When the Bible Outreach Program (now known as Basic Ecclesial Communities) was introduced by Fr Bhong Guerrero in St Joseph de Gagalangin Parish in 1993, Sis. Esperanza "Beth" Dantes was one of the faces of that project. Whenever there is an area Mass in our barangay (or in nearby barangays), she would be seen on an owner-type Jeep going around the streets, with a mic on hand to invite people to the liturgy. Apart from that, she would help barangay officials and citizens in organising the logistics for the event. Bro Manuel, her husband, was an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion since 1993 at a time when I was lector/commentator in the parish. We have served in numerous Masses in church.
When I was tasked to chair the Parish Centennial Steering Committee in 2002, I asked Sis. Beth if she could lead the Publicity Sub-Committee. Knowing how effectively she engaged with people in the parish, I felt she would be the right person for the job. I gave her the freehand to choose people in her sub-committee. The first person she involved was Bro. Manuel.
When we had our (only) planning event in Laguna in March 2003, this couple came along and made considerable contribution to the discussion. Sis. Beth was outspoken while Bro. Manuel was the silent, soft-spoken person. Yet they both compliment each other. When each sub-committee had their own meeting, I was told that the couple spent hours writing down their plans before going to bed. All participants had their serious moments of coming up with and presenting their plans. We also had our fun moments afterwards, Sis. Beth and Bro. Manuel included. There we saw their human side in the jokes, laughter, and advice they shared. Their inputs, as well as those made by other colleagues in that event, unfortunately did not materialize due to the dirty politics besetting the parish at that time. Despite that setback, our relationship with each other remained strong.
Indeed, when I visited the Philippines in 2005, I met Sis. Beth, accidentally that is. While I was visiting Loury Serdon, I heard her talking along the street (Who won't fail to recognize her voice?). I called her and she looked around and saw me. She came into Loury's house (Both know each other) and had a long chat.
Over the years, I kept in touch with Sis. Beth and Bro. Manuel through Facebook. One time, I was touched by Sis. Beth's post about a little girl she was helping. I invited her to write a reflection on her apostolate in our web's "The Seven Last Words" a few years ago (https://anluwage-tslw2017.blogspot.com/2016/03/third-word-2016.html). She obliged.
I am amazed by this couple's tandem in serving the Christian community of Gagalangin through various ministries and organizations. I was looking through the long list of ministries and organizations they were involved in. Each is unique, but showed this couple's versatility. One ministry that brought them together was the Parish Covid-19 On Spot Response Team. Their faith was always in action.
Their untimely demise early this month -in a matter of days - came as a shock. For me, it is a big loss for the parish.
The name Manuel is derived from the Hebrew Emmanuel which means "God is with us". Esperanza, on the other hand, means "hope". In their lifetime, this couple impressed on the lives they touched that God is with us despite all hardships. And because of God's presence, we can hope.
Sis. Beth and Bro. Manuel, thank you for gift of God's presence and hope. Thank you for the friendship we shared. Thank you for being good role models in the community. Your humility, warmth, enthusiasm, commitment, and benevolence will be sorely missed. May God, whom you faithfully served here on earth, welcome you in His kingdom where there is no more pain, but complete healing. Keep up the good work of serving the Lord in heaven, together. We love you!
