18/08/2026
Dear CTHM Fam,
Peace!
Yesterday, 17 August, marked the feast day of our patron saint, St. Hyacinth. We kicked off the celebration with an indoor procession through the corridors of our building—since the rain kept us from holding it outside. We then made our way to the Santissimo Rosario Parish for a short recollection led by Fr. Jayson Gonzales, OP, followed by an 11:30 AM Mass celebrated by Fr. Pablo Tiong, OP, Vice Rector for Religious Affairs, and Fr. Ferdinand Bautista, OP our Regent.
With over 1,600 members of our CTHM Family filling the church, the atmosphere was vibrant, festive, and full of energy! But during communion, we noticed floodwaters creeping up outside. By the time the Mass ended, the chapel’s main entrance and exit were completely submerged. And just like that… we were trapped.
We were supposed to have a happy salo-salo to mark our fiesta, but instead, we found ourselves stranded. I kept hoping the water would recede, but 3:00 PM came, 5:00 PM passed, and night fell—with the waters showing no signs of subsiding.
At first, I couldn't help but ask: Is this really the fiesta we planned and looked forward to?
I had every reason to feel frustrated or disappointed, but looking back, God allowed us to experience a far more profound fiesta than the one we had mapped out.
Being stranded together for over 10 hours turned out to be the real celebration!
💙💚A feast of generosity: Our Dominican Fathers opened their pantry and shared whatever they had—thank you so much for the love, Fathers!
💙💚A feast of leadership & teamwork: We felt the overwhelming care of our administrators (at both the University and College levels), alongside the incredible support and cooperation of all our academic and support staff.
💙💚A feast of student heart: What a beautiful treat from our incredible CTHM Student Council—how could I ever pull things off without you? To CTHM Pax Romana, who initiated this Feast Day and stayed present for everyone, and to the CTHM RCYC for your dedication—what an unbelievable display of student care and spirit!
💙💚A feast of family: I spoke with so many parents throughout the evening, and their understanding, concern, and encouragement meant the world.
It turned out to be the most meaningful fiesta of all. BUMAHA! But more than floodwaters, it was a flood of unexpected blessings—BUMAHA ng BAYANIHAN, PAGBIBIGAYAN, at PAGKAKAINTINDIHAN. Bumaha ng pagpapasensya, pagkain, at higit sa lahat, PAGMAMAHAL at YAKAP sa isa’t isa.
Who would have thought that being stuck in the chapel for over 10 hours would turn into such a heartfelt, unforgettable celebration?
Salamat sa Diyos! Happy Feast Day CTHM Fam... Cheers!!!
Love,
Gezzez
18 August 2026
📸Photo credits to Transcend Daily, CTHM Pax Romana, Dr. Alec Bagcus