SEP Fr. Al’s Testimonial Lunch / Dinner OCT eDivine Shopping, FILCOM Service NOV Sportsfest (Palarong Pinoy) DEC Christmas Party / Coin Bank Project JAN Get–Together Treat FEB Family / Red Day MAR Feast Day Celebration of Fr. Al/ Teambuilding APR Spiritual Nourishment MAY Mother’s Day Celebration and Fund Raising for

Financial Assistance to the Sisters in SOM JUN Skills Enhancement, Financial Awareness Program, and Business Opportunities JUL Officer’s Day / Coin Bank Collection AUG Foundation Day Celebration/ Election of New

Officers for 2012—2013

The first quarter of 2011-2012 for ASMSI-UAE Chapter had been challenging but successful and fun at the same time. Newly elected officers continued with the programs the previous officers had started. There were a variety of activities for the group and some which required participa-tion by the Filipino Community and UAE organizations .

September Activities

The commemoration of Fr. Al’s Birthday and celebra-tion of 4th year Founding Anniversary of ASMSI-UAE Chap-ter were a real blast for all members who graced the event. New sets of officers for 2011-2012 were inducted and took oath for their new posts while previous officers were given Certificates of Appreciation for their dedica-tion and hard-work.

Fr. Al’s Birthday and Induction of Officers 2011-2012

October Activities

A dinner date was set at Tambayan Restaurant to meet-up with members who could not make it during gatherings due to a work schedule conflict, thus binding the members more by establishing uncut connection for all. It was fol-lowed by the EXECOM heading to Ras Al Khaimah for a one-year planning of activities. Also, another way of reach-ing out to our brothers and sisters even in the northern parts of UAE. To top it all, we participated in the noble act of preserving and protecting our environment thru a Clean-up Drive in Al Mamzar Open Beach, focusing not only on members’ welfare but with some community issues as well.

Planning Program

Dinner Meet-Up

Mamzar Clean-Up Drive

November Activities

This had been a joyful month for Eagles’ Palarong Pinoy. Everyone enjoyed playing Patintero, Sack Race, Agawang-Base, Luksong Tinik, Batuhan ng Bola and other Pinoy games.

eDivine Shopping was launched to support our member, Divine Delgado, in her battle with leukemia. Everyone donated some personal stuff (apparel, jewelries, gadgets etc…) for an online auction of which the whole proceeds were awarded

directly to Divine.

ASMSI-UAE 2011—2012: The First Quarter

by Vicky Griego

I n s i d e t h i s

i s s u e :

First Quarter

Events 2011

1

Featured Alumnus 2

Eagles Da Hu? 2

Bible Trivia 2

Language Focus 2

Memories with

Father Al

3

Divine Sacrifice 3

Pagkain atbp. 4

Christmas Party

and Coin Bank

4

The Red Dress 5

Hair Glow 5

Power Nap 5

Trends and Travel

Tips

5

Messages 6

I s s u e 1 . 0 1 7 F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 2

P I LOT I SSUE !P I LOT I SSUE !P I LOT I SSUE !P I LOT I SSUE !

Calendar of Activities 2011

“ My children, you are not created to be fat little ducks

waddling in the mud, but to be like eagles destined to rise

above to explore the world of God.” - Father Al

www.asmsi.org.ph

P a g e 2

E a g l e s C o n n e c t

BIBLE TRIVIA

by Gerald Basco

• How many people did Jesus

feed with five loaves of

bread and two fish?

A: 500, B: 1000,

C: 2000, D: 5000

• Who recognized Jesus as the

Messiah when he was pre-

sented at the Temple as a

baby?

A: Ananias, B: Simeon,

C: Cornelius, D: Zacchaeus

• Paul was shipwrecked on

what island?

A: Malta, B: Cyprus,

C: Crete, D: Tarentum

• What type of insect did John

the Baptist eat in the desert?

A: Ants, B: Locusts,

C: Beetles, D: Scorpions

• What is the shortest book in

the New Testament?

A: Jude, B: 2 Peter,

C: 2 John, D: 3 John

• Who asked Pilate for Jesus'

body after the crucifixion?

