SIDLAK

The Official Publication of SADIOSTA 2014-15 Issue No. 001

CONTENTS

EDITORIAL
A New Light of Existence - 3

NEWS

One SADIOSTA at USTe! - 4

A Snapshot of SMSC Living
SASMA Sails to Lucena for SEMNET- 5
Tagbilaran Chapter Facilitates Diocesan Altar Boys Convention -5
Fr. Laguros Appoints New Set of Officers - 6
Diocese Holds Vocation Campaign - 6
Regents Sing Carols in Manila - 6
Christmas at Maberes - 7
Presummer Gathering:
Gearing Up for the Apostolate - 7

FEATUR

E
Pa
The Ligh g-ampo - 9
t
Buhay a Side of Loneline
ss - 12
t Pagbab
agong B
Lighting
uhay - 1
3
a Candle
God's Lo
- 15
ve is for
Real - 1
6

RY
LITERAasyon - 10

a Bok
Lamas s INES - 11
YRAM High - 11
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SIDLAK

is the Official Publication of Seminaristang Aktibo

sa Diyosesis sa Tagbilaran (SADIOSTA), the official philosophy and theology
seminarians association recognized and supported by the Diocese of Tagbilaran.
sadiosta@gmail.com
Facebook: Sadiosta Tagbilaran
Website: www.sadiosta.weebly.com

A New Light of
Existence
Sem. John Lopfer Polinga
SIDLAK Editor-in-Chief

As SADIOSTA takes its journey into another year of

formation, it also opens a new phase of its existence
as an organization. This year, SADIOSTA revives its
official publication SIDLAK. For quite some time,
SIDLAK seemed non-existent. According to some,
it was because there was nobody to take charge of
the publication. According to our Vocation Director,
Rev. Fr. Vengie Laguros, the last time he received the
SIDLAK was when he was still a philosophy student. Sad but true. But this year, through his
initiative, SIDLAK has resurrected.

SIDLAK explicitly shows more of the thoughts and experiences of seminarians as
they travel to Priesthood. Despite the shadows of life, we, as followers of Christ, must magnify this light through our lives no matter how small it is. For each and every individual, we
all do have our own LIGHTs lights that give us hope in life. These lights are the experiences that help us persevere and overcome our different crises in life simply because these give
us joy and inspiration. We firmly believe that no matter how the world treats us, as long as
we have these lights in us, we shall remain steadfast.

In our lives as seminarians, we usually encounter things that have become our
lights. We encounter people whom we made memories with, places that we treasured the
most and experiences that we savored for life. These things speak more of who we are now
and what we are into becoming. Our endeavor of becoming priests mirrors on how we deal
with our fellow seminarians. We become more of who we are as we journey with them. We
mold our personality with the things we see and know with the group. As we journey in the
vineyard of Christ continually answering His call, we as well journey along with the people
around us. We walk with our fellow seminarians. We deal with them as we aspire to reach
our dream the priesthood. We concretely experience this in SADIOSTA.


We are one in our dreams and aspirations. Shoulder to shoulder, we help each other
in difficult times. This is because the light of Christ has shown us that as brothers, together
we go to God. As brothers, we are His children and that truly, we are Gods.


This is because we are SA DIOS TA.

NEWS One SADIOSTA at USTe!

Sem. Daryll Louis Camargo

ogether with Rev. Fr. Efren Bongay, Tomasinong

Bol-anon continues to keep the bond of one
SADIOSTA at the Royal and Pontifical University
of Santo Tomas. Monthly gatherings sponsored by
Fr. Efren are held for individual consultations and
important meetings. More than that, the virtue of
fraternal correction and co-responsibility are also
observed to help each other in the endeavor to follow
Christ through priesthood. Looking forward for a better Christ-centered camaraderie, Tomasinong
Bol-anon envisions being holistic and becoming competent followers of Christ spiritually, humanly,
intellectually, and pastorally by keeping the integral formation in the seminary.

Sem. Eliezar Cabangbang

A Snapshot of SMSC Living

his academic year 2014-2015, the Seminario

Mayor de San Carlos welcomed all the
seminarians, the neophytes, the returnees from
regency program and the old timers with joy
and love just as Christ opened His Heart to those
who want to follow him. Among these neophytes
are Sem. Eliezar B. Cabangbang and Gerrybie B.
Olmillo, both from the Diocese of Tagbilaran.
They underwent the traditional welcoming rite,
a rite full of difficult challenges, to prove their
worth in following Jesus.

On the evening of June 15, 2014, the
traditional welcoming rite commenced with a kalook-a-like talent show. They chose any

celebrity as ka-look-a-like to showcase their

talents. From then on, series of mind-boggling
questions and challenging tasks occurred until
it ended up with the compassionate embrace
from the whole community as a sign of fraternal
acceptance. After the event, they became official
members of the community of the Seminario
Mayor de San Carlos.

Last March 11, 2015, the fourth year
theology seminarians took their most awaited
Canonical/Comprehensive
Exams.
These
examinations served as the synthesis of their
theological studies. Five of them are from the
Diocese of Tagbilaran, namely: Sem. Jovani
T. Cortes, Sem. Gee Christian A. Lagria, Sem.
Melvin C. Naquila, Sem. Richard Pongase and
Sem. Mario T. Ringca. The said event was a
great and remarkable moment in their lives as
they were bombarded with questions from the
professors. Meanwhile, Sem. Joseph B. Arado
and Sem. Adonnis B. Hubac are now on their
Spiritual Pastoral Formation Year (SPFY), both
from the Diocese of Tagbilaran.

