LCENWRD Magazine

A JOURNEY OF KNOWLEDGE ABOUT CALLING 00.003P    •   1202 YAM   1O .ON EUSSI 02Y DRWNECL DISCOVER DIFFERENT APPLY SEE JUDGE ACT WITNESS SOME PERSPECTIVES METHOD ENTERTAINMENT

CTOANBTLEENOTSF 03 MARRIED COUPLE - GET YOUR TICKETS READY! WE ARE GOING ON A JOURNEY! BEL & JONAS 01 PASSENGERS The passengers are from different programs in De La Salle University Manila. It would be nice to get to know their names and programs! 02 PASSENGERS' NOTE The passengers would like to extend their initial message to the readers. This section includes a sort of expectation about the whole learning journey about different vocation. 07 IKAW AND TAHANAN Witness an art made by Janil Manguerra 13 EXCLUSIVE! CAN YOU ANSWER THE BIBLE QUIZ? 08 RELIGIOUS 15 SINGLE-LIFE 18 BIBLE TRIVA VOCATION VOCATION The passengers prepared 7 bible trivia that will VOCATION MEANS EVERYONE HAS A be interesting to know about. VOCARE VOCATION 19 SEE-JUDGE-ACT The Bible tells us that God is calling us to be throughout human history, someone special. When The passengers individually made their God calls each person to Jesus called his disciples it reflections after all the interviews conducted. come close to Him by doing wasn’t just to help him in his will and playing a part his work. It was so they 24 THE BIRTH OF ONE'S PURPOSE in the on-going conversion could be tranSformed in and salvation of love and become more like Another art created by Janil Manguerra. humankind. him. 437 QUINTIN PAREDES STREET BINONDO 1000 +1-303-777-0202 [email protected] WWW.BYRAILMAGAZINE.COM

PASSENGERS Heads Up: Avoid dangerous distractions such as texting, loud music or headphones that would prevent you from hearing an approaching train. KHAY ALINDOGAN Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Business Studies SOFIA NICHOLE G. FERAREN Bachelor of Science in Advertising Management JUSTINE COLEEN A. IGNACIO Bachelor of Science in Accountancy JANIL C. MANGUERRA Bachelor of Science in Legal Management JO LEALTAD PATRIA D. MORENTE Bachelor of Science in Accountancy MARC GABRIEL L. SALES Bachelor of Science in Accountancy CHARY M. VILLANUEVA Bachelor of Science in Accountancy

PASSENGERS' NOTE PRAY, TAKE A COUPLE OF DEEP BREATHS AND RELAX Just like how we make choices about what food to eat every day, we also make choices about how we want to live. Some people instantly know in their hearts what they are destined for, while some people get lost before they find their vocation. Thus, this magazine will serve as a compilation of the vocation stories of a single blessed person, a married couple, and a priest that will inspire us to take the leap of faith to explore and discover what we are truly called for in life.

1st STOP Marriage Vocation BEL AND JONAS

BEL AND -  04  - MAY 2021 JONAS INTERVIEW BY CHLOE FERAREN HOW DID YOU MEET YOUR HUSBAND/WIFE? I met my husband at a Carnival in Alabang. We both had booths there. He had an ice cream booth with his friends who took turns checking their stall after getting off from work. My college friends and I did the same (ours was school related). He asked me for a date a week or two after I met him. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN MARRIED? We have been married for 24 years now. HOW LONG WERE YOU \"DATING\" BEFORE YOU DECIDED TO GET MARRIED? We dated for 5 years before we got married. We were in our 4th year as a couple when he proposed to get married. HOW DO YOU ADJUST TO EACH OTHER’S DIFFERENCES? When I graduated two years after I met him, we went to work together every morning (different offices but in the same area), then we had lunch together and came home together most of the time. Being together everyday, sitting in traffic helped us get to know each other better, especially each other’s quirks! BY RAIL MAGAZINE

