Mary, Mirror of Justice Parish

Anong bago sa ating simbahan?

2012-01-31T16:33:00.014+08:00

Matagal-tagal rin bago nakapagsulat muli dito sa ating blogspot. Sa sobrang tagal na... nakalimutan na ang maraming mga BAGONG pangyayari sa ating simbahan. Ano nga ba ang mga bago sa ating simbahan? Hmm... isa-isahin po natin.

1. Bagong PPC Officers

Ate Chat Cance - PPC Coordinator (PPCRV Coordinator)

Kuya Ega Ortega - Asst. Coordinator (isang Lay Minister at Coordinator ng El Shaddai)

Ate Joyce Bongkingki - Secretary (Legion of Mary, Social Comm's EIC, Schola Cantorum Choir)

Ate Dehl Gollayan - Treasurer (Greeters and Collectors Coordinator, Canticle of Love Choir at kabilang rin sa PREX Secretariat)

Kuya Lorence Benitez - Auditor (Legion of Marie, Social Comm, Schola Cantorum Choir)

Mabuhay ang mga bagong kasapi ng Sangguniang Pastoral! Ipagpatuloy nawa ninyo ang inyong walang sawang pagtulong sa ating simbahan.

Huwag din nating kalimutan sila kila Kuya Mhir Calopez, Ate Millette Gurango at Kuya Cesar Musngi sa kanilang hindi matatawarang paglilingkod. Maraming salamat po!

2. Bagong Ministeryo: Social Communications Ministry

Isang bagong ministeryo ang inilunsad noong nakaraang Hunyo, 2011. Ang pangunahing layunin nito ay ang ipalaganap ang Mabuting Balita ng Panginoon sa pamamagitan ng Makabagong Teknolohiya. Isa sa mga proyekto nito ay ang Parish Newsletter na ilulunsad ngayong Pebrero. Souvenir Programs, Pag-uupdate sa Facebook at Internet ng mga gawain ng parokya at marami pang iba. Ito po ay pinamumunuan ni Ate Gladys Francisco.

3. Bagong Simbahan: Cardinal Rosales Hall, Sto. Niño Hall at Our Lady of Fatima Hall

Mga bagong Meeting Areas ang nadagdag sa ating simbahan. Ito ay para sa mga masisipag nating mga servers na nagmimiting para sa kanilang mga gawain, mga choir na nagpapractice para sa misa atbp. Pinananatiling malinis at maayos ang mga ito. Iniingatan at inaalagaan. =)

Maraming mga pagbabago sa ating simbahan... Mga munting pagbabago tungo sa mas ikabubuti. Patuloy na suportahan ang mga gawain ng ating simbahan upang maging kaisa tayo ni Inang Maria at ng kanyang anak na si Hesus.

Help us build our Parish

2010-09-03T11:38:00.004+08:00

Year of the Priests (June 2009-June 2010)

2010-06-11T14:12:00.004+08:00

A video presentation for our Parish Priest FR. JOHN G. BARRO

for the Culmination of Year of the Priests.

Please continue to pray for our priests... :)

Bagong Ama ng Mary, Mirror of Justice Parish

2010-06-07T19:20:00.004+08:00

Bicolano, guro, mentor, spiritual director, pari… ilan lang sa mga nabanggit ang mga katangian ng aming bagong kura paroko. Si Rev. Fr. John Guianan Barro ay taga hubog ng mga nais maging pari sa Holy Apostle Senior Seminary (HASS) ng sampung taon bago siya maassign sa MMJP.

Buong puso siyang sinalubong ng mga parokyano ng MMJP noong ika-1 ng Mayo. Naging mainit ang pagtanggap sa kanya noong mga nakaraang araw. Isinabay sa ika sampung taong kapistahan ng Mary Mirror of Justice Parish, ika 15 ng Mayo, sabado, sa ganap na ika anim ng gabi, ang kanyang Installation bilang bagong kura paroko na pinangunahan ng Kanyang Kabunyian Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales. Ito ay dinaluhan ng mga pari mula sa bikaryato ng Guadalupe, mga pari mula sa HASS, mga kamag-anak, mga malalapit na kaibigan, mga parokyano ng simbahan, atbp.

Welcome to the MMJP family, Fr. John! Makaaasa po kayo sa aming suporta…

10th Parish Fiesta

2010-05-07T14:11:00.006+08:00

FIESTA THEME: "Pasasalamat sa isang Dekada ng Pag-ibig at Pagkakaisa"

NOVENA MASSES

May 6

Fr. John Barro

Pag-ibig ni Kristo, Pinag-iisa ang lahat

May 7

Fr. Ramon Merino

Pagkakaisa sa Misyon at Pananampalataya

May 8

Fr. Jade Licuanan

Ako: Instrumento ng Pag-ibig at Pagkakairsa

May 9

Fr. Alan Dialogo

Tawag sa Bawat Pamilya: Makiisa at Makilahok sa Parokya

May 10

Fr. Albert Flores

Sambayanan: Kabuklod sa Pag-ibig ni Kristo

May 11

Fr. Rolly Garcia

Pagkakaibigan: Bukal ng Pag-ibig sa Parokya

May 12

Fr. Jayvee Zuniga

Kabarangay: Kaagapay sa Buhay-Paglilingkod

May 13

Fr. Benjie Ledesma

Kura-Paroko: Instrumento para sa patuloy na Pagkakaisa

May 14

Fr. Eric Castro

Parokya: Salamin ng Buhay at Pag-ibig ni Kristo

"Why are people leaving all the time?"

2010-03-30T22:50:00.003+08:00

...What does it mean when so often someone you love, and who loves you, leaves your home, sometimes for good? Why then do you have to suffer the pain of so many departures? It may feel as if people do not really love you! Because if they love you,why would they leave you?...

...You know, your joy and your pain give you a mission. Those who came to live with you, from whom you received much and to whom you gave much, aren't just leaving you. You are sending them back to their schools, their homes, and their families, to bring some of the love they have lived with you. It's hard. It's painful to let them go. But when you realize that this is a mission, you will be able to send your friends to continue their journeys without losing the joy they brought you.

-- "Can You Drink the Cup" by Henry Nouwen

Lent 2010

2010-02-25T17:02:00.003+08:00

Schedule of Lenten Activities:

BEC Stations of the Cross:

February 26 - St. Peter (Zone 3)

5pm, Catunggal Residence

March 5- St. Mark (Zone 4)

5pm, Horca Residence

March 12 - St. Philip (Zone 5)

5pm, Tadeo Residence

March 19 - St. Andrew (Zone 6)

5pm, Pili St.

March 26 - St. James (Zone 7)

5pm

Lenten Recollection:

March 24, 7:30pm

Fr. Godwin Tatlonghari

Kumpisalang Bayan:

March 26, 6pm

Pabasa:

March 29 - St. Matthias and St. John

March 30 - St. Mark and St. Philip

March 31 - Sts. Peter, James the Less and James the Great

Easter Triduum:

Holy Thursday, April 1

7:00am - Chrism Mass (Manila Cathedral)

5:00pm - Mass of the Lord's Supper (Washing of the Feet)

7:oopm - Vigil

Good Friday, April 2

5:00am - Stations of the Cross (Chico St.)

12:00nn - Seven Last Words

3:00pm - Veneration of the Cross

4:30pm - Procession of Santo Entiero

Holy Saturday, April 3

9:00pm - Easter Vigil

11:30pm - Salubong

Pictures from the Congress of the Clergy, etc.

2010-02-02T22:46:00.008+08:00

Pictures taken during the 2nd National Congress of the Clergy and the send off mass for the relics of St. Jean Marie Vianney. More photos at the picasaweb link.

sample photos

2009-12-30T22:51:00.009+08:00

Some photos from recent parish activities. View the rest of the pictures at picasa link found on the right side of this page.

Christ the King

2009-12-02T22:07:00.005+08:00

The annual Christ the King procession was held last Sunday, November 29, 3:00pm

PREX Batch 16

2009-11-30T19:28:00.006+08:00

Last November 7-8, the Parish Renewal Experience Seminar Batch 16 was held at the Cardinal Sin Hall. The Lead Couple, Ate Nor and Ate Joyce Bongkingki, together with the other members of the PREX family, facilitated the seminar well. The 20 new members of the PREX family were all ecstatic during their graduation rites.

PPC Guidelines Revision

2009-11-30T19:12:00.006+08:00

The Parish Pastoral Council Constitution and By-laws which was drafted in 2001 underwent its first revision. After two months of tedious revising, the revised guidelines were presented to the PPC Assembly last November 5. The officers of the PPC together with Fr. Eric Castro alternately read the different articles and sections before the body unanimously voted for the approval. Fr. Eric and the officers signed the approved guidelines on behalf of the body.

Asian Youth Day Cross

2009-11-30T18:56:00.008+08:00

The Asian Youth Day Cross visited the Archdiocese of Manila before the actual celebration of the AYD in the Diocese of Imus. The AYD Cross arrived from Palawan on November 5. The APYM Makati together with the different youth sectors and students from different Catholic schools welcomed the cross formally in solemn rites held at the UST Parish. Bishop Bernardino Cortez presided in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. On November 7, the cross was brought to the Diocese of Cubao.

Living Rosary

2009-11-01T11:48:00.006+08:00

We celebrated the culmination of the Rosary Month with our Rosario Cantada last October 24. The living rosary was participated in by the different parish organizations and ministries and the different choirs provided beautiful music. Thanks to the organizers, particularly the outgoing Worship Minister Sis. Leslee Ambrosio.

Again more pictures of this event in the picasa web link on the right side.

Fr. Jayvee's Ordination & Thanksgiving Mass

2009-10-30T15:25:00.008+08:00

MMJP's pride, Fr. Jayvee Zuniga, was finally ordained to the priesthood last October 3 at the Manila Cathedral. His Eminence Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales was the ordaining prelate. Despite the threats of the super typhoon, priests and lay people still flocked the cathedral. Members of the MMJP PPC attended the ordination and the reception which followed at the Manila Cathedral School in Tayuman.

The following day, October 4, Fr. Jayvee and his family and friends were at the MMJP for his First Thanksgiving Mass. It was a very solemn celebration as Fr. Jayvee, together with some of the newly ordained priests, celebrated his first mass. His beautiful singing voice added to the solemnity of the Eucharistic celebration. A simple reception and program followed at the Cardinal Sin Hall.

I feel privileged to have been chosen by Fr. Jayvee to assist him during the investiture and to deliver the homily during his first mass.

For more pictures of the ordination and the thanksgiving mass please click on the picasaweb link on the right side of this page.

helping ondoy victims

2009-10-29T12:29:00.005+08:00

Typhoon Ondoy affected some parishioners particularly those living on the riverside. The Caritas volunteers helped out in bringing relief goods to them. The Youth Ministry also volunteered in collecting funds for the victims.

chatterbox

2009-09-13T11:36:00.002+08:00

I don't know what happened to the chatterbox. I don't think the problem lies with the Blogger site. I checked the website of our chatterbox and it says too many connections are being made which it cannot manage. Let us just wait till Flooble fixes the glitch.

PPC Leadership Seminar and Appointments

2009-09-07T14:10:00.007+08:00

Taking advantage of the non-working holiday, the PPC Leadership Training Seminar for the newly elected officers was held this morning at the Cardinal Sin Hall. Different activities were held for the officers to get to know each other and to be able to observe their dynamics as a group. They sang and danced to "Nobody But You," acted like professional actors in an original play ala telenovela and successfully built a contraption that looked like a cellular site under a flyover. We ended the morning with a little sharing and moments of prayer and reflection before the Blessed Sacrament. Afterwards, I announced the new appointments:

Punong Lingkod: Bro. Ramero Calopez

Pangalawang Punong Lingkod: Sis. Jennifer Millette Gurango

Ingat Yaman: Bro. Edgar Ortega

Kalihim: Sis. Joyce Anne Bongkingki

Tagasuri: Bro. Cesar Musngi

ConGRATulations!!!

