EXCELSUS | PERSPECTIVE

excelsus the mas-amicus

official publication of the ncmc

april 2013

PERS PEC TIVE

columns

features

10

Persecuted, But Not Forsaken

12

Unraveling the Truth Behind the Veil

14 16

When the Light Shines Through The Day I Became His Friend

editorial staff

Publication Committee Chairperson Sheena Jade Ectin

Layout Artist

Marveluz Blessie Ensencio

Adviser

Ms. Che Lauron

Contributors

Donnah Fe L. Manato Fitz Gerard U. Yamit Lovely Hepowit-Gulfan Irvin Mirabueno Jessamine Ambalong Marlyn Pontillas Ressell Angelie Fetalsana HRP

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3

Life’s Toothless Smile

4

Perspectives Matter

5

In the News

9

News Tidbits

Editor’s Note

Adviser’s Thoughts

Forevermore 17 Excelsior God’s Symphony

20 The North Poll about the cover Our world is governed by ideas and perspectives.

How do you see this glass in the picture? Is it half full or half empty? It’s how you see things that makes the difference.

Photo credit: Elmond Ray Mondigo

EDITOR’S NOTE

Life’s Toothless Smile

Sheena Jade Ectin

H

ave you ever wondered how someone who had gone through a terrible experience can eventually become so happy?

Or have met a jolly, good fellow that seems to laugh and smile a lot but behind those smiles is a broken heart?

Life, in its deepest sense, is really mysterious.

Its definition varies from one person to another. I ran through different people’s opinions, and I conclude that it’s on the outlook wherein you can find life’s meaning.

Everything is just a matter of acceptance and perspective. It’s a choice.

There was a time when I went to Valencia City alone. I was sadly sitting, waiting for my name to be called at the counter. A woman with a very cute baby girl (about 7 months old) on her arms came in and sat on the chair in front of me. The baby caught my attention.

She was playing with her hands and suddenly flashed her very cute toothless smile at me! And that smile radiated my day.

Sometimes, I wish everyone will be like a child who thinks less and worry less. All you have to do is just trust the Hands that are guiding you, plaster a smile on your face and be the light that radiates someone’s day. I know a person who mastered the art of being positive.

His name is Jesus, the man who met great challenges, humiliations and judgments from other people and yet resentments could not be seen in His eyes but only love. He is indeed the greatest Example of all.

The next time something goes wrong and you feel like giving up— never! Be joyful and prayerful! Look on the positive side and laugh it out. Most especially, share it; you might be the only spark that helps someone see that life is beautiful. Choose happiness; choose God. EXCELSUS | APRIL 2013 3

ADVISER’S THOUGHTS

Perspectives Matter

by Che Lauron

I

n your Psychology 1 class, your professor might have drawn an image of a glass on the board. Then he draws a short horizontal line in the center. After that, you heard the mind boggling question “is the glass half full or half empty?”

You might have said that this question sounds ridiculous since literally it’s neither full nor empty. But Psychology explains it. When you look at it half full then you are an optimist, if it looks half empty then you are a pessimist.

In this issue, Excelsus likes to put emphasis on the importance of being an optimist. Times are really tough nowadays. For students, they might have experienced difficulties in passing the dreaded Math 17, inability to pay the school tuition fee or depression might have struck them due to various problems.

Despite of these, we must never give up and we must claim God’s promises in the Scriptures. For me, I truly admire the courage of optimistic individuals. On the other hand, I believe that pessimistic people can do something. Every pessimist must learn to focus on the brighter side so that he can do actions that will produce positive outcomes. Thinking solely about negative things will lead a person on doing a certain action that may cause him to fail.

May the real life stories in this issue touch and inspire us. Surely, the Lord will fill each empty cup if the person will just let him. Stop being a glass halfempty person. Let us choose to become a glass half-full person today.

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IN THE NEWS Earth Meetings for Heaven Meetings

L

and the assigned speakers were all MAS students. The duration of the meetings was from January 13 to February 24, 2013 every Sundays, 1:00 to 3:00 o’clock in the afternoon.

