Academic leaders attend Wong Conference in Manila

Dr. Harry K. Wong, a world-reknowned educator and speaker dubbed as the "Rockstar of Education" gamely poses with some members of the delagation from St. Paul College of Bocaue and St. Paul School of Sta. Maria. From left to right: Miss Benita Tarranza, Miss Marita Mercado, Mr. Ernesto Guillermo, Jr., Dr. Harry K. Wong, Sr. Virginia Taguinod, SPC, Sr. Ma. Gemma Moralita, SPC, Sr. Marie Anne Adonacion, SPC, and Mrs. Eufemia Dionson.

A number of academic leaders from the Grade School and High School Departments joined throngs of other educators nationwide to listen to world-reknowned educator and speaker, Dr. Harry K. Wong, last July 28, 2012.

The delegation was led by Sr. Virginia Taguinod, SPC, the Grade School Principal and Community Superior. The members of the delegation were Sr. Ma. Gemma Moralita, SPC, the Head for Christian Formation, Sr. Marie Anne Adonacion, SPC, Directress-Principal of St. Paul School of Sta. Maria, Mr. Ernesto Guillermo, Jr., the HS Academic Chair, Mrs. Eufemia Dionson, HS Homeroom Chair, Mrs. Emmalou Pineda, the Student Welfare Committee Chair, Miss Benita Tarranza, HS Social Studies Team Leader, Miss Marita Mercado, the GS Homeroom Chair, Miss Imelda Baltazar, the GS Academic Chair, and Miss Thelma Dimaapi, the GS Clubs and Organizations Chair.

The conference was held at the SMX Convention Center at the Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

Wong was joined by his wife, Rosemary, as they gave educators practical tips on becoming an effective and succesful teacher.

Dubbed as “Harry Wong in Manila”, the conference was sponsored by Catalyst and Vibal Publishing House, Inc., together with Philippine Daily Inquirer and the Philippine Airlines, among others. The theme of the conference was “How to be an Effective and Successful Educator”.

The Wongs emphasized starting every school year right and stressed on a well planned first day in school. They shared various experiences of educators in the United States and from some other countries like the Philippines who found out that planning what to do on the very first day of school produces positive results in the academic achievements of students.

“Teachers who discipline show they are ineffective,” Harry pointed out. “The ones who are effective are those who know how to manage their classes,” he said.

“In an effective classroom, students know what to do. Effective teachers have a classroom that is structured, organized, and consistent in how a classroom is run,” he emphasized.

Rosemary, on the other hand, gave illustrative examples of effective teachers who planned well their first days in school.

Citing shared experiences of teachers across the US which are published in their website teachers.net, Rosemary narrated how one teacher welcomed his students with seemingly frequently-asked-questions answered. The examples included even shaking hands with each student as he or she enters the classroom to let them feel warmly welcomed, and that they had been waited for all summer.

She, likewise, cited the use of scripts so that no single detail would be missed out as normally the first days of school would cause jitters to some teachers.

In well planned off classroom management approach, even when the teacher is not present physically, the students would know what to do, she declared. Rosemary mentioned the use of regular bell work posts that students can do every beginning of each period. She described bell works as academic tasks that students are asked to accomplish or do at the beginning of the class to get them engaged right away, even without the presence of the teacher yet. “The bell work could also be called welcome work,” she said.

“If bell work becomes a culture in the classroom, then students would immediately know what to do,” she enthused.

“The number one problem in the classroom is not discipline,” Harry declared. “It is the lack of procedures and routines.”

“Discipline concerns how students behave, while procedures are concerned with how things are done,” he differentiated. “Effective teachers manage their classes with procedures; ineffective teachers discipline their classes with threats,” he described.

He suggested that teachers should clearly define classroom procedures and routines.

“Procedures are used to structure how things are done in the classroom, such as entering the classroom, quieting the class, getting into and doing group work, sharpening pencils, and collecting papers,” he explained.

“Classroom procedures must be rehearsed until they become routines,” he encouraged. “A procedure is what the teacher wants the students to do and a routine is what a student winds up doing automatically after rehearsal,” he noted. He mentioned three steps to teaching classroom procedures – teach, rehearse, reinforce.

Among the recurring procedures that Harry mentioned were beginning a class, taking turns speaking, getting help, turning in homework or classwork, taking lecture notes, reading a chapter, doing a homework, or getting students’ attention.

