Paranaque 1st Ward Seminary

Jehozaphat F. Castillo I thank our Great God for the wonderful privilege He has given me to serve a full-time mission and to proclaim the everlasting Gospel of Jesus Christ to everyone I had the opportunity to share it. I know that the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the original Church established by Jesus Christ himself, restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith in the last days. I know that the book of Mormon is true. He sent us here on earth to learn how to be truly happy. We will achieve true and everlasting happiness if we follow God’s plan. Central to God’s plan is the divine birth, the incomparable life and the infinite atoning sacrifice of His Beloved Son Jesus Christ. I know that Jesus Christ lives and that He will soon return. We have the opportunity to prepare so we must prepare. God be with you till we meet again -Elder Castillo Comeuntochrist.org

 Elder Castillo is expected to finish his full time mission on July 2021.

Precy Ella Jel Tanes  I graduated from seminary last April 2015. I'm a graduate of BS Psychology and a licensed Psychometrician and currently working as HR Assistant at a private company.

During my youth days, it was hard for me to keep up with my academics and at the same time to attend seminary after school hours. But my parents would always encourage me to attend seminary because it will help me to excel in my studies. And it was true. 

My seminary teacher, Sister Jessica Castillo, would always find a perfect schedule for us to be able to attend to our seminary class. There are times wherein me and Elder Castillo are the only students of Sister Jessica. But it doesn't stop her from teaching and encourage us and also other youth. The effort of our seminary teacher also helped me to finish my seminary. I really appreciate the effort of my seminary teacher to teach us and share her knowledge about the gospel to us.

Seminary helps me to understand the gospel more. And it also helps me in my studies and in my decision making. Because as a youth, we are really prone to peer pressure. And it helped me to be firm on my decisions and to be reminded of the covenants I have made. It also helped to gain my own testimony about the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to diligently study the scriptures which also helped me to accomplish my Personal Progress.

I'm lucky to be born in the covenant, because the gospel was already introduced to me in my very young age. And seminary really helped me to know and fully understand the gospel of Jesus Christ which helped me every time we have 1 week mission and also it helped me to invite others to come unto Christ.

I testify to all the youths that there is really great blessing awaits you in attending and finishing your seminary. It will not be easy especially there are lots of temptations around. But always always remember, if you seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, all things will be added unto you (3 Nephi 13:33)

Jessa Ross Flores  I graduated seminary in May 2018. I am a college student taking BS International Travel and Tourism Management. I’m fond of traveling and I love exploring new places.

When I was a Youth, I never thought that I will graduate in a seminary class. Because during that time I don’t appreciate its importance in my life. I am more focused on my secular studies and other things. But as time goes by I started to re-evaluate myself if I still make the right decisions that are pleasing to the sight of the Lord. After assessing myself I realized that I need to prioritized seminary as I give value to my secular learning.

Seminary causes a big impact on my life and to the person, I am now. It taught me a lot of things that I will never learn in the four corners of the classroom. Seminary helped me to gain my testimony about the gospel of Jesus Christ. It helped me to understand more the fullness of the everlasting gospel and make good decisions in life. A big thanks to my wonderful seminary teacher, Sister Jessica Castillo that supports me with great help. For the encouragement to continuously attend the seminary class. For patiently teaching the seminarians though there are times that I and my cousin Rhia May are her only students and sometimes we just have a one on one lesson. I deeply appreciate all of her efforts in imparting her knowledge to her students.

My journey in seminary was not easy it’s mixed of bitter and sweet. There are lots of challenges that came into my life. In school, in my family nevertheless, I am very grateful to the circumstances that I’ve been through during my seminary days. Because it helped me to continue to hold on to the iron rod and it also strengthened my testimony about the Savior Jesus Christ.

Now, that I am a college student I am challenging not just intellectually but, also in the standards that I have, however, because of the gospel values that I obtained in seminary I overcome the temptations, peer pressure that come on my way. 

 Rhia May Flores  I am Rhia May Balmes Flores, a seminary graduate in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in May 2019; young women secretary of Paranaque 1st; and now currently taking up Bachelor of Science in Electronics Communication Engineering.  I get baptized when I was 8 years old but my conversion started during the time between my seminary days.

My seminary teacher never ceases to remind me, every Sunday to work out my daily lesson.  That time, I have never seen the importance of seminary for I was busy doing all my school requirements. Because I saw her perseverance, I force myself to work it. But I felt something new every time I studied the manual--- until I know it is the holy spirit who gives me comfort and peace. From that experience, I try not to leave any absences during the weekly meetings and never miss out on any daily lesson. Day by day, I grow my testimony about the Savior Jesus Christ and his gospel.

Even until now, I never skipped church Sunday services. Seminary taught me to have a firm foundation, to stand for truth even when I stand alone. Seminary taught of how much the Lord loves us and constantly guiding us on the right path we have to take.

Seminary not only helps me to gain my testimony but also taught me to always have spirit in every time I will study my challenging subjects, For the decision made before, I know made the right decision to graduate in seminary

Daenah Acaya At first, seminary was really challenging for me, especially when it comes to time management because I have to do my seminary assignments every day and I also have my school works, but as time goes by, I realized how important it is in our lives. So effort has been made to manage time to be able to accomplish my seminary assignments and reading the scriptures. I have realized that constant study of scriptures will really guide us in daily decision makings that will have spiritual effect in our lives. We will learn and understand the words of God deeper and clearer. Through seminary, we can build a stronger defense against the adversity and other trials we might face in the future. In Helaman 5:12, it says and I quote “ And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.” Whenever I face trials and challenges, I always ask for the Lord’s guidance and ponder the scriptures. I have faith that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are always there and will help me overcome those and learn something from it. In this world full of temptations and works of the devil, we should be wise and build our foundation upon the rock which is the gospel of Jesus Christ, wherein we can be strengthened and have increased wisdom to overcome those trials and temptations of the devil. There was a point that I was so down and discouraged in doing my seminary until to a point that seminary tasks have really piled up, but I did not quit. I started again from scratch, I prayed so hard for guidance and strength, read the scriptures and my seminary lessons, encouraged myself by thinking that this has a purpose, and I will gain wisdom if I continue and finish my seminary, that I will really need this in my life. I strived to finish my seminary, and here I am now. I know that throughout my seminary years Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ were there to guide and help me. I know that the scriptures are true. I know that President Russell M. Nelson is a true living prophet of God. I know that the gospel is true and that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ loves us so much. I know that everything that I said is true and I leave this in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.