Tito Otie

Piet, salamat. 

That was Tito Otie's response when I sent him a photo of the Blessed Sacrament and Belen (Nativity Scene) taken in our parish church in December 2023. 

When he was still with us, he was a devotee of both. He was a member of the Adoracion Nocturna Filipina, a religious group back home who spend night adorations in church before the Blessed Sacrament.  He was also a lover of the Belen. Every Christmas, his house would not be complete without this. He would make every effort to decorate it as though it was a miniature of the massive Belen in the parish church of Kawit, Cavite.

Tito Otie was such a generous uncle who, every Christmas, would give us gifts. He would give his aguinaldo after the Midnight Mass, just as we have had our Noche Buena. In our late teens, we - my brother Gio and cousins Erwin and Eldin - would feel embarrassed and hide ourselves. Sensing this, he gave us his gift unnoticed.

Part of any graduating student's life is to have their graduation photo taken. As we were on a tight budget then, Tito Otie kindly paid for it. He was so happy when I completed my studies.

He was a cool and patient guy whom I never seen to be angry or uttered curses. He always showed a confident and strong persona which puts us at ease especially during times of trial. When Tita Erling (RIP), his wife, was ill, he was her source of strength. I witnessed how he consoled and affirmed her. Never have I seen him cry during funerals, except when his aunt, Lola Chitang passed away.

Going back to the Belen. He used to tell a story that he went to the church in Kawit to pray. He was under the weather then. This happened during Christmastime. As he was praying, he noticed that the hay on top of the Nativity Scene was smoking. There was short circuit in the wire that ignited the hay. He rushed to the sanctuary to help in putting the fire off. He said that in that incident, God used him as an instrument of preventing what would have been a disaster.  In any act of kindness he did, Tito Otie would not take the credit. He would just admit that God used him as an instrument of His graciousness.

Salamat po, Tito Otie.

I guess that these words would be on my lips, heart, and mind every time I think of my beloved uncle. His generosity and words of wisdom; his faith, hope, and love; his devotion to marriage and family; his love of learning, history, and culture; his very self is a gift that will forever be cherished.

Tito Otie, many thanks for the gift of you. I missed you last Christmas as I was decorating my Belen at home and in church. As we commemorate your first death anniversary tomorrow (2 February) may the Lord Jesus - the light sent to enlighten the pagans and the glory of Israel, the Sacred Host adored in every tabernacles across the world - welcome you into His loving presence. As you bore the light of Christ when you were still with us, rest assured that we will continue your legacy. We love you!

Looking Forward to the Light

The Gospel reading on 29th December 2021 was Jesus' Presentation in the Temple (Luke 2:22-35). There is an interesting character in that narrative, Simeon, who "would not see death until he has set eyes on the Christ of the Lord." Moved by the Spirit, he came to the Temple where he met the Christ Child and his parents. Luke tells us that Simeon took the Child Jesus and blessed God: "Now, Master, you can let your servant go in peace...because my eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared for all the nations to see..."

The last months of 2021 were moments of coming together, reconnecting, caring for each other, and prayer for my big family. Ninong Eddie, the Samaniego Clan's pater familias, was ill. I have written about my beloved uncle and godfather in the past and those memories kept coming back as I think of him during those times...and now that he has passed away.

I never thought that the Gospel reading I mentioned above would coincide with Ninong Eddie's demise. And yet, I could see Simeon in him. Last December, my mother made a video call with me while she was with Ninong Eddie in Virginia. For me, he was the vintage Ninong Eddie - full of life, happiness, and faith. When I told him how I was doing, he was generous in his affirmations, like a father to a son. My last words to him were, "We love you." His last words to me were, "I love you too!" 

Like the Simeon of old who kept on looking forward to the coming of God's only Son, Ninong Eddie kept on looking forward to the Light. Towards the end of December, he got weak and declined to undergo further treatment. His last moments were spent with Ninang Aida, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Perhaps, after gazing on them and being assured that everything will be OK, he could have uttered, "Now, Master, you can let your servant go in peace..." A father whose presence was always there for his loved ones, he passed away peacefully surrounded by his immediate family.  

Ninong Eddie, thank you for being you. Your life was a total dedication to what matters most in life: family, faith, love. May Christ whose Birth, Death, and Resurrection you bore witness to in this world welcome you into His glory where there is no more sadness, sickness, or pain. May you now enjoy light, happiness, and peace. We love you!

To Ninang Aida, Manang Nanette, Manong Edgar, Philip, and family, thank you for sharing Ninong Eddie with us. I hold you all close to my heart especially at this time of sorrow. We are family!