“Research shows that effective teachers spend most of the first week teaching students to follow classroom procedures,” he revealed.

“Procedures do not have to be presented in PowerPoint,” Rosemary added. She cited that the procedures could be posted in classroom bulletin boards, on the armchairs, or even in a very creative way like rapping them in a song.

Harry pointed out that “all effective schools and classrooms have a culture of consistency, a structure and organization of how the school and the classroom are run.”

“The reason for most failures of students,” he said, “is failure to know what procedures and objectives they are responsible for.” Wong cited the study of John Hattie of the University of Auckland where Hattie concluded that simply telling the students what they will be learning (objectives) before the lesson begins can raise student achievements by as much as 27 percent.

“If the students know what they are aiming for, they know what they are responsible for learning,” Wong said. “Students get more done  when they see where they are going and what they are doing.”

He emphasized the importance of assessment over evaluation of student achievements. “When you are sick, the doctor does not grade you,” he illustrated. “The doctor assesses your test results and provides medication or treatment to improve your health,” he said. Assessment of student achievement could be facilitated with the use of rubrics, Wong declared. “Even the students themselves can objectively assess themselves by following the rubrics,” Wong said. “Just think what would happen to student learning if the students knew what they were to learn and how they would be assessed, thus they knew they could not fail,” he challenged. “A rubric is used to assess student learning and provide instruction for student progress.”

Rosemary mentioned of “Dancing with the Stars” TV program in the US to illustrate assessment, as the dancers are immediately given feedbacks by the judges on how they fared in the dance competition. She divulged that one three-time champion of the series was a Filipina from Nueva Ecija, who happened to be their friend in the US. “The main role of the teacher is not to grade the student but to help every student reach the highest possible level of achievement,” she said.

“Students will succeed when they know what they are to learn, how they are to learn it, how the quality of their learning will be assessed, and how they are to demonstrate what they have learned,” Wong said. “Effective schools have a culture of consistency,” he emphasized. “You are the difference in the life of a child,” he ended.

The conference was attended by more than 3,000 educators from all over the country for the morning session. The conference had two runs.

Mrs. Lu wins anew as PFC-HS Dept., Inc. prexy

by Miss Maricar Bargado and Mr. Ernesto Guillermo Jr.

Mrs. Ruby Lu was elected anew for the third time as the PFC-HS Dept., Inc. President in an election held yesterday at the HS Library.

Mrs. Rubirosa “Ruby” Lu was elected for the third time anew yesterday, July 25, 2012, as the Paulinian Family Circle-High School Department, Inc. President for SY 2012-2013.

In a resounding vote of confidence by the parent representatives and the high school faculty, as soon as Mrs. Lu was nominated anew, the nominations were closed, virtually approving her as the PFC-HS Dept., Inc. President again.

Mrs. Lu expressed her gratitude for the trust of the parents and teachers as she will lead again the parent-teacher organization. Earlier on, she enumerated the accomplishments of the PFC-HS Dept., Inc. in SY 2011-2012.

“This is my last term and I hope you will still support me,” Mrs. Lu said.

Sr. Bernadette S. Racadio, SPC, the Directress-High School Principal, also expressed her gratitude to all the outgoing officers who worked collaboratively with the school administration in the past school year. She particularly mentioned the “positive spirit and camaraderie among the outgoing officers that made all their activities successful.”

The other officers who were elected were as follows:

Vice President – Dr. Nelson Pecache

Parent Secretary – Mrs. Rosanna Guillermo

Teacher Secretary – Mr. Simon Peter Gana

Parent Treasurer – Mrs. Teresita Cruz

Teacher Treasurer – Mr. Dexter Feliciano

Auditor – Mrs. Ma. Lourdes Mariano

P.R.O. – Mrs. Ma. Victoria Villarubia

Parent Muse – Mrs. Elizabeth Balisi

Parent Escort – Mr. Rogelio Andres

Teacher Muse – Mrs. Mecedita Cruz

Teacher Escort – Mr. Ernesto Guillermo, Jr.

The new set of PFC-HS Dept., Inc. Officers pose for a shot with Sr. Bernadette Racadio, SPC. (From left to right) Seated: Mr. Simon Peter Gana, Mrs. Rosanna Guillermo, Mrs. Ruby Lu, Sr. Bernadette Racadio, Dr. Nelson Pecache, Mrs. Teresita Cruz, and Mr. Dexter Feliciano. Standing: Mr. Ernesto Guillermo, Jr., Mrs. Mercedita Cruz, Mrs. Ma. Victoria Villarubia, Mrs. Ma. Lourdes Mariano, Mrs. Elizabeth Balisi, and Mr. Rogelio Andres.