The MAS AMICUS

ast January 13 of the present year, the MSU-SDA family in cooperation with the Personal Ministry Department, MASAMICUS Marawi, Advent Professionals Ministry, Advent Phrases-Ranao Adventist Youth Singers, Music Department, Adventist Men Students listen intently to precious Bible truths every Sunday afternoon. and the House of Deacons and Deaconesses, held its club of Mindanao first public meeting at State University, Peace Garden, Minda- Marawi District is in pursuit of trying to live nao State in line with our charge; University-Main to go and tell the Campus, Marawi world of Jesus’ love.

City. The purpose of We are asking for your the said event is to support through your present the truths prayers. For in in the Bible against Matthew 24: 14 it says; the false teachings circulating inside the “And this good news of the kingdom will campus to the non be preached in all the believers. Church inhabited earth for a Leaders and Student witness to all the nations; enthusiasts were working hand in hand and then the end will come.” to make the event -Donnah Fe L. Manato possible. Fourteen topics were presented Marawi District

GCD Holds Its First District-Wide Fellowship

T

o enjoy each other’s company for the first time and to worship God in spirit and in truth, the MAS-AMICUS Gingoog City District held its first-ever district-wide fellowship with the theme, “Fear Thou Not”( Isaiah 41:10). The fellowship took place at Kinoguitan Church, Kinoguitan Misamis Oriental last January 25-27, 2013. Fifty student missionaries from Gingoog City to Balingasag, Misamis Oriental gathered in one accord. The fellowship started with the Vesper Meeting in Friday night, which was followed with the Acquaintance night.

The district officers spearheaded the programs for the whole Sabbath, in which the MASAMiCUS members together with the church members and visitors actively took part.

EXCELSUS | APRIL 2013 5

IN THE NEWS The student missionaries departed by Sunday morning, packed with friendship and valuable lessons from the different lectures, group dynamics, friendship games, and first-hand experiences.

-Fitz Gerard U. Yamit Gingoog City District

MAS-AMiCUS CDOCD Conducts SOP Reading Camp II

F

ulfilling the task to proclaim the present truth, the Movement of Adventist StudentsAdventist Ministry to College and University Students, Cagayan de Oro City District (MAS-AMiCUS CDOCD) conducted the SOP READING Camp Part 2 last November 16-18,2012 at North Central Mindanao Conference (NCMC) Hall, Cagayan de Oro City.

Embraced by the love of our Lord, MG John Kalaw, MG Evan Bernos, MG Honey Fe Buga-ay, and the

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MAS-AMICUS CDOCD ers after each chapter. officers facilitated the Participants were also said event. The book given time to speak “Last Day Events� and to ask questions written by Ellen for them to fully G. White was read understand the things throughout the camp. they are reading.

Adventist youth from different churches in In the Hour of Cagayan de Oro City Worship the next day, including Bukidnon embodied the reading camp.

These young people in spite of their busy lives felt their need of knowing deeper Participants discuss what they have discovered from the pen of inspiration truths.

The event started with an opening program during the first hours of the Sabbath (Friday night). Then the participants were grouped accordingly and a facilitator in each group was assigned.

The first four chapters of the book were read.

The facilitators prepared handouts to be answered by the read-

Pastor Samuel Galarpe, the CDOC Central Church pastor, was the speaker.

As the reading continued, the enemy was also busy distracting the readers. Some of them felt sleepy and some were already bored. But this did not prevail because of unceasing prayers; the

IN THE NEWS uplifting power of the Holy Spirit filled the place and awakened the weary souls. At the end of the reading camp, twenty chapters of the book “Last Day Events” were completely read and became a blessing to all. It was an answered prayer to successfully finish such activity.

The MAS-AMICUS CDOCD prayerfully waits for more SOP Reading Camps to reveal more of the hidden truths and to hasten the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Dologon, CMU University Hospital and Musuan SDA Church members.

The MAS members and the trainees worked hand in hand in the said event. The latter, together with their MAS leader, were tasked to invite blood donors who should be at least 18 years old and weighs 50 kgs. and above.A prayer was offered to those individuals who were not qualified to donate blood.

With the help of God, a total of almost a hundred bags of blood were donated.

Again, God testified -Marlyn Pontillas Cagayan de Oro District His mercy and love.

