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!

Mary's Artist

Praying the Rosary, especially in October, reminds me of my late maternal grandfather Augusto "Lolo Gusing" Samaniego Sr.  As written in a previous article ages ago, he used to be the Musical Director of a number of religious celebrations in Kawit, Cavite.  

Lolo Gusing was a devotee of Our Mother of Perpetual Help.  When he was still alive, he used to attend the Novena and Mass held at the parish church every Wednesday evenings.  When I was studying at the parochial school, I would usually attend Mass in the morning, just before going to school.  One time, I attended the evening Mass and sat next to him.  

Apart from the Novena, he was also a devotee of the Rosary.  When I lived at his house, I would pray the Rosary with him, Lola Loleng, and other relatives every evening in October.  Being used to say the Rosary in English, I gradually learned to recite it in Tagalog.  Credit goes to my Lolo for teaching me "Aba Po Santa Mariang Hari" (Hail Holy Queen). Even when his health was starting to deteriorate, he would participate in the Block Rosary devotion.

My grandfather wasn't the imposing type of person.  I liked the way he 'walked the talk: leading us not by force, but by persuasion; sowing the seeds of faith gently into our hearts; speaking the truth in love (cf. Eph 4:15).  I have never heard him raise a voice nor utter a curse. When he wants to call your attention, he will just call your name once. 

I consider him as Our Lady's musician because of the many musical services he played and led in honour of Mary. The Panunuluyan, Maytinis' main attraction, depicts Mary and Joseph's search for an inn.  The Coros Villancicos also makes reference to Mary (i.e. "Corred vuestras offrendas, llevad las a Maria"; "Lahat tayo'y mag-alay sa Diyos at kay Maria").  Ditto the Regina Caeli  that's sung during the Salubong in Easter and the Rosario Cantada.

I'm sure the Blessed Mother didn't fail to take notice of this.  Lolo Gusing received the grace to be born to eternal life in October, the month of the Holy Rosary.  Furthermore, he passed away on a Wednesday, Mother of Perpetual Help's day, and the feast of St Luke the Evangelist (Oct 18), a fellow Marian devotee and fellow artist (musicians, writers, painters are classified as artists).

Thank you, Lolo Gusing, for affirming our faith by your gentle guidance, humble witnessing, and sincere love.  May you enjoy the Beatific Vision, playing great music in praise of Heaven and Earth's Queen and our Mother.  We love you!

***

My heart goes out to our kababayans in Cebu, Bohol, and other neighbouring places that were hit by an earthquake yesterday.  Apart from the lives that were lost, I also lament the destruction of several centuries-old churches such as the Basilica Minore de Sto Niño de Cebu.  We entrust to the Lord of Nature all victims of this catastrophe and ask for His mercy and guidance so that from the rubble, people and communities would rise again.  Let us hold on to Mama Mary and her Rosary!

Man of Music

When I spent the Christmas holidays in the Philippines, I attended the annual Maytinis in Kawit, Cavite. As I watched and listened intently while the characters of Mary, Joseph, and the angels were singing on the stage-like belen, I could hardly fail to remember a man who used to be part of this event, a man who once performed as Musical Director of the "Panunuluyan" as well as the "Hosanna" (part of the Palm Sunday rites) and the "Salubong" (an Easter Sunday Filipino celebration) - my late grandfather, Augusto Luis Ravelo Samaniego Sr.

Lolo Gusing, as we lovingly call him, was a simple and silent man. Yet when he speaks, his words would etch its way into one's system. When we moved from Gagalangin to Kawit in 1984, I was reluctant to attend a new school. I had that fear of getting adjusted to a new environment. He wasn't really happy with how I was feeling. He called my attention to the potential I have, a potential that was nurtured in Angelicum, a potential that needs to shed its wings elsewhere. I took his advice seriously. True enough, I have been an honor student during my two year stint at the St Mary Magdalene School.

Having been used to pray in English, our family rosary in his house was a way for me to get used to Tagalog. As I don't know the "Hail Holy Queen" in the vernacular, he wrote it for me to memorize. Years later, in Letran, my Filipino teacher asked me to recite it which I did alright.

In 1986, he turned over the Musical Director post to Manong Bob. In spite of his old age, he still joined the Maytinis procession during that year. After the event was over, he told others gleefully how Manong Bob 'defeated' him. It's like John the Baptist giving way to Jesus Christ when it was time to do so.

Though he had retired from active work in music, music seemed to have a strong attraction for him. When an uncle (one of his sons) died and we were getting ready for the Mass in church, the musical band started to play before the crowd as it normally does whenever there is a burial. Lolo Gusing who, at first, was seated to listen to the performance, suddenly stood up to conduct the band! From a feeble octogenarian, he became an energetic youth. That was the last time I saw him conduct a band.

In Summer 1989, he became bedridden. As we were then living in Manila I pay him a visit from time to time. The last time I saw him, he told me, "Happy birthday!"It surprised me that he still remembered my natal day. A few months later he returned to his true home. I must admit that I feel sorry for not taking or making the time for him during his last few months. I was so engrossed with church activities as I was a newly elected president of a newly established group then. I know that my tears and wails during his funeral will never bring him nor the time to be with him back.

This coming Sunday, 19 August, is his 100th birthday celebration. I'm grateful to have him as my grandfather. A man with few words, just music.

***

Birthday blessings too to my uncle and godfather, Edgardo "Eddie" Samaniego this coming Monday, 20 August. Apart from Lolo Gusing (Ninong Eddie's Itay), he has been one of the 'father figures' I have looked up to since my childhood. Many thanks for all the love and support you have given us! Hope you enjoy the party!

***

Please include in your prayers Samuel "Soc" Madamba II who is due for a coronary bypass operation on 22 August. Ninong Soc is one of my godfathers when I was baptized. He is my father's first cousin.