Side Trip at the Heritage City

Walking along the cobblestone streets in the midst of the crowd

Traversing Calle Crisologo and Mabini

Waiting for the sunset, enjoying empanada and cold drinks.

A glimpse of unique architecture

That fuses Philippine and Oriental designs 

With colonial European architecture.

Old Spanish houses, huge doors

Sliding capiz shell windows

Calesa here and there.

Standing below the poet Leona Florentino's statue

Shops for antiques, woodcrafts and basi wine

Lamp-lit, romantic ambience.

And yeah, I got no doubt

Vigan is really a heritage city

 And it completed our Ilocos journey.

With Mona, Via and Ilya 

Me and the Poet Leona Florentino

                                                                                                  

A Pilgrimage at the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation

    Thank you friends for taking this pilgrimage with me and for being real pilgrims too… In that bumpy and rough tricycle road while traversing in the hilly and dusty path towards the rock formation, I was able to reflect on how the fundamental principle of the sacrifice of Jesus is not the suffering but the love. And as the rock formation got closer downhill, and we had burnt our skins, it was just so stunning to be welcomed by Mother Nature’s work of art. And as we head back, we may have left the place already, but the landmark of that giant sphinx cutting through the deep blue sky with all its whiteness will remain in us. Like how Jesus passed the Mount of Olives, which is the one of agony and combat, to that of Calvary, which is that of death and actual sacrifice, may we triumph too; and prepare ourselves for all things and be people of unwavering faith… May we never forget the essence of the sacrifice of Jesus done because of love. May His every step, every sweat, tears and blood matter to us eternally...

Adventures in Ilocos Norte

French author and Nobel Prize winner André Gide once famously said, “One does not discover new lands without consenting to lose sight of the shore for a very long time”. And so this adventure is one of our courageous acts of turning away from the familiar and towards the unfamiliar, and God is so amazing beyond words can tell, that even on a Holy Thursday, we had gotten a well-contrived venture that though we are still heading towards the wide open sea, the learning and the awe are already within our reach.

At the back is the hill known as Bantay Abot Cave

Different colors in pathway of blue, black and white sands
A coastal province packed with historical places
Fine beaches, I-forgot-my-name-cuisines
A paradise, a gem, a haven of stunning rocks
Nature and man's creative hands combined
Oh yes, its God's mighty hands placed on lands.

This St Augustine's church in Paoay

Is an Earthquake Baroque style

With much story to tell about the past

And as the belfry stands a few meter

On a beautiful sunny day

You end up feeling both young and old

Feeling both solemn and playful

And then feeling both on earth and in heaven

And so you'll see and realize

That paradox could really be part 

Of the journey towards finding the true you.

The Paoay Church in Ilocos Norte

The Windmills of Bangui

Speechless I became at the sight of these wind turbines

At the heart of the municipality of Bangui in Ilocos Norte
They were scattered meters apart on shore
And I looked even smaller when I stood next to them.

Right there at the north-west tip of Luzon island
My soul just got overwhelmed
And the winds that have given electricity
Has also energized and awakened me.

And the strong waves, the lullabies they created
Has made me want to sing with friends and strangers
And then dance with the wind too
Just like how these windmills do.

Going Northwest at its Most

The Patapat Viaduct

 

Pagudpud is the name I had first heard from my friend, Morry. Since then, the desire to go there someday has then become near to the heart, that the spot-on distance of it has become bearable. The feeling of taking the road to a northernmost settlement rolled over mountains, hills, valleys and coastal land is just naturally giving me adrenaline rush. But Pagudpud will not only remind me of Dos Hermanos islands, Bantay Abot cave, Patapat Viaduct overlooking Pasaleng Bay, Blue Lagoon, crystal-blue waters and wind sand beaches. It will remind me more of the people we met that made the trip more memorable. With them we never feel alone and far away from home. The warmth of the Ganno family’s home stay accommodation is truly moving, coupled with the enthusiasm of our tour guide Kuya Odelon who even went behind what he was supposed to do as a guide--- that was sharing his life story and the wisdom acquired from it.

Welcome-arch passing through the Pan-Philippine Highway 

I Won't Chase You Now

And I won’t chase you now,

You are free to run,

You are free to go.

Forgive me for liking you that much

For missing you so

For being pathetic.

For thinking of you on ordinary days

And during Holidays

And yes, everyday to be exact…

You said you never wanted to see me hurt

Oh I guess, your eyes were closed when I cried

Or perhaps you don’t really know.

And if the word sorry on Holy Week

Would mean more than they used to be

Then I should say it to myself too.

In each minute

In every turn of the bus

In each beat of my heart

In every step I take

Tonight and forever…

To forgive myself for being a willing playmate to you

To forgive myself for being such an eager fool.

Time will show me how
I think...

So go, ahead, take a leap

I’m wishing you well as I say goodbye…

Be free. Be you.

And take your memories with you as well

So that I’ll be free too

And I’ll be me again

For I won't chase you now...

Emotions

Some emotions are like this;

You may stand at the entrance of the door; waiting…

You may grin, you were dressed, and the table’s been set…

But it won’t guarantee you that all people coming in

Would arrive to you ceremoniously…

Someone might just come along, and then you felt so strange

And though you are confused, you care not of having the name put into records or in pictures

You just knew that every bit of each moment---

Has been registered in the heart.

Indeed, some emotions are like that,

You could smile but then cry at the same time…

Yes, you laugh but you become anxious as well for it might be leading you to more tears…

But you still lived on, letting the door go through several opening and closing

And oh, there’s that glow in your eyes, but you know there’s pain too…

So I guess,  some emotions are really like this

Some emotions are not fleeting…

Some emotions such as this, are undeniable.

The Grass

There is something to learn from the grass…

Something about friendship;

To hold on firmly to where it’s been rooted

To withstand the winds and to grow where it is but not be limited there

And then drawn strength from each other.

There is something to learn from the grass…

Something about love;

That though could be unwanted at times

Could still persist.

