LEAD Story 247

Members of the National Lasallian Vocations Team (NLVT) spent two days (6-7 September 2024) with the De La Salle Andres Soriano Memorial College community!

The team conducted a recollection for all personnel, provided leadership training for aspiring Lasallian leaders, led a session on disaster and risk reduction management, and promoted various Lasallian vocations.

The two-day engagement concluded with a plenary reflection involving both students and partners, who affirmed that the three words encapsulating their greatest takeaways were: love, meaning, and community.

The NLVT extends its gratitude to the school administrators and partners who made the visit possible!

#YesBro #LasallianVocations

“Beautiful life”—this is how Br. Vic Franco FSC has described his 60 years as a De La Salle Brother. He shared this reflection with around 40 young men who were eager to learn more about the Brothers' way of life during the "Becoming Brothers" event. Br. Vic was joined by 24 other Brothers and 3 Postulants from the Lasallian East Asia District.

This vocation promotions activity was hosted by the De La Salle Brothers of the Philippines and took place via Zoom on 30 August 2024.

A special thanks to Ms. Chelsea Catli, the Lasallian Youth Coordinator of De La Salle Philippines, for moderating the insightful discussion.

#YesBro #FSCvocations

By Dr. Beng R. Obo

I am teary-eyed as I look at the General Education (GED) students of De La Salle Yangon today, 09 September 2024. I see in them the thirst for knowledge and the determination to pursue further studies in another country. I see the burning desire in each of the students to pass the GED examination, to have college education, to chase their dreams, and to help their family - the very same intense desire I felt with the Myanmar Brothers when I first met them virtually in May 2024. The hazy ideas, the bits of information, the vague explanation, and the strong determination that the Brothers conveyed in a brief online meeting last May 2024 were the few things I carried with me when I said “YES”. I also could not figure out why it was easy for me to say “yes” to the Burmese Brothers’ invitation to come to Yangon to help them in DLSA Yangon.

Amid the very negative news about Myanmar being under the military siege and the disagreement of my husband, I flew to Yangon alone on June 2024. I was warmly received by Br. Moris Tang FSC at Yangon International Airport. Br. Iñigo Riola FSC never stopped monitoring my trip, I was deeply touched and honored by this gesture even if I have not met Br. Iñigo personally. I was excited as I was prepared with my three-hundred PowerPoint slides and ready to train teachers about pedagogy and other strategies. The following morning, I was picked-up from the hotel and met the other Brothers and the teachers whom I trained for five days. I was shocked because that was also the day when I fully understood what I had to do. My PowerPoint slides on pedagogy and strategies were just tip of the iceberg, DLSA Yangon needed a complete GED curriculum training. A school had to be erected, an entire curriculum in General Education had to be crafted. And beaming with excitement and shaking in apprehension and fear, I went around to check the facilities. I knew in my heart with barely three and a half months, opening the school in September 2024 was a big-time gamble for the Brothers. Hence, I saw the Lasallian spirit and determination in each of them. There was a need for the Brothers to help the Burmese students to shape their future in the middle of the tension. The Brothers felt the need to do what the Father Founder did hundreds of years ago. The Brothers had to lead the Burmese students to use the power of education to be free from the bandage of the abusive and heartless military in Myanmar. GED review classes that would lead the students to passing the GED examination would be the easiest ticket to getting the needed Lasallian education in other counties.

I started the training from scratch. I and the group crafted the school’s philosophy, the vision-mission, the school’s goals, the school policies, the curriculum map, the teaching units in each subject and at the end of the week, I did the demo-teaching and one teacher had demo teaching too. The night before I went back to the Philippines, I honestly told the Brothers that I do not support them in opening the school in September, the plans we did painstakingly with them and the teachers were good but pilot testing would be the best option. I told them that they can open with few students, they can hire teachers who can teach the four GED areas, English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. With pilot testing, possible challenges may be easily resolved. The Brothers, then agreed and were open to my suggestion. They, too did not want to fail.  

