Boystown Philippines, Class of 1992
My Life Has Come Full Circle
I currently live in Houston, Texas, and I am proud to be a beneficiary of this great charitable work of the Sisters of Mary. The Sisters helped shape who I am today. They instilled strong values in me and showed me the way in life.
I was once a student who relied on the respected Sisters for all my needs, both physical and spiritual. They gave me love, taught me discipline, and showed me that through prayer and hard work, everything is possible. They also taught me that working hard is an opportunity to improve, and that helping others is the way to live a more meaningful life.
I was born and raised in Talisay, Cebu, Philippines. After my parents separated, I lived with my grandmother from the time I was two years old until she passed away in April 1992, when I was 12.
After her passing, I felt lost, torn, depressed, helpless, homeless, and uncertain about my future. Around that time, I learned about the Sisters of Mary. I took the entrance exam, and by God’s grace, I passed and was accepted.
At that time, Boystown and Girlstown shared the same campus in Talisay, Cebu. I was part of the 4th batch of students. During my junior year, the Boystown was transferred to Minglanilla, Cebu, where I graduated in 1996.
From Boystown to the U.S. Army
After graduating from the Sisters of Mary, I moved to the States and reconnected with my mother. I had to continue for two more years of high school in the U.S., and then joined the U.S. Army, where I served for 21 years.
During my military career, I was deployed to Iraq four times, as well as Afghanistan, Indonesia, Korea, Thailand, New Zealand, Kuwait, and the Philippines. I also met my wife during my years of service, and together we have two sons.
While serving in the Army, I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. After retiring from the Army, I returned to school to pursue a Master of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice, along with a Doctor of Philosophy in Management.
As Fr. Al once said, “All the treasures which earth has to offer are temporary. Our hearts are made for what is eternal.”
Since retiring, my family and I have continued to volunteer to serve others, from feeding cancer patients to serving meals to elderly and homeless veterans, to packing groceries at the Houston Food Bank, and participating in medical missions.
Returning to Minglanilla Boystown
On July 6, 2026, I helped organize a medical mission at the Sisters of Mary Boystown in Minglanilla, Cebu. Together, we provided vision, dental, and medical care to 700 students. The members of the organization I work with were so impressed by the students and the mission of the Sisters of Mary. They hope to continue supporting future medical missions at both Girlstown and Boystown. God willing, I hope to return again.
In many ways, my life has come full circle. I once depended on the Sisters of Mary for care and support. Today, I have the privilege of returning to serve the next generation of students and give back to the community that helped shape my life.
I remain deeply grateful to the Sisters of Mary. I would not be where I am today without them. The life and example of our founder, Fr. Al Schwartz, continue to inspire me.
The Sisters taught me how to become the man I am today, and I hope to continue living the values they gave me by serving others whenever I have the opportunity.
May God continue to bless the Sisters of Mary and all those who support their mission.
