New Hyehwadong Chaplain

The Hyehwadong Filipino Catholic Community in Seoul has a new Chaplain in the person of Fr. Alvin Parantar, MSP, who hails from Davao City!

During one of his homilies, he categorically emphasized that there should be no comparison between him and Fr. Glenn Jaron which is very obvious. Further adding, Fr. Glenn is tall, slim and charming whereas as you can see... so true so true padre...

He also appealed to the community to be health conscious and when hospitalization is needed to choose a cheaper hospital. (He could not guarantee a 10,000,000 won deposit!) It's very sad but true, there's a Filipino who had stroke but was able to get himself a taxi. The driver brought him to the nearest hospital, Seoul National University Hospital, one of the expensive hospitals in Korea. Without the 10M, he'll not undergo surgery but take medications only. We hope and pray that this OFW will recover very soon. He point out the list of clinics and hospitals that give free medical check-ups, medications and hospitalizations in the Sambayanan Newsletter.

Fr. Alvin has a track record of excellent service in the Philippines and abroad. Hence, he was chosen to replace Fr. Glenn. Goodluck and Godbless!

The Friends Society

Grace, Jojo and Flor/Raffy and Vilma with Cardinal Rosales
F.R.I.E.N.D.S, Friends Response: Integrated Efforts Needed for Development and Security

Where have we gone wrong my friends? Have we not found our integrated niche to make it BIG? Hmmm

Congratulations to husband and wife Raffy and Vilma Lagadia. You've gone a long long way ahead! Your success speak of determination, persistence and humility. A role model in pursuing the Korean Dream.

Not losing hopes are co-Friends Society members Grace, Jojo and Flor. Wake up now, expand your psychological wallets!

Itot?

I found this picture in my mailbox from bibaknets@yahoogroups. Scrutinizing it with fervent interest, I could not doubt that's my nephew Itot (Paolito Fikingas Mandia) sitting infront with eyeglasses. They were volunteers in one medical/dental mission. Itot is a freshman at Saint Louis University International Medical School, Baguio City.

Here's an excerpt from Nordis Weekly Magazine by Jane Malicdan:

"Semestral break started early for us at BCU-College of Nursing and I already had plans for the two-week vacation after being used to sleeping late and waking up early for school. But all these plans changed when Community Health Education, Services and Training in the Cordillera Region (Chestcore), a health NGO, invited me to join their Student Integration Program (SIP). The SIP participants included seven medical students and two nursing students (including myself), accompanied by three Chestcore staff. Twelve virtual strangers were to embark on a ten-hour journey, brought together by a single objective –service and integration with the indigenous people of Mabaca, Balbalan, Kalinga."