Pope Francis, dearly called by Filipinos as Lolo Kiko, visited our country last January 15-19, 2015 primarily to comfort the Filipinos stricken by typhoon Yolanda and devastated by the quake. He communed with the youth, mingled with the poor and homeless, reached out to the victims of calamities, soothed the pain of those who are hurting and quenched the thirst of those who are experiencing spiritual drought. All of these, and even more, he has done, all for one mission, to deliver God’s message for us Filipinos.
Pope Francis was a good shepherd. He was chosen by God to touch our hearts by His message. To be merciful and compassionate missionaries of faith, that is what God wants us to be. That very message has pierced deep into the hearts of Filipinos.
In the words of Manila Archbishop Antonio Luis Cardinal Tagle (to Pope Francis), “Every Filipino wants to go with you, not to Rome, but to the peripheries. We want to go with you to the shanties, to the prison cells, to hospitals, to the world of politics, finance, arts, the sciences, culture, education and social communication. We will go to those worlds with you, to bring the light of Christ. Jesus is the center of your pastoral visit and the cornerstone of the church. We will go Holy Father with you, where the light of Jesus is needed.” This only goes to show, that we have clearly listened, and heard God’s message.
My prayer for us Filipinos is to continue living up to our mission, to be missionaries of faith—full of mercy and compassion as people of God.
BY QUARREN M. DEL ROSARIO, SHAI LAGARDE AND KHRISTINE ECHEVERIA
“Sharing Love, Spreading Hope, and Celebrating Happiness” is the theme for this year’s Christmas Party, celebrated last December 5, 2014 at Xavier Sports & Country Club Convention Hall.
The Brown Group of Companies’ celebrated another year of thanksgiving as employees came in their cowboy & cowgirl attires. It was a fun-filled night of dance competitions & showcasing of different talents.
Four teams competed for the Cowboy Dance Competition, namely: ABERDI’s Finest (4th Place Winner), Team Bulabog (3rd Place Winner), Cowboy’s Treasure (2nd Place Winner), and Club Maneuvers (1st Place Winner), each team rocked the dance floor with their cowboy/ cowgirl moves.
1st Place Winner: Club Maneuvers
2nd Place Winner: Cowboy’s Treasure
3rd Place Winner: Team Bulabog
4th Place Winner: ABERDI’s Finest
Another highlight during the said event was the Mr. & Ms. Rodeo 2014 contest represented by the finest men & women in each team who presented their talents and handpicked their question as a pair. The employees were entertained by the four lovely pairs who displayed poise, confidence, wit and intelligence.
Mr. & Ms. Rodeo 2014: Mr. Ranier Ridao & Ms. Maben Jane Lumpas
1st Runner up: Mr. Juan B. Galon Jr. & Ms. Eira Kristian Pajo
2nd Runner up: Mr. Haresh Frederick Dela Serna & Ms. Pauline Parcutilo
3rd Runner up: Mr. Gusflor Rambat & Ms. Emmarmel Bandoles
A Cowboy Fashion walk followed, where employees stride along the catwalk and took a pose on their best cowboy/ cowgirl attires.
Special awards were also given to employees.
Best Dressed: Ms. Maben Jane Lumapas
Scene Stealer: Ms. Eira Kristian Pajo
King of the Dance Floor: Mr. Ian EblacasQueen of the Dance Floor: Ms. Kristina Pizarro
The most awaited part of the night where everyone was very excited was the Christmas Raffle. There were 26 winners for the minor and major prizes and among the prizes that were raffled are 24”, 29” and 32” TCL Televisions.
The night ended with dance, music and live band.
Manila celebrations
The Manila office’s Christmas rodeo may not be as huge, but it was a fun and intimate afternoon.
Held in Rack’s El Pueblo, Ortigas on December 11, plaid and peasant tops were the order of the day for the cowboy theme.
The party games were judged by Dr. Walter and Mrs. Annabelle Brown, Mr. Roel and Mrs. Jas Castro, and Atty. Rosanne Duavit Santiago.
Ms. Shai Lagarde and Mr. Bok Lamayan presented intermission numbers, a song-and-ukulele and a harmonica performance respectively.
Of course, raffle prizes were at hand at the end of the party. Everyone went home with full tummies, cool gifts and wonderful memories.
Sporty stuff
After the Christmas party, A Brown Manila headed to SM Megamall for a good old game of bowling.
Meanwhile, on the same day in Cagayan de Oro, Brown Group of Companies held its first ever basketball tournament at XSCCI’s indoor and outdoor basketball courts. The said event was participated by 5 teams from all companies.
Team Green Lanterns
Team Black Cougars
Team Blue Eagles
Team Red Stallions
Team Yellow Minions
The program kicked off by the parade of colors accompanied by a drum and bugle corps. All groups presented their team’s Cheer and Chants, and then they got the basketball rolling.
Winners for the Men’s Division:
Champion: Red Stallions 1st Runner up : Black Cougars 2nd Runner up: Green Lanterns 3rd Runner up: Blue Eagles Male MVP: Juan Paolo Pizarro – Red Stallions
Winners for the Women’s Division:
Champion: Green Lantern 1st Runner up: Blue Eagles 2nd Runner up: Black Cougars 3rd Runner up: Yellow Minions Female MVP: Rosemay Simbajon – Green Lanterns
If these events are any indication of the fun times and camaraderie up ahead for 2015, then A Brown Company, Inc. and the entire family are in for a wonderful year.
