ACM OPENS THE SANTUARIO ACTIVITIES

Tandang Sora Avenue, Quezon City Philippines - The Alumni of the Congregation of the Mission (ACM) opened the Santuario fiesta actvities by holding its Annual Grand Alumni Homecoming and General Assembly last September 22 at the De Paul House, Tandang Sora Avenue, Quezon City. This year's theme was focused on its vision, "developing and nurturing a welcoming community... "

Arnold "Arquintz" Quintana of SVS batch 1985-1989 registered first around 1:00 o'clock in the afternoon yesterday despite of the continuous rain. New and old timer ACMers took the opportunity to catch up and update themselves of what's goin on with their lives. While some the ACM kids were entertained by clowns, magicians at the kiddie room, and overflowing of sorbetes ice cream.

Around 5:00 pm, the ACMs held its Annual General Assembly at the conference room. Those who present were: Ian, Vernon, Ives, Gerry, Arnold, Dino, Leo, Jord, Auch, Jun, Ambet, Efren, Bogs, Teody, Alex, Red, Marvin, Bong, Billy, Jung, and Jeff. The President presented the Vision and Mission, the Objectives, Strategies, and Activities set and implemented by the Officers. And grouped them together for the workshop on What should ACM STOP, START, and CONTINUE doing? The proposed intiatives would be evaluated by the officers and update the members on the approved plans. They concluded the meetin with the ACM HYMN, "San Vincente Pag-asa ng Dukha".

By 6:00pm, the ACMs and their families heard the Thanksgiving Mass with Fr. Roland Tuazon, C.M. and Fr. Dario Pacheco, C.M., as the main celebrant and co-celebrant. New timer Arnold Quintana and Ian Perez of SVS batch 1985-1989, shared their experiences after they left the seminary and expectations on the ACMs. Mrs. Cecile Guevarra gave her testimony as the wife of an ACMer, Ambet Guevarra. Fr. Roland gave a snapshot of the Continuing Formation Program for the ACM through his homily, which formally launched the "Kapatiran". The ACM kids offered the ACM profile, Kapatiran brochure, and General Assembly output.

Right after the Mass, they had buffet dinner at the lobby of De Paul house. While waiting for the main performer of the night, Leo Gellor drew the raffle for the candies and announced the ten early birds and "dekada" award (80's won the most number of ACMs). Emcees Marvin Javier and Gerry Guillen entertained the audiences with their wits and impromtu humor. The ACMs, families and friends, CMs, and Theologians jammed the night with the "Enteng" band old and new generations (Fr. Poloi, Fr. Kiko, Atty Billy, Jun, Jung, Pisat, Paul, Allan, Ian) in their songs of the 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's and 2000. Raffle draw winners were: Jef Baquiran (1st prize DVD next base); Gerry Guillen's family (2nd prize Overnight stay at Fontana with free food and beverage stubs); and Dino Eloriaga (3rd prize 2 in-1clock with picture frame).

The ACMs thanked their sponsor Strategic Events, ThinkStrategic Inc, Abacus Securities, Shakeys, UnionBank, Warren Apostol, Valenton & Valenton Law Offices, Fr. Ed. Jocson, Sogo Hotel, and Radio Mindanao Network.