The Aloysians News (January - March Publication)

Boystown stands out in Municipal Meet 2023

Boystown stands out in Municipal Meet 2023

BY: EIZE NICHOL C. FERNANDEZ

The Sisters of Mary School-Boystown, Inc. topped the 2023 Minglanilla Municipal Meet and came out enormously victorious during the awarding ceremony last Sunday, February 26, 2023, held at the Minglanilla Sports Complex.

SMS Boystown athletes garnered several medals at the threeday Municipal Meet which were 41 gold, 15 silver, and 9 bronze.

“I just want to thank all the coaches, dili lang sa basketball, but in all sports. Salamat jud kaayo kay inyong gihatag inyong time, strength, and effort. Ug sa mga sisters pud, salamat pud sa suporta ug pag ampo para namo,” Codoy stated.

Adonis Codoy, a school’s basketball player, expressed his gratitude to the coaches and brothers who supported them during their championship game.

“Also, thank you pud sa salig nga inyong gihatag, mga brothers. Mao to ang inspiration nga among gigamit para ang among team kay mamugas jud sa duwa,” he added.

In an interview, Mark Allan Cantal, the school’s Sports Coordinator and athletics Coach, poured out his sentiments about the athletes’ performance during the event.

“Our athletes had been longing for that event, for sure. Overwhelming lang ang result kay naa man tay edge gud in winning. Even though ni stop ta ug training

for three years. Also, because we had the advantage facility-wise ug lifestyle. So, naa gyud tay edge in winning. Mas mashocked pa gyud ta kung mapildi ta.”

He also expressed his amazement at the representatives’ eagerness to win in their respective competitions.

“Sa municipal event, naa nato tanang rason nga makadaug ta. Mao na ang always nako giingon sa mga athletes. Wala tay rason nga mapildi. Therefore, you should do your best. Kay privileged man kaayo mo. Another good thing also is that , gibuhat sa atong mga athletes ang tanan para ma-champion ta. ”

The team hopes for another success in the upcoming Provincial Meet next month.

SMS Karate-Do grabs five medals in the 2023 OKAZAKI Cup Open Category Championship

Municipal meet players, together with sisters and coaches, joyfully receive the award for having grabbed the Champion title in this year’s meet.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO | BOYSTOWN STUDIO

BOYSTOWN BAGS CROCOLANDIA CONTEST PRIZES

BY: AUGUSTO CESAR V. GAMELO JR., REPORTER

The Sisters of Mary School-Boystown, Inc. artists brought home two Crocolandia trophies during the annual contests to celebrate Crocolandia’s anniversary held at Biasong, Talisay City last January 29, 2023. “Ecosystem restoration through actively planting native trees in reforestation” was this year’s celelebration theme.

Boystown contenders showed their skill in arts and creativity as they joined animal painting, mug design, tumbler design, and t-shirt design contests featuring the threatened endemic species. Boystown’s Animal Painting contestants grabbed the majority of the prizes against 27 contenders and placed in the Top 10 Best Paintings.

John Carl Quintanilla ranked 5th, Carl Stephen Pajulas - 4th, Hernan Muñoz - 3rd, and John Steve Jabagat - Champion who brought home a Crocolandia trophy for the Animal Painting Contest with his artwork of a Rufous Hornbill.

In the Graphics Design Contest for Tumbler Design, Cherlo Anthony Acosta and Charles Justing Mariit placed 2nd, and for the Mug Design Contest, Ramon Alberto Dadula and John Christian Ayhon placed 5th. John Wayne Gacula and Bernardino Jr. Quirap got the trophy as they ranked First at the Design-a-Shirt Competition.

“I was kind of a bit nervous during the awarding. I did not expect to win and be one of the Top 10 because we did not know the other contenders, and their artworks were also beautiful,” said Muñoz after being hailed as one at the Top 10.

They expect more contests this year and are looking forward to joining a mural painting contest this October.

SMS welcomes guests from CVPP

Tungkop Minglanilla, The Sister of Mary School Boystown, Inc., wholeheartedly

welcomed the guests from the CVPP (Confraternity of the Virgin of the Poor-

Philippines) early this morning of January 29, 2023 at the school’s gymnasium. The gathering was to welcome visitors from the third order of the society formed by Venerable Aloysius Schwartz, the Confraternity of the Virgin of the Poor. The event started with a thanksgiving mas presided by Rev. Fr. Jerome Antogop, MLCC followed by the calling of the guests on stage. The studentsrendered a short dance presentation to show their honor and support for the CVPP members. Afterward, a short but inspiring speech was delivered by Augusto Cesar Gamelo Jr. Nady Nacario, a member of the CVPP, expressed her gratitude to the school and the students for their unending support. “I was very thankful and honored to be here at the Sisters of MarySchool-Boystown,” she said, “and I encourage each and every one of you to be strong in every obstacle that you would face and always to remember to pray and entrust everything to God.”

The event ended with photo documentation . BY: RAMJE

Winners of the Crocolandia Painting Contest strike a pose after the recognition.

TAN PHOTO | AUGUSTO CESAR GAMELO

LAPAG AND CHRISTIAN JAMES BACOL, REPORTERS

Confraternity of the Virgin of the Poor Philippines(CVPP) members merrily watch as the students render a dance presentation as a wayn of welcoming them.

TAN PHOTO | NEILMARC NIÑO L. MIRASOL

MINGLANILLA, CEBU- Last January 22, 2023, the 8th Batch (Activ8) Alumni of the Sisters of Mary Schools Boystown and Girlstown Cebu had their Family Day at the school gymnasium.

They celebrated Family Day and their 21st Graduation Anniversary in an effort to strengthen brotherhood and sisterhood through good memories.

