Mar

I first met Marvin, or Mar as we fondly call him,  when I would pay Bro Totoy Manlises a visit in their former home and shop along Juan Luna Street many years ago. As President of the Apostleship of Prayer-Youth then, I coordinated our group's activities with Bro Totoy who was the Parish Pastoral Council's Worship Committee Chair at that time. Mar was working in the shop's office downstairs and would often be the point of reference if one would look for his employer.

I worked with him in the parish the first time when Mike Flores, who was President of the Parish Youth Council, asked us to be part of the choir to represent the parish in the Vicariate's Christmas Concert in Gagalangin in 1993. We sung Halina sa Belen.  We had a great time in that event meeting fellow parishioners and representatives from various parishes. That event paved the way for us working side-by-side.

As Editor-in-Chief of Anluwage at that time, I worked closely with some members, one of which was Mar. As the newsletter was relying solely on donations, we have to look for sponsors and donors to help us publish the newsletter. Mar looked after this in coordination with Vlad Reyes, the newsletter's Treasurer.

Holy Week 1994 saw Anluwage taking charge of the annual Stations of the Cross held every Good Friday, as part of its agreement with the Silent Arms of St Joseph (SASJ). The SASJ used to organize this event in the past. A week before Holy Week, after the 9:30am Sunday Mass, Mar and I (along with the 14 pictures of the Stations of the Cross) rode a sidecar throughout the parish. We knocked at some doors and asked residents if their home could represent one of the stations. The residents, some of which we do not know personally, agreed. We then handed to them a picture of the station of the Cross they would represent come Good Friday. Good Friday came and there was a considerable number of parishioners who joined. Mar was busy with the sound system on a side car, Aye Balla was in-charge of the songs, Mike Flores looked after the flow of the procession, etc.

I worked again with Mar when Anluwage staged Pitong Hapis, Pitong Tuwa (Ang Dula ng Buhay ni San Jose) in Gagalangin in 1997 and 1998. Mar, in his jolly self, told me how he has to switch roles from shepherd in one scene to a priest in another, from a parent in one scene to a townsfolk in another. No matter how various roles he played there (as well as in other events organized by the group), Mar did not complain. He joyfully carried out whatever role he was entrusted with. He generously lent a hand where he is needed.

We worked together again when I served as a lector/commentator for the Children's Mass in Gagalangin in 1997 and later at the Manila Cathedral in 1998. He was a member of the Spiritus Domini Choir. The choir and I served in the same Mass. After Mass, we would congregate at what used to be the Cathedral lounge for breakfast and would usually go home together riding 2 jeepneys - one from Intramuros to Blumentritt and another from Blumentritt to Gagalangin.

The last time I saw Mar, as well as his daughter Cyrene (RIP), was in 2006 during Anluwage's reunion in our house. Still, we kept in touch through social media.

A few days ago, I was shocked to hear the sad news of his untimely demise. A husband, a worker, a church and community volunteer was suddenly snatched by a gunman's bullet. Thirty years ago, I lost another friend from a shooting incident. I feel that this is a wake-up call for our society to rethink, revisit, and thrash out gun culture.

Our hearts go out to Connie and family in this time of sorrow and bereavement. Hindi natutulog ang Diyos. He hears Mar's blood crying from the ground (cf. Gen 4:10) and will see to it that justice is done to his chosen ones who cry out to him day and night (Lk 18:7).

Mar, thank you for your friendship and support. May the angels bring your kind soul before God where there is peace, forgiveness, and healing.

Father Upset Me

"Oca! Long time no see!", Jess exclaimed as he saw his friend in the mall. "Have you moved elsewhere? I haven't seen you in church for quite a while now". "Fr. X upset me", Oca said sadly.  “Why, what happened?”, asked Jess. "I felt he didn't value my service in the parish for the past 30 or so years". Oca has long been an active member in their parish, long before Jess moved there.

