Lakbay Magazine

we who walk with Christ. LAKBAY 0202 yraunaJ | 17A DRWNECL Cabrera, Conda, Dela Cruz, Guanio, Javier, Kurosawa, Salosagcol, Sison, Siy But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever. Psalm 52:8

Table of Contents 2 About LAKBAY Life as a Priest 4 with Fr. Favie Faldas Reflections of 8 Charles and Ryan Understanding Single Life 10 with Ms. Cathay Albaniel table of contents Reflection of 14 Nicole #FilipinoSaints 16 St. Lorenzo Luis Reflections of LCENWRD A71 | December 2020 18Adi and Kim Marriage As A Vocation 20with Mr. & Mrs.Belandres Reflection of Paco 25 #FilipinoSaints 26St. Pedro Calungsod Reflections of DLSU 28Sam, Jin, and Tonichi

about the magazineLAKBAY | Page 3 LAKBAY lak - báy [noun] a trip; to travel [synonyms] tour, journey, voyage In this magazine, we aim to show you the various manifestations of love thorugh the perspectives of four people from completely different walks of life. We are to dig deep into the why's and how's of their life by looking into their journey or paglalakbay. \"Life is not a long journey, but a constant learning process. And the most important lesson in life is learning to love.\" - Anurag Prakash Ray

Life as a Priest wit Rector of Don Bosco Technical Institute What attracted you to this state What are the benefits and of life? difficulties of becoming a priest? My parents sent me to study in Don Bosco back when I was in elementary. I For difficulties, one is homesickness. remember always being surrounded by Second is studies as we never stopped salesians who didn't only stay in offices being students. However, I enjoyed but would play with us and run clubs. I learning. Benefits were getting along said \"kakaiba ‘to ha.\" I always looked up with others and living a community life. to them and realized I wanted to be just My journey to ordainment took 17 years like them. That's when the vocation but I didn't mind because I was enjoying started. the journey. Was your family supportive of When did you realize you your decision? wanted to become a priest and when did you enter the I cannot say they were not supportive. seminary? They were not totally against it but they had their hesitation, especially my Formally, it started way back when I was mother who had a hard time letting go Grade 5 when I was given an invitation of me. I was the eldest of 4 siblings so by a brother. I expressed my intention to my parents were hesitant but they never join. One of my teachers found out and I tried to stop me. remember being told \"Ipagpatuloy mo yan.\" LAKBAY | Page 4

th Fr. Favie Faldas e - Makati Would you recommend this Share an event that made you kind of vocation to the youth? proud of being a priest. Why so? What makes me proud is when a Of course! Is your course the same one student of mine invites me to officiate your father took? Fathers would want his/her wedding. We are salesians and their children to follow their footsteps. our basic charism is young people. My But the gate of the kingdom of God.. greatest consolation as a priest is when there’s a great need for workers in the they invite me to officiate their wedding vineyard of the Lord. An individual's because it means I had an impact on dream is to have children of our own. their lives. They could have invited Of course we can't have children but anybody. They were my students from the feeling of having a child is way back and came to look for me and recruiting someone and seeing them at that time there was no social media. follow your footsteps, and I am happy I've organized many events and even to say I was able to have 3-4 priests. became a Rector, but that will one day be forgotten. But the people that I was Did you have second thoughts able to touch, that is the greatest on becoming a priest? consolation. One time during highschool, we were Was becoming a priest your low on money. I went to summer camp first choice on your career? and my mother told me “Tigil mo na kaya yan. Mabigat na sa bulsa. Wala na I thought of where I would be if I never tayong pera.” and it made me feel became a priest. I couldn't think of discouraged. A second time was during anything. Looking back, I never thought our formation. There was a stage that I about it when I was young. I just know I was delayed. They did not approve me was attracted by the salesians at that to go on and I doubted myself. I cried time and since then, it was the only all the time in the chapel until I calmed thing on my mind. down. So, not everything for me was smooth sailing. LAKBAY | Page 5