Excited State

I tidied up all the Christmas decor at home yesterday while Nidz and Chiara were busy cooking ginataang bilo-bilo (glutinous rice balls cooked with coconut milk). For some reason, the song "A Holly, Jolly Christmas" kept playing in my mind. 

It was just a month ago when we put up the Nativity scene, Christmas tree, etc. Back then, there was a feeling of hopeful expectation for the Lord's Birth. An excitement for the holidays. A time with the people dear to you.

I note how a friend spoke about our circle of friends when we were at their place on New Year's Eve. Way back before the holidays, friends were quite busy and didn't have much time to communicate with each other. In our group conversation in Messenger, the usual response then would be just a thumbs up or a hand wave. But when Christmas and New Year came, friends became more engaged. 

In quantum mechanics, an atom, molecule, or nucleus experiences a higher energy level. It gets excited. Once it goes back to its ground state, it emits light.  I'd like to think of ourselves experiencing a similar condition. Christmas has brought about a degree of excitement in us, that good and outgoing feeling. The season has woken us up from our ground state, our comfort zone, to something higher. It could be reaching out to family, friends, and even strangers. It could be spending more time in the community. It could be taking a harder look at ourselves and resolving issues we have taken for granted for so long. I am sure that, one way or another, the Christ Child has touched us this blessed season.

As we return to our ground state, as we head back to the ordinariness of our lives, I hope that like that excited atom or molecule or nucleus, we'll all emit the Light of Jesus to all.

Here's to a Christ-filled New Year!

His Story

(Nativity Scene, Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Parish Church, Bulwell, Nottingham, UK)

At the start of this month, while going over some paperwork, I heard some of my colleagues talking about not being in the Christmas season yet. Their reason was being preoccupied with a lot of things at work that there is no way just as yet to think of Christmas. I shared in that experience. But as the weeks passed by, and with the college being closed for the holidays soon, people seemed to slow down. Then our team had a Christmas dinner. Before we knew it, we were all wishing each other a Happy Christmas and parted ways.

With the holiday gone full swing, there was more time to be in bed, to relax, to pray, to catch up,  and more importantly, to be with family. While getting ready for our shopping a few days ago, I heard my wife and daughter talking about our family, its many members, their whereabouts, etc. They were sharing a laugh too as Nidz recounts stories to Chiara. 

This season is indeed a time to reunite and I guess families all over the world would have done (or would be doing) a lot of catching up and retell stories of yesteryear. Thanks to technology, stories are quite easily shared.  

Some of these stories would make us laugh: how naughty we were in our childhood, how this relative of ours give life to the party, what blooper this family member has done, etc.  

Some stories would make our faces blush in embarrassment: how we were caught red-handed, how we were punished for our misbehaviour, or how we made a mess in a family reunion.

Still, some stories would make us cry: sickness, death, separation, cold treatment, misunderstanding, etc.

At times, we wonder where our stories would lead us. Would it have a good ending? Would it be worth telling at all?

Fr Vincent Nagle, FSCB, once wrote that Christmas "allows us to live a story worth telling already." "My story, worth telling?", you ask. Fr Nagle continues, "The Incarnate Son of the Father makes our lives beautiful right now because he is the good ending to each one of our stories, no matter how strange and troubled. This gives us the courage to love and live right now, because right here we can already meet and know the good ending to the story of our lives."

With God becoming human, with God being with us, with God making a home in our family in the person of Jesus Christ, our life has never been the same. Let our life story become His story!

A blessed Christmastide and a peaceful 2018 to all!

Reduced to Clear

A few days ago, while buying my lunch in the nearby convenience store, a shelf in one corner was loaded with various items. Each one was labelled "Reduced to Clear" - their prices were reduced to give way to new products for Christmas.  And if you go through these items, you might be lucky to find something at a lower price.

Last weekend, we started a new liturgical year via the season of Advent.  For the next 4 weeks, we turn our gaze at the Advent wreath, lighting the candles one by one each week, asking the Lord to come.

And yet, asking someone to come to our place or our very lives isn't that easy. You have to make sure that the home is tidy, that provisions such as food, clothing, transportation, toiletries, etc. are available, that you have time to be with this someone. Relationship-wise, you have to be committed to this person.

To ask someone to come means to identify those things or aspects in our lives that need reducing.  Is it our pagpapaimportante? Take for example an appeal for help in our community. We know very well that we can assist, but why can't we? Are we waiting for the band to serenade and fetch us? 

How about our sense of entitlement? We sometimes want people to respect us because perhaps of our age or position, even if we are wrong.

How about our Pharisaical tendencies?  We may be devout, learned or better off and yet look down at others. I remember Msgr Albert Salonga (currently Rector of the Archdiocesan Shrine of Divine Mercy in Mandaluyong City) discouraging people from saying "Hindi ako bababa sa level niya" (I am not going down to his level.).