“I have been playing the guitar during Sunday Masses long before Fr. X became parish priest. Ever since he came, he made changes that prevented me and the choir I accompany from serving at Mass.”, Oca lamented. “I have noticed that every time there is a parish celebration, it would always take place during the Mass where our choir is scheduled to sing. Worse, he’ll ask another choir to do the singing. Our choir is only informed when everyone else in the parish knows who’ll sing. At first, I just put up with it until he berated us in church one Sunday, in front of a number of people”.

“Why would he do that?”, Jess asked. “He did not like what we sung. He could have called us aside and speak to us like adults”, replied Oca.

“I am so sorry to hear about what happened, Oca. I thought you just moved house…it never occurred to me that you left because of such issues with Fr. X", Jess said.

"He has his favorites, Jess. Unfortunately, I am not one of those. He does not value people. I just go to another Catholic church to attend Mass. God isn't confined to one parish, di ba?"

Jess simply nodded. Before they parted ways, he gave Oca a big hug for he felt the hurt his friend has experienced in the hands of their parish priest.

As I write this, most parishes in the Archdiocese of Manila would have been welcoming their new parish priests following a reshuffle in parish assignments. This major reshuffle hasn't taken place since the time of Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales.  Some parishioners would definitely miss their former pastors hoping that the new one would be like the old one or be much better. Some, I guess would sigh a relief especially if they could identify their former pastors in Fr. X or themselves with poor Oca in the above story.

I have encountered and worked with a handful of parish priests. Generally, they are good. Sadly, there were a few who have almost put me off in my faith and service in the parish. Like Oca, I just moved to another church where I am welcomed and can freely worship God and serve Him in the community. 

If I were Oca, I would have confronted Fr. X. I must admit that this is a path which we lay people do not usually go to. I would also inform the bishop of what happened to him.  At least the bishop is aware of the situation.  

The Diocese of Nottingham witnessed the installation of Msgr Patrick McKinney as its new bishop yesterday. Bishop Patrick's motto is "Seek the face of Christ". Let us pray then that our parish priests (and all priests for that matter) would continuously seek the face of Christ in their flock regardless of their status, that they would play no favorites, that they would be merciful, wise, respectful, and prudent when dealing with people. 

Some would argue "You cannot please everyone". True, however being rude or suplado (snobbish) or bossy is unacceptable. 

***

Best wishes to Monsignori Nestor Cerbo, Hernando Coronel, Mario Enriquez, and Alberto Salonga Jr.as well as Father Genaro Diwa on their new assignments in the Archdiocese of Manila!

Monsignori Cerbo and Coronel were rectors of the Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (Manila Cathedral). It was during Msgr. Coronel's time when Richard Leyson and I became lector-commentators there in November 1998. Msgr. Ding (or Fr. Ding as he once signed a book he wrote which I bought) was a cool and caring priest. I enjoyed having breakfast with him and other colleagues at the refectory after Mass. He's now Rector and Parish Priest of Quiapo Church!

In early 2002, he was succeeded by Msgr. Cerbo who, like me, is a product of Letran and UST. Msgr. Cerbo welcomed my inputs during my short stint as Coordinator for the Lectors-Commentators. When I left for the UK in 2003, he even gave me a despedida party. He's now Pastor of St. John the Baptist Church in San Juan!

Msgr. Enriquez was parish priest of Gagalangin from 1988 to 1993. It was during his tenure that I began serving in Gagalangin. A silent type of priest, Fr. Mar, as we would call him then, is known for empowering the lay faithful in the parish. During Mass, you could often see his hands clasped in prayer and how gently he utters the prayers. He's now Rector and Parish Priest of Ermita Church!

Msgr. Salonga is the immediate parish priest and rector of the Archdiocesan Shrine of Espiritu Santo. Years ago, Nidz and I would attend the Simbang Gabi as well as some Sunday and Wednesday Masses in that beautiful church. I like the way Msgr. Albert would give his homily: how he connects the first and second readings with the Gospel and what is the relevance of these readings in our daily living. He's now Rector and Parish Priest of the Archdiocesan Shrine of the Divine Mercy!

