Tagaytay City—As one of the esteemed five institutions of the SVD Tagaytay Community, the SVD Laudato Si’ Farm participated in this year’s Family Feast celebration last September 7 to 9, 2023.
During this three-day event, members of the SVD Tagaytay Community united and renewed their shared commitment to mission as one family. The SVD Farm, as one of the institutions of the community, was blessed to be part of the celebration. Each day of the event was marked by unique activities and meaningful messages delivered by prominent figures in the community.
The first day of the event began with the early morning celebration of the Holy Mass, around 6:35 AM, at the SVD Holy Spirit Chapel. Later that day, at around 12:00 NN, lunch was served at the Divine Word Institute of Mission Studies (DWIMS).
At around 1:00 PM, members of the SVD Tagaytay Community, including the SVD Farm, gathered at the Farm’s St. Peter Fishpond and Gazebo. Afterwards, participants paraded towards the SVD Gymnasium, led by a marching band. Participants were grouped into four vibrant and spirited families—Pink, Blue, Green, and Yellow. During the parade, each family carried their respective banners and other paraphernalia.
Upon arrival at the SVD Gymnasium, Rev. Fr. Dominic Pasi, SVD, delivered a heartfelt invocation, invoking blessings for the day's events.
After the national anthem, welcoming remarks were delivered by Rev. Fr. Stanislav Orečný, SVD. Afterwards, Rev. Fr. Kareem Durano, SVD, introduced each family, emphasizing the spirit of unity. The families proudly raised their respective flags, symbolizing their commitment to the community's shared mission. A torch lighting ceremony followed, marking the passion of the SVD Tagaytay Community for this event.
After great anticipation, Rev. Fr. Samuel "Sam" Naceno-Agcaracar, Executive Director of the SVD Farm and Rector of the SVD Tagaytay Community, officially declared the launch of the event. Afterwards, Frt. Mose, SVD, led the Oath of Sportsmanship, emphasizing fair play and camaraderie.
The day continued with a presentation of candidates for Mr. and Ms. Family Feast 2023, showcasing the vibrant personalities within the community. Afterwards, an energetic cheerdance competition was conducted among the four families.
After the presentations and the awarding ceremony for the cheerdance competition, the sports events were conducted. Participants represented their respective families and competed in basketball, volleyball, tennis, and badminton, as well as boardgames such as Scrabble and Word Factory.
Later that evening, at around 6:30 PM, participants enjoyed a sumptuous dinner at the SVD Postulancy. The welcoming remarks and blessing of food were done by Rev. Fr. Alan Bondoc, SVD.
Afterwards, at around 7:00 PM, the WitnesSing Contest was conducted. A representative from each family showcased their singing abilities, accompanied by cheers from the audience. After the awarding ceremony, the Marian hymn and the final blessing were facilitated by Rev. Fr. Severo “Jong” Biton, Jr., SVD, Vice Rector of Divine Word Seminary Tagaytay (DWST) and Director of the SVD Postulancy.
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The second day of the Family Feast continued the joyful spirit with a diverse array of activities, each facilitated by dedicated individuals to promote fellowship and a sense of community.
The day began with a Holy Rosary at the DWST Grotto, led by Rev. Fr. Stanislav Orečný, SVD. Following this, community members gathered for a light breakfast. The energy rose once again as an invigorating Zumba session took place, encouraging participants to dance together.
Sports activities throughout the day were coordinated by various members of the community, emphasizing friendly competition and teamwork. Lunch, served at the SVD Gymnasium, featured a blessing of food by Rev. Paulino, SVD.
The afternoon was filled with engaging entertainment, including Bingo and various raffle draws. Afterwards, traditional Filipino games were conducted.
The evening was dedicated to spirituality, as the Holy Mass was celebrated and presided over by Rev. Fr. Antolin V. Uy, SVD, deepening the sense of community and shared faith.
The Mass was followed by the Benefactor’s Night. The activity, which was conducted in honor of the benefactors of the SVD Tagaytay Community, began at around 6:00 PM with the ‘Lucernarium” or the Blessing of the Fire) at the Holy Spirit Chapel, followed by a simple dinner at the SVD Gymnasium.
After the dinner, the four families performed their respective cultural presentations, emphasizing the interculturality of the SVD Tagaytay Community. The presentations were followed by a message of gratitude from Fr. Sam.
The second day was finally concluded by the awarding ceremony, during which the Green Family was recognized as overall champion, followed by the Yellow Family as the runner up. The final blessing and Marian hymn was then led by Rev. Fr. Antolin V. Uy, SVD.
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The third and final day of the Family Feast began with a solemn Holy Mass at the SVD Holy Spirit Chapel, reinforcing the spiritual significance of the event. Afterwards, a hearty breakfast was served.
The day's highlight was a community outing to Eli Josh Resort in Silang, Cavite, which served as a delightful conclusion to the celebrations. As the day drew to a close, an early dinner was served, allowing participants to prepare for their departures. The event concluded with a farewell, with participants leaving with cherished memories and a strengthened sense of unity within the SVD Tagaytay Community.
The SVD Farm's active participation in the Family Feast 2023 showcased its commitment to the community's values and mission, reinforcing the notion that when united, great things can be achieved within the spirit of shared purpose and dedication.
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For reservations and other information, including ways to support and connect with the SVD Farm, contact us through:
📞 0905-106-5499
📧 contact@svdlaudatosifarmfoundation.org.