Celebrating my 25th Year

I used to be on a pilgrimage during the celebration of my birthday (October 12). This year, my birthday fell on a Sunday so there was no hard time arranging my schedule at work.

I went home on Saturday, visited my lola’s before the sun sets in. I was then intimidated by my aunts like forcing me to have a celebration like salo-salo to feed the senses, to fill in the stomach. My brother term for this is sharing my blessings. But my view is very different. I have my hidden ways of sharing my blessings based on my financial and intellectual capacity.

I’d rather want to be in hunger to feed my soul in thanksgiving, making sacrifice for the benefits of my loved .ones and friends, most importantly, for the intentions of the Church who suffers.

Last year, I have made a resolution that this year; I’ll find the tomb of Bishop Alfredo Ma. Obviar, who once became a Jesuit, then the archbishop of the Diocese of Lipa during the Marian apparition on 1948 and founder of the Missionary Catechists of St. Therese of the Child Jesus, and now well known as Servant of God. And in the near future, I’m sure, God will lift him up to the altar of sainthood.

I saw a hint at the Internet through Nina http://www.marymediatrixofallgrace.com/ giving me a direct link to where the holy Bishop’s remains rests. I e-mailed the contact indicated at the site to ask for direction how to go there by bus. I am very grateful to have had a reply. Bishop Obviar’s tomb is located at Tayabas, Quezon at the Missionary Catechists of St. Therese Compound.

The Journey of Oct. 12 Begins

I knew it would be a very long journey so I decided to go to bed early the night before. I woke up at 2am but it seemed I changed my mind. I won’t go and waste my time to travel so far. Then I started to ask myself what I would get. The answer is “nothing”. I tried to sleep again but my eyes refused to. I lied on bed and hear the sound of the roaster crowing. I knew the devil tempts me not to go. It was already 5am when I decided to rise up, and go.

I arrived at Metro Manila at 7:30am and by 8:30 the bus going Lucena left. As I waited for the bus to leave, my eye glued an old woman on her tattered dress with her bag sitting at the bench, drinking in her used bottle of “coke litro” that seemed like a trash to me (forgive me for the description). I knew she had no home to rest, no wealth to consider than her bag with her things. I was deeply ashamed to myself because I can do nothing about it as I was on my seat in an air-conditioned bus. She pulled out a piece of dirty cloth, dirtier than the rags I am using for cleaning, and wiped her sweat.

Perhaps nobody wanted to be near her, neither do I. It was like she had a very contagious disease. Some may judge her as plague in the society. I started to see the reflection of myself in the glass window of a bus and realized that I am no different with her.

She wears a rag and I wear clean clothes, she smells foul, I wear my perfume. But seeing from the inside I could say that she would be better than me or anyone else. Physically, I look nice but deep in my soul; I am troubled because of my selfishness and sinfulness. My memory recalls the gravest sins I have committed out of hatred, out of pride, out of lust, and worldly desires. Then I saw myself in a prison. Better is the woman, for she is free like the birds of the sky, no worries than her food to eat, and she knew God will provide her.

The bus left but the image of the woman retained in my memory.


At the Holy Bishop’s Tomb

At 12:30pm, after taking my lunch at Lucena Central Terminal, I arrived at Tayabas, at the tomb of the Servant of God. I asked the guard where the tomb is and he gave me instruction to get there. It was a quiet Sunday in the whole compound, no one was there. All I can hear are the sounds of birds playing on trees. I kissed the tomb and prayed like I never prayed before, I mediated the rosary so slowly that it seems like it was my last recitation.
After praying for my intentions, I tried to keep myself in silence with the Holy Bishop to hear the voice of God. I heard no words, no words but I was at peace.

I left the tomb at 2:30pm and went to Sta. Cruz, Manila to join in the celebration of the Mass. I expected to arrive there at 6:30pm, the last Mass I guess is 7pm but the bus and the traffic was so slow that I feared I will not make it to attend the Mass for the day. I kept on praying, hoping to arrive even at the Consecration only. There was a little bit of regret telling myself, “hindi na lang sana ako nagpunta sa Tayabas kung hindi rin lang ako makakapagsimba.” That’s how important the Sunday Mass to me.

God is indeed great; I arrived at Sta. Cruz at 7:30pm while singing the Gloria. It is also surprising that the Feast of the Lady of the Pillar which is the Patron of Sta. Cruz was celebrated that day.

I arrived home at 11pm, though I was very tired that day. At least, I was at peace and my wish to have a visit to the tomb of the holy bishop was granted.


Gerona, Tarlac
On the Memorial of St. Teresa of Avila
October 15, 2008

Hillsong United Live 2008 at Manila

It’s been a week ago when I come to attend a Concert-Worship of Hillsong United at the Araneta Coliseum (May 26, 2008) and yet I can still feel the excitement. It was the best worship I ever had outside the Eucharistic Celebration for Catholics.

With my friend Kath, we left Tarlac at 1 pm for the concert. As early as 4 pm, people from all directions started to queue for the 8pm worship. It was nice to have a friend who cautioned me to arrive early or else, we will not get a good seat for the worship.

I have missed the November 2006 concert and resolved to arrange my schedule early so as attend. I bought a ticket for two last April 30. Supposedly, I will buy tickets with reserved seat number but all are already taken out so I only got Upper B.

