A Journey to Christ: MMC 2007 Pilgrimage

This is my first time to attend a pilgrimage. Although not as grandeur as any Marian Pilgrimages held in Lourdes, France or Italy, this one is quite memorable since its the first time for SFC Conference to have one, an excellent prelude and a good preparation for my last Metro Manila Conference as SFC.

The “Pilgrims”, attended by the MMC participants, gathered just in time in front of Bataan People’s Center near the City Capitol of Balanga. A short prayer was led to level up the start of a whole day pilgrimage.

(SFC West B was instantly tapped to lead the recitation of Holy Rosary all through-out the pilgrimage)

First Stop: St. Joseph Cathedral of Balanga City

Balanga, the capital of Bataan, was formerly a visita of Abucay before it was established as a mission of the Dominican Order in the Provincial Chapter of April 21, 1714 and later declared a vicariate on April 18, 1739, under the patronage of Saint Joseph. Upon the establishment of Bataan as a separate province in 1754, Balanga was made its capital by General Pedro Manuel Arandia due to its favorable location, at the heart of the new territorial jurisdiction. The word Balanga originates from the Tagalog word bañga (clay pot), which the town used to produce and which was among the best that can be found in the country.

The spiritual ministration of Balanga formerly belonged to Abucay. Balanga became an independent missionary center in 1739. Rev. Benito Rivas, O.P., strengthened this church by fortifying its wall. Rev. Juan Antonio Vicente, O.P, roofed it with galvanized iron and decorated the interior. Rev. Mariano Ma. Minano, O.P., from 1838-1845 constructed the arch of the choir loft and made the baptismal font out of granite from Mariveles. The parochial ministration under the Filipino clergy started with Rev. Mariano Sarili, June 21, 1898. The church was used as the site for Japanese artillery bombardment of Mt. Samat where Filipino and American forces gave their last stand during the last world war.

After the Holy Mass, officiated by the Assistant Parish Priest, the first decade of Sorrowful Mystery of the Holy Rosary was led by our own brother, Kuya Budz. A short talk delivered by the CFC Family Ministry Head of Balanga City followed giving important points of following Jesus, despite of many adversities. He pointed out that, even we choose to followed Jesus in his holiness, we are not yet secured of our life, but what assures us is of Gods love for us. No one is exempted from sufferings, trials and miseries. He even cited Bishop Soc Villegas who had just endured a vehicular accident after avoiding a carabao and in the process hit a tricycle resulting to a casualty.

We had our lunch after the first stop. Others settled in the nearby fast food chains, while we walk through the inner streets of the city towards where our bus was parked, in Barangay Dona Francisca, just beside a park. It was an instant bonding session and picnic on the park as we laid down our “banig” and shared our packed lunch of sauté tuna, fried fish and pork chop with matching tuyomansi sauce.

Second Stop: St. Dominic De Guzman Church

At 12:40pm, we are on the go to the next stop, St. Dominic De Guzman Church of Abucay, Bataan.

Located in the northern part of Bataan and Pampanga, Abucay is 119 kilometers from Manila or within a 50-km. radius from Manila Bay. It has a total land area of 7,970.00 hectares, 44% of which is ideal for habitation and lowland rice cultivation and fish farming.

The name Abucay was coined from "abu-kinaykay" which means digging the debris of fire. According to legend, a Spaniard came to this town and was asking for its name. It so happened that his arrival coincided with the just extinguished big fire that burned and destroyed quite a number of houses in the place and so the people were busy digging the remains from the ashes. Digging or shoveling, "kinaykay" in local dialect. So when this Spaniard asked for the name of the place, the residents quickly replied, "abu-kinaykay", thinking that this Spaniard was asking what they were doing. From then on this town was called that way and later on to Abucay.

(414-year-old church constructed in 1587 in the rich Spanish style of the day, and a living witness to the massacre of more than 200 native defenders from the hands of Dutch invaders on June 16, 1647.)