Oh the grass that though being stepped on has learned to be tamed

Fighting for that little space and oh has then won

And so there was the grass, expanding and covering the Earth

Giving warmth, rest and comfort

Blending with the views, the flowers, the trees, the bridges and all the koi’s

And then blanketed the grounds, just like love.

My Little Angels

Marco Polo Care Center Children, Virlanie Foundation Inc.
Passage Camp: Art and Sports Therapy Project
January 28- February 11, 2013
White Beach, Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro

You are my angels,

I love hearing your innocent voices…

I love putting you into sleep in your beds,

And then waking up, wondering how you reached my bed

Hugging me all over,

And then seeing your eyes still closed

Letting you just stay beside me.

But I love you more as you are

And I might get mad at times,

Or talk to you as loud as I could---

Yet know that I've done that because I want to guide you

And I want all the best for you.

My little angels

I may had taught you about this, and that,

But you've actually taught me more…

You all have taught me what hope really is,

And you are teaching me more about life,

You are teaching me all about love. 

The Ten Souls: The Sagada Reflection

The Ten Souls: The Babes

It is true that those we meet can change us, sometimes so profoundly that we are not the same afterwards, even unto our names.” (Yann Martel, Life of Pi) 

    Yann Martel is right, not just because it’s a music to my ears to be called as ‘babe’ by my nine other babes and that became as one of my endearing names, but more so, because I know I had went through another life-defining transformation. And if there is something that I had decided to value the same as my entirety, then that would be memories I have with them: memories I would cherish forever and memories I would continue to add.

    Undeniably, all of my travel has been revealing something different or new in me, in others and in this world. But some of my travel could really just change me enormously and personally. Some travel like that of Sagada, Mountain Province which we did last December 21-26, 2012 have really given me something which I could not accurately describe at the moment. How I wish I would come to that moment in which I could finally be authentically free to express how different it has been since then, but just let me put it this way for now: that all I know is that it had then brought sense of novelty into my life. And the call for change gets stronger each day as the travel continues and even after I’m already back home. It was so strong that no matter how hard I try to resist it, I just find myself giving in.

     I had seen change to be just a latent function of that travel. It is something not intended, something that happened spontaneously and it has been that intense that it had made me ask myself now the tricky questions of ‘what if’s’ and ‘what if I did not.’ But certainly, there has been no moment of that trip to be regretful about. Every moment has just been so precious, so priceless and wonderfully placed that despite lack of financial resources and all the other hassles, it has been very successful and one of the bests I ever had.

     In my case and in the case of some who haven’t joined any meeting about that trip too, planning just happened through face book group chat. And I tell you, if there was a venue in which changes has initially been so usual to take place, then in its there. It is in there where dates have been subjected to much change. It is in there where people who will be joining have been subjected to episodes of ambiguities until ten souls become finally all set to go. And I think those moments, no matter how informal they have seem to be, and no matter how it could be such overwhelming to be flooded with unread conversations and other notifications, are actually moments not of coincidences but moments of a beautiful beginnings. One can name that destiny, but I call it life. It was a beginning of something beautiful within, among, around, and beyond me and that of the nine other souls.

       And days went on along with our busy schedules that the next thing we knew it, we are already about to go. One of my earliest reflections then came on the specifics of ‘getting there.’ We have so many instances for sure, too, in our lives in which we have been so focused on the ‘being there’ with expectations of seeing these or feeling that once you’ll get there, but has actually given less attention on how will you actually reach that destination. We were so excited talking about what we will do and where we will go, but missed agreeing on the efficient way of departing from crowded Manila. Lesson learned the hardest way, I guessed. But to make some anxiety-causing turns in Pedro Gil and to be struck with traffic on the way to the terminal is something not be dreaded at as it did not spoil any piece of exhilaration but just added unto it, and though it had fragmented the souls, the goal of meeting each other on a common ground made the ‘getting there’ just ceremoniously as it could ever be.

       Because the conversation has been so limited to gadgets and minds speaking through the tap or click of the fingers, it is understandable to have that impulse to be loud in the bus; to talk among each other in volume other people aside from us can hear--- and in our case, doesn't want to hear. To be silent therefore, is a big effort but for the sake of respect and all the other elements of being considerate beings, we have to start closing our eyes, and patiently, wait for the right time to speak out again.

      Something I had loved in long night trips is that sense of getting somewhere in times of darkness (I think in life, I had some tendency to be an escapist sometimes when I could no longer figure out the way out). You could skip the hassles caused by rush-hours, and it’s as if no time is being wasted for you can just get yourself some sleep whether you like it or not. You just got to do something else--- eat, listen to love songs mostly from 80’s or try to practice some deepness you have within by simply thinking. But just like in life, you got to sacrifice something when you choose the other. Just like the views we had passed by unto and then missed. And don’t bother asking me what I had failed to see. Though I did not sleep all the time, there I was spending the rest traveling hours eating, listening to music and all the more---trying to be deeper than I should be, thinking of recurrent thoughts, even though I am tired of thinking. Oh, Sagada, will you change me please?

      Yet God has always been so good that even in the darkest moments of your life, He will always give you candles to light your way. Having good company is truly a blessing and they are more than enough to lift up your broken spirit. And if one will develop too, that gift of appreciation, no matter how shattered you feel within, you will be obviously comforted with what’s around. And the next time you open your eyes, after some stop-overs, and series of body-twisting bus turns around what-seemed-to-be-endless cliffs, you’ll be welcomed by a piece of heaven on Earth where mountains were natural sights and the coldness would make you just want to wear four shirts at once. 

       What took you so long in finishing Sagada reflection Richelle? I asked myself, and since I could not fool her, I admitted that its when every time I finally sit down to do it (in between of massive paper works of a social worker), and then would try to get more inspiration from the pictures we have in that trip, I found myself enjoying that much in looking at them. And there were more than half a thousand photographs! And each picture speaks more than what it could ever show. Each picture revives some emotions--- emotions which you just love to feel again and again... So, instead of writing, I found myself just looking at each picture and if my eyes and my heart could just do the writing for me, then they could have recorded a lot--- beyond what my time and my words could allow me. 

