SOMEDAY, WE WILL BE PROVIDED WITH ANSWERS

Lately, a string of horrendous incidents had taken place in various parts of the globe, and continues to take place. 

The civil war in Syria, the shooting attack in Kenya, the suicide bombings in Beirut and Baghdad, and just a couple of days ago, the terrorist bombing and shooting incidents in Paris (not to mention natural calamities such as the earthquake in Japan and the haze in Indonesia) have sown so much fear and anxiety all over the world.

We have not seen the end of it, as the terrorist group ISIS had vowed to sow evil and inflict more bombings in the U.S., England and other places they consider enemy territories. 

As expected, France retaliated by launching air assaults on Syria. This could very well justify Pope Francis' statement that this could be the start of World War III. Now that is something scary and hopefully would be nipped in the bud before it escalates to a bigger proportion. Would the super powers be able to do it? 

Doomsayers would probably say these are the sign of the times. I don't care much about doomsayers, what worries me though is that these are part of the predictions of Our Lady both in Fatima and Lourdes.

Again, we can't help but ask, why do innocent people have to be victims of these barbaric acts? Why do guiltless people always suffer? 

We have witnessed how citizens of Syria fled their country with nowhere to go, destination uncertain, hoping some kindred souls would offer them shelter. 

We were shocked when people who were enjoying a concert or eating in restaurants in Paris, had to be the target of ruthless killing by people who couldn't care less. 

I say people who couldn't care less because we are talking of suicide bombers here. They are very well aware that once the bombs are detonated, they themselves will get killed in the process as the bombs were attached to their belts. And yes, they too perished. 

Probably to their group, they were heroes. Come to think of it, if there is anything admirable at all about these suicide bombers, it is their tenacity to stand up for what they believe in, regardless of the outcome. They could have used this staunchness in a positive way, though.

No one can ever explain why God allows these things to happen. Only HE knows. That is not for us to question. We know everything happens for a reason, but when will these reasons be revealed? 

We just have to trust HIM and believe there is a greater purpose in everything that's happening around us.

Someday, we will be provided with answers. That I am certain.

SO MUCH TO BE GRATEFUL FOR

As a new chapter of my life unfolds, I am thankful for God's continuous love and presence in my life, and truly grateful for all my answered prayers.

Just recently, I went through a very distressing situation which involved someone very close to me. I've prayed for a lot of people because I always get prayer requests from friends. I am the kind of person, who when I acknowledge a prayer request, really prays for the intention. I was very much affected since the person concerned is a very dear friend of mine. I really prayed hard. In fact, I guess I've never prayed that hard before. I also offered masses for special intention. 

I am accustomed to praying to Jesus and Mama Mary, but I must admit it was the first time I asked St. Joseph for an earnest request. I knew in my heart that he is the most powerful intercessor (next to Mama Mary), being the foster father of Jesus. If there was anyone whom Jesus cannot refuse, aside from Mama Mary, it was St. Joseph. 

All throughout the days that I was praying to him, I could sense his presence (not physically of course). It was as if he was conveying a message that he was mindful of my request, and to give him my full trust as he would intercede for me. Manifestations of his presence were: finding an image of the Sleeping St. Joseph (whom I had been searching for the longest time) at the store which sells religious items in Don Bosco; seeing a St. Joseph statue at Mary Queen of Hope chapel which I never noticed before; and sighting a newly enshrined St. Joseph statue at Sto. Nino de Paz chapel. It seems that everywhere I went, he was there. A few days after these occurrences, my prayer was answered. I was overwhelmed with so much joy and gratitude that I immediately offered a thanksgiving mass. 

Truly our prayers never fall on deaf ears. They will be granted for as long as God thinks it is best for us. Otherwise, we just have to rely on His judgment. After all, it is our faith that sustains us.

God always chooses the right people who are meant to be in our lives. I am thankful for my best friend who is always willing to listen when I need someone to talk to, or seek an advice from, no matter what time of day (or night). He is a very busy person as his profession entails a lot of meetings with clients, but he willingly cancelled a very important appointment to spend the day with me on my birthday. I remember a post in Facebook which says, " Value the people who spend time with you when they are free, but treasure the people who free their time to be with you."  I couldn't agree any better.

I am also grateful to all my friends, relatives and acquaintances who remembered my birthday and sent warm greetings through Facebook, SMS and over the phone. I make it a point to acknowledge greetings individually on Facebook, no matter how burdensome it may seem to most people. To post just a one-liner reply, thanking everyone who greeted you is very impersonal. If people took the effort to type " Happy Birthday ", why can't we take the time to type " Thank You " to each of them? We must be mindful that people always have a choice. It doesn't follow that just because a notification was received that it is your birthday, people will automatically greet you. They can choose not to, if they so desire. The fact that they did, means you are special to them and should be appreciated and most importantly acknowledged. As a priest mentor once said, " The greatest sin is ingratitude." 

