Adios Chiquito. Hola Panchito!

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

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

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

Youth Pilgrimage 2007

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

"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

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.