The days that followed were continued communication with the Brothers, assessment tools for teachers and students were prepared. Series of meetings happened. Reports were sent to the administrators of De La Salle University-Dasmariñas (DLSU-D). DLSU-D’s Brother President, Br. Sockie De La Rosa FSC mandated me to create my team of experts from DLSU-D to help DLSA Yangon in the pilot testing. I immediately created a team of experts from the four GED areas. I convened with Dr. Rubie Causaren, the dean of the College of Science and a Science expert; Prof. Sharon Lubag, the chair of the Mathematics Department and a Math expert; and Prof. Josephine Cruz, the Vice Principal of the DLSU-D’s Basic Education Department and a Social Studies expert.

The Brothers from DLSA Yangon and Br. Iñigo came to the Philippines in August 2024 to meet with the Vice President for the Global Engagement and External Relations Office (GEAR), Dr. Christian George Francisco and me. The Brothers were so happy to know the full support of DLSU-D. The DLSA Yangon Brothers then meet the team of experts from DLSU-D also. After the meeting, the GEAR of DLSU-D started to process the pertinent documents and requested Br Iñigo to help through the Lasallian East Asia District (LEAD) in financing the team from DLSU-D in coming to DLSA Yangon. The  DLSU-D team was expected to arrive in Yangon few days before the opening of classes to help in the training of teachers and in polishing the curriculum map and the teaching units.

And today, 09 September 2024, GED classes officially began in De La Salle Academy Yangon. The day started with the orientation by the principal, Br. Joseph Aung FSC. The school administrators were present, together with DLSA Yangon teachers, the students, the parents, and the team from DLSU-D. The Brothers were busy addressing the concerns of all. The teachers were doing their best in carrying out the initial lessons with all attentive and interested students, participating actively in class. The DLSU-D team were busy monitoring all the GED classes.

Everyone was teary-eyed as everything was smoothly taking place. Everyone was happy and with high hopes that this would be the beginning of a challenging journey but all were optimistic that with God’s blessings, with the protection of the Blessed Mother, and with the guidance of St. John Baptist De La Salle, all GED students from DLSA Yangon shall pass the GED examination with flying colors. It would be a huge responsibility for DLSU-D to take these GED passers. It would be an extreme challenge for both DLSA Yangon and DLSU-D to ensure that these GED passers would finish a degree but what was left in the hearts and minds of every Lasallian present in DLSA Yangon this morning was that lingering imagination that five years from now, DLSU-D team will come back together with the first batch of DLSA Yangon GED passers in their black regalia coming out of Yangon International Airport carrying their college diploma from De La Salle University-Dasmariñas while their respective families together with De La Salle Yangon Brothers proudly wait with waving banners as they again create another history for Myanmar.

With this experience, I realized many things. I did not become a Lasallian educator for nothing. I did not become a curriculum designer for no reason. The Lord wants every Lasallian educator to exist and co-exist, to help and find meaning in helping, to work selflessly, to transform lives. With DLSA Yangon, I and my team from DLSU-D vow to have meaningful existence as we exist as Lasallian educators. There is meaning in what we are doing and we are going to do. Together with DLSA Yangon, we, from DLSU-D with LEAD will transform the lives of the Burmese GED students entrusted to our care.

By Steven Chan Weng Choy, President of the Old Paulians' Association

The Old Paulians’ Association or the OPA as we are commonly known is a vibrant alumni association for the former students and teachers of St Paul’s Institution.  Established in 1922, we have dedicated the past 98 years to fostering friendship and camaraderie among our members, as well as promoting sports, cultural, and recreational activities.  Our proud home, the “Paulian House” located in Taman Bukit Kaya, Seremban, serves as a hub for our diverse activities and stands as one of the few alumni associations with its own property.

Traditionally, every first Saturday of every September, we host a grand homecoming event, drawing over 1,500 Paulians from around the world to celebrate our shared heritage. Just to name a few, notable and prominent Paulians, include The Minister of Transport for Malaysia, YB Anthony Loke, who is also the Patron of our Association, The Member of Parliament for Rasah, YB Cha Kee Chin, Founder & Group Managing Director of Matrix Concepts Holdings Berhad, Dato Seri Lee Tian Hock, Managing Director of ECM Libra, Dato Lim Kian Onn, Supreme Court Judge of Singapore, Justice Lee Sieu Kin, and Catholic Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur, Rev. Julian Leow Beng Kim.