Year for Priests

2009-08-23T10:01:00.017+08:00

BEC Formation with catechists and seminarians.

Celebrating Parish Priest's Day

Day of Fasting and Prayer for Priests (Megamall Chapel)

Newly Elected PPC Officers

2009-08-15T21:18:00.002+08:00

Congratulations to the newly elected PPC officers. In alphabetical order:

Joyce Anne Bongkingki (Legion of Mary)

Ramiro Calopez (EMHC)

Jennifer Millette Gurango (PYM/LeCom)

Cesar Musngi (EMHC/KoC)

Edgar Ortega (EMHC/El Shaddai)

They will undergo a leadership training seminar before they will be appointed to their respective positions. Let us all pray for them and for a fruitful two-year term.

Thank you very much also to the outgoing officers: Johnny Cosep, Aida Corpuz, Dehl Gollayan and Babes Romero.

Ako Mismo!

2009-08-06T23:45:00.005+08:00

Again, thanks to those who took part in this video. It shows how much creativity and talent we have in our parish. I believe this is the video version of the Spiritual Offering book which Cardinal Rosales launched for the Year of Priests. Thanks to the indefatigable director and editor, Gladys Francisco, and of course to the whole cast who also served as crew, lights men and women, make up artists and set designers. I heard you spent practically one whole evening for the taping. Artistang artista na talaga dating nyo. Mabuhay kayong lahat!!!

2009-08-01T17:43:00.001+08:00

On the Death of the Beloved

Though we need to weep your loss,
You dwell in that safe place in our hearts
Where no storm or night or pain can reach you.

Your love was like the dawn
Brightening over our lives,
Awakening beneath the dark
A further adventure of color.

The sound of your voice
Found for us
A new music
That brightened everything.

Whatever you enfolded in your gaze
Quickened in the joy of its being;
You placed smiles like flowers
On the altar of the heart.
Your mind always sparkled
With wonder at things.

Though your days here were brief,
Your spirit was alive, awake, complete.

We look toward each other no longer
From the old distance of our names;
Now you dwell inside the rhythm of breath
As close to us as we are to ourselves.

Though we cannot see you with outward eyes,
We know our soul's gaze is upon your face,
Smiling back at us from within everything
To which we bring our best refinement.

Let us not look for you only in memory,
Where we would grow lonely without you.
You would want us to find you in presence,
Beside us when beauty brightens,
When kindness glows
And music echoes eternal tones.

When orchids brighten the earth,
Darkest winter has turned to spring;
May this dark grief flower with hope
In every heart that loves you.

May you continue to inspire us:
To enter each day with a generous heart.
To serve the call of courage and love
Until we see your beautiful face again
In that land where there is no more separation,
Where all tears will be wiped from our mind,
And where we will never lose you again.

John O'Donohue

Welcome Home Noemi! See You Again Fr. Egay!

2009-06-22T18:49:00.009+08:00

** Ate Noemi Hubilla and her family arrived from Baltimore, Maryland, US last June 17. Her co-lectors and commentators were ecstatic as she joined them in their monthly meeting yesterday. Ate Noemi left Manila in 2007 after her fruitful years of service to the parish as Coordinator of the Lectors and Commentators' Ministry. Welcome home and enjoy your vacation Ate Noemi!

** Fr. Egay Cleofe dropped by last Sunday to say goodbye temporarily. He is leaving for Virginia, US on Tuesday, June 23. He is being sent there by his diocese as a priest on-mission for 5 years after the bishop of Virginia asked their bishop for help. MMJP will miss Fr. Egay, the gentle giant (parang butanding) from Sorsogon.

ME Anniversary and Solemnity of Sacred Heart

2009-06-19T21:58:00.009+08:00

Congratulations to the Good Shepherd Marriage Encounter Community- Comembo Chapter (GSMEC) on their 10th year of service to our parish. Last June 13, they celebrated their anniversary with a celebration of the Holy Eucharist at 3pm followed by a program complete with surprise numbers and fun games at the Cardinal Sin Hall. It was good to see a reunion of all batches and those responsible for bringing ME to Comembo. Thanks to the efforts of Sis. Cookie and Bro. Ed Yongque. Many of our very active parishioners are graduates of GSMEC. Kudos to the present leadership headed by Ate Jing and Kuya Monching Bonifacio.

Today is the Solemnity of Christ the King and the launching of the Year of the Priests (June 19, 2009 to June 19, 2010) as declared by Pope Benedict XVI. The worship committee headed by Leslee Ambrosio prepared a triduum for the Solemnity. In cooperation with the Apostleship of Prayer a procession was held this afternoon followed by a Holy Hour for the Sanctification of Priests. Although the Holy Eucharist was the highlight of the celebration, the Education Committee invited a guest speaker to talk about the devotion to the Sacred Heart.

Halo-Halo

2009-06-09T18:56:00.016+08:00

The culminating activity of the May Flower Offering was held last May 24. The full-time and volunteer catechists spearheaded the activity in coordination with the Education and Worship Committees. The month-long offering of flowers to the Blessed Mother with daily catechism was participated well by young children from the different BEC's of the parish. Kudos to the energetic and creative catechists.

The annual parish outing was held last May 30. Around 150 parishioners left MMJP around 5am for Cuyab Hot Springs in Laguna. It was rainy the whole day but that did not stop anybody from enjoying a splash in the warm waters of the swimming pools.

Mix

2009-05-23T10:31:00.009+08:00

**As I said in my facebook, it is not everyday that somebody from the Roman Curia visits the humble parish of Mirror of Justice. Fr. Danny Huang, SJ, the Regional Assistant to the Superior General of the Society of Jesus, attended the anniversary of our church dedication last May 15. He is now based in Rome. Mapalad ang Comembo na muli niyang nadalaw. He used to say masses in MMJP when he was Provincial of the Jesuits, and before that Rector of San Jose Seminary.

**When I was in Canada, Ruth, Doods, Erica and I spent one day in Toronto. We spent most of our time inside the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM). Before we went home to Mississauga we decided to drop by St. Michael's Cathedral which was a few blocks from the Subway at Queen's. After praying and picture taking, we walked back to the subway passing by Massey Hall. It is the concert hall in Toronto where even some of our local artists perform. We decided to have some picture taking there with the Massey Hall at the background. Right across the Massey Hall where we were doing all the posing, some people inside a restaurant were ecstatically waving their hands at us like they have seen some movie stars. It turned out to be the family of Emily Marmol. They used to attend masses here in MMJP (although they are from Pembo) before they moved in to Canada. Had we not decided to go back to Massey Hall for picture taking, there was no other chance we could have bumped into each other.

**Went home to Bulacan yesterday to bring some pasalubongs to Edith, the sister of Ed. We decided to meet each other in front of Eurobake since I am not familiar with their place. In fact I am no longer familiar with our place as well. Angel and I nearly missed the turn going to our house because the barangay outpost had been removed. That outpost had been our landmark since I was small.

Mission Accomplished

2009-05-17T22:54:00.009+08:00

After jet lagging for 2 days, I finally started doing my errands yesterday. I went to Nanay Letty Collado to bring the medicines which Malou asked me to give her. Then I dropped by Nanay Pining Dellosa's house but nobody answered the door. So off I went to Zone 1 to the Sumabat residence. Unfortunately, Mrs. Sumabat went to the church. So it was Cristy's father who welcomed me in. We chatted for a while since I was already on my way to my nieces' ballet recital in Marikina. But I made sure that photos of my home delivery were taken as proof. hehe.

The ballet recital was a welcome back treat for me. I enjoyed watching Hannah and Gaby who were in front most of the time during their numbers. They were very much supported by the whole family. We had dinner at Dencio's after the recital.

On our way home I dropped by the Dellosa's again but the lights were already off. Then this morning, after the first mass, I was able to give her what Herman and Ate Saling sent for her. I was also able to show them the pictures of my Windsor trip.

Mission accomplised.

Some Good Things Never Last

2009-05-15T04:30:00.023+08:00

Today is May 15, and it is 4am here in Manila and 4pm in Ontario. I am wide awake. I was trying to write this blog last May 12, my last day in Canada. Ed and Ruth went to work while the kids went to school. I was home alone. Perfect for writing a blog. But after almost an hour in front of the computer, not a single key was clicked, not a single word was typed. This is what I hate about vacations like this one. It will always have to end. And it will always have to end with my number one enemy -- GOODBYES!

Ed and Ruth together with Doods and Erika left for Canada five years ago. When I left to visit them last April 14, I was to be the first one from both sides of the family to see them. I was bursting with excitement. Though I was the one who administered the Sacrament of Marriage to them in 1998, I never got to be with them to get to know Ed better. I was already preparing myself then for pastoral life. When the kids were born I was already in Paco Parish, and eventually moved here in Comembo. Their occasional visits during Christmas and fiestas were also not enough to bond with their kids. And so just thinking that I would be with them for almost a month filled me with unexplainable joy and anticipation.

All the while I thought it will just be a simple vacation for me -- babysitting for the kids and staying at home most of the time. The only big thing I was looking forward to was the trip to Niagara Falls. But Ed and Ruth had other things in mind. Having been very busy with their respective careers (Ed as accountant in Skyservice and Ruth, the perpetual banker in Royal Bank of Canada) for the last 5 years, they have not been to so many places themselves. They took my vacation as an opportunity to explore. Armed with GPS and maps downloaded from the internet, we went from one road trip after another (and that's excluding my side trip to Windsor). We explored Niagara and Niagara-on-the-Lake for 4 days, prayed at the Martyr's Shrine and visited St. Marie-among-the-Hurons in Midland, went shopping at St. Jacob's County while side tripping to the Mennonite farms, visited Toronto's attractions (ROM, CN Tower, Casa Loma, Toronto Zoo), had an unforgettable dinner at Medieval Times, went out on a picnic at Port Credit, and so on and so forth. My camera was restless, taking 652 photos in all excluding the short video clips. Everything was much more than what I expected. And with so much happy memories, the more the foreboding goodbyes became difficult.

When I arrived at the Incheon Airport in Seoul, South Korea for our stopover, I got to check my email. Ruth sent this one: "eto, para kong tanga, naghihilik na si papa ko saka tulog na yung dalawang bata, eto ko, umiiyak. ayaw ko talagang umiyak sa airport, kasi syempre, alam kong malulungkot ka din. nabasa ko na yung sulat mo. pati yung sa dalawa. walang anuman. masaya kami at nakapunta ka dito, saka na-enjoy mo naman bakasyon mo. babalik ka ulit ha...thank you kasi napasaya mo kami ng mga bata kahit sandali. alam kong palagi kaming kasama sa mga dasal mo. salamat ng marami."

Then when I checked my email yesterday this one was waiting for me also: "kanina nung pag pick-up ko dun sa dalawa, sabi ko, wala ng uncle father. sabi ni doods, it's sad. yakap naman si girl ko, sabi nya, you still have us. o di ba? tapos nung nagdinner na kami, sabi ni girl, there's no more uncle father sitting on that chair; there's no more uncle father texting on the couch; there's no more uncle father using the laptop; there's no more uncle father playing the wii; ang last, there's no more uncle father.. tapos sabi ni ed sa kanila, at least nga daw, you got to know them.yung tingin nung dalawa, confused. sabi ni ed, kasi when you were small you hardly saw uncle father. at least now nakasama nyo sya ng matagal. at syempre, waiting silang magpunta ka ulit dito or makauwi kami dyan, kasi nagpromise ka daw na ipapasyal mo sila sa beaches."

This is what I don't like about vacations and goodbyes. There's a gnawing feeling of emptiness that is left behind. There's an empty space. Like the space that you find in an old mailbox...or between stars.