And our backstabbing moments? In a religious organization's gathering, a priest told his audience "Kapag may putok ang kapatid mo, pagsabihan mo" (If your brother/sister has a body odor, call his attention). Body odor or not, we indulge in telling other people about someone else's defects. Sadly, the person concerned is the last person to know.

Whatever it is that hinders us from welcoming Jesus into our lives this Christmas, Advent is the opportune time for us to reduce these hindrances to nothing so that our lives would become clear for the Lord.  I suggest we read and reflect on St John the Baptist's call for people to prepare the way for the Lord. The coming weeks' Gospel readings would feature him and his crusade.

Furthermore, a renewed devotion to Mary, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, is recommended. She, who was conceived without sin, became the Mother of our Savior.  She who received and nurtured Him will lead us to the Lord.

Let's be expectant hosts this Christmas and not cold strangers to the King who is to come!

Ears to Hear With

Since the third Sunday of Advent, the manger scene (or Belen) has already been put up in our parish sans the Holy Family, shepherds, and kings; only cows, donkeys, and of course the manger.  Last Sunday, just a few steps from the Belen were papier mache figures of Mary, Joseph, and an angel. All three have their distinctive costumes - Mary wearing a veil, Joseph also wears a veil and has a beard and moustache, and the angel has wings and a halo. They didn't have faces though. What caught my attention was that one of Joseph's ears could be easily seen.  I am not sure if this was done on purpose, but it just gave a link to another event I attended the day before.

The day before we went to church, our rosary group held its annual Christmas Party celebration. For this year, members - young ones and once - were asked to wear a cartoon character costume. Chiara and Nidz were Princess Anna and Queen Elsa (from the Disney's "Frozen") respectively, while I was Superman.  

Others 'portrayed' Snow White, Woody, and Prince Charming, to name a few. This was the first time we did this in observance of our fifth anniversary this year. In my welcome remarks, I told my colleagues that Christmas is indeed for the children, and for the child at heart.  Hence, our attempt to capture that 'child in us' via our costumes.

But what if we fail to capture that child in us?  Beyond the costumes and glitter, I think it is necessary for us to listen. Going back to Joseph's papier mache in church (or to his ear to be more specific), we would recall how this unassuming man lent his ear to God's word. By listening to God, he became enlightened (i.e. that his future wife is bearing God's Son), by becoming enlightened he obeyed (i.e. he took Mary as his wife), and by obeying he cooperated with God's plan (i.e. he nurtured Jesus, our Savior). 

Listening is key to welcoming Christmas.  Jose Mari Chan tells (or sings) us more about this in this beautiful Christmas carol:

As we celebrate Christmas, may we also have the ears to hear God's word with so that we too may recapture that child in us - a child who trusts God wholeheartedly, a child who treats others fairly, a child who humbles himself to wash someone else's feet, a child willing to make sacrifices for the good of others, a child like that newborn King lying on the manger, the very reason for Christmas.

From all of us here in anluwage.com, I wish you all a Blessed Christmas!

Fr Thom

"Welcome to Letran!" Those were the opening words from our School Director as he made some announcements right after the flag ceremony.  I couldn't remember now what else he said (It's been a long time, I know!), but his words gave me some sort of assurance as I start to settle in my new school.

Fr Thomas Lopez Francisco, OP, or Fr Thom as he is fondly called, would often be seen making his rounds in the school, sometimes chatting with students and staff.  In almost all events in the Elementary Department, he would always be there. When we see him approaching, we would approach him to ask for his blessing. And he would bless us warmly.

Just a few weeks after that flag ceremony, we would witness him being installed as the new rector and president of Letran.  In his 3-year stint as leader of this august college, there were 3 important events that took place: 1. In July 1987, the Dominican Order in the Philippines celebrated its 400th anniversary; 2. In October 1987, a number of Dominican martyrs were canonized - among them were priests from Letran, and a Filipino lay man, Lorenzo Ruiz; 3. In June 1988, a number of Vietnamese martyrs were raised to the altars - one of them was a Letranite and Dominican priest, Vicente Liem de la Paz.  There was one event though that posed a challenge to his rectorship. In January 1987, teachers went on strike for a week. In my young mind then, I wasn't sure what the reason was, but luckily there were no strikes after that.

At first, I thought Fr Thom was a foreigner. I haven't heard him speak in Filipino like his confreres such as the late Fr Regino Cortez or the late Fr Ramon Salinas. It didn't help either that in the Elementary Department we were not allowed to speak in our mother tongue. I would later found out that he was born in China to a Filipino father and a Peruvian mother.