What did you do to cure homesickness? Actually, in my very first days in the seminary, there were those who, after one day, already became homesick and eventually went home after just one week. I told myself, “Ano ba?” I made a personal decision. I wanted this and I will stand up for it. And if ever I go, it is because of the decision of my superiors and of God. When I look at those who decide to go home, I still get affected, but I made a deliberate decision to fight against the feeling. Message for the youth It's not about priesthood or being religious its about your vocation. It's not a career but a calling from God so there's no need to rush. In the end, you will find happiness in your vocation, The one and only calling for you by God. Live your vocation and you’ll find your happiness. LAKBAY | Page 6

\"The priesthood is a call, not a career; a redefinition of self, not just a new ministry; a way of life, not a job; a state of being; not just a function; a permanent, lifelong commitment, not a temporary style of service; an identity, not just a role.\" - Timothy Cardinal Dolan LAKBAY | Page 7

Having interviewed Father Favie has further emphasized to me that happiness is not necessarily the vocation we have in life, nor the has to be priesthood in order to be closer to God. Both happiness and a deep spiritual connection come naturally after coming to terms with what their vocations are. Rushing to figure out how a person would spend the rest of their lives would just end with the person thinking about the “what ifs” rather than moving forwards. Albeit I have only talked to Father Favie once he reminds me that a vocation is merely a way for us to grow closer to God. The path of a priest is closer, but not the only way to spend one’s life in service for the Lord. The happiness that stems from the vocation Father Favie and other priests come from their own personal experiences that lead them down that path. The choice of fully committing themselves in service to the Lord, serving as a guiding light to everyone is a righteous choice made by them wholeheartedly. Name: Ryan Malcom Ethan Sison ID no: 120 Course: PSM-LGL Favorite Color: Red, Green, Blue LAKBAY | Page 8

Hearing the stories of the people we interviewed confirmed to me that, there really is no one path to fulfillment and happiness. Happiness is subjective and fulfillment is relative. Although I did not know Fr. Favie personally since he became rector of Don Bosco Makati the year I graduated, the conversation with him reminded me of the priests and brothers that I looked up to growing up at that institution. They may have chosen a different vocation, unique from the majority, but surely you can tell that they are certain to have found their purpose, and at the end of the day, that is what matters. I realized, as the saying goes, I am the master of my faith, the captain of my soul. As free individuals, we can choose to walk whatever path we desire. Thus, the decisions we make and the things we value should always lead to the life we want to live. Name: Charles Graydon Dela Cruz ID no: 118 Course: AB-OSDM Favorite Color: Black LAKBAY | Page 9

What attracted I think it’s more of what brought me here to you to this singlehood or why did I choose to stay single. state of life? Maybe one of the reasons is that I’m happy and comfortable to stay single. I have crazy pamangkins When did you around me and I have loving friends. I’m happy with realize you did my work. I can do whatever I want during my free not want to marry? walangtime, I can go anywhere. Maybe that’s it– pressure. Was your family Maybe that was the time– when I hit my 40’s. I’m supportive of your decision? turning 52 in December and– actually being single doesn’t mean that you know nothing about love. I Did you have had past relationships before but unfortunately that that internal pressure of didn’t work out. Being single is not the lack of what the options, it’s a choice. Catholic faith says that one Of course. Sila lagi yung kasama ko. Actually, I have must get four pamangkins with my sister–yung eldest namin. married? So when their father died, I helped my sister with their expenses– school expenses, sa bahay. Yes, they’re happy with– ano happy ako with them. Actually, yes. Friends and family meron yan, especially cousins and relatives na matagal mo nang hindi nakikita and then suddenly makikita mo tas sasabihin “O hanggang ngayon wala ka pang asawa.” I always answer them na “Hapon na/gabi Mayna, bukas nalang siguro kung mag-aasawa.” mga tanong, you can’t avoid that pero never naman ako na-pressure. 51 y Cu Understanding Single Life with Ms LAKBAY | Page 10