Fr. Diwa used to be priest-in-charge of the liturgy at the Manila Cathedral. I would often assist him at Mass and other liturgical-related stuff since I was leading the lectors-commentators during that time. I am fascinated with his love for the liturgy, a love that kindled my interest in the same field as I serve as a Mass reader and special minister of Holy Communion here in the UK. He's now Rector and Parish Priest of the National Shrine of St. Michael and the Archangels!

God bless you all, padres!

Vlad

Mike Flores, Richard Leyson, and I formed a triumvirate in the Lectors/Commentators Group in Gagalangin ages ago.  In one of our gatherings (or drinking sprees?), Pareng Richard would often mention Vladimir, his high school classmate and friend.  Mike and I would keep on asking him about this guy.  (Don't know why. Perhaps because of his uncommon name!) One day in early 1993, he brought us to Vlad's place along Juan Luna Street, a few houses away from the church.  On seeing me, he told me how often I would walk past their house. Indeed, I wouldn't miss his place as I have friends and acquaintances who live nearby.  

Summertime of the same year, Tanghalang Anluwage (TA) went for an outing in Batangas courtesy of our friend Fr Romy Antimano who was then a guest priest in the parish. The outing seemed oversubscribed that a few of us were unable to ride on the hired jeepney. Vlad and I and (I think) two more members have to commute. No idea where we're heading, but we carried on. Luckily, we made it!

When I assumed the Editorship of Ang Pahayagang Anluwage, there was a need for someone to look after the newsletter's funds.  I tapped Vlad who willingly accepted the role. It was a blessing that Vlad was appointed because as we were getting ready for our December issue, we received more advertisement sponsors than expected.

Vlad also had the skills in electronics and have often been in-charge of the lights and sounds aspect of any TA or parish sanctioned event such as the Easter Vigil Mass, the various awards ceremonies, etc.

But I think Vlad got a break when his artistic side came about.  The first breaks came about when he composed some songs for the "Pitong Hapis, Pitong Tuwa (Ang Dula ng Buhay ni San Jose)" in 1997 and 1998 and when he became Director of "Kasalan sa Likod ng Simbahan" (a play written by Bienvenido Noriega) in December 1997.  These were followed by other directing and acting roles in TA. I enjoyed working with him in most of these 'breaks', particularly when I wrote the script for Pitong Hapis and performed as Mang Ponso in Kasalan.

I vividly remember those times when he remarked how 'talkative' was St Joseph in Pitong Hapis when the he didn't utter a single word in the Bible.  (When I performed as St Joseph in the Maytinis celebration in the States, I also had a similar observation - St Joseph had more to sing in the script than the Virgin Mary!).  Looking back, those works of art deliberately embellished St Joseph's character to make up for the scarcity in Sacred Scriptures.

I could also recall how we have to rehearse the script in one corner of the Rotonda or internalize how it is to be an old man carrying his beloved (an old woman) as they went up the stage.

As director, and later as President of the group, Vlad treated us as adults. His common expression was "Matatanda na kayo, hindi na ninyo kailangang turuan" (or words to that effect). Although there is that degree of trust that he gave us, he didn't spare us some tongue-lashing when we made one stinking performance in Kasalan. 

Vlad later branched out of Gagalangin by serving as a lector/commentator at the Manila Cathedral since 2002.  He would later become elected as coordinator for the group. I feel proud that he has remained in the ministry in my beloved church in spite us  - Richard, Art Reyes, Al Reyes, and I - going abroad after serving there.

Above all the titles, positions, and responsibilities he held, Vlad is my friend. Through the years we have been in Anluwage, that friendship developed. We shared some similarities such as being both Taurus and avid listeners of classical music. We were also both devotees of Our Lady of the Rosary of La Naval de Manila. I am thankful that he keeps me updated with videos and photos taken during the annual fiesta on the second of October. I feel as though I was in Santo Domingo Church all along!

