The Weekend That Was
Last weekend seems to be the weekend of many thoughts, many realizations and many unfolding moments.
SATURDAY:
It started with the CFC Leaders Conference in Expo Pilipino in Clark, Pampanga. As early as 6am Household Heads from the different Chapter of West B Cluster gathered again in BK Rotonda. Despite of the Facilitators Training that our Chapter had in Sto. Domingo the night before (Friday night) and the late dinner in Binalot (we ended around 12 midnight), we we’re already geared up early for Saturday’s Big Event. More than anyone else, the members of the 250-members choral coming for our sector are more excited. We were in a separate mini-bus joining other vehicles, private cars and buses leading to Clark.
Past 8am, we reached Clark. Long queue of vehicles forming caravans from different sectors and provinces make their ways towards the parking area of Expo Pilipino.
We had then our short rehearsals, while our group…the PINK SECTOR…..found their place in the upper bleachers of the venue. PINK simply because…this is the color assigned to our Sector, a very PINKISH Bandana was distributed to every delegation of our sector.
A colorful Fiesta Parade opened the event with participants adorned with colorful costumes and steps representing the fiestas and events in their place of origin such as Pahiyas of Quezon and Moriones of Marinduque. A powerful mass was heard, accompanied of course by the 250-member (?) choral coming from the different sectors of Metro Manila.
A hearty lunch was shared among others in our sector…thanks to Tito Rolly and Tita Nene, Tito Marc and Tita Ana for their generosity, plus of course the packed lunch of other members in the community.
The afternoon session started with worship with songs coming from the old compartments of CFC’s music box… simply, we cant go along with the song, we don’t know the lyrics and its melody…(buti na lang nandun sina Tander Jude, Tander Roan at Kuya Budz who sings so powerfully….)
But these not hinder us to welcome God’s presence in our midst.
The first talk was given by Tito Roque Ponte with sharings coming from a family of three generations (The lolo, the father and the grand sons). It was so inspiring to see these three generations serving altogether for God in building His kingdom here on earth.
The message was clear to me. The life that we have here should be a life wherein we can share it with someone whom together we can serve God. And raise your forebears in this place where God truly resides…the place where you yourself have been preparing so that tomorrows generation will be a community of God-fearing society.
The 2nd talk was delivered by Tito Tony Meloto, reiterating the importance of Gods work in helping our brethren the possible way that we can. The sharing of Dylan Wilks gave the true meaning of unconditional love and how we should embrace our brethren, our country, in helping our nation to be a nation of heroes and martyrs, where we can raise our children with God in their lives and God empowering everyone.
The 3rd Talk was given by Tito Frank Padilla. (I wasn’t able to listened to the whole talk since the choir members were already called in the backstage in preparation for the final praise fest)
And the CFC Leaders Conference ended with high note. Giving, transferring and accepting the responsibilities of the new generations represented by young CFC, who will continue the work God has entrusted this community to do.
(By the way, God never ceased to bless our Sector….our sector, the West B “Pink” Sector won three special awards…1st in Longest Caravan, 3nd in Largest “1K Challenge” Delegation, 2nd in Best Delegation)
That was already 10PM when we reached our respective homes.
SUNDAY:
At 6am, I was already up, getting ready for Sunday 7am mass in Lourdes Church. No more slug of bullets, or droppings this time.
With my SS….hmm…new acronym huh! Special Someone (SS)…we heard the mass. The homily is so powerful that we can easily relate since we both serve in SAGIP. (Sunday was the Feast of Sto. Niño)
After a cup of coffee in her place, I went to SAGIP Tatalon for the service. I had the chance to see again the kids Christ was referring to in today’s gospel. Two consecutive Sundays I failed to be with them due to my other activities, and now I can surely said that they miss me. I was welcome with hugs and greetings coming from the SAGIP kids.
At around 11am, we left the selected SAGIP Kids to the NSTP UST who in turn conducted their own activities and we proceeded to Tondo to have our lunch. After being stuck in the traffic, walking a long way under the sun, we were able to reach Lolo Rey’s house. Together with us are some brothers who still have to leave early since they will be attending the C.O. in Sto. Domingo. And they left early after sumptuous lunch. By the way this I my first time to be in Tondo and celebrate their feast over lunch.
I have to dropped by first in BK Rotonda and meet some SFCs of San Jose before I’ll proceed to Sto. Domingo for I will lead the closing worship. But it didn’t happen.
Around 4pm, I received a message from my SS. She said that her pregnant sister and her family who leaves in Montalban Rizal is being harrased by their neighbor, a police/jail guard who is apparently drunk, shouting and inviting fistfight. This is the same jailguard whom my SS have seen firing his gun during last 2004 Christmas and New Year.
Without any 2nd thought, I decided to accompany her to Montalban. I don’t have any idea what will transpire when we arrived in Montalban. I don’t have any idea either what ever trouble is stored for us there. When my SS arrived in BK, she’s holding her rosary in her hands and I know she is very much concern being the eldest in the family of 5 siblings.
