Iisang Bangka: SJS embraces new Josephites

by Sem. Leonard Renn Barros and Aron Jericho Cantil 

Despite being moved later than the usual due to the pandemic, the seminary pursued and celebrated the acquaintance party on October 31, 2020, at 7:00 in the evening. Themed “Iisang bangka”, Saint Joseph Seminary formally welcomed on board its new members. 

Sem. Grian Christopher Cabutaje, the general sacristan led the opening prayer. He highlighted God’s gift of friendship and prayed that all seminarians, after the party, may gain new friends and memories. The prayer was followed by a sumptuous dinner prepared by the Seminary’s kitchen.
The introduction of the new comers highlighted the event. Noteworthy were the mottos that they believe in. Their introduction led way for the community to know more about them.

Each class showcased their talents that made the night even more wonderful. Solo performances were from Nathaniel De Vera, a grade 7 seminarian, who sang the voice box defying Never Enough by Loren Allred, and Ms. Paula Valera, a new member of the faculty, with her rendition of Bakit Pa Ba?  by Sarah Geronimo. Carlo Ramos and Lil Badajos sang a duet and had their own take of A Whole New World from the hit-movie Aladdin. The Chorus Josephi, the seminary’s pride, also performed The Lion Sleeps Tonight that lulled the audience to speechlessness and then into a burst of applause. 

A Marian hymn and the final blessing which was given by Rev. Fr. Gary Rex A. Bugtong, the Prefect of Discipline, concluded the event.

​That night and the crew embarked on a new journey with laughter, friendship, and memories.