This year, 2024 marks a momentous milestone in the history of St. Paul’s Institution as we celebrate the 98^th OPA Annual Reunion Dinner while commemorating the school’s 125^th Anniversary.  In the lead up to this grand event, OPA organized two successful initiatives which is the OPA Annual Games Carnival and the OPA Annual Golf Tournament.  Both these events brought together Paulians from across generations, with over a hundred participants joining in the spirit of unity.  A special highlight was a Honda 1.5L Hybrid Car donated by Messrs. Honda Ban Lee Heng, Seremban, which was put up as a “Hole in One” prize during the golf tournament.  Marking this illustrious anniversary, we also introduced two special souvenirs, the Paulian Commemorative Tee Shirts and the Paulian Commemorative Mugs of the alma mater 125^th anniversary, which were eagerly embraced by our Paulian community.

The main event took place on 07 September 2024, at Regent Hall, Taman Labu Utama, Seremban, under the theme of “Our Pride and Legacy” – Celebrating St. Paul’s 125^th anniversary.  This theme aptly honored the rich history and cherished traditions of St. Paul’s, ensuring that the memories and heritage of our beloved institution endure for future generations.  The event was graced by the presence of distinguished guests, including YB Cha Kee Chin, the Member of Parliament for Rasah, YB Nicole Tan, the State Exco for Tourism, Arts and Culture, His Grace Archbishop Rev Julian Leow, Lasallian Brothers, Br. Mico De Leon FSC, Br. Butch Alcudia FSC, representatives from fellow Lasallian Alumni, School Board Chairmen, Headmasters, and esteemed former teachers.  The evening was filled with fellowship, camaraderie, unity and joyous memories.

The Opening commenced with an enchanting lion dance performance, welcoming our honored guests, including Member of Parliament YB Cha Kee Chin and State Exco Member YB Nicole Tan, who each received a specially designed OPA Pendant Flag.  Following the lion dance performance, the national anthems were sung with great patriotic fervor, followed by the spirited singing of the School Rally led by the President and his esteemed committee. The traditional toasts to His Royal Highness, the Yang Di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, our Alma Mater, and our guests were made with pride, fostering a sense of unity among the attendees.

In his welcoming address, the OPA President reflected on the theme “Our Pride and Legacy”, highlighting the enduring impact St Paul’s on each of us.  He emphasized how St Paul’s Institution has served as more than just an educational center, but also has been a nurturing ground for exceptional individuals, instilling the core values of the Lasallian Foundation.  The President also paid tribute to the unwavering dedication of the Lasallian Brothers, who have persevered through adversity for over a century in Malaysia, selflessly delivering education to “the last, the lost and the least”.  He reminded us to cherished their legacy and live by the values they instilled, reaffirming the OPA’s commitment to preserving our rich tradition and supporting our alma mater’s growth.  His poignant reference to a remark from the late Br. James Macken, the last Brother Director of the school, underlines the exceptional loyalty of OPA towards the institution.

In a heartfelt address, YB Cha Kee Chin, a Paulian himself from the Class of 1994, acknowledged the OPA’s relentless support for its long-standing dedication to advancing our alma mater, a mission driven Institution partially supported by the government.  He commended the selfless dedication of those associated with OPA and the significant impact they have made on the lives of countless students. Reflecting on the past 125 years, he urged all present to continue nurturing the legacy of excellence and compassion that has defined St. Paul’s Institution.