People should never be taken for granted and should be accorded with respect all the time, such that in the end, there will be no room for regrets. We know that life is short, so let us value everyone who gives meaning to our lives while we still can. Life is precious and so are they. 

SMC CORPORATE ACCOUNTING/FINANCE REUNION - FEB. 18, 2015

Feb. 18, 2015 was a red letter day for us at SMC Corporate Accounting/Finance.

This was the much anticipated annual reunion. We all look forward to this event as it is the time when we rekindle ties with our colleagues, or should I say, our extended family. What started as an Accounting reunion turned out to be a Corporate Finance reunion as we were joined by some friends from Comptrollership.

But what mattered most was the presence of our bosses, namely: Mr. Francisco Eizmendi, Mr. Pepeton Garcia, Mr. Ferdie Constantino, Mr. Paco de Liano and Mr. Bernabe Navarro. We are grateful and honored by your show of support for the group. We truly appreciate your kind gesture. On a sad note however, we missed Mr. Tino Galang and Mr. Zar Avendano who regularly graced our reunions in the past.

We couldn't contain our excitement as we saw our former colleagues, especially those from our Ayala days. We reminisced our various activities, e.g. closing period, bowling tournaments, Christmas parties, the "mano-mano" calculators, etc. We couldn't help but feel nostalgic. We missed our departed colleagues who are now probably having their own reunion in Heaven.

Most of us are senior citizens now, (except those who are probably in the state of denial) and we are proud of the maturity, experience and wisdom we have gained over the years. And yes, the 20% discount was a big help.

In fairness though, I could honestly say that we still look practically the same as we did more than three decades ago. Don't you all agree? After all, streaks of silver hair or bulges notwithstanding, what matters most is that we aged gracefully.

We encourage everyone to take part in our reunions as time is an integral factor. Life is unpredictable, so let us cherish one another while we are still given the chance to do so

In behalf of my fellow coordinators, Glacie Atencio and Bogs Hermogenes, we would like to extend our gratitude to all who sacrificed their time despite their busy schedules, for the support (financial and otherwise) and for making our reunion truly something to be treasured.

Looking forward to seeing you all again, by God's grace, next year.

Till then, treasure the memories.

Proud to be an SMC alumni.

SMC's spirit lives on in our hearts..









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UNANSWERED QUESTIONS (SAF 44)

I couldn't explain how I felt as I saw the breaking news on television about the encounter in Maguindanao that resulted in the massacre of 44 members of the elite Special Action Force of the Philippine National Police. I was just as shocked as everyone else.

Just like the little girl who asked the Pope, "Why do innocent children have to suffer?", I ask similar questions now. Why should there be innocent victims?   Why do those who have less in life always suffer?

Why do these men in uniform (mostly breadwinners with meager salaries), who risk lives supporting their families, have to experience death in such an inhumane manner in the hands of the enemy? In addition to that, reports of mutilated bodies that resulted from this ruthless killing added insult to injury.

Why do these things have to happen? How do you tell a child that his daddy will no longer be coming home? I know I will never get answers to my questions. Even the Pope did not have an answer to the little girl's query. But I will keep on asking anyway.

It was such a pitiful sight as the flag-draped caskets bearing the bodies of the slain heroes disembarked from the plane at Villamor Air Base. If the pain was too much for me, what more for their families? No word will ever be enough to ease their grief. I assume there was not a dry eye in Villamor Air Base that day, along with those glued to their television sets anxiously awaiting the return of the fallen heroes. Surely, the government will provide financial assistance and posthumous promotions, but is that enough? These can never compensate for the loss of their loved ones.

Men in uniform are trained to be tough. They are not supposed to cry. Thus, it was so heartbreaking to see them standing erect, with tears streaming down their cheeks as they paid respect to their fallen comrades, both at the arrival ceremony in Villamor Air Base and at the necrological rites in Camp Bagong Diwa. Crying is not a sign of weakness, nor does it make you less of a man. I admire men who never hide their tears.

Who really was to blame for this unfortunate incident? Pointing fingers is the name of the game. The victims' families cry out for justice. Maybe it would have been better if those responsible would be men enough to admit they erred in giving orders. They owe the victims' families an apology. Certainly, it would not take away the pain, but at least it would be lessened to a certain extent. Real men admit their mistakes. But somehow, hoping for this seems next to impossibility.

Soon the SAF 44 will be forgotten and all these will be just a memory, but their heroic deeds will live on in the hearts of every Filipino. After all, as SAF members so aptly expressed, " A black beret is not issued, it is earned." The SAF 44 died as heroes, and will forever be.

As far as my questions are concerned, they will remain unanswered.

But not for the SAF 44, for in that celestial place where they are now, all the answers to their questions have been provided by the ONE who knows it all.