Windsor Trip

2009-05-08T01:00:00.016+08:00

Several years ago I received a greeting card from a friend with these words: "Sometimes some people cross our lives and they remain in our hearts forever."

I remembered that line a few days ago when Hermie and Cristy (Sumabat) Dellosa came all the way from Windsor to pick me up in Mississauga. Our friendship goes back a long, long way... back to the year 2000 when I first came to Comembo. I was doing my house visits then and my staff (then) Oliver Palma brought me to their house to have lunch with the family. I found out they were leaving for Canada in a matter of days and I found out they were very active parishioners in MDP. I still got to invite them to attend my installation that week. Then all I can remember now was the despedida which was held in their house along Chico St. (I took pictures of the photos from that despedida which I found in their family album, and I am posting them below as well.)

The first two or three months after they left, I would receive overseas calls from Cristy. We will talk for God knows how long to update me about what was going on with their lives in Windsor and all that. Funny that we only met each other in Manila a couple of times and yet we talked like we've known each other for life. Eventually, the calls became rare. I knew they had already settled down by then and that work and other things had made them very busy. Perfectly understandable since by that time, I was already very busy with the church construction. That was nine years ago.

When I finally got the Cardinal's permission to go to Canada, I searched for them in the internet. I found Cristy. Thanks be to God for Facebook! Emails were sent and schedules were semi-finalized. One thing for sure, I will visit them in Windsor.

When they picked me up last Monday (after a long journey and mishaps...thanks but no thanks to their GPS...hehehe), I was excited. It was like seeing long lost friends. Again the irony of it all was that we've met each other only around 5 times at the most. I spent my short stay in Windsor talking to them...sharing stories about the distant past up to the wee hours...updating each other...recalling colorful personalities in Comembo. I was amazed at how Hermie and Herman (his younger brother) can still very much recall the residents of Acacia, Alagao, Apitong, Manga, Anahaw and practically every street of Comembo. I was with Hermie, Cristy and Herman for most of my stay there, enjoying meals with their families and introducing me to their very nice friends in Windsor. Bitin na bitin talaga. Before I left, Herman told me to take care of their mom. Almost all of the siblings are already in Canada except for Sis. Lanie who is in Bacolod. I understand where they are coming from. The time and the distance that have separated them from their mom is a gap too difficult to fill up.

I took the train by myself going back to Mississauga. My stay in Windsor made me miss Comembo. But when I go back home, I will surely miss them as well.

Niagara Trip

2009-04-27T22:57:00.014+08:00

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

2009-04-20T23:03:00.012+08:00

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

2009-04-16T04:56:00.013+08:00

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.

Fiesta 2009 and 10th Sacedotal Anniversary

2009-03-18T09:06:00.014+08:00

It was a wonderful weekend. The parish fiesta was as festive as ever without losing solemnity through the meaningful liturgical celebrations. Bishop Tagle was in his usual element during his homily which some commented as very good lenten recollection points. The altar design was "first class" according to my Jesuit formator and Vice Provincial of the Society of Jesus, Fr. Bill Abbott, SJ. Of course thanks to the very creative catechists and worship committee. The liturgy was smooth and solemn. My close friends from San Jose Seminary came: Fr. Egay, Fr. Albert, Fr. Edwin Mercado and my classmate Fr. Emmy Dumadag who will also celebrate his 10th anniversary this year. My family was there also enjoying the photo ops with the bishop and other guests. Here's looking forward to more fruitful years ahead! Go MMJP!

Misteryo Paskwal: Gabay sa Kaganapan ng Buhay

2009-03-08T08:22:00.002+08:00

The theme of this year's 9th Parish Fiesta is based on the MAGPAS theme for this year's lay formation program: Misteryo Paskwal, Gabay sa Kaganapan ng Buhay. We have invited guest priests for the novena masses. We are also lucky to have Bishop Luis Antonio "Chito" Tagle of the Diocese of Imus as main presider for the Fiesta Mass.

March 6 Fr. Roderick L. Castro
March 7 Fr. Reginald Malicdem
Private Secretary to the Archbishop of Manila
March 8 Fr. Victor de Jesus, SJ
Rector, San Jose Seminary
March 9 Fr. Albert Flores
Minister, Archdiocesan Archives and Museum
March 10 Fr. Arnold Rex Kintanar
Parochial Vicar, St. John of the Cross Parish
March 11 Fr. Manuel Abogado III
Parochial Vicar, Holy Spirit Parish
March 12 Fr. Adrian San Juan
Parochial Vicar, Immaculate Conception Parish
March 13 Fr. Edgar Cleofe
Rector, Our Lady of Penafrancia Seminary (Sorsogon)
March 14 Fr. Godwin Tatlonghari
Director, Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission
March 15 7:00am Fr. Roderick L. Castro
9:00am Bishop Luis Antonio Tagle, DD
5:00pm Fr. Albert Cecilio Flores
6:00pm Fr. Ronald de Jesus, SOLT
7:15pm Fr. Ramon Merino

The Inner Game of Tennis

2009-01-22T13:46:00.005+08:00

Warning: This is going to be a very boring read if you don't know anything about tennis.

I have never really written anything about my love for tennis. For those who do not know me well, I have been playing tennis since I was in second year high school. My first racket was a Wilson Sting 2 which was given to me by my father. Sad to say, I stopped playing tennis when I was already in Theology. It was only in 2006 after a long hiatus that I went back to the courts. My doctor told me I was too young not to exercise at all. I found my Wilson racket too heavy already for my game and too outdated (nakakahiya na dalin sa court). My mother gave me a Prince O3 Silver, a light power-racket which helped me shape my game once again. Since then, I have been playing at least twice a week at the Eusebio Tennis Club in Pasig. Last year, I found a new weapon in the market. The Babolat Drive Z Lite. It is not as heavy as Wilson Sting 2 but not as light as Prince O3 Silver. It has less power but more control.

Tennis has an outer game and an inner game. The outer game you play against an external opponent and you overcome external obstacles to win. Here you need to hone up your skills, improve your leg work and learn to be more precise in your shot-making aside from finding the right racket for your weapon. But there is the inner game of tennis which takes place in the mind of the player. It is played against such obstacles as lapse in concentration, nervousness, self-doubt and self-condemnation. Maybe this is why my personality fits the game. I am not really a good team-player which makes me shy away from team sports. I don't like also being blamed by team mates for the defeat whether verbally or by just giving me the mean look which is the same as telling you, "it's your fault we lost." In tennis, you don't find coaches lounging on the court sides and giving instructions during the break. The player is left on his own to figure out how to defeat the opponent. In his own silent moments, the player determines the right strategies to make.

As I write this, the Australian open is already on its 4th day and players are now battling for a place in the 4th round of action. Yesterday morning, I went to the tennis court at 7am. I was playing against my trainer. I was down 5-0 before I started to heat up (parang diesel, mabagal mag init). I held serve in the 6th game to finally be on the scoreboard at 5-1. I broke his serve in the 7th game at 30-40 to make the score 5-2. It was on the 8th game that the unexpected happened. I was leading the game at 40-15. He delivered a good return of serve to the ad side which I managed to return with a a cross-court backhand return. He hit the ball with a down the line topspin forehand which forced me to run a few quick sidesteps. I made it just in time and I knew the moment my racket made contact with the ball that I was going to hit a crosscourt winner. Unfortunately, my right foot took all the impact and my right ankle gave away. I screamed in pain as I immediately stopped playing. I was limping in pain towards my chair. My right foot was already swollen when I removed my shoes and had to apply cold compress immediately. Although I was in pain, I felt satisfied when my trainer told me my last shot landed a winner and the score was already 5-3. However I could no longer stand up to finish the game.

The whole day yesterday the doctor advised me to rest completely. That was good for me since I was able to watch the 2nd round of action in the Australian open. (One thing I like about the Australian Open is that I have been to the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne and have seen the tennis courts there during the World Youth Day.) Of course, I did not miss my idol's (Roger Federer) match yesterday against an unseeded Russian whom he dismissed in straight sets. And that is how I found the time to write about tennis. I am not even sure if anybody gets to read this blog up to this point. If you are still reading this, please leave a comment so I can thank you for staying with me. God bless!

Christmas Party 2008

2009-01-01T18:58:00.012+08:00

Pastoral Planning for 2009

2009-01-01T18:20:00.008+08:00

The annual Parish Pastoral Planning was held in Verbum Dei, Tagaytay City last December 27, 2008. Around 40 members of the Parish Pastoral Council joined the said planning.

Pastoral Visitation Day 2

2009-01-01T18:03:00.008+08:00

The second day of the Pastoral Visitation was highlighted by the celebration of the Holy Eucharist which was followed by the Cardinal's dialogue with the parish office staff and later a dialogue with me and Rev. Jayvee. After the signing of the canonical books, the Cardinal joined the PPC officers and members for lunch at the Cardinal Sin Hall which was the last activity to end the First Pastoral Visitation.

Pastoral Visit: Day 1

2008-12-13T19:23:00.010+08:00

This morning His Eminence Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, DD arrived around 9:15am for the first ever two-day Parish Pastoral Visitation. After a brief opening liturgy, the Cardinal met with the Parish Pastoral Council at the Cardinal Sin Hall. He listened to the pastoral report of our Punong Lingkod Bro. Johnny Cosep, he praised our 8-year old parish for the many accomplishments ( he said he was happy that MMJP is "lumulusog" and that he appreciates what we have accomplished in a manner he described as "maliksi"), he also entertained questions from our lay leaders. What was thought at first to be a very formal dialogue became a light moment with the Cardinal.

After the dialogue we went to visit Zone 7 of our barangay. Thanks to our chief of police Major Gary Reyes and his staff who provided security and to the many parish volunteers who also made sure the Cardinal's walk was safe and secure. A short program followed his walk where he also shared his 3-point message to the people: first, know what is good and do it; second, know what is bad so you can avoid it and lastly, the golden rule, love God and love your neighbors. Other pictures of the first day of visitation at http://eyikcastro.multiply.com

The Pastoral Visitation: A Primer

2008-12-12T15:09:00.007+08:00

What is a Pastoral Visitation? Every 5 years, the local Ordinary (bishop or archbishop) is directed by the laws of the Church to embark on a pastoral visitation of parishes and church institutions. The purpose is to strengthen these communities of faith and to draw out the spiritual energies of the church for the mission of evangelization. Evangelization is the “raison d’etre” of the church: it exists in order to evangelize.

“A bishop is obliged to visit the diocese annually, either in whole or in part, so that he visits the entire diocese at least every five years either personally or, if he has been legitimately impeded, through the coadjutor Bishop, an auxiliary Vicar general, Episcopal Vicar, or another presbyter.” (Code of Canon Law, c. 396)

“The pastoral visit is therefore an apostolic activity to be carried out by the Bishop in true pastoral activity, which reveals him to be the principle and visible foundations if the unity of the particular church. For the communities or institutions visited by the Bishop, it is an event of grace, reflecting in some measure that great visit with which the “chief shepherd” (1 Peter 5:4) and Guardian of our souls (1 Peter 2:25), Jesus Christ, has visited and redeemed his people (Luke 1:68)

The Archbishop of Manila, His Eminence Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales,DD, is the real shepherd of the parish. Since the Archdiocese has more than 80 parishes and shrines, the Cardinal appoints Parish Priests to shepherd for him. His pastroal visit is an occasion to rejuvenate the energies of those engaged in evangelization, to praise, encourage and reassure them. It is also an opportunity to invite the faithful to a renewal of Christian life and to an ever more intense apostolic activity. The pastoral visit helps the Bishop to evaluate the effectiveness of the structures and agencies designed for pastoral service, taking account of the circumstances and difficulties of the task of evangelization, so as to determine more accurately the priorities and the means required for overall pastoral provision.