The mentioned event for the graduates was led by Jairis Paham Espida, the President of the Eighth Batch.

“We conducted this activity for us to celebrate our 21st anniversary as graduates as well as to have this Family Day full of fun and to play games while we still can”, Espida said in an interview.

“It is the first activity for the year 2023 that we’ve held for our Batch. It is very warm and nice playing and having fun together with your batchmates. It’s like bringing back the memories we had when we were still students”, he added.

Since they are the graduates assigned at the ‘Payo ni Ate at Kuya’ for Grade 7 (32nd Batch) students,

Activ8 holds Family Day

BY: MICO D. HANGKA AND DAVE PHILIP S. ANSING, REPORTERS

they invited them and celebrated with them in their Family Day. They gave them snacks and also played with them. They later on

organized basketball and volleyball mini tournaments. The graduates were very grateful and happy for such momentous

opportunities they had experienced and they were hoping for more activities to organize in the future.

Pardillo Introduces Student Teachers to Emotional Intelligence

MINGLANILLA, CEBU -Grade 11 student teachers took part in Seminar-Workshop on Emotional Intelligence last March 30, 2023 at Multi-Purpose Hall, Marie J. Doty Infirmary of Sisters of Mary School-Boystown, Inc.

Justy Joy S. Pardillo, the Assistant School Principal and Prefect of Discipline of St. Cecilia’s College was the Resource Speaker at the said workshop.

The student teachers first got involved in an activity where they had to write three statements, each of which contained two truths and a lie before the actual seminar- workshop began. They would then reveal them to their

group mates who would then assess which of the three claims was a lie. Pardillo introduced the session by defining emotion and its components. The goal of this seminar-workshop, according to her, was to know and develop within themselves the five components of emotional intelligence namely: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. She then linked these emotions to intelligence leading to Emotional Intelligence, which was the main topic. Through discussion and various exercises like the SelfAwareness Activity, the Personal Check, and Relationships for Self-

Awareness, Pardillo tackled SelfAwareness and Self-Regulation in the morning session. The exercises for Self-Control included Bubble Breathing, Progressive Muscle Relaxation, and My List of Ten.

During the afternoon session, Pardillo covered the other three aspects of Emotional Intelligence: social skills, empathy, and motivation (both intrinsic and extrinsic). The last task, Bomb Shelter, was then completed by the student teachers. The seminar-workshop given to the Grade 11 student teachers really aided them in playing their roles, particularly whenever they enter a class in the

absence of their designated teacher. Additionally, they have acquired significant knowledge that will help them in their daily lives. In the previously mentioned seminar-workshop, John Dave Ortiz, a Grade 11 Social Science student teacher, shared his insights. “I am happy and appreciative for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn something that I can use in my daily life.” “Emotional intelligence, as discussed by the Resource Speaker, will help me better control my emotions when I encounter something or someone,” he continued. / MICO

D. HANGKA, REPORTER

Grade 11 student teachers actively listen as Pardillo discusses Emotional Intelligence during their Seminar Workshop held last March 30,2023 at Marie J. Doty Infirmary, MultiPurpose Hall.

PHOTO

8th batch alumni of the school together with Sr. Eva R. Aringo, SM during their Family Day

CONTRIBUTED PHTO | CTTO

15 New Altar Servers Commissioned

BY: KEENE IVAN R. ADLAWON

Along with the celebration of the 14th Sunday of Lent, a total of 15 qualified students were commissioned to the Knights of the Altar last March 19, 2023, at the school’s gymnasium.

It was Rev. Fr. Reynaldo Cero, MLCC, presider of the Holy Mass who administered the Rites of Investiture for Altar Servers after the homily.

The rites started with the recognition and examination of the candidates followed by the vesting and finally the vow and commitment. The candidates were as follows: John Lloyd Aclan, Venedick James Albaraccin, Clarence Babon, Jian Cañon, Jimbert Catalan, James Emmanuel Dumalagan, Mark Ian Espino, John Deniel Lim, Federico Macquiling, Mac Larenz Navarro, Jel Mark Soliman, John Kenneth Nuevas, Denmark Antigos, Ronald James Aligado, and Jimmar Bayos.

Jimbert Catalan, the

elected G10 Sacristan Mayor said, “I was overwhelmed that finally after at most one year of preparation, we can now serve the Lord in the altar.”

After the mass, the newly commissioned altar

Taran Holds Seminar Workshop on Photography

MINGLANILLA, CEBU—-

-The Sisters of Mary Photographers partook in the Seminar-Workshop on Photography with the 18th Batch alumnus of the Sisters of Mary School-Boystown, Norman Taran, last 28th of January 2022 at the school’s Audio Visual Room ( AVR ).

The said seminar workshop included all the photographers of The Aloysian News, Filipino Journalism, and the Boystown Studio ( BTS ). Moreover, the seminar was to train the students to enhance their skills in taking pictures during special events, especially their graduation and family pictures.

Besides, the talk focused on the Photography Basics and Composition Rules, which were the higlights of the seminar. After some discussion, the photographers then took the opportunity to apply the learnings they had acquired and tried on taking their best shots.

Giving a Certificate of Appreciation as a sign of gratitude came after.

Norman then expressed some advice to the students that could be applied in their own lives. He then explained how he inspired like himself.

“I want everything I achieved to come from all my hard work,” he said.

“Believe me; you will achieve bigger things after you graduate here. Thus, keep your feet on the ground,” Taran concluded.

Furthermore, some students expressed their gratitude to their speaker for allowing them to learn something.

“By fair means, we learned much about photography and how to value it. Also, it taught us how it could help us once we are out of the campus,” said Hero Rhee Chiong, A TAN

servers, together with their dormmates and the sisters, had their photo opportunity.