The election was attended by the high school faculty and parent representatives of each section of the different year levels. Among the parent attendees were Mrs. Aurora Asmod, Mrs. Rosario Prepotente, Mrs. Carolina Castillo, Mrs. Marita Nieto, Mrs.Leny Onia, Mrs. Maria Wilma Dela Cruz, Mrs. Juliet Goltiao, Mrs. Lorna Barcial, Mrs. Faith Enriquez, Mr. Rogelio Andres, Dr. Nelson Pecache, Mrs. Ma. Victoria Villarubia, Mrs. Teresita Cruz,       Mrs.Fe Aurelio, Mrs. Ma. Luisa Baraero, Mrs. Maria Luisa Reyes, Mr. Modesto Gicale, Mrs. Erlinda Santos, Mrs. Nora Correa, Mrs. Heda Alcaraz, Mr. Cesar De Jesus, Mrs. Lorena Corrales, Mrs. Melody Jacinto, Mrs. Elizabeth Balisi, Mrs. Theresa Dealca, Mrs. Ma. Lourdes Mariano, and Mrs. Cielito Santos.

Parent representatives per year level were also elected. The election was held at the High School Library from 4:30 p.m. until past 6:00 p.m.

Mrs. Eufemia Dionson, the Homeroom Chair, spearheaded the elections as she convened all the parent representatives for the purpose. Mrs. Julie Limbang helped in counting the ballots as the election was done by secret balloting.

HSBS leaders take SITES seminar

The High School Board of Students officers led by Bea Patricia B. Violeta, the HSBS President, took a prepping up Service, Integrity, Teamwork, Excellence, and Spirituality (SITES) seminar-workshop last Tuesday, July 24, 2012.

Conducted by Mr. John Lemuel Santos, a team-building consultant and a former HS English teacher in SPCB, the leaders reflected on SITES and their roles in school as leaders.

“Service in leadership is voluntary, and an opportunity of everyone,” he said. “Integrity calls for each leader to have a stand for himself and have his own identity,” he added.

Everyone in the team is important, the leaders were told.

Santos encouraged the student leaders to learn how to follow so that they, too, will be followed. “Each has his own tasks and mission,” he explained.

On excellence, the leaders were likened to diamonds, the hardest mineral. “Only a diamond can break another diamond,” Santos illustrated.

On spirituality, he exhorted everyone to always acknowledge God in everything that they do.

He emphasized further that as leaders, it is not necessary to please everyone. “Be confident and always keep your feet on the ground,” he said.

The seminar-workshop was held at the II-Our Lady of Perpetual Help Room for half day as a preparation for the annual stay-in Leadership Training-Seminar on July 27-28 at the Iluminada R. Mendoza Little Theater.

The theme of the training-seminar is “Paulinian Leaders: building Community of Excellence, Spirituality, and Stewardship” which aims to heighten the student leaders’ understanding and appreciation of their meaningful and noble roles as community builders.

The Clubs and Organizations Chair, Mr. Cezar L. Mendoza, sent notes to the parents of the student leaders regarding the leadership training.

“It serves as a rich opportunity to plan and design feasible projects in response to the challenges of the times,” the letter said.

Participants were enjoined to bring their own beddings and personal necessities like toiletries, small towel, extra shirts, and personal medicines. The letter included that the school will not be liable for any loss of gadgets and other valuables of the participants, as it encourages the student leaders to be responsible of their own belongings.

The training fee is P650.00 inclusive of meals, training kits, activity materials, certificates, honararia for trainers and other miscellaneous expenses.

Hernandez, new HS Faculty Club prexy

Mrs. Josephine DC. Hernandez, new HS Faculty Club President

Mrs. Josephine DC. Hernandez was elected as the new Faculty Club President in the High School Department for SY 2012-2013 in a unanimous vote yesterday in a special meeting by the Faculty Club.

Mrs. Hernandez replaced Mrs. Eufemia A. Dionson who served as the FC President for one school year.

She expressed her hesitancy to take the helm but was persuaded by the faculty to accept the vote of confidence and lead the FC for a school year. She thanked the teachers for the vote of confidence.