In spite of this 'language barrier' (if any), this soft-spoken priest comes across as approachable and friendly. During his homilies, he would address us as "My fellow Letranites".  Perhaps he was an alumnus of this institution.  

In my final year in high school, I was with friends in Luneta for a religious event when suddenly I saw him. I greeted him and he greeted me too. Our attention was called by a colorful banner of a religious organization taking part in the gathering. He asked me what the words meant (I think they were in Tagalog). He listened intently as I explained it to him. 

During my graduation, Fr Thom was around and even spent some light moments with me and former teachers.  It took a decade before I met him again, in Letran, when I attended a nephew's Christmas party. After giving his Christmas message, he sang "Whispering Hope".  After the program, I grabbed the opportunity to see and have a chat with him.  He was much older and yet that didn't hide his warmth and amiability.  I asked for his prayers for my grandmother who passed away a few months earlier and for my family.  He assured me of his prayers. I never thought it would be our last meeting. 

Fr Thom, thank you for making me feel welcome in Letran.  Your presence and words were sources of strength for me. It gave me the wings to fly and glide.  As we celebrate Christmas, inspire us so that our presence and kind words would enable others especially those who are weak and left out to enter - in our lives, in our families, in our communities - and be welcomed. I'm sure that when our time is up, we'll see you there saying "Welcome to heaven!". God bless your kind soul!

When the Donkey Gets the Spotlight

Part of our vacation in California this Christmas was to participate in the Maytinis celebration in Chula Vista on December 14, 2013.  Kawit natives who have migrated to South California have brought with them cherished home town traditions such as the Maytinis. It is the annual Christmas Eve celebration in Kawit having as its main feature the Panunuluyan - Mary and Joseph's unfruitful search for a place where to give birth to Jesus.  The lyrics of the Panunuluyan are sung by its perfomers - Joseph, Mary, the kaseros (landlords), and the angel.

Chiara was invited by my first cousin Mr. Robert "Manong Bob" Shroder to perform as one of the angels who will sing the "Coros Villancicos" (a Spanish Christmas carol) on stage.  Manong Bob has been the Musical Director of the Maytinis since he moved to the States.  Prior to that, he held the same position in Kawit, Cavite which he inherited from our grandfather the late Augusto “Lolo Gusing” Samaniego Sr.

Months before out trip, I taught the song to my unica hija. It was a bit challenging for both of us because this was her first time to sing in Spanish.  I was amazed that she learned the song quickly!

During the rehearsal at the Rancho del Rey Middle School, I brought Chiara to Mrs. Aida ‘Ti Aida’ Bautista, the Artistic Director.    Ti Aida told me and Chiara to take our seats and she'll call Chiara when it's her time to practice.  While seated I felt that something would happen.  I just don't know what.

Manong Bob arrived shortly and had a chat with Ti Aida.  I was sat next to my uncle Augusto Samaniego Jr. when my cousin called me in front. He asked if I could perform as Joseph because the person who was supposed to do it has been unable to do so.  At first I was hesitant, but through my cousin's prodding and encouragement, I finally gave my fiat.  Ti Aida handed me a copy of the script and introduced me to Miss Ashley Zaveyan who will be performing as Mary.  Ashley was very supportive and easy to work with. I learned that she has been doing this role for a few years already.  

Our rehearsal began.  Although I have learned the tune since I was a boy - thanks to Manong Bob's mom and my aunt, the late Mommy Rosie (who used to be the Cantora Mayor of the Maytinis in Kawit) - I haven't learned how to syllabicate the lyrics properly. Manong Bob patiently guided me. Ashley suggested that I use a pen to highlight lyrics on my script.  After the practice, I asked St. Joseph's help that I may do justice to the role.  I also read through the script and highlighted lyrics where the stress is required.

Then came the big day.  The school auditorium was teeming with life. Manong Bob was already rehearsing with the band when I arrived.  He later asked me and Ashley if we could have a final dry run.  As there were still some song numbers performed before the Maytinis, I sat in one corner internalizing my role.  My wife helped me out with my costume.  A few people approached me to give words of encouragement or appreciation.  I also met some relatives or friends whom I have not seen for ages.  Hours later, it was show time!  

It was a humbling experience to ask for shelter and then to be turned down by the kaseros.  I was about to shed tears.  After being rejected, the angel led me and my partner to a stable. There, we would be in front of a statue of the Baby Jesus.  I fixed my gaze on that statue, thanking the Lord for being born for us and for guiding all performers in this event.  I couldn't see Chiara from where I was located - she was actually just a few steps from me. However, I could hear her wonderful voice and that made me one such proud dad!