“My purpose of joining the knights of the altar is to serve the Lord even just in two years. I don’t know what

kind of life I will have when I graduate from the Sisters of Mary School; but, at least within those 2 years of service, I will have served the Lord,” said Ronald James Aligado, one of the new altar servers.

BFP conducts Fire and Earthquake Drills at SMS

TUNGKOP MINGLANILLA-

The students and the faculty of the Sisters of Mary School— Boystown, Inc., had their Fire and Earthquake Drill early this morning of January 27, 2023 with the BFP (Bureau of Fire Protection) of Minglanillla.

The event’s purpose was to make students, teachers, and non-teaching staff aware of the importance of being fully prepared in an emergency. They they taught the students and the teachers how to put out the fire properly and handle themselves before, during, and after the earthquake occurrence. Some students were chosen to attend a lecture on first-aid to help them as rescuers during the event.

also to let people know that we, the BFP personnel, would always be ready to render our time and service to the people.”

F02 Niño Josephus A. Navarro remarked in an interview, He also emphasized that the BFP continues to conduct this similar event for the professionals and the commoners to make it a long-term memory to save their own lives and those of others. Additionally, he made it clear that the BFP is always ready to give lectures and disseminate information to inform the public of their safety.

CEAP-CESSPA conducted Onsite Students Congress at the Sisters of Mary School-Boystown,Inc. in Tungkop,Minglanilla on March 10, 2023 that was participated in by 32 catholics schools from Cebu City and Cebu Province.

After the three-week break of the students, volunteers from Sisters of Mary Schools, Inc. (ASMSI) asked students about their health upon return. After being away from their parents for almost a year, the students spent the holiday with their families and friends. After the vacation, they returned to school to resume their coursework and be ready for yet another endeavor.

Photographer.

/ MARK LOUIE D. MAQUE , REPORTER

“The main purpose of this fire and earthquake drill was to give awareness to the community to be prepared in case of any emergency and

The event ended with a demonstration on how to put out a fire properly with the selected students and teachers, followed by photo documentation with the BFP personnel and the selected students who participated in the said event./

Since February has been designated as National Arts Month, several contests and events were planned at this time. Students who performed well in the various events were acknowledged and awarded. They were really grateful and filled with delight for being able to participate in these once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

BY: JOHN DAVID

VILLAFLOR & KEENE IVAN R. ADLAWON, REPORTERS

The first meeting of the Arts Club in year 2023 featured a drawing session among the members. It assisted students in honing their drawing abilities, which is a way for them to assist the school anytime they are required or assigned a task.

Taran, after receiving a Certificate of Appreciation, strikes a pose together with the photographers at the school’s Audio Visual Room(AVR). TAN PHOTO | HERO RHEE B. CHIONG

Aspirant altar servers take their vows.

TAN PHOTO | NEILMARC NIÑO L. MIRASOL

Faculty members experience extinguishing fire during the Fire Drill.

TAN PHOTO | NEILMARC NIÑO MIRASOL

ASMSI celebrates Pre-Alumni Homecoming

BY: RAMJE E. LAPAG AND CHRISTIAN JAMES A. BACOL, REPORTERS

Minglanilla, Cebu—The Alumni of the Sisters of Mary Inc. held a Pre-Alumni Homecoming at the Sisters of Mary Boystown Inc. last March 11, 2023.

A good number of alumni from various batches visited their Alma Mater. The event was held to reunite SMS Family and to commemorate Fr. Al’s Death Anniversary which falls on March 16. The Grand Alumni Homecoming will be held this March 12, 2023 at the Sisters of Mary School- Girlstown Complex.

For the Pre-Alumni Homecoming, there were lots of numbers prepared by the students for the event. The alumni were given a challenge to visit different places inside the campus where a certain performance was showcased at each station. They were also given a tour map to guide them where to start and proceed. The presenters who took part were the following: The Rondalla, Handbell Ringers, Schwartz Band, Aloysian Dance Troupe (G7,

G8, G10, G11), Schwartz Production and Aces. The alumni were very thankful for the presentations prepared for them. Moreover, the 10th Batch also celebrated their 20th anniversary as alumni.

John Andrew Sepada, a rondalla member, said, “I was happy and was inspired by our ates and kuyas. I could see that they were grateful to the SMS and to Fr. Al of course, and because of them I will continue and strive to do my duties.”

Synchronized ‘Payo ni Ate at Kuya

March 26, 2023 — The Sisters of Mary SchoolBoystown, Inc. was visited by some graduates who held a certain activity. It was one that gave them opportunity to share pieces of advice with students on how to overcome life’s challenges and struggles. The Grade 10 students proceeded to the New Auditorium for their turn in the event. Before the program started, the Grade 10 students watched a music video of the song, “Aloysians Journeying Together”. When it was finished, the program started with an opening prayer while singing the song “Blessings’’ by Laura Story. Kuya Louie Mabini then discussed topics concerning brotherhood and gratitude. The students watched a series of videos that tackled the said topic. The event concluded with a closing prayer and a photo documentation of every family saint together with their ates and kuyas. / RUBEN JAY L. BESO, REPORTER

Rotary Club District 3700 International visits SMS- Boystown

MARCH 17, 2023- The Rotary Club 3700 International visited the Sisters of Mary SchoolBoystown, Inc., and were welcomed with warm hospitability at the school’s gymnasium. A series of presentations were showcased by the SMS Rondalla and the SMS Dance Troupe. The visitors, in turn, were amazed and grateful for the show presented by the SMS Performing Arts. District Governor Lee Joongho also gave his thanksgiving message. Moreover, the Rotary Club also gave donations to the Sisters of Mary. Sr. Eva R. Aringo, SM, the school’s Local Superior, showed her gratitude to the Rotary for the donations received. The students then presented “10,000 Reasons” interpretative dance as an expression of their gratitude.