The others who were elected were the following:

Vice President – Mr. Cezar L. Mendoza

Secretary – Mrs. Emmalou R. Pineda

Treasurer – Mrs. Ma. Girlie C. Manalad

Auditor – Mr. Ryan R. Bautista

PRO – Miss Benita B. Tarranza

Business Manager – Mr. Alejandro M. Manuel

Muse – Miss Heidi L. Gregorio

Escort – Mr. Fredrich S. Buenaventura

The new set of officers will take their oath of office in an en masse induction ceremony by August.

SPCB thwarts ICS in basketball try

by Jon Marco G. Francisco

Sports Writer, The Paulinian Prism 

Loud cheers and shouts of frenzied Seniors boomed as Basketball Prides of St. Paul College of Bocaue blasted their fury and crushed the soaring Immaculate Conception Seminarians, 47-44, in a friendly exhibition match following the vocation talk led by Rev. Fr. Andy Rivera of the Immaculate Conception Seminary on Friday, July 20, 2012.

Marking their first threshold as varsities, SPCB’s ace, Benhurliber Leongson led the scoreboard with 21 points, with an assist of 7, followed by Ramon Dimasupil nailing 14 points, at the Fr. Louis Chauvet Gymnasium.

Clock buzzed after a shot from the outside was missed by ICS halting the possible overtime that turned the game in favor of SPCB. The varsities fiercely faced the rampaging ICS players in the second half, directing more in leech-like defense as the foe fired series of inside shots and a triple three to ease the lead.

“It was a difficult game, we were new to this kind of play, but we pulled through because of teamwork and unity,” Luis Villamar, the captain ball of SPCB team said.

The vertically challenged team prioritized more in clutch plays and exemplified bullet-like speed against the much taller seminarians that took advantage in power plays and rebounds. SPCB dominated the first half, 26-21, with series of turnovers and shots from the two-point range.

Players Edward Santos garnerfing a score of 12 and R. A. Valmadrid with 11 points carried the team’s gameplay especially in the second half.

The friendly game aimed to foster good relationship among the Seminiarians and the Paulinians, as the former promoted to the male seniors a vocation of priesthood and urged them to consider the seminary.

Mr. Ronly Perez, a computer teacher and a former basketball varsity player way back in his high school days in SPCB, served as the referee of the game. Roy Baccay of IV-Fr. Louis Chauvet, served as the commentator.

Admin marks 40th day of Ms. Pascual's death

The HS Principal's Council, together with the PFC-HS President and family members visit the grave of Miss Milagros Pascual, former Student Welfare Committee Chair, on the 40th Day of her passing away.

Offering flowers and prayers, and visiting her grave, members of the school administration in the High School Department commemorated yesterday the 40th Day death anniversary of Miss Milagros N. Pascual, former Student Welfare Committee Chair.

Sr. Bernadette Racadio, SPC, the Directress-High School Principal led the HS Principal's Council in marking the 40th day. The council visited the house built by Miss Pascual in San Juan, Malolos, Bulacan where her sister, Mrs. Lourdes Mendoza, prepared a commemorative lunch. The members of the council who joined the trip were Sr. Maria Vicenta Estrella, SPC, Finance Officer, Mr. Ernesto U. Guillermo, Jr., HS Academic Chair, Mr. Cezar L. Mendoza, HS Clubs and Organizations Chair, Mrs. Eufemia A. Dionson, HS Homeroom Chair, and Mrs. Emmalou R. Pineda, SWC Chair.

Together with the council, Mrs. Ruby Lu, the Paulinian Family Circle-High School Department, Inc. President, Sr. Rosalina Herrera, Head of St. Paul University Quezon City-Bocaue Campus, Miss Zenaida Santiago, bookkeeper, and Mrs. Rosanna G. Guillermo, the HS Library Head also joined the group to commemorate the death anniversary.

Earlier on, Mr. Guillermo made a DVD video presentation on the footages of the the burial of Miss Pascual and showed it first time in her house. In school, Sr. Bernadette led the students and teachers in a prayer for the repose of the soul of Miss Pascual during the 7:15 a.m. Flag and Religious Ceremony.

The family members expressed their gratitude for the solemn and meaningful gathering.

BFP Bocaue orients SPCB on fire safety

Mrs. Josephine Hernandez, a high school Technology and Home Economics teacher, tries to put off the lit LPG tank during the Fire Safety Demonstration, with FO3 Rolando C. Agustin, Chief Investigation and Intelligence and Fire Safety Inspector of the Bureau of Fire Protection - Bocaue Fire Station.