LESSONS FROM POPE FRANCIS' VISIT

Almost everyone has shared his/her experience of a personal encounter with Pope Francis, except probably me.

For how can I, when I was not blessed enough to see him in person despite four unsuccessful attempts? I didn't take this lightly either. All throughout the duration of his five day visit, I had been crying non-stop as a result of this.

I kept asking myself why? How come others were able to see him, while I did not? I could only blame myself. Maybe I didn't try hard enough. Maybe I acceded to my companions' decision to just give up. I'm not putting the blame on others though.

On our first attempt, we encountered closed roads and heavy traffic so we decided to turn back. On our second attempt, we managed to find a parking area near Harrison Plaza. We walked several blocks to go near the Apostolic Nunciature. I was standing with the crowd waiting for the Pope's entourage when it suddenly rained. I didn't leave my post where I thought I would have a good view of the Pope. After waiting for about a couple of hours, we heard the sirens of the vehicles escorting the Pope. I was so excited, but when he passed, I missed the chance to see him because he was riding his black Volkswagen instead of the pope mobile.

On our third attempt, again we decided to turn back because our vehicle couldn't pass thru the blocked roads. Our final try would have been on the morning of his departure. I decided not to sleep anymore since we agreed to leave at 3:00 a.m. But again, at the last minute the plan was cancelled.

I then thought of going by myself, but I did not know which road to take. I was even willing to walk from my place in Makati to Taft Avenue. I was so disappointed that I couldn't stop crying. I kept saying sorry to Jesus for not being able to see Him (as personified by the Pope). I felt this heaviness in my heart, and I pictured Jesus asking me; "Why did you  not come to see me? Why did you not welcome me? I came here for you because I know you couldn't go to me, but you were not there for me".

When the time comes that I would be face to face with Jesus, I wouldn't have the answers to his questions. On second thought, yes, I probably would. My answer, plain and simple would be, because I did not try hard enough. Maybe Jesus was disappointed with me as well. I don't blame him. I shout to the world that I love him, yet I did not welcome him when he came to see me.That really broke my heart.

I kept consoling myself that everything happens for a reason, and that he wouldn't have allowed this to happen if he didn't have an explanation. Up to now, I am still in the dark as to what the reason might have been. Maybe he didn't want me to get sick from the rain, or be pushed and shoved if I attempted to squeeze myself into the thick crowd. I don't want to speculate. Although I find comfort when priests say that even those watching on television would be equally blessed, still that is not enough for me.


In my heart, I know Jesus is not mad at me because he knew I attempted but failed. I even "lent" my guardian angel to the Pope. When I heard the news that Vatican received intelligence reports that there were death threats against his life, I "talked" to my guardian angel and told him that it is perfectly alright if he leaves me for five days so he can join the other angels protecting the Pope.

I know Jesus does not really mind because his love for me is so great, but why do I still feel this way? I guess I would have to live with this guilt for the rest of my life.

Despite this unfortunate turn of events, I learned a lot from the Pope. Just like Mother Teresa, his most outstanding quality is compassion for the poor. This was evidenced by his willingness to push thru with his trip to Tacloban despite the impending danger of the storm, all because he wanted to be with the typhoon victims. I would like to believe that what happened in Tacloban was providential. Maybe God made Pope Francis experience what the victims went through, albeit of a lesser magnitude.

Humility is another outstanding trait. It was such a humbling experience to see the Pope saying mass amid the rain wearing only a raincoat, and  carrying his own bag on his flight back to the Vatican.That would put a lot of government officials to shame. The enormous love he has on his flock, most especially us Filipinos, was clearly manifested when he risked coming here despite warnings from his Vatican security that there would be assassination attempts on his life while he is here, as evidenced by intelligence reports. He is very well aware of the danger that he makes it a point to request people to pray for him. He even said he prayed to Jesus before he left Vatican that should he die in the Philippines, to make it quick so he wouldn't feel the pain.

We are truly blessed to have Jesus' representative in the person of Pope Francis. Every move he makes, every statement he delivers move me to tears. There is such a magnificent aura that exudes from his being. We are fortunate to have experienced a personal encounter with a future saint.

MY " ASSIGNMENT " FOR THE DAY

I once read that we are given an "assignment" for the day by God. 

Sometimes, as we go about our daily routines, we might not be aware but subconsciously we are already fulfilling our "assignment" for the day. I guess that was what happened to me recently.