      For it is not all the time that we can walk as carefree as that, it is not all the time that we can have deepest sharing we can ever have; it is not all the time that jokes and serious topics synergize; it is not all the time that you get to witness tribal dancing with the rhythm that goes along with heartbeats ; it is not all the time that you hear echoes bouncing back to you; it is not all the time that you get to watch Twilight movies series after series with friends; it is not all the time that you feel having smaller bills is better than higher denomination; it is not all the time that you wake up with a cup of coffee ready to warm you; it is not all the time that you have motherly, sisterly and brotherly home-cooked meals; it is not all the time that you feel so accomplished just because the charcoal finally heated-up each other; it is not all the time that you celebrate Christmas greeting strangers in the streets, looking for coffee and beer; it is not all the time that you talk about love (and pain--- and yes, happiness too); And to writers come too, a moment in which they can't find fitting words to describe the warmth of the local people, the unexplained connections with spirits and elements of the earth and beyond (remember our first night ladies in which we slept with thoughts of false-alarm ghosts?) It was the connection which we had understood deeper in Lumiang Cave and in Hanging Coffins. Yeah, it is not all the time you have moments like those and you knew that the moment you all return to your own homes and then take separate lives again, you just don’t know when will you have them again. Or will you ever have them again if change will always be there to come into scenes? Then, there I was getting that feeling I don’t want to feel again, but at the same time grateful because it would push me out of my present again, and then caught distressed again knowing I just put myself in other i-just-don’t-want-to-think-about-that-situation. There was I then just becoming hopeful that if change would always come across, then let change handle it. Then just trust memories again to just make you happy when you start reminiscing and then ask time again to just heal you when you start feeling pain again. Oh yes, you had changed me Sagada, in ways I did not even imagine you would…

        Then we learn about attitude, balance, courage and discipline. We knew we just have to try at least to imprint them in the body, mind, heart and spirit before, during and after an adventurous Sumaguing caving experience. Our souls had then discovered all the creativity we possessed as we marveled with the amazing rock formations. It was truly, an ultimate adventure--- something that has given us an intimate relationship with the nature as we grip and even hug rock after rock...And with the emotional and bodily support from amazing friends, we just find ourselves surviving those narrow boulders, rock formations, rappelling down (and even side to side), passing and hopping through the cold waters, crawling and stretching your arms and legs at its most... And when you’ve thought that the limits have been reached, you'll get more the encouragement from fellow cavers and you'll feel the strongest drive within you to make it with them and I know others feel the same way too (or even more)...

         It was a different feeling to be at the depths of the Earth, yet feeling so high within. You are all over wet outside, your throat so dry, yet your souls feeling so alive. And it made me see now that there's no such term as second time or nth time when you do spelunking. It’s always a new experience and as kuya tour guide said--- we've got to let our imagination work too. That was an exhausting day for sure, but it was all worth it. Something extra-ordinary has been proven in the selves. And the opening prayer of the team just before we got started has been granted by ever-loving God or by Allah or whatever His or Her name is.

        Then, the team experienced some crash course yet on-the-spot trekking in the hilly terrains of Marlboro Land. When the tour guides had mind-set for a camp, there we are like how most tourists are, just clueless of what’s up next and enjoying that feeling--- and the next thing was that it felt so vibrant to be welcomed by stunning trails and some terraces from afar and hunger can just then become bearable because of the satisfying sight while sitting at the cliff and when its eating time, the taste got even better because its being enjoyed with friends. Conversations are more exciting ---and whether they are done while sitting in sands or in front of the falls, or inside a jeepney, they are all enriching. We are the atoms. We are in the process of becoming phenomenologists each day...

        Yann Martel is right (as well as the other writers, philosophers and theorists who said the same thing). We are not exactly the same after going through with experiences where we truly engaged ourselves. Life is truly experienced when we deal with change not in the same manner all the time but instead we must dance along, use a mixture of several approaches like becoming critical at times, or somehow resistant, or perhaps all-embracing based on the context. For as long as you are not afraid to really live, then its life that you will get. There have been beautiful friendships that were formed. I have witnessed how we had evolved from simply being classmates, or acquaintance, or just-having-a-common-friend towards becoming buddies, siblings and friends---friends to the truest sense of the word. We are so diverse in many terms and we don’t agree on everything---and there has been some clashes that occurred---but the friendship has just been so beautiful that you will not be bothered that much by little tensions knowing that its just part of the dynamics of any group and then you can never place any doubt to these souls who like you, value life, peace and love more than anything else. 

         So now, where are we leading our souls to unite them again? Where are we entrusting our next life-changing experience babes?

Richelle Verdeprado. February 6, 2013. Written in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro.

________

Fr Seán Coyle.February 7, 2013 at 8:29 PM

       One of the joys of growing old is reading about the adventures of young persons like you who are discovering so much, who can enjoy a 14-hour overnight bus trip and get some sleep. (I've never been able to sleep on a bus or on a plane). And reading about developing friendships, that eating isn't just about replenishing our bodies, though that is a vital part of it, but is about relationships. We can't understand the Mass as either a meal or sacrifice if we don't know what meals and friendship are. God bless you, Richelle!

His Home in Negros

   Born in Omagh, Northern Ireland on 15 December 1926, Fr Terence Bennett or ‘Father Terry’ has spent most of his life as a Columban missionary priest in Negros, Philippines. This morning, eight days before he celebrates his 84th birthday and three days before he returns to Ireland, I’m happy to be given this opportunity to interview him. Father Seán had introduced us to each other several times already, perhaps because we kept forgetting each other. But after this one-hour interview, I’m sure we won’t be forgetting each other anymore.