SASMA Sails to Lucena for SEMNET

Sem. Rommel Anico

he Seminarians Network of the Philippines

(SEMNET) which comprises diocesan
seminarians in Theologate across the country
held its annual gathering called KAPATIRAN
at St. Alphonsus Regional Seminary (SARS),
Lucena City, Quezon.
Last February 7, 2015, the community
of St. Augustine Major Seminary (SASMA)
joined and witnessed the festive and colorful
gathering bearing the theme: Pauperes
Evangelizantur (Lk. 7:22) which means the
poor have good news brought to them in
response to the call of the Catholic Bishops
Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) for this
year 2015 as the Year of the Poor. The event
was graced by Most Rev. Emilio Z. Marquez,

NEWS

D.D., Bishop of Lucena, and Most Rev.

Gerardo A. Alminaza, D.D., Bishop of
San Carlos and the CPCB Chair of Seminaries.
Bishop Marquez presided the Holy Mass and
Bishop Alminaza delivered the homily pointing
out that we are to extend more our hearts to the
5 Ls in our society: the lowly, the little, the least,
the last and the lost.
After the mass, all the participants were
divided into groups by year level. The Theology
I were brought in the seminary of Our Lady of
Mt. Carmel, Sanaya Quezon; Theology II in the
institute of Formation, Pabilao; Theology III
in the seminary of our Lady of the Most Holy
Rosary, Manasa, Lucban; and the graduating
Theology IV in the well-known healing site at
Kamay Ni Hesus, Lucban. Each group had their
theological discussions in different perspectives
in congruence to the theme aforesaid. The night
socials were joyfully spent with the famous
Tambalan Disc Jocks of 90.7 FM Christyupher
and Nicole Hyala.
The Bol-anon seminarians from University
of Sto. Tomas, Loyola School of Theology, St.
Vincent House of Formation and SASMA had
a window of opportunity to come together and
recreate.

Tagbilaran Chapter Facilitates

Diocesan Altar Boys Convention

n October 25-26, 2014, the SADIOSTA Tagbilaran

Chapter, headed by the Director on Vocations and the
Knights of the Altar, Rev. Fr. Vengie Laguros, assisted at the
Diocesan Altar Boys Convention held at Immaculate Heart
of Mary Seminary. They were also assisted by the Precollege
seminarians led by the Precollege Formation Director, Rev.
Fr. Crisilio Alipoyo, who were assigned in giving talks and inputs to the altar boys on proper church
decorum and catechism. The older members acted as guides and watchers for the altar boys. The
activity culminated with the Sacrifice of the Holy Mass with the altar boys of each parish vested in
their respective liturgical attire.

NEWS

Fr. Laguros Appoints New Set of Officers

ith the uneventful resignation

of Sem. Erwin Jay Llorente as
President of SADIOSTA during the end
of the first semester of school year 20142015, it was incumbent upon Fr. Vengie
Laguros, Vocation Director, to appoint
new set of officers. On November 3, 2015,
ARANAS
OLMILLO
SADIOSTA Vice President, Sem. Eliezar CABANGBANG
Cabangbang became was appointed as the National President of SADIOSTA. Sem. James Aranas,
the elected secretary, was elevated to the post of Vice President. Sem. Gerrybie Olmillo, previously
elected as Cebu Chapter President was appointed as Secretary. The positions of Treasurer, Auditor
and Commission Heads remained unchanged.

Diocese Holds Vocation

Campaign
Sem. Raindy Alpuerto

n November 17-23, 2015, the Diocese

of Tagbilaran once again held its vocation campaign. During this activity the regent
seminarians, served as the semi-tour guide
of our visitors: the vocation promoters. The
group went to different schools, the BACS
(Bohol Association of Catholic Schools) and
some selected public schools. On the last day
of the campaign week, the organizers conducted a Jamboree wherein a series of activities were done in order
to end a very joyous and
memorable moment of
the said vocation campaign. The activity successfully culminated with
a youth Jamboree at HNU
grounds. It was highly
participated by the youth
of the different parishes of
the diocese.

Regents Sing Carols in

Manila

Sem. Raindy Alpuerto

iming and hoping to raise enough funds
for a year-end retreat, the regent seminarians ventured to have their carols in Manila and
in selected parishes of the Diocese. The group
assigned at the local parishes of the Diocese
was able to raise funds that were satisfactory.
On the other hand, the other group which ventured to the North raised an ample sum. Aside
from achieving their fund-raising target, the regents where also able to
share the Boholano joy
to others through their
melodic and heartfelt
Christmas carols. With
Gods grace, the regents
closed the Christmas
season fulfilled and happy for a very successful
adventure.

