Fr. Manny’s 57th Birthday and 32nd Sacerdotal Anniversary Party

By Ysa Chang

Last February 28, 2009, The SMDS community celebrated Fr. Manny Sarez’s 57th birthday and 32nd sacerdotal anniversary. It was celebrated at the Landas Center and the Hall of St. Paul, Resurrection and Ascension halls were filled with guests. It started with a thanksgiving mass with Fr. Julius & Fr. Restie co presiding and with Fr. Manny giving a heartwarming homily.

Party commenced after that with sumptuous dinner being catered by Ludy Marasigan. Marlon Mañaol of the Knights of Columbus and Bianca Alvarez and Hilda Tarroc of the Youth Ministry were the hosts for the night. Fr. Cel Reyes of the San Jose Seminary was also there and gave a brief background about the seminary its’ graduates including Bishop Ongtioco and our very own parish priest, Fr. Manny. “March to 19m” was also discussed, a campaign of the San Jose Seminary to raise money for the badly needed rehabilitation of the seminary’s facilities. The campaign started last November 20, 2009 and will end on March 19, 2009, which coincides with the feast of St. Joseph. Its goal is to raise P19 million. In lieu of gifts, Fr. Manny requested that people donate to this campaign instead.

Guests were entertained by the Landas ng Karunungan (LNK) and Landas ng Paglilingkod (LNP) scholars who performed a Filipiñana inspired dance. SMDS Idol runner up Paula Fabros and SMDS Idol grand champion, Eva Cawad were also there and gave the audience a song number. The BEC kids danced to an upbeat number, to the delight of the audience. Composer, writer and singer, Mr. Noel Cabangon also graced the party with his presence and performed some of his pieces including his much acclaimed song Kanlungan. San Jose seminarians sang acapella. Party ended with ballroom dancing and on a happy note having received a total amount of cash and pledges of more than P750,000 for the San Jose Seminary.

LNP & LNK Scholars Dancing

Father Manny blowing 57 candles from his small Cheesecakes

BEC Kids and their ballroom number

Noel Cabangon

San Jose Seminarians singing acapella

Fr. Manny ballroom dancing