The spiritual ministration of Abucay was entrusted to the Dominicans in 1588. Forty others, together with Spanish Alcalde mayor and two Dominican priests were taken prisoners to Batavia during the Dutch invasion. This town witnessed the courage and heroism of our countrymen who resisted against the Spaniards, the Dutch, the Americans, and the Japanese colonizers. Movable wooden press blocks was taken within the church of Abucay to be the first printing press in the country and is refuted to be older than any other single press in the United States. Tomas Pinpin, a native of Abucay ,who grew up under the tutelage of the Dominican priests in the convent, learned the rudiments of printing from Fray Francisco Blanca de San Jose and Juan de Vera, a Chinese printer at the University of Santo Tomas, where as early as 1610, they printed several books in Spanish and Tagalog. Pinpin is undoubtedly the first Filipino printer. The present church was badly damaged by the earthquake of 16 September 1852.

The second and third decades of the Holy Rosary were recited led by our own Sis. Jo and a sister from West B-1A, respectively. A short talk was delivered that centers on Gods Covenant to his people. The First Covenant of Noah given after the great flood; that he will no longer perished his people though water. The Covenant of Abraham; because of Abrahams’ offering where he is willing to sacrifice his son, God made a covenant that He will make all the descendants of Abraham leaders of great nation; the Covenant of Moses; after saving the Israelites from slavery; God gave Moses the 10 Commandments; and the Covenant of Christ; because God loves his people so much; he send out His own Son, through His own blood, that we will be save and redeemed.

Challenge was poised to all the pilgrims. If God is faithful to his promises and faithful to his covenant to us as his sons and daughters, are we faithful to our covenant to God?

Third Stop: Our Lady of Pillar Church

Pilar is found in the southeast portion of the province of Bataan. It is bounded by Orion in the South, Balanga in the North, Bagac in the west and Manila Bay in the East. It has a total land area of 3,760.00 hectares. Its terrain is gently sloping to undulating, reaching a hilly peak. The highest elevation is 553 meters at Mt. Samat in Barangay Diwa. As of 1995, the town has a population of 28,207 residing in nineteen (19) barangays. Pilar produces an ample supply of rice, corn, vegetables, rootcrops and legumes. Chicken, hogs and ducks as well as freshwater fishes are abundant in the area. Bamboo, cogon and different vines can be sourced from hilly portions of Pilar while gravel and sand is abundant in Barangay Nagwaling, Alauli, Pantingan, Diwa and Liyang.

Legend of Pilar said that long ago this town was merely a barrio within the jurisdiction of the town of Balanga. There were very few inhabitants. One day a Spanish galleon was tossed to its shores by a violent storm. The galleon's destination was some town where it was to convey the image of a virgin. The Spaniards were greeted by the inhabitants were they landed. The visitors asked for the name of the place and they replied that it has no name. The Spaniards suggested that the place be named in honor of the image they had with them which was that of the "Lady of the Pillar". The people consented and since that time, the town had been called "Pilar".

The “patio” of the church was beautifully landscaped and well maintained with prayer garden. It includes life-size statue of Christ’ crucifixion and Jesus by the well with a Samaritan women. A fountain and a grotto with gushing water just beside a tall century old tree are among its prominent centerpieces.

The fourth decade of the Sorrowful Mystery was recited. The short talked delivered by a SFC FTW from Davao concentrated on two ways in living up of our covenant. By grow in love with God and grow in love with one another. Growing in love with God means listening to God and finding Him in every person that we meet; our family, our colleagues, our friends, even our enemies. Grow in love with one another means serving our brothers and sisters especially the poor.

Last Stop: Shrine of Valor

Dambana ng Kagitingan or Shrine of Valor in Mt. Samat also in Pilar, Bataan is our last stop. As we pass through the straight highway towards Mt. Samat, we could see the towering Cross on top of the mountain. We are around 20 vehicles lead by a police patrol car with motorcycled REACT volunteers facilitating the flow of the convoy.

As we trekked the winding road leading the summit of Mt. Samat, we could see almost the entire province of Bataan, its peninsula and nearby islets. The altitude of 564 meters is just enough for a bearable pressure on our ears.

(We have to pay some fees to experience this last stop: P50/ car parking fee at the Shrine of Valor, P20/ person entrance fee at the Shrine of Valor and P10/ person at the Mt. Samat Cross)

Mount Samat was the site of the most vicious battle against the Japanese Imperial Army in 1942.

