CROSSING THE THRESHOLD OF OUR FAITH

Let me just make it clear that this is not meant to disrespect the President and his supporters. I am merely voicing out my sentiments and taking a stand as a Catholic Christian whose religious beliefs had been trampled upon.

In the past, I tried to turn a deaf ear to the negative comments of our President because I did not want to antagonize a few friends who are his avid supporters. I have always believed in respecting one another's choice/opinion on certain matters. I even refrained from saying my piece during his tirades against the Catholic Church, our Pope and the clergy, no matter how spiteful they were.

With his latest tirade however, I believe he has gone overboard and crossed the threshold of our faith by cursing GOD and I cannot afford to be silent anymore. 

His impertinence to his Creator, the ONE who blessed him with the position and power he now enjoys, is very appalling. Since he does not seem to acknowledge the existence of GOD anyway, obviously gratitude is out of the question, but may I request him to please desist from maligning GOD. All the things he now delights in came from GOD, and can be taken back from him any time if he abuses such generosity. Blessings are bestowed on us to share with others, but never to be misused for greed or power.

Sadly, he committed the sin of blasphemy which is a very grave sin and a violation of the second commandment. It is referred to as an " eternal sin " because it can not be forgiven unlike venial and mortal sins. For this reason, it created an outrage not only on Catholic Filipinos, but earned the ire of all Christian religions as well, who believe and respect the same GOD. It likewise resulted in the unification of all Christian denominations in the country, defending the same cause and standing up for GOD.

In all sincerity, I commiserate with him because he probably doesn't realize the magnitude of his words or his acts. We need to pray for his clemency and conversion, because as we all know, he is not the type of person who admits mistakes and asks forgiveness for them.

May this public outrage lead to an examination of conscience on his part, humility to admit his mistake and ask forgiveness from GOD. It is not a preposterous suggestion because there is no iota of doubt that inside his heart which seems to be full of anger at times, there still exists an amount of goodness.

Let us not forget that the GOD he cursed is an extremely merciful GOD, and will unhesitatingly forgive him, for as long as he is sincere in being remorseful.

SUPERSTITION, FENG SHUI, et al. vs. FAITH

I find it quite appalling that although we are now in the 17th year of the 21st century, a lot of people still adhere to unfounded beliefs or fallacies such as: superstition, old wives' tales, feng shui, horoscope, et al.

These were practiced by old folks back then probably due to lack of proper guidance, or simply false information which cast a shadow over the truth.

Out of the many superstitions people observe, one of the most common is "pagpag", a Filipino tradition of not going straight home after coming from a wake or funeral, and instead going somewhere else first or partaking of a meal to supposedly "shake off" the bad luck or evil spirits they were exposed to and thus avoid attracting them to one's home. 

Another belief is that immediate family members of the deceased should refrain from escorting guests out of the funeral parlor or elsewhere, for the preposterous reason that by so doing, another family member would follow suit. Truth be told, but when my mom died, I walked with some guests not only to the door of the funeral chapel, but all the way to the parking lot (since I never believed in superstitions anyway) and only after a span of 43 years did my dad pass on. Quite a lengthy period of time for someone to follow, don't you agree?

There is also the perception that family members should desist from getting married within the same year, or "sukob" because it would bring bad luck. Another wedding myth is that a bride-to-be should refrain from trying on her bridal gown because the wedding will not push through. A friend of mine who happens to be a stickler for perfection, tried on her bridal gown three times, and to this day, she and her husband remain happily married and in fact celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary just recently.

The practice of Feng Shui (a Chinese philosophical system) is also quite popular among those who either had a new house constructed or moved to a new abode. So-called believers of this theory seek advice from Feng Shui experts (and even shell out a substantial amount) to guide them as far as proper positioning of doors and windows, arranging objects, etc. are concerned to ensure prosperity and a harmonious environment. This maybe true for the Chinese based on their ideology or religion, but I believe not so for Catholics.

Advocates justify their adherence to such beliefs or practices with the flimsy excuse that there is no harm in believing or practicing them, because they have nothing to lose anyway. That is where I disagree. Belief in these fallacies allow them to rule over your lives and thus make you willing victims of fear such that if these delusions are not adhered to, something bad will happen. 

What you lose is the matter of greatest significance which is FAITH, for God alone determines the course our lives will take. The only thing of utmost importance needed to cope with trials we encounter in life is FAITH, coupled of course with the power of prayer. No amount of positioning of doors or windows, or taking meals after coming from a wake can change what lies ahead. Our future, such as the path our lives will take and when and how we will leave this world, had already been laid out for us by our Creator the moment we are born.