Last Saturday, I attended an anticipated mass. While the priest was giving his homily, an old man seated beside me suddenly felt dizzy. I noticed that while we were about to take our seats to listen to the homily, his teenaged daughter suddenly grabbed her father by the waist and said he got dizzy. She was frantically trying to call her mother on her cellphone, but the mom was not answering her call. I motioned to the mass assistants (in charge of leading churchgoers to their seats) standing by the entrance to ask for help, and one of the guys approached me. I told him the man was not feeling well and asked if they had a clinic, and if possible to call the doctor. He said he will call the nurse and left. A lady assistant approached me and I requested for a glass of water as I noticed that the man's lips were turning gray. I told the lady assistant to tell the nurse to bring a sphygmomanometer so she could check the patient's blood pressure. I was afraid he might be suffering from a mild stroke. After about 5 minutes, the security guard came with a wheelchair. The man told me that he would just walk, but I insisted that he use the wheelchair in going to the clinic as he might be to weak to walk.

As they wheeled him out, he turned to me and managed to say in a very faint voice " thank you." The daughter apologized for the trouble. I told her not to mind it and just take care of her father. Her mother had already arrived by then.

After they left, the assistants were wondering why I stayed behind. As the mass was still ongoing, I opted to stay. Otherwise, I would have gone with them to the clinic. All the while the assistants thought he was my father as I was the one worried over him, and taking care of his needs. I told them I was just extending help to the man and his daughter.

Then I noticed that the visiting image of Our Lady of the Rosary (La Naval) was at the side of the altar. She would just be staying overnight and would be returned to Sto. Domingo church the following morning. She probably made it possible that I be seated beside the man so I could extend some help to him in whatever capacity I can. Most likely, that was my "assignment" for the day, and I could only hope I was able to do what was expected of me.

After the mass, I queued in front of the image of Our Lady so I could pray to her. In front of her image was a vase full of white daisies. I took a single stem so I could bring it home and offer it to the image of Our Lady of the Pillar which I have at home. It had been my habit to bring home a flower for her from among the flowers offered in church. That night, as I was checking my phone's calendar, I was reminded that the following day was the feast of Our Lady of the Pillar which escaped my mind. What a timely reminder that was, and I sure was glad I brought home a gift/ flower for her.

I know some people might say the events that took place that afternoon were just coincidence. I beg to disagree though. I don't believe in coincidence, but I do believe in destiny. I know I was destined to help that man, and the things that took place after were bound to happen. It was part of God's master plan for me.

I thank Jesus and Mama Mary for having made me their instrument once again.

MY PIANDRE FAMILY ( PART II )

This is a sequel to the first article I wrote about Piandre (kindly refer to my article dated December 23, 2011) also in this blog. I just cannot help but admire the exemplary character (humility and good-naturedness) of the people behind it, the Zulueta family.

I had been patronizing Piandre (whom I regard as my second family) for the past 13 years or so. As mentioned in my previous article, what really endeared them to me (aside from the expertise of their internationally-trained stylists and ever gracious staff) is the spirituality of the owners, which is something worth emulating. 

For those who have not visited the salon, this is the only business establishment I know wherein the "3 o'clock prayer" is recited every day. At exactly 3:00 p.m., everything is at a standstill as everyone (led by a voice-over) stops to pray. Mrs. Linda Z. Francisco (founder of Piandre) is a devotee of the Divine Mercy. Aside from this daily ritual, the family also enhances the spiritual growth of their employees thru their annual "Blessing of the Hands" and recollection.

Piandre celebrated it's 27th anniversary last July 2014. As a way of expressing gratitude to their loyal clientele, they gave a month-long 27% anniversary discount on all services offered in all branches.

Last August 6, 2014, I was privileged to have been invited to a "Meet and Greet" get-together in honor of the "most valued clients" (as the invitation indicates) of the Greenbelt branch. It was an honor to be regarded as one. 

The Zulueta family (Mrs. Linda Z. Francisco and daughters Aina and Drea, together with only son Jaton) was present, with the exception of daughter Peachy who now resides in Switzerland. 

Mrs. Francisco thought of this get-together because they wanted to have a closer relationship with their clients and get to know them on a personal basis. 

A brief history of the salon which was established in 1987, was presented by Drea including the origin of the name Piandre ( a combination of the names of Peachy, Aina and Drea). She also introduced their latest products including the ones they distribute. Mrs. Francisco explained why they are not open for franchising. Since their primary concern is the interest and well-being of their customers, they are afraid this might be jeopardized should a franchisee be unable to sustain it, and thus destroy the trust and harmonious relationship they have painstakingly nurtured over the years. It is also worthwhile mentioning that they not only take care of their clients, but of their staff as well, as evidenced by the creation of a multi-purpose cooperative for their employees.

A sumptuous merienda followed the presentation. Also, as a token of appreciation, they gifted each one of us with an "Acts of Love" leather-bound diary where we can chronicle the love and kindness we extend to others on a day to day basis. We were also given some of their latest products.

My monthly visits to the salon is always filled with anticipation as I am so much at home here. It is truly a home away from home. 

Now more than ever, I can say that truly, good things happen to good people, as attested by the success of Piandre.

More power to the management and the Greenbelt staff. Wishing you more success and continuous blessings.