Christmas at MABERES

NEWS

n December 26, 2014, the Feast of St. Stephen

the Proto-Martyr, the members of SADIOSTA
held their Christmas Gathering at the Matabao
Beach Resort, Tubigon. The gathering began with
the celebration of the Holy Mass with the precollege seminarians acting as choir. The members
of the IHMS Pre-college Department, the IHMS-HS
Graduates who entered First Year, and a pre-theology
seminarian at Seminario Mayor de San Carlos were
welcomed to the SADIOSTA community through an acceptance rites officiated by the Vocation
Director, Rev. Fr. Vengie Laguros at the end of the mass. The Eucharistic celebration was followed by
a program hosted by Sem. Aldo Rey Galindez and Sem. Isidore Gementiza. Within the program, the
chapter heads were tasked to render reports regarding the activities of their respective chapters. The
event was also graced by the presence of Rev. Fr. Dennis Leornas, Parish Vicar of St. Vincent Ferrer
Parish of Calape and Rev. Fr. Elias Algabre. Mayor Marlon Amila of Tubigon, a former seminarian,
also sponsored an additional lechon for the seminarians.

After the celebration, the officers together with the Vocation Director, held a meeting in
preparation for the next major SADIOSTA Activity, the Presummer Gathering.

Presummer Gathering:
Gearing Up for the Apostolate

Sem. Rey Carlo Sajulan

ast March 26-27, 2015, the presummer

gathering of the members of the SADIOSTA
was once again held at Immaculate Heart of
Mary Seminary. The said gathering featured
seminars on important projects of the diocese
which the seminarians would be directly
involved during their summer apostolate. The
Director of the Diocesan Pastoral Program, Rev.
Fr. Valentino Pinlac, facilitated an orientation
seminar on the Bohol Rehabilitation and
Rebuilding Project. The other speakers were
Mr. Homer Lenoie Magante, Mr. Francis Jeus
Ibaez and Mr. Proceso Castil. Simultaneously,
the members of the SADIOSTA Constitution
Ordinance Committee, which was composed
mostly of the incoming predeacons and
representatives of each chapter, also had

their discussions on the relevant provisions and

possible ordinances. In the evening, a friendly
exhibition game was held between the basketball
players of SADIOSTA and the altar boys of Holy
Trinity Parish of Manga District, Tagbilaran City.

On the second day, Fr. Vengie Laguros
also held a seminar on the proper training of altar
boys. The event concluded with the celebration
of the Holy Mass presided by the Bishop of
Tagbilaran, Most Rev. Leonardo Y. Medroso,
DD, JCD who blessed the seminarians as they
accepted their summer apostolate assignments
and received lighted candles symbolizing the
light of Christ which they should constantly bring
as they embark on their month-long summer
mission.

FEATURE

Fr. Vengie and the Light

An Exclusive Interview with the SADIOSTA Adviser
Sem. Deo Kenneth Camargo

fter being ordained as priest, Rev. Fr. Vengie Laguros was immediately
assigned at Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary. For more than two
years, he has been a teacher as well as Spiritual Director for the High School
Department. Presently, he is also the Vocation Director of the Diocese of
Tagbilaran and consequently, the adviser of the Seminaristang Aktibo sa
Diyosesis sa Tagbilaran (SADIOSTA). In this interview, well find out whats
the role of LIGHT in his life.
SIDLAK: Fr. Laguros, what have you understood
about the word LIGHT?
FR. VENGIE: Genesis 1:3 says, Let there be
Light. With these words, God gave hope to all
things on earth. What were previously in darkness
and formless had gained hope for the future. For
me, this light is Jesus. He is the one who guided
my path and gave me hope in this ever changing
world.

SIDLAK: How were you enlightened to

respond to the call of priesthood?
FR. VENGIE: At first, responding to Gods
call to the priesthood seemed very hard and
difficult especially when different problems
blocked my way. However, having in mind and
heart that it was God who called and led me to
the right path, I was confident that He would
leave me alone. With Christ, following Him in
this ministry became possible.
SIDLAK: Do you have some words of
enlightenment for us, your sons in SADIOSTA?

Fr. Vengie initiates new members to SADIOSTA

through an acceptance rites

FR. VENGIE: Seminarians, do not think that

following Christ is as easy as eating camote.
It is not always a bed of roses journey, but it is
a journey worth risking for. You may fall down
often. You may encounter unpleasant situations
while you are in the formation. Sufferings and
different crises may surprise you. But always
remember that Jesus is here with us as our
light. Let Christ be your goal in life. Let Christ
be your guide. Let Christ be the reason to hope.
With Christ, you will never walk in darkness.
Matthew 4:16 says, The people who sit in
darkness have seen a great light.

Pag-ampo

FEATURE

Sem. Rene Ruiz

ng pag-ampo usa kini ka gasanga

gihatagan sa Ginoo diha kanato, diin kita
maka-hinabi ug maka-himamat kaniya. Sa
laing bahin, ang pag-ampo usab usa kini ka
gugma nga naghatag og kahupayan diha sa
atong tagsa-tagsa ka mga kasing-kasing. Diha
sa pag-ampo atong batonan, makaplagan,
masinati ug mabati ang dakong gugma sa
Ginoo nga gipabuhagay diha sa matag usa
kanato diin siya nagpakamatay didto sa Krus
sa Kalbaryo alang sa atong kaluwasan. Busa
usa kini ka timailhan nga wala kita pagabiya-i
sa atong Ginoong JesuKristo.