As a sign of gratitude, the donors were given God’s Bounties on free meal, certificate, CMU Palaro Week donor’s card and free DVD. MAS-AMiCUS of Central Mindanao Furthermore, free University (CMU) t-shirt printing, DVD/ chapter again CD burning, and film conducted the annual viewing were done bloodletting program. throughout the week.

It was successfully With these activities, done with the help the booth held a of the Philippine Red heavenly ambiance.

The bloodletting Cross, Local activity was definitely Government Unit of

a success. Thanks to our brave donors; the province’s blood supply will be augmented and will soon be used to save lives.

It was a tiresome yet blissful week. The MAS members, the trainees and the church members were truly glad. It was indeed a success. For everything, to God be the glory!

-Sheena Jade Ectin South Buk. District

Testimony on Global Youth Day

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Teacher Lovely shares Bible stories to kids during the Global Youth Day

really didn’t like kids, until I was forced by my boss in Korea to teach them every Sabbath School.

Continued on page 8

EXCELSUS | APRIL 2013 7

IN THE NEWS I mean, I was sent primarily to study and not to teach noisy and stubborn kids, so why do I have to do the job he ought me to do? They can even hardly understand English, they were so energetic, noisy and disrespectful. It seemed as I want to hang them one by one in the fluorescent lamp or throw them outside the window. For 2 years, I was there with my

patience being tested every Sabbath day while teaching that Jesus loves the little children. But something puzzled me.

Why was it so difficult for me to love them?

Ironic to my teachings, isn’t it?

Today, I believe that I was rather sent mainly to be a missionary via studying abroad and molding the minds of those little ones to Jesus was one

of my mission. I am glad I learned before I decided to have a family of my own. If I didn’t learn to love those whom I called stubborn, I may not love my future children enough. It is my pleasure to be a part of the Global Youth Day celebration. “Kini pa nga bisaya na, di na ta magkabuang ug eninglis, hehe!”. Proud to “Be the Sermon!”

-Lovely Hepowit-Gulfan MAS Alumni, Iligan City

New Set of NCMC MAS-AMiCUS Executive Committee 2012-2014

President: Arwenn Berago Vice-Presidents: Jade Ryeanie Dumao (SBD) Marjorie Perez (NBD) Renzon Tero (CDO) Wendy Mae Wales (MD) Jeremiah Bala (ICD) Carl Baldon (CD) Krenz Karl Kevin Anacaya (GCD) Secretary: Russell Ree Dialde Associate Secretary: Sweet Dawn Etulle Treasurer: Donna Vale Ebarat Auditor: Dexter Dave Bybutch Cuantioso Press Information Officer: Dishan Hazel Pamisa

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COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS Religious Committee: Daniel John Pueblo Outreach Committee: Nestly Nikko Caliba Social Committee: Clendelyn Jane Bala Publication Committee: Sheena Jade Ectin Music Coordinator: Vance Dy Casio Artist: Marveluz Blessie Ensencio Advisers: Elmond Ray Mondigo Milma Ruthie Villavicencio Cherryl Lauron (Publication)

NEWS TIDBITS The Philippine-wide Youth Summit with the theme: “The Power of One” was conducted at Teacher’s Camp, Baguio City last February 13-16, 2013. More than 600 delegates coming from NPUC, CPUC and SPUC participated in the event. Pastor Hiskia Missah, the Vice-President of the General Conference (GC) and Pastor Jonathan Tejel, the Pathfinder Director The NCMC delegates for CLAYof GC, also attended and were one of the the Philippine-wide Youth Summit speakers of the plenaries.

Adventist Communicators in Davao

Davao Mission of Seventh-Day Adventists conducted the Interactive Church-a workshop on newswriting, photojournalism and TV production last March 3-5, 2013 held in Davao Mission, No. 5 Palm Drive, Bajada, Davao City. Adventists of all ages participated in the workshop including the five NCMC MAS-AMiCUS delegates. Mr. Henrylito Tacio (Reader’s Digest contributor), Mr. John Kuineth Rodriguez (SunStar Davao photographer), Mr. Johnster Calibod, and Jade Soreño of Hope Channel were the speakers for newswriting, photojournalism and TV production, respectively. More than 30 delegates came and attended the event.

