election. Gi-tunga namo among manpower para sa C-Cimpel and Flores de Mayo,” Nuezana said. (We were in charge of the Flores de Mayo. We just took off from that duty to serve the election.)

The youngsters said that they volunteered because they want to develop themselves in a way that they can be drawn near to God and become responsible citizens in our country.

The three said that as a volunteer, they had learned to be time-conscious since they were told to be early during the election.

People were already lining up in the precincts an hour before the election opened.

Christine Emily L. Pantaleon, Correspondent
Cebu Daily News

Philconstruct Industry Run set June 9

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 18 May 2013 09:49:00 +0000

Three organizations joined forces to stage the first ever Philconstruct Industry Run this June 9 at the San Pedro Calungsod Templete at the South Road Properties.

Organized by the Cebu Contractors Association (CCA), the Philippine Constructors Association (PCA) and the Philippine Institution of Civil Engineers (PICE), the running event aims to raise funds to continue the groups’ community projects of building classrooms made up of environment friendly materials.

The beneficiary school for this run will be the urban poor community school in Paknaan, Mandaue City. It is the second green building school in Cebu. The first was the Ocana National School in Carcar City, southern Cebu.

The race, which will have 21-kilometer, 12k, 6k and 3k distances, was launched last May 16, 2013 at the Ting Gow restaurant at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

Registration can be done at the RUNNR Ayala Center Cebu and at the Cebu Runners Circle at the Raintree Mall.

Dale G. Rosal
Cebu Daily News

BO-PK, Team Rama bets hear Mass

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 13 May 2013 23:43:00 +0000

It was unplanned, but supporters of the Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK) filled the San Pedro Calungsod Chapel in the South Road Properties (SRP) to the brim for a thanksgiving mass yesterday afternoon.

Led by Cebu City mayoral candidate Tomas Osmeña, the BOPK slate, attended the Mass officiated by Msgr. Vicente Tupas, chaplain of the San Pedro Calungsod chapel.

Team Rama meanwhile heard Mass at 8:30 p.m. in the Rama compound in barangay Basak-Pardo.

According to Rama’s spokesman, the Mass was attended by about 300 people, mostly candidates and their families. The Mass was celebrated by Fr. Jerome Cayetano, chaplain of the University of San Carlos.

After the mass, they will have an overnight vigil until voting opens at 7 a.m.

In his homily, Tupas likened the plight of candidates in general to the joys and sacrifices of Jesus Christ during his time.

He mentioned the joys of giving the best to the people, organizing the people, knowing what strategies to make and the support from the people.

“We pray for a favorable elections,” Tupas added. But to whose favor, nobody is sure.

BOPK north district congressional candidate Raul Del Mar came in late during the mass. He told Cebu Daily News that he had last minute meetings with leaders of various barangays in his house.

Right after the mass ended, Osmeña, went on stage.

“Lets pray for a peaceful election. And we’d like to greet also all the mothers. I think if all the mothers voted for BOPK, that’s enough,” he told the crowd who immediately applauded.

He then told the crowd to wait and then asked his candidates to go outside first so that they will be able to “greet the people as they leave.”

Some supporters wore “Type O” shirts, ballers and button pins. The candidates, though, wore their Sunday’s best with no trace of the colors blue and yellow which their party is known for.

Jose Santino S. Bunachita, Correspondent with reports from Doris C. Bongcac
Cebu Daily News

Calungsod chapel in SRP looted

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 01:14:00 +0000

The newly-built San Pedro Calungsod Chapel in the South Road Properties (SRP) was looted.

Acting Cebu City Police Office chief, Senior Supt. Mariano Natu-el Jr. said robbers took away P100,000 cash and an undetermined amount of bank checks from a drawer in the living quarter of nuns and other workers serving the religious facility.

The robbery was discovered last Sunday morning, he said.

Police investigators found the doors leading to the living quarter destroyed.

Inspector William Alicaba, Theft and Robbery Section chief, said that they will invite the two guards, a nun, the chapel secretary and others who have access to the basement leading to the living quarter to shed light on the robbery.

Police investigators are not discounting possibility of inside job in the robbery.

The money came from proceeds of baptism and weddings held at the chapel last week and was supposed to be deposited to the bank yesterday.

The nun’s quarters was located at the basement of the chapel in which one of the rooms also serves as an office where a plastic drawer containing the money was placed.

“There was no forced entry in the first door, but the door knob in the second door was destroyed, and the drawer pried open,” Natuel said.

The chapel was donated by the family of Henry Sy, owner of the SM group of companies that own the country’s biggest chain of malls.

It was formally opened in Nov. 29, 2012, a day before the Calungsod National Thankgiving Mass was held in the templete in a vacant SRP nearby.

The Calungsod chapel is located inside SM Seaside Complex that is still under construction.

Chito O. Aragon, Correspondent
Cebu Daily News

Calungsod chapel burglarized

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 01:12:00 +0000

The San Pedro Calungsod Chapel lost P100,000 and an undetermined amount of bank checks to burglars Sunday dawn.

Chapel employees discovered the burglary at 10 a.m. Sunday and reported the incident to the Mambaling Police Station.

Margarita Mateo, chapel’s secretary, told the police the drawer containing the wedding and baptism collection of the chapel amounting to P100,000 were missing last Sunday morning.

Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) Acting Director Mariano Natuel Jr. said the burglar destroyed two doors in the chapel basement.

He said the first door, whose lock was destroyed, leads to the quarters, where the priest and nuns usually sleep.

“Kaning first door sa basement, inig abli nimo, daghan ang door para sa quarters. Then ang kawatan ni-destroy sa usa sa mga doors sa quarters which lead to where the drawer is,” explained Natuel.

He said no one was sleeping on the quarters and only the guard on duty on the basement was around.

A key is needed to open the drawer. Natuel said there were no signs that the drawer was forcibly opened, which means that the burglar has the key of the drawer.

The first level of the drawer is where the collection, worth P100,000, was placed, while the second level contained coins and P20 bills.

Natuel said the burglar only took the P100,000 and left the coins and bills with small denominations.

“Kani nga drawer usa ra ang yawe kinahanglan para maabli tanan (This drawer only has one key),” said Natuel.

Theft and Robbery Section Chief Insp. William Alicaba said there were only two employees who have the copies of the keys. He said they are still gathering for information from the two security guards on-duty, two nuns who have the keys and the chapel’s secretary.

He said the guards on duty from 12 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. will be called as they were both on-duty from the time the money might have been stolen until the time it was discovered missing.

“We cannot comment yet if it was an inside job. We need to check first on the details,” said Alicaba in an interview with the media yesterday.

The St, Pedro Calungsd Chapel was built by SM Prime Holdings Inc. and is located within the 30-hectare SM Seaside Complex at the South Road Properties (SRP).

By Bernadette A. Parco and Jill B. Tatoy
SunStar Ceb