By Ms. Glady Ramos

Manila, Philippines, November 4, 2015 - It was a triumphant night for the Salesians of Don Bosco at the 37th Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA) held November 4, 2015 at the Star Theater in Pasay City. They collected 4 trophies and a plaque – a big harvest in the prestigious awards that recognizes the best values-oriented work in student communications, radio, print, television, cinema, music, the internet, and advertising.

Consistent Winners

“Between the Lines” of Fr. Bernard Nolasco, SDB was finally elevated to the CMMA HALL OF FAME after winning Best Entertainment Column for the past 5 years. No less than the Archbishop of Manila Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle handed the special rock trophy to Fr. Nolasco at the awards ceremonies. In his popular music column, Fr. Bernard sifts through pop/rock hits to find nuggets of wisdom and inspiration that can strengthen our faith.

Word & Life Magazine won BEST YOUTH MAGAZINE for the fourth time since joining the yearly awards. The nationally circulated magazine, which aims to help young people apply God’s Word in their life, was started in 1989 and still helmed by Fr. Salvatore Putzu, SDB. Aside from Sunday readings and reflections and Fr. Nolasco’s much-loved column, it also contains comics, short stories, trivia, advice columns, and inspiring articles.

After winning a Special Citation last year, Family Matters finally bagged the BEST FAMILY-ORIENTED MAGAZINE this year. The magazine tailor-made for young people and their parents is published quarterly by Don Bosco Press, with Fr. Nolasco as adviser. Winning BEST CHILDREN'S SHORT STORY for the fifth time is Fr. Armand Robleza, SDB. He won for Mikhol, the Cedar Tree, the fifth in his Read and Bond Books series.

First-time Winner

For the first time, Fr. Remo Bati, SDB won a Special Citation for Short Story for “The Right Girl.” The plaque was given to him “for presenting the importance of honoring the sanctity of marriage and protecting the family.” Having served for several years as Chaplain of Filipino migrants in Rome, Fr. Bati knew the travails and triumphs of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). “The Right Girl,” published in Word & Life magazine, is a true story of how a Filipino working in Italy was tempted to choose a bargirl, but his fidelity to his wife earned his Italian boss’ respect and admiration.

Other Finalists

Other Salesian finalists include last year’s winner in the Best Local Community/Parish Newspaper St. John Bosco Today, the official magazine of the Salesian Family in the Philippines. It traces its roots back to St. John Bosco, who published Bolletino Salesiano. The Messenger of Divine Love, a quarterly magazine on the Sacred Heart and the Divine Mercy, was a first-time finalist in the Family-Oriented Magazine category. It is published by Word Media Ministry and Word & Life Publications, both founded by indefatigable missionary Fr. Sal Putzu. Don Bosco the Writer and Publisher

The CMMA recognition given to the Salesians and their work is a fitting tribute to their founder St. John Bosco, the “Father and Teacher of Youth” who celebrates his 200th Birth Anniversary this year. The beloved saint, who revolutionized the education system during his time with his emphasis on reason, religion, and loving kindness, considered writing an important part of his role as educator. He wrote and published various materials like newsletters, biographies, plays, prayers, reflections, and history books, and even won 2nd Prize in 1884 at the Universal Exposition of Turin for the efficiency of his printing office.