The Seeds 2nd Edition

[MMCS]

Editor in chief:: Sem. Jake Maceren
Associate editors: Sem. Florence Jun Bantugan
Sem. Gun Real Omega
Managing editor: Sem. Glenn Donoso
News Editor: Sem. Joonee Rey Correos
Feature editor: Sem. Henrick Tagalo
Sports editor: Sem. Kieth Jefferson Mira
Literary editor: Sem. Sulficio Samontina
Lay-out artist: Sem. Marjun Sajulga
Circulations: Sem. John Ericson Diadula
Sem. Sherman Simbajon
Photographer: Sem. Junzon Mark Gonzaga
Cartoonist: Sem. Ansel Apatan
Encoder: Sem. Eugene Bantugan
Contributors: Sem. Paul Angelo Baluya
Sem. Mark Tiu
Sem. Neil Ambag
Sem. Michael Patan

Advisers:
Mr. Ricky Pedralba
Ms. Quennie Cortes
Ms. Amor
Consultant:
Mrs. Victoria Abella
Moderartor:
Rev. Fr. Larry Espuerta, DCS

[MMCS]

Morality at Stake
author: Jake Maceren



According to Bertrand Russell, “we have, in fact, two kinds of morality side by side: one which we preach but do not practice, and another which we practice but seldom preach.” Immorality is very apparent in every side of the globe at this age of modernity and cyber technology. We cannot deny this fact that it now becomes a trend in every existing society. People engage in immoral acts because of money and any other material possessions.
We are very much aware of this anomalous national Broadband Network (NBN) scandal that is accused to the family of the President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo by star witness Rodolfo Lozada Jr. ‘Graft and corruption’ is the most popular issue in the Philippines today that triggers the mob to mount another people power to force the resignation of GMA. But the question is, are we not aware of this immorality of our government officials in the past regimes? Is it only now that we know this anomaly in the government? We have to think about it because we might be overreacting on the issue.
We adhere to the stand of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines that we need now not an urgent revolt against the present government but a prayerful discernment of the Filipino people. We should have to be sure first that our revolutionary actions would promise us change that we’ve been longing for. We know that we have successfully staged two people powers and ousted two presidents but the change that those revolutions promised did not last long, we still go back to the same old structure that we are trying to erase in the face of our country.
We have seen this kind of immorality in the higher place of the government but we are not aware that it has its roots in our own hearts. If we want to change our government, we have to start first within ourselves. True change does not take place in the streets through rallies, but in our own homes through our own reflections and introspections of our lives. That is why the theme of the Mindanao-Sulu Pastoral Council held in Surigao City last October 22-26, 2007 was “Restoring Moral Values Through Basic Ecclesial Communities” because the Church believes that morality starts from within us, especially in our family.
As priests in the making, we have to be aware of our role in the society. We have to be, first and foremost, the teachers and the models of moral values of the church. We have to uplift the value of human dignity, especially here in our country because our own morality now is in danger of fading away; it is now at stake. Thus, we have to practice what we preach about morality and preach what we believe and practice. This is our very own mission and what we believe is the best solution in the overlapping problems of our country today.

“We have, in fact, two kinds of morality side by side: one which we preach but do not practice, and another which we practice but seldom preach.”

[MMCS]

Ravelo receives diaconate ordination



Ronan Escatron Ravelo received his diaconate ordination last December 10, 2007 at the Cathedral Church of Surigao City. He is from Sto. Thomas De Villanueva Parish, General Luna, Surigao del Norte and graduated his Theological studies at St. John Mary Vianney Theological Seminar in 2006. He was ordained by the Bishop of Surigao, Most Rev. Antonieto D. Cabajog,, DD, who presided the mass.
The ordination was attended in by his family, relatives, friends and visitors from Cagayan. The nuns assigned in Surigao were present, such as, SPC, MSLT, OSB, LGC, SSPS, and MSM sisters. The MMCS Chorale, SPUS Chorale and English Mass Chorale joined together and sang the liturgical songs during the Eucharistic Celebration.
The ordination exuded solemnity. Bp. Antonieto D. Cabajog, DD, in his homely, evoked the words of Ronan when he was interviewed by his Spiritual Director who expressed his conviction to be ordained and willingness to the service of Lord’s Vineyard in the Diocese of Surigao. The success of the event involved the prayer of the Priests and their warmth embrace of welcome and so with the prayer, support, and admiration of all who witnessed the ordination.