What are the LAKBAY | Page 11 benefits and difficulties of Actually, it’s not how much you have, it’s how much your decision? you enjoy what you have now and the people Given both the happinessaround you. One of the benefits is the benefits and of singlehood. Being happy of what you have. difficulties, would you Happiness is not something already made, it’s a recommend this life? time forprocess. And time because you have more yourself– since there’s no stress and no pressure. Did u have second You can do what you want and go where you want. thoughts about There’s no husband or partner that you have to going down consider in your decisions, it’s just yourself. this path? I can’t say na marrecommend ko siya. Iba-iba naman needs ng tao– like my needs are different Ifrom your needs and the needs of my co-workers. can’t say na I can recommend because for me I’m happy being single and I don’t know if ganun din yung magiging effect niya sa iba. Maybe ang happiness nila is having kids, having someone na old na meron siyang kasama. Ako kasi I’m satisfied and confident and comfortable being with my family and friends. Actually, oo. Meron naman. Kasi siyempre, I’m growing old diba. One of my fears actually is tatanda ako mag-isa, but nandiyan naman yung mga pamangkin ko and I have apos now. Yung lang naman fear ko noon but now hindi ko na siya naiisip– that to grow old alone. I have my family, pamangkins, apos, and friends. No regrets. years old, Graduated from UP Diliman Worked at Stratwork Inc. for 18 years, urrently a President Account Director s. Cathay Albaniel

Is it true that people have their Did you seek a spiritual council own definition or nature of or prayer when you came to what love is and how they will this decision? get it? Is there no general formula on how you would No. Hindi pa naman. (She was able to suffice that part of yourself? find it in herself already that she wanted this life) Yeah iba-iba talaga per person. Personally, are you one that’s There’s no right formula for it. As spiritual or religious? mentioned, it depends on the person, Yes. I pray every night and also when I on what makes him happy and ano yung wake up, thanking God. I go to Church every Sunday. And my family naman end goal niya sa life niya. Kasi meron ganun din. ako mga na-meet na bata palang, alam na nila kung ano yung goal nila in life– like in terms of having a family of their own. I came to a point in my life too but nawala siya kasi na-overshadow na siya with my happiness with my work, my friends, and my family. When you realized that you were going to stay single, was it because you enjoy this state of being single or was it more of the realization that you have a happy family that you don’t really need to look for a partner? Yes that’s true. And because of that, I’m happy and comfortable with what I am in now. Nawalan din ako ng time to look for other source of happiness. Yung family, friends, and work– okay na ako dun, happy na ako. And before relationships, yun yung naccompare ko na nahahati yung time mo. Ngayon, very focused ako sa work, family, and myself. So it’s really on the benefits. Message for the youth (Having a single life) It’s how you carry yourself or how you handle your situation– na maging comfortable ka on what you have now. Dapat hindi ka magpapa-affect sa ibang tao. Hindi sila yung dapat mag-decide for you. Ikaw makaka-define ng happiness mo. And pag nagdecide ka, dapat wala kang regrets kasi hindi mo na mababalikan yung before. Ang kapalit nun, maybe hindi makikita ng mga married na, pero you have this own happiness within you na hindi nila maccompare kasi wala sila sa ganung state or status. And same thing with me I can’t compare my happiness with married couples because I haven’t experienced that. LAKBAY | Page 12

‘I’m not a lonely person. I never feel lonely … It’s not a sad thing to be alone. I think what I was trying to get across was that I don’t feel a lack of something not being in a relationship. I don’t feel like there is an emotional void to be filled.’ - Jennifer Lawrence LAKBAY | Page 13