Suffering heavy losses against the Japanese all over Luzon, Filipino and American soldiers retreated to Bataan Peninsula to regroup for a last valiant but futile stand. This retreat to Bataan is part of a United States strategy known as War Plan Orange.

After fierce battle lasting 3 days, 78,000 exhausted, sick and starving men under Major General Edward P. King surrendered to the Japanese on April 9, 1942. It was, and still is, the single largest surrender of U.S. Forces ever.

After the recitation of the last decade of Sorrowful Mystery in an altar, a culmination talk and short worship capped the pilgrimage. With the subtle breeze of air, with some scent of pine tree, we are literally closer to God praising and singing songs of worship.

A long-range binocular can be rented to view the Bataan peninsula. If the sky is clear, you can see the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant in Morong, Bataan.

The altar hall is just a high ceiling structure with marbled walls engraved with the detailed history of Fall of Bataan. Just beside the altar hall is the entrance going down the war museum that has a wide array of displays from paintings of the Philippine heroes to armaments used by the American and Japanese forces during the heat of the battle.

Esplanade steps going to the summit where the Cross is located will take around 10 more minutes of brisk walking with pine trees alongside the trail. Built in 1966, this huge white cross stands as a mute but eloquent reminder of the men who died there. The foot of the cross has different murals depicting the history of great Malayan. The structure is 360 feet tall. The horizontal arms of the cross are 300 feet up and are at an altitude of 635 meters above sea level. There is an elevator that can take you to these "arms". The arms are actually viewing galleries from where you can see practically the whole east side of Bataan, Manila Bay and some portions of the west of Bataan.

It’s been almost a month now after that Pilgrimage, but still the moments and experiences that we have together with our brothers and sisters are still vivid in my memories. The fun and special bonding are just bonuses. The pilgrimage is not just like a walk down with the memory line of Bataan’s rich historical past. It is not just like a “visita iglesia” in the month of July. But it’s an opportunity to hear God’s messages through this journey. This is just a reminder of everyone’s personally journey of knowing more of God and living out with the covenant that He has given us, a covenant of faith and a covenant of His promises.

Silvery Week

I had the very silvery days this week. I was able to get two “not-so-common” silvery things. They are not so priceless things but something of importance to me.

No. 1:
The first silvery thing is the new found “someone”…actually not really someone, but “some-two” because they are two.

They were introduced to me last Wednesday, just before my lower household meeting. They were nice to me at first, but then I could sense that they would hurt me. I can sleep with them…but I have the option to sleep with them if I wanted to. But when I choose to sleep with them, I would be kissing them both all through out the night. And before they dictate the tempo of our new-found relationship, I said to myself that it would be my decision that would prevail, if they’re with me, I’ll “bite” them. If I don’t like to go out with them, I’ll just leave them home soaking salty wet.

Since I already set myself liberated last Saturday, I would make sure that I will never be imprisoned by someone that would make my life miserable, that will make my eating habit fully constrained…These first silvery thing that newly came into my life are my silver retainers…the duo….up and down..

Amidst the “ishes” sounds that I produced every time I speak some words, I feel like a coñotic guy speaking in a coñotic way. (Yeah, you know what I mean) and it’s a little bit awkward to lead a prayer with those uncontrolled sounds. But I know I’ll get used to that. What is six months of religiously wearing those retainers compared to the three years plus plus of biting brackets of my former braces?

No. 2:
Then just last night, just after my work. I attended the Slimmers World Celebrity Workout Aero Hip Hop Challenge in Trafalgar Plaza with Joshua Zamora, a former Maneuvers member, as the hip hop facilitator/instructor.


This event is part of centers' month long wellness program in all their branches. Aside from Joshua, Carlos Morales, they will tour the entire 11 Slimmers Center until February to conduct the same Celebrity Workout.

We’re around 20 participants who registered for that event. Bearing No. 5 as my number, we followed Joshua’s warm-out exercises, and then he taught us two sets of program of 4 eights each set. The hip hop moves made those other gym goers to stop for a while from their own program and work-outs and watched us in our routines in the aero floor.

After the two sets of quick memorization, we we’re asked to performed by group, and do what was taught to us, while representatives of the Center made their rounds scoring and selecting those who excel and exudes energy while performing the sets.