-   FEATURED ARTICLE   - Nothing was easy but we knew we had each other no matter what. We understood our situation and we patiently supported each other. What were the challenges you Did you have any doubts/issues experienced in your marriage before getting married? and how did you overcome it? There were issues but no doubts. There were so many challenges Why did you choose to marry early on...problems at work, living him/her? in a different country, starting a family. Nothing was easy but we I knew he was the one when I knew we had each other no realized that I love him more than matter what. We understood our myself and that I am happier with situation and we patiently him than apart. supported each other. \"WE BOTH BELIEVED WE WERE READY THEN, FOR THE NEXT LEVEL IN OUR RELATIONSHIP.\" What are the What is the secret to a happy and blessings/advantages of married lasting marriage? life? It is an advantage when you have LOVE TRULY. COMMUNICATE a partner who loves, supports, and WELL. RESPECT AND APPRECIATE understands you in good times EACH OTHER. FIND TIME FOR and in bad. We are blessed to EACH OTHER. BE PATIENT, have a son who just turned 22 and UNDERSTANDING AND is graduating from college to SUPPORTIVE. LEARN TO complete our family. APOLOGIZE AND FORGIVE. What can you advise to young What influenced your decision to people who are in a relationship get married? and plan to get married? Being married is not easy. It’s been Our age, the timing and our said so many times that it is a capacity influenced our decision work in progress. You both have to to get married. We both believed learn how to give and take. Do not we were ready then, for the next expect it to be a bed of roses. Life level in our relationship. happens, never take each other for granted. When you can selflessly love your partner, only then will you be ready for married life. BY RAIL MAGAZINE -  05  - MAY 2021

“THE GREAT MARRIAGES ARE PARTNERSHIPS. IT CAN’T BE A GREAT MARRIAGE WITHOUT BEING A PARTNERSHIP.” – HELEN MIRREN

ILAW AT TAHANAN ART BY JANIL MANGUERRA

2nd STOP Religious Vocation

FATHER MANUEL ALVAREZ UY INTERVIEW BY KHAY ALINDOGAN PLEASE TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF My name is Father Manuel Alvarez Uy and I am a Jesuit. I am called Father Manny and presently I am the president of Sacred Heart School Ateneo de Cebu, a Jesuit school here in Mandaue City Cebu. I am 56 years old now and I joined the Jesuits in 1986 and my first formation was Sacred Heart Novitiate Novaliches Quezon City for 2 years. In 1988 I professed my first perpetual vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. In between, I had my philosophical and theological studies in Ateneo de Manila University. I became a priest in 1996, 10 years after I joined the Jesuits, and this year I'm celebrating my 25th anniversary. My priestly ordination was in 1996 at Ateneo de Manila. I was sent to Iloilo where we have a Jesuit parish: a Chinese-Filipino parish called Santa Maria parish and I was sent there as the parish priest. After 4 years months while acting as parish priest they made me school president for Ateneo de Iloilo Santa Maria Catholic school from 2000-2009. In 2009 I was elected as president of Sacred Heart School Ateneo de Cebu and that was my assignment since then until now. BY RAIL MAGAZINE -  09  - MAY 2021

As a follower of God, what are some How did you realize that you IF I HAVE THAT accomplishments that you're proud wanted to follow your faith and TRUST AND of? serve God? COURAGE WHEREVER HE I would say I have graces from God I am originally from Zamboanga City and LEADS ME, I WILL more than pride or accomplishments. before I went to Ateneo de Manila I was in FOLLOW, AND I For priests it’s not about Ateneo de Zamboanga City, and I was HOPE I WILL BE accomplishments or achievements hoping to become a lawyer, but while in GIVEN THAT because for us it is not about college I became active in student council GRACE. accomplishments or achievements. and religious organizations and I realized Our lives as priests is not measured by with a lot of opportunities to do prayer the honors or awards that we get at and outreach, and I discovered there is so school or what we have achieved.. We much joy in being able to give back like were able to build many things and this. “I slept and dreamed that life was joy. structures while I was here, but I don't I woke up and found out that life was say this to boast because I wouldn't say service. I served and found out that life is that this is the climax of who I am as a joy.” There’s so much joy in serving and priest. What I celebrate is the fact that I being able to give myself greatly. I realized have been able to join in with people. as much as I love marital life, family life, I The primary grace is to see young realized that giving myself completely to students becoming responsible others as a priest, there’s so much joy in teenagers and young professionals service. It’s a love story to realize how whatever field they choose, and see much God loves me. How God has been that they are making a difference. To so good, how God has been so gracious to me, that is the greatest joy. me and my family, and for me responding in love was by pursuing my path as a Were there any challenges in your priest. I miss my biological family, but in journey that made you doubt return I found so many families here in following your faith? Cebu, in Manila, Iloilo, even abroad. There’s a joy in being able to do that. The formation was not a walk in a park. We were sent to different places; the Were you scared? Did you ever mountains, factories, so that we regret your decision? experience the lives of ordinary people. There are challenges of solitude, far I would still say yes, 100% yes, I would from family, challenges of chastity, all choose to be a Jesuit. When I was of these are a challenge to remain younger I had more energy, more faithful and committed. But I have not passion, but as life goes on we continue doubted God. Questioned yes, but to grow and embrace change. I was not never doubted. We become priests afraid because I was always relying on because of God’s grace and God’s God’s grace and I beg for that courage mercy (and we don’t doubt Him). to trust in God. I won’t be president forever. I joined the Jesuits in order to THERE’S SO MUCH follow the Lord to serve Him. If I have JOY IN SERVING that trust and courage wherever He AND BEING ABLE leads me, I will follow, and I hope I will TO GIVE MYSELF be given that grace. I look forward to a GREATLY. lowkey position. Pwede maging simple priest, and I look forward to that, just to continue journeying with people in whatever way I can. BY RAIL MAGAZINE -  10  - MAY 2021

