The Ignace Class: A Legacy Beyond Seminary Walls

In June of 1986, as the school year began, the Philippines was in the midst of significant change. Ferdinand Marcos had recently been replaced by Cory Aquino in a people’s revolution that took place in February of that year. This monumental shift was primarily supported by the Catholic Church, under the charismatic leadership of Jaime Cardinal Sin. Patriotism was on the rise, and the Church’s influence and faith were at an all-time high. In these testing times, no one could have foreseen the arrival of a new group of neophytes about to enter the Archdiocese of Capiz’s Seminary – a group of 42 young lads who would go on to make their mark in history.

These 42 high school freshmen of 1986 would become the core of what is now known as the Ignace Class at St. Pius X Seminary. The initial task at hand was to elect a class president, and the honor fell upon Dino Almalbis, who stood out as the tallest and most robust among them. Following tradition, they also had to choose a patron saint to represent their class. Guided, or perhaps influenced, by Father Victor Bendico, who was their class spiritual adviser then and is now the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Capiz, they settled on St. Ignatius of Antioch. This choice was notable as St. Ignatius of Antioch was not a widely recognized saint, unlike the more famous St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits. This historical obscurity added a unique aspect to their class identity.

Selecting a class name that closely mirrored “St. Ignatius of Antioch” proved to be quite a challenge for these young initiates. In a time when resources like Google and Wikipedia were unavailable for in-depth research, some classmates came up with amusing suggestions. It was either Michael Ignacio or Mark Faeldonea who proposed the name “Ignace,” a nod to the trend of adding “ace” to various names during that era, akin to “Jelly-ace” and “Hi-Ace.” While it might sound somewhat cheesy by today’s standards, this name choice became a part of their lasting legacy.

The class comprised 12- and 13-year-olds hailing from Roxas City, various towns in Capiz, and the provinces of Aklan and Romblon. All of them were graduates of either public or private elementary schools and were enticed by young seminarians, clad in their distinctive “all-white” attire, during the “vocation campaign” week in the preceding year. Among these 42 students, one came from Aklan (Stephen Bolivar), and another from Romblon (Raoul Denobo).

Being the youngest group in the seminary community, the Ignace Class became the darling of the institution. Some members naturally became favorites of the teachers and priests. Just like any high school experience, the class underwent a journey of growth and maturation. Some members left and ventured into the outside world, while those who remained adapted to the unique lifestyle of the seminary.

Life in the seminary revolved around a schedule of prayers and studies, with meals and sleep interspersed. The day began at 5:15 in the morning and ended at 10:00 at night. Sports played a pivotal role in the formation of these seminarians. The Ignace Class boasted one of the most formidable basketball teams, featuring talented players like Atlas Catalan, Samuel Delfin, Nolmart Gimeno, Mark Faeldonea, Raoul Denobo, and Vincent Durana, rarely tasting defeat.

As they progressed to their fourth year, the class size dwindled to only nineteen (19) students. Among the graduates, four (4) opted for different paths (Anthony Vista, Mike Ignacio, Mark Feldonea, and Joey Alayon), while two, John Eric Abela and Raoul Denobo, continued their philosophy studies at UST Central Seminary. Thirteen members remained, joined by newcomers from the pre-college level, forming the new batch of the Ignace Class who would later don the white Sutanas. During college, Joey Alayon’s life took an unexpected turn as he fell ill and eventually succumbed to cancer.

The Ignace Class also became known for producing one of the most accomplished batches of students from St. Pius X Seminary. Michael Ignacio serves as Director of DTI and Commercial Attache in Osaka, Japan. Fernando Beup pursued a diplomatic career and now holds a position of Consul in the Philippine Consulate in Japan. Anthony Vista took on the role of a Professor of Law at the Arellano University School of Law, having previously worked as a Prosecutor at the Office of the Ombudsman. John Eric Abela found success as a businessman. Vicente Atlas Catalan, a skilled lawyer, once held the position of President of the Capiz IBP Chapter. Joseph Ador Ramos, a practicing lawyer, joined the Department of Migrant Worker. Stephen Bolivar serves as a provincial board member of Aklan and concurrently as the town Councilor of Nabas. Nolmart Gimeno became a thriving entrepreneur in San Francisco, California. Peter Lusabia assumed the role of a manager at a trust and charitable company, while also pursuing a burgeoning career as a photojournalist in England. Ronald Acolola emerged as a top executive in an Insurance Company. Mark Faeldonea, Samuel Delfin, and Vincent Durana have made significant strides in their respective fields in the US. Rommel Isada after leaving the priesthood, with complete papal dispensation, has been blessed with a successful career in the field of medicine. These are just a few of the class members whose journeys and accomplishments have been documented.

The Ignace Class transcends the label of a mere college fraternity, devoid of hazing rituals and pretensions. Instead, they resemble a tight-knit brotherhood who, over the years, shared the same sleeping quarters, meals, prayers, sports, and challenges. They cultivated a bond that surpasses ordinary friendships. Despite being miles apart today, they maintain communication, thanks to the power of social networking, and continue to support each other in their endeavors. It is also worth noting that the Ignace Class produced several priests, including Rommel Isada, Raoul Denobo, Rey Vigo, Noel Ponsaran, Rey Capapas, Federico Lim, Nelson Mutia, and Joraype Flores, although all except Raoul entered the seminary at the pre-college level. Sadly, Father Raoul passed away a few months ago due to a chronic illness.

While the class does not claim to be the finest product of the seminary, they take pride in attributing their achievements to the discipline and knowledge instilled by their Alma Mater. They remain forever bonded as Pians, cherishing their shared experiences and accomplishments.