With matching demonstrations on how to put off an ignited liquified petroleum gas (LPG) and an open fire, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Bocaue Fire Station conducted fire safety drill and symposium yesterday, July 18, 2012.

FO3 Rolando C. Santos, Chief Investigation and Intelligence Unit and Plan Evaluator and Fire Safety Evaluator and SFO2 Agustin Octavo, Chief Admin and Internal Affairs Unit, oriented the entire high school department and the Grades 5 and 6 at the Fr. Louis Chauvet Gymnasium. Regular classes were suspended from 8:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. to accommodate the BFP Fire Safety Orientation and Drill.

FO3 Santos explained the salient features of the Republic Act 9514 or the 2008 Fire Code of the Philippines. “The BFP,” he said, “is tasked to fully implement RA 9514 in terms of fire safety education, enforcement, inspection, investigation, and submission of Fire and Safety Assessment Report (FALAR ) as prerequisite in securing business and construction/building permit.”

He lamented, however, that not many comply with safety standards as required by RA 9514. The conduct of fire drills is a mandate of the BFP, he added.

FO3 Santos cited some major fire incidents that claimed hundreds of lives as a consequence of non-compliance and often negligence of people concerned. He mentioned about the 1996 Ozone Disco tragedy that claimed 160 lives with 83 persons injured, with damages amounting to P15M. He also cited the Manor Hotel incident that killed 75 persons, 19 injured, and damages of up to P12M. In 2004, a fire razed the Baseco Compound which rendered 12,500 families homeless burning 6,000 homes that cost P40M.

The classic examples, he said, could have been prevented if only people thought of safety, so he emphasized about getting the right education or orientation with regard to dealing with fire.

FO3 Santos differentiated the three classes of fire which fire extinguishers are designed to deal with. “Class “A” fire involves ordinary combustible materials such as wood, paper, trash, plastic and upholstery,” he said. “Usually, water is enough to extiguish such a fire,” he added.

Class “B” fire are those of flammable liquids and gases like gasoline, oil, kerosene, LPG, and the like.  “Dry powder, foam, vaporizing liquid or carbond dioxide extinguishers are for Class “B” fires,” he said.

He described Class “C” fire as originating from energized electrical equipment, wiring, fuse boxes, and appliances. According to him dry powder, HCFC, CO₂ extinguishers are used for Class “C” fires.

Fire extinguishers are labeled as for Class A, B, C or a combination of the A, B, and C.

SFO3 Santos showed the different parts of a typical fire extinguisher and asked the audience to name them as he pointed out the parts to them. Calling on the SG Joel Cacas, the chief of security of the school, Santos demonstrated how to put off a LPG tank on fire. Cacas did a return demonstration and was able to put off the fire. Other students and teachers were also asked to volunteer for the exercise. Among those who tried were Xavier Alain Ocampo, a fourth year student, Mrs. Luzviminda Estrella, a high school Religious Education teacher, Mrs. Josephine Hernandez, a high school Technology and Livelihood Education teacher, and Miss Heidi Gregorio, a high school English teacher.

After the demonstration inside the gym, the students and teachers were asked to proceed to the grounds near the gym for a live demonstration on how to put up a huge blaze using a fire extinguisher.

Several grade school and high school students volunteered to experience putting out a fire first hand. They used up 3 dry powder fire extinguishers which can be used for Class A, B, and C fires. Another group of students used the fire truck training the fire hose toward the blazing fire.

Sr. Bernadette Racadio, SPC, the Directress and High School Principal, expressed her thanks to the BFP for conducting such an educational demonstration and drill.

Among those present together with the teachers and staff were Sr. Virginia Taguinod, SPC, the Grade School Principal and Community Superior, Mr. Cezar Mendoza, the HS Clubs and Organizations Chair, Mr. Ernesto Guillermo, Jr., the HS Academic Chair, Miss Imelda Baltazar, the GS Academic Chair, Miss Thelma Dimaapi, the GS clubs and Organizations Chair, and Mrs. Eufemia Dionson, the HS Homeroom Chair.

HS Dept bares exam skeds

The examination schedules of the High School Department for SY 2012-2013.

The High School Department released on the first day of the 1st Quarter Summative Tests the examination schedules for the entire School Year 2012-2013.