     Father Terry was the eldest of seven children. The idea of becoming a priest came to him through the first cousin of his mother, Fr Thomas ‘Tommie’ McGovern, who was a Columban priest, prayed for him that he would enter the seminary and it happened. Father Terry joined the Columbans at the age of 17. Father Tommie also prayed for his younger brother Donal and the same thing happened.

     Father Terry’s first assignment after he was ordained in December 1950 was the Philippines. He arrived in Manila on 21 November 1951 and then moved to Isabela, Negros Occidental, on his birthday. When he arrived in Negros, the parishioners had prepared a despedida party for Fr Michael Cullen and a bienvenida party for him. It was a fun celebration and it gave Father Terry a very positive impression of Negrosanons and Filipinos.

     Father Terry stayed in Isabela for only three months. There was a need for a chaplain in St Paul’s College, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, and so he was immediately sent there. After almost three years, he returned to Negros Occidental and was assigned to several parishes such as Kabankalan, Moises Padilla and Sipalay. He learned Hiligaynon (Ilonggo), the language spoken in most of Negros Occidental, and loved doing so. One thing that amazed him was that people were very patient with him while he was learning the language. Back then, only a few in the community could speak and understand English. He had to use Hiligaynon in the Mass and because he wasn’t confident of saying what he meant to say, he would only give short sermons. That was the reason why Father Terry really exerted efforts in practicing the language.

      After seven years in Negros, Father Terry returned to Ireland for a vacation and when he came back to the Philippines he was assigned to Student Catholic Action (SCA) in Manila. Members would meet at weekends in small groups to discuss a passage from the Bible, to share their personal reflections and to help each other strengthen their relationship with God. They also developed potential leaders from the group. Father Terry then recalled that the SCA was discouraged by the government during Martial Law and even banned along with other student organizations. Despite this, members remained steadfast in their commitment. Never did he think that what started as a gathering of a few students would later expand throughout the country.

      After serving selflessly in Manila, Father Terry was reassigned to Negros. It was in Negros where he dedicated most of his time and energy as a priest. It was in Negros where he encountered people traveling endlessly as he witnessed daily the great number of passengers on buses and jeepneys throughout Negros. It was in Negros where he experienced his most difficult moment which turned out to be the most memorable one.

       This life-testing event happened in 1978 in Sipalay, in the southern part of Negros Occidental. There was a rally against soldiers who had been violating the rights of the people and contributing to the terror in the area. The priests had a meeting first and designated tasks for the rally even though Bishop Antonio Y. Fortich advised against it. There was great pressure from the local government yet despite the fear they felt within, what was the most important for the priests and people during that time was to fight injustice.

       The speaker before Father Terry had caused intense reaction among the people. Father Terry was really worried that the rally might turn violent and so to keep the rally peaceful, he felt that it was his role to calm everyone. And so he did! He even sang and danced in front of the crowd to change the atmosphere inside the church compound. As they struggled together against injustice, they ended their rally with a song Father Terry will never forget. With joyful hearts and unwavering hope, they sang Ang Kalipay sang Ginuo Amo ang Aton Kusog (‘The Joy of the Lord is our Strength’).

         Negros will always be a home for Father Terry even though he is now living in his native land. Filipinos will always be a family for him and those who are blessed to know him will certainly not forget him. How could we forget a man who has shown concern about the social realities affecting us? How could we forget such a humble priest who can understand what the people feel? There will always be this connection of feelings that will bridge the people of the Philippines and Father Terry in Ireland. This connection is that kind which will inspire us to pray for each other and to sing out loud that the joy of our Lord is our strength.

Finding New Life

Photo Lay-out by Bro. Jr
Davao;Tagum;New Corella; Compostela Valley;Agusan del Sur;and Surigao del Sur Trip
April 26- May 1, 2012

   There is thrill in life because there is movement on it. But such thrill is not automatically brought about by the movement that comes along the advancement of dates, the natural changes within our body and the environment and the turning of once-new-things into old. The so-called thrill would only come if we will allow our movements to take us somewhere we have never been, out of our comfort zone, and then render some piece of sacrifice for the name of fun, for the sake of finding that thrill. I know from that moment I decided to take a leave and book ticket going to Davao with my friends ate Manay and Via, ‘thrill’ is what I’m going to find. But I was wrong--- not because I did not found one but because I found more than the thrill I was looking for.

     The first thing I learned, which I think my friends did too, was patience. Imagine, having to wait for four hours because the flight was delayed. For travelers, four hours meant four hours adjustments in the schedule. It meant four hours deduction from the actual time we should be in our much-wanted-to-see-destination. It meant Bro Gilbert has to wait longer than what we intended. But we are taught to learn how to wait on the other hand. It meant more time to prepare ourselves for a different routine that moment…time to realize that sometimes we just needed something to read…time to realize that there are still many things beyond our control.

Here’s another thing to learn: fellowship. While growing up, I get to discover many things about myself by being alone. I get to find inner peace and gain profounder insights which I still do until today. But the moment we had developed a stronger connection with the Amigonian Brothers and Fathers community in Cavite, I was really amazed with the kind of bond they have, how they would get so excited with the presence of each one and even though they had spent most of their time with each other in the seminary, they are still sharing their vacation with each other. Truly, it was nothing more but a family. But it doesn’t end among them! It extends even to their families. There’s a ‘feel of being at home’ wherever we go, from the house of Bro Dareen, to that of Bro Joselito, Bro Gilbert and Bro Stephen!

     Now, it’s time to have that thrill. Being fondly called by the brothers as ‘Dora’ (the Explorer), I just couldn’t find words to describe how eager I am to say ‘yes’ to their invitation for us to go to their ‘places.’ That April 28 (since we arrived in Davao at 12:08 midnight) until early morning of May 2 adventures were truly something we could never forget. We just love the food anywhere we go and we truly enjoyed the live music during the Thanksgiving party of bro Dareen, kuya July and Gift Anne. We are overwhelmed with the warm accommodation. There were so many “first time’s” like first time to taste Lamaw (coconut strips and juice with milk and to our surprise- a bottle of Royal softdrink and slices of biscuits!), first time to use several types of vehicles in just 5 days (salamat Clarion family), first time to meet Lolong in Agusan del Sur and many more! And yes, we definitely want second time and more!