A: Mary, B: Joseph,

C: John, D: Nicodemus

• Who were the first apostles

called to follow Jesus?

A: Peter and Andrew,

B: Peter and John,

C: James and Simon,

D: James and John

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Eagles Da Hu? photos from the past..people of the future...

UAE Eagles…featured Alumnus

by Arnold Barnuevo

Introduce yourself. My name

is Virgilio Mariano Jr. also known

as Kuya Jhvn, married, with 3

kids. I'm currently working at

Pico International Dubai as De-

sign Director.

How was your life before you

entered SMS and what was

your first impression of it?

My life has no direction and I

don’t have clear future then. I

thought of SMS as a happy and

big family. .

What made you decide to

choose SMS? I did not choose

SMS; I was one of the luckiest

students chosen by SMS.

What was your most memo-

rable experience inside the

SMS? Being a witness to the

life and death of a future saint,

wouldn’t that count?

What did you learn inside

SMS? Academically speaking,

there’s a lot to enumerate. But

most important of all, I was

spiritually raised and formed like

a little child being called up, but

was not chosen. (Laughs) But

seriously, I almost learned every-

thing inside. From eating to cook-

ing, playing to coaching and from

following to being a good leader.

How is your life now? Tell us

about your work and achieve-

ments. My life now is far beyond

my imagination that I feel I'm so

blessed. My work is fun and very

challenging, for it requires travel-

ling a lot, meeting people and cli-

ents with different culture. It entails

international exhibitions, world

expo and events mostly. It’s a fast-

paced job where I used to have

coffee in Dubai then fly after an

hour to have a carrot cake in China.

Achievements? Hmm, I don't really

remember them per se, specially if

you’re counting helping others as

achievement.

What can you say to the

newly graduates who now

joins our alumni family?

They need to learn how to bal-

ance and control the situations at

work, with the family, and within

your circle of friends as well.

What you’ve learned in-

side SMS applicable out-

side? Yes, of course! It’s appli-

cable as a matter of fact that's

my foundation today. Although

adjustment is needed because it

is now a different environment, it

is helpful and essential in our

daily lives.

Some words about about

SMS and Fr. Al. SMS is the

best school, very unique and

incomparable, and that is be-

cause of Father Al, the Greatest

Servant of God. In 10 words

or less, can you summa-

rize your life before and

after SMS? My life without life

is now full of

life.

UAE’s Big

Brother,

Jhvn “BB”

Mariano

Language Focus by Virgie Ziga Abed

Most frequently used Arabic words:

1. Marhaba - Hello / Welcome. 6. As-Salamu alaikum - Peace be with you 2. Saba alker - Good Morning 7. Kheifalek(boy)/Khefik(girl)? How are you? 3. Min Fadlik - Please 8. Shukran, Al -hamdu li-lah – Thank you. Fine, in God’s grace. 4. Mabaref - I don’t know 9. Shou esmah(girl)/ismik(boy)? - What is your name 5. Messfahme - I don’t understand

P a g e 3 V o l u m e 1 , I s s u e 1

Memories with Father Al By The First Batch (Batch 1990)

“ If I will not become

a saint, I am doing

nothing” - Father Al

ASMSI - UAE Chapter

MEMBERS UPDATE Amongst all, it is the First Batch of

graduates in Manila who are consid-

ered the luckiest and being looked up

to by many because of their first-hand

experience with Father Al. We are his

first children, as they call us. Recalling

our moments with him, we can’t help

but sigh deeply, a sigh of gratitude

and joy for a memoir never been

forgotten., for a father who relieved

us from our sufferings and taught us

the value of humility and prayers.

Bernard Berlon - Life with Father Al

was tough and required great sacri-

fice being away with our family yet it

relieved us of burdens as we were

living and studying free of financial

worries. I remember him as a great

disciplinarian but a loving father who

would always jog with us on week-

ends and visit our rooms during

mealtime and class hours making

sure we are okay. My most unfor-

gettable experience with him was

during our retreat in Tagaytay.

Mary Jane Ilagan - There were no

dull moments when Father Al was

around. He would always find time

to roam around and spend some

moments with us like a father

giving the best to his children.

