TAYTAYAN

January 2015
"Bringing Christ into the Marketplace
and Winning the Marketplace for Christ"

Brotherhood of
Christian
Businessmen and
Professionals

M actan Chapter

Epiphany

What's Inside:
Mactan Chapter
Turn-over of
Leadership

BCLP 21 Graduates
Commit as Members
In Formation

Cebu 2015 Servant Leaders Installation

Mactan Capped Off 5

Year With ChristmasThemed Breakfast
New Year Message
& Acceptance
Speech

Mary Mother of
God (theotokos)

The Excitement of
Christmas

New Year Prayers, 10

Quotes and Musings
January 2015
Calendar

11

Incoming National President Joey Avellana (leftmost) introduces the nine (9) new Chapter Heads who will be
starting their terms on Jan 2015. 3rd from left: Greg Bersabal, Jeff Villa, Mon Tagle, Jess Cagara, Mar Siao,
Karl Roque, Bing Sarigumba, Orly Manuel & Jervis Calvo. At far right are Mactan's very own incoming 2015
Chapter Head, Orly Manuel with wife Sarah.

Come 2015, BCBP Cebu will become two regions; the Northern Cebu
Region and Southern Cebu Region,
composed of ten chapters and three
active outreaches. Two new chapters
were added; Mandaue West and
Cebu East.
The ceremonial installation of the
new servant leaders for 2015 was

held at the University of San Jose Recoletos (USJR) Coliseum, Basak, Cebu
City Campus on December 13. Fr.
Herb Schneider, BCBP founder & spiritual director officiated the Holy
Mass with Fr. Mon Ofredo.
Incoming National President Joey
Avellana led the installation ceremony together with continued on page 2

The best gift of goodness are given in secret. It flows from a good heart, a heart that has no need to
be recognized. A heart that sacrifies without a hint of resentment. A heart that joyfully shares what
is hardest to share, our very selves. Be blessed always and continue to be a blessing to others.

Page 2 of 12

Taytayan

Cebu 2015 Servant Leaders ... (continued from page 1)

The community prayed over the incoming BCBP Cebu 2015 leaders

outgoing Cebu Regional Council Director (RCD) Boy

Villanueva, calling on to the stage the Chapter Heads,
Mission Directors, Formation Directors, Programs and
Services Directors, Unit Leaders and Treasurers
together with their ever supportive wives, comprising

the Governance Team of each chapter.

The rooster of BCBP Cebu new servant leaders is
headed by outgoing RCD and now incoming AMD for
East Visayas Boy Villanueva.
Northern Cebu will be headed by RCD Sim Lanaria
with Chapter Heads (CH) Orly Manuel for Mactan,
Bing Sarigumba for Mandaue, Karl Roque for Mandaue West and Marvin Soco for Consolacion. Bogo
outreach is part of Northern Cebu Region.
Southern Cebu will be headed by RCD Ani Serrato
with CHs Mar Siao for Cebu North, Jess Cagara for
Cebu South, Mon Tadle for Cebu Central, Jeff Villa for
Cebu East, Greg Bersabal for Talisay and Jervis Calvo
for Balamban-Toledo. The Masbate and San Carlos
outreaches belong to the Southern Cebu region.
Some members of the different chapters also joined
the event to give their all out support to the incoming
governance team of their respective continued on page 3

In life the best ornament is humility; the richest wealth is wisdom; the strongest weapon is patience; the best
security is faith; the best mental tonic is laughter. Live well, laugh often, love much & share Gods blessings.

Page 3 of 12

January 2015
Cebu 2015 Servant Leaders ... (continued from page 2)
chapters. The assembly, specially the incoming leaders
were inspired by rousing speeches from Pres Joey and
outgoing National President Manny Jimenez, capped
off with an equally inspiring closing speech by outgoing Area Managing Director (AMD) Nelson Dauz.
Entertainment during the dinner fellowship was provided by the USJR dance troupe with surprise numbers
from the different chapters' music ministry members.
Indeed the Harvest Master has blest BCBP Cebu with
wider fields, bigger vineyards and more harvests. And
most of all He has gathered willing servants ready to
Go, Grow and Glow in joyful service.