      The sight of Enchanted River in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur was just so inviting I couldn’t help but regret of not knowing how to swim! But what makes it more enchanting as its name suggests is the view of the school of fish enjoying their blue-colored 85 feet deep home (85 feet nga ba yun?). The golden sand in Margarett Island Peak Resort was so irresistible that we don’t mind lying down and get some sleep. How can we ever forget the few minutes climb to witness another breath-taking view of the sea (or was it already part of the Pacific Ocean?)? How can we forget the wonderful ride itself going to and going back to our destination?

      But there’s still more to learn in that trip. God’s plans for us lead us to a place I will always remember until my last breath: in Panas Inland Resort. I don’t like to talk about the specifics anymore as I am now remembering the experience in a different way. All I know is that it was in that almost half an hour experience with my friends that I realized that I just don’t have any idea of what stage of my life I am living now. Have I lived the 50% of it or just the beginning? Or have I already lived the length of time I’m allowed to consume? Truly, it was not just a battle against the current of water. It was a battle to win a new life- and we won because we did not do it alone.

    There’s love, care, heroism, sacrifice, courage, brotherhood and sisterhood, concern, optimism, hope---all rolled into one, that no amount of transition from once calm flow of water into a threatening flood can ever broke us. Yes, we were afraid (it was a kind of fear that I forgot when was the last time I felt such), we were terrified, we were troubled, we were worried, but we were not broken. And so we thank our heroes so much (you all know who you are), you were our life-savers no matter where they were that time, whether they make it to the edge (bro Joselito, bro Jay-ar, bro Frank, bro Jun Tabby and the rest I couldn’t mention anymore), whether they did their best looking for ropes, wood, or even a banner in a bamboo stick (like that of bro Mars, hahaha), or whether they are comforting from afar, people we know before, people we just knew from that vacation, people we do not even know who helped in actions and in prayers! And it was not just about the rescue, because even after it, we were being comforted. How can we ever thank you! We are all victorious in gaining new life as what Tito Joy reflected right after the incident (what an optimistic man)! God is really so good!

        As I was freely pouring out everything in this work which would serve as an account of a life-changing experience, then I just felt that I should courageously admit that there was this person who motivated me to write this (motivation doesn’t mean, he told me to write this because he absolutely did not, but motivation in the sense that many of his acts, though could be just natural for him, yet for me and my friends, were acts we would always be amazed of, acts which have set the ‘standards’ of what does it mean to be the host, acts that our hearts would always remember. So in the truest practice of being courageous, I admit that I was writing this too with him in mind. As ate Manay, Via and me would use to share among each other, we would always wish to find so many other “brother Dareen’s” in the world, so many other who would like him, go beyond the bounds of hospitality by giving and giving more, who did not even hesitated to offer to us their cozy homes in Monkayo (yup, homes!), who waited until pass three AM thereby letting go of the should-have-been-much-needed-sleep just to welcome us, who despite having so many other guests he too, was not able to see for quite a long time, would still religiously come to us to check if we are still doing great or if we need something, who  eagerly taught us how to use their sophisticated mop, and who made us feel that our presence was valued. On a personal note, I thank him for every meaningful discussions we had (from simple topics like what does this symbol of less than three means to mind-challenging ones like the life of Hitler, and to soul-breaking realities of violence, poverty and injustice). I tell you, I am still in the process of realizing that such simple conversations do make sense! I thank him for being appreciative and affirming, caring and sincere. Yet above them all, you bro Dareen, made us realize that this old adage is true: “Friendship is not how long you’ve been together.” Though we had known each other for not that long, thanks for treating us like we’re old friends and we pray, that just like most friendships that were created and tested in this world, ours and that of the brothers will remain steadfast and grow stronger and stronger too in the years to come.

     Then, we headed to another place: in Matin-ao in New Corella where we spent the remaining hours of our stay until we travelled back to Manila again. And I would like to end this blog hanging like this, because I know, there will be a part two of this very soon, right? Truly, we found more than thrill—we found lessons, we found values, we found deeper meaning of love and fun, we found new life...

A boat ride away from Enchanted River is the Margarett Island Peak Resort, one of the must-see attraction in Surigao del Sur.                          

Her Home in the Philippines

    After many years of not attending Mass, 26-year-old Peruvian Marisol Rojas Tomasto’s concept of priests and going to church changed when she first met the Columbans ten years ago. Since then, she has admired their sense of closeness with the people and how they break down the walls that separate them from the community. Wanting to do the same, she has now found her second home in the Philippines as a Columban Lay Missionary.

     Marisol met the Columbans in 2000 in a very simple chapel made of mats in San Martin de Porres Parish, Lima, Peru. She was 16 years old then and preparing to be confirmed after passing through a series of Bible sharings and recollections.

      Marisol was baptized by Australian Columban Fr Leo Donnelly. She is the youngest child in the family. All of them are girls. She studied English for three years and spent another year focusing in grammar. Marisol worked in a non-government organization for children known as ‘Santa Bernardita.’ The center is located in a poor area in Peru. She was a teacher and a librarian. She helped the children in their assignments. She really loves working with children.

       Irish Columban Fr Tony Coney invited her to join the first Peruvian group of Columban Lay Missionaries to be sent on mission. Making such a decision was not easy but because the work of the Columbans was very close to her heart and there was already that passion within her to proclaim God’s word and love to the world as a response to God’s blessings through the presence of the Columbans in her country, she responded to the calling eventually. She said ‘yes’ to the invitation and started her discernment in 2005. She had her formation in 2007.