The following are the objectives of the pastoral visit:

1. “In the spirit of Communio”: to strengthen the bonds if communion among the people of the Archdiocese of Manila and the Cardinal Archbishop as the visible sign of unity. The apostolic vision is the binding force of communion among the members of the Church in Manila.

2. “In a state of Mission”: to identify the “best features” and “areas of improvement” of a parish/school/community. The following domains to be presented are: catechesis, liturgy and popular religiosity, social services and development of the poor, family life and youth, ecumenical and inter-religious affairs, ecology, financial/logistical and organizational culture and climate.

3. “In the service of the Pondo ng Pinoy Movement: the level of commitment of the community in the catechesis and collection of the “crumbs.”

Let us pray for the success of the first ever Pastoral Visitation in our parish. Let this occasion be a source of blessing and communio for all of us.

Adios Padre!

2008-11-09T11:10:00.007+08:00

Fr. Danny left for Rome last Friday, November 7. He was already on his way to the airport when I texted him around 6pm. Last November 4, we had dinner with him at the residence of Jope and Cathy Guevarra in FEU Village, Antipolo. Present were Eva Galvey (my spiritual directress), Rev. Jayvee (my deacon), Rean, Millette, and Vann.

I remember having read in one of the books of Henry Nouwen his (Nouwen's) thoughts on leaving and having to say goodbye. (I am not so fond of writing down exact quotes and from which books I read them. But I'm sure this one's from Henry Nouwen) He said something like people leave us whether we like it or not. But when they leave, we are sending them on a mission. When they leave, they bring with them the love they have experienced with us. And their mission is to share that love with the people they will encounter wherever they go. We are confident that Fr. Danny will bring with him not only memories but the love he experienced from the friends he left behind.

Adios padre. Que Dios te bendiga!

Despedida for Fr. Danny Huang, SJ

2008-10-18T08:21:00.011+08:00

I feel honored for having been invited to a despedida dinner for Fr. Danny Huang, SJ last Thursday, October 16. It was no less than Fr. Catalino Arevalo, SJ (he whom they call the "Dean of Asian Theologians") who invited me through Fr. Albert Flores. I was hesitant at first and told Fr. Albert "baka ma-out of place ako" when I found out that only the four of us will be there. But then again I thought, it was a despedida dinner for a good friend, not an oral exam in Theology. So off we went to Ha Yuan Restaurant along Mother Ignacia St. in QC. The owners of the restaurant, who are close friends of Fr. Revs, personally prepared the sumptuous dinner we had.

Fr. Danny has been my friend since I was in San Jose Seminary. To be exact, since the second semester of school year 1997-1998. Although I have known him since 1996 when he moved in to San Jose, truth be told that we didn't start off well. Before my ordination he admitted that he thought I was "masungit" when he first saw me. Thanks to our common friend, Fr. Albert, who bridged the "gap." Every time he will invite Fr. Albert to eat outside or watch a movie, Fr. Albert will bring me along. And so by the start of the second semester of my third year in theology, Fr. Danny and I were already good friends. When Fr. Albert left for Rome, Fr. Danny was left with "no choice" other than me and my good friends Fr. Ryan Tevez and Fr. Randy Odchigue, among others. So many fond memories...

I remember after my ordination in 1999, he organized a group of seminarians to come with us as I moved in to my first ever assignment as a priest in Paco, Manila. I was so moved by the gesture. Up to now, wala akong maalala na naghatid ang mga Josefino sa first assignment ng isa sa mga kapatid nila. We attend ordinations, yes. Pero yung sasamahan at ihahatid sa unang assignment, parang wala pa kong narinig na ganon. ( By the way, we always remember each other every March 15 -- my ordination anniversary, his birthday).

He never ceases to inspire and touch my life by his mere presence and support. When I was installed as parish priest of Comembo, he was also present. He saw the humble beginnings of this parish and helped me out for as much as he could ... saying novena masses, giving recollections, giving talks to our parish leaders, and of course, always reserving a Simbang Gabi for us. Come December, we will surely miss him and his inspiring homilies.

So what was the despedida for? After holding key positions in the Society of Jesus (Rector of San Jose, Provincial of the Society), Fr. Danny has been elected as one of the Regional Assistants of the Superior General of the Society of Jesus. Let me quote some parts of his blog which I copied without permission from his multiply account:

"This morning, after prayers in the Aula together, Fr. General Adolfo Nicolas announced the names of nine Jesuits who would form the core of his General Council. Each of the nine was assigned as a Regional Assistant: that is to say, each would help Fr. General in his governance of a specific geographic region of the Society of Jesus (called an “Assistancy,” in Jesuit jargon). Each would also be a General Counselor, that is, someone who would help Fr. General in his supervision and care over the whole Society. Fr. General appointed me one of his General Counselors, and Regional Assistant for East Asia and Oceania. This Assistancy covers the Provinces of China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Australia, the regions of Malaysia-Singapore, Thailand, Micronesia, and East Timor, and the missions of Myanmar and Cambodia. As Regional Assistant, I will have to visit the men and our apostolates in this area; help Fr. General with the requests, reports and other correspondence that come from the region; give him the advice he needs on decisions that will have to be made, on personnel, houses, communities, finances, ministries, and the like. As General Counselor, I am supposed to “collaborate with the General” and his other counselors, on policies, decisions, and implementation of those decisions, concerning the universal Society...

...After Mass this evening, I laughed when a smiling American Jesuit came up to me and said, “Had a life-transforming day today, have you?” In truth, however, I have found myself remarkably strengthened by the kind responses of my brother Jesuits here in Rome. It was funny to walk down the corridor this evening and hear the venerable Fr. Jacques Gellard, Assistant ad Providentiam and Admonitor of Fr. Kolvenbach, greet me, with a kind of benevolent amusement in his voice: “Good evening, Fr. Assistant.” So many brother Jesuits here, from so many different countries, have expressed good wishes and promised prayers, and I have been deeply touched by the sincerity and brotherhood behind their words. I was very moved too by a few, including some I respect very much, surprising me by saying: “I am very happy that you are part of the Council."

People close to Fr. Danny have mixed emotions about his new assignment for he will be based in Rome starting end of this month. It is a seeming loss for the Church of the Philippines especially for the Philippine Province of the Jesuits. And yet we are also happy that his brilliance will be shared to a wider and bigger "community." For that we can only congratulate him and offer our prayers for him.

Fr. Albert told me it was Fr. Danny who personally requested that I join them for dinner last Thursday. I feel flattered. Not everybody gets to be invited by a Jesuit Regional Assistant to dinner (together with the Dean of Asian Theologians). I was asking Fr. Albert if I had to be formal before Fr. Danny and if I had to start calling him Fr. Huang instead. But when he stood up and embraced me as I approached the dinner table, I knew it was still my good old friend...

Good luck Fr. Assistant. Comembo will miss you. Rest assured of our prayers.

Things I Learned from the WYD!!!

2008-08-09T10:31:00.016+08:00

1. Never sleep in the train when you are in a foreign land. (thanks to Leah for this)
2. Budget your time for shopping so you don't get lost and left behind. (thanks to Karina)
3. Make sure there's no camera when you dance in public - esp. if you are a priest. (thanks to me)
4. Don't forget your ipod or mp3 player especially if you will sleep beside a loud one-man orchestra. (thanks to Phil)
5. Huwag ikahiyang gamitin ang sariling wika kapag inaaway ka na ng mga banyaga sa sarili nilang wika. (salamat Fr. Josue and Fr. Jun)
6. Never "line the cross". (kay Camille ba ito??? hahahaha)
7. The Southern Cross is found in the sky, not in the face. (thanks again to Karina)
8. Kangaroos are not only fun to see but fun to eat as well. (thanks to Fr. Leo)
9. The African word for "father" is "Baba". (right, Baba Ding?)
10. Believe that real power can only come from the Holy Spirit. (thanks to the Holy Spirit!)

World Youth Day: Sydney, July 15-21

2008-08-01T21:54:00.014+08:00

We arrived in Sydney early Sunday morning. This time we didn’t have to wait for hours at the airport. We were soon being brought to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Parish in Randwick which was just a few blocks away from the Randwick Race Course which was to be the site of the Papal Mass. That was to our relief because it meant we wouldn’t have to walk a long way to get there. We found out however that our foster families were not expecting us until the evening of the 14^th. So everyone started calling on their relatives in Australia to look for a place to stay for the night. I brought along with me Phil and Atty. Lea to Plumpton which was an hour’s drive from the city. We were lucky because Erwin Buensuceso who was picked up by his aunt was also going that way and gave us a ride. I was able to get in touch with Ate Remy Fairweather, sister of Sis. Rita Fernandez. She was kind enough to give us a place to spend the night. Gigi and Queenie stayed in Gigi’s cousin’s place near the city.

In Sydney, Fr. Chris and I were still housemates but this time we stayed in the same house with Msgr. Ding, Fr. Eugene, Fr. Jojo and Fr. Roy. We were warmly received by Stephanie Burke and her family in their house along Coogee Bay.

July 15 was the actual starting date of the WYD 2008. It was such a memorable first day for most of us priests. We had to line up at the Opera House for the accreditation of priests for us to be able to concelebrate in the Papal Mass. We started lining up around 8:30am and finally got out of the Opera House around 5:30pm. Imagine, nine hours of lining up with thousands of other priests and only 5 computers available for registration. That would have been an hour longer than our flight back to Manila. And because of that queue, we never got to concelebrate during the Opening Mass at Barangaroo.

From July 16-18, we joined catechetical sessions in the morning at the Our Lady of the Rosary Parish in Kensington. The catechism sessions had bishops and Cardinals as speakers. The main focus of the catechism was the theme of the WYD 2008: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes, and you will become my witnesses” (Acts 1:8). In the afternoon of July 17, we joined thousands of ecstatic young people in Barangaroo for the grand Papal Arrival.

The highlight of any WYD celebration is the overnight vigil before the last day. And so was it in Sydney. Around 1:30pm of Saturday, July 19, we began our pilgrim walk to the Randwick Race Course. There was a festive atmosphere in the streets of Sydney. Young people from different nations were marching towards the same direction while chanting their love for Jesus and for the Pope. Equally moving and heartwarming were the Filipinos based in Sydney who were as ecstatic whenever they see us and the Filipino flag being waved in the air. They were so proud to see their countrymen and even joined us in our chants of “Boom Tarat-tarat.”

That was also the most challenging part of the WYD. Remember, it was the heart of winter. By 5pm, we were already struggling with the biting coldness to think that the vigil had not begun yet. The Pope arrived around 8pm and the prayer vigil lasted until 10pm. By the end of the vigil, we were freezing to our bones. Four layers of winter clothing, sleeping bags and thermal blankets were not enough to ward off the stinging coldness. But there was no giving up on this once in a lifetime experience. Everyone was courageous enough to take the extra challenge. Four hundred thousand young people slept under the Southern sky anticipating the Pope’s closing mass the following morning.

It was all worth the sacrifice. Although most of us were not able to really get a good night’s rest, everyone was as energetic as the previous day as we awaited the Closing Mass. The Pope’s message reverberated around the race course. Power can only come from the Holy Spirit, a power so different from what the world can offer. The Papal message was full of hope for the young people of the world.

There are still so many things to write about the WYD. One blog entry will never be enough. I am just giving you a summary of the events that transpired during those unforgettable days in Sydney and Melbourne. In fact I haven’t told you about the Blue Mountains, about the food, koalas, kangaroos, lamingtons, Tim-tams …and WYD 2011 in Madrid! Hasta la vista!!!

Melbourne: Days in the Dioceses, July 10-13

2008-07-29T13:31:00.011+08:00

It was a dream come true for most of the 96-strong Manila delegation to the Sydney World Youth Day. Most of us were first-timers, except of course for those who were already “young” when the WYD was held in Manila in 1995. It was just amazing that most of those who went to Sydney were only toddlers or were still inside their mothers’ wombs when it was held in Manila.