With him, I learned a lot and grow

spiritually finding the meaning of

prayers and God’s true love for

me. He is the second father I ever

have.

Rally Dolosa - I remember Father Al

as a loving and forgiving father who

has unconditional love for the poor

and the children, He has instilled in

me the love for the needy and the

love for the less fortunate that they

may feel blessed and love others

unconditionally too in return. This is

the priceless gift I’ve received from

Father Al - the gift of LOVE.

Let all challenges be your inspiration in

crossing the roads of life” - St. Anastacia

Bubbly, Friendly, Simple & God Fearing….

Her faith is tested…is she going to hold on or

give up?

She is Divine Grace S. Delgado, 6th batch from

SOM, Manila who worked in UAE from 2003 till

2011. She just came from vacation a week be-

fore she experienced shortness of breath;

diarrhea, upper abdominal pain, mouth infec-

tions and non-stop fever for 5 days. Last July

2011, she was monitored and had series of

blood tests in the emergency unit of Sheikh

Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi just so to find

out that she has anemia. Further to the series

of tests, she was informed that she has AML

(Acute Myelogenous Leukemia), thus she

needed to undergo chemotherapy of which

preliminary treatment would cause hair loss,

blackened fingernails and most probably inca-

pability to bear child. It was a total shock and

self-denial at first, but bravely did she started

looking out for answers to her tons of ques-

tions regarding AML.

Yes, it was a CANCER! The first thought was

death! She started worrying, crying, asking so

many questions “what if?”, “why me?”, self pity

and even called it “my denial stage”. At first, she

could not accept that she’s going to die at a

young age. She started praying and talking to God

in a different way this time. Soon, she realized

that this was just a trial and thus she needed to

fight this battle to survive. With repentance, she

trusted God and believed that He will touch and

heal her. She read inspirational books especially

on how to face difficult circumstances with great

faith. Being far from her family, she drew

strength from volunteers of different religious

groups and her ASMSI-UAE family who supported

her emotionally, morally, and financially, .

Life is a remarkable journey that takes us up and down the road of happiness, growth, interaction, love, fear and sometimes pain and hardships. Everyone has his own journey, yet we all experi-ence the same emotions only at a different level. Divine is still struggling from leukemia till now.

Hers may be a long battle yet we can make it

easier for her through our prayers and support.

Let us continue being our brother’s keepers at all

times. Thanks to the people around her who con-

tinuously give her love, encouragement and

strength.

She is a woman of strong determination and her unconditional love and unfathomable faith give her the reasons to hold on to life - a legacy our dear Father Al has left us for us to uphold! Divine is indeed an inspirational example of such, a model for all Fr. Al’s Eagles…As Father Al would always tell us, “Fight a good fight!” , she is absolutely a good fighter! Life is too short, so live life to the fullest! Each of us is his brother’s keeper. Your ASMSI -UAE family supports you all the way! We are one with you in prayers. Keep holding on, keep fighting, keep going, Divine!

Divine Sacrifice By Tangerine Sisters

“I consider what happened to me as a test of how

strong my faith to God is… I will not give up, I will

continue to hold on seeing my family with all their

support, relatives, friends and ASMSI-UAE family. I am

grateful to Fr. Al, for giving me the opportunity to

belong to this great family, my SMS family.”

Divine Grace S. Delgado

E a g l e s C o n n e c t

P a g e 4

E a g l e s C o n n e c t

Pagkain atbpPagkain atbpPagkain atbpPagkain atbp… by Sonia G. Argoso The Place The Place The Place The Place ---- “ Hirit sa taglamig… Masarap humigop ng sabaw na mainit!” Eh, paano naman kung di ka marunong magluto, wala kang oras, at di mo rin alam kung anong gusto mong mainit na sabaw? Dahil pasok na pasok pa sa cold weather, aside from cooking your own recipe of bulalo, or sinigang na bangus.. why not try this Shabu Shabu at Qian Zhou Hotpot. I have been in Abu Dhabi for almost 5 years and I never had a chance to taste shabu-shabu but only few months back when my friend ask me to have a dinner in that res-taurant, and as the 2nd timer in Hotpot, here are some tips I can share with you. If you are residing in Abu Dhabi, you are probably most aware of where Philippine Restaurant in Najda Street is. But, oh! you ’ re not going there. But rather in Qian Zhou Hotpot, a Chinese Restaurant hid-den in a very grim bldg in Najda St. I have really no idea why there aren ’ t any signs for Qian Zhou Hotpot. The only things you can see to direct you to Hotpot are a rows of red lanterns and an open window, and by the way, don ’ t complain should escala