Mactan Chapter Turn-over of Leadership

During the last Chapter Assembly of the year on
December 12, 2014, the BCBP Mactan community
witnessed the "changing of the guards" of BCBP
Mactan. The outgoing Governance Team led by
outgoing Chapter Head Guy Ceniza symbolically
turned over the leadership key to the incoming
Governance Team led by incoming Chapter Head Orly
Manuel. The new Governance Team will lead BCBP
Mactan for the next three years starting 2015 until
2017.
After three fruitful years, with trust and confidence in
God's guidance, CH Guy said that at last he has
finished the race. But only as far as being the chapter
head is concerned, for he is not done yet with serving
the Lord thru the community. For sure he will be serving
the community in other capacities for years to come.
CH Orly meanwhile, though apprehensive, will lean
on God's grace and on his love and desire to serve
Him to steer BCBP Mactan for the next three years.
BCBP-Mactan 2015-2017 Governance Team
Chapter Head
- Orly/Sarah Manuel
Formation Director - Eton/Veron Apao
Mission Director
- Jhun/Carol Pardico
Programs & Services
Director
- Gel/Glo Sanchez
Unit Head
- Rene/Precy Macasero
Unit Head
- Doxie/Fretsie Cabasagan
Unit Head
- Mon/Helen Figueroa
Unit Head
- Cito/Eugene Retuya
Treasurer
- Lando/Jinky Buctuanon
Secretariat
- William/Liza Cejas

Incoming Chapter Head Orly Manuel & Outgoing Chapter Head Guy Ceniza

A fresh morning deserves a fresh smile and thanksgiving to the Lord

for the day gone by and pray for a wonderful day ahead, stay happy.

Page 4 of 12

January 2015

BCLP 21 Graduates Commit as Members In Formation

Twenty-five out of the twenty-nine
BCLP 21 graduates signified their
intention to continue in the BCBP New
Basic
Formation
program
by
committing themselves as associate
members or members "in formation".
They will be grouped into three
Action Groups under the In-Formation
Unit. For the next eight months or so,
they will undergo a series of
weekend retreats as part of their
continuing spiritual formation under
the new program of the BCBP.
The first weekend retreat will be
the BCBP Free to Follow the Lord
Weekend
(FFLW),
where
the
participants will be made aware of
some obstacles to spiritual growth,
and given guidance on overcoming
these obstacles. They will also be

given insights into putting good order

into the way they manage their time
and finances. Then for about two
months they will hold Action Group
Meetings (AGM) to share with each
other how they put into practice the
teachings of the weekend retreat.
The next weekend retreat is the
ever exciting and very enlightening
BCBP Christian Marriage Retreat
(BCMR). Then another two months of
Action Group Meetings (AGM)
practicing and sharing how they went
about their vocation as married
couples, as parents, and how they
have put Christ at the center of their
families.
Next is another equally important
BCBP Christians in Business Retreat
(BCBR), where the participants will

be made to understand more deeply

their calling to bring Christ into the
marketplace and to win the
marketplace for Christ, and help
them how to concretely live out the
vision and mission of the BCBP.
After two months of AGM, last but
not least is the BCBP Way of Life
Retreat (BWLR), a recapitulation of
the learnings of the past formation
teachings and help the members
make the transition from being "in
formation" to living as committed
members of the BCBP.
After two months of AGM and
discernment the associate members
will then be invited to commit and
become full-pledged BCBP members.

From left: Orlene Balungkas, Charlie See, Nestor Bontol, Toto Chato, Resty Baclayon, Aris
Manango, Mario Alabastro, Alan Leda, Franz Demecillo, Alvin Leal, Bart Sebios

From left: Menchie Baclayon, Liezel Chato, Ma Gloyna Bacay, Letlet Leal, Paz Sebios, Beth Leda, Evelyn Teves,
Tingting Bontol, Chona Balungkas, Hazel See, Belen Gross, Delia Awa, Janice Malazarte, Janice Alabastro

Time is a rare luxury which can never be purchased at any cost. So when
someone spends it for you, it defines the depth of care they have for you.