It took us only an hour to complete the activity. It was fun and really a pleasure dancing side by side with Joshua. What made us more excited is the announcement of winners for this aero hip hop challenge. The Bronze medalist was announced….then the Silver medalist bearing No. 5…wow! The Gold medal went to a girl.

Aside from the medal and Joshua Zamora’s photo opportunity with me (hehehe…baliktad yata), we were given some giveaways such as Strepsil products, Anlene (I don’t have osteoporosis!), energy drinks, cereal products, magazines, Lactacyd (how am I going to use this….hehehe), oxygen in can (yes, there is!), FM-radio-ala-MP3-type-player, among others. In the locker room, Joshua complimented me for the great routines, he even wave goodbye…..I regretted to give him my used t-shirt as his souvenir….just kidding.

I went home, wide eyed, grinning up to my ears. I can’t imagine having my silver medal for this Aero Hip Hop Challenge.

I don’t aimed to get the Gold medal….I believed it just God’s will for me to take home a Silver one... or else, I could not have a better title than SILVERY WEEK….

Free at Last

I was moved by her grace and delight many years I ago. When I came to know her, I said to myself, I want to know her more and be with her. At first, I was hesitant that I can afford her. Then I took the courage to woo her. I invest some amount for her. Literally, I try to buy her by my money (oww…that was before). I can still recall, she caused me around 50 grands, until I finally got her and became mine.

Our first month together is not an easy relationship. She hurt me many times, but still I continue to be with her. I was still persistent to continue our relationship, so I pampered her so much. We shopped together, I bought her clothes, we go to spa together, until we both feel refreshed. And she stays with. She was with me during my travels, my trips. She joined me in my dives, and she was able to join me during my climbs. She remained with me during my ups and downs. She even managed to control and dictate the food that I eat since we always dined together, we watched movie together and yes…she slept with me, not once, but many times. She constrained me to do things that I can do before she came into my life.

Until I became member of this community, but still she remains with me. There were times that I want to get rid of her, but she was already entangled in my life. And I can’t deny it that she somehow brought some status in my life. They said, it was “pogi points” to be with her, so I flaunt it and she became part of my comfort zone.

But I guess, there must be some reason why I have to come to my senses, that I can’t fully have her in my life neither be with her lifetime...

My friends in the community would tell me every time they would noticed her that I should get rid of her already. Because, every time they see me, every time I smile at them, they can’t fathom to think that it was her they see not me who smiles at them. They would push me to really move on without her.

I already accepted that…that in due time, I will find the right perfect moment for me to get out of that relationship.

God sent me so many instruments so that I could totally forget her. Until I noticed that we no longer shopped together, or I no longer buy her new clothes. There were no more pains coming from her. But every time I go out and dine with other friends she still manages to hurt me sometimes.

Until one day, just like the courage that I took when I have her, I draw strength from my friends, from their support and encouragement to finally say “No”…”Lets end this”…”I want you out of my life” ….. “I don’t want you controlling my life anymore, especially the food that I want to eat”..

I try to look for someone who could help me to get me out of that relationship. More than three years of being with her…I can finally said, I really have to move on. I don’t want her anymore.

That was last Saturday afternoon when I took the bow of turning my back against her.
A brother in this community introduced me to someone whom I know could help me to finally move on with my life without her. There were no pain when I broke the chain that bind us for more than 3 years…..and I know that this new special someone would make my life more easy….there could be pain, but it would not be as painful compared to what I had before….

I am liberated now. And I am happy with new special someone…..If you could see me now, you would see the glow in my eyes, and bright of my smile.

I already had my braces removed and I would then move on with my new retainer soon!

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…

2006…. Lucky Year (A bullet, a cab, birds’ dung and the rain)

2005 has ended barely two days ago and 2006 has just started and on its way in our lives.

Will this be lucky year for me….for us?

I’m about to start the year with a 7AM mass in Lourdes Church in Retiro. As I am about to open our front gate, I heard a sound of something that dropped and within a feet I saw an object looks like a stud, when I picked it up, I was just shocked a bit…it was a slug of silver bullet. I took it in my pocket and went ahead to church.

