Balay Kalinungan

It seems like only yesterday when Balay Kalinungan opened its doors in 1991, to serve the students of La Salle and other groups who needed a place for their retreats, seminars and other activities.

The place was so well run that, before long, even government workers and other entities availed of its services for their conferences and mini-conventions. At that time the Balay Kalinungan Negros Foundation headed by Cecilia Lopez, was operating the facility.

This year the time had come to turn over the operations of the facility to the University of St La Salle. The formal Turnover and Acceptance rites were held at the Sanctuario de La Salle during an elegant dinner attended by specially invited guests. The ceremonies began with the Opening Prayer song and Pambansang Awit by the awesome USLS Chorale. China Gallaga welcomed the guests and gave the Remarks of Circumstance.

Everyone enjoyed the superb dinner which was a culinary feast that had the diners coming back for seconds. On hand to entertain the guests were the USLS Chorale and special numbers performed by the youths of Bahay Pagasa. Listening to their musical performance, it was hard to believe that these youths were formerly troubled youngsters who are now being rehabilitated at the Bahay Pag-asa.

Dory Ledesma read the Turnover resolution while Bro. Ray Suplido FSC, gave the response. This was followed by the Unveiling of the Markers and the distribution of the Plaques of  Appreciation. The closing remarks by Bro. Gus Boquer was filled with nostalgia about the good old days and the wonderful friends who showed they truly cared and who helped with the Balay Kalinungan. His remarks touched the hearts of many who were there.*