Dili gayud nato ikalimod nga kita tawo
lamang. Adunay mga panahon nga mosipyat
kita diha sa atong kinabuhi, apan dili nato
iduso ang atong kaugalingon sa pagkawalay
nahot tungod kay kini usa lamang ka pagsulay
nga gisangon sa Ginoo kanatong tanan kay
bisan baya og mahikalimot kita sa pag-duol
ug pag-sangpit kaniya pinaagi diha sa pagampo. Apan dili pwede nga sa kanunay maayo
ang atong kahimtang tungod kay adunay
posibilidad nga kita mahilayo ug mahikalimot
diha kaniya tungod sa kaharuhay sa kinabuhi.
Atong hinumdoman nga ang mga pagsulay
kabahin gayod sa atong kinabuhi aron mahimo
kitang lig-on sa kanunay.

Dili nato hikalimtan nga ang pag-ampo
maoy maghatag kanatog kusog sa panahon
nga kita makig-atubang sa mga problema sa
kinabuhi. Wala nagpasabot nga mag-ampo
lamang kita kung adunay mga problema, kun
dili nagpasabot kini nga imong giila ang Ginoo

nga imong Magbalantay ug Amahan sa kalag ug

lawas.

Susama gayud sa akong kahimtang karon
nga ania nahisulod sa usa ka-tuig nga regency
program aron maghatag kanako sa katin-awan
sa akong bokasyon sa pagka-pari. Adunay mga
panahon nga nahilukapa gayud ako sa akong mga
problema. Usahay dili ko makasabot sa akong
kaugalingon hangtod nga moabot gayud sa punto
nga makapangutana ko sa akong kaugalingon
og nganu ug unsa man? Apan sa hinay-hinay,
namalandong ako inubanan sa maong pag-ampo
kay kini maoy naghatag kanako sa kusog ug
kahupayan diha sa akong mga problema. Wala
gayuy laing nakahibaw kung unsa ang sulod sa
akong kasing-kasing kundili ang Ginoo lamang.

Busa, akong gisalig ang akong
kaugalingon diha kaniya. Bisan paman dili ako
takos ug angayan sa pagsangpit kaniya pinaagi sa
pag-ampo, kay lagi ako usa man ka makasasala,
mapaubsanon gihapon ako nga miduol kaniya
sa paghatag og luna diha sa akong kahimtang
sa akong kinabuhi karon. Busa ang pag-ampo
gayud, usa kini ka taytayan sa pagduol kaniya,
apan dili sayon ang pag-agi sa maong taytayan
kay adunay daghang mga tunok nga nag-atang
niini, lisod apan nindot kay walay imposible sa
pag-ampo.

Diha sa pag-ampo atong

batonan , makaplagan ,
masinati ug mabati ang
dakong gugma sa Ginoo.

LITERARY

Lamas sa Bokasyon
Sem. Gamaliel Reyes

Sa kalit ako nahiaabot sa usa ka desisyon

Nga sa pormasyon sa seminaryo dili usa mopadayon.
Tungod sa rason nga kaugalingon ko sa gawas ako
usa nga timbang-timbagon,
Kung ako parionon ba o minyoonon.

Nakapukaw ug nagpabangon.
Mapintas nga mga balod sa kinabuhi
nga kanako nag-ulipon,
Sa kalit lamang kahayag migitib ug nahimong
langitnon.

Kinabuhi ko sa gawas nagpahioyon,

tungod sa bidlisiw sa maayong kahimtang
nga kanako nagpatigayon.
Bul-og sa balod sa kapalaran kanako
nagmasinugtanon,
Kinabuhi ko sa gawas nahimo usab nga gawasnon,
malipayon ug mabolokon.

Makaluya nga responsibilidaad sa trabahoan sa

gihapon
Malamposon, tungod sa walay puas mo nga
pahiyom ug inspirasyon
Sa kanunay ako nagmapasalamaton
Gumikan sa imong pagka relihiyosa nga naghimo
kanako nga mahinulsolon.
Inday ikaw wala masayod nga sa matag higayon nga
kita mosimba sa Amahan ta nga langitnon,
Bokasyon sa pagkapari kanako manumbalik ug
mutulisok diin ako paga-mingawon.

Maayong trabaho akong nasudlan ug naangkon

Pangindahay ko sa unang adlaw sa trabaho ako
magmalipayon
usab magmalungtaron ug magmakugihon.
Daw dugos nga matam-is ang nisapnay kanako sa
dayon
Tungod sa dili maasoy nga katahom sa usa ka
binuhat nga
Kanako nagmapahiyomon nga nagkanayon, ikaw
ambongan kansang panagway pari-onon!.

