My ELEVENTH YEAR  of sharing my moments with YOU…

Date:  December 18, 2009                                                                                   Time: 1:00 pm-5:00 pm                                                                                                            Venue: CCC  Auditorium

As usual, the program started with the registration of all the employees which must be done for the food tabs and the raffle draws. Upon entering the newly- renovated auditorium, happy and  smiling faces as well as the sighs( oooh, aaah) were indications of surprise and admiration.

The new auditorium could be compared to a first class theater, ‘though still lacking in some gadgets, equipment, and interiors. There were technical booth, dressing room, and rest room accessible to  the users. The image of the Blessed Virgin Mary was placed on the left side of the stage.

While everyone was waiting for the program to start, CCC cooperative , (through Mrs. Charry Cruz and Mrs. Bernados) gave free Jubilee T-shirts to all cooperative members. Thank you!

Fr. Jose Blaise Maria E. Garcia presided the Bible Enthronement which followed by the blessing of the Virgin Mary and community singing of “Salve Regina” as a sign of praise and devotion.

All the departments prepared prayers led by Mrs. Mary Jane Chicote, Grade School Christian Living Coordinator.

“Let us all be joyful in celebrating the season,”expressed warmheartedly by Mr. Reldino Aquino, the chairman of the Golden Jubilee Celebration. He also extended his sincerest thanks to Rev. Msgr. Arnel Lagarejos for allowing CCC to use the new auditorium. At the same time, he congratulated two members of the community, Fr. Blaise on his 15th Sacerdotal Anniversary and Atty Carmencita P.L. Logan for the noble, universal award, “Ecclesia et Pontifice” bestowed by Pope Benedict XVI.

It’s also a time of giving tribute to Mrs. Lolita Padi,  who served CCC for 25 years.  One of her friends in the industry, Mrs. Sergia Rivera took time to expressed her appreciation to Mrs. Padi, being her mentor and a critic at the same time.In behalf of CCC community, Msgr. Arnel delivered expression of thanks and also appreciation for her long length of  service and her contributions to the institution.  On the other hand, Mrs. Padi thanked everyone especially Msgr. Arnel for this time of receiving accolade. She also expressed her appreciation to Msgr.  for being a hard working leader and had done a lot of changes in CCC. For her final words,  ” A new chapter in my life is waiting. I may probably stay with my  daughter abroad and would take care of my  grandchild.”  She received a plaque of appreciation and a token from CCC.

In his opening remarks, Rev, Msgr. Arnel Lagarejos touched on the glimpse of the sad events  over the past few months. He  shared his sentiments by saying he  questioned the Lord about the difficulties which could hinder the celebration of the Golden Jubilee. But after self- introspection, he realized that it happened for some reasons. All were affected and not only CCC community. It’s a reminder for everyone to be faithful to the communion and mission. “We should not be helpless but instead, be strong enough to face whatever trials that would come along the way. GOD is always with us. In any difficulty that we would experience, HE will always there to comfort us.” He continued, “The real essence of the celebration is giving and sharing.  Show your love and concern to one another. Let us move on and continue celebrating this long-awaited anniversary of our institution.”

“Never a weakness that He can’t fill. Never a sickness that He can’t heal. Never a sorrow that He doesn’t share. Moment by moment- WE are under JESUS care!”

Msgr. Arnel discussed briefly the history behind the establishment of this auditorium. It was under Msgr. Sta. Ana’s administration when the Diocese of Antipolo initiated the construction of this building with the idea that it would be used as a formation center. According to Msgr. Arnel,  he had done a mass inside this auditorium before. During the time of Msgr. Mariano Balbago, there was a tremendous increase in enrolment and some parts of the auditorium were used as classrooms to in- house some of the enrollees. He ended his message by saying, “This auditorium would be the landmark of our Golden Jubilee Year Celebration. The blessing of this structure would be on February 16, 2010.’” Then, he expressed his gratitude to everybody for gracing the occasion and extended also his greeting for this special season and the coming year.

There were raffle draws in- between presentations, the dance interpretation (representatives of different offices) and the tableau about “The Nativity”, choreographed and trained by Mr. Jerome Samson of the College Department. CCC employees’ singing sensations - Sir Dino, Andy, Ferdie, Rizza, Toks, RV, Zhel, Henry, Chu  and Msgr. Arnel (who sang “Beautiful in my Eyes”, nice rendition!) shared their talents that enlightened the evening. Ms.  Neneng Marcelo played the piano while Mr. Ernil Tuason sang a Christmas song.  He, together with other employees sang also the bests of Cascades. There was a modern dance performed by the MAPEH department together with some employees who were dance enthusiasts ( which include Mrs. Issa Amalia, the only rose among the thorns ) .The big revelation was none other Fr. Blaise who gave his best in exposing his hidden talent.

Simple but delicious foods were served. There was a group game, “Decorating a Christmas Tree” (using a human figure), participated by all the three departments. Grade School Department won this game proving how creative Grade School teachers were!

To my co-employees who were with me in the past years and would still stay behind me in the years to come (through thick and thin), sharing anything under the sun,  consoling and giving me pieces of advice in my moments of disasters(?)-THANK YOU. To my “motivators” and those who act as the “stimulants” in my sometime humdrum life, please keep pushing me on.  For those whom I wasn’t able to give my time when my presence was mostly needed, I’m sorry. ( Forgiveness warms the hearts).

Wishing you all the best- peace of mind, good health, prosperity, happiness  not only this season but everyday of the year!