Happy 50th Fiesta GKK Sto. Nino – Lanzona

THE HISTORY
Sto. Niño GKK – Lanzona Subd., Matina Davao City

It was a small nipa when a group about 20 people were gathered together by the late Jose Ramos, the husband of the late Nanay Sofing Ramos and decided after some discussions to put up a chapel. It was in the year 1968, when some group of devoted Catholic selected the Holy Infant – Sr. Sto. Niño to be their patron saint and named the association as Sto. Niño Catholic association of Manggahan (having plenty of mango trees surrounding the place).

Upon learning of this development, the late Atty. Miguel Lanzona, the owner of the Subdivision and a devotee himself of Sto. Niño allowed the group to occupy a certain portion of the open space. In the early stage, a simple chapel made of wood and light materials was built by Bro. Solomon Ejera and the late Ben Tubilan. Sis. Chona Ongkingco was also elected as PSK. It was during her term with the active participation of its officers and support of the members that the chapel had undergone so many changes such as concreting it. It was in fact considered that time as one of the biggest and beautiful chapels in District 5 (now District 7) under San Pablo Parish.

Bro. Tirso Manaog also became a PSK for one term, then Bro. Roy Garcia, Bro. Magdaleno Dela Cuesta, Bro. James Pen, and Sis. Ruby Vilog respectively. Different renovations were made like building expansion, comfort room and store room, roofing and repainting of the chapel, etc.

Sis. Remy Chan succeeded Ruby Vilog who opted to be an active Catechist (PSP). In order to generate funds for the chapel extension, different fund raising projects were made with the help of the ways and means committee. Raffles, Christmas caroling, pledges challenged the generosity of its members and officers in the community.

Truly, the dream was realized. The chapel was expanded and a new sound system was purchased.

Various activities were held in the chapel such as fiesta celebration, which falls on the 3rd Saturday of January, Kasaulogan sa Pulong, Legion of Mary’s meeting (Saturday and Sunday Group), Youth Bible Sharing, seminars, Kasalan sa GKK, Binyagan sa GKK, House to House Living Rosary, and District 7 National Youth Day.

On its 50th year, fund-raising campaign is intensified for total development of the chapel along with the spirituality of all members. (Remy Chan | PSK)