WE ARE NOT CALLED UPON TO DO ALL THE GOOD THAT IS POSSIBLE, BUT ONLY THAT WHICH WE CAN DO. —MOTHER THEODORE GUERIN

-   FEATURED ARTICLE   - There are many young people who are fragile because of social media, and I want to continue to nurture courage and to continue to be a channel of God’s grace. Aside from the things that you’ve To those who were abused, do already done, what other things you have any words of are you looking forward to consolation to them? doing? It’s a very painful reality. No It’s more of the desire to continue to amount of words would be able to nurture and make people realize the describe it. I hope that by God’s gifts they have. It’s my joy making grace, they will be able to find people realize the goodness inside healing in whatever form and them. There are many young people whatever way. That the people who are fragile because of social who caused pain on them, there media, and I want to continue to will be accountability. I pray that nurture courage and to continue to be they find deep in their heart, the a channel of God’s grace. I just pray capacity to forgive. When I say that God will give me the grace to forgive, I do not say forget. For remain committed, passionate, zealous, anybody who has experienced any and faithful. form of abuse, I pray they will be able to find the strength to pick What advice would you give to up the broken pieces and find those who are unfaithful? healing and realize how beautiful life is. You may have heard scandals, about shortcomings and certain \"FOR ANYBODY priests violating our vows. That’s a WHO HAS sad reality. For me, what is EXPERIENCED ANY important is accountability and FORM OF ABUSE, I responsibility, which Pope Francis PRAY THEY WILL is very strong about. When we BE ABLE TO FIND deal with weakness, we must THE STRENGTH TO always deal with compassion and PICK UP THE mercy knowing we ourselves are BROKEN PIECES wounded people and have a lot of AND FIND HEALING shortcomings. Whoever was AND REALIZE HOW abused by the clergy or whoever BEAUTIFUL LIFE in the church, the Christian way to IS.\" deal with that is to deal with it with compassion and mercy. BY RAIL MAGAZINE -  12  - MAY 2021

BIBLE QUIZ How much of his wealth did Zacchaeus give to the poor? What animal does When Jesus What does Moses compare died, what this name of the people of three things God mean: Israel to when happened? speaking to the Jehovah Lord? Rapha? Where did Jesus grow up after returning from Egypt? half of it; Luke 19:8 sheep; Numbers earthquake, veil in The Lord who 27:17 the temple torn, heals; Exodus tombs broke open; 15:26 Matthew 27:51-52 Nazareth; Luke 2:39-40 ANSWERS

3rd STOP Single Life Vocation

TONY MORENTE INTERVIEW BY JO MORENTE Tony is the Social Enterprise head of Gawad Kalinga Capiz. Every year he mentors and takes care of French and European immersion students during their stay in the province. He is the Co-Founder of Bonami, whose key mission is to empower local communities as the central force of development. WHO ARE YOU? HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN THREE WORDS? My name is Antonio or “Tony” Morente, I’m from Roxas City, Capiz and I’m an entrepreneur. If I had to describe myself in three words it would be that I share, I care, and am a simple person. WHAT COMES TO MIND WHEN YOU HEAR THE WORD SINGLE BLESSEDNESS? When I hear the word Single Blessedness I think of those individuals who were not called for marriage and yet are happily single. They may be called to become teachers, professors, doctors, nurses, businessmen, entrepreneurs, chefs, carpenters, anything really. BY RAIL MAGAZINE -  15  - MAY 2021