-tors don ’ t work, and the way in is a little bit dark that would make you feel creepy! The location challenges you on how badly you crave for Shabu Shabu! Once inside, it ’ s all worth it! The resto is neat and tidy, brightly lit, and exudes a homely ambience. Its settings may not be that of a high- class restaurant yet one can experience how to be treated in a fine-dining one. The service is superb! Hotpot is a Chinese, cook-your-own style of dining. You will enjoy it while waiting. So, you shouldn ’ t ask your friend how Shabu shabu is being cooked, because in HotPot you are the Master Chef. The food The food The food The food ---- First, you select a flavoured soup from the menu – you can try hot and spicy if you want and place it at the centre of the table, in a cooker with flame underneath. Then, pick some in-gredients from the varieties on the list which include vegetable, meat, noodles, and seafoods which are all raw and freshly cut when served. As cooking takes 10-15 minutes only, you can also enjoy a chat with friends while waiting.

The final part of cooking is to load up on condiments. It ’ s like you ’ re in a minia-ture buffet, and you fill your bowl with your favourite sesame seeds, various chilli oils, soy and peanut sauce, and these are all authentic Chinese style as far as I ob-served. Of coure, I go for peanuts. So, if you are on a lighter diet and you are run-ning away from that oily food in most of the fastfood restaurant, try Shabu Shabu in Hot Pot it will keep you warm and allayed in seasons like this. The price The price The price The price ---- No regrets! An order of around Dhs. 100 is already good for 3 persons, while an order for Dhs 60.00 will allow you to enjoy a dine-in meal with a take-out one! The actual bill is bigger than A4 size paper for a style, but the amount is not much...no worries spending your money on a healthy diet, huh! GIVE ME OIL IN MY LAMP…

Give me oil in my lamp, keep me burning,

Give me oil in my lamp, I pray..

Give me oil in my lamp, keep me burning,

Keep me burning till the break of day.

CHORUS: Sing Hosanna, sing Hosanna

Sing Hosanna to the King of Kings.

Sing Hosanna, sing Hosanna

Sing Hosanna to the King.

Give me love in my heat, keep me serving,

Give me love in my hear, I pray..

Give me love in my heart, keep me serving,

Keep me serving till the break of day.

(Repeat Chorus)

CHRISTMAS 2011:

COIN BANK PROJECT - Your Change Can Make a Change

Last year’s Christmas party was a big bash as hundreds of us flocked to Ramee Guestline Hotel in Dubai to celebrate and bond together. It was a real fun with talent presentations and contests, one of which was our version of Pinoy Got Talent, the Eagles Got Talent. The place and food were surpassingly good, plus, we really enjoyed the music! To highlight the event, a fundraising project aimed to support The Sisters of Mary School was launched. All members, also donors themselves, were given specially designed cans in support of the said project. Each can was assigned with control number and designated Batch Representatives were tasked to supervise the collection and audit of all cans which should be endorsed to the EXECOM till July 2012, giving everyone ample time to save! Every single fils is valuable, for once counted together, it will make a big difference! Hoping for its success, ASMSI - UAE Chapter plans to donate the full amount to The Sisters of Mary School on 15 August 2012, in time with the Inauguration Day.

The Red Dress by Rhay Gabuca

P a g e 5 V o l u m e 1 , I s s u e 1

I am just one of the girls who have this passion for apparels. I even have this favorite fashion site I am sneaking every now and then. I admire those celebrities indulging in girly stuff I always dreaming of. But what I appreciate most are those no-name individuals who can stand out effortlessly with their wardrobe. Modesty aside, I love the though of considering myself as one of then, as I always got this complement “carry ah! walang ka- effort- effort “.