We arrived in Melbourne on the morning of July 9. We were brought to the Marcelin College after six hours of waiting at the airport. People from our host parish, St. John the Evangelist in Mitcham, fetched us and brought us to the parish. By 6pm, foster parents started arriving to pick up those assigned to them. Barry O’ Shei who became my foster father for 5 days, came to pick me up together with Fr. Chris Sabili from Palawan. His house along Ventnor St. was about 1.6kms away from the parish.

July 10: We joined the community mass at Mitcham’s around 10am. Then the parish priest and some parish leaders brought us to Victoria Market where we had lunch before proceeding to St. Patrick’s Cathedral for the Opening Mass of the Days in the Diocese.

July 11: We went to the Pilgrim Center (while worrying whatever happened to Atty. Lea who was not able to get off the train). Our group made a pilgrimage walk to the Blessed Mary McKillop Heritage Center. Blessed Mary Mckillop hopefully will become Australia’s first saint. At 6pm, we were already at the Telstra Dome for the commissioning mass. Finally, and to our relief, we were reunited with Atty. Lea.

July 12: After mass at Mitcham’s, we had barbecue with the parishioners. Then we were given the afternoon for free. For tennis fans, Melbourne is a sacred place. Every year, around the month of January, Melbourne hosts the first Grand Slam event to kick off the tennis season, the Australian Open. Having mastered the art of manipulation (laugh), I was able to drag along with me some priests and young people for a side trip to the Rod Laver Arena. I was in Cloud Nine! Just seeing the tennis courts where famous tennis players compete gave me a blast. My trip to Australia was complete!

The following day we were off to Sydney. Melbourne was memorable. First, for Barry O’Shei, my foster father there. Second, The Rod Laver Arena. Third, for everything that happened while we were there. :)

Parish Youth Camp 2008

2008-06-20T15:05:00.007+08:00

The Parish Youth Ministry, led by the very energetic and efficient Jacky Sapitanan went to Real, Quezon last June 8, 2008. I wasn't able to join them because of a prior commitment. Thanks to Millette for offering the place and to her mom for preparing the venue and for staying there and served as the guardian of our youth. I hope to be able to visit the place soon.

If the smiles in the photos below will be the basis, then Youth Camp 2008 was a resounding success.

Merry Month of May

2008-05-13T21:30:00.019+08:00

National Conference for Youth Ministers (NCYM)

The NCYM 2008 was held last May 5-10 in Jaro, Iloilo. Our Parish Youth Coordinator Jacky Sapitanan was part of the official delegation from the Archdiocese of Manila and she represented the Makati District Youth Ministry. The theme of this year’s conference was “The Word of God Lives in You” (1 John 2:14). The conference aimed to stress among the youth ministers that the Bible should take the central place in the lives of youth ministers. Bishop Chito Tagle of Imus was the keynote speaker of the conference. He challenged all the youth ministers to listen and witness to the Word of God, Jesus Christ. The NCYM believes that the young are not only objects of evangelization but that they can be ministers of evangelization.

EMHC Retreat 2008

The annual retreat of the Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC) was held last May 9-10 at Villa San Jose, Tagaytay City. Bro. Jayvee Zuniga of San Jose Seminary was their retreat director. The theme of this year’s retreat was Eucharistic Spirituality. Bro. Jayvee said that when we speak of spirituality we speak about a particular expression of a belief which is rooted in the quality of one’s relationship with God. When we speak therefore of Eucharistic spirituality, we refer to the spirituality of a person who is transformed by his communion with the Body of Christ.

Santacruzan 2008

The month of May in the Philippines is dedicated in a particular way to Mama Mary. In almost every parish, little children flock to churches to be taught catechism and afterwards offer flowers to the Blessed Mother. Another activity that highlights this Marian Devotion is the Santacruzan which gives honor to Mary through her different titles. This also recalls Queen Helen’s search for the Holy Cross, the true Cross of Christ. Young women are dressed to look their best to give honor to the most beautiful woman ever, the Blessed Mother. Our santacruzan this year was held last May 10. This year’s Reyna Elena is no less than Queenie Cance who really looked every inch a queen.

Parish Outing 2008

2008-04-07T20:09:00.014+08:00

The Parish Outing for this year was held last Saturday, April 5, at Villa Fortunata Resort, Nasugbu, Batangas. The owner of the resort, Joey and Celine Perpinan, were very kind and generous enough to close the resort for our exclusive use. I got to know Joey and Celine through Sis. Chat Cance. Their children, Kyle and Queenie, were classmates in high school. They toured us around the resort while it was still undergoing renovation last March.

The buses and the vans left MMJP around 5:30am. I was not able to leave early since I was tasked by the Cardinal to be the main presider of the MAGPAS mass in Paco. I arrived in the resort around noon and found everyone enjoying their day: swimming in the pool and in the beach, singing videoke, playing volleybal and frisbee, or simply frolicking under the sun. I guess I don't have to write anything more. Just look at the pictures and see for yourselves.

Sacerdotal Anniversary

2008-03-15T23:12:00.006+08:00

Today I celebrate my 9^th year in the priesthood. It was on this date, nine years ago, when His Eminence Jaime Cardinal Sin ordained me at the EDSA Shrine. The Church also celebrates today in anticipation the Feast of St. Joseph whose actual feast falls on the 4^th day of the Holy Week (March 19). As many of you would know, I am a product of San Jose Seminary. In San Jose we even have a song which we usually sing during ordinations and other special occasions, “Father of Priestly Sons, O Noble San Jose.” And so on the occasion of my 9^thanniversary, we also honor the Father of Priestly Sons.

San Jose was the silent worker of the Sacred Scriptures. He hardly even uttered a word. He was pictured as the obedient servant of God who found answers to the most difficult questions that confronted him in his dreams (Mt 1:18-25; 2:13ff; 2:19ff). His dreams were always about Jesus and what he had to do for Jesus. Sa bawat panaginip at pangarap ni San Jose, palaging kasama si Hesus. This leads us in searching ourselves and our dreams. We all have dreams: dreams for ourselves, dreams for our family, dreams for our parish, dreams for a better future, dreams for a better country, and so on and so forth. Is Jesus part of our dreams? Do we include Him in our dreams?

San Jose inspires all of us, whether ordained or lay, in our respective ministries. The word minister comes from the Latin word minus, which means to lessen or to subtract, and the suffix ter which means three or third. And so a minister goes down three times in his service. As Jesus himself proclaimed, “The Son of Man has come, not to be served but to serve.” (Mt 20:28) Jesus must have learned this from His foster father, San Jose. He never bragged about the role He was playing in the history of mankind’s salvation. Rather, he served humbly in taking care of Jesus and the Blessed Mother. He stayed in the background, he stayed behind Jesus. Similarly, all of us serving the vineyard of our Lord must realize it is Christ’s mission and we are just laborers. As St. Paul would later say, “It is not ourselves that we preach, but Christ Jesus as Lord.” (2 Cor 4:5)

Let us all look up to San Jose for inspiration. Let us dream dreams, but never forget to include Jesus in our dreams. Let us serve through our own ministries, but never forget to serve with humility.

Fiesta 2008 Photos

2008-03-13T22:14:00.010+08:00

Here are some photos taken during the fiesta week celebration: First Set: Walk for a Cause (top left); Medical-Dental Mission (top right); Dinner with Hermanos.
Second Set: Water-Shed Rejuvenation Project in Antipolo;
Third Set:Fiesta Masses with Bishop Cortez and Bishop Bacani; and special guests, Julius Babao and Christine Bersola in the sacristy.

FIESTA 2008:Spirituality. Mission. Ministry.

2008-03-04T20:20:00.008+08:00

The formation program of the Archdiocese of Manila for this year is a deepening of the MAGPAS formation on the Vision Statement. It is best captured by the three words which we shall also use as the theme of this year's fiesta celebration: spirituality, mission and ministry. Actually we are now on the 5th day of our novena masses and so this posting is quite late already. Anyway, people might still want to know the sub-themes and the presiders for this year's novena masses.

February 29 Fr. Roderick Castro (MMJP)
"Spirituality. Mission. Ministry"

March 1 Fr. Roy Belen (Director of Archdiocesan Parish Youth Ministry - Manila)
"Guiding the Youth Towards Fullness of Life
March 2 Fr. Maxell Aranilla (Principal, Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary
"Ignorance: A Dehumanizing Reality"
March 3 Fr. Benito Tuazon (St. Alphonsus de Liguori Parish)
"Destruction of Our Beautiful Land"
March 4 Fr. Joselito Buenafe (Spiritual Director, San Carlos Seminary)
"Falsehood and Disvalues: Media as Evangelization Today"
March 5 Fr. Victor Apacible (National Shrine of the Sacred Heart)
"Lay Spirituality"
March 6 Fr. Edwin Mercado (Rector, San Carlos Seminary)
"Priestly Life and Ministry"
March 7 Fr. Anton Pascual (Director, CARITAS Manila)
"The Scourge of Poverty: What is it All About?"
March 8 Fr. Alan Dialogo (St. John of the Cross Parish)
"Unjust and Selfish Attitudes Attacking Family Life"

March 9 FIESTA DAY
7:00 am Fr. Roderick Castro
9:00am Bishop Bernardino Cortez, DD GRAND FIESTA MASS
5:00 pm Fr. Albert Flores
6:00pm Bishop Teodoro Bacani, Jr.
7:15pm Fr. Jeffrey Jamias

"Is this the little girl I carried..."

2008-02-06T22:46:00.001+08:00

I am not 100% sure but I think that was the first line of a song from the musical "Fiddler on the Roof." And again if I am not mistaken that was sung by a father upon seeing his daughter who was about to get married. I am sure Jobelle's father could relate very well to that song when he saw her wearing her bridal gown last January 30. I wasn't there when Jobelle was a little baby so I never got the chance to carry her. But somehow, when I saw her walking down the aisle, I felt I was his father too. Mixed emotions ...

I have known Jobelle for almost eight years now. I remember her as the sweet and petite girl applying as lector/commentator together with her "sisters" Millette and Jerdi. Shy but very smart. People thought that she was masungit because of her overarching eyebrows. That was what I thought too. But as the friendship developed, I got to know the deeper and more beautiful side of her personality. I cannot count anymore the many times she told me or wrote to me how thankful she is to have me as a father and brother in one.

Jay-R and Jobelle's wedding was simple yet solemn. There was so much happiness in both their faces. I could sense their excitement as they entered a new chapter in their life together. But just like any couple I also know there were gnawing questions and uncertainties in their hearts as to the future of their relationship. But with deep faith in God, they also know that God will never abandon them.

Jay-R and Jobelle, rest assured of our prayers for you. As I shared during your wedding, every act of God is an act of love and therefore a miracle. He was the one who brought you together. And just like what He did for the couple at Cana, He will be more than willing to do more miracles for you if you will allow Him because he loves you that much. Stay happy!

In Memoriam: Sis. Cely Siyang

2008-01-28T10:55:00.002+08:00

Katatapos lamang ng funeral mass ni Sis. Cely. Nandito ako ngayon sa kwarto ko at hanggang ngayon ay nakakatanggap ng mensahe mula sa iba't ibang tao tungkol kay Sis. Cely at kung ano ang mga matatamis na alaala nila tungkol sa kanya. Kanina sa homilya, sinabi ko, hindi kumpleto ang kasaysayan ng parokyang ito kung hindi babanggitin ang pangalang "Sis. Siyang."