Page 5 of 12

January 2015

Mactan Capped Off Year With Christmas-Themed Breakfast

Due to the typhoon Ruby that
threatened the country on the first
week of December which triggered
the Christmas holiday rush, BCBP
Mactan opted to forego the
traditional Chapter Family Day &
Christmas
Party.
Instead,
on
December
13
the
community
celebrated the last Breakfast
Fellowship of the year with a
sprinkling of merrymaking and
ample dashes of Christmas.

Members came in bright red colors

and couples jostled with groups for a
chance to pose in front of the
cameras you could almost feel it's
valentines day.
The breakfast fellowship started
on a high note with a very inspiring
and God-glorifying couple life
sharing from Mactan's very own.
The music ministry rendered joyful
Christmas songs joined by newlydiscovered songbirds from the just

The couple sharer; Gel & Glo Sanchez

Lovel lady greeters -- aka Santa's angels

concluded CLP 21.

Members gave and exchanged
gifts to show their love for each
other. Parlor games contributed to
the funfare as members scrambled
like kids to join in on the funfare.
It was one very big family
celebrating the Savior's birth with
rejoicing and thanksgiving to the
Almighty.

The couple sharer w/ CH Guy & Eden Ceniza

Welcoming the first-timer with the "Traditiional BCBP Welcome"

more pics on pages 3 & 4

God is always true to His promise that whatever He started in you, He will take it to completion because He
perfectly loves you. Nothing is hard if the heart has love. Nothing is impossible when the heart
understands. And nothing is heavy when God is in your heart.

Taytayan

Page 6 of 12

the sailboat, the kite & the icecream cone

and the winners are ... for Paper Christmas Tree

look ma, Christmas Three

wateverrrr ...

and for Santa Picture Puzzle

Morning is like a new sheet of paper. It symbolizes new life, new hope,
and a new beginning. Smile for this new day of your happy life.

January 2015

Page 7 of 12

A perfect life cant be found in wealth, for riches can be taken away; not in popularity for popular people
can be forgotten; not in beauty for beauty is never permanent; nor in intelligence and talent, for it doesnt
make us a higher creation of God. Instead, a perfect life can be found in contentment with the things we
have. From the love we give and from the love we get from the people around us and from belief and faith in
God who gives us all the things we need for a perfect life.

Page 8 of 12

January 2015

New Year Message & Acceptance Speech

Orly Manuel - Chapter Head - BCBP Mactan BCLP 1

'Merry and Happy' ... words that are

on everyones lips these days.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New
Year! Young or old, man or woman, rich
or poor, theyd greet one another.
But what does make one merry or happy in life? Is it
gifts for the season? Is it wealth and possession? Is it
power and social status? Is it family and friends? Is it
life and relationships or all of the above? But, is that
all there is to it for one to be happy?
One good way of looking at life and be happy is
finding Gods thumbprints in every life situation. Things
may be good or bad as they are, yet God is always

here and He loves you and me. God loves us all!

With love in open hands; God offers us a community,
the BCBP, a fold where he allows himself to be found
by those who seek his presence, a group where we can
LIVE, and SERVE, and PRACTICE our FAITH. He is
with us as we journey together.
Seek him then while he may be found; and savor the
love and joy of life and service, and dare accept even
the pains and the struggles of community life; and yet
be happy!
And so, dont worry, be happy! And indeed, 2015 is
a Happy New Year!