People with lesser faith or worse none at all, are bound to adhere to these unjustified beliefs in supernatural occurrences. Besides by so doing, you become an easy prey to the evil one because you tend to lean more on his side rather than on God's.

If your FAITH is truly intense, you need not fear for you are assured that in times of adversity God will bear most, if not all of its weight. 

Bear in mind that there is no such thing as coincidence, everything is providential. There is no such thing as luck either, only blessings.

Keep the Faith.

FAREWELL NONOY ( A TRIBUTE TO A DEAR FRIEND )

SMC Corporate Accounting (Head Office Accounting in our Ayala days) is a very close knit family. To this day, we regularly see one another at least once a year for our reunion, on top of having an informal get-together every time a balikbayan colleague pays us a visit. So you could just imagine how despondent we feel every time we lose a member of our family. 

No words could ever express the sentiment of losing not only a colleague, but a dear friend as well. When Nonoy informed me he had the Big C, (details withheld out of respect for him) I was so shocked that I couldn't immediately say something in response to what he just told me. It was something I never really expected, much more wanted to hear. When I finally regained my composure, but still groping for the right words to say, I simply told him " Kaya natin yan Noy. Nothing is impossible with God and the power of prayers." Deep inside though, I knew those words were not, and will never be enough. But how would you react in a situation such as that, and what could you possibly say to alleviate a person's state of undergoing pain?

Though distressed, I was blessed to have a very strong support system in Rudy Dolosa and Dante Hermogenes, my pillars of strength in those trying times. Only the three of us knew about Nonoy's condition at that time, and in deference to his family's request, we kept the matter to ourselves. The three of us would update each other regularly about Nonoy's condition and I couldn't help but be emotional whenever I talk to both of them, in the same way that I could also feel the anguish in their voice and words.

We also got in touch constantly with Nonoy individually to console him. Dante would talk to him everyday. I tried to be strong whenever I talk to him so he would not feel that I was breaking down inside. When he said he had given up on getting healed, I told him not to lose hope, trust God and believe that miracles are real.

He had already accepted his fate such that it came to a point when he no longer requested for healing prayers, but just prayers to alleviate his pain.

Nonoy is a man of unwavering faith and had been very active in a Catholic charismatic ministry when he was still based in the U.S., not to mention the years he spent in the seminary.

In one of our conversations, he recounted that he had already been administered with the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, and in the same occasion his priest friends who were his former classmates at the seminary held a " mass for the dead " for him even if he was still alive. His family also held a " wake for the living " for him so he could listen to the testimonies accorded to him, since they believe it would be useless to pay homage after he is gone because he won't be able to hear them anymore. He in turn responded to what his daughter poignantly referred to as " a dying man's last lecture on life " to his family.

A couple of days before he passed on, I asked how he was as I customarily do, and he replied " I'm still walking in the Valley of Death ". I tried to console and remind him again that God answers prayers. It is very difficult to choose the right words to say to someone going thru a very difficult situation. Little did I know that it would be the last time I would get to talk to him.

People say it is easier to accept death if you are aware that it is bound to happen soon. I however believe there is no such thing as being ready because when it happens the grief and pain have the same considerable impact on you.

Farewell for now, Noy. May the love and mercy of our Lord be with you. ln behalf of our Accounting family, thank you for the memories and most especially the friendship. We will miss you but for the time being only, because one day we will all be together once more.

May you rest in peace, as memories of you live on.

MY DEVOTION TO THE SENOR NAZARENO

January 9 had always been a red letter day for me ever since I could remember. 

This is the day when thousands of barefoot devotees of the SENOR NAZARENO commemorate the Traslacion (transfer or passage) commencing from the Quirino Grandstand back to the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene.

A bit of trivia. The event being celebrated on January 9 is the Traslacion and not the Feast of the Black Nazarene which takes place on Good Friday. Also, the real name of the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene (popularly known as Quiapo Church), is St. John the Baptist Parish, whose feast is on June 24, in honor of its patron, St. John the Baptist.

I am no stranger to the Traslacion as my childhood days were spent in the Tanduay/Arlegui neighborhood of Quiapo, Manila. Our place was ideally situated halfway between the Quiapo and San Sebastian churches, and a stone's throw away from Aviles and Mendiola streets. It is also a mere walking distance from San Miguel Brewery (San Miguel Corporation now) where my father used to work, and where Malacanang Palace is presently situated.