-   FEATURED ARTICLE   - What made you decide to How is it different from enter this type of vocation? the lifestyle of the Was it a conscious choice to people around you? be single or due to certain circumstances? I don’t see any distinct difference, I believe it’s all I think it all came very about perspective. Though I naturally to me and I just let may not be married, I things flow. I like to make and experience the joy of loving think things simple. Growing and being loved by my family up here in Capiz, gave me the and those around me. Though I opportunity to help serve my may not be a parent per se, I community and God in many know what it means and feels different ways. There is so like to be a father to my nieces much to do and so much we and nephews, to my coworkers, can do… so why make things interns, employees and their complicated? children-- everyone I treat as my own children. \"THOUGH I MAY NOT BE A PARENT PER SE, I KNOW WHAT IT MEANS AND FEELS LIKE TO BE A FATHER TO MY NIECES AND NEPHEWS, TO MY COWORKERS, INTERNS, EMPLOYEES AND THEIR CHILDREN-- EVERYONE I TREAT AS MY OWN CHILDREN.\" Do you, at times, envy those What is your advice to I’M REALLY in relationships or someone who is thinking GRATEFUL FOR marriages? Do you have any of entering this state of ALL THAT I regrets? Single Blessedness? HAVE AND IT’S MORE THAN Nope, I could get married My life for those thinking of ENOUGH. tomorrow (laughs) then a new entering this state of Single chapter in my life would unfold. Blessedness is to not hurry life. But no, I don’t envy others, I’m Life will give you what is yours… really grateful for all that I have and So enjoy life and love life. Find it’s more than enough. Most the beauty in the ordinary and importantly, I have you and Ada, so joy in the everyday, and no regrets at all. everything will turn out a-okay! BY RAIL MAGAZINE -  16  - MAY 2021

\"TO LOVE ONESELF IS THE BEGINNING OF A LIFELONG ROMANCE.\" - OSCAR WILDE

DID YOU KNOW? BIBLE TRIVIA While there are no The Bible has over 6,000 descriptions of Jesus in the prophecies. There are Bible, the image of him with more than 3,000 prophecy fair skin, light hair, and blue verses in the Bible that eyes is most likely incorrect already came true in some and reflect the cultural way. Around 3,000 more influences of European prophecies are yet to Christians. Christ most likely come to completion. had more Middle Eastern features. The most expensive book in the world is the translation of Biblical psalms, “The Bay Psalm Book” which was sold for over $14 million. It is the first book printed America and was the Puritan’s attempt to make their translation of the Old Testament book. The completion of the Found in Isaiah 8:3, Old Testament took over “Mahershalalhashbaz” is the 1,000 years in history. longest word in the Bible. The Meanwhile, it took 50-75 word Mahershalalhashbaz to complete the Word of means “Swift is the Spoils, God in the New Speedy is the Plunder.” Did you Testament. know that he prophet Isaiah named his second son Mahershalalhashbaz? The Bible is the most According to some studies, Islam commonly stolen book in originated from Ishmael. He is the the world, most likely son of Abraham from Hagar and his because it is so available concubine. The Bible says the Angel in hotel rooms and places of the Lord appeared to Hagar in the of worship. spring of water on the way to Shur and said: “I will multiply your descendants exceedingly so that they shall not be counted for multitude.”

