APRIL– AUGUST 2009

WORKPLACE
The Official Publication of the Ang Lingkod ng Panginoon-Davao

“WE CHRIST IFY OUR WORKPLAC ES”

Lingkod lives, shares and proclaims Christ

In the Maulborn Monas-
tery in the Alps of Aus-
tria, there is a typical
mountain spring. It
flows out of the side of
the hill, through a hol-
lowed out tree stem as a
pipe and spills noisily
into a large trough also
hollowed out of a large
tree trunk. Nearby, in
National Leader, Mon Samson German is an inscrip-
inspired ALNP Davao during tion “ When some-
his visit in July 2009. one comes here and
drinks of my water,
do you think he thanks me? But no matter– I
just keep flowing on and gurgling on and sing-
ing as I go. How beautiful my life is: I give and
keep on giving.” - Michaels Kalendor
The anecdote reminds us about the
content of Bro. Mon’s talk on July 10, 2009 at the
Prayer Meeting.
In 1 Cor. 10:4,(“they drank from the
Spiritual rock that went with them, and that rock
is Christ”) the Scripture proclaims Jesus as “The
Rock” who gives life and satisfaction. You see,
we proclaim the Lord as our Rock and our For-
tress (Ps. 18:2). With all these in faith, we are
still wobbly when the storms of life, our rela-
tionship problems, career direction,
finances, sickness or death or even a
breakup, desiccate our personal rela-
Evangelize!
tionship with God. ·The seed of God’s Word
So, we find “comfort” in our has been sown, and
“heaven substitutes”. Money, looks, taken root here in our
jobs, success and prestige are good.
heart, Christ’s teachings
But, if our heaven substitutes becloud
now that we have known
the real heaven the Lord has prepared
for us, then, we are misled. to others we too must
Storms in life or heaven substi- impart.
tutes should not dry the soul. It should
·It is our effort to preach
not reduce the spirit that drives us to be
faithful, thankful and to be missionaries. God’s Word, our acts
speak louder than what
We have Christ as our bucket of
spring water. He doesn’t dry down. We we teach. It is easier to
have our hearts and our homes built in be heard when we prac-
and rooted in the solid Rock that never tice what we preach.
shakes. Are we going to just substitute it
for a fragment of comfort and conven- ·Those who don’t know
ience? how to listen, will find it
Stand up! Really up- hard to feel remorse;
right...because this is our call… read the Word of God as
As Lingkod,... We Live, share it is written “Repentance
and proclaim Christ!!!-JT. is our sole recourse.

Souled Out : From Fraternity to Community Inside this issue:

“I’ll have no regrets, none at all. One Friday night, he shared a
For I know everything happens for a rea- bit of his life. I realized God’s saving Bit Files 3
son that even us cannot explain.” love in changing lives from worst to The Joggers’ Plea 4
best. His experiences and struggles
Beneath the smiles is a courageous
were witnesses on how he become a
heart and genuinely tolerant persona. Silent I Christify My workplace 5
fully renewed person for God and for
water runs deep they say; this brother is often
others. In our conversation, I thought
noticed with his melodies as he serves Shepherd’s Staff 5
he was man of few words, yet, but the
through the music ministry of Lingkod – Da-
truth is, he was a man worth listening
vao. He’s a certified public accountant, a pas- Encouragement Quotient 6
to. (I guessed it’s I who run out of
sionate singer and a talented pianist. That’s
words!) He is truthfully sincere and
the music man, Joevanie L. Bonjoc. very profound.
Final blot 6
 WORKPLACE
Page 2 From Fraternity…(page 1)

