By Sr. Noemi Mendoza, FdCC
ANAK Batangueño
Congress was once again realized to awaken the spirit of Camaraderie
among the participants and thereby each may experience belongingness.
Occurred on November 10 of the present year at Canossa Academy, the
said congress was participated in by approximately one thousand and two
hundred high school students who are members of ANAK Batangueño, the
local name of sons and daughters of OFW from Batangas. The school
participants during the Congress were Our Lady of Carmel Academy of
Calatagan, Immaculate Conception College of Balayan, Our Lady of Peace
of Tuy, Our Lady of Caysasay of Taal, St. Mary’s Educational Institute
of Lemery, oly FHH Holy Family
Academy of Padre Garcia, St. Joseph Institute of Rosario, Sto. Rosario
Academy of Alupay, St. James Academy of Ibaan, Our Lady of Mercy Academy
of San Juan, Canossa Academy of Lipa, De La Salle Integrated School of
Lipa, La Consolacion College of Tanauan, FAITH of Tanauan, St. Thomas
Academy of Santo Tomas, Santa Teresa College of Bauan, and St. Francis
Academy of Mabini. Some observers came all the way from Holy Family
Montessori of San Jose, Bigain National High School, Taysan National
High School and St. Joseph Academy. With the theme “We Belong” the
affair was hosted by Jerika Everly Marquez and Paul Edner Carpio of
Canossa Academy and FAITH respectively.
The following were
the highlights;
·
The
Eucharistic celebration , headed by Most Rev. Archbishop Ramon
Arguelles, DD with Fr. Jojo Gonda, Director of LACMMI and Fr. Mike
Samaniego, Director of Santo Thomas Academy.
·
Short
Program and Animation
·
Talk
by Fr. Jojo Gonda, Resource Speaker
·
Group
Encounter and Sharing to the General Assembly
·
Friendship Games
An
interpretative Dance from the Grade School Department of Canossa
Academy made the participants remember their parents, brothers, sisters
and relatives who are working abroad and eventually changed the
atmosphere to a mood of gratitude.
On the other
hand, Fr. Jojo Gonda stressed in his sharing some Filipino Values such
as Prayer, Love of Family and Society, Self-discipline, Respect,
Gratitude and Humility. These are the values expected of every
full-fledged ANAK Batangueño member.
The following are
words from some participants:
·
Ang
saya-saya, Sarap ulitin! Go ANAK Batangueño!
- IYOS
- Holy
Family Academy
·
Ang
mga ANAK Batangueño ay talented and athletic
– Jaynee Porillo,
- St.
James Academy
·
Cool!
Ang Saya dito grabe! Enjoy ang day na ito! Unforgetable! Sobra! Sana
maulit muli! – Rauffa Tabajonda, Santa Teresa College
·
Fun,
Friendly ang mga students, na- overwhelmed kami at saka ang saya ng mga
events, naka-excite, Yes , we really had fun.
- Mary Venel Burog, Santa Teresa College
·
I’m
very happy that, I joined this Congress. I am thankful, that I become
part of this enjoyable activity
– Maan Alido, De La Salle LIpa
·
Ang
saya-saya nitong ANAK Batangueño Congress, Salamat at nakasama ako.
Marami akong naging kaibigan na tulad kong ANAK Batangueño.
-
Bryan
Karlo Abante, St. Francis Academy
·
Masaya ako, dahil nakapanood ako ng ibat-ibang talents from the ANAK
Batangueño. Sana maulit uli ang ganitong Congress
– Paul Carpio, FAITH
·
It is
fun and most of all, I gained lot of friends. How I wish maulit muli
- Cleabelle Dimapasok
The Anak Batangueño
Congress ended successfully. Our hearfelt gratitude to the Pioneer
Insurance & Surety Corporation of Makati in the person of Mr. Edward
“Woodie” Ebron, Manager, strategic Marketing who generously sponsored
our prizes.
Essay-writing contest
winning entry
Other Contest Results
Congress Photo Gallery
Sr. Noemi Mendoza, FdCC of Canossa
Academy of Lipa City, is the Overall-Coordinator of ANAK Batangueño and
member schools for the Province of Batangas. |