Dec. 12, 2014. Service and Advent

I am honored, yet I am humbled by this huge
responsibility of serving as your chapter head. It is
only by Gods grace and my desire to love him and
serve him in return that has pushed me to go this far;
risking to endure pain and difficulty, risking rejection
and being misunderstood, risking to suffer and be
bruised emotionally, yet willing love and face even
unpleasant consequences.
My strength shall be in the Lord; my friends, brothers
& sisters, please remind me on that because there will
surely be plenty of moments that I feel low and
dejected, and so most of all, please pray for me and
ate Sarah always.
This season of anticipation, when the whole Christian
world celebrates Advent in a spirit of hope, peace,
and joy, it is my wish that we will journey together in
one and the same Spirit that binds us all together as
one family.
Tonight, the Lord Jesus has come and joined us even
in this simple turn-over ceremony. As God the
Emmanuel, we can hope for continued revelations of
His wonderful works. So with much anticipation, we can also look forward to the Lords presence in the events
unfolding in the next 3 years of our community life.
Hopefully, we would be a much happier group of people, finding and recognizing the Lord even in the
surprises He brings to us under different circumstances.
Kuyas and Ates; as in the season of Advent, let us widen our horizon, and find Jesus in other people God may
send our way. I enjoin every one of you, to be one with us, your new governance team, to be with your new
ministry heads, be with your new action group leaders, and be with other members of your forthcoming action
groups; and share in our chapter plans and wishes for blissful years of community life, and joyful occasions of
praising and thanking God for the opportunity to live, to love and be loved.
Salamat Lord for our BCBP Community! Maayong gabii!
Always learn to write your hurts in the sand where winds of peace and forgiveness can blow
them away and to carve your many blessings in the stone where no wind can ever erase it.

Taytayan

Page 9 of 12

Mary Mother of God (theotokos), Jan 6th, 2015

Fr Martin Okafor-Ilozue CSSp - BCBP Mactan BCLP 19

Mary mother of God or Theotokos (God

bearer), is among the highest title attributed to Mary in the history of the Catholic
Church. Unlike many other titles given to
her, this is the easiest to prove and at the same time being
constantly refuted by non-Catholics. It was decreed by the
Council of Ephesus in 431A.D.
Any one that acknowledges that Jesus is God, is in principle acknowledging that His mother is the mother of God.
By this undeniable fact of Mary being the mother of Jesus, she is then the mother of God. In as much as it appears as a simple logic, there are still many who argue
and refute this logic based on the fact that a created
being cannot give birth to her Creator. But the logic that if
Jesus is God and Mary is the mother of Jesus, therefore
Mary could be regarded as the Mother of God, holds
true. And for us catholics, this is very clear, well understood and accepted. This is not just a matter of a given
doctrine, but is accompanied by long years of development of doctrines surrounding the role of Mary in the economy of Salvation and all the privileges bestowed on her.
Firstly, she was protected from original sin and was sinless all through life. She was a virgin; before, during and
after the birth of Jesus. She received direct greetings
from God and the message of salvation for mankind
through an Angel, thereby making her the first believer
and first follower of her son. All these doctrines were de-