Camiguin District Participates Global Youth Day

MAS-AMiCUS Camiguin District participated in the Adventist Global Youth Day last March 16, 2013. Thirty (30) active MAS members distributed tracks as they went to Camiguin General Hospital in Mambajao, Camiguin. They sang songs of encouragement and prayed for each patient and even to the hospital staff as well.

Student Missionaries Gather Together

North Central Mindanao Conference MAS-AMiCUS held again its annual convention last April 10-14, 2013 with the theme: “Cast Ye Up” based on Isaiah 57:14 at Bagontaas, Valencia City, Bukidnon. The event was conducted to tighten the bonds of the members and to address each district’s problems with regards to spirituality, academics, social aspect and knowledge of present truths. MAS members from the district of Marawi City, Iligan City, Cagayan de Oro City, Gingoog City, Camiguin, North Bukidnon and South Bukidnon attended and actively participated in every activity. Almost 100 delegates came and took part.

EXCELSUS | APRIL 2013 9

Photo credit: Stephen Haim

SPUC Delegates Attend Youth Summit

Persecuted,

But Not Forsaken

By Marlyn Pontillas

“M

a,pwede po ba na tapusin ko na lang muna yung high school ko dito, bago kami umuwi ni ate sa Cagayan de Oro?” said Jen when she was trying to plead her mother not to send them to CdO. But their mother’s decision was final. the final decision

Jen and her sister, Tina, was born in Cagayan de Oro City. But they stayed in Luzon for almost 12 years after their parents decided to separate.

Though they were living with their stepfather, they were treated as own children. All were going fine until her mother decided to let them continue their studies at CdO. She kept on asking the Lord to touch her mother’s heart.

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But all of her prayers seemed to be neglected. the reunion

Jen and Tina arrived in CdO on May 2009. Jen felt no happiness even after seeing their real father who is a farmer. At first, they had a hard time communicating with other people. But after several months, they have fully adapted from these hardships including the usual scolding from their father’s mouth. the new beginning Days later, Jen noticed that a new church was built; few meters away from their house. Later, she found out that the people who were attending church services were Seventh-day Adven-

tists.

After few weeks, these people conducted a Happy Family Seminar. Their father attended for two weeks. Another seminar was conducted, but this time, it was a Revelation Seminar. Their father invited Jen and Tina. At first, Jen was hesitant because she was thinking that these people would only teach them about the same God, and same principles, but only different in the day of worship.

But as she was listening to the speaker, she was amazed by the teachings she never heard before.

She was surprised to know the significance and the connection of the books of Daniel and Revelation. Every night she was inspired by every word at the seminar. Meanwhile, a layman went to their house to continue a Bible study.

As their study went deeper, Jen and Tina felt the power of the Holy Spirit changing their lives. But the changes were only seen in them and not on their father.

oh, no!

One Sunday, Jen and her sister did the Bible study as scheduled that day even without their father. But when he knew about it, he was enraged with the sisters, and scolded them hardly. He firmly told them not to change their religion. It even came to the point that their father slapped Tina’s face when she insisted her reasons.

Early in the morning,

their mother knew about what happened and told them that they have to go to their aunt’s place in Bukidnon. When their father knew about the plan, he responded angrily. But later on, he let them go in a very repulsive manner, telling them not to leave anything. They went away without a word or even a single tear on their eyes. Jen thought positively that everything would be fine because she asked the Lord to guide them all the way.

It was an answered prayer for Jen because their Adventist cousin let them stay in their home. She, together with her sister, were baptized in Adventism.

After a year, they visited their father and they were happy that they were still welcome in his home. He also accepted them as Adventists but he could not still accept the teachings in his own. But they continually pray that the Holy Spirit may dwell in his life that “His plans may include persecutions, but He will he may know his never leave us hanging” need of a Saviour.

Jen realized that God knows His ways for us. His plans may include persecutions, but He will never leave us hanging, nor forsake us. He makes a way to reach us out no matter what; nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39). But since He has given us the freedom to choose, the decision will be ours: to accept or to reject His invitation.

EXCELSUS | APRIL 2013 11

Unraveling the

behind the Veil

truth

by Ressell Angelie Fetalsana

T

he wind was blowing at its strongest intensity. I was fallen aback. Both my legs and knees were shaking as ever as I staggered forward to cross the river that was about 5 meters wide and about 3 feet deep. I was all wet. But I should not stop.