Christmas came with a surprise for me.  Portraying the role of my patron saint was too lofty for me. I prefer to be Joseph's donkey (or his toolbox).   During the Mass on the 4th Sunday of Advent (Dec. 22), the priest mentioned in his homily that we should not be afraid, but believe and trust God (just like Joseph and Mary) in any undertaking He calls us. During the Mass on the feast of the Holy Family (Dec. 29), our parish priest mentioned Joseph's openness and humility to do God's will. Regardless if we are donkeys or whatever names we call ourselves, God believes us! Let's get rid of what holds us back from serving Him. To Him be the glory!

I'm thankful for my family, Manong Bob, Ti Aida, Ashley, and other co-performers for their support to me and Chiara.  This would surely be an event we'll treasure in our hearts forever.

Thank you too Mommy Rosie and Lolo Gusing.  Through the exposure they have provided when I was a boy, they have prepared me for this role.  May God bless their kind souls.  Long live Maytinis!

***

Christmas is a time to be with the family.  We have been blessed this year to have spend it with my mother, my uncle Augusto and his family, and Manong Bob and his family.  The last time I saw my uncle was 15 years ago and we spent a considerable number of enjoyable and fun days in their home in San Diego.  Chiara told me before she went to sleep how she misses them, especially my cousins Zyrille and Melanie Samaniego.  I share the same feeling. I look forward to be reunited with them soon.

I'm also grateful for Jackie and Ernie Rapada and family who have welcomed us in their place in Long Beach and who have taken us to various places during our holiday.  Thanks too to Mama Cora Rapada (Ernie's mom) and family as well as Lyn and Noel Domanguera and family who were our hosts in Las Vegas.  

May God bless you all!  Till we meet again!

***

Happy Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph!  May all families possess Jesus' unconditional love and humility, Mary's strong faith, and Joseph's reliable obedience!

The Blessings of 2012

The beginning of 2012 saw our family adjusting - our little one started going to nursery school.  The weather then was miserable and, to make matters worse, Chiara was having a bad cough and cold.  Still, she carried through and found school to be enjoyable, meeting other Pinoy kids and still more kids from other nationalities. For Nidz and I, having a child in school brought us back to the world of learning or should I say re-learning.  The stock knowledge that we have on the basic Rs (reading, writing, and arithmetic) was put into motion.  We begun to rethink what we were taught and, luckily they're still correct!  Reading,writing, and talking through the lesson with and for your kid was a wonderful mental exercise!

We've seen how Chiara got through those first few months of the year.  Last October, I was happy and proud to see her and other children performing in their Nursery Rhyme event.  We adults have taken for granted these songs we use to sing before, but when I heard the kids sing these my heart melted!

It was nice to take a respite in New York in September to celebrate our daughter's 4th birthday.  Although New York has been part of the Valdes-Albano clan's life since time immemorial, my link with this popular state has started in 1982 when my father moved there to provide for his family.   If it took me 20 years to see Rome, it took me 30 years to be in the Big Apple!  I am truly grateful to bring my own family there and be reunited with my parents, sisters, and other relatives most of whom I haven't seen for ages. Chiara, of course, was most delighted!

Our life as a family has been linked too with the parish community, the Filipino Rosary Crusade-Nottingham North, Anluwage, and the Poor Clare sisters.  These communities have been sources of support and inspiration in our spiritual growth. A few days before Christmas, I got a phone call from Mother Mercy, Abbess of the Poor Clares, asking me to see them in the monastery. When we came there, I was surprised that they have a doll for Chiara! They are such a cheerful group of nuns exuding that serenity which people elsewhere couldn't find nor experience.

This month, we flew to Benidorm, Spain to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary.  A place by the sea and full of sunshine, we enjoyed walking in the sea shore (The waters are already cold and are not that conducive for swimming.), meet other tourists, enjoyed the food, etc.  It was nice too to speak Spanish even if it's un poco (a little). We were blessed that there was a church (Iglesia de San Juan Bautista) just at the back of the hotel where we live.  The parishioners -mostly elderly people - were welcoming. One even kissed Chiara's hand during the Sign of Peace.

We came back to Nottingham in time for our rosary crusade's Christmas Party and the Nochebuena.  Indeed, as my father told me "It is the best time to celebrate Christmas: with family and friends."

Looking back at the previous months, I am thankful for the many blessings the Lord has given my family. Believing and trusting in His love, we'll welcome 2013.

Happy New Year!

Jesus Christ is Coming to Town

The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception today gives us a feel of how Christmas is fast approaching. Not because on this day we celebrate Mary conceiving Jesus in her womb – a misconception that I have discovered in a recent survey held by Tanghalang Anluwage on its Facebook page – but because Mary, the future Mother of Jesus, was conceived without sin in her mother’s womb!