veloped by the Church and they give rise to different titles she is accorded with today in the Church.
Titles like; Immaculate Conception, Mediatrix of all
Graces, Mother of God, Immaculate Heart of Mary, etc.,
would be meaningless if we, the adopted Children will not
model our lives to her fiat, which is total surrender to the
will of God. We were all born with original sins, but with
baptism we are restored to the original state of grace like Mary, and should imitate her life of holiness with the
aid of the sacrament of confession, thereby making ourselves a temple of the Holy Spirit, the same spirit that
found the womb of Mary a perfect dwelling place for the
incarnate son God.
We do not have to be jealous of Mary for the privileges and roles she played, rather we should praise her for
her actions that consequently, made her first of everything
that God called us to be. She was baptized before all of
us were, heard the goodness before every other person,
became the first follower of Christ before we were called,
lived a life of holiness as we are all striving to live and
was brought body and soul to heaven as we will one day
be and finally became the mother of God because God
lived in her womb and through that, shared with humanity
the divinity of Christ that adopted us all as his brothers
and sisters.
Mary Mother of God, is a doctrine we have to be
proud of as the Church wanted us to be, in proclaiming it
and learning from its implications become more like Mary who was not only
Nery Gula - BCBP Mactan BCLP 1
docile to the Spirit, but was
Christmas, the most wonderful time of the year, starts early and humble and obedient to
ends late in Cebu. Malls start playing Christmas songs as early as the will of God for her.
November. The merry making lasts until the feast of the Sto. Nino on the With this title, she is an
third Sunday of January. The celebrations bring about mixed emotions of epitome of our Christian
anticipation, excitement, joy, stress and sometimes fatigue as we manage to beat the faith, bridging us mere
Christmas rush.
creatures to the Creator
One time one of my girls asked, Why is it that the excitement of Christmas fades as and thereby restoring hope
we grow older? Is Christmas only for children?
to our hopeless situation
As I thought over the questions, I too began to ask. What happened to the wide eyed and radiating peace and
fascination my children had as they hang balls on the Christmas tree or gaze at the joy that come with accepblinking Christmas lights, as they go around the neighborhood caroling, or count the gifts ting and doing Gods will.
under the Christmas tree? Does age and reason lose the wonder of Christmas?
In this 2015, let not our
So many questions yet I only have one answer. Christmas will always be exciting, happy new year resolutions be
and meaningful if we still notice the chill of the early morning breeze, savor the depth of only about food and
the song O Holy Night, thank God for the smiles of the people we made happy with drinks, but to do our best in
the little things we gave away. All these and more makes Christmas the most wonderful imitating this Holy woman
time of the year. For the real meaning of Christmas is living love and giving love.
in following her son our
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Lord Jesus Christ.

The Excitement of Christmas

Faith begins by believing in your heart that what is right has a chance. It is
trusting in yourself that no matter what, you will make the best of the situation.

Page 10 of 12

January 2015

New Year Prayers, Quotes and Musings

A New Years Prayer for You
May God make your year a happy
one! Not by shielding you from all
sorrows and pain, But by strengthening
you to bear it, as it comes; Not by
making your path easy, But by making
you sturdy to travel any path;
Not by taking hardships from you, But
by taking fear from your heart; Not by
granting you unbroken sunshine, But by
keeping your face bright, even in the
shadows; Not by making your life
always pleasant, But by showing you
when people and their causes need you
most, and by making you anxious to be
there to help.
Gods love, peace, hope and joy to
you for the year ahead.
Whats in a Name?
Here we are in a month named after
the Roman god Janus, an appropriate
personification of the start of the new
year. This particular Roman god had two
faces so that he could look ahead
toward the future and back at the past
at the same time.
As we get rid of an old year and look
forward to a new one, we all try to be a
little like Janus. We know through
experience what we did wrong and
what we did right, and hope to do
better this year.
Some people make ambitious new
years resolutions; others just take a
deep breath and hope for the best.
New Years Prayer
Heavenly Father, for this coming year,
Just one request I bring.
I do not pray for happiness or any
earthly thing.
I do not ask to understand the way
you lead me;
But this I askteach me to do the
thing that pleases You.
I want to know Your guiding voice, To
walk with you each day.
Heavenly Father, Make me swift to
hear and ready to obey;
And thus the year I now begin, A
happy year will be,
If I am seeking just to do, The thing
that pleases You.

To Start A New Year

A new year is unfoldinglike a
blossom with petals curled tightly
concealing the beauty within.
Lord, let this year be filled with the
things that are truly goodwith the
comfort of warmth in our relationships,
with the strength to help those who need
our help and the humility and openness
to accept help from others.
As we make our resolutions for the
year ahead, let us go forward with
great hope that all things can be
possiblewith Your help and guidance.
Recipe for a Happy New Year
Take twelve fine, full-grown months;
see that these are thoroughly free from
old memories of bitterness, rancor and
hate, cleanse them completely from
every clinging spite; pick off all specks
of pettiness and littleness; in short, see
that these months are freed from all the
pasthave them fresh and clean as
when they first came from the great
storehouse of Time.
Cut these months into thirty or thirtyone equal parts. Do not attempt to make
up the whole batch at one time (so many
persons spoil the entire lot this way) but
prepare one day at a time.
Into each day put equal parts of
faith, patience, courage, work (some
people omit this ingredient and so spoil
the flavor of the rest), hope, fidelity,
liberality, kindness, rest (leaving this out
is like leaving the oil out of the salad
dressingdont
do
it),
prayer,
meditation, and one well-selected
resolution.
Put in about one teaspoonful of good
spirits, a dash of fun, a pinch of folly, a
sprinkling of play, and a heaping cupful
of good humor.
I Am the New Year
I am the new year. I am an unspoiled
page in your book of time.
I am your next chance at the art of
living. I am your opportunity to practice
what you have learned about life during
the last twelve months.
All that you sought and didnt find is
hidden in me, waiting for you to search it