Upon reaching the UDMC area, the intersection of E. Rodriquez Avenue and Quezon Avenue, It looks like a very abnormal day with very little number of vehicles plying down the street. When I’m about to cross the Quezon Avenue, this “God-Blessed” taxi cab appeared very fast in my left coming from E. Rod turning right to Q. Ave. Apparently, the driver might think that since there were no vehicles coming from España, they can liberally drove fast to their right without considering the pedestrian crossing that area. I was a feet way from the bumper of the cab. I can only murmured unknown words when I let him passed first.

Then I boarded the PUJ waiting beside the BK Rotonda that took me around 20 minutes before the jeep was loaded fully. That made me more late for the 7AM mass in Lourdes Church.

While waiting for someone in the church patio and thinking what to do with the bullet in my pocket I saw a police patrol car parked outside. I was having the second thought of reporting that incident to the authority. Then suddenly, I felt something that hit the top of my head. When I touched it….it was wet…I’m HIT.....by a bird’s droppings.

I heard the 8AM mass instead with someone special. I was quite elated to hear the first mass of the year with someone who knows how to appreciate and knows how to reaffirm what you’re doing. What made this more special is to hear the mass with two members of her family…whoa….looks like I’m already a member of their family…hehehe.

I had a breakfast with them. Over brewed coffee, toasted bread and pesto spread, we shared stories, and we had our good laugh.

It was already 11AM when I decided to go home, and when I reached the UDMC area, I dropped by in the detachment nearby, and just turned in the slug that almost hit me, though they did not wrote down any report and even asked me with stupidly what I would like to happen and just said that I just turned in that thing for they might be doing some statistics or report of any gun-firing incident. (I guess they should have that kind of monitoring!)

The silver slug that almost hit me came from a 9MM firearm.

I thought everything was over. I just walked on my way home until it began to rain that made me soaked a bit wet…with no rain protection, only the small towel that I used before to wiped off the dung in my head.

After those incidents, it made me realized many things:

* Its saves to be late. Although I had alarmed my cell phone at 6AM so that I won’t be late for the 7AM mass, it was already 6:30AM when I finally got up from my bed. Only if I got on time, and fix myself on time, probably the bullet hit my head on time too. It pays to be late and it even saves your life.

* Ironically true, it doesn’t necessary means that if there were only few vehicles on the road, you will never have a hit-and-run accident. Be more watchful and wary on things that seem to be abnormal. It just like this, if you’re ***hole officemate is very kind to you, which is very abnormal, then something might be fishy or something might be cooking for you.

* Birds’ dropping is not really a hassle. Imagine, only few got it. And you will say thank you to have this than to have a girlfriend or boyfriend who does another affair behind your back. And you will be more grateful to have more droppings than to have a bullet in you head instead!

* It’s more rewarding and laudable to have a date together with a chaperon especially if it’s a family member. It creates bonding. (Although it’s somewhat acceptable to kiss a girl in her cheek as we do it with our sisters in our community, it’s slightly awkward to kiss her with her two brothers in her side so I opted not to.)

* Being a law abiding citizen and reporting any incident to any authority is not really a nitty gritty task. When I reported the slug that almost hit me, you have the options of what to do with it. I wonder they should have an SOP on incidents being reported. But at least, that police officer knows how to reaffirm…”sir you are lucky”…. (No! I’m not Ate V’s son) …

* Walking in the rain is something that we shouldn’t miss doing. It will bring back the memories of your childhood days when you are top-naked playing “patentero” with you “uhugin” playmates. And walking in the rain will make you think fast on what to cover your head, a newspaper on hand, your jacket if you have, your hankies or a used towel with bird’s dung!

Alas, the year 2006 had begun….it begun with new stories for me to ponder and to share. And memories to be cherished lovingly are on the pipe, I hope.

At this first week of the year, I do pray for everyone’s good health, prosperous life, abundant blessings, God’s mantle of protection, flourishing relationships and love all over….and another….World Peace!

Indeed, the start of the year is lucky for me….the 9mm slug spare me.....or else you wouldn’t be reading this one…

Another Saddest Day

It’s just an ordinary Tuesday afternoon...but nonetheless, it's another saddest day of our lives in our family...