by rail • may 2021 LCENWRD Y20 SEE JUDGE ACT reflection of passengers

Khay Alindogan Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Business Studies FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE: “REJOICING IN HOPE; PATIENT IN TRIBULATION; CONTINUING INSTANT IN PRAYER.” - ROMANS 12:12 SEE For some people, a vocation is something that is at the back of their mind, as they have other priorities to consider. For others, it is something that they avidly seek, even well into their adult life. I see it as a motivation to inspire oneself, and is a reason why people continue to live and be happy with what they do. However, not all people live in the same way. There is not a singular definition to vocation, so there is not a single way those who respond to their vocation lives. I find it fascinating that everyone lives differently from one another, yet we are still still tied together by our shared callings and happiness. JUDGE For me personally, a vocation is something I’ve yet to encounter. I have participated in many outreaches, attended many service oriented activities and religious activities, however it is something that I find myself less intrigued in than I should be. Though, reading from the interviewees’ perspectives, I know that thinking about this too much and trying to force things would bring me more stress than happiness. Letting things fall into place is what happened to the interviewees, and there’s no harm done in believing that the same thing would happen to me as well. ACT As a college student with no idea what path will open once school is over, I know that once I am sure of my own vocation, it will be able to give me the strength to be able to push through in the rest of my life. The choices I make will affect my life, and so I must choose carefully with the thought of my own happiness and well-being as my priorities. As I am young, there is still so much to do and experience, and I am sure that everything will fall into place when the timing is right.

Sofia Nichole G. Feraren Bachelor of Science in Advertising Management FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE: “TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND DO NOT LEAN ON YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING. IN ALL YOUR WAYS ACKNOWLEDGE HIM, AND HE WILL MAKE STRAIGHT YOUR PATHS.” - PROVERBS 3:3-6 SEE When we ask people why they do what they do, we are often told that it is their vocation. A vocation is a feeling of being suitable for a certain career path. Each person has a different vocation, depending on what God has called them to do, and it is truly beautiful to see how the callings of our interviewees came to life. Some of them may have experienced some difficulties getting to where they are now, but they are currently happy and content, just the way God has planned out for them. JUDGE I have seen many people around me plan their lives out at very young ages. I can admit that those have pressured me into thinking that I needed my future planned out as well, but this only resulted in me feeling lost. It’s important to know that each one’s calling will come in God’s time, and so we should not try to fit into a mold that society has formed for everyone. We were each born with a unique purpose in this world, and we will each find that too with experience, patience, and prayer. We can take the interviewees as examples, who acted upon their callings when they felt that it was truly right for them. Mr. Tony Morente, our interviewee for single blessedness, mentioned that he does not regret or envy others, but he is open to change if it is meant to happen. It is truly important for us to keep our doors open and not just focus on one path in life, because life is ever-so-changing, and we must embrace that to be truly happy. ACT As a young college student, I am honestly not entirely sure about what I plan to do in the future. I have read and looked into many different careers and formed some opinions about them, but I know that I will only truly know what is right for me when I immerse myself in experiences. Although I am taking up a business course, I will continue to keep my doors open to other career paths that may bring true happiness to me. Additionally, I will not give in to the pressure of having to do a certain job for financial stability, as this may only limit my opportunities to hear God’s calling for me. I will make sure to put God at the center of my goals and dreams, so that everything that I do is in line with my true vocation.

Justine Coleen Ignacio BS in Accountancy FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE: THE LORD IS MY LIGHT AND MY SALVATION, WHOM SHALL I FEAR? THE LORD IS THE STRONGHOLD OF MY LIFE, OF WHOM SHALL I BE AFRAID? - PSALM 27:1 SEE I have always believed that we all have a purpose, the reason why we exist. However, I did not realize that our vocation also applies to our state of life, like being single, married, or a religious person. As human beings, we have a free will to live the way we want, so sometimes we make mistakes. But at the end of the day, from what I realized from our interviewees, we are all called to live in a way that we can bring joy to others. JUDGE As a person who is still looking for her calling, I am inspired by the stories of our interviewees. It is fascinating how most of them did not feel any doubt regarding their vocation. They did not force anything to happen but let things fall into place naturally. I think that is how we should make decisions in our lives as well. Trusting that everything happens for a reason and that God knows what the best for us will lead us to the right path. ACT From my life experiences, I learned to follow my instincts. I always follow what my heart tells me to do more than what I think would be more logical for me to do. That is why I became a risk-taker. However, my vocation is an exception. I could not find my calling because I was afraid that it would not be what I expected it to be. But now, after hearing different vocation stories, I am more willing to actively seek what God wants me to do.