When we took the FX going to Philcoa, we seated at the back seat. It was sunny then and the afternoon glare of the sun is really sweltering. As she continues to pray her rosary, I noticed the shadow cast from the back glass door of the FX projecting in the back of the seat of the FX’s middle passenger seat. It says “NO FEAR” …. Then when I look at the door of the FX…..there’s this sticker you can’t easily read not until you read it outside the door. “NO FEAR”…. Then I was reminded of Genesis and Exodus verses, of God’s assurance of protection. As God said to Moses and Abraham, have no fear, be not afraid, just be still, I will be your shield.
When we reach Montalban, the place is near Avilon Zoo, we then try to iron out things but we believed who’s being harassed and my SS decided to file a separate complaint at the Barangay in behalf of her pregnant sister who suffered emotional disturbance and fear because of the incident. It turned out that the person who causes this trouble got many records of complaint filed against him by other individuals and family in the subdivision. I managed to write an affidavit of complaint instead since my SS can’t think clearly due to the events.
Before we left Montalban, I was asked to pray over for her sister and her sister’s family for protection and for the immediate resolution of this oppression.
We left Montalban almost 7PM already. When we took the jeep going to Philcoa, we took noticed of the Couples For Christ sticker place in the headboard of the jeep.
We arrived in her place safe and before we parted, before I left, we recite another prayer together...
We started the day together hearing God’s words and ended it together bearing God’s love and concern to others, to her family…in our prayer I just thank God and praise Him for all the protection that He has given us all throughout our travels, our dealing with the barangay official and with our oppressor, and for giving us wisdom, clear mind and understanding.
And I personally lift up to Him for whatever “friendship” that we had, for this experience together, for the moments that we’ve shared together and pray also for what desire God is leading us…
Until I reached home, my SS is so thankful for the day that we had, for being there.
Only few can write fondness to anyone, few can profess this online….but I’m just happy to be of God’s bearer of love for those who needs it….
The weekend ended with so many things to remember, the Clark experience with the whole community and that Sunday ordeal.
God loves us so much, despite of our sinfulness, our unworthiness, and our imperfections, our failures to heed His call and follow Hhis command, He continues to give us His blessings and protections…in simplest way, in odd things, he continue to make His presence.
The “NO FEAR” shadow of the sticker ……. The CFC sign….. God is always in our midst…
SATURDAY:
It started with the CFC Leaders Conference in Expo Pilipino in Clark, Pampanga. As early as 6am Household Heads from the different Chapter of West B Cluster gathered again in BK Rotonda. Despite of the Facilitators Training that our Chapter had in Sto. Domingo the night before (Friday night) and the late dinner in Binalot (we ended around 12 midnight), we we’re already geared up early for Saturday’s Big Event. More than anyone else, the members of the 250-members choral coming for our sector are more excited. We were in a separate mini-bus joining other vehicles, private cars and buses leading to Clark.
Past 8am, we reached Clark. Long queue of vehicles forming caravans from different sectors and provinces make their ways towards the parking area of Expo Pilipino.
We had then our short rehearsals, while our group…the PINK SECTOR…..found their place in the upper bleachers of the venue. PINK simply because…this is the color assigned to our Sector, a very PINKISH Bandana was distributed to every delegation of our sector.
A colorful Fiesta Parade opened the event with participants adorned with colorful costumes and steps representing the fiestas and events in their place of origin such as Pahiyas of Quezon and Moriones of Marinduque. A powerful mass was heard, accompanied of course by the 250-member (?) choral coming from the different sectors of Metro Manila.
A hearty lunch was shared among others in our sector…thanks to Tito Rolly and Tita Nene, Tito Marc and Tita Ana for their generosity, plus of course the packed lunch of other members in the community.
The afternoon session started with worship with songs coming from the old compartments of CFC’s music box… simply, we cant go along with the song, we don’t know the lyrics and its melody…(buti na lang nandun sina Tander Jude, Tander Roan at Kuya Budz who sings so powerfully….)
But these not hinder us to welcome God’s presence in our midst.
The first talk was given by Tito Roque Ponte with sharings coming from a family of three generations (The lolo, the father and the grand sons). It was so inspiring to see these three generations serving altogether for God in building His kingdom here on earth.
The message was clear to me. The life that we have here should be a life wherein we can share it with someone whom together we can serve God. And raise your forebears in this place where God truly resides…the place where you yourself have been preparing so that tomorrows generation will be a community of God-fearing society.
The 2nd talk was delivered by Tito Tony Meloto, reiterating the importance of Gods work in helping our brethren the possible way that we can. The sharing of Dylan Wilks gave the true meaning of unconditional love and how we should embrace our brethren, our country, in helping our nation to be a nation of heroes and martyrs, where we can raise our children with God in their lives and God empowering everyone.