Name: Nicole Caitlin L. Siy ID No: 120 Course: PSM-ADV Favorite Color: Black and Pink I was personally touched by the stories of my interviewees by not only their strong faith in God but also how they one day figured out their path in life, overcame the obstacles to get to it, and then we're more than satisfied when they finally started living it. For the priest interviewee, I was touched by how at such a young age, he figured out what he wanted to do with his life and worked through many years to achieve it, and till this day, is still passionate about what he does. For the single interviewee, I was touched by how content she is with her life and how she knew what made her happy to the point that she knew that she would be okay being single for probably the rest of her life. Usually, people asking questions about one’s single status would be pretty pressuring for them but it’s so inspiring to know that she isn’t affected at all by that because she knows that no one can tell her how to live her life other than herself. For the married couple interviewees, I was touched by how much faith they have in each other and in the Lord to the point that they are able to overcome every difficulty and conflict they have with each other. In a world full of cheating, I sometimes think that it is very rare to find someone who will love you eternally without getting tired after being with you every day for the rest of their life so seeing couples like these give me hope and reassurance that there are people out there than can eternally and genuinely love someone till the day they die. LAKBAY | Page 14

In terms of the single interviewee, I can see the true essence of love manifested in the way that she is happy enough with the love she receives from her friends and family that she doesn’t need a partner to make her less lonely and eternally happy. Her love can also be seen through her relationship with God where she regularly prays to Him and is truly thankful for the blessings and happiness He has provided her with. “Yung lang naman fear ko noon but now hindi ko na siya naiisip– that to grow old alone. I have my family, pamangkins, and apos. No regrets. (And I have loving friends as well)” her saying this goes to show that these people in her life are more than enough to fill up what people usually find in a partner while still being able to do what they want whenever they want without the concern of the other person possibly holding them back from what they want to do and they are enough as to the point that her worries about being lonely just naturally went away and was no longer a concern for her. I really see the true essence of love when she is confident enough and trusts her friends and family enough to always be with and be there for her for the rest of their lives even if they have their own problems and lives to deal with. The church teaches us that marriage is a vocation and that it is a call from God and a response from these 2 people that they promise to build a lifelong, sacramental, and intimate partnership of love and life. This married couple interviewees show that with the help of God, they were able to build and retain a life together for all these years and were able to get through the challenges and obstacles thrown at them with His guidance and were even blessed with a child. ‘Love is the beginning of the journey, its end, and the journey itself.\" - Deepak Chopra LAKBAY | Page 15

Get to know our Filipino Saint, Lorenzo Ruiz. Patron for the Philippines Feast Day: September 28 Born: November 28, 1594 Died: September 29, 1637 Canonized: October 18, 1987 Patronage: The Philippines, Filipinos, Overseas Filipino Workers and migrant workers, immigrants, the poor, separated families, Filipino youth, Chinese-Filipinos, Filipino Altar servers, Tagalogs, Archdiocese of Manila. Early Life San Lorenzo Ruiz, a former altar boy in Binondo Church, was born in Binondo, Manila to a Chinese father and a Filipino mother, both of whom were Catholics. He had been taught Chinese by his father, while his mother had taught him Filipino. Because of his great penmanship, he received the title of \"Escribano Cofradia del Santisimo Rosario.” On a more personal note, Lorenzo ended up marrying a native named Rosario who later on bore two sons and one daughter. Together, they lived a generally peaceful life. LAKBAY | Page 16

