Take Me

Take, O take me as I am
Summon out what I shall be
Set Your seal upon my heart
And live in me.

I watched and listened intently as my daughter and her fellow first Holy Communicants sang this song to the delight of everyone in church.  I was one proud dad - my daughter has received the Body of Christ for the first time on that sunny 14th day of May!

My mind brought me back to early December last year, when we parents met in school with Fr Gerry Murphy (our parish priest at that time), Ms Reilly (head teacher), and teachers to prepare for our children's first Holy Communion. An Enrolment Mass was held at the Infant of Prague Church (where the first Holy Communion Mass will be held) on 21 January 2017 to formally present the children to the parish. This was followed by a series of meetings once a month from February to May.

Children were also provided with two books: "Love and Forgiven" which focused on the celebration of their first Sacrament of Reconciliation and "Meet Christ with Joy" which focused on the celebration of their first Holy Communion. We were encouraged to guide our children in completing these books.  For Nidz and I, it felt like going back 30 odd years ago when we made our first Holy Communion.  While I helped Chiara with the text that needs to go into these books, Nidz assisted with the pictures and drawings. Teachers regularly monitor children's progress.

Apart from these, we were also invited to become involved in the Vigil Masses in church from January to May.  Parents took turns in facilitating a "Children's Liturgy" wherein the candidates for first Holy Communion have their own celebration in the sacristy. Part of this celebration is to read the Gospel, make a brief reflection on what was read, and do an activity related to the reflection. (The "Children's Liturgy" runs parallel to the Liturgy of the Word.) After the "Children's Liturgy", the children go back to the sanctuary to present their work. Nidz and I facilitated two liturgies. In one of those, we taught the children to sing "Let it shine" which was met with a round of applause from the congregation.

Fast forward now. Nidz and I sat next to each other, happy to see our daughter reaching another milestone in her journey of faith. We were blessed to have my father Mario and youngest sister Kristina coming from New York to also witness Chiara's special day. 

After the Mass, lots of clicking sounds could be heard from cameras and mobile phones as first Holy Communicants and their families posed for photo opportunities in or near the sanctuary. Later on, we made our way to the Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Community Centre for a sumptuous meal of Filipino dishes, a joint effort we shared with three other Filipino families. But before that, we were asked to see the Poor Clare sisters. In the monastery, Chiara, Mia, Reyna, and Megan made a repeat performance of their song. The sisters were elated!

During the reception, guests gave short messages to the first Holy Communicants. Papa gave an impromptu speech. Chiara later thanked everyone in behalf of her friends.

If there is one word that sums up this first Holy Communion celebration, it is take. Our children take the Lord's Body and eat it. We parents, as well as other members of the family, the parish, the school, etc. take once again that calling to nurture our children's faith.  Above all, the Lord Himself takes these children - takes us all actually - in spite of our imperfections so that we may have life to the full (John 10:10).

To Chiara and her fellow first Holy Communicants, congratulations. Jesus takes your hearts and has found a new home in them. Make Him feel welcome so that He would live there at all times.

Life is Like a Tire

Last Sunday was quite a busy time for me.  After going to church with Chiara, we headed home for lunch and then, while she was watching TV, I was on Skype to talk to a cousin in the Philippines.  Later on we went to a neighbour's home for a children's party.  Chiara had a great time with the other kids.  I also enjoyed meeting new faces and getting to know more about our neighbours and other guests.  Conscious that I need to prepare our dinner and fetch Nidz from work, we thanked our generous hosts and left.  

It was 20 minutes to 8.  I told Chiara that it was time for us to fetch her Mommy.  As I was driving I heard something different.  "This is the first time I felt the car this way!", I told myself.  Because I was in a hurry, I just carried on driving.  Nidz's workplace is not that far from us anyway.  We arrived at the hospital after about 5 minutes. There was a parking space available (my usual spot) so I headed in that direction.  Chiara, surprisingly, was fast asleep. It has been a long day for her.  I went out of the car to check what's going on. My suspicion was that one of the tires needed more air.  It was more than that. One of the rear tires was deflated!

