PROFILES: THE NEW SIMPLE PROFESSED FRIARS OF THE ORDER

They are now a step closer in fulfilling their dream.

 

Last June 12, 2015, feast of St. John of Sahagun, five friars of the Augustinian Order made their first temporary profession of vows.

 

The profession took place within the mass, celebrated by Rev. Fr. Peter Casiño, OSA and con-celebrated by different priests in the community.

 

Here are short profiles about the our simple professed friars.

 

(from Left)

 

Fray Alvin Vilches Arig

Fray Alvin is a son of Anselma Vilches Arig and Alejo Cajes Arig. He hails from Bacolod City. He graduated his nursing degree from the University of St. La Salle and is a registered nurse by profession. A registered nurse by profession, has worked in the corporate world before rejoining the Order of St. Augustine. He has taken philosophy classes from damson University - St. Vincent School of Theology. 

 

This August, he shall be finishing his associate in Philosophy degree at the University of Santo Tomas.

 

Fray Johnny Esmilla Jr.

Fray Johnny is the younger of the two boys of Ma. Sonia Abellera Esmilla and the late Juanito Elanga Esmilla. He is a registered teacher and has taught elementary, high school and college students before enetering the seminary in 2011. 

 

He finished his Political Science degree from the University of San Agustin and his philosophy degree from Adamson University. He is an incoming 2nd year Theology student at the University of Santo Tomas.

 

Fray Amiel Alvarez

Fray Amiel Alvarez of Noveleta, Cabite is the son of Albina Aquino Alvarez and Adonis Agahan Alvarez. He finished his Bachelor in Secondary Education degree from Cavite State University. He has taught English to college seminarians before re-joining the order. He is in his third year of theology studies at San Carlos Seminary.

 

Fray William Peter Arlegui

Fray William Arlegui hails from Barobo, Surigao del Sur. He is an athlete and has gone to compete in national swimming competitions when he was still in Mindanao taking up Bachelor in Physical Education from the Mindanao State University. He finished his Philosophy degree from Adamson University.

 

He can be usually seen playing with his guitar and singing praises to the Lord. He is an incoming first year theology student at St. Vincent School of Theology.

 

Fray Jose Marie Portal

The youngest of the group, Fray Jose Marie or "Jomari" hails from Malolos, Bulacan. He has strong ties with the Augustinians having been educated with the Augustinian Sister of Our Lady of Consolation University of the Philippines from elementary to college. After finishing his associate degree in Nursing, he entered the seminary where he finished his Philosophy degree.

 

He is an incoming 2nd year theology student at the Loyola School of Theology - Ateneo de Manila University.