Martyrdom While Lorenzo was working as a clerk at the Binondo Church, He was accused of allegedly killing a Spaniard in 1636. He was forced to flee home and find refuge on a ship with three Dominican priests, a Japanese Priest and a leper. In order to escape his possible arrest, he got on the ship that departed from the Philippines on June 10, 1636, bound for Okinawa. Once they arrived, the rulers of Japan, the Tokugawa Shogunate, were persecuting Christians. During those times, the population of Christians in the country were about 50,000 souls. However, they were arrested by Japanese officials and ordered them to denounce their faith. Lorenzo refused, and was imprisoned for two years. In 1637, they were taken to Nagasaki to be tortured and killed. Despite the pain, Lorenzo and his companions still refused to recant their faith. Afterward, He was hanged upside down with a rope tied around his ankles, known as the Tsurushi or gallows and pit. According to records of his death, Lorenzo’s last words were “I am a Catholic and wholeheartedly do accept death for God. Had I a thousand lives, all these to Him I shall offer. Do with me as you please.\" Main Shrine In Film Minor Basilica of the National Lorenzo Ruiz, The First Filipino Shrine of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz Saint LAKBAY | Page 17

Name: Adrianne Renee Cabrera ID no: 120 Course: PSM-MGT Favorite Color: salmon pink + army green Books can only give us so much. It is in our experience that we learn the most. This is what I realised after witnessing the stories of our interviewees—that no amount of reading can replace the lessons we can acquire through experience. Love is often mistaken for infatuation and desire, but who said that we had to put a label on it? Love is love. It calls us forth to something greater, just like how Fr. Favie was called by God to serve Him. It wouldn’t have been real love if he despised what he was called to do, but based on the moments he shared with us, I can tell that the love he had for Him was genuine because it brought out the best in him. God accepted his imperfect self and trained him to love while at the same time providing him assurance that He could be the one who would give him strength and courage if he allowed him to do so. LAKBAY | Page 18

In my case, I interviewed the married couple who are the parents of one of my best friends. Personally, I felt that I was touched the most when they answered what their most memorable experience has been during their married life – they both said, having their daughter. As someone who has not thought much about getting married, let alone having a child, I found it really enlightening and sweet that they both truly love and treasure their child. Honestly, I expected them to say “the day we got married” or “the day we went on a honeymoon” but hearing them say otherwise was so heartwarming. In all interviews, I found that love really does manifest in different ways. For the religious, the true essence of love is found by following and spreading God’s word. It is through service for others that they truly manifest love. For the married couple, it is through the constant need to adjust oneself in the relationship where love manifests. Having to put down one’s pride or needs in order to make way for your partner and vice-versa. Lastly, for the single- blessed, the true essence can be seen in her self-love and her love for her family, friends, and work. In general, they all promote God’s reign through their work and relationships. For he religious, it is through preaching. On the other hand, the couple promotes through their relationship with each other and their daughter. Meanwhile, for the single-blessed, she promotes God’s reign through her actions – taking care of herself and her family and friends. Name: Kimverly Jane M. Javier ID no: 120 Course: PSM-MKT Favorite Color: yellow, red, and blue <3 Fun Fact: has tried almost all chatime drinks LAKBAY | Page 19

m a r What attracted you to married life? r a Glenda: Kid, having a family and knowing iv ao you have someone who support and love gc you. ea t Jayson: To be with the person I love for the a i s o rest of my life. n When did you realize that you wanted to marry? Glenda: When I know I wanted to be with my husband every day and for the rest of my life. Jayson: When I felt that I'm ready to take responsibility. Was your family supportive of your decision? Glenda: Yes. Jayson: Yes. Name: Mr. Jayson Belandres Age: 41 years old Hometown: Cavite Graduated: AMA Makati Occupation: Businessman LAKBAY | Page 20

What challenges did you face to get to where you are today? Glenda: Our differences. Jayson: To have a stable job so I can provide for my family. How do you resolve or overcome these issues and challenges that come with this way of life? Glenda: Good talk and prayers. Jayson: I worked hard to get promoted to get a better salary range. Are you happy with what this decision has lead you to in life? Glenda: Yes. Jayson: Yes. How did this life change you? Glenda: It changed me a lot. Suddenly what I want is not the priority. I tend to be more understanding now. Jayson: I had to let go of the activities that are not beneficial to my family. Name: Mrs. Glenda Canezal Belandres Age: 40 years old Hometown: Masbate Graduated: University of the East Occupation: Photographer LAKBAY | Page 21