When Nidz arrived, I showed her what happened. "Daddy, you can't drive like that!", she said.  I tried to call breakdown service twice, but they were not available.  I sent a text message to Meng, a friend and Chiara's godfather, who lives nearby asking for help.  He later phoned me up to ask what's the problem.  In a few minutes, he arrived.  He first tried to use a small pump, but it didn't work.  I was getting nervous.  I felt like the day was going to end in a low note.  He went back to his car to get something. It was Tyreweld, a cylinder container whose contents would not only inflate the tire, but also get the puncture sorted.  In a matter of a few minutes, the tire was good as new!  We left the place with unending pasasalamat to Pareng Meng.

I suddenly remembered a similar situation way back in September 2012 during our visit to New York.  After seeing our relatives in Staten Island, we headed back to Manhattan where we were staying. Nidz and my mother travelled with a cousin and went ahead of us.  While Nicola, Chiara, and I were on my aunt's car. My father was with us.  My aunt and godmother Ninang Joji drove us.  As we entered Battery Park Tunnel (which connects Manhattan and Brooklyn), all of us felt as though we were all bouncing, as though we were passing through potholes.  As the tunnel has 2 lanes with vehicles moving on the same direction, drivers from the other lane were signalling to us, pointing at one of our tires.  Ninang Joji stopped the car.  Although there were barriers separating the 2 lanes, the vehicles at the back sensed the problem and managed to overtake when it was safe to do so. (The barriers, by the way, are made of thin plastic so cars can just pass through easily.)

In spite of how busy these lanes can be, I was surprised and touched that other drivers would stop for a few minutes to check on us and even offered to contact New York Police Department (NYPD). My aunt and father thanked them for their kindness.  A few minutes later 2 policemen arrived and told us that one of the rear tires (the one near to where I sat) was severely punctured.  The car had to be towed outside the tunnel.  We have to ride NYPD cars.  Chiara, Ninang Joji, and I were on one car while Papa and Nicola were on the other.  Chiara kept on talking to the policeman.  At one point she told the cop how handsome he was!  The cop graciously told her "Thanks, sweetie. Unfortunately I cannot fix your car".  He later asked where Nidz was and Chiara told him that her mom is a nurse.  "My wife is a nurse too", quipped the officer.  (Incidentally, Pareng Meng's wife is also a nurse.) He told us that at that moment his wife is working in the hospital. All throughout that ordeal, the cops were reassuring.  We were grateful for all their help. As it was getting late, Nicola, Chiara, and I took a cab to my sister's apartment.  Papa and Ninang Joji stayed for almost an hour for breakdown assistance to replace the tire before returning to Staten Island.

There's this Filipino saying that goes "Ang buhay ay parang gulong. Minsan nasa ibabaw ka. Minsan naman nasa ilalim ka" (Freely: Life is like a tire. Sometimes you are on top. Sometimes you are at the bottom.).  These two incidents made us feel that we are at the bottom. And yet, these were also moments when men of goodwill uplifted us.  They give deeper meaning to the 'salt of the earth and light of the world' which Jesus mentioned in this Sunday's Gospel.  They showed us how it is to love and be loved.

Erps

The first time I heard about Fr. Ruben J Villote was when I read a magazine an aunt brought home when she visited us.  It was the late 80s and there emerged in the metropolis a Satanic cult which targeted the vulnerable of society, the young people. An article in that magazine featured this menace and Fr. Villote (a.k.a. Fr. Ben or Erps; a colloquial for erpat or father) was one of the resource persons being interviewed. I can't remember what he exactly said.  The only thing I remembered was a photo of a bespectacled man.

 

In a few years' time, I heard about him again through a fellow parishioner, the late Ms. Luisa "Tia Lucing" De Jesus.  Tia Lucing and others from Gagalangin such as Tita Baby Martelino were regular visitors at the Center for Migrant Youth  (CMY) in Cordillera St., Quezon City (It's now located in Fairview).  Fr. Ben was the founder and at that time the center's director. The center, according to the San Jose Seminary website, "offers shelter, school assistance, and pastoral accompaniment for youths from rural areas who migrated to the metropolis".  

 

I got the chance to finally meet the man when Tia Lucing invited me and the AP Youth to join them every second Sunday of the month.