I am a big fan of “tyangge” in Green Hills, Tutuban Center and 168, that’s why when I landed here in Dubai though I can see malls with a lots of branded store everywhere who’s throwing SALE twice in a

year I still yearn to discover a counter “changge” I can call, where I can go anytime for an emer-gency wardrobe. Fortunately, it pays out! One of my friends introduces me to this store Labels

or Love along Khalid Bin Al Waleed Road, Bur Dubai. It’s a one-stop shopping destination for ladies who want star style at reasonable prices, and good customer service..but they only have two fitting rooms so bear with it!

I attended a schoolmate’s birthday party last month and found myself admiring one of the guests wearing a stunning red dress! I couldn’t take off eyes was on her dress the whole event and got the impression that that dress was indeed expensive. I got the best deal of my life

just recently when I went to Labels or Love boutique and saw the same red dress the guest was wear-ing. To my sur-prise, I discovered that it costs only AED 30! I just brushed off the idea of it being a replica because it really is real! So, I grabbed size 10 and fit it in-stantly! I now have it in my locker and am think-ing of wearing it this upcoming Red Day! Price doesn’t matter at all, it is all in how you carry yourself, isn’t it?

Matalan, Centerpoint, and Brands for Less are some trendy but affordable wardrobe boutiques you may want to check too!

Here are some ideas on what to do when you plan for a short trip:

Plan your itinerary - Know what you want to explore in a certain place be it shopping, nature tripping, mall and bar hopping, hunting, or photo-shooting and make a note of the dates and places of your visit so to maximize your travel time. Pick what to wear - Count your travel days and plan what to dress or accessories to wear everyday. Make sure to bring extra ones as you’ll never know what happens next.. Be prepared for an outfit that fits you rain or shine.

Travel light - Try to bring small amount of your Kikay stuff. If you are a true-blooded traveler, a traveler’s kit is ideal for your complete personal hygiene in a small containers.

Colored bag - Use colored bags rather than the common black for you to easily pinpoint your luggage. You can also personalize your bags by put-ting badges/stickers for a quick identification. Try new things - Try new food that are not at your place and eat where the locals dine; experience what the locals do. That’s how you enjoy a new place. Try buying unique mementos and provide space in your lug-

gage for thee souvenirs and other “pasalubongs” which are for sure to be asked from you by friends and families you left behind on your travel.

For those who have sadako-dry hair due to mumurahing rebonding, straightening, perming or just really frizzy since you were born — you might wanna try this product made from Brazil. LORYS!

This hair cream can be used either as a conditioner or hot oil treatment. In my case, since I blow dry my hair almost daily, I apply it as conditioner. They say that the best sellers in Manila are duo chocolate, fruit cocktail and snake oil which are available in Watsons in 450 g for Php185 and in 1 kg for Php349.75 only. While in Dragonmart, Dubai, 1kg will cost you AED 30 only . It’s a real saver which lasts for a month compared to the usual conditioners plus I am worry-free about kinks and hairfall and enjoy the lasting softness and fragrance it gives my hair! WINNER!

Trends and Travels Tips

by Sheryl A. San Luis

Hair Glow by Tatum Albarico

Power Nap by Kathy Fernando Don’t you know that sleeping half

the time you are in bed means your

sleep efficiency is only 50%?

Whereas, we should attain a rate of

90%.If you go to bed at 10PM and

remains sleepless till 2AM, it is

better to go to bed at 2AM when you

feel like sleeping then. That way,

you would feel better and rested.

Try this for a week, then adjust 15

minutes earlier each day to achieve

longer sleeping hours till you get

used to it. Once you have trouble

sleeping again, cut back as neces-

sary.

Furthermore, do you know what can

give us enough of an energy boost?

It’s a 15-20 minute nap! That’s why

it is called a POWER NAP! A longer

nap may cause grogginess and you may

have a hard time waking up. If you

can't sleep, don't worry, resting

can be as revitalizing as napping.

Lastly, is must be noted always

that a good thinking is a product of

a good sleep.

