Called to Self-Transcendence:TomBiks new set officers inducted

By Rev. Fr. Jayson Gaite

After a few years of hiatus, the Tomasinong Bikolano-Camarines Sur Chapter finally conducted its first formal gathering last February 1, 2025, at the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary, Elias Angeles St., Naga City. The said gathering started with a solemn celebration of the Holy Mass at exactly five o’clock in the afternoon at the seminary chapel with His Grace, Most Rev. Rex Andrew C. Alarcon, D.D. as presider and preacher, present Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Caceres and a Thomasian alumnus. During the Mass, the new set of TomBiks officers were inducted as follows:

Executive Officers:

President: Rev. Fr. Francis A. Tordilla

Vice-President: Dr. Richelle Josie Judy Vargas-Castro

Secretary: Rev. Fr. Jayson S. Gaite

Treasurer: Dr. Diana Frances Tan

Committee Heads:

Membership: Ms. Glenda Grace Velarde

Social Media: Ar. Mariel May Gamalinda

Formation: Mr. Wilbur Almoneda

Social Services: Ms. Roslyn Romano

In his homily, Archbishop Alarcon emphasized the significance of self-transcendence as an integral part of the Thomasian identity and as a means for self-fulfillment or self-actualization. He explained that self-transcendence can only be achieved if one has this firm and personal desire (desiderio desideravi) to offer a loving and selfless service to God, the Church and society.

The Mass was followed immediately by a simple dinner program at the seminary auditorium, which was graced by the presence of Dr. Rollo Milante, Regional Coordinator for Tomasinong Bikolano, who reminisced and shared his inspiring memories about the group’s programs and activities since its inauguration.

Rev. Fr. Francis Tordilla, the newly inducted president, presented the official logos of the group with their corresponding explanations. He also presented his plans and proposals for the group this year. He divided his plans and proposals into four as he deemed it fitting to have at least one program in each quarter of the year. For the first quarter, he proposed reaching out and tracing of other Bikolano Thomasian alumni who are not yet part of the group. In the second quarter, he suggested informative lectures or talks intended to enhance one’s professional knowledge and expertise, and to promote awareness to recent social issues. For the third quarter, he wishes to have a Disaster Preparedness Program as the Bicol Region was one of the provinces which suffered greatly from destructive calamities that hit the country last year. Lastly, for the fourth quarter, he recommended that it be dedicated to pastoral and humanitarian activities in response to the call of Archbishop Alarcon for self-transcendence through service. After his presentation, his plans and proposals were approved by the thirty-six (36) Bikolano Thomasian Alumni who were present during the gathering.