 

Every week, different groups of people would flock to the center to meet Fr. Ben and his wards and bring with them donations such as canned goods, rice, sugar, etc.  We arrived a few minutes before the morning Mass.  Fr. Ben was outside the chapel welcoming people.  Tia Lucing introduced me to him and - surprise, surprise- I discovered that he hailed from Gagalangin! His family's house is located along R. Fernandez St, just next to Our Lady of Piat Clinic. I found out too that he and my uncle Sonny (Dr. Paulino V. Albano Jr.) were schoolmates at the San Jose Seminary. 

 

Before the start of the Mass, Fr. Ben would have a flag ceremony where one of the wards would hoist the Philippine flag and then we'll all sing "Pilipinas kong mahal".  The chapel didn't have pews - all leave their shoes outside and then sit on the mat.  The altar table was as small as a dulang or coffee table with a small chair for the priest to sit on to. He asked me to do the second reading, but before that, he introduced me to everyone as "pamangkin ni Sonny, (ang) kababata ko" (My contemporary Sonny's nephew). 

 

Erps was a soft spoken priest who wasn't in the habit of delivering long homilies. There seems a different flavour of the liturgy every time we attended Mass at the center.  He made it personal, intimate, thought-provoking.  One time, he had sampaguita garlands ready for guests who had celebrations (e.g. birthdays, anniversaries, etc.) at about that time - Tia Lucing got a garland in October as that's when her natal day is remembered.  There was also one Mass when the Gospel was about gratitude and he asked us to tell the person next to us how we appreciated them. I expressed my sincere thanks to the person next to me for her friendship. Guess who it was?  It was Nidz who is now my wife!

 

As we bid CMY adieu, Fr. Ben would tell us "Ikumusta n'yo ako kay Fr. Mar." (Send my regards to Fr. Mar). Fr. Mario "Mar" Enriquez was our parish priest then. (Strangely, Fr. Ben seemed not have been invited to any parish events I know of. Perhaps he was, but was unable to do so because of the demands of his ministry. Puzzling too is that he wasn't recognized by the parish for his efforts. The parish has focused more on awarding its officers, but not those people who have received the light of faith from the parish and shared it unconditionally to the dark alleys where Christ is never heard!)

 

My regular visits to CMY was cut when I stepped down from the APY presidency, but because of my closeness to Tia Lucing, she would keep me updated.  From time to time, I would read Fr. Ben's articles in a popular newspaper.  The last time I talked to him was when I informed him of Lola Piling's death. He was close to my grandparents, my Dad told me.

 

What touched me about Fr. Ben was his love and devotion for the youth who have migrated to the city in search of better opportunities.  More often than not, people leaving home and family (with the notion that Metro Manila is a paradise) end up frustrated, depressed, stuck in the rut.  And it is during these low moments that they become exposed to the menace around them: drugs, prostitution, exploitation, etc. The center is indeed heaven-sent! (Previous to this ministry, he engaged with the poor in his role as parish priest and chaplain.)

 

 Fr. Ben could have opted for a much easier ministry as a priest, but he decided to stay on through thick and thin.  I read that one time there was no food and he went to the prayer room to surrender everything to Divine Providence.  He heard a knock from the door - there were visitors who unexpectedly popped in to share their food! 

 

 

 

He could have chosen to retire and be looked after by his relatives (he had Alzheimer's disease and was confined on a wheel chair), but he preferred to remain with his spiritual children till the end. Like the Good Shepherd who offered His life for the sheep.

 

Thank you, Erps for showing us how to care for the vulnerable, for what Jesus called "the least of my brethren". May you now enjoy the reward He has reserved for those willing "to journey towards the more radical and painful work of renewing the world and restoring all things in Christ so that justice and righteousness may begin to prevail in the New Heaven and the New Earth as a sign of the Second Coming" (taken from Fr. Ben's words when he was interviewed for a magazine's Christmas edition).

 

 

 

 

 

Lost Mittens

These past few days I have seen misplaced winter gloves - in the lift at work, in the pavement, etc.  At this time when it's still cold in this part of the globe, I couldn't help but pity their owners, kids especially who could easily feel cold. I once lost my scarf; luckily it happened at work and was quickly located, thanks to our Security Team.