       Marisol’s first term is in the Philippines. Language is a major difficulty, but Marisol has proven that nothing is too hard for those who are really committed. She believes that she must really take time to know the language because communication is a very important tool needed in order to be understood and to help in proclaiming God’s word. Marisol recalled one of the experiences she had in the market during her first few weeks in the Philippines. The vendor had already talked a lot, perhaps about the vegetables and their prices, in Cebuano, one of the major languages in the country. Marisol felt sad because she couldn't understand anything. How she wished she could learn the language fast! She was just amazed that after the woman discovered that Marisol was not a Filipino and did not understand her, the vendor just laughed about herself. The woman thought that Marisol was Filipino.

       Asked why she considered the Philippines as her second home, she said ‘I really feel very comfortable here because of the people. I want to understand them because they also make me feel that they understand me. They always make me feel as if I’m a member of their families.’

      This made Marisol very interested in studying and learning some of the languages and dialects of Filipinos. One of the unforgettable times of her life was when she studied Cebuano in Davao. ‘I felt as if I’m a little girl again, learning how to say “hello” and “thank you”. My teachers and classmates were very kind,’ added Marisol Now, Marisol can understand and speak Cebuano.

       The desire to be understood and to understand people also extended to the Deaf. Her exposure in Cagayan de Oro to children with difficulties in hearing motivated her to learn another language - a language where every movement of the hands and finger matters, a language where the expression on the face can speak of love, concern and kindness. For her, Sign Language is a language of love and the Deaf are her best friends. Marisol discovers joy every time she uses Sign Language to communicate with children with hearing difficulties.

          Something she has had a struggle with as a missionary is saying goodbye. But she knows that it’s a part of being a missionary. Asked about what she would remember most about Filipinos, she said, ‘Filipinos have taught me how to enjoy life even being far from my loved ones, because although I left my family in Peru, I found a new one here in the Filipinos and the warmth and love they are giving me are more than I expected.”

          Marisol taught me what it means to live. To live means to be able to be felt and be understood by the person next to us. To live means to continue passing the message of God’s love and greatness in whatever way we know, wherever we go. The Columbans live by connecting with the people and the community and above all, with God. The Columbans will continue to live because they keep on changing so many lives as they did with the life of Marisol ten years ago. Marisol lives by sharing her life with others and by connecting with them through words, signs and prayers.

http://misyononline.com/new/jul-aug2010/her-home-in-the-Philippines

Remembering Sister Adela

    This is in memory of Sister Adela who passed away last April 13, 2012... I love you Sister...

      Opportunities to decide how they will spend their lives come in different ways for different people. More than just recognizing these chances is the permanent joy brought about by listening and responding to them according to God’s plan. For Sr Adela V. Paternina TC, her opportunity to decide how she would live the rest of her life came to her 57 years ago, when she chose to enter the Capuchin Tertiary Sisters of the Holy Family, a religious congregation founded at the shrine of Our Lady of Montiel in Benaguacil, Valencia, Spain, by Bishop Luis José María Amigó y Ferrer OFM Cap. Now, as her 78th birthday is approaching, she sees her life as simpler but more real than it was before.

       I came to know Sister Adela in 2007 when I started living with the Sisters at Holy Family Home, Cabug, Bacolod City. I knew little things about her but after Sunday Mass I would come to her and kiss her. The children were so fond of her. She had lived in a number of different cultures and thus she spoke a combination of languages which I couldn’t fully understand. When talking with her before, I would usually look at her eyes. The way she smiled told me that what she had said were words that were full of concern. She would hold my hand gently and I would find peace in her loving touch. I really wanted to know more about her. Hence, I felt so blessed when Fr Seán Coyle, our editor, suggested that I do an article about her before she left the Philippines to return to Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, her homeland. Modern technology has made it possible for us to communicate. She was in Cebu City when I sent my questions by email and I was surprised to receive her answers days after. She recalled how the seed of her religious vocation started.

        After attending a retreat during her second year in high school, Sister Adela felt the desire to give her life forever to Jesus as a missionary sister. She can still remember exactly the effect it had on her when she received a picture from a priest. The picture showed a group of indigenous people. Upon watching it, she knew in her heart that Jesus was calling her to follow Him in religious life. It was that experience that converted her into a fervent and pious person. At the age of 13, her spiritual journey started with the inspiration of St Thérèse of Lisieux whose autobiography Story of a Soul made her faith stronger. She loved reading the book because it narrates how St Thérèse lived and presented her ‘little way’ to holiness.

        Sister Adela was studying some college courses, including music, from 1948 to 1952. Before Vatican II (1962-1965), it was impossible for her to read the Bible because it was forbidden. (Editor’s note: before Vatican II it is true to say that lay Catholics were not encouraged to read the Bible lest they misinterpret it, but the Church didn’t actually forbid them to do so, though there might have been individual priests who took that line). However, nothing could stop her from worshipping and drawing closer to God. She was praying the rosary and attending morning Mass daily.

         Her mother knew the Capuchin Tertiary Sisters and it was she who described to her clearly how their habit looked. When the TC sisters arrived in their place for the first time, she recognized them immediately. That was her opportunity to shape the rest of her life in a way that would eternally fulfill her soul. That was her moment to dedicate her life to God forever. She entered at the age of 20.

        Sister Adela had her postulancy in Bogotá. (Editor’s note: Postulancy is a time of preparation for the novitiate which is the immediate preparation for taking vows and usually lasts two years. Today there is also a period before postulancy known as the ‘aspirancy’.) Naturally, during the first week she missed her family so much. She was the fifth child in a family of nine siblings. But because it was her heart’s desire to follow Jesus, it did not take her long to feel at home. She was filled with gladness that the sacrifices and the difficulties were so normal for her.

        From 1953 to 1986, Sister Adela had her apostolic work in Colombia. She was a teacher in different schools and in the government of the province of the congregation. In 1986, she took part in the General Council of the congregation and was elected to the general council while Sr Maria Elena S. Echavarren from Spain was chosen as General Superior. She is now the superior of the Vice Province of the Philippines, which includes a community in Korea and a community in India.

