Expatriates

Having a community of expatriates has many advantages. On top of the list is having a support system. It's no joke living in another country by yourself. Belonging to a group of fellow Pinoys would make you feel that someone's on your side.

There are, however, some challenges that Filipino associations abroad face. 

First and foremost, personal commitments such as family or work.  It is unfortunate that there are less opportunities in our country which makes a huge number of our countrymen migrate to greener pastures. The demands of family life are intertwined with the demands of our job. Expatriates went abroad because they want to provide a better life and future for their family.  This is quite understandable. Family comes first, the rest are second. If one member has to attend to their family's needs and is unable to support a community event, surely someone (from the same community) will be able to pitch in. Such acts of kindness would help a community to thrive.

There are other challenges which have to be avoided at all costs. Remember the seven deadly sins (see http://pbsa3.blogspot.co.uk/2017/07/overtaken.html)? 

Take pride for example. Imagine if community members are paimportante (self-important), if gatherings become avenues to show off (from clothes to gadgets to cars), if people have a sense of entitlement (e.g. "I am your leader, you must follow my orders.", "I have been a member of this group for the past so and so years so I deserve to be given an award."), how can the community thrive?

Or how about envy? A kababayan had a great achievement and his colleagues alleged he cheated. An expatriate had a job promotion and his kababayans pull him down. A member was appointed to a committee and some label him as "the favorite". You may have heard about stories of Pinoys being deported because they don't have the necessary papers. Unfortunately, the people who often tip them off to the authorities are fellow Pinoys.


I remember a few months ago how the Filipino American Symphony Orchestra (FASO), a non-profit organization focused on promoting Filipino culture through orchestral music was besmirched, not by another nationality, but (of all people) a Filipino (read: https://memebuster.net/maharlika-lied-about-funds-raised-by-faso/).


And here's what FASO has to say: http://fasofoundation.org/statement-of-the-filipino-american-symphony-orchestra-faso/


I am not writing this because Bob Shroder, FASO's Musical Director and Conductor, is my first cousin, but because of the evil done against the group out of envy. If it's not envy, I don't know what else to describe it.  If envy abounds, how can the community survive?

And sloth? There are members who will do their best for the good of the community. There are others who won't bother to lend a helping hand at all. Strangely, you'll see some of these when it comes to parties. Surprisingly, these are the members who often moan. If sloth is in the air, how can the community pull through?

St Pio of Pietrelcina once said "The Rosary is the weapon for these times". Against pride, we are offered Christ and Our Lady's humility. Against envy, charity. Against sloth, zeal for souls. If our communities are in peril of being affected or are affected by any of these deadly sins, now is the time to find those beads hanging around one's statues, gathering dust through the years. Now is the time to reflect on the Rosary's mysteries which contain "...everything that is true, everything that is noble, everything that is good and pure, everything that we love and honor, and everything that can be thought virtuous or worthy of praise." (Phil 4:8). 

Now is the time to pray the Rosary!

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!

Saan Ka Man Naroroon

Devotion to the Faithful Departed (a.k.a. Holy Souls) has been embedded in our faith as Catholic Christians. We offer Masses and other prayers for the dead. We visit our loved ones' graves on special occasions.  For Catholic Pinoys, Todos los Santos (All Saints' Day), is a spectacle as we flock to cemeteries to pay tribute to the dead in a festive way.

I recall the many childhood years when my late aunt Mommy Rosie Samaniego would tag me along to 2 religious events devoted to the dead.  The first one is the Rosario Cantada, an old practice in Kawit, Cavite which some families would offer for their dead on occasions such as the pasiyam (Novena for the dead) or 40 days.  (This practice per se is not only held for the dead.  The outgoing Ina, during those days, would have the Rosario Cantada in her house on the night before she and the Ama turn over their responsibilities to their successors.) 

As the name suggests, Mommy and her fellow cantoras (lady singers) would chant the Rosary.  Musical accompaniment is provided by Lolo Gusing and his colleagues.  I don't recall exactly the lyrics, but I have a gut feeling that they were in Latin.  Due to migration abroad and/or death of singers or musicians, I think this devotion became defunct. I wish this could be revived.

Another act of piety which Mommy used to do was to sing during the Funeral Masses in Kawit. Her favourite song was "Saan Ka Man Naroroon" (Wherever You Are), a Tagalog kundiman (love song) composed by National Artist Levi Celerio.  This song was sung during Communion or when people are placing flowers on the casket, as what has been the practice before the burial.  Mommy would change the word sinta from time to time.  If the dead is an elder male, she would use the word "Itay" or "Ama". If it is an elder female, it is "Inay" or "Ina".  There were, as far as I could remember, two funerals when Mommy didn't sing it: during the Mass for Tito Carling (her younger brother) and Lolo Gusing.