As testimonials to our legacy, Awards such as the prestigious Tan Sri Chan Choon Tak Award for the most outstanding student of St Paul’s, Congratulatory Awards to Paulians being conferred Royal titles, and the OPA Scholastic Awards for academic excellence were presented.  The unity of the Paulian community was further solidified during the cake cutting ceremony by VVIPs and OPA Executive Committee Members through the rendition of Cliff Richard’s “Congratulations”. Throughout the night, the band in attendance, the “Half Baked Duo” comprising Soon King and Liza captivated us and kept us entertained with harmonious melodies and rock numbers, creating a nostalgic atmosphere that complemented the evening.  A slide show on the “History of St Paul’s: The Tradition, Legacy and Pride” were also part of the agenda bringing back the many meaningful and valuable memories on St. Paul’s Institution. As Paulians, we certainly take pride in being part of this incredible milestone, having come this far to celebrate our 125^th anniversary.

Another highlight of the event was the unveiling of another OPA project, “The Paulian Arch” at St Paul’s Institution, Mont Lasalle, as a symbol of our unyielding spirit and solidarity, serving as a lasting homage to all Paulians.  This project has garnered overwhelming support from our community, reflecting our collective dedication to preserving and enhancing our beloved institution. 

The 98^th OPA Annual Reunion Dinner commemorating St Paul’s 125^th Anniversary was celebrated more than tradition.  It was a renewal of our commitment to uphold and advance the values instilled by St. Paul’s Institution.  As we stand at the threshold of our next century, the legacy of the La Salle Brothers and the cherished memories continue to inspire us, ensuring that St. Paul’s endures as a beacon of educational excellence and community solidarity in Malaysia.  With gratitude to our past and hope for the future, we affirm, “ONCE A PAULIAN, ALWAYS A PAULIAN.”

Last 04 September  2024, Br. Ricky Laguda FSC and Br. Chris Patiño FSC , members of the General Council, left Hong Kong feeling satisfied and grateful.  And it’s not just because of the Chinese food served to them during their stay.  No, but it’s something equally satisfying. Read on.

The 3-day visit kicked off with a meeting with the Brothers assigned in Hong Kong. Brs. Ricky and Chris found out about the multifaceted nature of the Brothers’ apostolate in the Sector, a fact that is often overlooked by many — governance of schools, classroom teaching, supervision of work in the peripheries, recalibrating Lasallian formation and vocation efforts among others.  The general councilors also remarked that the experience of Lasallian mission in Hong Kong, where Brothers from other sectors come to serve, could be shared to other sectors and Districts if only to allow “cross-pollination” and to encourage innovation.

Other meetings lined up for them in the succeeding days included both formal and informal sessions with administrators, staff, and volunteers.

In their early morning chat with Ms. Nikki Chan, they talked about creating opportunities for the Youth Movement in Hong Kong to share their best practices with the rest of the youth groups in LEAD and PARC.  In the afternoon, Brs. Ricky and Chris learned about the regular outreach program run predominantly by retired Lasallian Partners in partnership with some Lasallian schools.  Br. Ricky encouraged them to continue reaching out to the peripheries and addressing the needs of the people there.  Over 10 volunteers (mostly retired administrators) joined the conversation. Br. JJ Jimenez FSC, LEAD Visitor, and Br. Iñigo Riola FSC, Auxiliary Visitor for Formation, were also present in the meeting.

In a rather formal setup, the Principals of the eight schools in HK, as well as the Lasallian Education Council gathered to talk about some major concerns of the schools.  Br. Ricky and Br. Chris showed eagerness to understand the state of the Lasallian schools in HK and how Lasallian spirit is maintained in each of them.  It inspired them to know that the Lasallian administrators are committed to fostering positive change in the Lasallian educational offering in the Sector. Expressing gratitude on behalf of the Institute, Br. Ricky commended the administrators’ accountability and transparency in carrying out the Lasallian mission.  Though meeting the De La Salle Brothers for the first time, newly-appointed Principal Charles Tse noticed how the Brothers “embody a spirit of collaboration and support.”  He added that this synergy can foster innovation and strengthen the collective mission between and among eight schools.

The timely visit of Brs. Chris and Ricky further animated the preparation of the entire Hong Kong Lasallian Family for its celebration of the 150 years of presence of the Lasallian mission in HK.  Their visit and their kind words have given the Lasallian family in HK encouragement and inspiration, such that will last 150 years more.