The event concluded with a photo opportunity./ RUBEN JAY BESO, REPORTER

Alumni of the Sisters of Mary Schools in their winning smiles during the Pre-Alumni Homecoming held at SMS-Boystown.

Sr. Eva R. Aringo, the school’s Local Superior, together with the students, happily receive a SKYWORTH TV given by the Rotary club.

TAN PHOTO | GAB EASON MENDOZA

TAN PHOTO | NEILMARC NIÑO L. MIRASOL

Kart Victor Lagustan, the ASMSI Cebu President, entertained a student during the ‘Payo ni Ate at Kuya’ session last March 26, 2023.

TAN PHOTO | EARL WARYN DINGCONG

Marzon, Valdez orient SDMT, Class Mayors about Fire, Earthquake Drill

BY: JOHN DAVID VILLAFLOR AND KEENE IVAN R. ADLAWON

Last January 24, 2023, Activity Coordinator Ms. Mary Jane Marzon and CAT Moderator Sir Jay Sean Valdez oriented the School Disaster Management Team and the class mayors about the Fire and Earthquake Drills.

The orientation started with a prayer led by Ms. Marzon. Sir Valdez discussed the Roles and Responsibilities of the SDMT. At the same time, Ms. Marzon oriented the class mayors, the helping brothers and the SSG President, , Richard Manatad about what to do during the drills.

It was to have a proper flow on Fire and Earthquake Drills that will

be held on January 27, 2023. The name SDMT will also be changed into ERRC or Emergency Rescue Response Team.

Venedick James Albaraccin, Class Mayor of G10, said, “My roles and responsibilities reoriented me as a Class Mayor during such emergency. It helped me and everyone know what to do if there’s a real disaster occur.”

The session included reviewing the School Evacuation Plan, proper head counting, rescue operations, etc. As discussed, the Fire Drill, which will happen at the school’s soccer field, will follow the Earthquake Drill.

GCC orients Grade 7 students concerning Personal Goal Settings

The Grade 7 students had their Goal Setting Seminar organized by the Guidance Counseling Centre(GCC) last February 11, 2022 at the school’s New Auditorium.

The session began with an invocation. Later, the students had their Zumba dance as mood-setting led by Ms. Jesselle Fajardo, GCC personnel. They first discussed the two kinds of mindset, the fixed and growth mindset and how they differ.

Then Ms. Ordeliza Monter, one of the GCC personnel, discussed Personal Goal Settings and how it could help the students in their pursuit of their dreams. The students were also given assessment sheets that expressed their self- ambitions, priorities, their SMART Goals, their personal motto, etc.

Ms. Monter restated a quote, “A goal without a plan is just a wish. Kaya ngayon sisimulan na natin gumawa ng goals in life. Start [by] asking yourself: ‘What is my dream?’

After filling out the entries in the assessment sheets, Ms. Fajardo ended the orientation with a prayer. / KEENE

, REPORTER

IVAN R. ADLAWON

School Disaster Management Team(SDMT) and class mayors attentively listen as Sean Valdez orients them about Fire and Earthquake Drill as preparation for the upcoming Drill.

TAN PHOTO | GAB EASON MENDOZA

Grade 7 students earnestly listen during the orientation conducted by the GCC Personnel at the school’s New Auditorium. TAN PHOTO | NEILMARC NIÑO L. MIRASOL

Inevitables triumphs in the Aloysian Got Talent

The Sisters of Mary Schools-Boystown and Girlstown alumni competitors, together with the contestants among the Boystown and Girlstown students, showcased what they got at the SMS Aloysian Got Talent Season 3 which was held at the SMS-Girlstown Talisay last March 12, 2023.

A total of 7 contestants expressed strong determination and intention to bag home the bacon.

Breathtaking and

Every region of the world has a festival that is observed. Of all the beliefs and traditions every race has, it is impossible for it not to organize an event to celebrate. As we all know, most of the time, families and other groups in a particular town will then begin in preparing their homes, meals, and beverages for their visitors, usually relatives from neighboring towns and distant places. Dispersed families are reunited and people will again meet familiar faces as well as new ones. Here in the Philippines, one of its most famous festivals is

BY: MICO D. HANGKA, REPORTER

superb performances by the participants amazed the judges as well as the audience. The Inevitables composed of three G11 Boystown students included Rickmar Daquio, Francisco Luga, Reymark Cue and Miguel Tuplano was proclaimed 1st placer in the Season 3. The Aloysian Dynamic Beatboxers from the Girlstown Talisay and XY28 of the 28th Batch grabbed the 2nd and 3rd notches respectively.

Feast of Sto. Niño: A Greater Meaning

the Sinulog Festival originating way back 1521 as the year of Philippines’ Christianization. A lot of things happen during a festival as there are a lot of reasons why it is celebrated. As Christians, we Catholics take part in the very main reason - to intensify our devotion to the Holy Child Jesus. As the mother of all the festivals here in Asia, the Sinulog Festival is superior among the others because it honors the Holy Child Himself - Jesus Christ to whom we cry ‘Pit Señor!’ as we offer our own petitions and that of our loved ones.