Apart from this beautiful song, I was also exposed to the beauty of Kawit's liturgy for the dead such as the priest welcoming the dead and their bereaved at the door of the church, the incensing of the casket, and (during the late Msgr Hernando Godoy's time) the chanting of Requiem aeternam (Eternal rest). I learned the responses by heart so much so that during Mommy's wake, I managed to respond to Msgr Godoy's Latin prayers. 

I was told that there were other good practices for the dead (such as the priest joining the procession to the church and to the cemetery) that used to be in vogue, but have been put in the back burner.  I'm thankful that Mommy showed me what remains of such wonderful tradition.

After the Mass, we would join the rest of the mourners to the cemetery in Barangay Wakas on foot.  There was one incident that I won't forget one time we attended a funeral.  The neighbourhood barber passed away.  During the interment, it rained that the cemetery was muddy.  I saw some kids bigger than me stepped on a big slab of stone. So I followed them. Because of our weight, the slab broke!  Meanwhile,the sepultureros (gravediggers) were looking for a slab that was needed to seal the grave.  They have already cemented 2 together. Suddenly, someone noticed us stepping on the missing slab!  Mommy was so embarrassed and apologised profusely for our naughtiness.

In the family bereavements, Mommy wasn't the weepy type of person.  Though I may have seen her shed and wipe a tear, she exuded confidence and strength of character.  I've also seen her comfort those who are mourning, not thinking so much of her own grief.

Watching the videos that Manong Bob (her only son) took during her last moments on earth, she faced death with calmness and grace drawn from the Risen Lord Jesus. 

Saan ka man naroon, Mommy, thank you for being such a good example of how we should be devoted to those who have gone before us.  May we also show them the love and gratitude you have rendered them.

Here's a tribute to you on your birth anniversary this November 11. May you rest in peace!

Arriba In My Veins

I note that you used to study in Letran. What has Letran impressed on you? - Placido Penitente

During Anluwage's heydays in Gagalangin, I couldn't relate with my colleagues whenever they talk about school - most of them studied in the local high schools. I studied elsewhere, at the Colegio de San Juan de Letran where my Dad and his brothers studied.

Letran has impressed quite alot on me. First is the devotion to the Holy Rosary. When I was in sixth grade (I was then a transferee from Kawit, Cavite.), our class adviser Ms Carmelita Lopez used to check if we all got our rosaries. The rosary forms part of our school uniform. Ms Lopez's style of checking was 'name and shame'. Every row has a leader who'll do the checking and then report to the whole class by saying "I'm happy to tell you that all my classmates are in complete uniform." It's when the "I'm sorry to tell you..." that makes the reporting interesting. Once the teacher hears these words, she'll ask who's got incomplete uniform and what is it that's missing, e.g. rosary, ID, black leather shoes, etc. Till now I make it a point to have my rosary on my breast pocket.

Another is team work, for example cleaning the room to organizing activities for the class and for the whole department. I can never forget the times when we have a drama in Filipino and English and some of us have to play the female roles - during that time Letran elementary and high school departments catered exclusively for boys.

I almost didn't become a Letranite when I constantly failed in the Math entrance exam. Thanks goes to my late grandmother who patiently taught me prior to my last exam, which happened on my birthday ages ago. I later found myself in a school that isn't only known for being sports-minded but is also excellent in the academics like Mathematics. Through the numerous Mathematics I was taught - Algebra, Basic/Analytic Geometry, and Trigonometry - I was able to love this subject which would later form part of my Chemistry degree.

There are still some more lessons I've learned from Letran from building friendships to meeting students of the opposite sex, from helping each other to learn the subject to deciding what course to take in college.

For all that Letran has done for me, I can only sing the following lines from the Alma Mater Hymn:

Orgullosos de ti y tu historia
Nuestras almas desde hoy juraran:
Conquistar por tu honor nuevas glorias
Y jamas olvidarte, Letran!

(We are proud of you and your history
Our souls pledge from now on:
To conquer new glories for your honor
And never forget you, Letran!)

***

This week, I’ve go two loved ones who have celebrated or are celebrating their natal days and I’m taking this opportunity to greet them:

Nicola, my younger sister (Nov 8) – when she was born I was so excited to see her that I missed the school service and hit my head accidentally twice. When I started teaching in UST, she was already a Med Tech student there. Her college was just 1 floor beneath ours so I was able to keep an eye on her. I miss you so much, dear sister. Hope you’ll have your dreams fulfilled and, at the same time, we’ll see you soon.

Bob, my first cousin (Nov 15) – because I didn’t have any older brother to look up to, he is definitely and rightfully called “Ang Manong ni Manong”. I have worked side-by-side with him when he was Musical Director of the “Panunuluyan” as well as the “Hosanna” and “Salubong” events in Kawit, Cavite. Thanks for the confidence you have given me, cousin. Looking forward to see “Heritage” a part of every Filipino home.