Alam ko na lahat naman ay sasang-ayon dito. Noong mamatay si Sis. Cely marami ang nalungkot. Naalala ng iba na noong bata sila, si Sis. Cely ang umaakay sa kanila upang magdasal ng rosaryo sa bahay-bahay dito sa Comembo. Si Sis. Cely daw ang nagturo sa kanila na magdasal. May nag-text pa sa akin, noong bata daw sila si Sis. Cely ang katekista nila at tinuro sa kanila ang novena sa Sto. Nino upang tulungan daw sila sa kanilang pag-aaral. Sabi niya, hanggang high school at college, hanggang matapos siya sa pag-aaral dinadasal niya ang novena na itinuro ni Sis. Cely. At sino ang makakalimot sa larawan ng isang Sis. Cely na naglalakad papunta sa simbahan, may tungkod at alam mong nahihirapan, pero hindi magpapa-awat makapaglingkod lamang sa altar ng Panginoon?

Salamat sa inspirasyon Sis. Cely. Nais ko sanang tawagin kang "Parishioner of the Month" o "Parishioner of the Year", subalit alam kong kulang iyon upang parangalan ka. Halos apat na dekada ang buong pusong paglilingkod mo sa parokyang ito. Isang uri ng paglilingkod na sumasalamin sa paglilingkod na itinuro ni Hesus, paglilingkod na walang hininging kapalit. Naniniwala ako na iyon ang sukatan ng pagiging isang tunay na mamamayan ng Comembo. Hindi kapirasong papel ang sukatan ng pagiging mamamayan, nasa puso ito, nasa isip, nasa kaluluwa. Salamat at matatamis ang alaalang iniwan mo. Kanina nakakalungkot ang awit nang matapos ang misa. Pero iyon ang mga salitang nais naming ulit-ulitin sa iyo Sis. Cely:

"Sa bawat pag-ikot ng ating buhay
May oras kailangan na maghiwalay
Puso'y lumaban man walang magagawa
Saan ka, kailan ka, muling mahahagkan

Magkulang man sa atin itong sandali
Alam ko na tayo'y magkikitang muli
Hangga't may umaga pa na haharapin
Ikaw lang ang mamahalin..."

Adios Chiquito. Hola Panchito!

2008-01-20T13:27:00.000+08:00

I would like to inform the Chiquito fans that I decided to return Chiquito to his breeder. The doctor said there is no certainty he will recover from the parasite. Anyway, the breeder was good enough to replace the puppy. And so from the original black and white Chiquito, I now have a brown and choco chihuahua (chi for short). Mi perro se llama Panchito. Panchito es mas bonito y mas listo que Chiquito. Panchito tiene dos meses y tambien tiene una hermana, se llama Chestnut. Chestnut es la segunda hija de Ariel.

Oops, I got carried away. Chihuahuas, for those who do not know yet, originate from the state of Chihuahua, Mexico (por eso, hablo espanol), where it was discovered in 1850. Up until now, it is considered the smallest breed of dog. Chi's are classified as toy dogs. Generally they are described as courageous, extremely lively, proud, enterprising, bold, saucy, strong-willed, intensely loyal, jealous, suspicious and dog-aggressive. They are considered very safe, but not for little children. According to one internet article, they are good companions for grandparents, for the oldies who are left behind at home with nothing to do. After reading that, I began to wonder why I chose a chi for a pet dog. I'm not that old yet.

I think I was 9 when I last had a pet dog. His name was Ringo. Ringo was an askal. Askals are the cheapest breed of dogs. Hehehe. Anyway, I hope Panchito will stay free from any parasite or virus. Otherwise, I will have to start filling up my aquariums once again.

Chiquito and Christmas Party

2008-01-03T13:35:00.000+08:00

I promised to introduce Chiquito, the latest addition to the MMJP family. Chiquito is my pet dog. He is two months old. He is a chihuahua. But right now he is sick. So I don't want to talk about him right now. I am sad.

Kaya yung Christmas Party muna ang pag-usapan natin. Mas masayang usapan upang sandaling makalimot sa karamdaman ni Chiquito (bawal muna dumalaw kay Chiquito, under medication siya). Unahin natin ang Youth Christmas Party noong December 28 ng gabi, na ginanap sa Multi-Purpose Hall (sa fiesta ay officially papangalanan na nating Cardinal Sin Hall or Hall of Sin in honor of the Cardinal who established our parish). Masaya ang hinandang program ni Ate Jackie at ng mga kabataan. Ebidensya dito ang pagyanig ng buong building dahil sa lakas ng tawanan at sigawan sa mga very exciting na parlor games. Nakita ko ang mga miyembro ng iba't ibang youth organizations sa parish, HPC, LOM, Lectors, Altar Servers, Canticle, Youth Choir at syempre ang matibay na Core Group. Masaya sila dahil marami akong binigay na cakes, na marami din ay expired na (may sumakit ba ang tiyan?).

Kinabukasan, maaga namang naghanda ang iba't ibang organizations at ministries ng parokya para sa Parish Christmas Party na ginanap din sa Hall of Sin. Pot luck ang usapan sa pagkain at may dala din ang mga organizations na prizes para sa raffle at parlor games. May games para sa senior citizens, merong para sa mga bata, merong para sa lahat, at merong isang exclusive para sa pari. Mali daw ang sagot ko sa 6th commandment (sabi ko "Thou shall not steal") na sinang-ayunan ni Bheng, Millet, Bro. Johnny, etc. Sabi ni Ate Nor mali daw, "Thou shall not commit adultery daw." Nakakahiya. Tinanong ko si Fr. Albert kung ano ang 6th commandment, sabi niya "Thou shall not kill." Hehehe. Nakakadulot pala ng memory gap ang pasko. Anyway, wala na kayong magagawa. Ang protesta ay ginawa noong tapos na ang game at party kaya no bearing na, panalo na ako. Yehey! Belat!

Masaya ang naging pagdiriwang ng Pasko sa ating parokya. Sana isang tanda at hudyat na magiging maganda rin ang taong 2008. Sama-sama pa rin tayo sa paglilingkod sa Bayang Tinawag ng Ama tungo sa Kaganapan ng Buhay.

Support the Sumilao March

2007-12-11T07:44:00.000+08:00

When I read about the story of the Sumilao farmers for the first time a few months ago, I took interest right away and thought of a way to help them out in their cause and struggle. Maybe because Bukidnon has a special place in my heart. I was a Jesuit Volunteer in Bukidnon 15 years ago. The memories of the warmth, sincerity and simplicity of the people of Bukidnon are still fresh. My sweet Bukidnon home...

Who are the Sumilao farmers? October 9, 2007 marked the 10th anniversary of their hunger strike. These farmers renewed their struggle in reclaiming the land (144 hectares in all) that was taken from them ten years ago. Fifty five of them started walking on October 10, 2007 from Bukidnon and hoping to reach Manila on December 10, International Human Rights Day. And they did. After braving 1,700kms, crossing, not only towns, but provinces and islands and not to forget the alternating rains, sunshine and storms, they reached their target destination where they are hoping against hope to receive justice.

This march is their non-violent way to voice out and demand their rights over their lands which belong to them and their ancestors. Their act should awaken the whole nation and make us understand the importance of the agrarian reform. They represent not only the struggle of the farmers of Sumilao but the thousands of farmers all over the country.

Yesterday I went to their camp site in front of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) together with some 25 parishioners. We were invited by San Jose Seminary to help feed the farmers since they are running out of budget and the decision of the DAR secretary seems to be taking longer than needed. As early as 5:30 in the morning our volunteers were already preparing the food that we were supposed to bring to the farmers. It seemed like another one of those out-of-town activities where everyone was excited to join. But when we reached the site in front of the DAR building and the farmers started arriving after another march, our parishioners knew they were face to face with some serious business. The first thing we noticed was the parol hanging outside their camp made up of all the slippers they used during their 2-month walk. The gloomy and tired faces of the farmers moved us. They held on to the gates of the DAR begging and crying for justice. Some women were already suffering from fever and colds and even succumbed to fainting. Their feet aching with sores and bruises. And yet their determination was unfaltering, unwavering. "Ihatag ang yuta sa Sumilao." (Give the land to Sumilao.)

I know deep in their hearts my parishioners realized they received more than they gave. They gave food and water, and in return they were given some lessons about life. I was really determined to bring along parishioners to join the Sumilao farmers for them to realize that sometimes we become too parochial in our concerns. We fight about petty things, we quarrel about irrelevant matters, and we give up when faced with problems. These farmers are not just fighting for a piece of land. They are fighting for their ancestors, for their rights, for their dignity as human beings. They were fighting for what remains of the things they can really call their own.

When we joined them for lunch, I felt I was transported back to Bukidnon. I felt once again their sincerity and admired once again their simplicity. Yet more than that, their determination and hope inspired me. The first lines of their anthem started to ring back ...

"Wherever I may roam,
the distant land to see
I long to be with you
My sweet Bukidnon home..."

Bataan Pilgrimage 2007

2007-12-01T13:48:00.000+08:00

Youth Pilgrimage 2007

2007-11-12T19:41:00.000+08:00

The Archdiocesan Parish Youth Ministry (APYM) of Makati District (Makati, Mandaluyong, Pasay, San Juan) is organizing a Youth Pilgrimage to Bataan. It will be on November 30, 2007. Bishop Soc Villegas earlier promised to be the pilgrimage guide himself if his schedule would allow him to do so. It is just sad that only two participants per parish ( a total of 110 participants to load the two buses) can join the said pilgrimage as our budget would allow. Bishop Soc already told me that we shall visit the Churches in Balanga, Pilar, Orion, Limay, Abucay, and Orani.

Why do Christians go on pilgrimage? Allow me to quote some excerpts from the book "The Way of the Lord" by Tom Wright:

"First, pilgrimage to holy places has a valuable role within the Church's teaching ministry... You might, in principle, have learnt such things [i.e. about the pilgrimage sites] from books, lectures and television; but there is something about simply being there which, for most people, goes to the heart of things.

"Second, pilgrimage to holy places is a stimulus and an invitation to prayer. Those who, like me, share the privilege of worshiping and praying regularly in an ancient holy place know well how those who come are regularly moved to pray by such a building... I cannot describe the sense of intimacy this evoked.

"Third, pilgrimage to holy places, though neither necessary nor sufficient for Christian living, can be for many a time for real growth and depth in discipleship. This may have something to do with the sheer fact of traveling away from home, looking for something we don't yet know about.

"My hope and prayer, then, for all who go on pilgrimage, is that thay may make right use of their time of journeying: to learn new things, yes; to pray new prayers, yes; but most of all to take fresh steps along the road of discipleship that leads from the earthly city to the city that is to come, whose builder and maker is God." (pp. 9-11)

I hope the youth pilgrimage to Bataan become a fruitful journey for the youth.

Barangay Elections 2007

2007-10-27T12:58:00.000+08:00

"IT IS TREASON FOR A LEADER TO LEAD WITHOUT A VISION." Sa mga taong-simbahan sa Archdiocese of Manila, tiyak na alam agad ninyo kung sino ang madalas magsabi ng mga pananalitang iyan. Umpisa pa lamang ng kanyang panunungkulan bilang Arsobispo ng Maynila, parang iyan na ang constant refrain ni Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales o ni Lolo Dency. Sabi niya, pagtataksil o pagkakanulo ang mamuno na walang pananaw. Kung walang pananaw o pangarap ang isang pinuno, saan niya dadalahin o aakayan ang kanyang mga pinamumunuan?

Kagabi ay dinaos sa ating parokya ang Candidates' Forum na inihanda at inihandog sa atin ng PPCRV (maraming salamat sa napakasipag na si Sis. Chat at mga kasama). Halos lahat naman ng kumakandidato bilang kagawad at kapitan ay nagsidalo at napakinggan. Katulad ng obserbasyon ng nakararami, maayos naman daw ang daloy ng forum -- walang bastusan, walang bangayan, walang babuyan (maliban sa ilang patutsada noong huling limang minuto ng forum).