From the Editor’s Desk…

Dearest Fellow Eagles,

While some are skeptic of how they may express their ideas

without being judged, I see no Eagle of such attitude. Hence, the

birth of Eagles Connect, the official newsletter of ASMSI-UAE

Chapter. All of us, without exception, have been taught about

humility yet are not contained to be remote. We are molded to

share our thoughts and be of significance to others. Eagles Con-

nect paves us further venue to uphold these values and

strengthen the spirit of brotherhood amongst us. All Eagles are

called upon to be part of this, this is our culture, this is us! Each

issue features our activities and aspirations impressing posi-

tively the connection and unity of our UAE family in literary

form. Let it not be forgotten that as eagles, we must keep soar-

ing higher with each flap, never ever to be still. .

May this pilot issue of Eagles Connect be an inspiration to us

to be better each day that we may come up with greater things

to share with our brothers and sisters. Thank you for the endless

support and encouragement everyone has extended! This one

goes to ASMSI - UAE family and Father Al.

Congratulations! More power! ~TMM~

Dear Brothers and Sisters, By the time you read this pilot issue of Eagles Connect, ASMSI-UAE Chapter will have reached a significant milestone in its three-year history. Eagles Connect program is important for ASMSI-UAE Chap-ter’s future because it transforms the core values of our family as children of The Sisters of Mary School. As part of our it, we have reached our brothers and sisters here in UAE, helped our Alma Mater by donating almost 200, 000php for the past 2 years, and organized a convention that made all chapters of the Alumni of the Sisters of Mary School, Inc. (ASMSI) to move in one direction. With this, we can focus our efforts on the remainder of the year ahead. For 2012, the priority of everyone is on discipline – in every-thing we do. The ASMSI - UAE Family has the best workforce in pro-moting camaraderie amongst international chapters, and I am confi-dent that each and every one of us can help meet the expectations set by our dear founder, Fr. Al Schwartz, to be eagles that keep soar-ing high above. I thank everyone for your continued support in our organization. Congratulations for this pilot issue, a job well-done! Airon Pabustan

President, UAE - Chapter

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM:

All bonafide members of ASMSI– UAE Chapter are entitled to FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE in case of unforeseen difficult

situations. Per Fiscal year, any paid member is privileged for a ten percent (10%) of the outstanding financial assistance accumulated. Applicants are required to submit Member Financial Assistance Request (MFAR) forms and signed application letter to the ExeCom for deliberation and approval. To be eligible, a member should have an updated monthly payment of AED10, or a total of AED 100 for the entire year. PAY NOW, and support our brothers and sisters in need. For inquiries, please send mail to: uaechapter@asmsi.org.ph

Dear ASMSI – UAE Chapter,

Congratulations! Indeed, the glory of God is man fully alive! I salute and thank all of you for continuously bearing witness to our motto inside the Sisters of Mary School. Despite the busy schedules of each of you, you’re still trying your best to think and organize worthwhile activities. I’m sure Fr. Al will be very happy looking at you from heaven especially now that we are remembering his 20th death anniversary. Maraming Salamat sa lahat ng officers, board of trustees and mem-bers of ASMSI – UAE Chapter! Salamat sa patuloy na paggabay ng ating mga ‘ninuno’ dyan at salamat sa walang sawang suporta ng bawat isa. Officers cannot do it alone. It is with the active participa-tion of each of you that make all things possible. Be proud because

you’re all part of the chapter’s milestones. Again, Congratulations for being our 1st fully accredited chapter of ASMSI under the International office. Wishing you all good health and more blessings! May your tribe increase! More power and God bless us all!

Alejo S. San Buenaventura

President, ASMSI

Message from the Presidents….

A Sister’s Note…

Dear Members and Officers of ASMSI-UAE,

I congratulate you for a job well-done! I and the

sisters are happy of your socio-spiritual, outreach, civic

and even environmental activities. Continue to be a role

model to your fellow alumni and to your community.

Thank you for all your support to the Sisters of

Mary and the Fr. Al's Children Foundation. I also enjoin

you to help your own association for you to be self-

sustaining. ASMSI needs you. Thank you and more

power and may the guidance of Mama Mary always dwell

in you and your families always.

Thank you for keeping the spirit of Fr. Al!

God Bless you and more power!

Sr. Amelia L. Luces, SM

Adviser, ASMSI