Dominicans launch film on St. Dominic to mark 40 years

MANILA, Dec. 8, 2010—Aside from the anticipated quadricentennial festivities of the University of Santo Tomas, the Dominican Province of the Philippines (DPP) is also looking forward to another milestone of its existence.

The province will be celebrating its 40th year of existence next year. DPP was founded on Dec. 8, 1971.

To mark the fourth decade of DPP, the province’s media board, headed by Fr. Jeff Aytona, OP, embarked on the first full-length period film project about the life of St. Dominic de Guzman, founder of the Order of Preachers.

Titled “Dominic: Light of the Church,” the film will also serve as DPP’s fitting gift to the Dominican Order for its forthcoming 800th year foundation anniversary in 2016.

“The film is much anticipated because it is the first of its kind. And for us (project staff), it was like St. Dominic was truly with us throughout the entire production,” Aytona, chairman of the Provincial Media Board, said in an interview.

Aytona also believes that in discovering St. Dominic during these times, the father for the Dominicans will still be faithful to his promise: “I will be of more use to you in death than I ever did in life.”

Manaoag shrine offers new facilities, attractions for pilgrims

MANAOAG, Pangasinan, Sept. 29, 2010—With the feast of Our Lady of Manaoag drawing near, pilgrims paying homage to the Virgin will be pleased to see added improvements in the shrine that enhance its prayerful ambiance.

Novena to Our Lady of Manaoag has started last Sept. 24 and will culminate with a procession on her feast day on Oct. 3.


The Manaoag Museum features precious items of the image and the shrine.

The Our Lady of Manaoag Museum, which houses the historic and religious articles related to the miraculous image offers to the pilgrims an extended area for reflection.

La Naval festivities to focus on change

Dominican saints with La Naval

MANILA, Sept. 29, 2010—Focusing on the theme of renewal, the La Naval festivities will kick off on Oct. 1 with the traditional novena and enthronement of the Marian image at the Sto. Domingo Church, in Quezon City.

Fr. Giuseppe Pietro Arsciwals, OP, Sto. Domingo Convent prior said the focus of the La Naval celebrations—“Tagumpay at Pagbabago” (Triumph and Change) is inspired by people’s clamor for change as seen in the last elections.

“After the elections, people continue to talk about change,” he said in an email. “And this change serves as inspiration and hope to our country.”

Arsciwals explained that “triumph” has always been part of saga of La Naval, citing the epic victory of trade galleons against the heavily armed Dutch armada in 1646 and the success of the People Power I in 1986. 

He added that the feast is intended to remind people that the true change cannot be achieved through violence. Neither can it solely rely on big projects.

Youth cruise marks international Day of the Galleon

MANILA, Sept. 20, 2010—Young people here and abroad are taking a cruise dubbed as “Viaje del Galeón,” on Oct. 8–11, to mark the climax of country’s participation in the first ever international commemoration of the “Día del Galeón” (Day of the Galleon).

Over 300 youth delegates from the Philippines and other countries are expected to board Super Ferry 20, Aboitiz Transport System Corporation’s latest acquisition, to participate in the event. Aboitiz is the main sponsor of the event.

Official logo of Dia del Galeon.

Under the supervision of the National Commission on Culture and the Arts, the four-day cruise from Manila to Cebu will feature lectures and interactive events, grounding on Filipino culture and the effects of the centuries-old Galleon trade to the Filipinos.

Highlights of the event include a procession of the pilgrim image of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, cultural exhibits and presentations, and the “Gabii sa Kapilin,” a night heritage tour in Cebu. The awarding ceremonies for the national essay writing, oratorical, and declamation contests in relation with “Día del Galeón” will also be held onboard the ship.