25/07/2025
A Life of Service, A Heart of Joy: A Prayer Service in Memory of Rev. Victor Sibayan Mangulian Jr.
โHeld in solemn remembrance, bathed in the spirit of prayer, reflection, and love.โ
โ๏ธ: Nicole D. Lumawig
This prayer service is held in honor of a man who touched many lives with kindness, joy, and quiet strength โ Rev. Victor Sibayan Mangulian Jr. Born with a heart ready to serve and a soul anchored in faith, Rev. Victorโs life was a gentle testimony of compassion, commitment, and cheerfulness.
Just recently, on June 18, Rev. Victor was ordained as a deacon, a moment that fulfilled his long-awaited calling to serve God and His people more fully. He stepped into his role not with pride but with humility, always ready to offer help, extend a smile, and lift others up with his presence. But as life often reminds us, we do not know the hour or the day. At the young age of 33, barely a month after his ordination, Rev. Victor was called home to our Heavenly Father. His sudden passing left many shocked and heartbroken โ but even in death, his light continues to shine in the hearts of those he left behind.
The prayer service continued in quiet reflection. Gentle music played as each person silently offered their own prayers and thoughts for Rev. Victor. In the stillness of the moment, his memory felt near โ as though his ever-present smile was still among us.
Rev. Victorโs life was marked not only by service but by the countless personal connections he made with everyone around him. Those who had the privilege of working with him or simply knowing him shared stories that reflected his warmth, joy, and unwavering kindness.
From the schoolโs librarian came fond memories of his regular visits โ not just to read or borrow books, but to connect with others in the simplest, most human way. His presence always seemed to brighten the atmosphere, turning ordinary moments into opportunities for laughter and conversation.
Maโam Rhian, recalled his deep care for students and the sincere attention he gave to their needs. She remembered him as someone who never hesitated to offer help, someone who was fully present whenever you needed him. To her, and many others, he was more than just a colleague โ he was a friend and a quiet source of strength in the workplace.
Among the students, the same impression of joy and approachability echoed. Jezelle Grainne S. Tuguic, a student leader, spoke of how Rev. Victor naturally drew people toward him. โMaraming napamahal sa kanya,โ she said, reflecting on how his cheerful personality made him beloved by both students and staff. โHe was a very jolly person,โ she added, recalling how his energy would lift the spirits of an entire room.
One of the most heartfelt reflections came from Sir Ruel, a former colleague and friend. He shared how he, along with Maโam Jonacel, and other colleagues Teachers, had the chance to journey with Rev. Victor to Allaguia โ a trip that, in hindsight, revealed just how kind, sincere, and warm he truly was. He remembered how Rev. Victor always smiled, and how his unique expressions โKasjay talaga,โ โAnya ngy garudโ still echoed in their minds with affection.
Sir Ruel also gave a moving account of how the news of Rev. Victorโs passing unfolded. On a quiet Saturday, Sir Orville messaged their group chat that there had been an accident in Isabela, Aurora. At the time, they were meeting with parents and were unaware of what had really happened. In the search for clarity, they sent police reports that, at first, did not mention Rev. Victorโs name. For a brief moment, they felt relieved โ only to be crushed minutes later when confirmation arrived that he had, in fact, passed away. The loss was devastating. โLahat ng videos ko sa kanya โ naka-ngiti siya,โ Sir Ruel shared. โPalaging masaya. Thatโs how Iโll remember him.โ He also noted that almost all of Rev. Victorโs colleagues, friends, and former co-workers made their way to his wake โ a testament to the deep and lasting impact he made.
In the final reflection, Madam Thelma S. Parungao, the schoolโs principal, spoke with a calm yet powerful message. She reminded everyone of the words Rev. Victor lived by โ โAlways be ready.โ She reflected on how he had just been ordained on June 18. And in a sudden turn of fate, he passed away on July 19. It was a sobering reminder of lifeโs unpredictability โ but also a call to live each day with purpose, as Rev. Victor did.
The prayer service continued with a final moment of silence. Though grief hung heavy in the air, so too did gratitude โ for the life of a man who lived fully, gave generously, and loved deeply.
To close the service, Madam Thelma offered her thanks to all who shared their reflections, and to those who had offered support and contributions in memory of Rev. Victor. She urged everyone to continue honoring him, not just through words, but through action โ in how we live, serve, and show kindness to others.
Though he may be gone, Rev. Victor Sibayan Mangulian Jr. left behind a legacy far greater than words โ a life remembered with joy, and a heart that continues to inspire.
๐ท: Nicole Lumawig, Kashmir Baquiran
๐ปLayout by: Hezalyn Guinapon