As a child, it had been a regular thing for my brother and I to tag along with our mom to Quiapo church to hear mass, after which we would go up the stairway situated at the back of the main altar to kiss the foot of the SENOR NAZARENO. It had been an almost daily routine for us to visit the SENOR, as we call him.

It had been customary in our neighborhood not to remove our Christmas lights and lanterns until after the Traslacion had taken place. As we eagerly anticipate the procession which passes by our street towards the end of the day on its way back to the Basilica, kind-hearted neighbors would prepare pitchers of water, sandwiches and boiled sweet potato for the devotees to quench their thirst and hunger after walking for several hours. 

Unlike now where the SENOR is conveniently placed on an andas (carriage with wheels) which enables it to glide along easily, in those days the image was borne on the shoulders of burly men (Hijos de Nazareno), such that due to its immense weight, the image would fall several times. Then and now, there is a rope being pulled by men on both sides of the andas that serves as a guide to keep the image aligned at all times. 

I take my hat off to the thousands of barefoot devotees who brave the scorching heat of the sun, hunger and thirst while traversing the streets of Quiapo. Watching them, I can't help but feel a sense of guilt. Why can't I be brave enough to be like these men and endure what they go through? Why am I afraid to be quelched by the sea of people who comprise the crowd? Don't I love HIM enough? This is nothing compared to what HE went through for us. I could only blame myself. Mea culpa SENOR.

This year was exceptionally hazardous, as a terrorist threat to disrupt the proceeding was imminent. Threat notwithstanding, it did not avert the faithful from going through with the Traslacion, armed with their strong faith that the SENOR would not allow the plan to prosper. HE will send his battalion of angels, led by no less than their Commander in Chief, St. Michael himself, to safeguard them. True enough, the intention to inflict havoc did not materialize.

A very touching scene in the Traslation is the "Dungaw", or a solemn ritual  where the the image of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel is brought to the balcony of the San Sebastian church, to meet her son as he passes by. This incident takes place at the wee hours of the morning as the procession nears its final stretch.

Finally after 22 hours, the procession arrived at the Basilica. The SENOR is finally safe at home. All throughout this time, the crowd who had not diminished a bit, is grateful that no untoward incident happened.

The SENOR must have been very exhausted too, but I'm sure HE was delighted to be in the company of thousands of devotees who love him dearly and would risk their lives for HIM.


One thing is sure, for as long as there are people who profess their love for the SENOR NAZARENO, this tradition will live on in the hearts of the Filipinos and the generations to come.

MY JOURNEY TOWARDS THE FULFILLMENT OF A DREAM (MISSION)

Blessed Teresa of Calcutta had always been my role model. My admiration for her grew even more after I read several books depicting her humble beginnings, struggles and hardships in life.

Her unwavering love for the poor laid the foundation for her desire to establish the congregation, Missionaries of Charity (MOC). However, she had to pass thru the proverbial "eye of a needle" before she could make this possible. It took years before her request was finally ratified, as not only the approval of the bishop and archbishop of her diocese was needed, but Vatican as well.

Even before Missionaries of Charity came into being, Blessed Teresa had already been helping the poor on her own. Upon the inception of the congregation, she was initially assisted by two young volunteer novices, until the number of sisters gradually escalated in number.

The lack of a permanent home or shelter where they could take care of the sick and the homeless, became a stumbling block in her mission. Through the grace of God however, someone offered them a small space at the basement of a dilapidated building which served as MOC's first sanctuary.

They had an immensely distressing situation due to lack of funds and relied merely on alms from kind-hearted individuals for their sustenance. Blessed Teresa roamed the streets in search of food and funds to sustain the congregation. Their arduous condition however did not hamper their effort of bringing home to the shelter homeless and sick people they found on the streets.

As a result of constant walking, there was a time when Blessed Teresa's sandals were ripped apart. She then searched for a pair of footwear from the used items donated to them, and chose the most worn out to replace her sandals. The shoes however were too small for her, but she decided to make do with the undersized shoes. Although there was a pair which matched her size, it was only slightly damaged, so she opted to give it instead to the street people under their care. As a result of wearing (and enduring) the undersized shoes, her toes became deformed over time. (Truly an act of supreme sacrifice)

A few months back, we were shocked at the news that four sisters from MOC's hospice in Yemen were murdered by the ISIS, and that their spiritual director, Fr. Tom, was taken hostage by the terrorist group. A sister, (the lone survivor of the terrorist attack) when asked how she felt about the incident, answered, "The sisters were not fearful as they knew their Bridegroom was waiting for them." (Spoken with much conviction)

Owing to my awareness of how grueling it had been for Blessed Teresa and MOC, (from the inception of the congregation to the present) it had been my ardent desire to visit and offer whatever help I could afford to share with the local MOC hospices. It had been in my bucket list for the longest time, but somehow because I was not familiar with the location of their hospices, I had always procrastinated on my planned visit. 