Oo, angayan lamang nga ako pagatawgon nga

bakakon
Kung ako moingon nga kanimo tionay nga
nahigugma apan diay
Bokasyon sa pagkapari sa pangindahay gimithi ug
gi-ampo nga ipadayon.
Pinalangga ko hinaot nga ako imong pasayloon ug
Panaghigalaay ta sa kanunay magpabilin ug
Maboak man gani ang batong bantilis
magmakanunayon.
Tantong tinolo sa tubig, boot ingnon,
Unsa na kaha ang kasing-kasing ni Alel nga tinabunan Mga matam-is nga saad ta dili ko na pagabakwion
Sanglit nahipatik naman kadtong tanan sa lapyahan
lang sa dughan nga mahuyangon.
sa kagahapun.
Sa higayon diin kasingkasing ko nga pari-onon
nagmasupilon
Paglisud diay nga tukion ug utingkayon
Sa kalit lang adunay mipitik niining dughan nga
Ang mga perpekto ug matam-is ta nga kagahapon.
Nagkanayon: nahigugma ako busa gikinahanglan
Tungod kay sa matag takna o higayon
amomahon ug atimanon,
Diin atong panag-uban nga kulbahinam ug tugob sa
Aron dili moabot sa punto nga ako maloyo ug
aksyon akong pagahandomon,
masolob-on!.
Daw dughan ko komoton ug motyibaw samag hilak
sa batang masuso sa lawom nga kagabhion.
Sa tanaman sa damgong bulawanon
Sama sa lagsaw nga nangandoy sa nagadagan nga
Didto sa atong nasaw-an
tubig nga lawom,
Ang panaghigugmaay nga dili matukib tungod sa
kabililhon.
Ang akong kasingkasing nga kanimo nakatagamtam
Sa rosas sa sayong kabuntagon
Pagmahal ug pagpangga mo sa pagbati ko sa kanunay magma-isugon.
Mubuswak unta ug mosalingsing ang liso sa kaayo
nga nahikatulog

10

ug kamahigugmaon sa pagkatawo ko nga imong

gitanom.
Ugma damlag ang akong mga sakripisyo
mahimong langitnon
Ug pag-alagad ko sa katawhan sa Diyos mugitib ug
mulabong
Daghang salamat sa pagpanday mo kanako nga
malig-on
Ug sa pagsilbi nga labing mahinungdanon nga
lamas sa bokasyon.

YRANIMES
Sem. Zessicrel Mejias

We Soar
High

LITERARY

Sem. Rey Carlo Sajulan

Silently calling our names

Kindling in our souls a flame
A Voice within, a Fire burning
Thus we came to heed God's calling

An early morning I set sail my boat

Bringing with me things that will satisfy my throat
At first it was smooth, no problem at all
I am so happy there was no one I call

But we failed along the way

Sinning, falling into dismay
Seeking ourselves, not God's face
Falling out from His loving grace

In the journey I pinned down my line

Trying to fish on to maximize my time
I had a great catch and leisured my time with it
It was awesome and yes it tastes great

Downtrodden, wounded are we

Brought on by our iniquity
Trusting in His great mercy
We rise from our misery

I lay for a minute and tried to take a nap

Then I heard a voice, a warning from a guy with a
cup
I could not clearly see his face, the sun was
blinding me
Go home, its not safe, something is coming to
thee
With all that I have, I ignored what he said
I continued sailing until darkness landed
The wave started to wash me away from my
comfort zone
Took everything away from me, now I am alone
I struggled to be alive and tried to swim with all
my might
I looked for a sign, a sign of hope and life
Then I saw a light right straight to me
I swam and swam till the light was near me.
And there I found my peace,
Peace of eternity.

God's mercy we glorify

In our weakness we magnify
Not by our strength do we soar high
On eagle's wings to God we fly
Brothers forever bound by grace
In our hearts we seek God's place
May our lives be a living praise
Together may we seek God's face
In Hope and Faith in God our all
We stand, rising from our fall
Through God's mercy we soar high
On Love's wings to God we fly

11

FEATURE

The Lighter Side of

Loneliness
Sem. Florhicel Bongay

ne of the most important contributions of

society to human life is individuality or
self-hood. The human self finds realization only
within the society. A man who is completely
isolated from others will not be able to achieve
full self-hood. But at times being completely
isolated from others can give us the avenue to see,
experience and encounter the self . And this is
when loneliness sets in.

In its most severe form, loneliness can
drive a person to real panic, insanity and even
to suicide. In its milder form, loneliness can be
felt as nothing more than a vague feeling of being
unloved and unwanted. In the creation story,
when God created Adam, even if he was already
in the Garden of Eden, He still said. It is not
good for a man to be alone. And so, God created
Eve and gave her to Adam to be his partner.

Loneliness, in spite of the terrible
feelings that goes along with it, is still a gift from
God. At worst, it is the price we humans pay
for our capacity to think, to reflect, to hate our

12

own uniqueness and

limitations. At its best,
loneliness is the opposite
end of our capacity to give and to receive love,
which resembles us with God. If, alone I should
not feel lonely, would I ever reach out to others
in love?

In my life, whenever I feel lonely, I no
longer ask why because I know it is part of being
human. Instead, I would just ask myself about
what could have made me feel isolated, walled
in and alienated from others. At its nearest
possible reason, we tend to ponder and stay
away from people because we are hurt and we
are simply afraid of getting hurt all over again.
With this, we unconsciously create an invisible
wall that keeps us isolated from others.

Psychologists say that loneliness is part
of our human nature for we are rational, which
means that each of us is not meant to remain
an I forever. Loneliness urges us to find the
You and reach out and together, form a We.
Loneliness disappears as soon as we experience
a We-ness with others.

