Senior Scouts Investiture and Rover Vigil and Recognition Ceremony 2016

SFAS brings back its scouting program this SY2016-2017 with some promising scouting activities for Rover and Senior Scouting.
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The Investiture for Senior scouts together with the Rover Vigil was held on SFAS grounds last September 17 - 18, 2016. The program was facilitated by the school’s ISC Coordinator Mr. Christopher Bactong. The Investiture Ceremony was supported by the presence of five Scouters/Leaders coming from Boy Scouts of the Philippines, Negros Occidental Council and parents of the Senior scouts. Ms. Rosemarie Iglesia, a faculty of SFAS delivered her welcome remarks on behalf of school principal and BSP Institutional Representative, Mr. Roberto P. Maguad, the Council Scout Executive of BSP Negros Province Council, introduced and certified the new 9 Senior scouts of SFAS. He encouraged the newly created SFAS troop no. 748 to firmly mold the ideals of scouting for better youth development and citizenship service. After the Investiture the Senior scouts proceeded with their backyard camping and patrol program.

The school also opened its first Rover Scouting program to date. Mr. Bienvenido C. Fundador, the 

province Rover Vigil Master, warmly welcomed the other 9 new members of the Rover Scouting Program during the start of the Rover Vigil and Recognition Ceremony. These nine Rover scouts shall be remembered as the pioneers of the Rover Scouting Program of SFAS. He also addressed the Roverettes to be the prime advocates for change and development. The Blue Rover neckerchief was awarded to the Rover who successfully passed the overnight eight long hours vigil on the dawn (before sunrise) of September 18. Among the recipient of the Rover Recognition was Mr. Romnick C. Sadio, a faculty of SFAS, who received the certificate of Rover Peer Award. Sir Romnick is also the SFAS Senior Scouting outfit’s Scout Master.

Written by Mr. Christopher Bactong

View more photos here.


Please visit our website: www.sfas.tapulanga.org

Grade 6 Recollection

Last September 17, the Grade 6 class attended a recollection at The Sacred Heart Seminary in Bacolod City. The one-day recollection was conducted by the SHS seminarians with Rev. Fr. J. Celestial as the attending priest and SFAS teachers, Sir Lloyd Navarette and Mrs. Rose Iglesia, as facilatators.

"Our recollection was joyful and enjoying. We learned to find ourselves and how to find a true friend. We cherished the importance of our families and most importantly, we became closer to God." by Bhea Amador

"In our recollection, I experienced fun and I got to know more about God and myself. My relationship with God deepened because of the new things I've learned that I can apply in my own life." by Ricky Vince Cobrado

"The recollection helped me deepen my relationship with God by knowing Him and be sorry for my sins. I became closer to God. It helped me recall my sins."  by Alessandra Nicole Selendron


For more photos, please click here.


Please visit our website: www.sfas.tapulanga.org

Mama Mary's Birthday Celebration 2016

[Mary said]: "Behold all generations shall call me blessed." (Luke 1:48)

Last September 8, St. Francis of Assisi School of Silay City celebrated, with the whole Church, the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. A Holy Eucharist was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Salvador Barcelona, the curate of St. Roch's parish. The homily was given by Brother Marvin, a seminarian from the Sacred Heart Seminary who is now in Deaconate. He emphasized the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the salvation history and stressed that the motherhood of Mary extends for those who acknowledge Jesus as their brother.

Since September 8 is also the fiesta of Hacienda Tinihaban, a basketball game was played between SFAS Basketball Varsity Team and Hda. Tinihaban Basketball Team, and the latter won. A Minute to Win It challenge was also played in the afternoon. 

Amidst many misunderstandings regarding the veneration of Mary today, we Christians must imitate the example of Mother Mary, the handmaid of the Lord who embraced completely God's call to be the Mother of our Savior. We are called to follow Mary's loving obedience to God's will and so we can be like Her who is full of grace and Theotokos, that is, God-bearer.

Written by:

Lord William B. Pacurib, Grade 10-Hope

Photos here.

Please visit our website: http://sfas.tapulanga.org/

Kulminasyon ng Buwan ng Wika 2016

Sa loob ng isang lipunan na nagbabago na kung saan ang mga radikal na kaisipan ay umiiral, mahalaga pa rin ang pagpapahalaga sa mga diwa at ugali na nagbuo sa atin bilang isang bansa kahit na may kalumaan ito at hindi na naayon sa panahon.