Losing an important gear this winter can be likened to losing grace at an unfriendly, chaotic, and crucial moment in our lives. Rembrandt's celebrated painting "The Return of the Prodigal Son" depicted the lost son as having a worn out pair of shoes. Having worn out shoes (as well as a shaved head), Rembrandt tells us how this son lost his dignity (as the son of the rich father) after squandering his part of the estate.

Looking carefully at the painting, we see the father as a blind man - someone whose love is greater than his son's sins put together - and whose hands are that of a man and a woman - someone whose justice (as symbolized  by the man's left hand) is tempered by his gentleness (as symbolized by the woman's right hand).

We are that prodigal child who left God, our Father, and went on our own "merry way", following the dictates of our own whims. In the long run, we have lost His grace; we have lost our dignity as His children.

Lent offers us the hope and opportunity to regain what we lost. If you haven't been to confession for ages, perhaps this is the best time to avail of this often neglected and avoided sacrament. If you haven't spoken to those who hurt you (or those you have hurt), this could be the right time to do so. By being reconciled, we regain our spiritual gloves, shoes, etc. We regain grace!

Otherwise, we are no different to the older brother on the far righthand side of the painting - so full of himself, so distant, so self-righteous.  Better to be the 'lost and found' son than to be the 'missed out' son!

***

Last week, my family and I visited Ms Eliza "Ate Liza" Manzano in Dublin, Ireland.  An old-time friend and parish colleague in Manila, Ate Liza has been working in a children's hospital in Dublin for a decade or so.  We also met Paul, her Irish boyfriend, who drove us to a number of places in the city. It was a wonderful reunion and a memorable one for Nidz who celebrated her 40th birthday there. We look forward to see her again soon.

Ate Liza has been ill these past few months and just had her first chemotherapy last week. In spite of that, she appeared to be in high spirits and have shown a strong faith in God.  I felt I was the one blessed in that visit.  Let's include her in our prayers.

***

This coming Sunday, it will be Mother's Day in the UK.  I'm taking this opportunity to thank my mother and all mothers out there for the love and care they have showered us through the years.  I'm grateful especially to Nidz for faithfully and lovingly taking good care of our family. We love you, Mommy!

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!

Mothering Sunday

It's Mothers' Day in the UK on the 22nd of March. Unlike America and the Philippines, UK honours mothers every Fourth Sunday of Lent. Reading through sources, I came upon two traditional events held during Mothers' Day in the UK (more known as 'Mothering Sunday'). It has been said that hundreds of years ago people would visit the Mother Church in their locality (i.e. the cathedral) on the Fourth Sunday of Lent (a.k.a. Laetare Sunday).

Another event was that servants are only allowed to visit their families once a year and that was usually on Mothering Sunday. No one knows the exact origin of this annual celebration though.

Having spent almost six years in England, our Mass in the parish has been made more special with school children taking active part in the liturgy from readings to collections, from offering daffodils to Our Lady to reading poems to honour their moms (spelt as mums in the UK).

Motherhood has often baffled me. It's no joke that women have to experience the pains of growing up - menstruation, cramps, etc - in preparation for their likely role as mothers. And when they do become moms, the pains of being pregnant, giving birth, looking after the baby, etc come to the fore. Not to mention taking care of the household (and putting up with their other halfs and child/ren).

I was like a Jew when I often said before: "Thank God I became a man, not a woman!". However, looking at how my wife and our daughter interact with each other I feel being 'edged out'.(An old man whom I met in hospital elevator when Chiara was born 'prophesied' that.) My frustration gets even further when I couldn't put the child to sleep or stop her from crying. Everytime I leave for work, I could see Chiara so peacefully asleep next to her Mom and I feel envious of it. 'How I wish I were a mother' I quipped.

I changed my prayer: "Thank God I became a man! May I love the woman He gave me and the child that she bore us!"

***

Happy Mothers' Day to my wife who has taken really good care of me and Chiara, to my mom who looked after me and my siblings singlehandedly during our tender years, and to all mothers out there...in the UK and elsewhere!