What can you say is the secret to ‘A good living a married life for 15 years? marriage isn't Glenda: Put God in the center of your something you find, it's relationship. Always talk and be open to something you make, and your partner and trust and respect him. you have to Jayson: Love and trust your partner. keep on making it.\" - Gary Thomas Did faith (or God) play a role in strengthening your relationship? In what ways? Glenda: Yes. If you try to understand things, people and circumstances through God. You tend to be more open to love, understand, forgive and give without expecting in return. Gods ways, is the best way to love. Its doesnt need anything sustain in.You just love. Jayson: Yes. I always pray to God to help me in my decisions. LAKBAY | Page 22

What has been the most memorable m experience you had during your a married life? ra r Glenda: Having our daughter. iv Jayson: When we had our child. ao gc What are the benefits and difficulties ea of married life? t Glenda: Benefit is having someone who ai so supports and care for you; Difficulty is having someone who does not agree with you most of n the time Jayson: Benefit is you have someone who will be there for you no matter what. Difficulty is you cannot decide on your own. Given both the benefits and difficulties, would you recommend this life? Glenda: Yes. I think having a family is the best way to live a life here on earth. Jayson: Yes. LAKBAY | Page 23

\"Love is patient. Love is kind. It always protects, always trusts, always hope, always perseveres. Love never fails.\" 1 Corinthians 13:4, 7-8 LAKBAY | Page 24

Loves Dogs As someone who has been Favorite color is yellow single for a few years, this Also loves eating food period of time honestly Name: Paco Conda made me realize what I ID no: 12043176 need to appreciate more. Course: PSM- MKT Being single highlights other aspects of your life like your family, friends, new hobbies, education, and your career. I did not mind not having a significant other because it did not feel like I was missing out on anything. Ms. Cathy's words of wisdom really did speak to me and they were very relatable. Romance is overromanticized, some people think it is so important that they can't go a few weeks or months without being in another relationship. A relationship should add more to your life, not be the focus of your life. LAKBAY | Page 25

Get to know our Filipino Saint, Pedro Calungsod. Patron for Catechists Feast Day: April 2 Born: July 21, 1654, Cebu Died: April 2, 1672, Guam Canonized: October 21, 2012 Patronage: Filipino youth, Catechumens, Altar servers, the Philippines, Overseas Filipino Workers, Guam, Cebuanos, Visayans, Archdiocese of Cebu, Pury, San Antonio, Quezon Province Early Life Pedro Calungsod is one perfect example that can prove that young people can also make a difference in this world. Born in Ginatilan, Cebu, Pedro Calungsod, also known as Pedro Calonsor, was a Filipino migrant, sacristan, and missionary catechist. At the early age of 13, he willingly joined a group of Spanish missionaries and fled to the Marianas Islands in Guam to practice catechism with the Chamorro people, as well as baptizing people despite the risk of being discovered and persecuted. Through Pedro and the group's missionary efforts, they we're able to encourage the Chamorros to continue practicing their faith and eventually convert to Roman Catholicism. LAKBAY | Page 26

Martyrdom By continuing to preach about Catholicism to the Chamorro people, Pedro, along with his group, were automatically putting their lives at risk. Other people, especially those in authority saw them as a threat to society, as they were being falsely accused of poisoning the Chamorro infants with their baptismal water. When the village chief learned that his daughter got baptized without his knowledge, he rushed to Calungsod and his team. Fueled by his hatred towards God, the chief struck Calungsod with a spear. San Vitores, one of the missionaries, quickly absolved him before he too was killed. Pedro died for his faith at only 17, with the Catholic Church claiming that his martyrdom was committed In Hatred Of The Faith. Main Shrine In Film Cebu Archdiocesan Shrine of Saint Pedro Calungsod: Batang Martyr Pedro Calungsod (dir. Francis Villacorta, 2013) LAKBAY | Page 27