Consequently,

LEONARD ISIDERIO

OPINION COLUMNIST

Pope Francis once tweeted, “Love not only means that we wish others well or that we are good to others, but first and foremost, at the root, that we welcome others, make room for others, make space for others”, which I certainly agree and equally I believe to be the ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

February has long been known as a month of love, for it is when Valentine’s Day is commemorated. As we know it today, during Valentines, the way to express one’s love towards others is by giving chocolates, flowers

the Feast of the Holy Child has evolved into an identity for the majority of us Filipinos since 1521, just like all of our customs and beliefs. The celebration highlights our devotion to God and the dedication we have to God by preserving and advancing the festival and its significance. Sinulog is the main festival in the Philippines and it is attended by the majority of people from Luzon all the way down to Mindanao. Even foreigners from various countries book tickets just to witness and to be involved in the celebration. In fact, the festival also shows the beauty of our culture; from aesthetically handcraft designs, native foods and delicacies to traditionally choreographed dances. In addition to that, the festival is also a celebration of opportunity. For this has become a manifestation of skills and talents as well as a chance of

economic growth. Furthermore, families, particularly those who are dispersed, benefit socially from the Sinulog Festival. Every member of the family will be there once more, and everyone will again recognize familiar faces.

The most crucial aspect of this holiday celebration, however, is the respect that must be shown to the Holy Child Jesus, whose very nature we should imitate. We know a lot of a child’s character. The truth of his obedience, faith, and trust, especially the sincerity of his love. A child knows no hatred, he may be confused and commits mistakes but he never forgets to feel sorry. He may not yet understand what it means to forgive, but he still needs and wants to be with someone. He enjoys being loved and has a compassionate and empathetic heart, and these are just a few of the many qualities and ideals

Authentic Expressions of Love

or love letters. But what I want to point out is that, are these loving manifestations enough to express one’s love? I am afraid to say that it’s not. I am not also saying that these expressions are of no use at all, it’s just that they lack the ingenuity of love. It is best to keep in mind what true love means, as to quote again from Pope Francis: “Welcoming, making room and making space for others”.

On this Valentine’s Day, lovers greet each other “I love you” or “Happy Valentine’s Day.”

In greeting we welcome

others, we welcome our loved ones. Valentine’s Day is not only intended for our special someone but also-most-especiallyfor our friends and parents. Many exclusively keep Valentine’s Day only for their significant ones not minding their friends and parents, which again shows insufficient trueness of love. Love does not exclude, it includes, it makes room for others. Proximity matters. It affects our spatial relationship towards others. The more we are spatially close, the more we

are socially close. Making space for others means extending our patience, understanding and more importantly our love for them. This Day of Hearts we put ourselves near those we love the most, we also give them space to let them rest for a while from the burdens of life.

To close this, I might say that, by these means, we exemplify our

that we most admire in children, qualities that make them deserving of God’s kingdom, which we unquestionably know from Jesus’ words. People often do not hear Jesus’ call when we observe the Holy Child feast. Many are too attached to the noise of the world leading them to forget the main purpose of the festival; some participate only because they are there to enjoy themselves. But what is actually the reason for this main event is for us to be reminded that we must have the heart of the Child Jesus. A lot of people do not know this. Some perhaps do, but they consider themselves deaf and this is not the thing we are supposed to do. Naturally, we feel in our hearts the will to be good and only those who take action and remain steadfast understand the importance of the festival.

genuine affection not only to our special ones but also to our friends and parents, to the fulfillment of the true goal and intention of Valentine’s Day. May we always make love truthfully throughout this year in spite of the unforeseen things that will come.

The Champ Inevitables in a pose after receiving their award at the SMS Aloysian Got Talent Season 3 at the Girlstown, Talisay City held last March 12, 2023.

TAN PHOTO | NEIL MARC NIÑO L. MIRASOL

In the last almost 3 years, all activities were brought to a dramatic pause due to the alarming rise of Covid-19. Along with this, competitions were suspended and rescheduled. More or less, competitors in every sector lost hope for the next events as they quit training and put more emphasis on their health and education. As time has favored us this year, competitions have started to make a come back as people have become confident there’s a threat no

MAKING HISTORY AGAIN

AUGUSTO CESAR V. GAMELOJR. Editor-In-Chief

more in health. Trainings are being put in place from moderate to intense. This year’s feat is an opportunity to prove ourselves to be strong and competitive, slowly setting up in array the trophies that we have garnered in this year’s competition and steadily increasing the collection gathered from all kinds of competitions joined. Claiming again the Overall Champion of the Municipal Meet 2023, bagging 15 Golds out of 17 despite the pause for years is a great triumph. It is making history

again! Additionally, the OKAZAKI Cup Open Category Championship in 2023 is a fantastic opportunity for the school to compete against challengers from other nations and bring home medals. Our haul is what defines us as a person; it consists of everything we have acquired throughout the years. Although it doesn’t necessarily make us happier, it demonstrates that we are passionate individuals who appreciate life. Our history is filled with hardships, from preparation to giving up things to

THE ALOYSIANS NEWS

EDITORIAL BOARD

Sisters of Mary School-Boystown, Inc. Publisher

Cyrus Kim Mata

John Dave Casas

succeed. Through these, we contributed to the history of the school in the greatest possible way while also adding something that will stay in our memories and help us leave a lasting legacy. Making history is hard. It takes a lot of hardships, trials, and defeats. Leaving something memorable is something that we cannot forget as time flies. Memories link us to the past of how we were molded and what we became. As we make history, we leave something behind that is worth sharing with others.

Erah Manabat Executive Adviser

Mark Louie Maque

John Angel Suclan

John David Villaflor

Keene Ivan Adlawon

Jazzer Banayag

Eljun Patrick Encina

Marionne Manatad II

Dave Philip Ansing

Hernan Diego

Christian James Bacol

John Rey Nasara

Client James Lavador Reporters

John Gabriel Trazona Consultants

Augusto Cesar V. Gamelo Jr. Editor-in-Chief

Mico D. Hangka

Associate Editor

Ramon Alberto Dadula Secretary

Royce Aldrich Celebrado Online Journalism Managing Editor

Smyne Rofel Callino Literary Editor

Diovann Angelo L. Mar Feature and Entertainment Editor

Eize Nichol Fernandez

Sports Editor

Ma. Jenevy Lopez

Online Journalism Adviser

Nielmarc Niño Mirasol

HeroRhee Chiong

Gab Eason Mendoza

Earl Waryn Dingcong Photojournalists

John Carl Quintanilla

Editorial Cartoonist

Marc Angelo Salvaña

Ivan Lloyd Roldan Layout Artists

Grand Alumni Homecoming: Rekindling Anew the Fire of Returning to a Beloved Rendezvous

BY: JOHN ANGEL B. SUCLAN, REPORTER

other if we wanted to since some of us had families or had friends, classmates, or colleagues in their town. We had gone separate ways and eventually lost touch! Looking back, I wish we were still close. And I’m grateful for social media right now because I have learned where some of them have gone. And if we miss each other, we chat and even do video call.”