Ngayong Agosto ng taong 2016 ang St. Francis of Assisi School ay nagdiwang ng Buwan ng Wika, na may temang: "Filipino: Wika ng Karunugan." Ang pagdiriwang ito ay naglalayon na pukawin ang isip ng mga estudyante sa pagmahal sa sariling wika, pagtangkilik sa ating sariling kultura at kasaysayan, pahalagahan ang ating pagka Pilipino at higit sa lahat ay buhayin ang diwa ng patriotismo. Idiniriwang rin ito bilang alaala sa ating yumaong pangulo na si Manuel L. Quezon, ang Ama ng Wikang Pambansa.

Noong Agosto 17, isinagawa ang Larong Pilipino sa lahat na pangkat.  Nang ika-25 ng Agosto, isinagawa ang isang Kompetisyon ng Katutubong Sayaw (Folk Dance Competition) at Paligsahan sa Deklamasyon at Extemporaneous Speaking Contest.

At sa huling sabado ng Agosto, ay ginanap ang Kulminasyon ng Buwan ng Wika. Sa araw na ito, maraming aktibidades ang isinagawa na sinalihan ng mga mag-aaral, guro, kawani, magulang at mga bisita.  Lahat ay nagsuot ng mga pambansang kasuotan. Mga mag-aaral mula unang baitang hanggang sa ika-apat na mataas na paaralan ay nagtanghal ng Modernong Sayaw, Sabayang Pagbigkas, Himig Handog (Kompetisyon sa pagkanta) at nagtapos ang araw sa paglaro ng Bingo. 

Isinulat ni:

Lord William B. Pacurib, 10-Hope


Mga larawan dito.

Grade 7A and 7B Recollections

Last August 24, the grade 7A students attended a recollection at the Sacred Heart Seminary, Bacolod City.

Grade 7A class with adviser, Sir Joevani Buenaflor.

"I learned to be contented with what I have." by Carissa Jane Garcia

"I learned to be confident on what I am capable of and to be responsible always." by Dianne Marie Gabiño

Grade 7B class with adviser, Ms. Shiela Aspa

The Grade 7B class had their recollection last August 31 at the same venue. A mass celebrated by Rev. Fr. Salvador Barcelona ended the day recollections.

Written by: Shiela Mae Filipinas, Grade 10 Student



More photos on Grade 7A here.
More photos on Grade 7B here.


Please visit our website: http://sfas.tapulanga.org/

Grade 4 Recollection

Amidst the busy school life and LAS writing, there is a great need for a spiritual retreat and renewal. Before exam week, last August 3, the Grade 4 had a recollection at Balay Kalinungan, Universtity of St. La Salle, Bacolod City with Rev. Fr. Salvador Barcelona, the school's spiritual director, and teachers Romnick Sadio and Ms. Jennifer Tabujara as the facilitators.

Several activities were held during the recollection.  Students collected objects that best represented them and shared it with their classmates. They also had to share about their knowledge of God.  They wrote a letter to God and burned it.  The ashes were wiped on their forehead and then cleaned with a white cloth.  The ash on their forehead signified their sins and the white cloth symbolized Christ. "The Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world." (John 1:29)

One of the core values of St. Francis is being prayerful and the recollection contributed so much in the spiritual and prayer life of the students.

"My experience during the recollection was I feel so blessed because God is there and Fr. Barcelona is helpful."  by Shan Gabriel Flores

"I felt God's love and I enjoyed the activities we had that day.  I feel so happy to know that God loves me!" by Anne Marie Gulmatico

View more photos here.

Marriage Enrichment for SFAS Parents

One of the newest programs of the Campus Ministry of St. Francis of Assisi School of Silay City (SFAS) for this school year is holding the Marriage Enrichment (ME) for parents of students. Organized by the Christian Family Movement (CFM), this is a one-day seminar for married couples which promotes enrichment and awareness in strengthening marriages. Many of married couples nowadays are busy with work and taking care of the children that husbands and wives forget to take care of each other already.  During the ME, they are given this time to just "be" with each other.

The Couples of Christian Family Movement (CFM)

Three batches of 20 couples per batch have been given already.  All ME's were held at Nature's Village Resort in Talisay City.  A big thank you to the following CFM couples who volunteered their time and resources in making this possible: Toto and Irene Hilado, Jake and Gina Tan, Agnes and Marius Hechanova, Toto and Bel Gatuslao, Boy and Emilu Acoso and Fr. Salvador Barcelona.

Batch 1 - May 14, 2016

Batch 2 - June 11, 2016

Batch 3 - July 30, 2016

It is our hope that we can get financial assistance from donors so that we can invite more parents to join ME.  To sponsor a batch of 20 couples, Php25,000 or $500 is needed.  Couples are treated on a nice venue with great food.  Many, if not all of them, have never been on this "special date" in their lives.

To view more photos, click here. 