The last time we shed tears together when our mother died almost ten years ago...Today, we shed tears again..together..

Last night, I slept beside my younger brother...because I will never be able to sleep beside him for next two years...

Today, at around 3pm, he flew to Riyadh to work as graphic artist in Dr. Cafe. ( http://www.dr-cafe.com/) He was directly hired when the employer went here last November.

Its kinda ironic, he got his visa and ticket only just friday....few days before Christmas...but since the work is urgent thats why among his batchmates, he's the only one who has left ...and the rest will be early next year...

The saddest part of it….he will spend the Christmas Day in the country where Christianity is not openly proclaimed.....and he will not be in our midst...in our Noche Buena table...the very first Christmas that we will be incomplete...

At around 11:00, we left home enroute to NAIA Terminal 2. In between traffic lights, there were last "pabilin"....we arrived at the airport before 1pm.

There were so many well wishers....were one of them, we waited our kuya parked his car before my younger brother finally bid farewell..and have our photo-ops together

He hugged my tita, and then my pregnant sister and finally saw them shedding tears...I can't control mine...as he hugged me tight, I gave my letter to him...for him to read when his already flying...then my kuya's turn...

It pains to see our youngest brother leaving to work abroad...away from his very own family...in the middle of new world and culture...

The senti moment is just short, but deep inside, in our heart, it continues...

When he pushed his cart inside, he wave goodbye again.....we waited for him to text us if his luggage is within the allowable limit....32 kilos...exceeded by 2 but was already allowed to checked in...

12:47pm he text me; "ingat ka, kau na bhala kay tita at ate."

01:07:11 "lampas sa kin 32, pero ok na rin daw un d2 na ako immigration last stage na."

After we realized that he was already settled in, we drove home. He called when we arrived home...while waiting for the plane still being taxied.

3:04:33pm "D2 na ako aiplane nakasakay,bye kuya,ate,tita,yra (his gf) love u all"

While in the airport...I finally have the guts to text him "love you"...something that I know he already knew but only needs reaffirmation...

At around 8-9pm later....he will be in Riyadh....expecting for his first overseas call...

And I'm looking forward to see him again when he arrived sometime between his two years of contract in KSA.

I’m looking forward to hugged him again and say "i love you" personally.

A Bloody Experience

I was handed with an invitation yesterday for a Baptismal Reception. “Kuya Alvin” it says….join us in welcoming our precious Raven Julian L. Calago to the Christian world, Oct. 22, 2005 10AM Max’s Restaurant Greenbelt.”

When my officemate gave me that invitation, I can’t recall who the baby is (ang anak ni Janice?)……I don’t bother to ask, I simply say thank you since at the back of my mind I won’t be able to attend that affair because I thought it will be on Sunday and I have an affair with SAGIP so I won’t be able to go there with “Max”.

But when my officemate gave a separate invitation to my other officemate, I then realized who the baby is.

Sometime last August 22, 2005, right after lunch, me and 4 officemates went to Intramuros, in Seaman’s Hospital. A former officemate of my officemates (gets niyo? Ibig sabihin, kaopisina dati ng mga present officemates ko) was confined, she’s on her way to deliver a pre-matured baby. Unfortunately, her blood type is AB, a rare blood type. Two of my officemates both have same blood type so they decided to go and donate blood. Upon arrival in the hospital, we were directed to go to the Red Cross Blood Blank just nearby. With so much confidence, two of my officemates thought they can donate blood, but it did not happened. Upon blood testing done to my first officemate, it turn out that she can’t donate blood because of abnormal platelet counts. But the turn of events came so frustrating when my other officemate can’t donate blood either, because of the simple reason and fact…”she’s a woman”…and she had her first drop of blood part of her monthly visit, just after our lunch…

Fortunately, there was a 140ml available AB type in the blood bank. But it can’t be bought, it should be replaced with same amount but not necessary of the same type. Only three of us we’re left. My other officemate who drives our service for sure can’t donate. The next one who is so petite cannot either. And I was left with no choice but to give out my blood to “whoever-who-will-use-it”. I hate the piercing of needle in my finger when they test if my blood is ok. When it was confirmed that I am capable to donate, I was dash in the inner room of Red Cross. I lied down and a soft ball was given to me, while a much larger needle pierced my arm, my focus is in the TV set. As blood draws from my arm, I grasp the soft ball and squeeze it on and off. I don’t look at the plastic container which holds my blood as it lay in a “rocking-machine”.