Someone is following me, and I could see the dagger he has in his hands. So I struggled giving my whole strength.

Then, I reached the dry land and again started running. I was deeply crying asking for help, yelling for rescue but it seems like no one has heard my utmost wail. Suddenly, the man caught my arms and pointed the knife at my throat. I inquired what wrong I have done that made him act wildly. He didn’t answer but kept on bluffing words that I could not understand. I wept so hard that I felt like I’m loosing my hope, I let go of my hand and… what a dream!

I woke up. I had that dream on the 28th day of April 2007, a week before I was baptized. I didn’t realize how that dream changed me. I was crying

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in my room because I was afraid, afraid to lose my life. I searched my Bible and read it, “it is the only thing that could comfort me”, says my mind. My hands found Psalm 18 and with no hesitation I read it. Indeed, I began to feel relaxed and even sleep soundly again.

When I was young, I used to think little, dream little, and understand little. I tend to see things just as how it was presented. I never thought about digging it deeper or finding its meaning. I was seeing things plainly; after all I was a child, a child that is ignorant of what is truly happening.

And when I grow up, I was blinded by the light that gives me unstable happiness and enjoyment. I became slave with my earthly interests. I read books, books that Christians should not read. I even memorized some witch spells from a book without realizing that it was luring me away from the truth that I was looking for a long time.

After I was baptized, I told myself that I would be changing my life. I wiped out all the filthy thinking and hobbies that I have done then started doing the other way around. I am not good in memorizing verses for my memory is not that sharp but the words have I keep in my heart and live in it, daily assessing myself to the things that I have done.

I will not let myself be blinded again. And I will continue to search and know God.

It reminds me of the parable found in Matthew

13:44 which shows the value of heavenly treasure and the endeavor that one should make to obtain it. Even if he had to sacrifice something with a very high value, he is willing just to acquire the treasure.

His love that embraces me and comforts me every now and then is the thing that keeps me from falling. And I will not let this truth escape from my hands, that even if my hold unto Him gets loose, yet I will not let go.

And I know I will never be lost for He is with me and He holds me closely, securely and firmly.

nothing is impossible “And I know

I will never

And even if be lost for others may rebuke me, He is with leave me, hurt me, and me and He disregard me, I am holds me fervently standing for closely, semy strife for my Best curely and friend will not depart firmly.” from me. And though there are nights in which I could not stop my tears from falling, I know everything has reasons and that there will come a time that I would understand those reasons behind each drop I shed, I trust everything according to His plan for with God nothing is impossible.

“I will not give up fighting with that Wildman in my dream and I will make myself stronger each day for him to turn around and go back to the place where he should be. May it all be done according unto Thy

will.”

EXCELSUS | APRIL 2013 13

When the Light Shines Through

by HRP

L

ife is full of tough choices; choices which will affect our lives completely, and costs which we will pay at the end of the day. We may suffer, cry or give up but then again, life is a gamble we have to take.

We can choose to stand for the principle or stay with our traditions. We can choose to follow the authority governing us, or choose to stand for the right amidst the consequences. We can also choose to be optimistic and let God lead the way. the emptiness I grew up in a family wherein I

14 EXCELSUS | APRIL 2013

can only see my parents at least once a week. My brothers and sisters studied far away from home.

I got this feeling of emptiness. I then spent most of my time with books. I became excellent in my class. Everyone praised me for my achievements but I heard nothing from my parents. I got so full of my life that I wanted to die. I questioned the existence of God. If He is real, then he would have seen me suffer like this. I started hating people except for my best friend.

My best friend since elementary, is a Christian. One time, she asked me to come with her in just one Sabbath but I got piles of

alibis in my pocket. I don’t like my religion, I admit. Every time I go to church, I come out spiritually empty. Until one day, Eljean asked me to accompany her to their church elder’s house. I said yes without a second thought. After having a little chitchat, we decided to go home. But the rain poured so hard. We had no choice but to wait till the rain stops. We then talked about Jesus; I raised lots of questions and I didn’t notice we were already having a Bible study.

where the Lord wanted me to be.

contrasting reactions In the bright Sabbath of December 8, 2012, I was baptized together with the 54 seminarians. Praise God we now hold the truth! Unfortunately, my family was unhappy about it.