Celebration of Nutrition Month 2016

It is important to take care of one's health to avoid getting sick.  We need to take care of our health because this body is God-given.  This is what the celebration of Nutrition Month is all about.

Cooking Contest

This month of July, St. Francis of Assisi School of Silay City celebrated the Nutrition Month with the theme mandated from the Department of Health as "First one-thousand days ni baby, pahalagahan para sa malusog na kinabukasan." Last July 27, a Zumba Competition was held with the aim to encourage students to be physically fit.  The Freshmen won on high school category and the Grade 5 won on the elementary category. A Nutrition Symposium was held and participated by the people from Silay City Health Center. The main topic was about the prevention of Dengue Fever since this is rampant in the city of Silay lately.  Also, the Ten Kumainments (or the Ten Commandments for Healthy Eating) was also emphasized to promote good and healthy eating habits.

Nutrition Symposium by Silay City Health Center

On July 29, the Culmination of Nutrition Month was held at the SFAS covered court. Activities were a Cooking Contest, football games for boys and girls 16 under category and another Zumba Bida contest.  The cooking contest was held to motivate parents and students to cook and eat nutritious food, The Grade 5 group won with a dish of Dulce Lubi (Sweetened Coconut) and the Grade 8-Friendly group won with a Chopsuey (mixed vegetables) dish.  On the Zumba contest, Christian Louie Artillo won. 

In terms of nutrition and health, the Bible provides us a good model in prophet Daniel.  On the court of the king, Daniel insisted on eating only vegetables, grains and water instead of meat and wine.  As a result, he looked healthier than his fellow servants and better nourished than those who shared the king's diet (cf. Daniel 1:12-13).

Written by:  Lord William B. Pacurib, Grade 10-Hope

View more photos here.

SFAS and IKAW-AKO Japan-Negros Partnership for Environmental Protection Foundation, Inc. on an Environmental Exposure Adventure

Last July 20, St. Francis of Assis School of Silay City were visited by Japanese students who were sent by the AKO-IKAW Japan-Negros Partnership for Environmental Protection Foundation, Inc. for a 4-day outreach program.  There were eight of them, namely, Miyabi Shibata, Mari Seino, Miai Koyam, Minami Takeguchi, Ayumi Nishigawa, Hinako Yoshida, and their teachers, Sensei Taro and Sensei Makoto Hada.  Their visit was coordinated by SFAS alumna, Jessa Jane Carumba,  who works at the said foundation as a Training Center Manager. 

The purpose of their trip was for environmental exposure. The Grade 10 students accompanied them to do Mangrove planting at Sitio Dapdap, Barangay Lantad in Silay and they also went to the Carbin Reef of Sagay City.

View more photos here!

Grade 5 Recollection

Last July 14, the Grade 5 students of St. Francis of Assisi School of Silay City had their one-day recollection with Fr. Salvador Barcelona at the Sacred Heart Seminary in Bacolod City. 

I loved the activity when we looked for a thing to represent my identity.  I picked a dried flower because sometimes I feel sad because I miss my father.  by Donna Grace Duremdes

And I learned how to respect God by praying.  by Nicole Educado

I loved it when we drew God, on how we see God.  I drew trees and a church because that is how I see God. He made beautiful creations and He drew us near to Him by going to church.  by Allysandra Kirstel Guillarda


View more photos here.

Staff Development: Basic Life Support Training and Seminar

St. Francis of Assisi School of Silay City nurse, Ms. Marissa Guadalupe, and teacher (nurse by profession), Ms. Shiela Aspa, attended  a Basic Life Support Training and Seminar held at the University of St. La Salle by the CPRVerify last July 14. 

Ms. Shiela Aspa performing the CPR

It was an afternoon lecture and application class open to all but participated mostly by several healthcare providers such as school nurse, clinical instructors and ordinary citizens who wished to know the basics in reviving life.  An actual application of the lecture was performed like CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).

Ms. Marissa Guadalupe receiving a Certificate of Completion.

View more photos here.

SFAS SAC and Classroom Officers' Team Building 2016

Winston Churchill. Mother Teresa. Margaret Thatcher. Steve Jobs. Mahatma Gandhi.  What did all of them have in common? 

They were great leaders in their own fields as not only did they inspire many people to forge ahead during troubled times, they also left a lasting legacy.  The great work they accomplished will be admired and evaluated for generations to come.   It is the 21st century now and as they were great in their times, in this modern world today, we will be achieving greatness, too. 