Part of the confusion perhaps was due to the Gospel reading (see our God-speak special edition on this feast day) where the Archangel Gabriel announced to Mary her selection to be God’s mother and her conception of Jesus by the Holy Spirit’s power. We have been used to Gospel readings which are directly related to the event such what is proclaimed during the Midnight Mass at Christmas or that of Easter Sunday. There is, unfortunately, no direct story in the Gospels about Mary’s immaculate conception. As one priest would have put it, the Gospel for this great feast is actually the end of the story of the Immaculate Conception.






***

Before Nidz and I moved to our present home, we lived next to May Wyer, an octogenarian widow who lives by herself. We call her ‘Lola’ (Grandmother) without her knowing it. Although advanced in age, she would frequent the Bingo centre (a few steps from our place) or do shopping in town. She would also do some gardening and likes to have a chat with people (sometimes unaware of how the time has passed). One summer, Nidz and I spent a few days away and when we came back, she told us to let her know so that she could keep an eye on the house. She may sound nosy, but it’s heart-warming to know that someone has that ‘malasakit’ (concern) for you. Indeed, when we moved house, she would still contact me to pick up from her some letters that arrived at our old home. She even called us just to vent her frustration at her new neighbour. We invited her to attend Chiara’s christening, but due to a bad cold, she was unable to do so. Instead, I went to see her for she has a gift to our daughter - a pink teddy bear!

We thought of paying her a visit this Christmas, the first time she will be seeing Chiara. The previous weekend, I heard from a former neighbour that she passed away six months ago - alone.

Lola May, thank you for your concern and care. You will be sorely missed. God bless your kind soul!




***

Prayerful wishes to His Excellency Luis Antonio G Tagle, Archbishop-elect of Manila, who will be installed at the Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception this Monday, 12th December. This date marks his 10th ordination anniversary as a bishop. I haven’t met the guy, but from what I gathered from people, he is the right person for the job. I have hoped then, when rumours that Benedict XVI has accepted Cardinal Rosales’ resignation, that Tagle would succeed Rosales. Although there have been some quarters mentioning a different name, I felt that it would be a good break from Tagle to be appointed.

Although Imus is Imus and Manila is Manila, I hope that he would effect changes necessary for the growth of the Archdiocese and, in effect, the whole country through his preaching and his living. One of the changes I look forward to is a regular reshuffle of parish priests which has not been felt in the old administration.

There have already been hints that he can be a ‘papabile’ (a candidate for the papacy). I hope he becomes one as the Church deserves to be represented and led by those from continents having great numbers of Catholics.




***

We should be thankful too for Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales who has led the Archdiocese for 8 years. His simple life, as told by his private secretary on the Archdiocese’s website, is something that should be emulated by everyone, especially our leaders. I think this simplicity has made him dear to the poor. Living simply is a much powerful message than slogans such as “ ______ para sa mahirap”.




***

By Sunday, we are mid-way of our Advent journey. Purple vestments are set aside for pink ones. The pink candle (or its equivalent) on our Advent wreath is lit. The readings invite us to rejoice. Indeed that should be our attitude. I thought of a famous song which Chiara loves to sing – especially after seeing this jolly man with white beard and in red coat in his grotto this weekend. I have rejigged it and although it may sound corny, I hope you’ll keep this in mind as celebrate the Third Sunday of Advent (a.k.a. Gaudete Sunday):






You better watch out

You better not cry

You better not pout

I’m telling you why:

Jesus Christ is coming to town!



He’s making His way

Don’t get caught by surprise

He’s gonna find out

Who’s naughty or nice.

Jesus Christ is coming to town!



He sees you when you’re sleeping

He knows when you’re awake

He knows if you’ve been bad or good

So be good for goodness’ sake!



You better watch out

You better not cry

You better not pout

I’m telling you why:

Jesus Christ is coming to town!

Being Responsible Like Mary

Blaming others has been as old as when man first disobeyed God. Check the first few chapters of Genesis when God discovered that Adam ate of the forbidden fruit. What did Adam do? He pointed his fingers at Eve who, in turn passed the buck to the serpent!

Pointing fingers takes its roots from being irresponsible. Our first parents didn’t want to take the blame for their own faults. It is not surprising that their first-born Cain once retorted “Am I my brother’s keeper?” when God asked him where his brother Abel was.

From then on, we have witnessed people washing hands (Pontius Pilate wasn’t the first one!), avoiding any involvement on any issue. The recent hostage taking in Manila is a classic example. The rather arrogant and appalling behaviour of Sen. Panfilo Lacson who is still at large and won’t turn himself up to the authorities is another.