I received so much humiliation from them.

“It doesn’t matter now if they will appreciate my thirsting for truth efforts or not, what matters is that I will stand for I thirst to know more and I got really amazed of how I am God and I will become the Biblically ignorant! Eljean gave light in my family.” me an illustration book about prophecies. I then said to God, “Lord, if you really want me to come home then show me the right way for I am tired of this dreadful world. I don’t feel my Christianity and I long for it.

Please be my guide. “I then studied at Central Mindanao University (CMU); I know that not by chance but for a purpose.

I took Bachelor of Science in Accountancy (BSA). Everything went well until an incident happened that have change my life forever. I was invited to a Revelation Seminar. I got interested so I came with just a flyer in my pocket. I listened night by night and I was enlightened. I suddenly remembered the illustration book Eljean gave me for the contents were all the same. I know this is

trusting God As of now, I am really joyful of who I’ve become. I cry most of the times for the hurtful words my family throws at me; but in God, I find peace and comfort. I now realized that all this time my parents loved me so much for they’ve provided and sustained all my needs. It doesn’t matter now if they will appreciate my efforts or not, what matters is that I will stand for God and I will become the light in my family. I know that I will be passing through a tough journey; I already know the consequences that I will be taking but I leave everything to God. I might cry a lot but I know that after the rain, the sun shines again.

EXCELSUS | APRIL 2013 15

the day i became His

friend

by Jessamine Ambalong

H

ave you served God? Do you already know Him? There are many instances in which God is calling and seeking us to have a tight friendship with Him but we are rejecting it. We are blinded by the world. undirected life

this. He used my friends to influence me with worldly things.

Sometimes, I forgot to pray. And eventually, I forgot God. I went with my friends in discos. How can I handle all of these when I want to get close to God but the world is telling me not do so?

Everything changed when I attended the Revelation seminar last November 7, 2012. It was a month long study and lecture about God and God alone. Every night, the topics went tougher and tougher. I was enlightened with the truth. I was awakened from a long, deep sleep. Though it hurts (I really admit), indeed the truth had set me free. From my As years went by, series of old self, I was buried and raised questions were brought in my up through baptism last Dec. 8, mind. I began to get confused. 2013.

Who really is God? In Genesis 1:1, it says that God created the I received Jesus as my personal heavens and the earth. So, is He Saviour, Redeemer and friend. our creator then? Is that all? How did He create us? Why did He Every single day, I get closer and create us? I want to know more closer to Him. I encountered about Him. But how? Mama told lots of struggles as a student, but me that by praying, you will get God gave me a push to go on. I nearer to Him. So I prayed and accepted things positively for He prayed that I would get to know is my only Friend who will never Him more. ever leave me nor forsake me.

How about you? Have you started satan’s ways building up a friendship with But Satan was unhappy about Him? When I was about seven years old, I used to go to church with my grandmother. We sat, stood and sang every time the priest tells us to do so and went home spiritually empty. I don’t understand why we really need to go to church and pray when in fact, we can always pray and worship God at home.

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GOD’S SYMPHONY

EXCELSIOR FOREVERMORE! the making of the mas-amicus theme song Words & Music by: Irvin N. Mirabueno Edited by: Christie Joy Sausa It was during the first MAS AMiCUS/MAS ALUMNI Convention at South Philippine Adventist College when an initiative was raised to compose a theme song that’s unique for the MAS only, since MAS and the AYS share the same theme song. And as expected, many responded positively to the challenge including me.

I was a transferee back then. I left MSU-IIT for SPAC. My years of being active in the MAS had given me so much. It made me what I am today. I left NMC but still got the missionary spirit in me.

Everyday in SPAC made me longed for the same engagements, same exposures, and many other missionary efforts. With these in my heart, I made effort in joining the challenge.

