from 'March' to 'Marching' and its symbols

The month of March has always been a symbol of academic endeavor in Philippine education. The month is always associated to an active verb, which is on a process. March turns into 'marching'. Marching is also resembled to the military walk of our soldiers. And that walk signifies dignity and honor. Such then is the way that March is closely associated to graduation. 

In Recoletos School of Theology, Mira-nila Homes, Quezon City, three of my Augustinian brothers had achieved another milestone in their life as religious as they had complied all the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Arts, Major in Sacred Theology (STB). 

Along the graduation, I happened to wonder and look at the different symbols of triumph and glory. They are symbols that stand as the proof of arduous journey in achieving a degree. These symbols give us honor and dignity and at the same time identity in the society. However, we are reminded, that these symbols are not justifiable rights to be bragged and to be proud so much. Most of what has been presented in the confinements of a classroom are theories and concepts. We may have dealt with them greatly but nobody can't deny that the greatest struggle lies from the facts and realities outside the classroom. 

Medals

Diploma of the University of Sto. Tomas

Corsage  

Toga

A western tradition of throwing the togas up in the air as sign of jubilation and freedom.

In Deum 2011 - Soon!

This is the cover page of the upcoming issue of In Deum, the official journal of the St. Nicholas of Tolentine Community. I'm currently working on it at post-time. The art painting is courtesy of Fray Jorge Zafra, Jr. OSA. This soon will be released at the first week of April, 2011

Bonding with the 3rd World Community Children

March 20, 2011 - This was a memorable experience to be these children, (on the picture L-R: Robert, me, Grace, Nimfa, Harold, Jeni, Ate Donna, Dora and Edmar). These are the children that Fray Harold attends to in his apostolate area together with Fray Aimark and Fray Tony. Since Aimark and Tony can't come, we were invited to come with them.

A sumptuous lunch was served courtesy of Fray Harold.

Spiritual exposure to the sects of the Order of the knights of Rizal in Mt. Banahaw

Professed friars together with the Suprema of Iglesia Mistica Filipina in Mt. Banahaw.  Their so-called organization has a mixed culture of Filipino Spirituality and some Catholic teachings. In front of their Church they have the subscription of the 10 Commandments and the Mi Ultimo Adios of Dr. Jose Rizal.



A 30 minute drive from the Iglesia Rosa Mystica, another separate organization was founded in the name "Samahan ng tatlong Persona solo Dios". One of their beliefs is that Christ ame in the Philippines and left a mark of his left foot in a stone. The stone is laid on the river. Amazingly, according to the people we've asked, the water that flows from where the foot is laid, tastes like soda.



Images of Sto. Niño

Images of Sto. Niños deveoped by people through their faith to the child Jesus.

Various images of Sto. Niños are carried on in one of the carriages during the parade of Sto. Niños in Roxas Blvd. on January 30, 2011. 

I forgot the name of this Niño. They all represent one niño but I forgot the title of this one. 

Luneta Park - Dancing Fountain

Since there were no more vehicles available for us, we just decided to commute from Luneta to Visasyas Ave.. We just happened to pass the new attraction in the Luneta, the dancing fountain and decided to take a picture together with us.

That's me and the background.

Augustinian emblem