But our faith says that we experience
loneliness in order for us to seek and search
for communion with the Trinitarian God and
find refuge in Him. It also invites us towards
establishing a community with our fellow
human beings. Furthermore, self discovery
can also be found in being lonely, in an active
thinking of the self in which can talk to the ego
and picture out a self-image in the background
of our awareness. It gives us a sense of our selfhood and guides our activity as a self.

Buhay at Pagbabagong
Buhay
Sem. Julius Senados, Pacem

awat isa sa atin ay nilikha ng Diyos halos hindi ko na alam ang dereksyon ng buhay
na ayon sa kanyang kawangis. Lahat ko. Palagi kong naririnig ang mga salitang Wala
ng may hininga ay nakatanggap ng kang kwenta! at ang masaklap pa, mga mahal
biyayang nagmumula sa Diyos na hindi ko sa buhay ang nagsasabi nito. Dumating ako
kayang pantayan at tumbasan ng mga sa punto na parang wala na akong silbi sa buhay,
makamundong bagay. Ang biyayang ito kaya araw-araw akong nag-iinom na para bang
ay tinatawag na BUHAY. Paano nga ba wala na akong bukas. Ang buhay na binagay sa
natin pinapahalagahan ang biyayang ito? akin ng Diyos ay pinabayaan ko. Natutulog ako
Sinasabi doon sa pinakamahalagang utos ng sa kalye at kung saan-saan dahil sa kalasingan.
Diyos Mahalin mo ang
Wala naba akong Minsan umiiyak akong
iyong kapwa katulad ng
at tinatanong ang
pag-asa magkaroon mag-isa
pagmamahal mo sa iyong
sarili, Wala naba akong
sarili. Napakagandang ng magandang buhay pag-asa magkaroon ng
pakinggan ang salitang at ituwid ang liko-liko magandang buhay at ituwid
mahalin mo ang iyong
ang liko-liko kong daan?
kong daan?
sarili ngunit ang hirap
Ngunit sa kabila ng lahat ng
gawin sa totoong buhay.
mga pagsubo na halos wala

Hindi lingid sa ating kaalaman na ng taong naniwala sa akin dahil sa aking bisyo.
talamak ang pagbebenta ng droga sa ating
Hindi ako nawalan ng pag-asa
bansa, at ang masaklap, kahit menor de at naniwala pa rin ako sa tinatawag na
edad, ay natuto ng gumamit nito at umiinom pagbabagong-buhay. Alam naman ng Diyos
na rin ng alak at nagsisigarilyo. Ito kayay na bago ako tumalikod sa kanya at nalupong
naayon sa kautusan ng Diyos na mahalin sa bisyo, pinaglilingkuran ko siya bilang isang
mo ang iyong sarili? Ito ay isang patunay na Acolyte, lay minister, at organista ng aming
marami sa ating mga kapatid na hindi nila parokya. Maraming taon din akong naglingkod
pinapahalagahan ang buhay na ipinagkaloob sa Diyos at sa kapwa, kaya alam ko hindi
sa atin ng Diyos. Mas binigyan nilang pansin nakalimutan ng Diyos ang mga kabutihang
ang pansariling kaligayahan kahit buhay nila nagawa ko. Naniwala rin ako na kahit gaano pa
ay napapahamak.
kasama ang tao, may natitirang kabutihan pa

Ako rin ay biktima ng pagpapabaya rin ito sa kanyang puso. Kaya dito ako humugot
sa sarili. Naranasan ko rin halos lahat ng ng lakas ng loob na darating din ang panahon
klaseng makamundong gawain na labag sa na baguhin ako ng Diyos.
kalooban ng Diyos. At nang dahil sa bisyo, next page >>

13

>>cont. Buhay at Pagbabagong Buhay

Isang araw, habang trabaho at mahal sa buhay ngunit kapag
ako at ang kapatid ko ay nag- Diyos na ang tumawag, kailangan iwanan
inuman magdamag, sumigaw mo ang lahat at ihanda ang sarili para sa
ako, Ayaw ko na nang ganitong buhay! paglilingkod sa kapwa at sa Kanya. Kaya
Sawang-sawa na ako! Sa panahon din iyon simula nang pumasok ako sa seminaryo at
ay sinabi ko sa kapatid ko na uuwi na ako sa hanggang ngayon masayang-masaya ako.
amin sa Bohol dahil matagal na panahon din Napakasarap maglingkod sa Diyos at ito
na hindi ako nakauwi dahil sa trabaho ko sa yong buhay na hinahanap ko noon ngunit
Cebu, isang trabaho na palipat-lipat din. Kaya biglang naudlot dahil mas binigyang pansin
sa mga oras na yon, alas kwatro ng madaling ko ang luho ng buhay.
araw, pumunta ako ng pier at sumakay sa barko
Kaya
mga
kapatid
ko
sa
na lasing pa at wala pang tulog. Pagdating ko pananampalataya, huwag nating sayangin
sa amin, dumiretso ako sa simbahan dahil ang biyayang ipinagkaloob sa atin ng
nangungulila ako sa simbahan na kung saan Diyos lalo na ang buhay. Kaya kung may
doon ako naglingkod ng mahabang panahon. pagkakataon na gumawa ng kabutihan para
Dahil sa ang araw na iyon ay Linggo, nagsimba sa kapwa, gawin muna ngayon at hindi
na rin ako at seryosong nakinig sa sermon ng isabukas dahil baka maunahan tayo sa hatak
pari. Naiyak ako habang nakinig sa kanyang ng makamundong gawain na hindi naaayon
homiliya dahil tinamaan ako sa lahat ng sa kalooban ng Diyos. Mahalin natin ang
sinasabi niya. Talagang tumagus sa aking puso buhay at palakasin para sa paglilingkod ng
ang lahat. Pakiramdam ko, kausap ko ang ating Diyos at sa kapwa. May mga pagsubok
Diyos at sinabi niya sa akin, Anak, bumalik ka man na darating o minsay maramdaman
na, hinihintay na kita.
natin na parang wala nang nagmamahal sa