A high mass presided by 12 alumni-priests started the whole activity. After the mass, graduates and

students went to Fr. Al’s monument to pay their respects, leave flowers and gifts, and make remarks expressing their gratitude for his contributions. The occasion served as a memorial to Fr. Al’s enduring legacy and the effect of his work on numerous people’s lives. In the afternoon, the Aloysians Got Talent Season 3 ushered the event to a great showcase of Fr. Al’s children’s talents that brought a deal of excitement as the Aloysian finalists amazed the large audience with their superb talents.

Father Al first set foot in the Philippines in 1961 after being assigned as a missionary to Korea. The country’s extreme poverty astounded him, and he made the decision to devote his life to helping the underprivileged. In South Korea’s Busan, he established the Sisters of Mary, and later broadened his mission to the Philippines.

Father Al established the Boystown and Girlstown in the Philippines, which offered less fortunate kids food, shelter, education, and vocational training. He provided children with access to high-quality education and vocational training to give them the skills they needed to obtain because he felt that education was the key to raising people out of the cycle of poverty.

There were difficulties in Father Al’s work in the Philippines. The government opposed him because they believed that his work threatened their authority. He persisted and persisted in educating and helping the underprivileged despite this.

The Sisters of Mary Schools are still in operation today, serving thousands of poor children with education and job training in the Philippines and

other nations. The legacy of Father Al endures, and his work continues to motivate individuals all across the world to help the underprivileged and improve their communities.

A Grand Alumni Homecoming organized by the Alumni of the Sisters of Mary Schools, Inc. (ASMSI)-Cebu Chapter was held on March 12, 2023 with the theme: “Aloysians Journeying Together.” The event was hosted as a tribute to the Founder, Venerable Aloysius Schwartz, and to highlight the effects of his work on the generations of students who profited from his mission.

An alumna from the 21st Batch was asked about what she felt during the event, and she answered, “We got along, worked and studied together and had ‘chika’ after not being able to see each other for almost 4 years. We treat ourselves as sisters most especially my dormmates. I’ve never forgotten the time when we were gardening or even having our free time. We used to do our things, especially magkuha mi ug boongon likod sa Building 1, lubi, or even manga. Sorry, sister, but it was really fun and that was 10 years ago. It is pretty sad now. We used to see each

A priest offers a flower to the statue of Fr. Al. TAN PHOTO | NEILMARC NIÑO L. MIRASOL

Graduates of the SMS looking great after the mass. TAN PHOTO | HERO RHEE B. CHIONG

After the mass, the graduates, together with priests and students had their procession going to the Fr. Al statue. TAN PHOTO | HERO RHEE B. CHIONG

Stefan and Renate Klose offer a flower to the statue of Fr. Al. TAN PHOTO | NEILMARC NIÑO L. MIRASOL

Little Ways of Gratitude: SMS Welcomes Korean Friends

“It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving,” as it might go with the friends of the Sisters of Mary. With what it now looks like and with what holds the future of the school, it is all because of the donors, benefactors, and friends who have sympathetic hearts being shared throughout the hundreds of millions of students of the Sisters of Mary Schools.

Just this breeze of December, the students of the Sisters of Mary feel blessed for this year’s threeweek vacation since the one they had last year was full of frustrations and downheartedness due to Typhoon Odette that hit last December 16, 2021. Now, they feel enthroned to meet their families with them, to celebrate their Christmas and New Year. Forthwith, it is a “ must “ for them to return from their respective homes to finish what they have started. At the moment, instead of getting into homesickness, which is normally considered the foremost dilemma of the students after coming from their home apostolate, the Sisters of Mary are getting in touch with visitors coming across the globe.

On this 21st of February, 2023 the Sisters of Mary welcomed their friends from Korea who were Sr. Clara, Sr. Theresa Park, Sr. Angela Kim, Sr. Nory Espulgar, Atty. Helena Chiong and Fr. Joseph Seo. With that, a series of presentations were rendered to such friends to let them feel that they were always welcome to visit the school. The following were

the performers at the event: SMS Rondalla, Handbell Ringers, Boystown Choir, Father Aloysius Schwartz Band (FAS Band), 31st Batch Dancers, Jumping Dancers of 32nd Batch, and the SMS-Girlstown Dancers.

The whole venue was filled with so much laughters and cheers as the performers showed

what they got. Meanwhile, the visitors were filled with much awe and amazement at the talents showcased by the students of the school. The donors and benefactors came to the school for a visit and the sort of welcome they got made them so gratified. MARK

LOUIE D. MAQUE, REPORTER

Korean friends, together with the performers, strike a pose after welcoming them with a series of presentations.

TAN PHOTO | NEILMARC NIÑO L. MIRASOL

Students give thanksgiving cards to the Korean sisters. TAN PHOTO | NEILMARC NIÑO L. MIRASOL

SMS-Girlstown students perform ‘Tinikling’.