Baby Time

Last Monday was Nidz's birthday so I thought of booking some days off from the office just to be with her and Chiara. I was off Friday last week (until this Monday) so Nidz has a time for herself doing some shopping while I was at home looking after the baby. Having put the baby to sleep, I decided to do some household chores and some editing (I was expecting some work to be e-mailed to me then). As I was editing, I was praying hard that Chiara won't suddenly wake up (She does sometimes have a rather short nap in the day.). Article 1 went through the editing mill smoothly plus some feedback 'session' with one of our staff writers. "Jolly good!" I told myself having finished those so I decided to proceed to Article 2. As I was in the middle of doing it, I heard a familiar sound emanating from the room next to where I was working. It was Chiara crying with all her might. I attempted to give her the pacifier, but to no avail. No choice, but to carry her.

I tried my best to put her on my lap, holding her with my left hand and typing with my right hand. At first she would behave, but having sensed that I was engrossed with another thing, she would cry (She hates computers except when you log on to YouTube and let her listen to "Old MacDonald had a farm".). So I would have to stand and bring her  near the window and point to her the Maternity Unit of the City Hospital saying: "D'yan ka pinanganak." (That's where you were born). We'll then come back to the desk in the hope that she'll let me finish what I'm doing. I managed though after several sit-stand-sit moments. But there's that breaking point when I would need to turn the computer off.

I still remembered what Nidz was telling me when she was pregnant about how life would be more challenging when the baby arrives. I keep on telling her that it would be exciting!

Indeed it is more challenging. Sleeping patterns for me and my better half has been affected (A cousin who also had a child once told me to forget sleep.). Eating meals too can sometimes be on your own. Things that you could spend so much time on like chatting and surfing the net now have to be done sparingly.

Times have changed, but no complaints though. Here's a much, much, much important one to look after. Spending more time with her (and her mom, of course!) and going that extra mile is absolutely bliss! Whenever she smiles at you, your heart will truly melt. This experience is being shared by fellow parishioners (including the cloistered Poor Clare sisters) who saw her last Sunday.

As for me and Nidz, we stood there ever thankful and blessed parents as can be.

***

Speaking about being thankful, I am very grateful for all the love and dedication Nidz has unconditionally showered on our little angel. She has become, for me, a Super Mom on all counts.

Well done, Labs! Here's to a long and meaningful life together!

I love you and Chiara very, very, very much!

***

Happy Golden Wedding Anniversary to Tito Ponso and Tita Laling Esquillo on Sunday, 8th March! Spending 50 years together is indeed an achievement! Well done to you both!

***


On the 10th of March we begin our Novena in honour of St Joseph whose feast is on the 19th. Since becoming a dad, I now begin to relate more myself with this great man often asking his prayers that I too may look after my wife and child with that same love he had when he took care of Mama Mary and Jesus.

Hug in the Cold

It was a tiresome and depressing week at the start of this month. Blame it on the weather - most parts of the UK including Nottingham were covered in snow! Though it would be postcard-like, you would hate the snow when you're travelling especially when all that white substance turns like Slurpy, that icy refreshment you like to buy in the 711, although not in attractive hues.

I really have to keep my ears on the radio for the weather forecast. I normally do shopping on a Friday, but have to do it 2 days earlier. True enough, the snow poured in Thursday morning. As I kissed my wife before reporting for work that day, she told me not to go, but I insisted. While travelling on a rather snail-paced mode, I got remorseful. Still, I chose to keep on going. I managed to reach the university - 1 hour and a couple of minutes later as though coming from Cavite to Tondo. In a few hours, we got an announcement that we could leave at 3pm. Travelling back home was much better!

When I reached home, I was full of stories to my wife and to our baby (who keeps on looking at me while being carried by her mother and then suddenly smiles as though she understands what I was saying). Still, I felt something heavy in me in spite me talking. I'm not having a heart attack, though! I really needed to unload myself!

I approached Nidz and Chiara and gave them a big family hug!

That did the trick! A very personal touch that speaks louder and clearer than my moans and rantings. A touch that stands on its own.

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!