Janil C. Manguerra Bachelor of Science in Legal Management FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE: “I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME” - PHILIPPIANS 13:4 SEE Our purpose in life comes in different forms of packaging. Each one of us has different vocations in life. Similar to those packages we checked out from our online shopping carts, each package arrives at a different period of time. Although in real life, it might not take five days like those in online shipping. However, our vocation cannot make its way to us alone. In order to discover our own vocation in life, we need to see for ourselves what we enjoy doing the most and what are our strengths and weaknesses. We need to take action in order to fully see our purpose in life. JUDGE At such a young age, I have forced myself to craft my life plan based on the advice the people around me would give. Leading me to focus on the bigger picture, neglecting the other details and opportunities that I could have explored. Because of that, I found my dreams uncertain. I find myself questioning whether or not the goals that I have set for myself were what I want to do in life? Or were they the goals that society expects me to take? Reading all the interviews, I feel hopeful. I am hopeful that someday, I will truly discover what my purpose is in this lifetime. It is evident from the interviews that our vocations differ from one another. Some have the purpose to serve God, some have the purpose to stay faithful to their partners, and some have the purpose to serve the community. Our vocations come in different sizes, different shapes, and different timings. Thus, we should not pressure ourselves into settling for the dreams society forced us to take. What we can do is venture into those tiny details and interests, and work our way into discovering what we are truly passionate about. ACT I will not let society dictate me into who I am and what I should be. I am an individual capable of making her own decisions and judgements. Although the process of figuring out one’s goal is tedious and difficult, I know that it will be worth the wait. For now, what I can do is enjoy my youth, explore my interests, learn new hobbies, and educate myself. By focusing on improving my skills and finding myself, I am faithful that my vocation will find its way, in God’s perfect timing.

THE BIRTH OF ONE'S PURPOSE ART BY JANIL MANGUERRA

Jo Morente BS in Accountancy FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE: “COME TO ME, ALL YOU WHO ARE WEARY AND BURDENED, AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST. TAKE MY YOKE UPON YOU AND LEARN FROM ME, FOR I AM GENTLE AND HUMBLE OF HEART; AND YOU WILL FIND REST. FOR MY YOKE IS EASY, AND MY BURDEN IS LIGHT.” MATTHEW 11: 28-30 SEE Growing up, vocations and callings merely fleeting topics talked about with teachers, family or friends. It always seemed like something we didn’t need to worry about because it was so far into the future. However, as we get older, the future becomes more of a reality we have to face head on. Even though we might not know what we necessarily want in life, we need to get out of our comfort zone and try new experiences, to at least figure out what we like or what we don’t. Everyone is being called to something by God, it’s merely a matter of keeping an open mind and listening heart to get a glimpse of what else is out there waiting for us. Our vocations, no matter what they may be, are always meant to lead us towards God, inner peace and true happiness. JUDGE Certainly, these past few months have been particularly tough on my mental health. After one month of living the “accounting life”, I quickly realized that it wasn’t the course for me— it just didn’t sit right in my gut. I thought I was merely overthinking, overwhelmed, and overreacting, but found that the more I stayed, the more I found myself feeling lost and alone. Though a part of me expected suffering and agony to be a normal part of college, I felt like I was draining and emptying myself working towards a future I did not want and a “me” I did not want to become. That was was probably the biggest indicator that things were not as they should be, and the biggest sign to make a change. That said, I’m really grateful for having discovered the accounting life wasn’t meant for me, as it only brings me nearer to what truly is. ACT The opportunity to follow our callings and vocations, often represent themselves as hard choices— in the most difficult and monumental decisions of our lives. Whether that be choosing where to go to college, what career to embark on or to whom to get married to, it is only through prayer and the silence of our hearts, will we be able to discern which choice would lead towards God and towards our fullest potential. That said, I have decided to take my leap of faith and continue my journey hopefully in a different course and possibly in a new school. Though it scares me to say the least, I know Jesus would be there walking right alongside me, which is all that really matters.