TAN PHOTO | HERO RHEE B. CHIONG

The Korean friends together with the performers after the welcome party

TAN PHOTO | NEILMARC NIÑO L. MIRASOL

Stefan and Renate Klose Pay a Visit to the SMS Community

BY: JOHN ANGEL SUCLAN, REPORTER

Minglanilla, Cebu - Stefan and Renate Klose visit SMSBoystown on February 17. 2023 to witness the fruits of their labor as generous benefactors and friends of the Sisters of Mary Community.

A jolly welcome spearheaded by the Aloysian Drum and Lyre was offered to the generous donors of the Sisters of Mary Schools followed by a heartwarming program put up to show the community’s gratefulness. It was indeed a moment to cherish for the students given the opportunity to meet one of their beloved and tenderhearted donors.

In coordination with the SMS-Boystown Performing Arts, the SMS Handbell Ringers, Rondalla Performers, Fr. Al’s Chorale with the FAS Band, G11 Dance Troupe Members and G7 Bulilit Dancers, the program went on successfulyy as hoped for. Furthermore, with overwhelming support of the German visitors who dedicated their time, effort, and love for poor children, the whole visit came out as sincere gesture of charity in its real sense.

With immeasurable motivation, Mrs. Renate Klose expressed, “I think it is a very good way to help the poor children so that they can go to school and, uh, to have, uh, food, and that they have a

better future so that they can work, and that’s why I wanted to help them spend money.”

She came to know about this humble institution as she said, “I got a letter and I read about that, that the people are living very poor and the children come to a house and they have a bed and they can eat every day and they can go to school, and I thought it was a very good idea. I want to support it.”

While Mr. Stefan Renate

added his own insights, “And our children were very young. And then maybe this is the key for my wife and I to give some money. Yes, and now it’s automatic. We have a bank, and every time we make some money, it’s not the feeling, we don’t have so much money we can get than those people that we need to help.”

They were both amazed at the atmosphere of the place, and they described it, saying,

“It’s a place of God here, and you can feel it.” Renate works very well with her heart. She has a mission. “I work here for the young people. I think you do it well, and I am astonished at that. You are so busy until you learn so frequently that I think you will be good. Uhmm, do it well, and you will make your way in the future, and you will find good work and a good life,” she continued.

Considering the fact that they have witnessed most of the incapabilities of the world, as a quick message, they rendered a piece of advice: “We would say many, many people say can change the face of the world. We come together, and we are built with the power of God. Here, we can make it. world.” She continued, “While many people work together, come together, and you have the chance to change.”

Lastly, as a piece of advice for the students, Mrs. Renate said, “Later you will have your own family, but this time you are a member of a big family here, and maybe you see other members from this school as saying, “Hey, hello!” It was from this school. We come together. It’s the same sense, and we try together. It’s like me or like, like a family.”

Stefan and Renate Klose in their sweet smiles after being welcomed by the Boystown students at the Marie J. Doty Infirmary. TAN PHOTO | NEILMARC NIÑO L. MIRASOL

Stefan and Renate Klose, together with Sr. Eva R. Aringo, SM and some G11 students take a picture.

TAN PHOTO | NEILMARC NIÑO L. MIRASOL

Arnel almost never made it back, but with a couple of help from the alumni of the Sisters of Mary, the glimmer of hope in his eyes was once again back to shining bright.

Arnel G. Cantojos is one of the many thousands of children who are blessed to have studied in the Sisters of Mary School, and this proves true to the boy who came a long way from Masbate in pursuit of the many dreams he has in life to realize.

Arnel was born on the 4th of July, 2003, in Manila to Arnel Sr. and Sheila Cantojos. He has 3 siblings of which he ranks second to the youngest. He comes from a poor family where both parents and children strive to make ends meet to sustain the family of 6. Poverty really hit them hard. There came a time when Arnel thought there was no way out of it and succumbed to this cliche’ of leaving everything unto the hands of fate because there was nothing to do about it. But indeed, miracles do happen, and boy did they get in the way and intervene if only we take a leap of faith. So, that was exactly what happened. In 2018, Arnel took the entrance examination for the Sisters of Mary School in Cebu. And guess what? He passed and went straight ahead

to new beginnings. It must be noted that the lot of his stay inside the school has changed him dramatically. It has taught him so many valuable things and has transformed and shaped him in many ways possible each day.

“Staying here in the Sisters of Mary has proven to be a huge blessing each waking day. Here, I have nothing to worry about as everything is provided for free, from the food we eat to the clothes we wear down to the very basics of our needs, in contrast to the life I had to deal with every day outside. Here, I have been given the wonderful privilege to study for free, and this has empowered me to move forward and seize each opportunity with spirits of gratefulness and determination. Staying here inside the sisters of Mary is nothing but a miracle, and I am sure the students here feel the same way, too.” Arnel shared.

Arnel has been studying in the Sisters of Mary for almost five years now and still feels the same way towards the school. December of 2022 came fast, and with a snap, the students were once again back to their respective houses for the special holidays for their vacation, or “home apostolate” as the students would call it.

“It was memorable, spending the holidays with the family, celebrating Christmas and New Year with them,” Arnel said. The 3-week long period eventually came to an end as did

SMS Alumni on the Go: Cantonjos Returns Safely

BY: DIOVANN ANGELO L. MAR | FEATURE AND ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

the partying and the celebrations. And likewise, it was time for the students to head back to boarding school. And so in no time, the planes landed, the ship vessels docked, and just like that, the students were back inside the school. Except for one problem- on the day the students were expected and scheduled to return, Arnel was nowhere to be found. And this made Arnelsl’s friends back in Cebu troubled. “Maybe he is not coming back.” They had said. “Or maybe he is still traveling.” But those were not really the exact answers as to that because Arnel was more than desperate to come back, but he was not traveling, not any time soon. He was plainly sitting back home, devastated at the thought of never coming back. Circumstances seemed to have prevented Arnel from coming back when their family in Masbate went to Cavite because of a family emergency. They were very short on money at that time. So while staying there, his parents tried to apply for jobs, but there was no sign of luck. This was the time Arnel thought he was never coming back to study in Cebu. He missed the schedule of going back and had thought he was not going to be accepted by the school anymore. And on top of that, he had no money to get him nowhere. His parents had told him to just enroll next school year in Cavite, and this broke Arnel’s heart. His parents could not afford to buy him a ticket back to Cebu right at that moment. Arnel lost focus. He did not eat for days. He was terrified at the horrible thought of withholding his studies.

