SADePP@60: A Diamond Feast of Faith, Humanity, and Community

“San Antonio de Padua DESERVES THE BEST” – Rev. Fr. Amado B. Arroyo

Every 13th day of June, the feast of St. Anthony of Padua is a highly anticipated event for many Catholics around the world. It is a moment to remember and appreciate St. Anthony, a cherished saint revered for his miracles and deeds of kindness.

To be directed with this special occasion, this year’s theme, Reliving the Past, Thanking the Present, Moving Forward with Faith, Hope, and Love, is rooted in the various advancements that have occurred throughout the years, not only in the present but also in the efforts made by its predecessor priests to get to where we are now.

Before the 60th Parochial Fiesta, the parish priest, Rev. Fr. Amado “Madz” Arroyo, formed a special Ad Hoc committee to organize and direct the year-long Diamond Celebration. This has been the practice, Fr. Madz is doing this to ensure that those who are willing to share their creativity and God-given talents will be showcased in all celebrations.

This year, the following persons were among the distinctive Ad Hoc committees, Mr. Jundy Carl Silawan headed the Steering, Mr. Nestorio Rosellosa, Jr., as Program Head, Ms. Bebeth Pangan headed the Secretariat, Mr. Darius Joves & Ms. Joan Rodicol as Finance & Fundraising Heads, Ms. Alice Nicolas, Rev. Soren Abellanosa, Mr. Ramir Simbre, as Worship Heads, Ms. Shinedell Gallo, as Contest Head, Mr. Dominador Lopez, the PPC President as Head for Judges, Mr. Anthony Cañete, as Sports Head, Mr. Nikko Atabelo, as Souvenir Head, Luigi Felicia, as Social Media Head, Ms. Nena Cabig, as Food Head. The Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Amado B. Arroyo sat as chairperson, while Rev. Fr. Jose Marie Z. Escuadro, Parochial Vicar, was Co-Chairperson of the committee.

Each ad hoc committee member was so exceptional that the Archbishop of Davao, Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, D.D., sent forth the committee members, where the Archbishop manifested his support for the success of the responsibilities they were to carry.

Following the sending forth, each committee worked diligently to ensure that this diamond celebration would be extraordinary, remarkable, and remembered by its parishioners. The Zonal Sponsorship was one of the year-long activities. Each zone proposed a project that fit the 60th Parochial Fiesta Celebration from June 2022 to May 2023, such rosary-making project that produced more than sixty (60) rosaries or the parish’s initiative and sixty (60) buckets worth of goods given to underprivileged parishioners.

Parishioners were also encouraged to put up a tarpaulin and promote their zones on the available parish banners. Zones were assigned different themes to be presented in the parish; to name a few; there was the Sinulog Festival dance presentation from Zone 3 presented in January, famous Love Month and Flores de Mayo by Zone 4 in February, The 60th Grand Procession, Coastal Clean Up, and Pista sa Nayon by Zone 1 in May 2023.

While various zones held monthly activities, there were also noteworthy occasions that the parish organized through the contribution of the Finance and Fundraising Committee, as well as the Program, Contest, and Secretariat Committees.

One of these events was the renowned Dinner for a Cause on October 28, 2022, at the Waterfront Insular Hotel, where almost eight hundred (800) people supported.

A Christmas Raffle Bonanza was also held on December 26, 2022 wherein the ticket only cost Php60.00. Among the major prizes were a Brand New Motorcycle, a double-door Refrigerator, a brand new smart TV plus a few Mountain Bikes. Additionally, twenty (20) winners of Php5,000 worth of grocery items, twenty (20) winners of 50kg sack of rice, and seventeen (17) winners of Php1,000 gift certificates.

The Charity Dinner: A Night of Belongingness which was hosted on March 2023 at the newly constructed Holy Family Gymnasium (formerly St. Mary’s Hall), intended to bring together parishioners from every zone as a means of bringing back all the blessings received. Over six hundred (600) guests attended the dinner with entertainment, and an exclusive raffle where electric kettles and fans were at stake, making everyone in the parish thrilled.

As a way to honor the GSLs’ efforts to serve and extend their support to the parish for years, a Thanksgiving and Appreciation Night for all the GKK Servant Leaders (GSLs) across active seventy-six (76) GKKs was held on May 6, 2023, at the dome of NCCC Mall Victoria Plaza. Along with the presentation of GKKs established for 60 years and beyond, special recognition was also given to leaders who served for 15, 20, and 30 years and above. The Archbishop of Davao, Abp. Valles gave an inspirational message to the GSLs of Agdao, whom he described as “people who give energy to the church.”

