Chesly Mhelrei Balanay Donato was born in Quezon City and lives in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan. He is a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism student at the Lyceum of the Philippines University and serves as the Editor in Chief of the college publication, as well as a pontifical server. He is the eldest son of three children of Chery Lou and Neftaly, both law enforcers.

Description and symbolism:

The quills represent the Armiger’s career in journalism; three quills are used to represent expertise in the profession.

The silver thurifer symbolizes the Armiger’s ministry as an altar server for more than a decade. It further represents the sanctification and power of Jesus Christ as the source of blessings.

The blue eight pointed star is commonly associated with the Blessed Virgin Mary, and reflects the Armiger’s service in chapels and parishes that are named in her honor.

The red wreath of thorns symbolizes the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and refers to St Anna Schäffer, whose hometown of Mindelstetten, Germany, features the charge in its arms. The Armiger is a devotee of the saint and is the national secretary of her promotion in the Philippines.

The green triangle alludes to the Armiger’s hometown of San Jose del Monte, or Saint Joseph of the High Mountains: the shape represents a mountain, while the color refers to the verdant lands as well as being commonly associated with Saint Joseph.

The blue chief signifies loyalty, peace and strength, essential to the Armiger’s ministry and field work.

The motto is a phrase foundational to the Armiger’s religious mission to spread the faith with zeal.

Blazon: Shield: Argent on a pile reversed throughout Vert, between to dexter a star of eight points Azure and to sinister a wreath of thorns Gules, a thurifer Argent, on a chief Azure three quills Or.

Motto: In veritate gaudete (“In truth, I rejoice”)

Assumed/granting authority: Assumed, April 1, 2023. Registered, Philippine Armorial, July 25, 2023.

Image and information submitted by the Armiger.