The 3rd Talk was given by Tito Frank Padilla. (I wasn’t able to listened to the whole talk since the choir members were already called in the backstage in preparation for the final praise fest)
And the CFC Leaders Conference ended with high note. Giving, transferring and accepting the responsibilities of the new generations represented by young CFC, who will continue the work God has entrusted this community to do.
(By the way, God never ceased to bless our Sector….our sector, the West B “Pink” Sector won three special awards…1st in Longest Caravan, 3nd in Largest “1K Challenge” Delegation, 2nd in Best Delegation)
That was already 10PM when we reached our respective homes.
SUNDAY:
At 6am, I was already up, getting ready for Sunday 7am mass in Lourdes Church. No more slug of bullets, or droppings this time.
With my SS….hmm…new acronym huh! Special Someone (SS)…we heard the mass. The homily is so powerful that we can easily relate since we both serve in SAGIP. (Sunday was the Feast of Sto. Niño)
After a cup of coffee in her place, I went to SAGIP Tatalon for the service. I had the chance to see again the kids Christ was referring to in today’s gospel. Two consecutive Sundays I failed to be with them due to my other activities, and now I can surely said that they miss me. I was welcome with hugs and greetings coming from the SAGIP kids.
At around 11am, we left the selected SAGIP Kids to the NSTP UST who in turn conducted their own activities and we proceeded to Tondo to have our lunch. After being stuck in the traffic, walking a long way under the sun, we were able to reach Lolo Rey’s house. Together with us are some brothers who still have to leave early since they will be attending the C.O. in Sto. Domingo. And they left early after sumptuous lunch. By the way this I my first time to be in Tondo and celebrate their feast over lunch.
I have to dropped by first in BK Rotonda and meet some SFCs of San Jose before I’ll proceed to Sto. Domingo for I will lead the closing worship. But it didn’t happen.
Around 4pm, I received a message from my SS. She said that her pregnant sister and her family who leaves in Montalban Rizal is being harrased by their neighbor, a police/jail guard who is apparently drunk, shouting and inviting fistfight. This is the same jailguard whom my SS have seen firing his gun during last 2004 Christmas and New Year.
Without any 2nd thought, I decided to accompany her to Montalban. I don’t have any idea what will transpire when we arrived in Montalban. I don’t have any idea either what ever trouble is stored for us there. When my SS arrived in BK, she’s holding her rosary in her hands and I know she is very much concern being the eldest in the family of 5 siblings.
When we took the FX going to Philcoa, we seated at the back seat. It was sunny then and the afternoon glare of the sun is really sweltering. As she continues to pray her rosary, I noticed the shadow cast from the back glass door of the FX projecting in the back of the seat of the FX’s middle passenger seat. It says “NO FEAR” …. Then when I look at the door of the FX…..there’s this sticker you can’t easily read not until you read it outside the door. “NO FEAR”…. Then I was reminded of Genesis and Exodus verses, of God’s assurance of protection. As God said to Moses and Abraham, have no fear, be not afraid, just be still, I will be your shield.
When we reach Montalban, the place is near Avilon Zoo, we then try to iron out things but we believed who’s being harassed and my SS decided to file a separate complaint at the Barangay in behalf of her pregnant sister who suffered emotional disturbance and fear because of the incident. It turned out that the person who causes this trouble got many records of complaint filed against him by other individuals and family in the subdivision. I managed to write an affidavit of complaint instead since my SS can’t think clearly due to the events.
Before we left Montalban, I was asked to pray over for her sister and her sister’s family for protection and for the immediate resolution of this oppression.
We left Montalban almost 7PM already. When we took the jeep going to Philcoa, we took noticed of the Couples For Christ sticker place in the headboard of the jeep.
We arrived in her place safe and before we parted, before I left, we recite another prayer together...
We started the day together hearing God’s words and ended it together bearing God’s love and concern to others, to her family…in our prayer I just thank God and praise Him for all the protection that He has given us all throughout our travels, our dealing with the barangay official and with our oppressor, and for giving us wisdom, clear mind and understanding.
And I personally lift up to Him for whatever “friendship” that we had, for this experience together, for the moments that we’ve shared together and pray also for what desire God is leading us…
Until I reached home, my SS is so thankful for the day that we had, for being there.
Only few can write fondness to anyone, few can profess this online….but I’m just happy to be of God’s bearer of love for those who needs it….
The weekend ended with so many things to remember, the Clark experience with the whole community and that Sunday ordeal.
God loves us so much, despite of our sinfulness, our unworthiness, and our imperfections, our failures to heed His call and follow Hhis command, He continues to give us His blessings and protections…in simplest way, in odd things, he continue to make His presence.
The “NO FEAR” shadow of the sticker ……. The CFC sign….. God is always in our midst…
posted by The Chronicler at 8:20 PM
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