Personally, there have been moments when I ran from my responsibilities. I remember hiding behind my Manong Cocoy when an angry group of kids wanted a redress for a mistake I did. My older (and smaller at that time) cousin took the blows for my own irresponsibility (Bless him!).

Through sin, our ability to respond, to take things upon ourselves, to own the problem staring us in the face has been blighted.

Yet one woman – a daughter of Eve – was spared from this defect. Through her immaculate conception, Mary was excluded from our sorry state. Hence, the angel addressed her during the Annunciation as “full of grace”. By being free from sin, Mary accepted generously what God invites her to be. By living in the state of (abundant) grace, she said her “Fiat” without any reservation. Had she refused, had she begged off the Christmas story would never be complete! The Christmas that we’re due to celebrate soon would be a “Failure to Launch”.

We may have avoided responsibilities in many instances. Perhaps pointed fingers at others. For some, blame culture has been in vogue. Yet the Solemnity of Our Lady’s Immaculate Conception calls us to be like Mary, to live like Mary, to act like Mary. We may not have been as blessed like her, but if we strive to be more responsible, to remove the speck in our eyes before that of others, to recognize that we are indeed our brothers' keeper, to live each day as a steward of the earth then we can be sure that our hearts and homes would be ready to welcome Christ, the reason for our Christmas season.

***

Birthday greetings to my sister Ma Gisela (7th December; her 33rd) and my father Mario (8th December; his 60th)!

Best wishes to Fr Edwin Bravo who's celebrating his 17th sacerdotal ordination anniversary (7th December) and to Ninang Joji and Tito Paul Pablo who are celebrating their 27th wedding anniversary (8th December)!

God bless you all through the Virgin Mary's intercession!

Clean

I was thinking of an article in honor of the Immaculate Conception when I found myself in the clinic with Nidz and Chiara a few weeks ago. Chiara, now about 15 months old, was due for her booster vaccine shot. During her first few months, we were regularly in the clinic for various injections: BCG, whooping cough, etc. The baby is a brave girl though, parang walang nangyari (as though nothing happened to her).

Mary’s immaculate conception in her mother’s womb has been a dogma defined by the Church for 155 years already. Ages before that though Catholics from across the globe have already believed that Mary was conceived without original sin, that tendency to commit faults which we have inherited from our first parents. The Archdiocese of Manila is a good example – it has been established under the patronage of the Immaculate Conception centuries before the dogma was defined!

Not everyone though believed in this grace that God bestowed on Mary. St Thomas Aquinas himself did not subscribe to it, according to Bishop Ted Bacani, saying that if Mary was conceived without original sin, then Jesus would not be the Redeemer of mankind!

If kids are given a vaccine to prevent them from catching certain diseases, the Immaculate Conception of Mary, I think, is God’s preventive measure so that His Son’s would-be Mother would not be a ‘carrier’ of that disease called sin which the Son has come to defeat and conquer. I read in one article that, in this ‘singular grace of God’ Jesus has shown how great a great Redeemer He is that He prevented one of His creatures, Mary, from owing that debt (i.e. sin) from Him.

What does this feast tell us then? At a time when we’re getting ready for Christmas, we are called to be clean and to come clean.

Jesus once said “Blessed are the clean of heart for they shall see God.” True enough the Blessed Virgin not only saw Him, but bore Him in her womb “with love beyond telling” as mentioned in one of the Advent Prefaces said at Mass. We too in a way bear the Lord in our hearts through the Word proclaimed and the Bread partaken at Mass. If we are to bear Him, then we need to keep ourselves clean like tidying up the house for an expected guest.

Elections in the Philippines are going into full swing soon and voters have to be on the watch on how clean these presidentiables and other candidates are in terms of lifestyle and platform of governance. Of course, most if not all of them will say they want to serve the country. Yet we need to see how pure their intentions are. I’m glad that Senator Noynoy Aquino has been making his stand known on many issues like the perennial debt servicing, the Hacienda Luisita, population control, etc. By letting his voice heard, he is slowly moving away from the shadow of his revered parents and proving that he is his own man. On the other hand, I was amused upon hearing that if Senator Jamby Madrigal would be elected president she would hale into court her relatives for allegedly having a hand in disinheriting her from her late aunt’s will. Next candidate please!

Coming clean can sometimes be hard especially when we thought we could get away with our wrongdoings. And then the moment of truth just slapped us on the face. We hit rock bottom, but we should rise up again. I am saying these not on ideal words, but from someone who has experienced the pain of the truth revealing itself at a time least expected. I managed to rise up though, thanks to God who has implanted in my poor soul that hope for recovery. Thanks too to the Blessed Mother who has never turned her back on me.