Marc Gabriel L. Sales BS in Accountancy FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE: \"FOR I KNOW THE PLANS I HAVE FOR YOU,\" DECLARES THE LORD, \"PLANS TO PROSPER YOU AND NOT TO HARM YOU, PLANS TO GIVE YOU HOPE AND A FUTURE.” - JEREMIAH 29:11 SEE Every person believes in a certain career path to take or at least knows what he/she wants to do. For me, a vocation is something that a person wouldn’t know instantly. Instead it is something that a person needs to experience in order to appreciate that specific career path. Some people believe that it is God’s plan for them or it is a person’s parents choice for them. Ultimately, it would depend on the person on which path to take. He/she should be able to recognize opportunities and his/her belief in a specific career path. JUDGE When I was young, my mother would always convince me to find something that I would want. Because of this, my mother was always supportive in trying out different activities for me. Through experiencing some of the activities, I am quite certain about who I want to be. Sometimes, I feel like the decisions that I make happen so fast. While many people plan out their life and their aspirations, I do not and I simply think of the possibilities that could happen. Generally, I just believe in God’s plan for me, wherever that may lead me. I believe that he knows what’s best for me and I should believe in his judgement. ACT As an enthusiastic college student, I am not certain about the opportunities that would be given to me after I graduate. However, I am certain that I need to plan my possible activities and ask for God’s guidance so that I am able to be open with other possible job occupations or career paths.

Chary M. Villanueva BS in Accountancy FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE: BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS. DO NOT BE AFRAID OR TERRIFIED BECAUSE OF THEM, OR THE LORD YOUR GOD GOES WITH YOU; HE WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU NOR FORSAKE YOU. - DEUTERONOMY 31:6 SEE According to Ebertz, R. (2015), “Vocation is one’s response to a call from beyond oneself to use one’s strengths and gifts to make the world a better place through service, creativity, and leadership.” It seems hard to identify one’s calling especially when someone does not know what he or she wants. However, in order to do so, one can start by noticing what captivates you, taking a life inventory and reflecting past callings, journaling on what your calling is, asking others what they think, and use your values as a guide (Kessel, n.d.). JUDGE Once I hear the word, “vocation”, entering the seminary or convent instantaneously comes to my mind. Likewise, when someone asks, “Do you have a calling?”, it seems like I am being asked if I am called to be a sister. However, based on the definition presented above and the interviews conducted, I have concurred that one’s vocation is not solely related to submitting oneself to the Lord through entering the seminary or convent. One may be called by his or her vocation to lead and serve the community. This is made evident by the diversity of perspectives acquired during the interview for married couple, religious person, and single blessedness. For the married couple, both of them are called to be faithful with each other. This may be exercised through the help of putting God in the center of their relationship. For the religious person, he or she is called to serve the Lord and the people through proclaiming the word of God. He or she has the responsibility to cultivate holiness and kindness. Lastly, the single blessedness may not have a family nor a religious vocation; however, this does not diminish the fact that he or she has a vocation. A person who has chosen to become a single-blessedness is called to serve the society in various forms and ways. Hence, it does not matter which vocation a person has chosen, for as long as he or she commits to his or her responsibilities, then he or she is doing his or her purpose in this world and serving the Lord. ACT Back then, I thought that people who entered the seminary or convent secured a spot in heaven, but based on the ideas presented above, the status quo of considering people who entered a religious vocation as superior in holiness has been proven inaccurate. To reiterate, no matter what vocation a person has chosen, for as long as he or she commits to his or her responsibilities, then he or she is doing his or her purpose in this world and serving the Lord. This is a gentle reminder that I must not be pressured to enter the convent in order to prove to people that I am a holy person. Instead, I will pray to God and ask Him to guide me in finding what my vocation is, follow what my heart desires, and commit to my responsibilities after choosing what vocation is right for me. In this way, I may be able to serve and lead, ultimately, for God and the community.

UNTIL OUR NEXT TRIP! AS YOU GATHER YOUR BELONGINGS TO DETRAIN, PLEASE REMEMBER THAT TRASH RECEPTACLES ARE AVAILABLE FOR YOUR NEWSPAPERS, EMPTY WATER BOTTLES, EMPTY COFFEE CUPS, AND/OR ANY OTHER “STUFF” YOU NO LONGER NEED. A JOURNEY, AFTER ALL, NEITHER BEGINS IN THE INSTANT WE SET OUT, NOR ENDS WHEN WE HAVE REACHED OUR DOOR STEP ONCE AGAIN. IT STARTS MUCH EARLIER AND IS REALLY NEVER OVER, BECAUSE THE FILM OF MEMORY CONTINUES RUNNING ON INSIDE OF US LONG AFTER WE HAVE COME TO A PHYSICAL STANDSTILL. INDEED, THERE EXISTS SOMETHING LIKE A CONTAGION OF TRAVEL, AND THE DISEASE IS ESSENTIALLY INCURABLE. ― RYSZARD KAPUŚCIŃSKI