but with more determination.

All the good that you tried for and
didnt achieve is mine to grant when you
have fewer conflicting desires.
All that you dreamed but didnt dare
to do, all that you hoped but did not
will, all the faith that you claimed but
did not havethese slumber lightly,
waiting to be awakened by the touch of
a strong purpose.
I am your opportunity to renew your
allegiance to Him who said, "Behold, I
make all things new."
A New Years Prayer
Dear Lord, please give me
A few friends who understand me and
remain my friends; A work to do which
has real value, without which the world
would be the poorer; A mind unafraid to
travel, even though the trail be not
blazed; An understanding heart; A sense
of humor; Time for quiet, silent
meditation; A feeling of the presence of
God; The patience to wait for the
coming of these things, With the wisdom
to recognize them when they come.
Amen.
A Prayer for the New Year
Come, Holy Spirit,
Spirit of the Risen Christ,
Be with us today and always.
Be our Light, our Guide,
And our Comforter.
Be our Strength, our Courage,
And our Sanctifier.
May this new year be a time
Of deep spiritual growth for us,
A time of welcoming
Your graces and gifts,
A time for forgiving freely
And unconditionally,
A time for growing
In virtue and goodness.
Come, Holy Spirit,
Be with us today and always.
Amen.

The joy of life comes from the wisdom of counting our blessings and
never our troubles. Focus on what we have & maintain a thankful heart.

Page 11 of 12

January 2015

January 2015 Calendar of Activities, Birthday & Anniversary Celebrants

Formation
Chapter
Programs & Services
Mission
Please inform the chapter secretariat of missed names or corrections

Anniversaries

Birthdays

Holidays

Pope Francis Message for the

World Day of Peace - January 1, 2015
"Let there be no more wars. Peace is always
possible but we have to go and look for it."
"Peace is always possible and prayer is the
root of peace."
"Happy New Year to everyone. Let it be a
year of peace in the embrace of the Lord ..."
We are surrounded by an ocean of blessings. Don't limit the blessings you receive by being a stone, just letting
the ocean pass you by. Remember to be a sponge and absorb all the blessings that you can imagine and conceive.

Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals

Mactan Chapter
BRINGING CHRIST INTO THE MARKETPLACE AND WINNING THE MARKETPLACE FOR CHRIST

The BCBP is a community of like-minded Christian businessmen and professionals who have
consciously decided to band together to bring about the transformation of the marketplace.
BREAKFAST
Venue: Crown Regency Suites - Mactan
Weekly Schedule: Saturday 7:30 - 10:00 AM

1st week: Men's 2nd week: Joint (Men's & Ladies)

3rd week: Men's 4th week: Simul (Men's & Ladies)
Contact Person: Willy Lozano - Breakfast Head
Mobile: +63.917.3114367
https://www.facebook.com/BCBPMactan

December 2014 Breakfast Sharers

Gel & Glo Sanchez (December 13)
BCBP Mactan
"to realize that we cannot have a child... became embarassing, almost frightening... during
those trying times I failed to understand that God had other plans for us; that our lives were
destined to be lived according to His higher purpose..."
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not
my ways, says the Lord." -- Isa 55:8

We are tested by major changes, delayed promises, impossible problems, unanswered prayers,
undeserved criticism & even senseless tragedies. But the good news is that God wants us to pass the
tests of life. So He never allows the test we face to be greater than the grace He gives us to handle them.