Barkadahan ni San Juan, Inc.

BACK AND LOOKING FORWARD

Twenty years ago, sixteen men and women sailed to the island of San Antonio, Malilipot, Albay for an overnight recollection, and from there Barkadahan ni San Juan was born. These sixteen young people headed by Armi P. Dyangko, in coordination with Boboy San Pablo, committed their lives to apostolate works thru service.

Forming BNSJ was not easy. So many trials came and the biggest is the non-acceptance of a former Parish Priest for reasons he only knows. Barkadahan was never given a chance to serve in the big church, but God gave them a chance to serve at the Chinese Chapel (Our Lady of Lourdes Parish). The late Fr. Paul Wang warmly accepted the group and that was the chance for the group to serve the people. He was also the reason why the group was more inspired to go on serving the Lord. Hence, Apostolate works in jail and squatters area began, and daily community prayers after the mass became the source of strength of the group.

Armi Dyangko (“manay Armi” to Barkadahan) took care of the group. Her mission and vision helped so much in its success. Her dedication to the group helped a lot. The Barkadahan hold its meetings, Bibliarasal and song practice at Dyangko's Residence. It has became the member's second home. The Barkadahan ni Sto. Domingo in Quezon City helped much in the spiritual formation of the group. Fr. Sonny Ramirez, OP, with BNSD members are guided by its Constitution and By-laws. Parents are assured that if their children are with the Barkadahan, they are in good hands. Likewise, drugs and vices not allowed.

The Barkadahan ni San Juan went to different barangays in Tabaco to give recollections and went also to Hitoma, Caramoran, Catanduanes for a vacation, and at the same time gave recollection to some of the folks from the neighboring places of Hitoma, most of which are tenants of the Dyanko family. That was a very memorable trip. The experiences were worth remembering.

When Msgr. Rolando Diokno took over, he welcomed the Barkadahan. The group was so thankful because after several years, God answered their prayers... in His time, just the song goes “He makes all things beautiful in His time”. That was the time when the Barkadahan was “ripe” and very much ready to do greater tasks. Msgr. Diokno was very supportive, so were the next parish priest such as Msgr. Cris Bernarte and Msgr. Ralph Salazar. With their full support, the Barkadahan was able to serve with “gusto” in “Makibata”, every December; Living Rosary, every October; Summer Youth Camp; Parish Youth Day; and World Youth Day Celebration in 1995. These activities gave the Barkadahan a chance to lead the youth in the parish.

The Barkadahan members were able to overcome all the trials through the years. Maybe, without those trials and without God's guidance, the Barkadahan could be one of those youth organizations that was “born” and had suffered a sudden 'death'. Barkadahan was also able to bring back to life the youth organizations in the parish thru the Commission on Youth, headed by one of the pioneers and the “post” of Barkadahan - Manay Armi. The benefactors, mostly from the Filipino-Chinese Community, helped Barkadahan in most of its activities. Without them, it would be difficult for the group to do their apostolate works.

Who would think that BNSJ will last 20 years? Some said, it's only good for 1981 summer and some predicted it will be dissolved. But for the Spiritual Directors, advisers, parents, benefactors and members, the Barkadahan will last as long as there are youths who are willing to continue the works the 16 young people begun on April 29, 1981.

We are looking forward for our Silver Anniversary in year 2006… See you then!


By: M. Regalado – BINZA
Pioneer 1981
(as writen year 2006)

The Barkadahan's rule of life:

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
Poverty

"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God."
Chastity

"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth."
Obedience

Copyright © 2008 Barkadahan ni San Juan, Inc.
Tabaco City, Philippines


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