So I did my research and found the contact number of their hospice in Tayuman. I called and the lady who picked up the phone seemed to be crying and gasping for breath. Since she had difficulty speaking, she passed the phone over to Sister Eufracia. I asked the good sister if there was anything wrong with the lady, as I was upset and worried about her. I was astonished when Sister Eufracia replied, "She is very sick. She is terminally ill". I felt a lump in my throat and was speechless for a while. She explained to me that MOC is a home for the sick and the desolate. I asked where they get their funds, and she answered that they rely solely on donations. I was so concerned that I asked her what would happen if they run out of funds, to which she answered, "My child, God will provide". (Such an unwavering faith) I asked for directions on how to get there, but I could not relate with the landmarks she was telling me as I was not familiar with the Tayuman area.

In my heart, I know that Jesus and Mama Mary are aware of my desire to visit MOC, and they paved the way for my wish to come true. 

Last May, in line with the Jubilee Year of Mercy, two close friends and I went on a pilgrimage to designated churches in the Archdioceses of Manila and Paranaque. One of the churches we visited was Our Lady of Sorrows in Pasay City. 

While praying inside the church, I sort of noticed from the corner of my eye, what seemed to be a sister wearing the familiar blue and white habit of MOC. After I finished praying, I went out thru the side entrance to look for her, but she was gone. I went back inside and waited for my companions. On our way out, passing thru the main entrance (Sacred Door), I noticed a van parked along the side of the church with two sisters donning the MOC habit together with some ladies. I approached them and introduced myself. The sisters (Sister Monica and Sister Josette) said they were on a pilgrimage too. I asked if they are from the Tayuman hospice and they said they are from the one in Del Pan. I was not aware that there was one in Del Pan too. They informed me that the Tayuman hospice takes care of adults, while the one at Del Pan, takes care of children. I learned that they actually have four hospices here (Tayuman, Del Pan, Antipolo and Tanay). Sister Monica (a very endearing Bangladeshi sister) was gracious enough to give instructions on how to go to Del Pan. I asked for their visiting hours too. I told her I will try to seek out the place as I am not familiar with Tondo, to which she replied, "God will lead you there". (Another affirmation of faith) 

I really regard the words of wisdom spoken by the MOC sisters, which are truly inspiring. (And indeed, God did lead me there.)

As a result of my encounter with the sisters at the pilgrimage, I became more emphatic on paying them a visit. During a lunch date with some very close friends, I casually mentioned my intention and asked if they are interested to join me. Two of them readily affirmed since they are also advocates of charity work. A couple of years back, the three of us visited a home for the aged (Golden Acres). 

We settled on a date and decided to bring basic needs for the children (powdered milk, biscuits, fruit juices, toothpaste, shampoo, etc). The location of the Del Pan hospice was on a somewhat crowded street, typical of a locale in Tondo, but we managed to find it after asking directions from some people. It was a gated small compound which housed two relatively clean living quarters for the children. There is a small chapel (sans benches) with mats sprawled on the floor which the sisters kneel on for their thrice a day meditation. Sister Monica was so glad to see us. She led us to the children who were very much behaved, and even sang for us. We assisted the caretakers in feeding the children. The sisters were very grateful for our visit. Sister Monica also made a plea that I continue praying for the safety of Father Tom, and for the MOC sisters as well.

After we left the hospice, I couldn't explain the feeling that enveloped me. There was a mixed feeling of sadness about the plight of the children and the sisters, gratitude to God for giving us the chance to be able to help in whatever way possible, and most importantly the fulfillment of a much desired dream (mission). What perfect timing as it materialized during the "Year of Mercy".

I could sense that Divine Intervention was unmistakably present, and somehow, I know Jesus, Mama Mary and Blessed Teresa must be smiling from Heaven. 

I sincerely hope people who have more in life would share their blessings not only with MOC, but other charitable institutions as well. The amount doesn't matter, as long as it comes from the heart. After all, nothing is too small in the eyes of God.