Joevanie grew up in Butuan City. In 2002, tempted him. It was hard withstanding the withdrawal
they transferred to Davao when his father retired from symptoms and mending broken relationships.
work. At present, they live in Toril. He’s the middle
““There are times na mag-chill na gani ko. And
child and the only son among three.” Daghan jud mi
I still managed to hide it from my family. But later on, I
kaagi ug hangtod karon happy ko nga kumpleto mi.
learned to say NO and totally changed to focus on my
Makaingun ko, lisud jud kaayo among kahimtang dati
studies. I graduated in 2004. In 2005, I took and
pero swerte mi nga nakalahutay gihapun,” he proudly
passed the board exam for Accountants,” he humbly
shared.
added.
Reminiscing the days, he recalls they were
“That was my life before I joined Lingkod. I
accustomed to praying together as a family.
have no regrets, none at all. For now I know
“Buluyagon jud ko nga anak pero naka-
that everything happens for a reason that even
sabot na si mama ug papa kay murag na-
we cannot explain. Siguro kung wala ‘to tanan
sanay na pud sya sa environment nga
nahitabo, dili ko ani karon. Lahi si Joevanie. Life
akong gidakuan, “he added.
would be very different, “he quoted.
When asked about his significant
Joevanie was invited to Lingkod trough Bro.
years, he narrated his remarkable experi-
Joondee Yap, his colleague in Mindanao Corru-
ence that he considered as the battle he
gated on 2006. He joined the Christian Life
won over. His elementary days were fine
Program. He was hesitant at first but later on
and he enjoyed it much. But at 15, he was
became consistent because of his interest in the
really high! Out of curiosity and peer pres-
worship songs and the desire to play the piano.
sure, he tried marijuana, and it did not stop Joevanni currently
there. It became a habit especially during serves as an organist in “Any turning point in life?” I asked him again.
college. In 1998, he took Computer Pro- the Music Ministry “After the Outpouring in Lingkod, I felt His pres-
gramming and shifted to BS Accountancy ence and I realized that He has always been at
on 1999. my side since the day I was born. He never abandoned
me. I wasted after all those years that I’ve been ignor-
“My world felt great those days, very stimu-
ing Him. I came to know the power of God’s love for
lated and energized. I was even the master initiator in
me. Literally, my whole life was totally changed, “he
our fraternity. Grabe lagi ang night life. I was elated but
admitted.
at the same time struggling and broken-hearted.
Niabot pa gani ang time nga twice a week na mi mag- At 27, Joevanie is a fully reformed man.
session and sometimes, with police officers. Yes. Pero Though he still toils on his daily struggles, he’s sure of
didto pako ato sa Butuan, 3rd year college ko. Wa pud one thing: he had surrendered his life to the Lord.
mi nasakpan sukad-sukad,” Joevanie sincerely re-
“I’ve never been this happy. I was broken-
vealed.
hearted, but now, I’m complete, contented and victori-
It was a secret he hid from ous with my fight against my addictions and frustra-
his family. He only told his mother tions. From fraternity, now to community. I guess the
before he took the CPA board exam
Niabot pa relationship with the brothers and sisters in Lingkod is
on 2005 when he had fully recovered. gani ang one of the best things that happened in my life. I
His mother accepted him nonethe- time nga learned to appreciate my story, my life and my continu-
less. However, this is still a secret to ing journey. God is truly immense and amazing! To
his father until now. But he knows his twice a week God be the Glory,” he exultantly concluded.
father would understand. “What’s na mi mag- Bro Joevanie has stood up for the Lord and
important is that I’ve changed, “he session and responded to God’s call for service. I’m so happy to be
stressed.
sometimes, acquainted with a genuine person like him. A man who
“When did you decide to is not afraid to face his past but rather use it in reshap-
stop?” “It was when we transferred with police ing his life.
to Davao in 2002. I had no other officers. Bro, thank you for the inspiration you bring to
choice but to stop. No friends, no
the community. Keep your music playing, God will al-
money, no fraternity brothers. Nothing to buy. I practi-
ways be there to give you the right tune. JB
cally have nothing, he explained earnestly.
It was difficult for him to stop. At an early age
of 20, the pressures still haunted him. The vice still

Bit Files
2009 CLP Series
The 2009 Christian Life Se-
ries (CLP) is harvesting
good numbers. On the first
CLP held on June 28, there
were 36 sisters and 17
brothers. ALNP –Davao
Branch Leader Glenn en-
couraged the brothers and
sisters to persist in inviting
guests to join the CLP
The CLP Partici-
pants are very energetic,
and very participative. In
fact, some participants in-
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2
speakers, arrange chairs Page 3
vited their friends to join
the CLP. The facilitators and
servants are well organized
and venue, and to pray with
the participants...
and the sessions start and
end smoothly and on time.
After the CLP the partici-
pants and servants attend
mass, dine out, or watch
movies together.
We are optimistic
that as the CLP series con-
tinues, the brothers and
sisters will contain the same
spirit of camaraderie, ser-
vice and dedication to com-
mit all Sunday mornings to Let’s continue praying for the participants
of the CLP 2009….
serve in any way possible,
lead discussion groups,
share testimonies, be

