Niagara Trip

Before I went to Canada, I would always say that the most beautiful place I've been to is Kyoto, Japan. My mother brought me there 3 years ago. I just found the ambience so different and awesome. There was a certain simplicity and sacredness to the place with all the temples you will find on every street corner. Now I can give two -- Kyoto and Niagara-on-the Lake. The Niagara Falls was of course a sight to behold. It was a marvelous sight. Truly it is one of nature's wonders on this earth. But 45 minutes away from Niagara Falls is an "almost sleepy town" except that people flock to that place for respite and shopping as well. It is called Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Niagara-on-the-Lake is an 18th century town located at the north of the falls on the Niagara Parkway at the mouth of the Niagara River. It is a community founded by the United Empire Loyalist refugees from the American revolution of the 18th century. It has retained most of its historic charm and provides visitors with a number of cultural and historical opportunities. Its most famous annual event is the summer Shaw Festival, dedicated to the theatrical genius George Bernard Shaw and other dramatists.

Canada

My elder sister, Ruth, and her family migrated to Canada on July 4, 2004. It was that long ago when I last saw her. I can still remember the very emotional moments at the NAIA when we saw them off.

Last January, I wrote the Cardinal a letter asking for permission to allow me to visit my sister and her family in Canada. I told him it was a gift from my sister as I celebrate my 10 years in the ministry this year. The Cardinal agreed and helped me out with my visa application. After everything has been processed, I finally left for Canada last April 14, Easter Tuesday. Some parishioners joined me for mass and breakfast that morning.

I have been here for almost a week now. I'm enjoying my time here babysitting for my nephew and niece, playing tennis on Wii, walking around the neighborhood at 12 noon to ward off the biting coldness. Yesterday, Sunday, I said mass at the St. Catherine Parish. The Italian parish priest, Fr. Ruggiero (not sure of the spelling), gave me some Sunday schedule. I also concelebrated for the Filipino mass last Saturday. I finally met Ate Malou Calansingin and her sister's family. Yesterday after the mass Ate Malou joined me and my family for lunch at Square One Mall (very much like Glorietta). On Wednesday, my sister will bring me to the Niagara Falls, one of the main attractions here in Canada.

For now, I just want to share some pictures of my stay here.

Holy Week 2009

I just want to share some pictures taken during the Holy Week. Thanks to the various organizations and ministries who made the celebrations solemn and meaningful. Special thanks to the worship committee headed by Leslee Ambrosio, the education committee headed by Joyce Bongkingki, the volunteer catechists headed by Malou Celada and assisted well by Virgie Virata and Ariel Sarmiento, youth ministry headed by Jacky Sapitanan. Mahirap banggitin lahat pero syempre kasama na doon music ministry at lahat ng nagpuyat. Nawa'y makahabol na kayo sa tulog at mabawasan na ang mga eyebags nyo.