I am looking forward to Blessed Teresa's canonization on September 4 of this year. Thank you Blessed Teresa for interceding to make the realization of my dream possible. I will definitely be back.

ACCEPTANCE AND RESPECT FOR THE LGBT COMMUNITY

Recently, the LGBT community did not hide their disgust over the statement issued by a lawmaker/athlete comparing the union of two people of the same sex to animals (and even worse for that matter). As expected, the LGBT community took this with indignation and stirred up a hornet's nest. 

Let us take a look at this argument from both sides of the coin, (which should be the case in any similar situation), to avoid being biased. 

I am sure the lawmaker was just expressing his opinion, but was somewhat judgmental and not tactful enough in his statement. He probably said one thing but meant another. As a rule, we have to be very careful with our words. Before we say anything, we should first ask ourselves, "Will I offend anyone by saying this?" If the answer is yes, it is best to keep it to ourselves. 

As a Catholic, I know and believe that marriage is only between a man and a woman with the purpose of pro-creation. So same sex marriage is definitely out of the question. I would not however claim to be self righteous, much more compare them to animals because that would be very hurtful (not to mention inhuman).

The LGBT community do not refer to said union as marriage, but as a domestic partnership. It has something to do with legal rights, or the allotment of assets they acquired as partners. That is a legal issue and I wouldn't dwell on it too much.

I regard the  LGBT community as the most misunderstood (and maligned) members of society. I have friends, office mates and relatives who belong to this group, including my best friend who is the most kindhearted and prayerful person I've ever known. They also happen to be the most creative and artistic people hereabouts. In fact the world would be in a drab existence without them.  

I do not agree that God does not love them. God loves all his children equally, regardless of gender. They were created by the same God who created heterosexuals. Most of them, if not all, were born that way. That is why at a very young age, there exists a state of confusion and it is unclear to them why physically they are male (or vice versa), but unlike other boys of the same age who play with guns, they prefer dolls. And their parents who should be the best persons to advise and guide them, are the very people who berate and much more batter them, especially their own fathers. So much so that most of them prefer to stay in the closet for the rest of their lives.

People regardless of status should be treated with deference and compassion at all times, and the LGBT community is no exception. As Christians, specifically Catholics, acceptance and accordance of respect to them should be one of our creeds in life.

If God can accept and love them, who are we to scorn them?

TRANSLATING YOUR PASSION INTO SOMETHING POSITIVE

I just realized that I haven't posted on my blog for quite some time. 

This doesn't mean however that my love for writing had waned, inasmuch as I came up with some written materials (at the behest of a couple of friends for their personal use) over the past months. I would say it was for the reason that I had been engrossed with my other passion, sketching (portraiture to be exact). 

I believe God gives each one of us distinct talents. It is inherent upon us to ascertain, and most importantly, make good use of them not only to influence the well-being of others, but primarily to uplift Him.


In contrast to my passion for writing which started way back in high school, I came across my gift of sketching only in recent years. As opposed to my articles which I share to the public through my blog, only my closest friends (most especially my best friend who is an artist himself) are privy to my sketches. I am not that confident yet to make them public, but eventually I will. The fact that my best friend loves most of them inspires me a lot. He is generous with advises and candid enough to point out my mistakes, which I truly appreciate. 

One time while going over a particular portrait, he told me he was impressed that for someone who never had any formal training, I was able to capture the mood of my subject. Since we gain more by being truthful, I honestly told him that I based my sketch from a photograph and made my own representation. I am still not adept in designing based from visualization alone. He told me not to be conscious as that is the way artists actually start. I thought he was just saying that to build up my ego, until I observed an art class one time. The students were each given pictures of certain personalities and were instructed to copy them. So my friend was right after all. I should not have doubted him as he is one person who is very transparent and doesn't mince his words. It's either black or white, nothing in-between.

A piece of advice, pursue and translate your passion into something positive as you were inclined for this purpose. It is gratifying to share your God given talent with others. The sense of fulfillment within you is more than enough to make up for the time spent picking your brain (oftentimes nerve racking) to be able to come up with a meaningful work of art.

At times, it makes me wonder if my career would have turned out on a different perspective had I taken Journalism, Fine Arts or Interior Design (another passion) which I am more inclined to, rather than a business course. My life could probably had been more inspiring, exciting or even dramatic, but I could only surmise. 

Once in a while, as I run through my articles and sketches, I envision myself going up the stage and being conferred a National Artist award in the field of Creative Writing or Visual Arts. 

Of course it's just an illusion, but I can dream, can't I?