"With great powers come great responsibilities." This is a famous line from the movie, Spiderman. Well these 21 young and daring leaders proved that this quote is true.  Fourteen of them were elected class president and vice-president of their respective grade level:

Grade 7A: Dianne Gabiño, President and Annika Intal, Vice-President

Grade 7B: Gwen Limuel Sipe, President and Johndirk Navarro, Vice-President

Grade 8A: Danielle Tarrosa, President and Jennie Baluarte, Vice-President

Grade 8B: Cricel Anne Abata, President and Hans Christian Canasa, Vice-President

Grade 9A: Christian Artillo, President and Mary Jo Negrito, Vice-President

Grade 9B: Angela Suara, President and Don Aris Hadap, Vice-President

Grade 10: Yorika Jaud, President and Spenzer Umali, Vice-President

Together with the Junior High School classroom officers were the newly Students Affair Council (SAC) officers namely: 

President: Steve Louise Rotelo

Vice-President: Claire Tarrosa

Secretary: Leanne Guanco

Treasurer: Mel Apacible

P.I.O.: Ayesha Quirao

Sgt. at Arms: Christine Salvacion and Toffy Amador

Last July 9, we went on a team building at Forest Springs, Patag Mountain Resort (the last stand of the Japanese Imperial Army in Negros Island where numerous war artifacts were recovered and foxholes and tunnels can still be found).  We had a whole day activity which we truly enjoyed, with games like building tower made of drinking straws to crossing the river game and catching the dragon's tail.  We enjoyed all of it and we learned many lessons and values from it, like working together will make the result favorable to everyone in the team, being patient and understanding and to think positively.   The activity I liked the most is catching the dragon's tail, we were to form a line and the first in line is the dragon's head, the last in line is the dragon's tail. The dragon's head then tries to catch the tail by maneuvering the line around so that he can tag the last player. All the players in the middle do their best to hinder the dragon's head. Don't let the line break.  It was tiring yet fun!  

At the end of the day, more than the memories and fun, it was the lessons that we learned that matters.  And I was able to make an acronym of the word LEADER, of what a leader must posses and must be. 

A leader must Lead.

A leader must Empower.

A leader must be Aware.

A leader must be Daring.

A leader must be Effective. 

A leader must be Resilient.

"The boy who is going to make a great man must not make up his mind merely to overcome a thousand obstacles, but to win in spite of a thousand repulses and defeats."  Theodore Roosevelt, 27th President of the USA

Written by:  Steve Louise Rotelo, Grade 10 

SAC President 2016

For more photos, please click here.

The Kindergarten Students Watched Finding Dory

Last June 29, the two Kindergarten classes of 40 students watched the movie, Finding Dory, at SM Cinema, Bacolod City. They had popcorn, a cupcake and a juice drink for snacks.  

View more photos here.

Freshmen Week and Acquaintance Party 2016

A new school year once again started and it is going to be exciting for the students especially to the Freshmen who are starting high school. 

St. Francis of Assisi School of Silay City held the Initiation Week for the Freshmen last June 29 to July 1.  The said event was organized by the Students Affair Council (SAC) and the Grade 10 students.  It aimed to boost the confidence of the Freshmen in getting along with their fellow high school students.  But most especially, it aimed to enliven the core values of St. Francis of Assisi to the Freshmen. 

Every Freshman was given a task by their "manang" and "manong" in Grade 10 while wearing a themed attire every day.  The first day was themed as the "Religious Habit Day" where Freshmen dressed like saints, clergymen, monks, nuns and other religious persons.  Professional Day was the theme on the second day as the 7th graders wore their future professions.  The third day was "Military Outfit" and on the last day, it was "Mother Earth Day." 

On Friday, July 1, the Acquaintance Party was held to showcase the talents of the Freshmen.  Water War and Paint Party added more enjoyment to the students while band music and worship songs serenaded the school campus. 

Written by: Lord William B. Pacurib, Grade 10-Hope

Water War Game video (c) Lina Gabiño
More photos, please click here. 

YMC Animators' Pilgrimage in Luzon

Last April 25-30, the St. Francis of Assisi School of Silay City's Youth Marian Crusade Animators, teachers Romnick Sadio, Jennifer Tabujara and Mia Joy Villanueva, joined the annual pilgrimage in Luzon.  They visited 7 churches in Luzon of the 7 Doors of Mercy:  Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage in Antipolo, Rizal; Our Lady of the Abandoned in Marikina City; San Nicolas de Tolentino Cathedral in Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija; St. Joseph Cathedral Shrine in Balanga, Bataan; Our Lady of Manaoag Shrine in Pangasinan; San Fabian Church in Pangasinan and Our Lady of Atonement Cathedral in Baguio City.