The recent massacre in Maguindanao has caught the world’s attention on the often frightening political climate in the south. As of this writing three suspects from the powerful Ampatuan clan, have been brought to jail. They have to come clean and I join the rest of our countrymen in asking the government to let justice be served swiftly, without any consideration for political affinity and debt of gratitude – the Ampatuans are members of the ruling political party.

As we once again celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, let us be strong in our resolve as individuals and as a country to follow the example of our Patroness and Mother. If we do so, then peace would be ours as assured by the angels when they first sang the Gloria in that little town of Bethlehem 2,000 years ago.

Ave Maria purisima sin pecado concebida!

***

This feast is memorable to me, as you would know, because on this date Nidz and I began our relationship 16 years ago. She’s cooking something special tonight! I love you, Mommy!

Talking about relationships, this date also marks the 26th wedding anniversary of Tito Paul and Ninang Joji Pablo. Many happy returns to you two on this great occasion!

Finally, it’s my father Mario’s 59th birthday today. My skill in writing has been honed through correspondence between me and my dad when I was still a little boy. Having migrated to the States to work, the only mode of communication we had then were telephone and snail mail. A friend described him as my ‘Number 1 fan’ in the web. Thank you, Papa. Have a wonderful day!

Best Gift Ever

A few weeks after Chiara was born, people were asking, "Kailan ang binyag?" (When's the baptism?) I just responded, "Pinaghahandaan na." (It's being sorted out.).

We were planning for a baptism in early Spring (March or April) as the weather in November to February won't be that favourable especially for the baby. But we later agreed to have it in December as we really wanted Chiara to be baptized before the year ends. December is also a memorable month for Nidz and I since we tied the knot on this month years ago. We checked the calendar to see what's the nearest Sunday to the 18th (our wedding anniversary) and we found the 21st as the prospect date.

I got in touch with Fr Paul Newman, our Parish Priest, who was very kind, accommodating, and supportive to us. The 21st was OK in his calendar. He gave me a form to complete and set a date for him to visit us at home to orient us on the ceremony. We felt really honoured to have him as a visitor!

We contacted family and friends to invite them to be Chiara's godparents and they all accepted. In the following weeks invitations were sent out to them and to other acquaintances. Other items such as catering, baby's attire, and the like were all put into place.

A month was reduced into weeks and weeks turned out to be days. It was Chiara's Big Day! The weather looked fine; it wasn't cloudy nor windy. The sun turned up (like it did when our daughter was born)! The 21st is actually the shortest day of the year (Winter Solstice), but in 2008 it wasn't!

We arrived at the Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Parish Church a few minutes before 12 noon, the time for the baptism. The atmosphere was very solemn. There were a few familiar faces who turned up for the event. Fr Paul welcomed us all, most especially Chiara and guided us throughout the ceremony, explaining the use and significance of oil and water and the sign of the Cross. It was a very informal gathering which made each of us feel really special, Chiara in particular. The Godparents also took an active role in the ceremony - Kaye Lagman read the Bidding Prayers, Joel Briones wiped Chiara's head after water was poured onto it, Jona Estioso wrapped Chiara with the white shawl, and Ronald Abrera received the lighted baptismal candle.

The priest explained that being a baptised Christian is being called to love just as the saints did, just as Jesus did. During the invocation of the saints, Father included two saints from Assisi, Italy - Saints Clare and Francis - Chiara's namesake. Chiara (pronounced as Kya-ra)is Italian equivalent of Clare and means 'clear' or 'bright'. Francesca (pronounced as Fran-ches-ka), her second name, is Italian equivalent of Frances. Nowadays we all need to be clear with our purpose and mission in life like St Clare. We also need to be agents of peace like St Francis who once prayed to God to make him an instrument of His peace. I hope and pray we parents and godparents would be good examples of these to Chiara so she could do the same to others.

There's actually a 'Franciscan' reason behind our daughter's name. Almost five years ago, one of the parishioners who warmly welcomed us to Our Lady's was Sr Margaret, a Poor Clare sister whose monastery is attached to the church. We did not meet them then physically, only by e-mail but that meant a lot for Nidz and me. From then on we developed a relationship with the sisters. As their congregration suggests, St Clare was their foundress and St Francis was the founder of the Franciscan order; the umbrella organization where the Poor Clare sisters belong. (Incidentally, St Francis's dad was named Pietro...)

After the ceremony (and a number of photo shots at the beautiful altar) we had a sumptuous lunch of various Filipino dishes at home. Colleagues from the parish as well as friends and neighbours came to share in the celebration.

I'm very glad that during our child's first Christmas we gave her the best gift any parent could offer: being a Christian. I'm grateful for everyone who supported us throughout the process. They have been the helping hands we could rely on.

Our parents have once brought us along in their journey of faith through baptism. It's now our turn to do so with our own daughter.