As a friend, Vlad  is someone I could open up to; someone who would offer me a bike ride when I got stuck somewhere in the metropolis; someone I could barge into even in the dead of the night; someone who would tell me if I am right, wrong, or stupid without any qualms. 

Vlad, I am blessed to have you as my friend. I wish you all the best as you turn 40. It's not that scary, believe me! You just have to look after yourself: choose to be happy, pray more, expect less, be grateful, enjoy life!  Keep up the good work! God bless you!

Piazza della Immacolata

It was almost lunch time when we arrived in Rome from a 20-30 minute train ride from Ciampino Airport. It was warm and sunny - one of the changes that we would be experiencing in our trip. Right after checking-in, we changed to more comfortable clothes and didn't lose any moment to visit places.


One of those places was Piazza Mignanelli where a huge column topped by an image of Mary, the Immacolata Concezione (Immaculate Conception), is located and which dominates the piazza. Pope Pius IX, who promulgated the dogma of the Immaculate Conception, blessed this in 1857.

As soon as we approached this piazza, I suddenly remembered what Fr Pompeyo De Mesa, OP, told us his students in one of our sessions in German language. The priest told us that Italians would congregate in a plaza where this image of the Blessed Mother is situated to offer flowers on her feet and send her their flying kisses! "This is the place!" I told myself.

The Virgin is depicted as crowned with 12 stars. There are still old withered flowers that decorate the statue. On the four corners of the column, which is readily visible to people, are statues of Moses, King David, Isaiah, and Ezekiel - all having a link to the Immaculate Conception. King David, for one, is the ancestor of St Joseph, Mary's husband. The Prophet Isaiah foretold that "A virgin will conceive and bear a son.". There were also some incidents in the life of Mary that placed in between the four statues I mentioned. One of them is the Coronation of Our Lady (see photo).

Like Filipino Catholics, our Roman counterparts observe the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception as one of their great events (a.k.a Festa Romana). As told by Fr de Mesa, this coming 8th December they will congregate in Piazza Mignanelli to pay their homage to the Immacolata Concezione led by no less than the Pope himself.

Personally, the Immaculate Conception has a soft spot in my heart. Nidz and I became steady on that blessed 8th day of December years ago! Also, it was at the Manila Cathedral which is dedicated to the Virgin under that wondrous title where we tied the knot in 2002. And now as we approach Christmas, this mystery where Mary was spared of original sin, comes into fore as a reminder to get ready for the Lord.

I have always said that the Blessed Mother never leaves me. I'm glad that she welcomed and accompanied us in Rome in the numerous shrines dedicated in her honour and in this piazza which,in my book, should have been called Piazza della Immacolata .

***

I wish to express my sincerest condolences to the family of the late Erlinda Abesamis-Mallari, a former colleague in the Department of Chemistry, College of Science, UST, who recently passed away after a lingering illness. Ma'am Linda, as we call her, was also a chemistry teacher in Pres Sergio Osmena High School in Gagalangin. She was such a wonderful person. Credit goes to her for catapulting me into the Philippine Association of Chemistry Teachers Board of Directors that fateful day in July 1999. Having been elected I have filled the void caused by having no representative from the oldest university in the Philippines in that prestigious association.

When we were talking, some people would be intrigued when she would say "Doon sa atin" (In our place)when they know that she lives in Kalookan and I in Tondo. I may be a son of Gagalangin, but this lady (who has served that same locality for years) has deemed to consider the town as her own. No one could rob her of that!

Incidentally, I saw her attending Mass in Gagalangin during the feast of the Immaculate Conception many years ago - I was the commentator in that Eucharistic celebration.

May you now enjoy the unending celebration there in heaven, Ma'am Linda, where no sickness or weariness of any kind exists.

***

Greetings to the community of the Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Manila (a.k.a. Manila Cathedral) on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the dedication of its present edifice. It has been an honour to be part of this unique community as lector/commentator for five years (1998-2003). The cathedral has a non-parochial status, but it sure does have the distinction of being The Mother church of Manila and of the whole Philippines!

May the Immaculate Virgin continuously intercede for you all!