Rev. Mark B. Augusto

We can easily lose heart and do nothing because there seems to be so much to be done. We tend to easily forget that God wants to use us as His instrument to touch those few within our sphere because there seems to be so many to reach. Before one must embark on this journey, he must know suffering, for there are things one cannot know without suffering. Only a select few choose to take this path because there seems to be so much to understand and to be certain of — yet he did, and he chose to follow a life that seeks to shepherd God’s people. Pastor Mark B. Augusto took the path to serve God through whatever capacity he was called to do.

Born and raised in Lapu-Lapu City on January 3, 1983, Mark managed to create beautiful childhood memories amidst a locality rampant with violence, drugs, and crime. Born youngest among seven children of a father, who was a government employee, and a mother, who was a housewife, Mark remembers being teased and bullied all the time by his siblings. He enjoyed playing with his neighbors when he was young and was always taught by his parents the value of hardship and struggle in order to survive the harshness of life.

Mark always loved sports. During his stint as an elementary and high school student, he always competed in track and field during Palaron gPambansa. He graduated at Babag Elementary School and finished high school at Babag National High School, both in Lapu-Lapu City.

Aside from his love for sports is his genuine commitment and service to the Almighty God. He was already active in the Church even in his elementary years. In fact, becoming a pastor was what he already dreamt of in third grade. And this yearning to serve in the ministry flourished even more when he was in high school. He is indeed a living testament of a life molded by the grace of God through the many blessings he saw in his family and in his relationships with the people around him.

After graduating high school, he almost wanted to take up information technology, influenced by its booming industry in the country at that time. But he put himself through deep reflection and realized that it wasn’t what his heart was beating for. He enrolled in Silliman University and took up Bachelor of Theology, completing it in 2007.

Mark, indeed, found a home in the Divinity School. With only seven of them in their batch, he revels in the kind of bond he had with everyone in their department. “We were like one family, one community”, he said. This kind of environment is a contributing factor to his decision to come back and serve the University for 6 years now.

He found his other half, Sheena, in Silliman University. They found their way to each other because Sheena, who was a Political Science student at that time, was living at Channon Hall, a dormitory right next to the Divinity School. This proximity contributed to their closeness and the blossoming of their friendship. In in 2009, they decided to tie the knot. Mark and Sheena, who is now a lawyer, are now joyful parents to a three-year old girl.

Right after completing his degree, Mark went to Cebu as a Pastor for three years. It was in 2010 when they, as a family, decided to come back to Dumaguete and settle for good. He took his Masters in Divinity at Silliman University and finished it in 2012. Afterwards, he taught Religion classes for two years. Two years later, he was appointed Pastor for Students and Campus Chaplaincy, a position he holds until the present.

Pastor Mark now looks forward to finishing his doctorate in clinical psychology in Silliman University. He envisions spending his life serving God and guiding students towards the right path by being always there to lend an ear. He dreams to someday build a house for his family and continue on his calling of nurturing love, compassion, and kindness within himself and echoing it outside, towards his sphere of responsibility.

Describe yourself in three words.
Outgoing. Listener. Sports-lover. 

What is your motto in life?
Let go and let God.

What makes you laugh?
The joy of my child.

What makes you cry?
Matters concerning family.

What’s your favorite time of the day and why?
Evening. It is the time I get to be free and do stuff for myself, like hanging out with friends.

What’s your favorite day of the week and why?
Thursday. It’s my day-off.

What do you love doing when not working?
I “tambay”, hang out with friends over a cup of coffee.

What is your favorite hangout place in the University?
The kiosk near the Divinity School.

What makes you blush?
Being teased with my wife.

If you were an actor, who would you be?
Hugh Jackman.

Tell us a fact about yourself.
I married a very good and beautiful woman.

What’s your favorite game growing up?
Basketball.

What is your idea of a relaxing day?
I sit down, drink coffee, and chat with friends by the sea.

What one thing would people be interested to know about you?
About my lovelife.

What song best describes the YOU and the life you have now?
“Drag me Down” by One Direction.

What is the first thing you do right after waking up in the morning?
I take a bath.

What’s your idea of a family?
A family is where love and respect are cultivated.

At this point of your life, what for you is your life’s mission?
To serve God through whatever capacity I may be called to do.

How do you like to be remembered as a colleague?
A good listener.