[MMCS]

MMCS chorale brings home Php10K.

Last December 8, 2007, at Tubod Gymnisium, the MMCS Chorale joined the 1st Tubod Parish Invitational Chorale Competition which was sponsored by the St. Cicilias Choir.
Five competent chorale groups in the Diocese of Surigao namely, Surigao Chorale Strains, NEMCO Glee Club, SNNHS Glee Club, Bacuag Parish Choir and our very own MMCS Chorale joined in the said competition. Each group sang one warm-up song followed by the singing of the contest piece from the Sr. Act movie entitled “I Will Follow Him.”
Surigao Chorale Strain won the first place and two minor awards as best in vocals and in musical presentation with 24, 000 Php as cash prize and plaque.
NEMCO Glee Club respectively won the second place with a cash prize of 15, 000 Php. and plaque. The MMCS Chorale brought home the third place with a cash prize of 10, 000Php. and a plaque.
“We sang from the heart that uplifted the soul of the judges and audiences”, one of the members of the Surigao Chorale Strains disclosed, after receiving the award.

[MMCS]

Dinagat island, seminarians’ venue for retreat

The Maradjao Magbalantay College seminarians with Fr. Eliezer Mantilla, DCS, Fr. Larry Espuerta, DCS, Seminary Secretary and two kitchen personnel boarded in the afternoon of February 25 2008, Monday to Wadas, Dinagat Island for the annual Year-End Retreat. Specifically, the 3 day retreat was held at the private beach resort owned by Judge Leonom Edera.
Rev. Fr. Borge Kho, DCS, the Parish Priest of Dinagat Island was the retreat master of the 3 day vacation of the seminarians with God.
The retreat proper was started on the evening of the arrival. It was ended in the morning of February 27, 2008 with a Eucharistic Celebration. Fr. Borge was the presider of the mass.
On the afternoon, the seminarians and seminary priests went to the creamy-white sand beach of Bitaog for the outing.
After the tiresome swimming on Bitaog, in the evening of the same day the seminarians and seminary priests conducted a short program and socialization. Every one danced on the beat of music and celebrated the success of the retreat.
The next day, they emotionally farewell the place but happily brought a memorable experiences and meaningful retreat..
“I will never forget the footprints I left in this very beautiful place,” Sem. Emmanuel Bernades stressed as he waved his hand for farewell.

[MMCS]

APO hiking society crooned Surigaonons

The famous group band Apo Hiking Society had their concert in Surigao City last March 1, 2008 at the Surigao Convention Center. This was a very unforgettable moment to the Surigaonons since the famous band had performed for the first time in the city.
Through the efforts of the Maradjao Magbalantay Seminary Foundation headed by Engineer Leonardo Kang, the three-hour concert made the audience sat in amusement listening to the beautiful songs rendered by the APO. They not only made the crowd cried from their soul-touching songs but they also made them laugh because their funny stories and jokes.
The proceeds of the concert will go to the on-going Construction of the Maradjao
Magbalantay College Seminary Chapel construction. The seminary foundation organizers were thankful to the many people who have contributed to the success of the concert.

[MMCS]