Maganda ang mga pananalita. Malinaw na malinaw na pinaghandaan ng nakararaming kandidato ang kanilang mga sasabihin. Napakagandang pakinggan ng mga salita. Subalit iyon siguro ang kagandahan ng barangay elections. Kakilala natin ang mga nagsasalita, alam natin kung sino sila, kung anong uri ng tao, kilala ang pamilyang pinanggalingan, at kahit pag-ikut-ikutin tayo ng mabulaklak na pananalumpati, tayo ang nakakaalam kung may katotohanan ba o kung magagawa ba nila ang pinapangako (biruin ninyo, may isang 17 yr old candidate na ang mga pinangako ay katumbas na ng buong programa ng Caritas Manila at SSDM? Pabahay na lang ang kulang). Kung mas naging bukas at mapanuri ang mga nakinig kagabi, madaling malalaman kung sino ang mapagkakatiwalaan at kung sino ang hindi.

At iyon ang nakakatakot. Ilan sa mga nakinig kagabi ang dumalo dahil nais makilala ang mga kandidato at makaboto nang maayos sa Lunes? Ilan sa mga nakinig ang sarado na ang isip?

Isang tanong ang hinintay ko kagabi na sagutin ng mga kandidato bilang SK Chairman at Barangay Chairman: Ano sa palagay ninyo ang kahalagahan ng malalim na pananampalataya at takot sa Diyos para sa isang nagnanais maglingkod sa bayan? Simple ang tanong kung tutuusin. Kung nag-iisip ang mga kandidato dapat nahulaan nila na lalabas ang tanong na iyon. Pero wala akong nakuhang lalim sa mga sagot. May mga tahasang lumihis sa tanong. "Magsisimba ako." "Pupunta ako sa simbahan araw-araw." (oopps! parang di ko pa sila nakita sa simbahan? hmmm baka naman sa Pateros o sa Mater o sa Greenbelt nagsisimba. Sige na nga, benefit of the doubt.) May nagsabi din na wala sa dalas ng pagsisimba ang sukatan ng pananampalataya. Maaari nga na wala sa pagsisimba, pero nasaan? Malinaw naman ang tinutumbok ng tanong. Kung walang moralidad sa personal na buhay na nagmumula sa pananampalataya at takot sa Diyos, wala ring maaasahang moralidad sa pamumuno. Lahat ay sakop ng batas ng Diyos. At lahat ng kapangyarihan sa lupa ay nagmumula sa Diyos. Paano ka makapamumuno na isinasangtabi ang Diyos? Kung ang namumuno ay hindi nangingimi at natatakot sa Diyos, sino o ano pa ang katatakutan niya?

Sana sa Lunes pagboto natin, boboto tayo nang may pananaw. Pananaw para sa ating komunidad dito sa ating barangay. Anong barangay ang ninanais natin? Anong klase ng mga pinununo ang gusto mong pagkatiwalaan ng iyong napaka-sagradong boto? Hahayaan lamang ba nating masayang ang lahat? Another exercise in futility...??!!??

Team Building Seminar

2007-10-13T21:19:00.000+08:00

Kadarating lang namin from Tagaytay. Katatapos lang ng one-day team-building seminar ng PPC. Kung tatanungin nyo ko, gusto ko na lang mahiga at matulog. Subalit hindi ko mapigilan ang sarili ko na magsulat at maglagay ng mga litrato kuha sa seminar. Siguro dahil naging mabiyaya ang araw. Hindi ako masyadong magbibigay ng detalye (para ma-intriga ang iba). Kami na lamang ng mga participants ang nakakaalam ng mga tunay na nangyari at kung gaano kami kasaya (muwahahahaha! inggit kayo? oops! parang pangit yata pagkakatawa ko, parang si satanas. again again ... hehehehehe!). Hayaan nyo na lang mangusap ang mga larawan. Pero may ilang insights din ako ibabahagi, bagay na hindi namin maaaring sarilihin dahil para saan ang pagninilay kung hindi naman ipangangalat at ipahahayag ang mensahe ni Lord, di ba?

KASALI LAHAT, LAHAT KASALI: Ito ang unang battle cry na itinuro sa amin. Walang magpapasaway, walang mag-iinarte sa mga activities sa seminar. Ganon din sa parokya, di ba? Paano tayo uusad kung may ayaw "sumali"? Paano magkakaroon ng pagkakaisa at mabubuo ang "sambayanan ng mga tao" kung palaging may nagpapa-importante?

WHERE REASON ENDS, FAITH BEGINS: Lahat tayo tinawag lang na maglingkod. Hindi si Fr. Eric (ako yon) ang tumawag, hindi ang kapitbahay lang o kung sino mang tao. Ang Diyos ang tumatawag. At bakit tayo ang tinatawag? Marami namang iba na mas karapat-dapat, bakit ako? Mahirap ipaliwanag sapagkat misteryoso ang pagtawag ng Diyos. Gusto mong malaman kung bakit ikaw? Tanungin mo si Lord. Pero tumugon ka muna bago ka magtanong, sapagkat baka hindi maabot ng pag-iisip natin kung bakit. Kailangan lang magtiwala, kailangan manampalataya.

AT YOUR SERVICE LORD! Sa pagtatapos ng seminar, magsisimula ang pagbubuo ng komunidad. Ang "team" ay hindi na-"build" ng seminar. Ang team ay patuloy sa proseso ng building. At susi dito ang kahandaan natin na akayin ang isa't isa patungo sa KAGANAPAN NG BUHAY! Salamat Kuya Noel at Ate Gaines. Sa loob ng isang araw muling nasariwa sa amin ang kahulugan ng paglilingkod bilang pagtugon sa tawag ng Panginoon. Salamat at hinayaan nyo kaming harapin ang bahagi ng sarili namin na mahirap tanggapin subalit hinahangad na baguhin. Mangyari nawa lahat alang-alang kay Lord.

September 12: Blessed are those who mourn...

2007-09-13T22:07:00.000+08:00

My father passed away when I was 15 yrs old. I will never forget that day, September 12, 1986. I was already on my way to our study hall in our minor seminary in Bulacan when the rector called me. He told me I had to go to the hospital because my father was brought there that afternoon. I was half running when I left the seminary. But before I went out of the gate, I stopped and looked back at the Blessed Mother's image in the middle of the seminary grounds. The sun was setting and almost gone, but I could still see Mama Mary's image. I uttered a short prayer asking her to take care of my father no matter what. I knew it was already too late to ask for a miracle to take away his cancer. Somehow that whole year we have been preparing ourselves for the inevitable. But can we ever be really prepared for the experience of death?

I arrived in the hospital a little before 6pm. My mother, Ate Cristy and Sheila were there together with our aunts and uncles. It was quiet, it was eerie. I was brought to my father and held his hand for a while. He looked very tired. He was in terrible pain. But he recognized me. We prayed the rosary and I knew he was taking every effort to join us. I knew the struggle was nearing its end. We were able to finish praying the rosary -- his last breath, almost simultaneous with our Amen.

It was very painful for all of us especially for Ate Jane and Ruth who were not there when he passed away. They were both in school then, Ate Jane in Ateneo and Ruth in UP Baguio. They both thought it was unfair that daddy only waited for me before he left and did not wait for them as well. I'm sure later they realized that daddy needed to rest already.

Fast forward to September 12, 1998. The whole family was gathered together with our relatives and friends, not to commemorate a death anniversary, but to witness my ordination to the diaconate. Yes, on the same date when my father died, I was ordained as deacon. It was a day of blessing. It was a day of thanksgiving. Yes there were tears, but this time tears of joy. My youngest sister Sheila wrote me a letter a few years later. She told me that since our father died, she used to spend September 12 crying and remembering him and that the last time she did that was during my ordination. She knew daddy was already happy and at peace. It was a day of healing for all of us.

Another fast forward. September 12, 2000. Ate Jane gave birth to her second child Iggy. This time there were no more tears. It was a day of rejoicing as we welcomed the latest addition to our family. It was a day of thanksgiving for the gift of life.

Yesterday, September 12, I celebrated mass for three important intentions: daddy's 21st death anniversary, my 9th anniversary as a deacon and Iggy's 7th birthday. It was at first unbelievable that three memorable events happened on the same day for our family. The Gospel yesterday was the Beatitudes from St. Luke. "Blessed are you who mourn now, for you will rejoice." We mourned on September 12, 1986, but God found a way of transforming that sorrow into joy through the gift of the ordained life for me and the gift of Iggy's life. Two lives to replace that one he took back. Indeed our God is a God of surprises. He can turn things around for us, if we will only believe ... and wait...

Parishioner of the Month: Ate Noemi

2007-08-17T09:23:00.002+08:00

May nagmungkahi sa akin na magkaroon tayo ng special feature dito sa blogspot natin, "Parishioner of the Month." Hindi ko maisip kung paano gagawin ang pagpili o pagboto. Kasi kung online voting, baka naman iboto lang ni Almond ang sarili niya ng hundred million times. Pero naisip ko na para sa buwan na ito ng Agosto, ako na ang pipili ng parishioner of the month. At ang napili ko ay walang iba kundi si Ate Noemi Hubilla.

Isa si Ate Noemi sa pinaka-unang mga naging Lector and Commentator ng ating parokya. Isang mahusay at iginagalang na guro, nakita rin ang husay niya at sipag sa pagpapahayag ng Salita ng Diyos. Hindi kalaunan ay napili siya na maging coordinator ng nasabing ministry at halos ayaw na siyang papalitan ng mga kasapi nito dahil sa kanyang mga nagawa para sa samahan lalo na sa kanilang masasayang monthly meetings. Small but terrible, wika nga.

Hindi daw niya makakalimutang karanasan nung ipinatawag ko siya noong kasalukuyang ginagawa ang altar ng ating simbahan. Sa kanya ko ipinasukat ang ginagawang lectern. Sabi ko sa engineer, hindi pwedeng sobrang taas, hindi rin pwedeng sobrang baba. Yung tamang-tama lang na maaabot ng pinaka magaling kong lector, si Ate Noemi (O, huwag na magselos ang iba. :)). Hindi daw niya yon makakalimutan kasi pinahalagahan siya. Pero may isang karanasan naman ako na di malilimutan. Minsan, pagkatapos ng misa, lumapit si Ate Noemi sa akin sa sacristy. May akay-akay na isang matandang babae. "Father, kapitbahay ko po siya. First time po niyang makasimba dito sa ating parokya. Wala daw po kasing nagsasama sa kanya at wala rin siyang mga kakilala dito sa atin kaya di siya nakakasimba. Nangako po ako na isasama ko siya dito." Hindi ko rin malaman ang sasabihin ko noong sandaling iyon sa sobrang saya. Akala ko walang nakikinig sa akin kapag nagsesermon ako. Kapag sinasabi ko na sana makapag-akay tayo ng ibang tao na makalapit sa Diyos at lalo na sa Banal na Misa. Si Ate Noemi, hindi lang sa lectern nagpahayag ng Salita ng Diyos. Maging sa tunay na buhay, nagawa niya at nagagawa niya.

Umalis si Ate Noemi kahapon kasama si Nonoy papuntang Amerika. Si Nelson, ang asawa niya ay nauna na sa kanila doon. Nakakalungkot na nabawasan tayo ng isang tunay na lingkod. Pero harinawa, magkitakita muli tayo at mag-krus ang ating mga landas. Ate Noemi gives proof to the old adage, "The best gifts come in small packages."

May Mapag-usapan lang...

2007-08-13T21:24:00.000+08:00

Wala na mapag-usapan. Ganito na lang, sa chatterbox, sagutin lang ang tanong na "Ano ang limang paborito kong pelikula of all time?" Pwede local film pwede foreign film. Pwede mo rin ipaliwanag pero baka naman masyado humaba. Umpisahan ko na:

1. Anak - Starring Vilma Santos, Claudine Barretto: medyo tumama lang ang iba't ibang aspeto ng pelikulang ito. Magaling din ang pagkakaganap. At least 5 times ko na napanuod at may sarili akong CD nito na gasgas na.

2. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon - Dito ko unang hinangaan ang mga Chinese films. Hindi lang ito tungkol sa martial arts nila o sa bakbakan sa ibabaw ng kawayan. Malalim. Nanalo ng Oscar Awards for Best Foreign Film.

3. The Passion of the Christ - Di na siguro kailangan ipaliwanag.

4. Mar Adentro - Spanish film. Isa sa pinaka mabigat na pelikulang napanuod ko. May kinalaman sa isang paraplegic na gusto na lamang wakasan ang buhay nya. Sumulat sa kanilang pamahalaan upang payagan ang euthanasia sa kaso niya. Di ko alam kung mayroong mabibili na CD o DVD nito. Napanuod ko lang sa Spanish Film Festival 2 years ago.

5. A Walk in the Clouds - Nakakakilig. hahaha.

Iyan ang una kong mga naisip. Pero baka magbago pa yang listahan ko pag naalala ko na yung iba ko pang mga napanuod.

For Booklovers

2007-07-17T20:52:00.001+08:00

My sister called me up the other day to remind me about my two boxes of personal things I deposited in her place for safekeeping. That was 7 years ago when I brought those boxes to her because I had no place in the parish to store them. But now that I have my own book shelf built in my room, I had those boxes picked up yesterday. One of the boxes is full of some of my favorite books I collected as a seminarian. Although I have already read them some 8-15 years ago I decided to start re-reading them. As one of my philo professors kept on telling us, "sa bawat pag-uulit, palaging may bago." I read them as a seminarian before, now I am re-reading them as a priest. Maybe I will see details from a different perspective which I did not take notice of before. Here are the first five of them. Those who are interested may borrow them but with a promise to take care of them like it has some Harry Potter-like prophecy:

Mr. and Mrs. Bo Jo Jones by Ann Head - I grabbed the photo above from Amazon Books website. My copy is the 1972 edition which Fr. Albert and I found in a Book Sale store in SM way back in 1989. My copy is now dilapidated because almost every seminarian in our college seminary borrowed it. It is about teenage marriage and how the families of Bo Jo and Julie coped with it ( why were seminarians so engrossed with that plot? just asking...). Bo Jo was the high school football star while Julie was a carefree, popular 16-year old. But this one's for all ages.

The Bridge of San Luis Rey by Thornton Wilder - Why do good things happen to bad people and bad things to good people? Or is it really as simple and as predictable as that? Five different people fell from a footbridge over a deep gorge somewhere in Lima, Peru. A monk begins a "scientific investigation" (complete with a table on their usefulness, goodness and piety when they were still alive) into the lives of those five to find out if it was divine intervention which ended their lives or capricious fate.

A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth - One of the first novels I have read written by an Indian that made me interested in Indian/Hindu culture. The book is the longest I have read with 1,474 pages. Perhaps longer than any Harry Potter book because the font size is small. It is basically a love story. The tale of Lata and her mother's attempts in finding a suitable boy for her. In the process we are given a course on Indian Culture 101. The thickness of the book is intimidating yet challenging (You won't bring it to school nor to the office with you unless you enjoy being branded a nerd, besides it is quite bulky and heavy). Anyone up to the challenge?

The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy - Another winner from another Indian writer. This was Roy's first novel and it was very well written it bagged the 1997 Booker Prize. " A gripping tale of love and loss ... with compelling wit, and consummate tenderness." "...to discuss the plot would be to violate it."

The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis - This is more for spiritual reading. Screwtape is an elderly devil who was exchanging letters with his nephew Wormwood, an apprentice devil, advising him on how to tempt and corrupt human beings. In the end, it is not about the dynamics of the devil but ours.

Tell me if you want more. Most of these books are still in print and maybe you can find them in leading bookstores. The Amazon website says Mr. and Mrs. Bo Jo Jones has been re-printed with that cover above. By the way I only grabbed the photos above from Amazon. All of them are different from my copies except for the The God of Small Things.

Do I love reading books? Obviously I do. It brings me to different worlds and cultures and opens up different horizons. People say that with the advent of the computer age, the cellphone age, the playstation age and the internet age, young people have lost interest in sitting down to read a good book (with the exception perhaps of the Harry Potter mania). I hope by posting this, we can prove that reading good books is not a lost cause.

SUPER

2007-07-08T12:52:00.001+08:00

I have been the Youth Director of the Parish Youth Ministry for Makati District for almost five years now. It was Bp. Soc Villegas who first appointed me to this position. Somehow I am happy to be ministering to the youth. It keeps me updated. I know that there are not many priests who

are still "in touch" with the youth when it comes to their

gimmicks, their lifestyle, their concerns and most specially their vocabulary. You can only imagine how my head throbbed and ached five years ago when I first attended a youth meeting: "Father lagyan natin ng mga chuva chuva yung program para maraming eclavu." "Ang chenes naman nyan, nakakangarag." And so on and so forth. It took me a while to get used to it.

I am writing this blog after watching an ad/MTV which left me numb in disbelief. A young star was singing her heart out advertising a local product. I was amazed at the title of the song which flashed at the bottom of the screen, "Kering-keri." A part of me wanted to laugh (it sounded like beri-beri) while another part of me wanted to turn off the tv (because of the equally irritating dance moves). I don't know if that word will ever enter my vocabulary. It is super kakaiba.

Speaking of "super", I am currently reading one of the books given to me by my inaanak, Queenie (who has given me more than I have given her). It is a book by Bob Ong, author of the now bestseller "ABNKKBSNPLAKo". Some people dismiss Bob's writings as nonsense but I think he deserves some credit. His sarcastic humor conceals well the depth of his commentaries and opinions. I can relate to his take on the word "super." Let me quote a part of it:

"Super thank you. Ano ba ang pinagkaiba pag sinabihan ka ng 'thank you' at 'super thank you?' Natutuwa ako pag nakakarinig ng mga dalagitang nagsasabi ng super thank you. Kasi nai-imagine ko na may kapa at special powers ang thank you nila. Pag nag-thank you sa 'yo ang ibang tao, thank you lang talaga. Pero pag mga dalagita, it's Soooooper Teeeengkyooo!!!! <*TANA-NANAN-TANAN*> Di lang yan. Tulad ng Superdog ni Superman, may sidekick ding Super Sorry ang Super Thank You. Tipong pag sinabihan ka ng sorry, pwedeng sumama pa rin loob mo. Pero pag sinabihan ka ng SUPER SORRY, naku - bawal na magtampo! Kasi SUPER na yan. Kasing lakas na yan ng mga paputok na Super Lolo. At kung 'super' pa lang e ganyan na kalakas, hindi mo na gugustuhing malaman pa ang resulta pag dinagdagan pa yan ng 'duper.'!" (Bob Ong, "Stainless Longganisa")

Wala lang. Super natawa lang ako habang binabasa ko yan. I hear that a lot from young people (and a few adults who were young once and still cannot get over their adolescence.) Yun lang. (super walang kwenta yata itong sinulat ko. kung nainis kayo, e di, supeeeer sooooorrry!)

Encounter

2007-07-07T21:59:00.001+08:00

Ate Noemi and I met last July 1, 2007 in Sorsogon! Of all places, we met at the beach. She was with her husband and I was with my batchmates. I was underwater, when one of her companions asked my classmates: "di ba si fr. egay 'yan?". My classmates confirmed my identity and she told me that she is from Comembo and she was with ate Noemi.

Here are the proofs of our chance encounter:

These pictures were taken at the Paguriran Island, Sawanga, Bacon District, Sorsogon City... If you happen to have a 2007 PNOC calendar, this was featured on the month of May. You are all welcome to visit the land of Kasanggayahan!

Despedida for Kayabe

2007-07-03T16:18:00.002+08:00

When this parish was established 7 yrs ago, I brought along with me a group of young seminarians from San Jose Seminary. They had to say goodbye to their apostolate area that year, St. Anthony de Padua Parish in Singalong, Manila. Msgr. Clem Ignacio was good enough to let go of the seminarians and said that I needed more assistance from them since we were just starting the parish. The original group of Kayabe's (the BEC name of the seminarians, to which I also belong when I was still in the seminary -- and I still do -- once a Kayabe, Kayabe forever!) were Bro. Egay Cleofe (Sorsogon), Bro. Merwin Kangleon (Leyte), Bro. Jun Limbaga (Dumaguete), Bro. Adrian San Juan (Manila), Bro. Charlie Celeste (Cotabato) and Bro. Junjun Gonzaga (Samar). They taught catechism to little children on Saturday afternoons, joined the BEC prayer meetings in the evenings, served in the masses on Sunday mornings, gave formation talks to BEC coordinators and youth leaders, taught the choirs, etc. They also played a major role in the first ever parish pastoral planning and the formation of our vision-mission statement which were held in San Jose Seminary. Five out of those six seminarians are now priests in their respective dioceses. Fr. Egay is now the rector of Our Lady of Penafrancia Seminary in Sorsogon, Fr. Merwin is the School Director of St. Thomas Aquinas School in Leyte, Fr. Jun is the Chaplain at St. Paul's University in Dumaguete, Fr. Aids is Assistant Parish Priest in Immaculate Conception Parish in Tondo, Fr. Cha is assistant Parish Priest in Cotabato. While Junjun is now a padre de familia working in STI Calbayog City.

Every year some of them will leave but new seminarians will arrive to replace them. Among those who became part of our apostolate program were Bro. Arnold Fernandez, Bro. Dong Yadao (Cubao), Bro. Lao Bringino (Daet), Bro. Donghur Estolloso, Bro. Sheng Lapaan (Bontoc), Bro. Kevin Crisostomo (Paranaque), Bro. Red Golez (Tagum) and Bro. Mel Felizardo (Antipolo).

This year we realized it's time to move on. The Kayabe's have become part of this parish's history. But like the disciples they have to move on and help out other communities the way they helped us. We have been graced by their love and presence, I am sure the other communities they will visit for their apostolate will be twice as blessed.

Last Sunday a despedida was held in the parish Multi Purpose Hall. The BEC Coordinators were emotional during the short program. Sis. Agnes, Sis. Ghie, Sis. Mia, Sis. Baby, Sis. Medy, Sis. Precy, Sis. Estela, Sis. Fely (who is in Australia right now), and Sis. Edna have become second mothers to the seminarians.

For now our BEC coordinators will try to stand on their own. Like the early Christians, they will learn to be independent from the apostles in performing their mission. But who knows? A sequel to their part in our parish history may be in the offing.

God bless our Kayabe's.

Queenie's debut

2007-06-30T23:15:00.001+08:00

Just got back from Fernwoods Garden. My inaanak, Queenie, celebrated her debut just fit for her name, she was the "Queenie" of the Night in her blue gown. I was lucky to be seated near her parents, Gil and Chat, and her lola, Nanay Nida. I saw them shed tears of joy as the screen displayed her growing up pictures. Gil and Chat are lucky to have a beautiful and charming daughter in Queenie. But I must say Queenie is blessed with such loving parents who would do anything for their one and only. Nanay Nida was thanking me for the opportunity the parish gave Queenie which made her active and be involved in the church. I should be thanking the family for sharing with the parish the precious gift they have. And thank you for choosing me as his godfather.

I was happy to see our parishioners in the party -- the lectors, the legionaries, the youth ministry, etc -- who were there to share in the joys of the Anca's and the Cance's. Some of them shared their talents like Leonard, Alquin, and the ever reliable "resident entertainers" Millette and Jerdi.

Occasions like this remind me of the gift of life (and of course my age). It reminds me of how much or how little the time we have in this world and why we should make the most out of it.