(Interview questions from Mary Mirror of Justice Parish) 1. When have you decided to become a priest? Was it a childhood dream? Were you influenced / inspired by anyone in particular?
-- When I entered the seminary, I just wanted to be like my kuya dong, who was at that time my idol. I told myself, if he will become a priest, I will be too. He went out after high school but I continued for I learned to love the life of the priest.
I do not want to sound so pious but this is the truth: I dreamt of becoming a "saint". As I had a deeper reflection on my vocation story, I came to realize that priesthood is the best way for me to reach my dream. I can still remember my encounter with one of my high school formators when he asked me why I continue to stay in the seminary. I simply told him that I wanted to be a "saint". He remarked: "loko-loko lang ang nangangarap maging santo." To that remark, I responded: "Really, then I'll be a "fool for Christ's sake."
(Ngayon ko na lang mas nauunawaan ang kahulugan ng ibig niyang ipa-intindi sa akin.)
I do not want to sound so pious but this is the truth: I dreamt of becoming a "saint". As I had a deeper reflection on my vocation story, I came to realize that priesthood is the best way for me to reach my dream. I can still remember my encounter with one of my high school formators when he asked me why I continue to stay in the seminary. I simply told him that I wanted to be a "saint". He remarked: "loko-loko lang ang nangangarap maging santo." To that remark, I responded: "Really, then I'll be a "fool for Christ's sake."
(Ngayon ko na lang mas nauunawaan ang kahulugan ng ibig niyang ipa-intindi sa akin.)
2. Ordination Date :
-- June 2, 2001
3. Where do you serve now? Do you hold any position in school, seminary, etc?
Our Lady of Peñafrancia Seminary -- Rector/Principal/Teacher/Janitor
4. How did your formation in San Jose help you to become the priest that you are now?
-- San Jose Seminary helped me:
1. to be true to myself, maging totoong tao...
2. to love BEC!
3. to do the examination of consciousness (examen);
4. to trust and entrust my life to God; and
5. too many other simple and profound things to be enumerated... hehehe
1. to be true to myself, maging totoong tao...
2. to love BEC!
3. to do the examination of consciousness (examen);
4. to trust and entrust my life to God; and
5. too many other simple and profound things to be enumerated... hehehe
5. What is the best and the hardest part in being a priest?
-- The best is being able to serve God and God's people -- being an instrument of God, unworthy though I am. I always believe that doing good is its own reward. The hardest part in being a priest is being good, faithful, and holy. (hehehe)
6. When were you assigned to serve in MMJP (as an apostolate area)? (ex. from June 2005 - March 2007)
-- June 2000 - March 2001
7. How did your experience with the parish / parishioners form or develop you as a person, as a seminarian, as a priest? How was it like to be with the parishioners?
-- The parish was one of the places where I was able to fulfill my two most basic needs: "to love and be loved; and to feel worthwhile to myself and to others." That sums it up.
8. What did you enjoy most in your apostolate in MMJP? What did you learn from all your experiences in MMJP? How do you think these experiences help you with your vocation?
-- I was already ordained a deacon by September 2, 2000. The reason why most of my unforgettable "firsts" happened in the Parish -- first "homily", first baptism and even my first bloopers in the ministry. It was where I was able to live out my "ideals" but more importantly develop lasting friendships (hopefully).
9. Any message to the Comembo parishioners? Anything inspiring words that you want to share? =)
-- Sana ang mga sagot ko sa mga naunang katanungan ay naka-inspire sainyo... hehehe
10. Anything that you would like to share with us..secrets, hobbies, favorites...
anything to let us know you more.
-- At the end of my life: I want to be known as a person with a visible heart -- taong nasa labas ang puso, dahil hindi maitago ng katawan ang labis na pagmamahal sa Diyos at tao...
11.Who is that one priest, bishop, or pope that you admire most and why?
-- FATHER ERIC! (for the simplest reason na siya ang parish priest ninyo at dahil sa kanya naitanong itong mga katanungan sa akin.. hehehe)
