2016 DWCU BIBLE WEEK CELEBRATION

The National Bible Week Celebration

Fr. Juan “Ayok” Libangan, SVD, DWCU Campus Minister leads the Bible Enthronement

One of the most important things that we must always remember as we go through life is to live and abide by the holy scriptures of God. This serves as a blueprint of our destiny and judgment. As a long-lived tradition, the DWCU community held a weeklong celebration to participate and support the National Bible Week together with the commemoration of Saints who were called to be an instrument of God’s kindness, goodness, mercy and compassion – Saint Arnold Janssen and Saint Joseph Freinademetz. The event started on the 18th day of January, 2016 and lasted on the 22nd day of the same month. Students were gathered to carry their Bibles and a tarpaulin with a printed verse from the Holy Book as they went through a parade among selected routes. After the Bible parade last January 18, students were told to stay within the walls of their classroom to share their thoughts about a given verse form the Holy Book and spread the goodness of God relating their experiences as they were guided by their teachers, which persisted until the 22nd day of January. The celebration had the theme, “Like Saint Arnold Janssen and Saint Joseph Freinademetz, We are Called to be Missionaries of Mercy and Compassion.”

Blessing of the Bibles

Leading the Bible Parade are the standees of Saints Arnord Janssen & Josef Freinademetz, and Pope Francis

In line with the celebration was the birthday of Rev. Fr. Gil T. Manalo, SVD the DWCU President last January 22, 2016. In the afternoon of that same day, the DWCU Family and Personnel held their Fit and Faith Formation to enjoy which was another way for them to strengthen their faith, health and solidarity.

 

 

 

FR. GIL T. MANALO, SVD SOARING AT 60

by: Mrs. Mae Liza C. Cabrilles

Fr. Gil T. Manalo, SVD

He was born on January 22, 1956 in Manila, he entered the Divine Word Seminary located in Tagaytay as early as his High School Life, and hence he really knows what he wants in his life. He followed his calling as soon as he graduated high school; he took up Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and graduated in 1983, finished his Bachelor of Arts in Theology on October 1988. In addition to the roster of his achievements, he finished his Master of Arts in Education Major in School Leadership at De La Salle University, and currently enrolled in Doctor of Philosophy Major in Developmental Studies at Pangasinan State University.

Fr. Gil T. Manalo or Fr. Gil became the President of Divine Word College of Vigan before he becomes the President of Divine Word College of Urdaneta. Fr. Gil is at his prime of his life, is living the way he wanted to. He is well known for being precise and diligent. He really knows what he wants to do; he is well equipped with plans.

I’ve known Fr. Gil for quite a short time, he interviewed me as I applied for a job here in DWCU, at first I was a bit aghast, I don’t know him personally, but his baritone voice was filling the four corner of his office. As he talked and asked about my family, what I do in life, I became a little relaxed, he might be some kind of intimidating but then I knew he is a priest that’s why I removed all my inhibitions and talked to him casually. As months passed by, I envisioned myself to work in this institution as long as I can and of course as long as this institution thinks that I can be of help especially for the students.

As he turned 60 this January 22, 2016 Fr. Gil is still very energetic, he is very hands-on to whatever plans it will take. He never loses judgment but weighs things accordingly. He helped every individual and challenges his people beyond their means. He pushes them (not literally though) to take actions and never doubted. He may interfere but listen to commendations and balance what is preferable from not.

We may not regularly speak but he sees to it that when I make an appointment to him and talk to me, he listens to my ideas, give me advices, “veto” sometimes but nevertheless I have to understand that he has his own reason. I have a huge respect on him, and I am thankful for he is one of the people who believed in me, and gave me a chance to pursue my dream (become a teacher).

On your birthday Fr. Gil I would like to say Thank You from the bottom of heart, I wish you more life (so you can still share your blessings, talents and wisdom), more happiness and contentment in life. Thank you for the guidance and wisdom you bestow on me and to everyone who I know want to greet you on your special day.
Happy Birthday Fr. Gil! God Bless and More Power!

Fr. Gil T. Manalo, SVD, giving his thank you message to the DWCU community

Mrs. Mae Liza C. Cabrilles
English Intructor, DWCU College Dept.
Columnist, Pangasinan News Local Newspaper

DWCU FAMILY DAY CELEBRATION 2016

DWCU FAMILY DAY CELEBRATION 2016

“Together We Run, Together We Make Fun” is this year’s theme for the Family Day held last January 16, 2016 at Divine Word College of Urdaneta.

Fr. Gil T. Manalo, SVD joined the families and school staffs as they waited the gun time of this meaningful event. The purpose of this year’s event- Fun Run is to bring families and unite as one as they make fun out of their casual or ordinary day; the gun time was heard at 5:45 in the morning. The participants followed the designated route: from Divine Word College of Urdaneta, passed along Calle Sison, Badipa, Camarquezan, and back to DWCU.

The Fun Run lasted for an hour, exhausted it may seem but everyone who attended wore the excitement on their face, not only the students had the chance to run with their parents, but everyone can say they will really cherish the moment.

After the Fun Run, everyone was expected to join the parlor games held at St. Michael’s Gymnasium. It was an exuberant day, after the parlor games the winners of the marathon were announced, and certificates were given, among these are the placers in every department, and the family who has a complete member until the very end of the game.

Random Pictures during the DWCU Family Day

‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