Living a life dedicated to God can come in many forms. Some serve him by devoting themselves to the church, some continue to be God's instruments to their peers, and some build families that choose to follow the love and virtues of God. You can choose to have a vocation regardless of your status, gender, or age. As long as you are dedicated to serving the Lord with all the love and passion you have in your heart, that is already a great commitment that will positively affect the lives of many, as well as your own. Each of us is born with a good purpose. As we \"do all our actions for the love of God\", we are able to create a ripple of positive changes in our community. As we continue to live according to our vocation and love for God, we will also be able to find happiness while bringing light to other people's lives. Name: Samantha Kurosawa ID number: 120 Course: PSM-ADV Favorite Color: Blue and yellow Fun Fact: I have romantic feelings for Spiderman LAKBAY | Page 28

Name: Jin Salosagcol ID number: 118 Course: BS-CHE Favorite Color: Yellow Fun Fact: A cheerleader, loves to sleep, and can solve the Rubik's cube in 20 seconds Everybody was born with free will and the capacity to make choices of their own. When it comes to the vocation of an individual, the decision is almost always deeply though through because it is how one would live for the rest of their life. Because everybody has different needs, wants, and goals in life, there is no common vocation that fits everyone. People may opt to stay single, marry, or decide to be priests or sisters. The good news is that, in any vocation one chooses, it is still an equally great opportunity to serve God, and a great path to find happiness. Deciding on a vocation is a turning point in one’s life but what is common in all vocations, especially the ones presented earlier, is that those people never lost their faith in Him. They put God at the center of their lives and trusted that He would guide them through every step of their vocation. In the end, although living different lives, each one still turns to God, and finds their happiness in Him. And I think that's one of the most beautiful things about the God-given gift of life. LAKBAY | Page 29

Name: I believe every single one of us Tonichi Guanio was put in this world to play a ID: certain role in carrying out 120 God’s almighty plan. As such, Course: it is our duty to find out what PSM-FIN our calling is in order for us to Fun fact: be a dutiful worker in the I’m ambidextrous Lord’s vineyard. I believe finding this calling will require LAKBAY | Page 30 a great amount of discernment, wisdom, and guidance from the Lord. Finding one’s calling is not only limited to focusing on a certain line of work. As much as vocation revolves around one’s profession, it also applies to personal relationships. Single blessedness, married life, and priesthood all pose as opportunities to serve God. The most interesting part about learning vocation for me was understanding the real reason priests aren’t allowed to have sexual relationships because this has been a question of mine ever since.

Turns out it is because priests and nuns cannot risk having their judgement clouded by infatuation and most importantly, their love divided between God and their partner. Understanding this is vital to discovering one’s true calling as we must consider at some point whether the opportunity cost of living a celibate life without offspring to carry on your genes is worth it. Most people would rather get married, have kids, or stay single (I myself included) All of which are respectable in it’s own right. I believe no vocation is superior to the other. It all depends on whether the chosen vocation improves or worsens one’s ability to serve God. With that said, we must use our natural inclinations and faith as a compass to find the path God is leading us toward so that we may fulfill what we were sent by God to do. ‘Each person who lives in the light of eternity can fulfill their vocation no matter if it is in marriage, in a religious order, or in a wordly profession.\" - Edith Stein LAKBAY | Page 31

Adrianne Cabrera Paco Conda Charles Dela Cruz Tonichi Guanio Kimverly Javier Sam Kurosawa Jin Salosagcol Ryan Sison Nicole Siy LAKBAY we who walk with Christ. LCENWRD A71 | January 2020 \"Live your vocation, and find your happiness\" - Fr. Favie Faldas with special thanks to: Fr. Favie Faldas Ms. Cathay Albaniel Mrs. Glenda Belandres Mr. Jayson Belandres & Mr. Melanio Leal