Mr. Ernesto U. Guillermo, Jr., the HS Academic Chair gave copies of the schedule to all the sections to serve as guide for the students and teachers.

“Unless otherwise there are events that may greatly affect the schedules, the examinations will be held on the indicated dates,” Guillermo said.

The 1st Quarter Periodic Examinations are slated on August 16, 17, and 20. The 2nd Quarter Exams are on October 18, 19, and 20, and the 3rd Quarter on December 12, 13, and 14.

There is a separate schedule for the graduating students for the 4th Quarter, which is March 1, 2, and 4, while the regular students will take their examinations on March 12, 13, and 14.

The Quarterly Summative Tests are scheduled weeks before the Periodic Examinations.

Paulinian clickers win in Photojourn tilt

The team of photo journalism contestants who joined the 3rd Mahal na Poon ng Krus sa Wawa Inter-School Competitions in Photo Essay and Photo Story and was trained by Mr. Ronly Perez takes a pose before the contest. From left to right: Ronally Perez, Rengel San Luis, Dan Renzie Cardinal, Fabiola Bringas, Jasmine Angeles, and Elaine Anne Soriano.

All four entries of St. Paul College of Bocaue won in the Photo Journalism Contests of the 3^rd Mahal na Poon ng Krus sa Wawa Inter-School Competitions held July 8, 2012.

Jasmine P. Angeles, IV – St. Ignatius, won 1^st Place in Photo Story Filipino with her title Pista ng Krus sa Wawa, Pista ng Pananampalataya. She brought home a trophy.

“Masaya ako dahil first time ko at first place pa,” Angeles declared. “Nakakagulat,”  she added.

Ronally M. Perez, IV – St. Francis, took silver medal for 2^nd Place Photo Essay English. “Nakaka-proud. Worth it lahat ng pagod nung day na yun. Masaya daddy ko dahil photographer siya,” Perez said.

Elaine Anne D.G. Soriano, III – St. John, bagged 2^nd Place in Photo Story English entitled Devotion. “Di namin ine-expect na mananalo. Nagulat ang mommy ko. Masaya po siya sa pagkapanalo ko,” she revealed.

Dan Renzie R. Cardinal, Grade 7 – St. Ma. Goretti, got 2^nd Place in Photo Essay Filipino for his Mahal na Poon ng Krus sa Wawa, Sagisag ng Paniniwala.

“Masaya ang family ko. Kaya pala naming manalo,” Cardinal quipped.

The constestants dealt with the theme The Undying Faith and Glory of the Mahal na Poon ng Krus sa Waw.given to them by the organizers, the Devotees of the Mahal na Poon ng Krus sa Wawa and the Parish Pastoral Council’s Commission on Mass Media.

Fabiola Bringas, II-OLGC and Rengel San Luis, III – St. John also joined the winning team as observers.

The team was trained by Mr. Ronly Perez, the school’s new computer teacher. He is a professional photographer.

The contestants mull over their entries as they prepare their final layout of their pictures.

Sr. Cecile renews vows on her Diamond Jubilee



Most Rev. Francisco M. de Leon, D.D., the Auxiliary Bishop of Antipolo, together with the priests who concelebrated the Holy Mass, pose with the Diamond and Golden Jubilarian Sisters, among them is SPCB's Sr. Cecile Diaz, SPC.

Sr. Cecile Diaz, SPC (center) walks in reverence during the entrance processional before the Eucharistic Celebration began.



Witnessed by a fully packed chapel of relatives, friends, well-wishers, and the Sisters of the Congregation of St. Paul of Chartres, with 16 priests concelebrating with Antipolo Auxiliary Bishop Francisco M. de Leon, D.D., Sr. Cecile Diaz, SPC, together with the other Golden and Diamond Jubilarians, renewed her vows as a nun in a solemn 9:00 a.m. Eucharistic Celebration in Our Lady of Chartres Convent in Antipolo City, July 14.

Sr. Cecile joined the congregation in 1952.

In his homily, Most Rev. de Leon used Sharepeare’s famous Hamlet line “To be or not to be, that is the question” as a springboard to drive his point on a similar question when the Sisters celebrating their 50 and 60 years as a nun began to ponder on their vows. “To profess or not to profess,” he said, was probably the question they had.

“Perhaps many thought you were crazy,” he jested. He continued, it is good to be crazy sometimes. “Do not be embarassed when you are crazy ,” he quipped. "You are in good company," he added. He mentioned St. Francis of Assissi who gave up all his material wealth just to follow Christ, and also St. Thomas Aquinas.