After some more minutes, it was finished. A fresh 450ml blood type O is gone from my circulation, from my body. It is now ready to be given to those who will use it. Meantime, the blood we got from the blood bank was given to our patient.

WE left the Blood Bank. I don't feel any difference when I still have the 450ml blood inside my body. I guess I weigh much lighter. It was my first time to donate blood. I was scared at first, but something higher pushes me and gave me to courage and release the fear within me for me to do this “bloody-act”….literally “padugo”.

I don’t know what happened to my officemates' former officemate after that incident. I can’t recall her name either.

That was already two months ago. Not until yesterday I realized that the invitation came from her, from Rhodelyn, my officemate’s former officemate. And her baby is Raven Julia.

I was teased by my officemate, I am the biological “father” since I made the mother and daughter live because of the blood that I donated…..actually, my blood didn’t go to her since my blood was just a replacement of the blood that came from the Blood Bank….now I wonder who’s the recipient of my blood…

COCOVILLE: A Response in Nation Building ....for our small coconut farmers and farm workers

Another Mission
At the very first hour of September 23, 2005, armed with my handy cam, some notes, pen and abled body, I took the first trip aboard a non-air-conditioned bus going to Quezon Province. I took no noticed of my way to Quezon since I was asleep all throughout the travel. It was already 6AM when I arrived in Gumaca, Quezon. And met there officers and colleagues from UCPB-CIIF Foundation who arrived Gumaca the day before (our President, Edgardo Amistad, our Community Development Department Head, Neury Chan).

It took us another three full hours of travel from Gumaca to Mulanay and finally reached our destination at around 9AM where we met the local GK Team of Mulanay, the GK Team from Lucena and Manila (Ortigas) and the town’s Mayor.

We were welcomed warmly by Mayor Prudencio “Den” Maximo in his modest and properly maintained ancestral home.

A Glimpse of Mulanay
Mulanay is a coastal town in the southern side of the province of Quezon. It is bounded in the north by the municipality of Catanauan, on the east by the municipality of San Narciso, on the south by the municipality of San Francisco and on the west by Tayabas Bay.

Legend relates that Mulanay derived its name from the tagalog word Malunay which means "Plenty of Lunay". "Lunay" is the vernacular term for Pili wax which were abundant in the area.

The evangelization of Mulanay under the Franciscan Missionaries was in the 1600. However, its civil foundation as a municipality effected only in 1745 thru the approval of the King of Spain as contained in his royal decree. This town at that time, encompasses the municipal territories of San Narciso, San Francisco, Catanauan and which if measured will be as big as the province of Bataan. The original town of Mulanay was composed of only six barangays.

At present, Mulanay is composed of a total twenty eight barangays, four of which comprised the Poblacion. The municipality is an agricultural as well as an industrial town. From her rich soil, farm crops, like coconut, garlic, abundantly harvested. Fish, fresh and dried are sold by tons to big towns and cities during peak season.

In 1996, a film was shot entirely in this town. Entitled as “Mulanay”, starred by Jaclyn Jose, this movie is about the Doctor to the Barrio Program of the early 90’s.

And because of this movie, the town became known somehow and was properly affirmed of its own place in the map of the Philippines

(Trivia: Did you know that the house of Mayor Den was converted and used as municipal building during the filming of this movie?)

A piece of paradise
The warm hospitality of the town’s mayor was prominently felt. After the breakfast con-mid-morning snacks, we then toured the future site of GK Cocoville.

Together with the local GK Team, the town Mayor and the GK Team from Manila, we went to Barangay Butanyog. It’s a five-minute drive from the town proper going up south. Just beside the SOLCOM Grade School and the Oil Mill is an unpaved road leading up-hill. A short walk barely 50 to 100 meters from the road and the elementary school, there lies a leveled ground, overlooking Tayabas Bay and another much larger open field in much lower altitude. This sums up the 2.5 hectares of land that will soon bear clusters of brightly painted houses.

