Tanglaw University Center

2012 marks the 110th anniversary of birth and 10th anniversary of the canonization of St. Josemaria Escriva de Balaguer, the founder of Opus Dei. In line with this twin celebration, Enriching Talks on Culture (ETC) of Tanglaw University Center showed a documentary entitled “The Grandeur of Ordinary Life” last January 14 (Saturday). The video chronicled the Congress organized by the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross (Rome, Italy) ten years ago on the occasion of the birth centenary (1902-2002) of the said saint.

The abovementioned Congress was an invitation to reflect on how the teachings of the founder of Opus Dei – specifically the universal call to holiness and the sanctification of work – affected millions of people the world over. The event offered plenary sessions and paper presentations which both discussed the implications of the message of the saint in the lives of ordinary people and its influence in various human sectors such as politics, economics, education, and culture. An art exhibit was also put up which provided the participants another opportunity to contemplate on the splendor of ordinary life. In addition, a concert was offered to entertain the multi-national attendees.  Truly, the universality of the message of St. Josemaria on holiness was clearly seen in the attendance of various nationals who took part in this unique event.

“At the start, the hype of writing a paper for UNIV came from the group’s desire to go to Rome to attend the UNIV International Congress. Little did we know, our journey towards our goal turned out to be equally important as that of our destination. The whole process of interviewing the blind, who have a lot to offer to society, and writing the paper made us see life from a different perspective and appreciate the true meaning of beauty, one that goes beyond what is physical. But most of all, through this experience, we were able to see the beauty in all things even in difficult moments – and also in devastating events – that come as part of life”

- Sabel Diaz, Junette Gonzales, Paulina Miranda, Reese Tiongson, authors of The Perception of Beauty of Blind Filipino High School Students

You too can have the chance to see the Power of Beauty all around us. Attend the UNIV 2012 Philippines Final Congress wherein 8 paper entries and 1 poster entry will be presented on this year’s theme: Pulchrum: The Power of Beauty. Keynote speaker Ms. Chichi Robles will also share her reflections on the theme.

Be there on 14 January 2012

Tanglaw University Center Auditorium, West Triangle, Quezon City

Registration starts at 8:30 AM.

Be in Smart Casual attire.

Admission is free.

*Open to female university students

For inquiries, contact Cecille Grulla at 0906-4179468 or Yelle Catabui at 0922-8645895.

See the power of beauty and be truly inspired.

The Examiner Dec 2011

Read about the events in Tanglaw from June-December 2011.

I woke up and glanced at my huge wall clock—it’s 8:30 in the morning of 12.20.2011 and goodness gracious I’m LATE! I should be in Tanglaw in an hour. I fixed myself up for half an hour then, hailed a cab and at exactly 10 in the morning, I made it.

It’s good to see Tanglaw after several months – the same brick-walled center with pretty new faces (let’s say new friends). They were the ones who invited me along with another friend to join the Christmas Party of Tanglaw Catechism Club in Paltok, Quezon City. Basically, I knew what to expect since I’ve been to several Christmas parties for kids some years ago. Plus, I am a kid enthusiast so I wasn’t really worried.

With just finishing a bunch of exams the past week, I was initially feeling exhausted but after seeing more or less 50 adorable kids, my nerves were stimulated and I said to myself  “Oh my gosh, this is it!” and “I wanna do this!” That was when everything fell into place. It was like a wakeup call that I needed to bid farewell to my dentistry stuffs for awhile and Christmas is just around the corner.

As the kids were on the dance floor, I realized that the party was yet to start. The kids danced to the tune of 2012 with Ate Krish and Ate Daisy. Before that, there was Pinoy Henyo wherein the kids guessed things related to Christmas. Soon afterwards, Ate Sheena sang Price Tag for the kids. Before singing, she explained that during Christmas, it is not the gifts that are important but one who is celebrating his birthday, Jesus. From this I saw that although it was a party, God was still placed as the center which made the party exceptional and worth remembering. I think those kids are smart in a sense that they know what Christmas is for – that  it is not just about having material things.

During the presentations, the kids were given prizes and school supplies which they can use for the Catechism classes. The kids received a Noche Buena package for their families and a plastic envelope with school supplies for their Catechism classes every 2^nd and 4thSaturday. My heart started to pound after seeing their beautiful smiles engraved on their fresh faces after winning and receiving their prizes and gifts. I was captivated by one kid whom I asked “bakit mo tinatago yung gift mo at Noche Buena package mo?” He was actually wrapping his gifts with his handkerchief for others not to see it. The kid replied: “baka kasi may mawala eh! Bibigay ko sa nanay ko”. At a very young age he knew  how to share to his family whatever he has received. As funny as it may seem, I never thought like that when I was his age. I was young and carefree so all I knew was to play, play and play. I never thought of having any responsibility but that kid taught me a good lesson.

Then, another kid, whom I won’t forget, told me that he will be using the plastic envelope he received as a present to keep his things from getting wet whenever it rains. It is lovely to know that they value whatever they have and that they are contented with the presents they received. Nowadays, contentment is hard to achieve but it is a key to happiness like what this kid showed me.

All in all, the party was exceptional since it highlighted faith, love, care, togetherness and affection shared by one another—all of which I think, are the main ingredients of having a Genuine Christmas. As the saying goes, “The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree:  the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other”.  And with all these, I realized that Christmas is not about how extravagant your Noche Buena is or how chic your gifts are but Christmas is more about how you spend it with the people you love even without having the best of everything. Lending a hand even just for a day during the Christmas season was truly worth it.

Thank you to the children who were so kulit for making my day. Let us make Christmas felt all year round.  Thanks a bunch Tanglaw for a very wonderful experience. I enjoyed it!

Mina Fernandez is a Dentistry student from University of the East.