“EXTRA RICE
ALNP-Davao Summer
of life is observed and hold at Luzviminda Village, Energy for
prayer time is established. Ma-a, Davao City from
Household held Men” for sale pa
April 20 to May 9, 2009. Six
This year’s two- brothers participated the rin!!!!
The Summer house-
week summer household
hold is a yearly activity of household which was Contact Sis Ria.
Lingkod which aims to inspire for sisters was held in Alpha headed by Glenn Romo-
Homes, Matina Aplaya,
the participants to love the lador. Apili pud ug ...
Davao City from April 12 to
Lord more deeply and to love
April 26 2009. Thirteen Highlights between
and serve one another more
generously thru various teach- sisters joined the activity the households were the All purpose
which was headed by Ires talks from invited speakers, Detergent
ings and activities and to live
out the way of life God has Anne Hordista. On the sharing of insights, fellow- Powder. Contact
other hand, the brothers ships and the Lord’s Day.
called us to together. During lang si Doc Manz
had three weeks of house-
the household, Lingkod way
Dakong tabang
na ni sa atong
Ways and Means
Holympics ketball, blind volleyball, Holympics 2009.
2009 reaped parlor games like
a harvest patintero, catching the This yearly evan-
dragon’s tail, hep-hep- gelistic activity of ALNP was
Pagpalambo sa hooray, cheering, and conducted to strengthen
Kristohanong many more. the relationship of commit-
Kahimsog Diha ted brothers and sisters
sa Pasingot og Yellow team and introduce the way of
Paugnat sa Ku- emerged as the champion. life of community to guests
sog“ was the Despite being outnum- and possible participants
Yellow “Luke” theme of this year’s Holym- bered was able to dominate for the Christian Life Pro-
Team… pics held on May 17, 24 & in relay games, (the gram this July.
31, 2009. square!) during the culmi-
The 2009 Holympics
nation activity at Paradise
Champion!!! Committed mem- Island Resort, Samal.
bers and invited guests
were divided into four Special awards
teams:John(Blue),Mark(Gre were also given to deserv- Reminder:
en), Matthew(Red) and ing teams. Surprisingly, this
year, Joel Bulangkit,Jr. and Please remit your pledges to
Luke (Yellow). Among the our Finance Ministers...
sports events of the 3- Nerissa Villanueva were
Sunday activity were bas- hailed as the Mr. & Ms.
 WORKPLACE
Page 4
THE JOGGERS’ PLEA
If you don’t take good care of yourself, we sisters and to proclaim your wellness… that
will take care of you... you’re healthy! (Magtumbling ba ka or
magstretching! You can actually do anything
A friendly reminder from the best parlor
there, I tell you.)
in town… your funeral parlor...
It’s not obligatory, though, but we are
I can’t help but laugh and giggle, when I got
encouraged to be involved, (if you’re avail-
this message. Indeed, text messaging has commer-
able), to make it a habit and to boost our physi-
cialized even the products and services. Pinoys have
cal stamina. We believe it’s very challenging
become innovative in making stories or jokes that in-
especially for those who sleep late.
spires or loosen us up from the everyday stressors of
life. It is not just jogging. At the park, one
can join
But pointing out to the text message above, the
joke was really good and interesting (pwede i-group These are short beginnings we would
send)...read between the lines... it tells one thing: like to partake with everyone. Press on and
Take good care of your body or you’ll regret not lov- start the move. This is our simple plea, our en-
ing it. It reminded me how an individual should look ticement for you to come and experience sim-
on one’s health even though we felt very okay. Be- plicity and abundance of nature and life in spite
cause nowadays, some diseases are silent killers, pri- of the troubles and pressures brought by un-
marily affecting those under constant stress from certainties and by the pressure in our work-
heavy work, duties and problems especially among places.
single professionals. Though at our age, we can easily
Our body is made by our Heavenly Fa-
adapt, it doesn’t guarantee health. We need rest,
ther. Let us not overwork. Instead, treat it with
sleep, good diet and brisk EXERCISE.
love and consideration. By keeping His temple
Since January this year, Lingkod Evangeliza- healthy and full of vigor surely makes our
tion Team has started jogging at Creator happy.
the People’s Park on Saturday He will He will take care of us, not only here on
mornings, which aims to estab-
lish growing relationship with take care of Earth, but also in Heaven.
people from all walks of life and us, not only We hope to see you !
evangelize them to join the
community. Moreover, the ac- here on
tivity emphasizes the necessity
to be mindful of our physical Earth, but
wellness, not just spiritual well-also in
ness. (Oo nga naman, how can
we serve the Lord if we’re not Heaven.
physically fit?)
I honor the brothers and
sisters who were truly consis-
tent and regimented in observing this demanding
routine. We jog not just because of our personal goals
or reasons. We jog for a cause – that is – to bring peo- H o l y H a b i t s :
ple closer to the Lord and to strengthen God’s temple,
His precious gift, our body. You might say, “Pwede Holy Mass and Reconciliation
man sa balay nalang.” (Yes you can!) Yet, consider
this task also as a chance to mingle with brothers and
 VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2
Page 5
I Christify my workplace by….
… bringing the Lingkod way of life to my workplace such as honoring and serving others, testifying of
God’s goodness and sharing His blessings.– Ires, Dole,Stanfilco
… inviting office mates to be a part of our Community– Anna Lou, Fabian and Asso-
ciates

… being a servant leader to all. By being friendly and showing them smiles and ease. Most of all, I am proud to share
the greatness and goodness of God in my life. –Lina, NCCC
… making Christ known to others through prayers when there are activities that require me to.– Glenn,
RCBC CLP participants and the
… witnessing though my actions. That people can see Christ in me without me actually speaking Lingkod sisters during the E-
night
about it. Franco, San Miguel