The inclined wall of earth in the upper leveled ground can be seen from the sea. The GK signage and name will be placed here so from afar; those in the sea vessels passing the Tayabas Bay can see it. It functions like a lighthouse but this time a large wall bearing the name of the village, heralding a village which is a community that lives in bliss of harmony and unity.

The first cluster of 40 houses will be constructed in the lower ground level which has its own path going to the beach front, barely 200 meters away.

They say that this site is majestic in its location. And believe to be the best so far in any other GK sites because of its super-imposing nature bounded by within, the mountain and the over-looking sea. Not to mention the aroma of coconut product (latik scent) from the neighboring Southern Luzon Coconut Oil Mill.

Situationer: Our Beneficiaries
One third of the country's arable agricultural land or about 3.31 million hectares is planted to coconut sprawling in sixty four (64) out of total seventy eight (78) provinces, and 1,195 out of the 1,554 municipalities in the country. Of these coconut areas, the Philippine Coconut Authority said there are 1.6 million coconut farming families with landholdings of five hectares and below who deserve livelihood assistance. The small coconut producers which constitute a large segment of the marginalized sector in the society need to be uplifted.

And pursuant to the purpose of implementing and maintaining socio-economic programs for the upliftment, development and advancement of the life and living standards of coconut farmers through community development as well as through equitable distribution of wealth and other economic values, the UCPB-CIIF Foundation, Inc., one of the two social development arms of the UCPB Group had inked with Gawad Kalinga Community Development Foundation, Inc. to undertake a housing exclusively for coconut farmers, farm workers and their families.

Among those small coconut farm owner and farm workers/tenant can be found in this town. They are those who work and deliver services to the Coconut Farmers Agri-Business Center, situated across Southern Luzon Coconut Oil Mill, Inc. (SOLCOM), the first coconut oil milling plant in this town. Such service may include sale of whole coconut, twining of coconut coir, making if geo-textiles and other coco-based activities for the Center.

The Vision, Dreams and its Reality
The work has started already, grounds were already leveled, electric line has already penetrated the site, water source was already drilled in, roads are getting flattened, and construction of “The Wall” that will bear the name of the village has started too.

Even the local GK Team (composed mainly of local Couples for Christ member, by the way, the Mayor and his wife is both now member of CFC) already mapped out their plan in profiling the future beneficiaries. Likewise, the enthusiasm and vigor of the Local Government Unit headed by their Mayor is getting its own heights.

More than this, the bayanihan spirit will soon be reflected again in this site, common in every GK sites in the country. Altogether, people who believes to the call of nation building and GK Volunteers will soon trooped to this side of the town and start to excavate foundations, build walls of the house, pass hollow blocks and bricks, paint the house with lively bright colors that reflect new hopes, landscape and beautify the surrounding with fences and ornamental plants.

Much more, after work has done, the GK beneficiaries, the underprivileged coconut farm workers, will have their own “beautiful, humane and quality but inexpensive houses where their family can make it a place to call home, living in a community having decent shelter that restores their dignity and uplifts their quality of life”.

Challenge
More works have to be done for us to truly build communities for our coconut farmers that will shield them from poverty and injustices. And we are then challenge to uphold the work that we have started. To realized that the impoverished Filipino coconut farm workers and their families comprises the larger population of agricultural areas in our country, we still have more works to accomplished to truly sustain and permanently uplift the living conditions of our small coconut farmers.

It has started. The UCPB-CIIF GK Cocoville will be the seed of transformation for our small coconut farmers. This partnership with Gawad Kalinga is an alternative solution to the blatant problem of poverty, whose approach is integrated, holistic and sustainable – a concrete action plan to rebuild this nation by harnessing the best of the Filipino – our faith and our patriotism.

More to come
After our tour in the site, the whole group proceeded in the municipal building and a presentation was made by the Quezon GK Team showing Mulanay as the 7th GK Site to rise in Quezon Province, and more to come such as Catanauan, Padre Burgos and Lopez.

We left Mulanay after lunch with much hope and excitement for things to come and be done. As for me, I’m more than eager to be back again with spades and hoe, hammers and pails, and with deep conviction of helping our small coconut farmers, after all, I was born in Quezon and my roots are coconut farmers likewise.