The Bishop exhorted the Jubilarians that because of their love of Christ, they also left all the comforts of secular life. Their vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience can be summed up in love, he explained. "They were in loved," the Bishop declared. "They gave up comfort and security because of love - of Jesus and for Jesus," he said.

"Service is your unofficial fourth vow," he continued "to bring glad tidings to the poor, to show kindness, humility, meekness, patience." There must have been "lots of good things in those 50 and 60 years," the Bishop said. He said the Sisters must have touched lots of lives.

Sr. Cecile was one among the Sisters who led in the prayers of the faithful. She included in her prayer all the Sisters in their group who already died.

After the Eucharistic Celebration, the relatives, friends, and well-wishers were treated for an early lunch. Sr. Cecile, herself, personally attended to all her visitors.

Among those who greeted Sr. Cecile were the Faculty, Staff, Maintenance, and Security Force of St. Paul College of Bocaue, where she is the Head for Maintenance and Security. The community of SPC Sisters in Bocaue was also there led by Sr. Virginia Taguinod, SPC, the local superior and Grade School Principal.

Also seen were alumni Paulinians.

Rev. Fr. Jovi Sebastian, the Parish Priest of the St. Martin of Tours Parish in Bocaue, Bulacan, also attended and was one of the 16 priests who concelebrated the Mass.



Rev. Fr. Jovi Sebastian (with white hair), the Parish Priest of St. Martin of Tours Parish in Bocaue, Bulacan where Sr. Cecile comes from at the time of her renewal, was among the 16 priests who concelebrated with the Auxiliary Bishop of Antipolo Most Rev. Francisco M. de Leon, D.D.



Sr. Cecile, SPC moves forward toward the altar as her name and her Diocese was called during the renewal of vows.




Another pose with the Bishop after the Holy Mass



Sr. Cecile poses with Miss Thelma Dimaapi, the GS Clubs and Organizations Chair, Sr. Marie Ann Adonacion, SPC, the Directress-Principal of St. Paul School of Sta. Maria, and Sr. Virginia Taguinod, SPC, the Local Superior and GS Principal of St. Paul College of Bocaue.

Sr. Cecile receives a bouquet of flowers from the/ HS Faculty represented by Miss Benita Tarranza during the reception.





Sr. Cecile, SPC to mark 60 years as nun

Sr. Cecile Diaz, SPC, the Head of Security and Maintenance of St. Paul College of Bocaue will celebrate her Diamond Jubilee as a Sister of St. Paul of Chartres tomorrow, July 14, 2012 at the Our Lady of Chartres Convent in Antipolo City.

Sr. Cecile Diaz, SPC will be among the 7 Sisters to celebrate their 60 years as nuns of the Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres Congregation on Saturday, July 14, 2012.

Sr. Cecile, SPC, is the Head for Security and Maintenance of St. Paul College of Bocaue. She has been with SPCB since the early 90s.

The other Sisters in her batch of celebrating their Diamond Jubilee are Sr. Mary Imelda Mabanag, SPC, Sr. Marie Melanie Lorenzo, SPC, Sr. Antoinette Bengzon, SPC, St. Lutgard of the Sacred Heart Ramirez, SPC, Sr. Mary Agnes Pauig, SPC, and Sr. Marie Marthe Orencio, SPC. They entered the Congregation and made their perpetual vows in 1952.

Most Rev. Francisco M. de Leon, D.D., the Auxiliary Bishop of Antipolo will serve as the main celebrant and homilist during the special Eucharistic Celebration to be held at the Our Lady of Chartres Convent in Antipolo City at 9:00 o’clock in the morning.

Simultaneous with the Diamond Jubilarians are 8 Golden Jubilarians who made their perpetual vows as nuns in 1962. They are Sr. Maria Cristina Jamandron, SPC, Sr. Gaudentia de Marie Clemente, SPC, Sr. Rosalinda Mendoza, SPC, Sr. Ignatius of St. Joseph Tal Placido, SPC, Sr. Mary Glyceria Navarro, SPC, Sr. Mary Benita Figueroa, SPC, Sr. Mary Agatha Diaz, SPC, and Sr. Mary Aurelie Cortes, SPC.

The academic community of St. Paul College of Bocaue is slated to join Sr. Cecile in her celebration of her Diamond Jubilee.