There was an Arch Making Competition on June 4, 2023, with nine (9) participating zones. This was created to help spread the word that San Antonio de Padua in Agdao was about to celebrate its 60th Parochial Fiesta, along with the Bahay Kubo Making Contest which were constructed at the parish, with a Pista sa Nayon theme.

Despite the fact that these activities were already extraordinary, significant, and unforgettable, the Ad Hoc committees did not stop there. The 60th Ad Hoc Finance and Fundraising Committee launched the 60th Grand Fiesta Raffle Bonanza, continuing the momentum of the year-long festivity. The effort aimed to assist in funding the rehabilitation of the convent and church floor.

With the latest fire tragedy at Our Lady of Fatima Parish on March 5, 2023, this additionally brought out the bigger reason for holding this raffle bonanza. Fr. Madz called for an urgent Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) and Parish Finance Council (PFC) meeting to show his profound sadness and genuine intention to help its neighboring parish and brother priest, Fr. Severino “Ben” Capulong, and the parishioners of OLFP, by proposing to donate One Million Pesos (Php 1,000,000.00) through the proceeds earned in the 60th Grand Raffle Bonanza.

According to Fr. Madz, we can genuinely express what a shining diamond is if we will give light to those in darkness, just like in the unfortunate circumstance at OLFP. This also inspired the PPC and PFC officials to support the cause, which landed a majority of support through signing a pledge for the #RoadToAMillion Campaign for Our Lady of Fatima Parish.

When people asked about the ticket price, for Fr. Madz said, “Your 100% support for our 60th Raffle Bonanza will give you a fortune.”

Without a doubt, it was openly and actively supported not only by the parishioners but in other parts of the country and abroad because for Php160.00, fifty-five (55) lucky winners were able to take home Php6,000 each, and four (4) people got to take home the Php25,000, Php50,000, Php75,000 and Php100,000 prize and of course one person brought home the BRAND NEW UNIT of the Toyota Fortuner, which totaled to sixty (60) Grand Raffle Bonanza winners.

But of course the celebretation of the 60th Parochial Fiesta was not limited to the prizes and the grandeur. It was made sure by the worship committee that activities to enrich the soul also were held. Among them was the administering of the Sacrament of Confirmation of the Archbishop of Davao to over six hundred (600) students from schools under pastoral care on June 10.

The Sacrament of Marriage was also administered to twenty-four (24) couples which was officiated by Rev. Fr. Amado B. Arroyo on June 8. The Parish Catechetical Ministry successfully put these in place, headed by Ms. Maria Luisa Alferez and her team.

As the 60th Diamond Parochial Fiesta celebration approached, nine (9) days of novena prayer and masses were conducted from June 3 to June 11, 2023, sponsored by each zone, and barangays covered by the parish.

Each novena mass was presided over by ordained priests who were originally from Agdao, for instance, Rev. Fr. (SSupt.) Randy Baluso, who is now a Chief Chaplain of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Rev. Fr. Arnel Godin, MOP, Rev. Fr. Mervin George Maglana, Parish Priest of San Miguel Parish (Panacan), Rev. Fr. Dionisio Tabiliran, Parish Priest of St. Mary of the Perpetual Rosary (Buhangin), Rev. Fr. Ricky Penalosa, Parish Priest of Birhen Dolorosa Parish (Babak), together with Rev. Fr. Peter Osuji, CSSp, Guest Priest. Most of them were welcomed by the parishioners as they presided over the novena masses. They were delighted for the parish’s 60th year of existence as a solid and united faithful community.

In the morning of June 12, a day before the feast of St. Anthony, a Zumbabida sa Parokya was conducted to bring energy and celebrate the joy of fitness and friendship. Best Zumba wear was awarded to five (5) participants with Php500.00 each as the prices. During this day also was the judging of the Bahay Kubo Making from various zones, the historical Grand Procession of St. Anthony of Padua’s image, together with the patron saints of over seventy-six (76) GKKs, and a motorcade at the areas of Agdao Proper, Jose P. Laurel Avenue, and Rafael Castillo Highway.

The night after the procession, Saysentang Hudyaka: A Parish Fiesta Night Celebration, was organized by the 60th Ad Hoc Program Committee, where the essence of community was seen and the excitement everyone felt was priceless.

Hugyawan 2023: A Folk Dance Competition was presented and participated by eight (8) zones, showcasing various folk dances, including Karatong, Kuratsa, Bulaklakan, Itik-Itik, La Jota, and many others. The panel of judges was composed of Mr. Earl Clive N. Dacal, Mr. Kenneth Clark P. Balones, and Ms. Mary Ann Dela Cerna, chairperson of the board of judges.