… sharing daily Gospel messages to colleagues, by maintaining good rapport with them specially Christyfying our
with my boss and by taking opportunity to lead in prayer during special occasions.– Nhil, RCBC workplace is our
… making a difference even in my own little ways. –Mae,DCWD call in Lingkod,
let our life be a
… playing Lingkod and Charismatic songs while working...conducting/leading activities on Holy Seasons and by
testament of our
starting and ending company meetings with a prayer.– Jean, ND Shipping Group of Co. Mission and our
share in God’s
kingdom on
The Shepherd’s earth. Let’s not
Staff refuse such a
The Ministry of Encour
agement but even during ordinary great privilege….
times
1 Encouragement is an action of the Holy 8 By being upbuilding in speech rather than
Spirit. He uses people to impart courage, life being negative or critical we must be encourag-
and power. We are His channels in doing this. ing even when we are correcting
2 There is very little encouragement taking 9 By avoiding complaining. Complaining be-
place between and among us. So people get gets more complaints (chain reaction)
disillusioned, discontented and discouraged.
10 By avoiding empty words of flattery and
A lot of this had to do with our culture as Filipi-
false assurance deceiving; insincere may cloud
nos. Encouragement is not a part of our life. the issue or prevent the person to whom it is
3 For us, as leaders, encouragement is not addressed from doing what is right.
an option. It is a duty. To encourage our
11 By being "for our people". Supporting them;
members is a duty in the Lord.
defending them
4 How do we encourage ? 12 By listening to one another -- this is a heal-
5 Through our own faithfulness to our com- ing thing to do
mitments (e.g., consistent attendance is an
13 be available; give time
encouragement to others -- Heb 10:25)
14 By being affectionate (expressing our love
6 By being true to Scriptures without the
and affection)
truth of Scriptures, we would have nothing with
which to encourage one another
7 By being quick to pray with one another
not only on birthdays or times or need/difficulty
 “WE CHRISTIFY OUR WORKPLACES”

ENCOURAGEMENT QUOTIENT
Test Your Encouragement Quotient 10 RULES FOR THE USERS OF
-Do my words of encouragement easily outweigh my OUR LINGKOD OFFICE
words of correction or criticism ? 1. please keep our office clean
-Am I generally uplifting to be around ?
2. don't leave your garbage
-Do words of praise for others come easily to me?
3. Unplug all electronic devices from the
-Have I been careful to ask forgiveness of others when I have sockets
spoken in a negative or discouraging way?
4. Switch off lights and air-conditioning
-Do I pass along the good news and swallow the gossip ?
unit
-Does my conversation with friends generally build others up ?
5. Log borrowed materials
-Do I think more about looking for opportunities to give praise
than my need to receive it ? 6. Book all planned meetings ahead with
the Branch Servant
-Can I bless those who have hurt me ? Can I bless those who
have persecuted me as Scripture admonishes ? 7. Log all meetings/activities held at the
- Have I looked for creative ways of affirming others so that they office
may grow up loving themselves ? 8. Return all borrowed materials
-Have I recognized how encouraging God is to His whole crea- 9. Handle all equipments/properties with
tion ? To me ?
utmost care
If you can, you are an encourager.
10. Let us all be good stewards.
*Lifted from the BWM’s Manual

Final Blot By Sis Jeen

“Cory Magic”
Please don't get tired of reading about Cory. But if you do, let this be your one last final blot.
What is THE magic that Cory brought? It is the nobility of the heart and the graciousness of the spirit. This magic
united people from all walks of life, from all religious denominations, from one nation to the other into prayer…
At the Greenmeadows Chapel, she offered her sufferings to God. Her selfless unwavering courage and
strength are beyond question. As Fr. Arevalo would encapsulate her, “She is a woman of courage, faith and loyalty”. She even
taught us Christians to be open to love and trying to endure our own pain with the pain of Jesus.
So much can we learn from her. But, what I admired the most is her prayerfulness, especially her devotion to pray the
rosary. With it, she has invited all of us to pray,….even the children of the very man who is to be blamed of her husband’s in-
carceration and assassination.
What a magic it is to heal the wounds of anger, injustice, hatred, remorse, and revenge.
What magic it is that despite confusion and chaos, she can stand with utmost confidence and calmness.
What magic it is, that despite too much problems and evil, there lies faith.
Her God is the same God we all praise. The same God we all preach. She says the beads of the same Rosary praying
through the same Holy Mother Mary.
She taught us the very essence of our rootedness as Christians: prayer.
Can we not unite and transform our own “chaotic” workplaces in the same faith and prayer did to our nation ? Why
not, diba?