Meanwhile, the alumni of the Sisters of Mary schools in Biga and Adlas were ready. The sisters in Cebu had earlier notified some graduates in Cavite. The news stormed when Ann Aquino, ASMSI President of Cavite, forwarded the message to the other graduates. There was a search mission for Arnel who was stranded somewhere in Cavite. Almost immediately, the ARC (Aloysian Riders Club) members responded. The ARC is a club composed of Aloysian alumni who travel and go to places

riding their motorcycles. They went on searching and eventually found Arnel in barangay Pasong Kawayan 2 in Cavite City. There they met Arnel’s parents and saw the situation of the family; they were in the middle of a crisis. Arnel’s parents shared the struggles they went through after the breadwinner of the family lost his job just before Christmas.

“Arnel is our hope. He dreams of bringing our entire family out of poverty. He has big dreams, but I guess it is quite difficult for that to happen now looking at our current situation.” His father, Arnel Sr., said.

Rhenz Docusin, the founder of ARC, called the school in Cebu to confirm if Arnel would still be accepted if he ever came back. There was no reason spurning it, really, for the part of the sisters who run the school. And so in an instant, Arnel’s ticket was booked, he was accompanied to the airport and all went well smoothly. He was back!

As soon as Arnel came back, he was all smiles and just could not help but to be thankful to the school and to the graduates who helped him in his return to pursue his studies and dreams in life.

“I am very, truly grateful for this wonderful blessing and opportunity to come back to the school and finish my studies. I am thankful for the people who helped me in coming back and for the Sisters of Mary family who welcomed me with arms wide open. I am so relieved and happy, honestly. I was able to witness firsthand for more than a thousand times now how gifted Aloysians are in serving others.”

“All I can say is that Fr. Al, through the Sisters of Mary, has really molded us to share in this movement of showing kindness to everyone and giving freely to everyone in need. And this, I know, will serve as a testimony for all of his children to follow. Mabuhay ang Sisters of Mary! Nawa’y ipagpatuloy natin itong ating mga mabuting gawa sa lahat at hindi tayo magsasawa sa paggawa ng kabutihan.”

SMS Karate-Do grabs five medals in the 2023 OKAZAKI Cup Open Category Championship

BY: MARK LOUIE MAQUUE, REPORTER

February 5- The Sisters of Mary School-Boystown KarateDo players garnered five medals in the 2023 OKAZAKI Cup Open Category Championship held last fifth of February 2023 at the Robinson’s Galleria, Cebu City.

The event was organized by the International Shotokan Karate Federation (ISKF) which is a nonprofit organization that strives to uphold the integrity and goals of Master Funakoshi, which includes following the guidelines and principles set forth by the Dojo Kun and Niju Kun. Additionally, it is sanctioned by the KPSFI.

Furthermore, the aforementioned event initially began on the fourth of February where the players were weighed and verified for their different categories. Day after, the event formally began.

In the Individual Divisions for KATA under the category of Novice Kata (Heian Shodan), John Mark Natabio earned a silver medal while in Senior Kata, Geraldo Nacua earned a bronze medal. In the Cadet Kumite, Jared Sotto earned a bronze medal while in Junior Kumite Roy Quilbio earned a bronze one. Meanwhile, Leonard Alabado earned a gold medal.

Behind that enormous success were hardships and challenges that the players had to endure to better their performances.

“I went through a lot of pressures during the game. Well, I had this feeling of excitement yet scared because the first challenge I had to take was how to score in the game,” said Edemar Vicaran, one of the players.

The Karate-Do players were still grateful specially to their alumnus-coach, Julito Baga though some did not make it to the top.

ALSTA Shows off in Compostela Sepak Takraw Tournament

The Aloysian Sepak Takraw Team (ALSTA) battled against different contenders during the Sepak Takraw Invitational Tournament Open Category held at

Compostela, Panangban, on January 21, 2023. The primary goals of the competition were friendly games, entertainment, and experience.

They wanted to demonstrate the skill they had developed over time through practice and gain more self-assurance for the upcoming game. Boystown was among the 18 teams that competed. The players Nike Owen Maestrado, Alfel Damulo, Christian Sevillano, Charles Balaga, and Joshua Villa composed the team. The group took part in two games during the elimination round. The 18 competing teams continued to gain ground. They worked hard to prevail in the contest. A mixture of excitement and fear prevailed during that game. “Naay sagul kalipay ug kulba kay tungod ang among kontra kay beterano na,” said Nike, ALSTA’s sepak takraw Team Captain. Despite the challenges and uncertainty of winning any games, they gave it their all. “Nindut kaayo, challenging. Unya, wala mi ga expect nga maka daug ug usa ka set kay maayo kaayo ang among kalaban.” One of the ALSTA team members, Alfel,claimed./ CLINT JAMES LAVADOR, REPORTER

Karate-Do players present themselves as they bagged five medals in the OKAZAKI Cup Open Category. TAN PHOTO | NEILMARC NIÑO L. MIRASOL

Sepak Takraw players gather as they are about to start the tournament.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO | CHRISTOPHER CABALLA