Pagkatapos ng misa hindi ko atin, tandaan natin na kailanmay hindi tayo
maipaliwanag ang saya ng naramdaman iiwanan ng Diyos, siya ang ating pag-asa,
ko dahil pakiramdam ko niyakap ako ng sandigan, kaibigan at tagapagligtas.
Panginoon sa oras nayon. Kaya
hindi ako nagdalawang isip na
lapitan ko at kausapin ang pari at
kaagad nagpatulong ako papasok
sa seminaryo. Hindi naging madali
sa akin ang iwanan ang pamilya,

FEATURE

14

Lighting a Candle
F

or almost my
entire
life,
I have always
gone to church
at St. Joseph Cathedral. Here I was baptized,
received my first communion, and received the
sacrament of Confirmation. Up to my college
years before entering religious life, I was part
of this church. I have always noticed these
candle vendors but I have never really thought
much of themhow their lives go about or
how they have come to enter into this kind of
occupation.
For our assignment in Liberation
Theoology under Fr. Jose Cecil Lobrigras, I
was one of those assigned to
interview the candle vendors
at the Cathedral. I was able
to interview the head of the
candle vendors association,
Arnold Lopez, a victim of
polio yet a man full of faith and love for the
Church. He had always been a familiar figure
to me, but I did not put much stock into him.
Maybe because I wasnt always the type to light
candles after attending mass. Many times, each
time I would go to the cathedral, these candle
vendors would approach me to sell their
candles but I would usually, politely decline.
Every time they would approach, the thought
that would cross my mind was that I wont buy
candles so that I would be able to save money,
even a few measly pesos. It hadnt always come
to my mind that my measly pesos could add up
to their daily earnings, thus helping them buy
the food and the things they needed.
Before, I felt that lighting candles was only
for those who did not really have a profound

Sem. Rey Carlo Sajulan

faith. I mean one can always pray to God and the
saints without candles, right? One thing also, I
didnt like lighting candles at the cathedral because
the images of the saints were already blackened
by soot (unlike how it is now). So, it really wasnt
that attractive to me in terms of exciting in me a
profound devotion. Back then, I had a somewhat
self-righteous notion that lighting candles for
praying was a devotion for those who looked at
prayer in terms of a grant-me-a-wish-genie-type
of faith. Back then, I would only be compelled
to buy candles each time I would go to mass
with friends who also lighted candles. If they
didnt light candles, then I wouldnt. I had always
thought that my faith transcended this kind of
practice, that my faith could not
just be limited within practices
of popular devotion. I guess I
was acting hypocritical and selfrighteous, believing that my faith
was intellectually and spiritually
above the faith of the masses.
But simple people like Arnold Lopez have
shown me that I am wrong. We who study the
Catholic faith in-depth are sometimes the ones
who lack faith. We may have a strong foundation
in terms of study and scripture regarding the
doctrines of the Catholic Church but more often
than not, we lack praxis, or rather orthopraxis.
Arnold has shown me the depth of his faith and
it has indeed impressed much upon me. Maybe
because I have never been the type of person
who wanted to settle for less. I always wanted, as
much as I could, to be able to reach the best there
is and never ever settle for less. I guess my SVD
upbringing through HNU has imbibed in me that
drive to strive for excellence in
next page >>

I realized that faith

is like a candle in
the dark.

15

FEATURE

GODS LOVE IS FOR REAL

Sem. Gamaliel Reyes

t was a feeling of special joy that simple
reflections instantly came when one morning
I woke up and said to myself, What is the sense
of living if we stop hoping? What is the sense of
hoping if Gods love is not for real? Time and
again, I remember these thoughts that behind
my doubts and fear, a consoling presence of
God is as certain as the sun rises.
I would like to believe that not everyone
is willing to accept the perpetual mercy and
compassion of God, even moreso rejected by
people who are themselves in dire need of it
precisely because of painful experiences that were unbearable and a personal longing
they had and have experienced in life. Yes, true to venture into the outside world to work
enough that there are deep wounds and scars independently and hopefully purify my
brought on by actual crises in our lives that motivations of becoming a priest. It was
seem to be shameful. Because of this, we tend easy to say classical worn-out answers like
to yield in our brokenness and hopelessness. weighing down things, discernment,
There is always a temptation in us to forget etc., when Id get asked about my reasons
that these negativities are all temporary and for taking regency. But the reality was that
ephemeral.
a terrible crisis of the so-called vocation
Right after finishing my Spiritual Pastoral turmoil came and gradually made me
Formation Year (SPFY), I decided to take an pessimistic in life a crisis within the family
indefinite voluntary regency. It was brought which I thought would happen only in a
about by diverse problems: family issues that teleserye.

