I first got to know the Rufino family when my youngest brother George was the classmate of Vic’s older twin brothers Amby and Ernie.  What a beautiful family they had, a dad with a sense of humor, a mom with a great sense of nurture, and both very strong Catholic with grace and style.  SYA has played a very significant role in Vic’s life, he had wandered off into complacency after his college days while the fire of our faith simmered inside his heart.  SYA re-ignited that fire and made Vic a very active part of our community.  The weekend affected him so much that I he did the best thing that you can do when you experience something great, PASS IT ON!  I can honestly say that over 50% of us in SYA today are there because of someone who Vic Rufino invited.

 

It was through SYA that Vic is slowly realizing the role that God has planned for him in life, as a husband, a father and a future leader of our church.  If there is one guy that I feel can take over from my role in SYA when I move on, it is VICTOR RUFINO.  I can see him sweating now as he reads this and I can feel Marisue’s glare but I honestly believe that Vic and Sue have so much to give to our community.  There is really no need for them to give a great talk or sharing, the life that they live today and the love that they have for each other says it all.

 

Finally, here is a story that you may not be aware of, but Vic has actually been an angel to me personally.  After I sold my house, we were looking for a place to rent and could not find a suitable place to stay in Dasmarinas Village, rents were either too high or the houses were in bad shape.  I was ready to move to Greenmeadows or Valle Verde 6 which meant that I would also have to move on to another parish.  This was a reason why I was preparing for a graceful exit out of SYA.  The house of Vic’s parents was vacated and I took a look at it but the rent was too high.  I had a special feeling for the house though and prayed to God for an answer.   Vic called the SAME DAY after I spent a morning in intense prayer and said that his mom was willing to give the house for a lower rate.  I later found out that he was my “angel-broker” who tried his best to convince his mom the pros of giving a lower rent and making deposits in heaven.  This is why I am still an active part of our church community and why we now have a home that is the home to anyone in SYA, Antioch, Luke 18, CISV, the kids around the village, little league baseball teams and anyone else.  You should all come and spend time in my house to see what I mean.