        Sister Adela came to the Philippines for the first time in November 1988. She was accompanying Sister Elena. After that she visited the country almost every year as part of the General Council. Visiting almost all of the places where the congregation served was very memorable for her. It gave her a lot of experience that enriched her knowledge and increased her vision about the world and the needs of its people. After 12 years, she offered herself to the new General Superior to work in the Philippines. Her offer was accepted and she was then sent to the Philippines. She arrived in Manila on 14 March 1999.

       Sister Adela’s first assignment was in Talisay City, Negros Occidental. In 2002, she was transferred to the Cabug Community in Bacolod City where she lived not only with the Sisters but with the children she loves very much. Being with the girls in Holy Family Home has deepened her understanding of her vocation.

        The different environment, the need to adapt to the changes that occurred after the Vatican Council and the exit of many Sisters were some of the difficulties that she encountered together with the TC community. However, through all those testing times her passion in serving God and her brothers and sisters continued to blossom. During those years, she was able to compose many songs about fraternity, justice, love for God, vocation and fidelity. Even old age cannot stop her from playing the piano and singing for the Lord. For Sister Adela, growing older means becoming more loving with people and accepting with a peaceful attitude all the physical limitations that aging brings. For her, it means remaining ever faithful and excited to learn more.

        Sister Adela returned to her homeland last June but the Philippines will always be another home for her. I will never forget talking with her as I looked straight into her eyes. I will never forget her loving touch as she gently held my hand. I will always be eager to know more about her. She will always stay at home in our hearts. Sister Adela loves the Filipinos so much. She knows that God led her to the Philippines where her presence would truly make a difference. Most of the children whom she has guided and taken care of are now in college and some are leading their own lives. She has discovered her true home since the day she listened and responded to God’s invitation to her with all her heart and soul.

A Missionary from Colombia http://misyononline.com/new/nov-dec2009/missionary_from_colombia 

Fr Michael Sinnott: A Valentine with Faith

(Originally posted in http://www.misyononline.com/new/may-jun2010/Fr-Michael-Sinnott)

It was the afternoon of February 14. I was sitting down, asking questions, taking down some notes and listening in the best way I could. There was no calm music to create a meditative mood but I was moved. I was reasonably disturbed. As he recalled what took place from October 11 until November 12 last year, he carried me to the forest where he spent many nights. He brought me to the mountains he had hiked and to the seas he had crossed. How come I'm hearing the story of his 32-day rough experience yet I can't find bitterness in his eyes? He must be a very good man.

I looked at him again and saw him smile. Now I know why. I was interviewing a great person who had united many people praying for his safe release and their prayers were answered. I was face to face with the 80-year old Irish Columban priest, Father Michael Sinnott, who made me realize what faith, love and forgiveness mean.

I started by asking him what had happened while he was in captivity. He told me how four men, one holding a gun, had forcefully taken him away from the Columban house in Pagadian City. Then he continued sharing about their daily routine, how often they transferred while he lay down covered on the floor of the boat, how many times they had to set up their hammocks again and again, how he lost weight and how he survived. That was how he taught me faith.

'I was confident that they would not do me any harm. I had no medicine and so I thought of my health. There was also a possibility that the military would try to release me by force and it was difficult to see how in that case I could escape unharmed. But I never doubted God's protection. I knew that he would answer my prayers. He would answer our prayers,' said Father Sinnott.

'During those testing moments, days and nights seemed to be longer than usual. You had to look for something to do aside from being keen to the signals and sounds around. You had to keep yourself optimistic that the next view of a mountain would be something that could give hope and not just another mountain to be climb. However, it would be a bit different for persons who loved to do that kind of thing - climb mountains and so on - and are used to it', the priest added.

For Father Sinnott, those long days and nights never shook his faith. He never got tired of saying his personal prayers and finishing the twenty decades of the rosary day after day. It was only his physical body that they had captured, not his heart, not his soul.

There is another story about one of his captors, called 'Kikay', who was always with him and slept in a hammock right alongside him but was good to him. The first day after he was captured, his captors interrogated him and went through his pockets and took everything from him except his Rosary beads and his watch. Kikay said that he could have easily taken the watch except he would not do it without Father Sinnott's permission. After a few days they made an agreement that the day Kikay brought him to freedom Father would give him the watch. As Father Sinnott was about to be freed when they had almost arrived at the seashore Kikay, who was alongside him, put his hand under the tarpaulin which was covering him, snatched his watch, and then pushed him out of the boat into the shallow water. Father Sinnott said that it was fine with him but he would have been happier to personally give it to him as a sign of his appreciation for his kindness and shake hands with him before they parted. He believes that there was goodness in that man waiting to be unleashed. He had let that man and his companions feel unconditional love. Little did I know that I was also being taught what love is.

I began wondering who Father Sinnott was before the kidnapping happened. Why did he choose to be a missionary priest? What I discovered was an interesting story. He closed his eyes for a while, and then continued, 'I felt God was calling me. It started when I was in high school. A missionary priest came to our class as part of a vocation promotion. According to him, there were three things needed to be accepted. You must be of good moral character; you must have average intelligence and good health. Two years later I applied to the Columbans and was accepted.'

It has been 55 years ago since his ordination as a priest in 1954. It was not an easy life and many times he had to carry the crosses of others. It was a life of sacrifice, service and ministry but more than anything else, it was a life of meaning and fullness. Father Sinnott made me realize this when he said, 'I'm very happy and fulfilled as I priest. I never regret that I chose to respond to God's call and I encourage the youth to seriously think about what they are called to do.'

This is another lesson about love. Now, Father Sinnott is back doing what he had dedicated himself to do. He did not extend his Christmas vacation in Ireland nor ask to be transferred to another place. Instead, he is very willing to offer himself again. He continues to be with Hangop Kabataan which is a center he established for children with disabilities in Pagadian City. He continues to help Filipinos in addressing their economic and spiritual concerns. He continues to touch their lives.