Seminary sports fest heats up

We, the seminarians together with our seminary Formators conducted our annual sports fest with this year’s theme, ”Strengthening Brotherhood and Camaraderie through Sports” at the seminary compound last July 14, 2007. The aim of this activity is to encourage the seminarians to show and enhance their talents through sports. And the very important goal of the this activity is to promote bonding and friendship with our co-seminarians.
The activity was started with a parade in some part of songkoy, brgy. Togbongon Surigao city . It was followed by an opening prayer by the assist. Sport senior Sem. Paul Angelo Baluya and the singing of National Anthem by Sem Neil Bersan Ambag . The opening remarks was given by our father Restor Rev. Eliezer N. Mantilla DCS. As a confirmation that the Sportsf east kick of was formally opened the lighting torch was made by our Sport Senior Sem. Marjun Sajulga and Sem. Sulficio Samontina. And it was been preceded by an oath of sportsmanship by Sem. Gun Real Omega.
The seminarians was sub-divided into four teams, the Anghel de la Guardia, fixious stoics and wonderer team. The first sport activity was the banner rising contest and it was won by the fixous team. Then, the most awaited and exited was the cheer dance competition. The first performer was the Fexious team, second, was the Angel de la Guardia team, then followed b the Wonderer team and the last performer who won the said competition is the Stoics team.
Couple of games were scheduled in that day. The first game was the basketball game and the next game was resumed because of the time constraint.. After the close fight of the four teams the over-all winner was declared. The Fixious team won the over-all champion of the Sport fest Kick-off. Stoics team won the second place, Wonderer team placed 3rd and ADG team placed in the fourth.

“Strengthening Brotherhood and Camaraderie through Sports.”

[MMCS]

MMCS culminates apostolate year


Maradjao Magbalantay College Seminary culminated its Apostolate year with the celebration of the 5th Pastoral Day in February 24, 2008 at the Seminary compound with the theme “Restoring Spiritual Values to the Christian Faithful through Apostolate Works.”
Five chapel areas namely: Chapel of Putsan, San Jose, Chalderon, Jubasan, and Togbongon took part in the said annual activity. It was started with a Eucharistic celebration with Bishop Antonieto CabajoG, d.d. as the main celebrant.
In the afternoon of the same day, varied sports and games were done, such as, basketball, volleyball, table tennis, chess, parlor games and bingo socials. Afterwards, the proclaimation of winners followed.
The event was successfully celebrated with the cooperation of generous individuals, benefactors and all Christian faithful.

[MMCS]

CABUSTAM invades Malaybalay


Maayad Ha Pag-uma!” This was the very warm greetings of welcome from the host seminary, Pope John XXII to all Diocesan Colle Seminaries from Cagayan de Oro, Butuan, Tandag and Surigao during their arrival for the 2nd CABUSTAM Inter-Diocesan College Seminarian Assembly on October 12-13, 2007 at Malaybalay City with the theme, “Fellowship with Christ is fellowship in peace.”
On the first day of the assembly, Fr. Yap Nazareno shared his inspiring experiences and meaty thoughts about peace. He taught the seminarians with the very difficult expression of peace taken from a Muslim language but everyone uttered it perfectly, kit says, “Asalamu Alikum, Wa Alikum Misalam.”
On the last day, the battle of skill in sports was done at Bukidnon State University Gymnasium. There were basketball and volleyball tournaments played among the seminaries. Afterwards, victorious winners were proclaimed.
The assembly was ended with a mouth-watering foods offered in along table for linch. ‘liku-liku kaw ra”, was the farewell mesaage of the host eminary to all the participants.
Rev. Fr. Elizer Mantilla, DCS, Rector of MMCS, accepted the key of responsibility as the next host seminary for the 3rd CABUSTAM Assembly.
“Goodbye Malaybalay… Hello Surigao!”
Winners:
Basketball - Butuan
Volleyball - Butuan
Over-all Champion - Butuan
1st Runner-up - Cagayan
2nd Runner-up - Surigao
3rd Runner-up - Malaybalay

[MMCS]

Surigao welcomes MSPC XIII


The Diocese of Surigao, headed by Bishop Antonieto Cabajog, DD, welcomed the delegates of the 13th Mindanao-Sulu Pastoral Conference last Pope John XXIII Pastoral Center with the year’s theme, ‘restoring Moral Values Through Basic Ecclesial Communities.”
The 175 religious participants joined together to scrutinize contemporary issues in order to elevate social concerns of the church particularly in Mindanao region. It focuses in the following concerns: to asses the moral situation within the church and in our Philippine situation; in media governance, family and schools; to elevate the moral education and formation program in respective arch/dioceses; to identify factors affecting the deterioration, if not the decay of morality in the church and society; and to come up with concrete initiates/plans of actions for the restoration of moral values within the Church and in our society.