 "I was overwhelmed when we visited different churches in Luzon.  One church attracted me most was the 5th Door of Mercy, The Our Lady of Manaoag Shrine in Pangasinan.  There are so many devotees on that day who were in line to pray and touch the image of Our Lady of Manaoag.  It tested our patience as we also waited for our turn.  I gained a lot of things as an Animator of this congregation. I feel so blessed to continue to serve the young through camaraderie with the youth ministry." by Romnick Sadio

"This year,  the Catholic Church is celebrating the Jubilee Year of Mercy. Last April 25 to 30, 2016 was indeed a great and unforgettable experience for me.  As a Y.M.C. animator, I was given a privilege to experience the Pilgrimage in Luzon via Door of Mercy together with the other Y.M.C. animators (teachers from other schools- public/private school). We visited the Seven Doors of Mercy in Luzon, Mt. Samat in Bataan and other Historical Churches. We met the Animators-Luzon Chapter, YMC trainors, and inspiring priests there.  They shared their love and experiences in YMC that made me more inspired to continue as an animator.

Every morning we prayed the rosary. Before we entered the door of mercy, we prayed the Jubilee Year of Mercy prayer, I had the feeling of acceptance, accepting that I am a sinner but God is so merciful because He forgives all my sins. As a pilgrim, it strengthened my faith to be more prayerful, compassionate and merciful animator and as a Christian as well. A pilgrimage, I must say, every Catholic should experience just like what our Pope Francis said. Regardless of the beautiful churches and places, it made me realize that we should "live by faith and not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7).
I came home full of hope to share with my Y.M.C. members that we should always put God in our minds and hearts first before anything else." by Jennifer Tabujara

"During the pilgrimage, every moment was perfect. It was the best journey I ever had. Every minute was well spent. Every schedule was followed and on time.

The best activity we had was entering the Holy Doors of Mercy. Every time I entered, I had goose bumps. The very memorable church we visited was in Our Lady of Manaoag Shrine in Pangasinan. I learned that staying in a place where we always pray is not enough but to travel to different houses of God is much better because you will see the people who praise Him and visit Him in the church. I promised to myself to continue visiting other God's houses (the Catholic churches). by Mia Joy Villanueva

For more photos, please click this link.

SFAS Faculty and Staff Summer Outing 2016

To end the school year in a happy note, the faculty and staff of St. Francis of Assisi School of Silay City went on a one-day escapade at the Campuestohan Highland Resort in Talisay City last April 15.

This outing held every after school year is being looked forward to by all as it is a time to bond with one another without discussing the school tasks at hand.  

"I enjoyed the new site "Shark Wave" where there was a big wave splashing the entire pool." by Mrs. May Santillan, Librarian

"It was a relaxing time for us and I enjoyed going around the resort." by Ms. April Suating, Guidance Counselor

"I thank SFAS for this time of the year when we are able to relax and chill from all the school works." by Lina Gabiño, Vice Principal and Teacher



For more photos, please click here.

SFAS Grade School and Junior High School Graduation 2016

Theme: "Ang Kabataang Mula sa K to 12, Tagapagdala ng Kaunlaran sa Bansang Pilipinas"

Last March 19, 49 grade school students and 47 Junior high school students of St. Francis of Assisi School of Silay City marched with their parents on their graduation day.

One of the alumni of SFAS Batch 2009, Julie Ann Estardo, gave the inspirational message to all the graduates.

School Principal, JR Abello, presented the graduates and Dr. Marjorie Bastida, Department of Education representative confirmed them.

Special awards were distributed by Mr. Jose Ramon Abello, school Principal, and Mrs. Ma. Del Pilar F. Limas, the University of St. La Salle Supervisor.

The Academic Excellence Awards were given by the school Administrator, Ma. Carmela Abello-Golez and Dr. Bastida.

Graduates received their diplomas from Mrs. Agnes Ledesma-Segovia, school President, and Mrs. Golez.

To all our graduates, CONGRATULATIONS!

For more photos, please click here.

SFAS Preschool Graduation 2016

Last March 12, St. Francis of Assisi School of Silay City had its Preschool Graduation at SFAS covered court. 

The program started with a dance number then a drama presentation entitled "Ang mga Duwende kag ang Manugsapatos" (The Elves and the Shoemaker).  

The graduates then had a fashion show with their What I Want To Be When I Grow Up costume.  Some were dressed as a nurse, a teacher, a soldier and a policeman. 

The school principal, JR Abello, and the school's Administrator, Micmic Abello-Golez, awarded certificates.

The graduates serenaded their parents with the Tupad Na Ang Pangarap song while handing them their thank you letter.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR PRESCHOOL GRADUATES!!!

For more photos, please click here.