I was just sitting down but I traveled a long way. My thoughts, my spirit, my heart . . . they were all moved positively and I'll always thank Fr Seán Coyle, the editor of Misyon, for setting up this interview. I'll always thank Father Sinnott for inspiring me and for teaching me about some of the greatest forces in our life: faith and love.

But here's the third lesson Father Sinnott also taught me: forgiveness. He has forgiven his captors and he hasn't held bad feelings towards them ever since. I asked what he would do if he saw his captors again. What he said struck me, 'I will thank them for being good to me. But I hope I will not meet them in a kidnapping situation'. I agreed with him and we both laughed.

You may contact Richelle at rich_verde706@yahoo.com.ph

___________

Comment from Rodefox:

Submitted by Misyon Guest on Mon, 05/03/2010 - 05:35.

yes, I agree...I have read all details in the articles and it also touch my heart and it made me reconcile,,,in my human nature I sometimes doubt God's love and protection cause I've experience great circumtance in my whole life but God always seems to understand why I responded this way...He is a JUST God...may you always made people inspire through your many articles to publish... 

A Child Redeemed is a Generation Saved

Originally published in July-August 2008 issue of Misyon 

http://www.misyononline.com/new/jul-aug2008/child-redeemed

It takes brave and selfless hearts to create history that is meant to change the lives of thousands of people around the world. However, the day in 1982 when a group of Capuchin Tertiary Sisters of the Holy Family stepped on Philippine soil for the very first time was more than just creating history. They were transforming the future. I can really feel this - for I am one of those blessed girls whose lives have been changed and whose future has been transformed because, once upon a time, there were brave and selfless hearts who dared to start their mission despite all odds.

When I was a kid, before I had been introduced to the Sisters, I considered those religious women with a piece of cloth wrapped around their head (that seemed to me to replace their hair) and whom I always saw carrying rosaries and Bibles, as weird, strict and absolutely boring. In fact, I viewed them to be totally different in almost all areas I could ever imagine. They had surrendered everything to God while I couldn’t afford to give even an hour of my entire week to Him. They were godly. I was worldly. Since then, I began wondering what it would be like if circumstances would play a joke on me by making me live together with nuns.

Then several years later, as my second semester in college was approaching, I woke up to the alarming truth that I had nowhere to run. I was sixteen years old that time - old enough to admit that the situation wasn’t a joke but for real. 

How I lost myself

I was trapped. I realized that if we will get caught with limitations, our tendency is to look back or at least try to recall the piece of the puzzle that we have put in the wrong place. I remembered how my sister and I would fight because we didn’t have enough rice to eat. I remembered the time I heard myself praying that if there was a heaven, I hoped Papa was there. I remembered the enthusiasm I had right after graduating from high school. I remembered the broken promises … the false hopes … the unmet expectations … the feeling of being trashed. I remembered the day I went to UNO-R wearing a borrowed school uniform that wasn’t my size and a borrowed pair of shoes that didn’t fit me. I remembered trying to fix things. I remembered how I failed.

How I found myself

My life changed forever the day I started living with the Sisters. I learned that my wrong impressions about them should not last. For the very first time, I encountered Sisters who were fun to be with, doing ordinary house chores and filling the role of mother for many children whom they accepted, supported and loved as their own.

I found myself believing and dreaming again upon reading this line printed on the gate while waiting for somebody to open it the day I decided to stay in Holy Family Home, Bacolod City: A child redeemed is a generation saved. Eventually, I nodded my head in agreement. Then Sr Alma Alovera TC, from Titay, Zamboanga Sibugay, opened the gate and that was my first night with the Sisters.

Holy Family Home of the Capuchin Tertiary Sisters aims to welcome, protect, and rehabilitate children and youth in order to attain their integral formation and assure them of their Christian participation in society. It is a refuge for girls who have been abused and maltreated.

How I found others

The Sisters have taught me one of the greatest lessons about life: I am not alone. Because of them I am reminded that there are many people who suffered more and who badly needed help. The world is not just for me! Day after day, I could say that my desire to become a social worker is strengthened because of the Sisters, Ate Amie Tibus, the resident social worker, and the other girls in the home. It’s a noble act to be a light for others and to love them too. I feel very glad every time Sister Dora Hernandez TC, from Colombia, sends me to join in outreach activities. The emotion I feel when in the midst of my nothingness, I can still become an instrument in painting smiles and bringing enjoyment for my brothers and sisters is indescribable. Unconsciously, memories like those tell me that ordinary people possess extraordinary and inspiring stories that will prove to us that we can simplify complicated facts about living.

Just like me, I have witnessed how the girls who are my companions manage to move on after the darkest experiences that they have been through. They are able to go to school, to develop their potentials in singing and dancing, among others, and to be trained for independent living. They are part of the generation being saved. 

How I found God

I can call this part of my existence the turning point because just like the vertex of an angle, everything in me started to twist the moment I had discovered God’s presence in my life.

The Holy Family Home girls are given the opportunity to reflect on the Gospel and to understand the doctrines of the Catholic Church better. Even though we have imperfections, hang-ups and weaknesses, we are guided towards the Christian way of life. Many girls with different stories and personalities mean a lot of patience, prayers, and love and intervention strategies from the Sisters together with other professionals. Undoubtedly, sometimes we are trouble-makers capable of tantrums and disobedience but the Sisters still continue to influence and bring out the best in us.

To meet Jesus after being like a lost sheep is such a wonderful gift. If Fr Luis Amigó OFM Cap, who founded the congregation and who was later a bishop, and the first group of Sisters hadn’t listened to the call of God or if they had gotten easily discouraged by all the frustrations and lack of resources they had to face at the beginning, what would have happened to us now? That’s it. This world needs brave and selfless hearts to create history that will touch lives and transform the future. We are the future and we praise God for bringing the Capuchin Tertiary Sisters to the Philippines. I praise God for making my way meet their way!

Teary-eyed.
Me and Sister Alma