Also, the most-awaited 60th Grand Fiesta Raffle Bonanza was drawn during the event. The fifty-five (55) lucky consolation prize and major prize winners was officially published via San Antonio de Padua Parish Facebook Page. Sr. Bing Alpas, M.A. won the 4th major prize of Php25,000; Mr. Randolph Regel C. Celeste won the 3rd major prize winner of Php50,000; Ms. Merlita Beronio won the 2nd major prize of Php75,000; and Mr. Dennis O. Milallos brought home the 1st major prize of Php100,000. With ticket no. 39734, Ms. Vivian Sison won the Grand Prize, a brand new Toyota Fortuner.

The announcement of winners from different competitions, such as Arch and Kubo Making, Hugyawan 2023: A Folk Dance Competition, and San Antonio de Padua Parish Cup also happened after the drawing of winners and the presentations.

Zone 2 was hailed as the champion in the Arch making contest, receiving a Php20,000 cash prize and plaque, followed by Zone 3 in 1st place, receiving a Php17,000 cash prize and plaque, and Zone 1 in 2nd place, receiving a Php15,000 cash prize and plaque.

In the Bahay Kubo Making Contest, Zone 6 won as Champion with Php60,000 cash and a plaque, followed by Zone 1 as 1st Runner Up with a Php45,000 cash prize and a plaque, and Zone 5 as 2nd Runner Up with a Php25,000 cash prize and a plaque.

For the nerve-wracking Hugyawan competition, Zone 1 brought home the prize with Php10,000 cash and a trophy, Zone 9 out 1st place with Php 8,000 cash and a trophy, and Zone 2 took 2nd place with a Php5,000 cash prize and a trophy.

For the San Antonio de Padua Parish Cup under the youth (15–20 years old) and adult categories (40 years old and above), Zone 1 won the Men’s Basketball Championship and Zone 4 was hailed as the Champion for the young adult (21–39 years old) category. In the Volleyball men’s and women’s divisions, Zone 4 hauled the two divisions, hailed as Champion, and Zones 7 and 6 as 1st runner-up.

Right after the announcement of winners, a one million peso donation from the people of Agdao was handed to the Our Lady of Fatima Parish in the presence of the OLFP Parish Pastoral Council and Parish Priest, Fr. Ben Capulong.

In his message, Fr. Ben sincerely thanked the parishioners of Agdao for their generosity, with the inspiration of St. Anthony of Padua, to build and raise the church of Our Lady of Fatima. In return, Fr. Ben extended his best wishes and prayers that the SADePP community will continue progressing and be blessed.

During its fiesta on June 13, several fiesta masses were celebrated and concelebrated, along with the rite of blessing of St. Anthony of Padua’s first-class relic from Rome. Starting at 6:00 a.m., Most. Rev. George B. Rimando, D.D., Auxiliary Bishop of Davao, celebrated the first mass (Cebuano), followed by 8:00 a.m. mass (English), presided over by the parish priest, Rev. Fr. Amado B. Arroyo, together with the representative of the Bishop of Parañaque, Pontifical Mass at 10:00 a.m. (Cebuano), celebrated by Rev. Msgr. Julius Rodulfa, where archdiocesan, and guest priests, concelebrated and the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy at 3:00 p.m.

At 3:30 p.m., the Bishop of Lucena, Most Rev. Mel Rey Uy, D.D., celebrated the third mass (English). For the first time in the parish’s history, the Archbishop Emeritus of Cotabato, His Eminence Orlando B. Cardinal Quevedo, O.M.I., D.D., was warmly welcomed by the parish priest and presided over the 6:00 p.m. Fiesta Mass (English). It was a one-of-a-kind celebration that a cardinal celebrated and presided over the Eucharistic celebration at San Antonio de Padua Parish in Agdao.

In one of Cardinal Quevedo’s homilies, he confessed that he considers St. Anthony one of his favorite patron saints, a great miracle worker, protector, patron saint of lost things, the saint that touched his life and the others, taking into account the various miracles and good acts made by the saint. His Eminence, in closing, fervently hopes and prays that everyone will continue to live up to their faith just like St. Anthony of Padua, whose simple and humble friar preached the Good News lovingly and with courage.

Now more than ever, the 60th Diamond Parochial Fiesta celebration is a true testament that, withstanding all the difficulties and trials we encounter and no matter what life throws at us, we must never stop being grateful as we live to remember the past and to give thanks for the present, demonstrating our true Catholic faith as a community, that the people of Agdao are in fact an embodiment of what a diamond is—stable, pure, and strong. (Justin Felicia, SADePP SoCCom)