A week before the convention It was a romantic song. It I was told of the invitation to doesn’t fit so much for a theme write a theme song. I remember song but when you sing the prize was 5000 pesos. I was through the chorus, you’d feel on my way to Digos, since I was exactly how a real MAS commuting that time, when my member feels. mind got too busy with the right message and tune I could put into the composition. Ms. Christie Joy Sausa, my music teacher that time told me to listen to theme songs composed for the Olympic games. It should give me ideas on the kind of music I could use. With EXCELSUS | APRIL 2013 17

some editing, I recorded my very first creation. Thanks to Joey Joy Llanto for helping me in the accompaniment and recording of the song. I felt blessed because along the process I get to learn tips in song writing. I am not a musician, though I was trying hard, but I guess it was the lyrics that really made an impression to the judges. It was a romantic song. It doesn’t fit so much for a theme song but when you sing through the chorus you’d feel exactly how a real MAS member feels. It was later when the judges gave suggestions to make it more of a congregational song.

Let me share to you my thoughts on the lyrics as I first composed it.

MAS AMICUS WE ARE CALLED. This is us. It’s what we are called and identified.

ZEALOUS TO DO A PART OF GOD’S WORK. We have been trying to do all God’s work but we can’t do all. But at least a part of it and we are zealous about it.

REACHING OTHERS AS WE’RE TOLD, THAT HEAVEN’S HOME FOR HIS OWN. Here I felt the Lord owns us by virtue of being a participant in reaching others. And it is good, feeling secure about the future.

MARCHING ONWARD TO THE FIGHT. We are armies for the Lord and we are on to spiritual warfare.

MEET LIFE’S HAVOC ‘TIS ALRIGHT. Burdens, challenges, and sorrows in school, at home, in our community, or even in the church, with a youthful fervor for the Lord, they’re all alright.

AS JESUS BEARS FOR US THE LIGHT. TOGETHER WE’LL WIN WITH ALL OUR MIGHT. As Jesus leads us through, victory is assured.

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MAS AMICUS, EXCEL! SURE! (EXCELSIOR) FOREVERMORE. EXCEL! SURE! This is with conviction - an expression with surety of success. This is what we say and respond to one another. I could always imagine singing ‘excel’ to one another and responding ‘sure’ altogether. EXCELSIOR nevertheless means ‘ever upward’. And we certainly subscribe to that idea as well. However true, we can always use whatever we feel like saying.

BROTHERHOOD AND SISTERHOOD, WE WILL UPHOLD. This is by experience true. In the group you feel like everybody’s connected by some kind of a relationship. You can tell by the right handshake, signals, and call signs.

INTEGRITY, LOYALTY, UNITY WE WILL ENSURE. It’s doing what it takes to maintain integrity within the group. We don’t sacrifice the right principles and belief.

WITH GOD ALL THESE IN CONTROL. Keeping everything in order and in the right perspective is difficult.

That is why God plays a key role in the organization. And then you sing the chorus again with the right spirit. It must have the right conviction to excel.

No one else but God alone shall be praised for the success of this composition. It is my prayer that may this song continue to inspire us to excel as we believe that He is in control.

Irvin Mirabueno the man behind the song which every MAS member keeps by heart.

EXCELSUS | APRIL 2013 19

THE NORTH POLL Who is youR favorite Bible char acter?

JESUS

ter how high our degrees are.

Because I love him so coz he is my Saviour.

Perejean Bernabe, 18 Luelle Wryn Mondigo, 4 DAVID DANIEL He was weak (as a As a student, his experiences man) and had been reminded me on how God subjected to tempintervenes on our behalf when tation many times. we stood firm in our faith, even But in the end, he asked though we’re just a tiny speck for forgiveness and acknowledged amidst the multitude.

God in the last days of his life. And God did bless him in many ways.

Fitz Gerard Yamit, 18 His life is a hope for us who often bend to sinning that we can go DAVID back to the arms of Jesus whenever and wherever.

In his smallness, with the help of God, he fought against the mighty Kaye Freyssinet Abanggan, 18 giant Goliath.

Indeed, God STEPHEN does not look on the outer He didn’t bear a great name yet appearance he is very eager in serving God. but looks He was stoned to death but he inside the was able to forgive even in his last greatness of the breath. heart.

Marlyn Caare, 23 Dave Pamunag, 20 KING JOSIAH SOLOMON His change of heart to God is unHe asked God for paralleled, and there was no one wisdom. It reminded like him. 2 kings 23:25 me to trust God and not to lean on our own Al Ray Lazado, 22 understanding no mat-

20 EXCELSUS | APRIL 2013