Do your family and friends think it is a good idea that you're becoming a priest?
My family and friends have been very supportive of my decision to become a priest. Being of Filipino heritage, it is an honor and privilege to have a priest in the family. Most of my friends are practicing Catholics so my Vocation is an answer to their prayers. Ultimately, they all just want me to be happy which appears to be evident since I responded to the call to priestly Vocation.
Do you ever have any fun? What do you do in your free time?
I live in the San Diego, America's finest city, and the happiest place on earth. I have fun wherever, whenever and whatever I am doing all for the greater glory of God.
If you were not a priest, what do you think you would be?
I had a pretty successful and fulfilling career as a systems engineer in the defense industry prior to entering the seminary so professionally, that's what I'd still be doing. I also had a pretty strong call to marriage so I think I would be happily married with children serving as a lay minister at my local parish.
How many brothers and sisters do you have?
I have an older sister and a younger brother.
What is your favorite TV program?
My favorite TV programs are anything on EWTN, ESPN, the History Channel, the Military Channel, the Discovery Channel, The Cooking Channel, the National Geographic Channel, the Chargers, the Padres and the local news.
Who is your favorite singer or music group?
I have a pretty eclectic taste in music. It all depends on my mood and the environment I'm in. When I'm alone, I like soft, quiet ballads. When I am studying, I like listening to classical music. And when I'm out and about with friends and family around town, I like listening to lively, upbeat music.
Do you ever get bored while studying to be a priest?
The Program for Priestly Formation (PPF) is pretty intense and could be quite over-whelming at times so there's plenty going on. Father Anthony once said, boredom could be described as desiring to be somewhere else. I am never bored because this is where I want to be, in the present.
How is a seminary different than a regular school?
When I was in regular school, I was still trying to figure out what and who I wanted to be. I was restless and I was on a mission to establish myself in the world. I was out for myself, which I later came to realize to be empty and unfulfilling.
In the seminary, I know who I am and there is no duplicity in me. I am responding to a call greater than myself. It entails sacrifice and a complete self-donation. And in the emptying and giving of myself, I have found joy, fulfillment and peace.
How often do you see your family?
I am fortunate that my immediate family lives in San Diego. They either visit me at the center or I go visit them during free weekends. My sister often drives down from Chino Hills and I spend quality time with my nieces. My brother and I religiously watch Charger and Padre games. And I occasionally go to my Mom's for some good, old, Filipino home cooked meals.
Can you really be happy as a priest since priests don't make much money?
I think we are happiest when we are who we were meant to be as God intended. I made a lot of money before as an engineer and business owner but I still found myself restless. All the pleasure money could buy were fleeting and left me empty and unfulfilled. Since I've been in the seminary, I have experienced nothing but peace, joy and happiness. As St. Augustine wrote, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.”
Who helped you decide to become a priest?
Jesus Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary.
When did you decide to study to be a priest? How did you know God was calling you to be a priest?
I've have had a consistent prayer life and an active lay minister for several years, constantly listening to God's will so I've grown familiar to God's call just as a sheep knows the shepherd's voice. On December 21, 2006, after communion during 5:15pm daily mass at St. Joseph Cathedral, I received Christ's invitation, “Come follow me and I will make you fishers of men.” I just set my gaze on Christ focusing on what I ought to do that I may become who I'm meant to be.
What do you think the best thing will be about being a priest?
I think the best thing about being a priest is making Jesus present in the Sacrament of the Eucharist and healing people in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. In both Sacraments, I will be “in persona Christi.” It is no longer me but Jesus Christ through me, with me and in me. I can't imagine any other moment or relationship that is more intimate.
