I was
invited by the Episcopal Commission on Social Action, Justice, and Peace
(ECSA-JP) to participate in the Third Bike for Kalikasan, held in Cagayan de
Oro City. The event featured a 26-kilometer mountain bike ride around the city,
with over 250 bikers joining. Bishop Colin Bagaforo, Chairman of ECSA-JP,
kindly brought an extra mountain bike from Kidapawan for me to use.
After the
ride, we traveled to Kidapawan and stayed overnight. The next day, a Sunday, we
attended the fiesta in M'lang, where Bishop Colin celebrated Mass. I had the
chance to briefly reconnect with my relatives, the Piñol family, after the
service.
Following
the Mass, a parade was held through the town, featuring floats from various
barangays, beautifully decorated with native fruits and ornaments. The parade
concluded behind the church, where a groundbreaking ceremony took place for the
construction of a new parish church.
On our
return to Kidapawan, I was finally able to visit the Cathedral—a special moment
for me as it was the last cathedral in the country I had yet to enter. Ten
years ago, during my last visit to Kidapawan, I had only seen it from the
outside as I passed by.
In the afternoon, we proceeded to Davao City where a Dinner for a Cause
was held at the Dakong Balay of the Reyes family for the Caritas
Philippines. Was able to pass by one more town of Cotabato, Makilala, which was along the way.
OUR LADY MEDIATRIX OF ALL GRACE CATHEDRAL (F-1947)
Kidapawan City
OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE DIOCESAN SEMINARY CHAPEL
Bishop's Compound, Balindog, Kidapawan City
Bishop's House
Kidapawan City
STA. TERESITA DEL NIÑO JESUS PARISH (1950)
Mlang, Cotabato
A souvenir picture with the Piñols after the mass.
The Piñol brothers with Bp.Colin Bagaforo (l-r: Bong, Pat, Vice Gov. Efren & Vice Mayor Lito of Mlang)
Bp. Colin leading the laying of the time capsule for the new church construction.
STO. NIÑO DE CEBU PARISH (F-1954)
Makilala, Cotabato