The worship started around 8:05 pm with the reading of Isaiah 53 (if I’m not mistaken).

It is very edifying to realize the youth of the Philippines from different Christian Churches are united as one for the worship and the love of Christ.

Despite of the division caused by different beliefs and principles when it comes to religion, it is consoling to witness the crowd of around 15,000 singing in one voice and dancing in unison in worship and adoration with the Almighty. I have seen the face of Jesus smiling over the Philippines that night.

The worship lasted for almost three hours. I felt to have a sore throat after the worship and my feet were also in pain after a long time but it’s all worth it because I know Jesus is very happy that night.

I hope someday, the concert-worship shall be done in the open grounds so that the whole world may witness how crazy the Filipino people for Jesus.

Priorities

I remember the priorities in my life for the next two or three years I listed last Lenten Retreat in the company of Opus Dei:

1. Help my sister to finish college
2. Find a girl to love and possibly the mother of my children
3. Continue praying for enlightenment and direction
4. Go abroad to find greener pastures
5. Try to save for my own future
6. Invest my money to business or its equivalent
7. Pray for the possibility of being a numerary of Opus Dei

Typhoon Cosme

The province where I work was hit by Typhoon Cosme more than a week ago. Properties were destroyed. It seemed like a nightmare. I was still blessed that day for I went home early. I should have been stranded at Pangasinan if I went home two hours later. Thanks to the concert of Bukaspalad Music Ministry at Don Bosco Tarlac.

I have no idea what has happened that night for we are at the gym enjoying the concert. All I know is that there has been two-time power failure during the concert. After the concert, all is calm outside except that the soft rain kept on pouring.

As I arrived Monday morning at the plant, I was surprised to see our warehouse—its skylights were stripped off by strong winds. The materials stored are affected. We declared around P7M damages in finished goods. I cannot remember the declared damages on infrastructure.

What alarmed me is that the typhoon has been an avenue of sin instead of an avenue to call God. Just to save the boat from sinking, here come the people to do the wrong thing.

For I am a follower of St. Josemaria’s teachings that I have to find heaven through the sanctification of work, I cannot take what they insist to do. Yet I have no choice to go with the flow.

I’m sorry that story I cannot write in detail.

The Vision

11 May 2008
Pentecost Sunday


The Vision

I was surprised last Sunday when our facilitator in a covenant recollection during the praise fest asked us to meditate that we are alone in an island with inexplicable beauty that reflects the grandeur of its creator.

I was trying to see myself in a long table in the company of my brothers in their respective robes but I see myself differently.

I saw myself playing with my son along the sea shore while my wife is around a hundred steps calling us by name as she waves her hand. I saw a picture of a happy family.

I don’t know what I am going to feel that moment. I started to ask myself if it is already the answer to my prayer for direction to where I really belong.

As I grow to maturity in the age of reason, clearer views of my future or what I would want to be has come to unfold.

The first flower offered to the Lady

14 May 2008

I went to Manaoag yesterday after my duty to celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Fatima. Of course, I was alone, being alone in a trip like this is no longer new to me; at least I am happy. I had a strong feeling that something good might happen this day. By the way, the Shrine of Our Lady of Manaoag is just 30-45 minute drive from my workplace.

It was three in the afternoon when I left my workplace but I had a hard time to wait for the jeep going there. It was four when I got a ride.

At 4:30, I was there. Unfortunately, there was no Mass. At first, I thought that my pilgrimage is a trash but my intention is of greater value. I said the famous formula for spiritual communion and rushed to Urdaneta for the 5pm Mass.

It was ten minutes before five when the tricycle left Manaoag. I was late in my precious Mass.

I was surprised when after the Mass, an old woman handed me santan flowers to offer to the image of Our Lady. Naturally at first, I was hesitant whether to accept it or just ignore. I decided to chose the first. The crowd sang the Salve Regina as one by oen offered their flowers.

As far as my memory can recall, this is the first time I offered a tangible flowers to Our Lady (because most of the time I offer spiritual boquets). It is cute to think that my first time is a santan flower--a simple, ordinary flower. But I know and I believe, my flowers is the most beautiful of them all because I offered it with humility and devotion.

The thought of something good will happen to me yesterday was made possible with my Spiritual Mother.

I went home with peace.

Lolipop

Ang hirap pala. Masakit sa pakiramdam kung malalaman mong malayo pa pala ang isang bagay na iyong nakikitang abot-kamay mo na lamang. Masakit ding isiping kahit na malapit na, may nakaharang palang makapal na salamin na pumipigil sa iyo upang hindi mo maabot.

Para akong isang batang pinakitaan ng lollipop ng aking tatay pero hindi naman pala niya ibibigay sa akin. Sadyang hindi lang talaga siguro iyon para sa akin at nakalaan lamang iyon sa ibang batang kanyang pinili. O marahil iniisip niya rin na masisira lamang ang aking ngipin kapag iyon ay aking kinain.

Pero sana man lang, inisip niya rin ang damdamin ng isang batang paslit. Hindi na lang sana niya ipinakita sa akin ang lollipop na iyon kung hindi rin lang niya kayang ibigay.

Nananaghoy ang aking puso sa mga makapangyarihang kataga na aking narinig noong nakaraang Biyernes.