>>cont. Lighting a Candle

whatever aspect in my life. But here is a poor, crippled man who has a faith that can truly move
mountains. Having studied in Catholic institutions since kindergarten, I have not been given a faith
that can compare to his.
There was a time when I went to the candle lighting area of the cathedral way back then. I saw a
young woman lighting up her candles and praying silently with tears in her eyes. It was evening and
the light of the candles there glowed with an uncanny light. I dont know but I was simply moved.
I realized that faith is like a candle in the dark. We cannot always make sense of what is happening
around us and why we encounter problems and setbacks that we have no control. Life doesnt always
make sense even if many say that it is all Gods plan. We will never run out of questionsand
I certainly have a lot!about life, about our faith, about suffering and death. Our one and only
lifetime here on earth may never exhaust these questions. Sometimes, it is enough to buy
a candle, light one in the darkness and just offer it up with our hearts in a sigh of prayer.

16

and expressed myself and

my entire story to him.
Unexpectedly, he just smiled

FEATURE

and extended his fatherly hug and jokingly said,

Ayaw pag-hilak, Ayaw pagbinayot! Always be
strong! Welcome back!
With so much joy, I thanked God and
I thanked him for the reconsideration and
privilege to pursue the regent formation. It was
indeed another spectacular event in my life!
o0o
Our shadows can always be seen every time
we are under the rays of the sun or when we
are exposed to light. On the other hand, the
moment we are placed in a dark place, our
shadows would naturally disappear. God proves
that He can make a bigger difference compared
to our shadows. He never disappears and never
leaves us empty-handed even in moments
of darkness in our life. He truly guides and
wakes us up with surprises. Yes, all of us have
different blissful and painful stories in life to
tell, yet God is calling us to remain steadfast,
persevering and hopeful in his presence despite
lifes brokenness and imperfections. God is
making us wounded healers, so to speak.
What is the sense of living if we stop hoping?
What is the sense of following His call if we stop
searching His holy will? God is always making
His infinite love known to us. We do have our
share to proclaim that His infinitely great love
is truly for real.

I was entirely
missing my chosen
vocation--a life of
simplicity, service
and apostolate .

Nevertheless, I had the decision to just

yield on the negative happenings or to see
and live the positive dimensions of life. After
giving my self an ample time of reflection,
I finally decided to give my prayer book,
cassock, and identity as a seminarian a
time of break and vacation. In fact, I hardly
convinced myself not to go back to the
seminary in the near future. Well of course,
not closing my doors. I always thought and
said to myself, Ill be climbing the ladder of
my career path once I get a stable job!
I was not totally certain if I was fortunate
enough or maybe it was just a mental
illusion, that I was instantly employed in
one of the banks in Cebu. I was earning
a compensating salary and benefits, yet
eventually became unhappy, incomplete,
and even more anxious of so many unknown
things. There were feelings that consistently
surfaced every time I attended mass during
Sundays. I was feeling a sense of nostalgia
and uncertainty and it kept on haunting my
innermost being. I felt a renewed craving to
serve at the Lords altar. I was entirely missing
my chosen vocationa life of simplicity,
service and apostolate.
I realized then that I needed to take and
reflect on the messages that God was trying
to tell me. I took the risk and resigned from
my work and went back to the diocese.
Unfortunately, I was not accepted by our
own vocation director as well as by our
bishop for the reason that I was too late to
be admitted for a guided regency program.
It really hurt that our bishop told me to settle
first my family and personal problems before
going back to the seminary.
In spite of what had happened, I kept
on hoping and praying for guidance and
direction. Out of proper self-disposition,
I once again went back to our bishop

17

SIDLAK
Editorial Board & Staff 2014-15
Sem. John Lopfer C. Polinga
Editor-in-Chief

Sem. Jayson Yecyec

Associate Editor

Sem. Brian Y. dela Concepcion

Feature Editor

Sem. Zessicrel D. Mejias

Literary Editor

Sem. Raindy P. Alpuerto

News Editor

Sem. Floricel A. Bongay

Sem. Julius F. Senados
Sem. Gamaliel P. Reyes
Sem. Rene Ruiz
Sem. Rommel Anico
Sem. Daryll Louis Camargo
Sem. Deo Kenneth Camargo
Sem. Eliezar B. Cabangbang
Writers

Rev. Fr.Vengie Laguros

Vocation Director

SEMINARISTANG AKTIBO SA
DIYOSESIS SA TAGBILARAN
Immaculate Heart of Mary
Seminary
Tagbilaran Chapter

Holy Seminarians Taking

& Embracing Regency
Program
Regents Chapter

Seminario Mayor de
San Carlos
Cebu Chapter

St. John Vianney Theological

Seminary
Cagayan de Oro Chapter

Pastoral Assistant
Community Education
Mission (PACEM)

Sem. Rey Carlo P. Sajulan

Lay-out Artist & Adviser

Rev. Fr. Vengie Laguros

Moderator

18

San Jose Seminary

UST-Central Seminary
St. Augustine Major Seminary
Manila Chapter

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